Mortal Kombat 11 Review
Editor's note: In November 2020, NetherRealm patched Mortal Kombat 11, adding next-gen optimized technical upgrades for the Xbox Series X, Series S, and PlayStation 5. Below are our impressions of how the game runs on Series X and PlayStation 5, written by Mike Epstein. Continue after the break for the original Mortal Kombat 11 review.
Mortal Kombat 11 is a snappier, sharper-looking game on next-gen consoles. On both Xbox Series X and PS5, the incredibly (and sometimes disturbingly) detailed fighter has received a minor technical facelift and one or two new features that will ultimately make the game better for everyone. Though NetherRealm released a new version of the game, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, to coincide with the next-gen launches, all MK11 players receive access to the next-gen versions of the game and their benefits. On Xbox Series X/S, you simply need to download the game. On PS5, you will need to download the separate PS5 version of MK11, which you can grab free of charge if you own the PS4 version. (This means that you need to have a PS5 with a disc drive to get the upgrade if you bought a physical copy on PS4.)
MK11 sees similar improvements on both platforms. The next-gen versions run at a "dynamic 4K resolution," which means it runs in 4K under ideal circumstances but will change resolutions on the fly to maintain smooth performance. According to NetherRealm, it's also received a general tune-up, visually. As with most last-gen games, the next-gen consoles cut down MK11's load times dramatically. The menus, which once took 5-10 seconds to load on Xbox One and PS4, load almost instantly on the Series X and PS5.
Continue Reading at GameSpotMortal Kombat 11 Review
Editor's note: In November 2020, NetherRealm patched Mortal Kombat 11, adding next-gen optimized technical upgrades for the Xbox Series X, Series S, and PlayStation 5. Below are our impressions of how the game runs on Series X and PlayStation 5, written by Mike Epstein. Continue after the break for the original Mortal Kombat 11 review.
Mortal Kombat 11 is a snappier, sharper-looking game on next-gen consoles. On both Xbox Series X and PS5, the incredibly (and sometimes disturbingly) detailed fighter has received a minor technical facelift and one or two new features that will ultimately make the game better for everyone. Though NetherRealm released a new version of the game, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, to coincide with the next-gen launches, all MK11 players receive access to the next-gen versions of the game and their benefits. On Xbox Series X/S, you simply need to download the game. On PS5, you will need to download the separate PS5 version of MK11, which you can grab free of charge if you own the PS4 version. (This means that you need to have a PS5 with a disc drive to get the upgrade if you bought a physical copy on PS4.)
MK11 sees similar improvements on both platforms. The next-gen versions run at a "dynamic 4K resolution," which means it runs in 4K under ideal circumstances but will change resolutions on the fly to maintain smooth performance. According to NetherRealm, it's also received a general tune-up, visually. As with most last-gen games, the next-gen consoles cut down MK11's load times dramatically. The menus, which once took 5-10 seconds to load on Xbox One and PS4, load almost instantly on the Series X and PS5.
Continue Reading at GameSpotDavid Fincher’s Mank, Jurassic Park, and Everything Else New to Netflix in December
Netflix is dropping some classic films and fan-favorite returning series to its lineup for December 2020.
To kick things off, Netflix is releasing David Fincher's (Seven, Gone Girl) Mank on December 4, which is the director's first feature-length film since 2014's Gone Girl. The film centers on screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (portrayed by Gary Oldman) as he races to finish Citizen Kane in 1930's Hollywood. In our full review of the movie, we say, "the reclamation project known as Mank falls short. Even with showy performances from Oldman and Seyfried, and its beautiful craft, the film lacks heart."
If you're feeling nostalgic, Netflix has you covered with a slew of classic films such as Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Runaway Bride, and more. All of the aforementioned titles are dropping on December 1.
On the TV front, the streaming giant is releasing the first season of Bridgerton on December 25. The romantic-comedy series hails from executive producer Shonda Rhimes (Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder) and creator Chris Van Dusen (Grey's Anatomy). Per Netflix, "Bridgerton follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market." The streamer will debut Part 2 of its ambitious Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy, titled "Earthrise" on December 30. We called Part 1 "an action-packed and insightful adventure" is our full Season review.
