A Bungie job listing has indicated that the studio's new IP will be "comedic" and feature "whimsical characters." A posting for an Incubation Art Director on the Bungie career portal asks potential applicants if they would like to work on "something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters," giving us a teensy glimpse at the tone the studio may be setting for its next game beyond the Destiny series. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/09/destiny-2-shadowkeep-review"] Other job listings help further illustrate the direction of Bungie's new IP. A position for incubation investment designer reveals that the game will have "a wide variety of pursuit and loot systems", and notes the role requires experience in "fundamental RPG" systems, indicating that we can once again expect a game built on RPG principles. "You will work in tandem with our sandbox and economy teams to build and distribute items to our players," explains the listing, which suggests an open world design. The position of incubation senior/lead combat designer also indicates that "weapons, armor, and abilities" will be a core component of the game's combat encounters. We know that Bungie is working on something new. Last year, Bungie CEO Pete Parsons told IGN that the studio is aiming to have a new franchise "within the marketplace" by 2025. Prior to that interview, PCGamesN reported that Bungie had filed a trademark for something called 'Matter' back in 2018. And before that, Bungie entered a partnership worth $100 million with Chinese publisher NetEase, a deal struck to allow Bungie to "explore new directions". Despite not having had a proper announcement, Matter already has logo decorated with a burst of paint-like colour. Early speculation could tie colourful to "comedic" and "whimsical", and so it may be that these jobs relates to Matter. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-bungie-game-ever-reviewed-by-ign&captions=true"] Even with the cheeky Fillion quips from Cayde-6 and its shiny metallic weapons, Destiny is not exactly bright and whimsical, but rather a broody space drama. This looks like a new direction for Bungie in the future, then, despite the promise of loot systems. It'll be interesting to see these "whimsical characters" in action, and hopefully - despite the COVID-19 situation - the 2025 target of a new franchise is still on track. In other Destiny news,  check out our coverage of the Almighty Tower explosion live event which occurred over the weekend. Last month, Destiny 2 was confirmed for Xbox Series X and PS5, which should please devoted fans ready to jump to the next generation. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

