Mysterious Fortnite Item Suggests a Tenet Event Has Begun

A mysterious orange carry case and an odd, triangular device mounted on top of it has been found in Fortnite, prompting speculation that an in-game marketing event for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet has begun. The item can be found at Steamy Stacks, in the Unit 4 building. Head inside and you can faintly hear some music. Break through the ground beneath the unit’s staircase, and then break through the back wall in this underground room, and you’ll find the orange case and mysterious device here. That case looks very similar to the one carried by John David Washington at the 01:35 mark in a trailer for Tenet released last December. The music is also very similar - if not identical - to the music in that same trailer, and so may be a taste of the film’s Ludwig Göransson score. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/19/tenet-official-trailer"] Fortnite has already established its link with Christopher Nolan; the Tenet trailer was shown as part of a Fortnite event, and three Nolan movies were shown in full on the game’s map. Events in the game typically roll out slowly over a number of weeks, so it’s sensible to expect this tease to build up to a more substantial Tenet experience. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.

Netflix: The ‘Ta-Dum’ Sound Ident Almost Included a Bleating Goat

Netflix's VP of Product, Todd Yellin, has revealed that the streaming service almost selected the sound of a goat for its iconic sonic logo that debuted back in 2015. Speaking on a recent episode of the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast, Yellin discussed the yearlong process of creating the signature "ta-dum" sound that plays ahead of the company's original series' and films, explaining how the sound designers came very close to adding a totally different, quirkier noise to the end of the ident. "If we were going to do that call-and-response, that creating tension and then resolving it really quickly, I liked the sound of the goat," Yellin admitted on the podcast. "It was funny. I thought it was quirky. It was our version of [MGM's] Leo the Lion. So for a while, we were stuck on that goat sound." The goat never actually made it out of the pen but it was on the shortlist of sounds compiled by Yellin and Oscar-winning sound editor Lon Bender, who ended up creating a more cinematic noise after exploring countless versions, iterations and first impressions of the sonic Netflix logo. "It's a combination of music and of the sound effects of these knocks, which are my wedding ring, which I’m wearing, knocking on the side of a cabinet in our bedroom," Bender said. "In order to add different qualities to it, I sweetened it with other things, which is normal for us in the film-sound industry." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/01/new-to-netflix-for-august-2020"] The Netflix "ta-dum" quickly became one of the most iconic sonic logos of our generation. The ident prefaces all of the streaming giant's original content, which they spend enormous amounts of money on in a bid to stay ahead of competitors in the crowded streaming landscape. In fact, it was projected that Netflix would be spending $17.3 billion on new content in 2020, up from $15.3 billion last year. To get a better sense of what Netflix is getting in exchange for its expenditure, check out everything that is new to Netflix this month to fill up your watchlist, take a look at our rundown of the biggest shows coming to streaming in the second half of the year, and discover more about the very best original movies on the streaming service to listen to that classic "ta-dum" sound again. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-netflix-original-movies-and-tv-shows&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Microsoft Has ‘No Plans’ to End Xbox Live Gold Service

Microsoft has said that it has “no plans” to bring an end to its Xbox Live Gold service, despite having discontinued 12 month subscription options. In a statement sent to The Verge, Microsoft said: “We have no plans to discontinue Xbox Live Gold at this time. It is an important part of gaming on Xbox today, and will continue to be in the future.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/01/halo-infinite-multiplayer-will-be-free-to-play-ign-daily-fix"] Xbox Live Gold refers specifically to the paid subscription service that provides access to online multiplayer, as well as monthly free games, on Xbox consoles. The recent discontinuation of 12 month Gold subscriptions, as well as the announcement that Halo Infinite will feature a free-to-play multiplayer suite, fueled speculation that paid-for Xbox multiplayer was soon to be discontinued. However, Microsoft’s statement suggests the Xbox Live Gold service will continue. The same statement also states that “There are no changes being made to the experience of the service or Xbox Live Gold,” which means we shouldn’t expect Microsoft to pivot Gold into a slightly different service. It would be easy to speculate that perhaps free-to-play multiplayer may not require a Gold subscription, but that seems to not be the current case. All that we can say at the moment is that Xbox Live Gold will continue, but paid for via monthly or 3-month payment plans. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] With that in mind, it looks like PC players will be able to take advantage of free Halo Infinite multiplayer, as a Gold subscription is not required for Microsoft’s PC games. Xbox players, meanwhile, will likely need a Gold subscription to play a few rounds of Slayer. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Littlewood Review – Big Heart