Check out the slideshow gallery below for the highlights of Netflix's December offerings, followed by the full list (U.S. Netflix only):
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December 1
- Angela's Christmas Wish -- NETFLIX FILM
- The Holiday Movies That Made Us -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Natalie Palamides: Nate - A One Man Show -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- 3 Days to Kill (2014)
- 50 First Dates (2004)
- A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (1996)
- Angels & Demons (2009)
- Are You The One: Seasons 1-2
- Chef (2014)
- The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Effie Gray (2014)
- Gormiti: Season 1
- The Happytime Murders (2018)
- Ink Master: Seasons 1-2
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Jurassic Park III (2001)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- Little Nicky (2000)
- The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
- Monster House (2006)
- Peppermint (2018)
- Quigley Down Under (1990)
- Runaway Bride (1999)
- Super Wings: Season 3
- Stargate SG-1: Seasons 1-10
- Transformers Rescue Bots Academy: Season 2
- Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family (2011)
- Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
December 2
- Alien Worlds -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- Ari Eldjárn: Pardon My Icelandic -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- Fierce -- NETFLIX FILM
- Hazel Brugger: Tropical -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
December 3
- Break -- NETFLIX FILM
- Chico Bon Bon and the Very Berry Holiday -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Just Another Christmas (Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem) -- NETFLIX FILM
December 4
- Bhaag Beanie Bhaag -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Big Mouth: Season 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Bombay Rose -- NETFLIX FILM
- Captain Underpants Mega Blissmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Christmas Crossfire (Wir Können Nicht Anders) -- NETFLIX FILM
- The Great British Baking Show: Holidays: Season 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Kings of Joburg: Season 1
- Leyla Everlasting -- NETFLIX FILM
- MANK -- NETFLIX FILM
- Pokémon Journeys: The Series: Part 3 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Selena: The Series -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 5
- Detention -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Mighty Express: A Mighty Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
December 7
- Ava (2020)
- Manhunt: Deadly Games
December 8
- Bobbleheads The Movie (2020)
- Emicida: AmarElo - É Tudo Para Ontem -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- Lovestruck in the City -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Mr. Iglesias: Part 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Super Monsters: Santa’s Super Monster Helpers -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Triple 9 (2016)
December 9
- Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love: Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- The Big Show Show: Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Rose Island (L'Incredibile storia dell'Isola Delle Rose) -- NETFLIX FILM
- The Surgeon's Cut -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
December 10
- Alice in Borderland -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 11
- A Trash Truck Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Canvas -- NETFLIX FILM
- Giving Voice -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- The Mess You Leave Behind (El desorden que dejas) -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- The Prom -- NETFLIX FILM
December 14
- A California Christmas -- NETFLIX FILM
- Hilda: Season 2 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Tiny Pretty Things -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 15
- Black Ink Crew New York: Seasons 1-2
- The Challenge: Seasons 10 and 13
- Grizzlies (2020)
- The Professor and the Madman (2019)
- Pup Academy: Season 2
- Song Exploder: Volume 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Teen Mom 2: Seasons 1-2
December 16
- Anitta: Made In Honorio -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- BREAK IT ALL: The History of Rock in Latin America -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)
- Nocturnal Animals (2016)
- The Ripper -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- Run On -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Vir Das: Outside In - The Lockdown Special -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 17
- Braven (2018)
December 18
- Guest House (2020)
- Home for Christmas: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Jeopardy! Champion Run V
- Jeopardy! Champion Run VI
- Jeopardy! Teacher's Tournament
- Jeopardy! College Championship
- Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions
- Ma Rainey's Black Bottom -- NETFLIX FILM
- Sweet Home -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 20
- Rhys Nicholson Live At The Athenaeum (2019)
December 21
- The Con Is On (2018)
December 22
- After We Collided (2020)
- London Hughes: To Catch a D*ck -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- Rhyme Time Town Singalongs -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas (2020)
- Timmy Time: Season 2
December 23
- The Midnight Sky -- NETFLIX FILM
- Your Name Engraved Herein -- NETFLIX FILM
December 25
- Bridgerton -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 26
- Asphalt Burning (Børning 3) -- NETFLIX FILM
- DNA -- NETFLIX FILM
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Season 3: Sahara -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Go! Go! Cory Carson: Season 3 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- The Magic School Bus Rides Again In the Zone -- NETFLIX FAMILY
December 27
- Sakho & Mangane: Season 1
December 28
- Cops and Robbers -- NETFLIX FILM
- Rango (2011)
December 29
- Dare Me: Season 1
December 30
- Best Leftovers Ever! -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Equinox -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Transformers: War For Cybertron Trilogy: Chapter 2: Earthrise -- NETFLIX ANIME
December 31
- Best of Stand-Up 2020 -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
David Fincher’s Mank, Jurassic Park, and Everything Else New to Netflix in December
Netflix is dropping some classic films and fan-favorite returning series to its lineup for December 2020.