IBM has announced that its company is no longer offering general-purpose facial recognition or analysis software, with the CEO calling for a "national dialogue" on whether and how the technology should be employed by law enforcement. Arvind Krishna, the CEO of IBM, addressed the change in a letter to U.S. Congress members on Monday, in which he explained the company's decision to exit the facial recognition business, and opposed the use of such technology for purposes of mass surveillance and racial profiling. "IBM firmly opposes and will not condone uses of any [facial recognition] technology, including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors, for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms, or any purpose which is not consistent with our values and Principles of Trust and Transparency," Krishna outlined in the letter. "We believe now is the time to begin a national dialogue on whether and how facial recognition technology should be employed by domestic law enforcement agencies." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/01/09/scanning-our-face-into-fallout-4-is-pretty-much-the-coolest-thing-of-ces-ces-2016"] This comes after several studies have indicated that some facial recognition systems demonstrate inaccuracies in the algorithms that analyse a subject's face, which can produce bias along lines of age, race, and ethnicity. IBM confirmed to The Verge that the multinational firm will also stop further development and research of this technology, as Krishna wrote his letter to encourage the use of other technologies that will bring "greater transparency and accountability to policing," such as body cameras and modern data analytics techniques. In the statement, IBM further expressed the company's desire to work with Congress in pursuit of justice and racial equity, underscoring the need to reassess policy areas and police reform in the wake of George Floyd's death. IGN stands in solidarity with the black community, and condemns racism. We encourage those reading to donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and support the fight for racial justice. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Ikumi Nakamura has revealed that she is planning to pitch a new Okami game to Capcom While answering fan questions during an interview with IGN Japan, Nakamura revealed that a new Okami game "is the project that she wants to make a reality the most." Nakamura told IGN Japan that she thinks the chances that the project might become a reality are pretty high, and that after quarantine lifts, she is planning to make a visit to Capcom to "propose the idea." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/12/14/okami-hd-review"] Through a translator, it was also revealed that Nakamura would want Hideki Kamiya to direct the project. Kamiya was the director of the original Okami, as well as Resident Evil 2 and Bayonetta. "Originally there was a lot of Okami that has not yet been told - there is still a lot to tell in that universe," Nakamura added, before rallying Okami fans to get behind a petition and show Capcom that a new Okami game is in demand. Nakamura rounded off the section by noting that she doesn't mind what part she might play in the project, as long as it gets made. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=top-25-nintendo-switch-games&captions=true"] This isn't the first time Nakamura has expressed a wish for a new Okami; last year she rallied fans behind the idea of an Okami sequel. In other Okami news, the game launched in HD on Nintendo Switch back in August of 2018. You can check out our original review of the game's HD port here, which we called "staggeringly pretty." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Space Force is the name of both the latest addition to the United States Armed Forces as well as Netflix's new workplace comedy starring Steve Carell, which lampoons it. But in the end only one will have the ability to globally trademark "Space Force" for the purposes of merchandising, a potential legal showdown that could see the streaming titan face the U.S. government in court. Netflix's ability to make a show about Space Force is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. constitution guaranteeing the right to free speech. And it appears Netflix has been far more proactive about securing trademark rights to "Space Force" across international territories, including Europe and Mexico, than Uncle Sam has been. "Meanwhile, the Air Force merely owns a pending application for registration inside the United States based on an intent to use," according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Meaning that the feds have gotten a place in line but no confirmed trademark rights thus far." (The Department of Defense established a trademark and branding office back in 2007, while the U.S. Air Force has a site dedicated to the licensing of intellectual property for "entertainment uses.") [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/netflixs-space-force-exclusive-season-1-sneak-peek-featuring-steve-carell"] Trademark clarifies who is selling what product, in this case any Space Force-branded merchandise that might conceivably confuse consumers as to whether they're buying merch related to the U.S. military or to a TV show. Overseas, this Space race comes down to whoever filed the intent to trademark "Space Force" first, the streaming service or the U.S. government. As THR explains:

"Although the United States operates on what's called a 'first-to-use' trademark registration system, where priority is based on actual use in commerce rather than who gets to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office first, many other countries operate on a 'first-to-file' basis. Records show that Netflix was submitting applications for 'Space Force' around the world as early as January 2019. In other words, the Department of Defense was caught sleeping."

But would the U.S. government actually go to court over the trademark to Space Force? The feds would face a huge hurdle in U.S. courts given the free speech protections granted to satires, which Netflix's Space Force most certainly qualifies as. But overseas? That's a different story. As THR notes, many countries beyond the U.S. don't offer the sort of protections and "fair use" standards America enjoys. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=space-force-season-1-gallery&captions=true"] For its part, though, the U.S. Air Force -- whose department Space Force lies within -- seems to harbor no current litigious intent toward Netflix. An Air Force rep informed THR they are unaware of any trademark conflicts between the federal government and Netflix over Space Force: "We wish Netflix and the show's producers the best in their creative depiction of our nation's newest branch of the military." For more legal drama, read about Activision's recent legal victory to depict Humvees in their Call of Duty games. And for more on Steve Carrell's new show, check out our Space Force review and why John Malkovich cried over a fart joke.