My wife calls them "chore games." Day-to-day life simulations such as Stardew Valley, Graveyard Keeper, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons celebrate the mundanity of routine, assigning you daily lists of menial tasks to perform and rewarding you for completing them with another day and another to-do list. Littlewood is most certainly another one of these chore games. Rather than weighing it down, Littlewood's daily grind is leavened by a lean, focused approach to its various labors, the swift turnover of its day-night cycle, and a dash of mystery that elevates its charming setting.

Peace has spread across the land of Solemn in the aftermath of the defeat of a dark wizard. Leading the victorious band of adventurers was a great hero who, in classic video game protagonist tradition, is now suffering from amnesia. He or she cannot remember a single thing about the battle, the triumph, or life beforehand. Nonetheless, at the urging of the friends you apparently fought alongside, you are granted the tiny village of Littlewood and tasked with managing its recovery in a post-war world.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Littlewood Review – Big Heart

My wife calls them "chore games." Day-to-day life simulations such as Stardew Valley, Graveyard Keeper, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons celebrate the mundanity of routine, assigning you daily lists of menial tasks to perform and rewarding you for completing them with another day and another to-do list. Littlewood is most certainly another one of these chore games. Rather than weighing it down, Littlewood's daily grind is leavened by a lean, focused approach to its various labors, the swift turnover of its day-night cycle, and a dash of mystery that elevates its charming setting.

Peace has spread across the land of Solemn in the aftermath of the defeat of a dark wizard. Leading the victorious band of adventurers was a great hero who, in classic video game protagonist tradition, is now suffering from amnesia. He or she cannot remember a single thing about the battle, the triumph, or life beforehand. Nonetheless, at the urging of the friends you apparently fought alongside, you are granted the tiny village of Littlewood and tasked with managing its recovery in a post-war world.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

xCloud’s iOS Testing Has Ended, Puts in Question Its Future on Apple Devices

Microsoft has ended Project xCloud's iOS public preview today, August 5, and the limited way it tested the game streaming service on Apple devices, and the fact that it won't be available on those devices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users at launch, has put in question what the future holds for Project xCloud and iOS. As reported by The Verge, Microsoft's goal of having Project xCloud launch on iOS alongside Android has had some bumps in the road, mostly due to Microsoft having to "comply with App Store policies." These policies made it so those there could only be 10,000 testers trying out Project xCloud on iOS, and those accepted could only play Halo: The Master Chief Collection. This is in stark contrast to the public preview on Android that featured a wide variety of games to try for free. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/06/13/hands-on-with-microsofts-xcloud-streaming-service-and-halo-5-e3-2019"] In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft confirmed the news, and stated how their focus for the September 15 launch of Project xCloud for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be providing the best experience possible on Android phones and tablets. “Our Project xCloud preview TestFlight period has ended on iOS and we are focused on delivering cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to Android customers beginning September 15,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to The Verge. “It’s our ambition to scale cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass available on all devices.” Apple has very strict limits on "remote desktop clients," meaning that "apps are only allowed to connect to a user-owned host device or game console owned by the user. Both the host device and client must be connected on a local network, too." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] There could be a potential workaround with in-app purchases, but this remote desktop client rule could be the big roadblock. While Microsoft hasn't confirmed that this policy is the specific problem with launching on iOS, it is important to note that both Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce Now also do not allow for game streaming on iPhones or iPads. Valve's Steam Link app, which is currently is on iOS, took almost a year to be approved by Apple. On the Google Play Store, Microsoft will not have in-app purchases, but it has partnered with Samsung to offer a special version of the Xbox Game Pass app that will "allow Xbox players to redeem tokens and make in-app purchases like buying skins or DLC items in the Xbox Store." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/23/halo-infinite-9-minutes-of-campaign-gameplay"] So, the future of Project xCloud and iOS devices is in question, but considering there are more than 1.4 billion active Apple devices in the world, finding a way to make this work would be a great benefit to so many. If you do have an Android device,your public preview will last until September 11 and Microsoft did reveal some of the 100 confirmed Xbox games that will officially launch with Project xCloud on September 15. Additionally, it also revealed mobile accessories that will help make your experience a great one. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Candyman Director Frontrunner to Helm Captain Marvel 2