To kick things off, Netflix is releasing David Fincher's (Seven, Gone Girl) Mank on December 4, which is the director's first feature-length film since 2014's Gone Girl. The film centers on screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (portrayed by Gary Oldman) as he races to finish Citizen Kane in 1930's Hollywood. In our full review of the movie, we say, "the reclamation project known as Mank falls short. Even with showy performances from Oldman and Seyfried, and its beautiful craft, the film lacks heart."
If you're feeling nostalgic, Netflix has you covered with a slew of classic films such as Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Runaway Bride, and more. All of the aforementioned titles are dropping on December 1.
On the TV front, the streaming giant is releasing the first season of Bridgerton on December 25. The romantic-comedy series hails from executive producer Shonda Rhimes (Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder) and creator Chris Van Dusen (Grey's Anatomy). Per Netflix, "Bridgerton follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market." The streamer will debut Part 2 of its ambitious Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy, titled "Earthrise" on December 30. We called Part 1 "an action-packed and insightful adventure" is our full Season review.
Check out the slideshow gallery below for the highlights of Netflix's December offerings, followed by the full list (U.S. Netflix only):
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=netflix-spotlight-december-2020&captions=true"]
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
December 1
- Angela's Christmas Wish -- NETFLIX FILM
- The Holiday Movies That Made Us -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Natalie Palamides: Nate - A One Man Show -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- 3 Days to Kill (2014)
- 50 First Dates (2004)
- A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (1996)
- Angels & Demons (2009)
- Are You The One: Seasons 1-2
- Chef (2014)
- The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Effie Gray (2014)
- Gormiti: Season 1
- The Happytime Murders (2018)
- Ink Master: Seasons 1-2
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Jurassic Park III (2001)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- Little Nicky (2000)
- The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
- Monster House (2006)
- Peppermint (2018)
- Quigley Down Under (1990)
- Runaway Bride (1999)
- Super Wings: Season 3
- Stargate SG-1: Seasons 1-10
- Transformers Rescue Bots Academy: Season 2
- Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family (2011)
- Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
December 2
- Alien Worlds -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- Ari Eldjárn: Pardon My Icelandic -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- Fierce -- NETFLIX FILM
- Hazel Brugger: Tropical -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
December 3
- Break -- NETFLIX FILM
- Chico Bon Bon and the Very Berry Holiday -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Just Another Christmas (Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem) -- NETFLIX FILM
December 4
- Bhaag Beanie Bhaag -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Big Mouth: Season 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Bombay Rose -- NETFLIX FILM
- Captain Underpants Mega Blissmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Christmas Crossfire (Wir Können Nicht Anders) -- NETFLIX FILM
- The Great British Baking Show: Holidays: Season 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Kings of Joburg: Season 1
- Leyla Everlasting -- NETFLIX FILM
- MANK -- NETFLIX FILM
- Pokémon Journeys: The Series: Part 3 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Selena: The Series -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 5
- Detention -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Mighty Express: A Mighty Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
December 7
- Ava (2020)
- Manhunt: Deadly Games
December 8
- Bobbleheads The Movie (2020)
- Emicida: AmarElo - É Tudo Para Ontem -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- Lovestruck in the City -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Mr. Iglesias: Part 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Super Monsters: Santa’s Super Monster Helpers -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Triple 9 (2016)
December 9
- Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love: Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- The Big Show Show: Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Rose Island (L'Incredibile storia dell'Isola Delle Rose) -- NETFLIX FILM
- The Surgeon's Cut -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
December 10
- Alice in Borderland -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 11
- A Trash Truck Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Canvas -- NETFLIX FILM
- Giving Voice -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- The Mess You Leave Behind (El desorden que dejas) -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- The Prom -- NETFLIX FILM
December 14
- A California Christmas -- NETFLIX FILM
- Hilda: Season 2 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Tiny Pretty Things -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 15
- Black Ink Crew New York: Seasons 1-2
- The Challenge: Seasons 10 and 13