The long-awaited next Evil Dead movie is actually happening, according to Ash Williams himself, actor Bruce Campbell. However, the original trilogy's director, Sam Raimi, will not direct the film, instead passing the baton -- er, chainsaw? -- to a new director. And, according to Campbell, Ash himself will also be sitting out this installment. In a chat with Empire, Campbell revealed the next Evil Dead movie is being written and directed by Lee Cronin. Raimi and Campbell appear to be involved in a producing capacity. "It’s called Evil Dead Now. Sam handpicked Lee – he did a cool movie called The Hole In The Ground. We’re going to get that sucker out as soon as practical,” Campbell said. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/11/01/bruce-campbell-takes-igns-evil-dead-quiz"] Campbell said Evil Dead Now, like the 2013 reboot Evil Dead, will focus on a female protagonist rather than Ash, with the actor-producer promising a "more dynamic" entry. “From this point forward, they kind of have to stand on their own,” Campbell said of the films. “We just want to keep the series current. And the mantra, really, is that our heroes and heroines are just regular people. That’s what we’re going to continue.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-15-best-horror-tv-shows-of-the-last-10-years&captions=true"] Campbell last played the role in the now-canceled Starz series Ash vs Evil Dead. He and Raimi collaborated on Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness.

The CW announced Monday that they have fired The Flash cast member Hartley Sawyer over a series of racist, misogynistic tweets he posted in the past. Sawyer portrayed Ralph Dibny, aka the Elongated Man, on the superhero series. He first appeared on The Flash in a recurring role in 2017 before becoming a series regular in 2018. "Hartley Sawyer will not be returning for season seven of The Flash," The CW, producers Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions and executive producer Eric Wallace said in a statement (via THR). "In regards to Mr. Sawyer's posts on social media, we do not tolerate derogatory remarks that target any race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Such remarks are antithetical to our values and polices, which strive and evolve to promote a safe, inclusive and productive environment for our workforce." [caption id="attachment_2361922" align="alignnone" width="720"] Hartley Sawyer as Ralph Dibny on The Flash.[/caption] In 2012, Sawyer tweeted, "The only thing keeping me from doing mildly racist tweets is the knowledge that Al Sharpton would never stop complaining about me." Several other cited past tweets are sexual and misogynistic in nature. Although Sawyer has deleted his Twitter account, he has since posted an apology to his Instagram account for his past tweets. "My words, irrelevant of being meant with an intent of humor, were hurtful, and unacceptable," Sawyer wrote. "I am ashamed I was capable of these really horrible attempts to get attention at that time. I regret them deeply." The Flash's showrunner and executive producer Eric Wallace said on Twitter that Sawyer's past tweets "broke my heart and made me mad as hell":

My statement regarding Hartley Sawyer and THE FLASH. pic.twitter.com/hni0MxOWZU

— Eric Wallace (@ewrote) June 8, 2020

The Flash's sixth season recently ended, with the show renewed for a seventh season that is expected to air in 2021. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=17-tv-stars-who-were-fired-for-unacceptable-behavior&captions=true"]