Marvel Studios has reportedly chosen Nia DaCosta to direct Captain Marvel 2. DaCosta's next film is Candyman, Universal's return to the horror franchise, which is currently slated to open theatrically on October 16. "Although the studio met with several individuals, DaCosta seemed to have the edge for some time even as she and others met with Marvel chief Kevin Feige over the weekend," according to Deadline. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/candyman-official-trailer"] Brie Larson will reprise her role as the star-faring superhero Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel 2, which was scripted by WandaVision's Megan McDonnell. The original 2019 film, directed by Anne Bowden and Ryan Fleck, introduced audiences to the kid version of Monica Rambeau. In the Marvel Comics, Monica Rambeau adopted a number of superhero guises through the years, including that of Captain Marvel. Actress Teyonah Parris plays the adult Monica Rambeau in the Disney+ series WandaVision, and she's expected to also be a part of Captain Marvel 2. Parris also stars in DaCosta's Candyman. While Captain Marvel 2 is aiming for a July 8, 2022 release, it should be noted that Marvel's entire Phase 4 release slate has already been overhauled a few times due to production delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvel-phase-4-official-lineup&captions=true"]

Will PS5’s Big Questions Be Answered This Month?

On this week's episode of IGN's PlayStation show, Podcast Beyond!, host Jonathon Dornbush is joined by Brian Altano, Max Scoville, and Lucy O'Brien to discuss the biggest PS4 and PS5 news around, even as we question whether we'll finally learn about the PS5 price and release date this month. Watch the new episode below! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/05/will-ps5s-big-questions-be-answered-this-month-fall-guys-interview-beyond-episode-660"] Plus, the cast dives into what they're playing, the big PlayStation updates for Marvel's Avengers, and Jonathon interviews some of the team behind Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, which is now available for PlayStation Plus subscribers! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-playstation-exclusive-from-sonys-ps5-event&captions=true"] Podcast Beyond! is live every Wednesday. For more on PS5, check out the PS5 full specs list, why we're excited about PS5's 3D audio focus, and an analysis of what teraflops really mean for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=5e30320c-7b56-4ab8-8333-469a99e933e9"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