- Grizzlies (2020)
- The Professor and the Madman (2019)
- Pup Academy: Season 2
- Song Exploder: Volume 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Teen Mom 2: Seasons 1-2
December 16
- Anitta: Made In Honorio -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- BREAK IT ALL: The History of Rock in Latin America -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)
- Nocturnal Animals (2016)
- The Ripper -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
- Run On -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Vir Das: Outside In - The Lockdown Special -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 17
- Braven (2018)
December 18
- Guest House (2020)
- Home for Christmas: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Jeopardy! Champion Run V
- Jeopardy! Champion Run VI
- Jeopardy! Teacher's Tournament
- Jeopardy! College Championship
- Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions
- Ma Rainey's Black Bottom -- NETFLIX FILM
- Sweet Home -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 20
- Rhys Nicholson Live At The Athenaeum (2019)
December 21
- The Con Is On (2018)
December 22
- After We Collided (2020)
- London Hughes: To Catch a D*ck -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- Rhyme Time Town Singalongs -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas (2020)
- Timmy Time: Season 2
December 23
- The Midnight Sky -- NETFLIX FILM
- Your Name Engraved Herein -- NETFLIX FILM
December 25
- Bridgerton -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
December 26
- Asphalt Burning (Børning 3) -- NETFLIX FILM
- DNA -- NETFLIX FILM
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Season 3: Sahara -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- Go! Go! Cory Carson: Season 3 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
- The Magic School Bus Rides Again In the Zone -- NETFLIX FAMILY
December 27
- Sakho & Mangane: Season 1
December 28
- Cops and Robbers -- NETFLIX FILM
- Rango (2011)
December 29
- Dare Me: Season 1
December 30
- Best Leftovers Ever! -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Equinox -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
- Transformers: War For Cybertron Trilogy: Chapter 2: Earthrise -- NETFLIX ANIME
December 31
- Best of Stand-Up 2020 -- NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
The Mandalorian’s Darksaber Voted One of the 10 ‘Worst Toys of 2020′
The Darksaber may be one of the most coveted artifacts in the Star Wars universe, but parents might want to think twice about buying one for younger children. That's according to the watchdog organization World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (via ComicBook.com), which has included Hasbro's Darksaber replica on its "10 Worst Toys of 2020" list.
This is the 48th incarnation of W.A.T.C.H.'s annual list, one timed to the holiday shopping season and designed to warn parents about toys that pose choking hazards or other dangers to children when left unsupervised. W.A.T.C.H. warns the shape of the Darksaber could injure children who engage in mock lightsaber battles, citing "the potential for facial and other impact injuries." Other products singled out include Hasbro's Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw and Jakks Pacific's WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists. Apparently, play-fighting is out in 2020.
Check out the slideshow gallery below to see all ten offenders on W.A.T.C.H.'s 2020 list:
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Hasbro first revealed its Darksaber toy in February 2020 alongside a number of other Mandalorian and Clone Wars-themed toys. The company has continued to emphasize both properties over the course of 2020, with recent "Mando Monday" events highlighting the Mandalorian Retro Collection series and a life-size replica of Din Djarin's helmet. Somehow, we don't think W.A.T.C.H.'s list will slow the torrent of Mandalorian collectibles in 2021.
In other strange Mandalorian collectibles news, you can now buy an officially licensed batch of Baby Yoda's blue macarons from "The Siege." They'll set you back a cool $50, though, so maybe don't let The Child get his grubby little mitts on them.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/24/you-can-now-buy-official-baby-yoda-macarons-for-50-ign-news"]
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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
The Mandalorian’s Darksaber Voted One of the 10 ‘Worst Toys of 2020′
The Darksaber may be one of the most coveted artifacts in the Star Wars universe, but parents might want to think twice about buying one for younger children. That's according to the watchdog organization World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (via ComicBook.com), which has included Hasbro's Darksaber replica on its "10 Worst Toys of 2020" list.
This is the 48th incarnation of W.A.T.C.H.'s annual list, one timed to the holiday shopping season and designed to warn parents about toys that pose choking hazards or other dangers to children when left unsupervised. W.A.T.C.H. warns the shape of the Darksaber could injure children who engage in mock lightsaber battles, citing "the potential for facial and other impact injuries." Other products singled out include Hasbro's Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw and Jakks Pacific's WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists. Apparently, play-fighting is out in 2020.