EA and Criterion Games have announced that Need for Speed Heat will become the first EA game to feature cross-play. Criterion Games General Manager Matt Webster posted a letter on EA's official site explaining that, after an update coming to the game on June 9, Need for Speed Heat will be the first EA title ever to feature cross-play across PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Webster said this update will also be the game's last as the team is working on the next title in franchise. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/15/need-for-speed-heat-13-minutes-of-4k-gameplay"] "So we're thrilled to let you all know that on June 9, Need for Speed Heat will be the first EA title to offer cross-play, meaning that players — regardless of their platform — can jump into Palm City together as one, united community," Webster said. "As we at Criterion shift gears into the future with full focus on developing the next Need for Speed game, this will be the final update for Need for Speed Heat." Webster said that since the launch of the game last year, the team has been listening to what players love about the game and what they believe could make it better, all in an effort to create "the most expressive, most socially connected, action-packed game yet for Need for Speed fans and beyond." He said to keep an eye out at EA Play Live on June 18 for additional Need for Speed announcements. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/17/need-for-speed-heat-accolades-trailer"] After installing the update, players will need to opt-in to cross-play. After doing that, players can search for friends that have also opted-in to cross-play on any system inside the Find Players menu. After becoming friends, players can use the new EA Friends tab in the Party menu to see who is online and ready to play. Need for Speed Heat was recently added to Steam with other EA titles and the game will be added to EA Access and Origin Access Basic Vault on June 16. We thought Criterion's latest crack at the series was great and you can read about why in our Need for Speed Heat review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Sony has announced that its PlayStation 5 event will now take place on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 1pm PT/4pmET/9pm BST. The date was revealed via a Twitch ad, and we're expecting an official announcement to come in the near future from PlayStation's official channels. IGN has captured the below screenshot, confirming the new date. Sony was originally set to reveal the PS5 on June 4, 2020, but it decided to delay it in response to the global protests that followed the death of George Floyd. The PlayStation 5, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, is still scheduled to be released during Holiday 2020. Sony also stated that the yet unknown price of the next-gen console has not been affected by the pandemic either. While we still have yet to see the actual PS5 box, Sony did reveal its controller, the DualSense, earlier this year. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/01/sony-delays-ps5-june-reveal-event"] We also recently saw an Unreal Engine 5 demo running on a PlayStation 5, even though Epic confirmed it was not set to be a full-fledged game, yet it is playable. Sony still hasn't exactly made clear what games new PlayStation 5 owners can hope to play when it launches next year, but we do have some confirmed third-party games, including Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Madden NFL 21, Destiny 2, and more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] [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 who can't wait and is so excited he just can't hide it. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

References to Xbox Lockhart, the rumoured second console in the new Xbox series, have been found in the Windows Operating System libraries. Images from the operating system’s code were tweeted by security researcher TitleOS, which include five references of the Lockhart codename, found within several of Windows’ System32 library files. They include files specifically featuring the phrase “Xbox-Lockhart”, as well as “Xbox-Anaconda”, the codename for the Xbox Series X.

https://t.co/ctdvPmLVSm pic.twitter.com/h0nTPYxJwR

— TitleOS (@XB1_HexDecimal) June 1, 2020

The Xbox Lockhart is believed to be a lower-powered, lower-priced alternative to the Xbox Series X, with rumours suggesting it may retail under the name of Xbox Series S. No official announcements have been made by Microsoft, but Windows Central has said that it has spoken with developers targeting the console. The lack of official word from Microsoft itself has led some to believe that the rumours are false, and that the Lockhart is not a real console. This is what led TitleOS to post the images of the Windows OS library files; they prove that Lockhart is certainly an Xbox-related thing, regardless of if the rumours to it being a console are true or not. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/10/project-scarletts-lockhart-version-returns-unlocked-422"] Last year there were reports that Lockhart is a cheaper, disc-less version of the Xbox Series X. Reports from January spoke of a new AMD chip with an unknown APU that was speculated to be for Lockhart. But despite it being months since those reports, Microsoft has yet to announce anything. With a series of presentations as part of Xbox 20/20 though, if the company does have anything to announce, we could see it as part of those shows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

The Premier League has partnered with EA Sports to use virtual crowd noise from FIFA in real-life soccer matches. Sky Sports in the UK has revealed its partnership with EA Sports FIFA to deliver a range of "team-specific crowd noises and chants" to complement the restart of The Premier League, which kicks off on June 17 after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Those watching matches from home can choose "to watch with the added sound or with stadium noise" to implement the famous atmosphere that will be missed as games are played behind closed doors without a live audience. Apparently, it will be a feature you can alter on your TV using the Sky channel. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/19/fifa-20-review"] Luckily for The Premier League, the FIFA franchise has been recording chants and crowd tones for the past few years to improve the atmosphere in-game, breathing life into specific stadiums. Sky Sports Managing Director Robert Webster explained the new features. "We want Sky Sports viewers to still feel it all and have the best possible viewing experience - even if they can't be in the stadiums or watch with their family and friends." For more from FIFA, check out our review of the latest installment of the beautiful game, FIFA 20, from late 2019. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Toon toon black and white army, and follow him on Twitter.