Batman: The Twisted Origin of the Robin King Revealed

Even though he just made his debut in the pages of Dark Nights: Death Metal #2, it's safe to say the Robin King is one of the most demented and evil villains Batman has ever faced. This underage psychopath has a love of sadism that would make even Joker do a spit take. And now we know the secret origin behind this mysterious villain. Read on to learn who the Robin King is and why he's so twisted, but beware of spoilers for Dark Nights: Death Metal - Legends of the Dark Knights #1! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-justice-league-face-the-ultimate-evil-in-dark-nights-death-metal&captions=true"] Among the several short stories included in Legends of the Dark Knights, a new story from writer Peter Tomasi and artist Riley Rossmo reveals the origin story of the Robin King. It turns out this Boy Wonder is actually a young Bruce Wayne from one of the many hellish worlds in the Dark Multiverse. This version of Bruce is shown to have been a remorseless sadist and killer almost from birth, torturing animals and even attacking poor Alfred at every opportunity. Like so many of his kind, this Bruce's life is changed when he and his parents are accosted by Joe Chill in a Gotham alleyway. But in this case, Bruce takes it upon himself to slit Chill's throat and reveal his true nature to his terrified parents. He then shoots them with Chill's gun, pretending to be an innocent victim when the police arrive. As Bruce sees it, why tolerate living parents when you can just inherit their fortune instead? [caption id="attachment_2389085" align="aligncenter" width="928"]Art by Riley Rossmo. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Riley Rossmo. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] Only Jim Gordon suspects there's more to young Bruce's story than he's telling. But when Gordon pays a visit to stately Wayne Manor, he's promptly shot through the neck with a crossbow. Alfred is left to fend for his life against his murderous young ward. In the end, even Alfred falls when Bruce dons his Robin costume for the first time and bludgeons the butler to death. This issue also lends more insight into one of the big twists from Death Metal #2, which features the seemingly dead Batman Who Laughs being resurrected inside a new body with the power of Watchmen's Doctor Manhattan. We learn that body's previous owner was a Bruce Wayne who attempted to recreate Manhattan's powers after discovering his existence. The Batman Who Laughs played this experiment to his own advantage, tracking down and lobotomizing his fellow Dark Knight just as his powers began to manifest, but before his ability to see the future kicked in. The Batman Who Laughs used this spare body as a fail-safe for the day he knew would come - when Wonder Woman would rise up and kill him. Not only does he have the power to see across time and rearrange the particles of reality, the newly christened "Darkest Knight" can also draw from the memories and experiences of every one of his brethren. He's used those memories to shape himself into the ultimate Batman. [caption id="attachment_2389086" align="aligncenter" width="884"]Art by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC) Art by Tony Daniel. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] The Darkest Knight believes the fundamental flaw with Batman is that he's a reactionary figure. Even as he helps his mistress Perpetua destroy and remake existence, the Darkest Knight wants to fashion himself into a bullet that spreads pain and misery across all worlds. All that remains before he achieves his full power is to fight former Flash Wally West, who's just been given a major upgrade of his own. In other words, it's no wonder The Batman Who Laughs and The Robin King have become such fast friends. They're both horrifying reflections of an iconic DC hero. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/25/dchome-day-two-official-panel-comic-con-2020"] For more on The Robin King, find out what Death Metal creators Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo had to say about the character at Comic-Con@Home. Then read up on Batman: Joker War and why this new crossover shows Joker finally trying to end his game with the Caped Crusader. [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.

Ninja Starts Streaming on Twitch Again After Mixer Closure

Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins is choosing to spend his post-Mixer career in a more flexible position after streaming on Twitch earlier today. Coupled with his recent debut on YouTube and it seems Blevins isn’t choosing to exclusively stream on one service over another. This marks the first time Blevins has streamed on Twitch since leaving Mixer, which shut down last month. Blevins signed an exclusive streaming deal with Microsoft’s Mixer almost a year ago, but the service has since been shuttered and absorbed by Facebook. After streaming, Blevins shared that he hit Affiliate status on Twitch, a tongue-in-cheek joke considering his popularity. Twitch's official Twitter account responded that it was nice to see him around. Blevins was freed from his Mixer contract, rumored to be worth millions, and has since been found streaming on other services like YouTube. Blevins did not sign an exclusivity contract with YouTube, and it’s unclear if Blevins is interested in signing one with Twitch either. Video game streaming services such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook are locking popular streamers to their services. Rapper Logic recently retired from music to stream exclusively with Twitch, and PewDiePie signed an exclusive streaming deal with YouTube. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ninja-career-highlights&captions=true"] These exclusive contracts have become a new battleground for competing streaming services looking to get an edge in an increasingly popular entertainment medium. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.