Check out the slideshow gallery below to see all ten offenders on W.A.T.C.H.'s 2020 list:
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-mandalorians-darksaber-and-more-of-2020s-most-dangerous-toys&captions=true"]
Hasbro first revealed its Darksaber toy in February 2020 alongside a number of other Mandalorian and Clone Wars-themed toys. The company has continued to emphasize both properties over the course of 2020, with recent "Mando Monday" events highlighting the Mandalorian Retro Collection series and a life-size replica of Din Djarin's helmet. Somehow, we don't think W.A.T.C.H.'s list will slow the torrent of Mandalorian collectibles in 2021.
In other strange Mandalorian collectibles news, you can now buy an officially licensed batch of Baby Yoda's blue macarons from "The Siege." They'll set you back a cool $50, though, so maybe don't let The Child get his grubby little mitts on them.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/24/you-can-now-buy-official-baby-yoda-macarons-for-50-ign-news"]
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
Console Tribalism ‘One of the Worst Things in the Industry’ Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Says
In a new interview, Xbox boss Phil Spencer shared how toxicity can harm the video game industry, calling console tribalism “one of the worst things about” the video game industry.
Speaking with The Verge, Spencer spoke out against what he calls “tribalism in the industry,” though more popularly referred to as the “console wars.” Spencer, who heads up Microsoft’s Xbox operation, goes as far as to say that tribalism may be the only thing that could force him out of the games industry.
“The tribalism in the industry, if there was anything that would ever drive me out of the industry, it’s actually that,” Spencer says on The Verge’s Decoder podcast. When he talks about the vocal core “that just really hates the other consumer product,” Spencer says “that’s just so off-putting to me… To me, it’s one of the worst things about our industry.”
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And even beyond that, Spencer says Microsoft’s competition isn’t actually Sony or Nintendo. “We’re in the entertainment business. The biggest competitor we have s apathy over the products and services, games that we build.”
This isn’t the first time Spencer has spoken out against toxicity in the games industry. During his keynote address at DICE 2018, Spencer called toxicity in gaming a “threat to our entire industry.”
Instead, Spencer says we should focus on how gaming is bringing people closer together thanks to features like crossplay, which tears down barriers between consoles in online play.
Xbox pushed heavily for cross-platform play early on with games like Minecraft. Since then, the feature has become far more commonplace with new games touting the feature regularly.
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Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.
Console Tribalism ‘One of the Worst Things in the Industry’ Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Says
In a new interview, Xbox boss Phil Spencer shared how toxicity can harm the video game industry, calling console tribalism “one of the worst things about” the video game industry.
Speaking with The Verge, Spencer spoke out against what he calls “tribalism in the industry,” though more popularly referred to as the “console wars.” Spencer, who heads up Microsoft’s Xbox operation, goes as far as to say that tribalism may be the only thing that could force him out of the games industry.
“The tribalism in the industry, if there was anything that would ever drive me out of the industry, it’s actually that,” Spencer says on The Verge’s Decoder podcast. When he talks about the vocal core “that just really hates the other consumer product,” Spencer says “that’s just so off-putting to me… To me, it’s one of the worst things about our industry.”
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"]
And even beyond that, Spencer says Microsoft’s competition isn’t actually Sony or Nintendo. “We’re in the entertainment business. The biggest competitor we have s apathy over the products and services, games that we build.”
This isn’t the first time Spencer has spoken out against toxicity in the games industry. During his keynote address at DICE 2018, Spencer called toxicity in gaming a “threat to our entire industry.”
Instead, Spencer says we should focus on how gaming is bringing people closer together thanks to features like crossplay, which tears down barriers between consoles in online play.
Xbox pushed heavily for cross-platform play early on with games like Minecraft. Since then, the feature has become far more commonplace with new games touting the feature regularly.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.
Chappelle’s Show Removed From Netflix at Dave Chappelle’s Request
Bad news for anyone hoping to binge Chappelle's Show over the holidays. The popular sketch comedy series has vanished from Netflix's library as suddenly as it appeared, and it turns out Dave Chappelle himself is the reason for the show being pulled.
As spotted by Deadline, Chappelle explained the reasoning behind the decision in an Instagram video. In the video Chappelle echoes similar comments made during his most recent Saturday Night Live appearance, criticizing ViacomCBS for licensing the Chappelle's Show streaming rights to Netflix without compensating him. He specifically requested that Netflix pull the series, and the streamer obliged.
Presumably, Netflix is eager to preserve its ongoing working relationship with Chappelle, as the comedian has released several standup specials exclusively through the service over the past four years.
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“When I left that show I never got paid," said Chappelle. "[ViacomCBS] didn’t have to pay me because I signed the contract. But is that right? I found out that these people were streaming my work and they never had to ask me or they never have to tell me. Perfectly legal ‘cause I signed the contract. But is that right? I didn’t think so either."
Never one to mince words, Chappelle described streaming the series as an act of theft and urged his fans not to watch Chapelle's Show so long as ViacomCBS continues withholding royalty payments.
"I think that if you are f*cking streaming that show you’re fencing stolen goods,” said Chappelle. “So I’m not going to the agents, I’m coming to my real boss, I’m coming to you. I’m begging you — if you ever liked me, if you ever think there was anything worthwhile about me, I’m begging you, please don’t watch that show. I’m not asking you to boycott any network. Boycott me. Boycott Chappelle’s Show. Do not watch it unless they pay me.”
Chappelle's Show was added to Netflix and HBO Max on November 1, and as of November 24, it's no longer available on the former. The series is also still streaming on CBS All Access.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/12/08/dave-chappelle-wants-you-to-put-your-phone-away"]
Chappelle's Show originally aired on Comedy Central from 2003 to 2006. The series ranked number 19 on IGN's Top 100 TV Shows of All Time. Though he signed a lucrative $50 million contract with the network for two more seasons, Chappelle famously left the series in 2005, citing creative burnout and describing himself as sometimes being a "difficult dude."
The good news is that there's plenty else to look forward to on Netflix this holiday season. Check out IGN's recent reviews for David Fincher's Mank, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
Chappelle’s Show Removed From Netflix at Dave Chappelle’s Request
Bad news for anyone hoping to binge Chappelle's Show over the holidays. The popular sketch comedy series has vanished from Netflix's library as suddenly as it appeared, and it turns out Dave Chappelle himself is the reason for the show being pulled.
As spotted by Deadline, Chappelle explained the reasoning behind the decision in an Instagram video. In the video Chappelle echoes similar comments made during his most recent Saturday Night Live appearance, criticizing ViacomCBS for licensing the Chappelle's Show streaming rights to Netflix without compensating him. He specifically requested that Netflix pull the series, and the streamer obliged.
Presumably, Netflix is eager to preserve its ongoing working relationship with Chappelle, as the comedian has released several standup specials exclusively through the service over the past four years.
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“When I left that show I never got paid," said Chappelle. "[ViacomCBS] didn’t have to pay me because I signed the contract. But is that right? I found out that these people were streaming my work and they never had to ask me or they never have to tell me. Perfectly legal ‘cause I signed the contract. But is that right? I didn’t think so either."
Never one to mince words, Chappelle described streaming the series as an act of theft and urged his fans not to watch Chapelle's Show so long as ViacomCBS continues withholding royalty payments.
"I think that if you are f*cking streaming that show you’re fencing stolen goods,” said Chappelle. “So I’m not going to the agents, I’m coming to my real boss, I’m coming to you. I’m begging you — if you ever liked me, if you ever think there was anything worthwhile about me, I’m begging you, please don’t watch that show. I’m not asking you to boycott any network. Boycott me. Boycott Chappelle’s Show. Do not watch it unless they pay me.”
Chappelle's Show was added to Netflix and HBO Max on November 1, and as of November 24, it's no longer available on the former. The series is also still streaming on CBS All Access.
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Chappelle's Show originally aired on Comedy Central from 2003 to 2006. The series ranked number 19 on IGN's Top 100 TV Shows of All Time. Though he signed a lucrative $50 million contract with the network for two more seasons, Chappelle famously left the series in 2005, citing creative burnout and describing himself as sometimes being a "difficult dude."
The good news is that there's plenty else to look forward to on Netflix this holiday season. Check out IGN's recent reviews for David Fincher's Mank, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.