An update for Valve's Half-Life: Alyx has launched today, bringing some seriously impressive liquid physics to the game. Update 1.4 for Half-Life: Alyx was revealed via the game's Steam community page, with the full patch notes available to read here. In-game bottles will now "appear to have liquid inside them." There's a gif at the bottom of the blog post which shows wine sloshing around inside of a bottle when shaken. It's kind of amazing. We can seemingly credit this work to Valve visual effects developer Matthew Wilde, who said on Twitter, "this booze shader has been my lock-down hobby". He showed off more of his work, too, which you can see in the tweet below:

Spent a good chunk of lock-down doing this important work. Boozy liquid shader, now available in the latest update for Half-Life: Alyx pic.twitter.com/Iw9h98pmEg

— Matthew Wilde (@skilful) May 28, 2020

It's a cool and meaningful detail that adds another layer of realism to one of VR's most impressive outings. There are a lot of bottles in the game, with some achievements even asking you to carry bottles of Vodka through entire maps to satisfy one of the game's NPCs. As well as the liquid physics, update 1.4 fixes a number of bugs and adds functionality to the game's recently launched Workshop Tools. Extra features include a Postprocessing Editor and a series of example maps. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/23/half-life-alyx-review"] Players have already been modding the game prior to the opening of the Half-Life: Alyx Workshop on May 15, which has resulted in some ridiculous memes involving the TV screens in the game's opening scene. If you're still deciding whether to pick up a VR headset for Half-Life: Alyx, check out our review of the game, which we thought "set a new bar for VR." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Josh Gad is gathering the cast of The Lord of the Rings for his quarantine-friendly web show Reunited Apart. Gad’s LOTR reunion special will air this weekend on his YouTube channel, but he’s released a brief teaser via Twitter.

Enjoy this tease! To watch the full trailer for #LordOfTheRings #ReunitedApart go to https://t.co/H5wpKJTjxm NOW and SUBSCRIBE! Catch the entire episode this Sunday at 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 OM EST only at https://t.co/PtdorqAZ6O pic.twitter.com/7G3WbUI6ho

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) May 27, 2020

The teaser reveals Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and Ian McKellen will make an appearance, but a recent post by Dominic Monaghan on Instagram confirmed the attendance of many other core cast and crew, including Sean Bean, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, John Rhys-Davies, Karl Urban, Miranda Otto, and Peter Jackson.

[caption id="attachment_2357717" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Via Dominic Monaghan on Instagram.[/caption] This upcoming Lord of the Rings reunion is the fourth Gad had arranged for Reunited Apart, following The Goonies, Back to the Future, and Splash. The specials aim to raise money for COVID-19-related charitable causes. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.

Josh Gad is gathering the cast of The Lord of the Rings for his quarantine-friendly web show Reunited Apart. Gad’s LOTR reunion special will air this weekend on his YouTube channel, but he’s released a brief teaser via Twitter.

Enjoy this tease! To watch the full trailer for #LordOfTheRings #ReunitedApart go to https://t.co/H5wpKJTjxm NOW and SUBSCRIBE! Catch the entire episode this Sunday at 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 OM EST only at https://t.co/PtdorqAZ6O pic.twitter.com/7G3WbUI6ho

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) May 27, 2020

The teaser reveals Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and Ian McKellen will make an appearance, but a recent post by Dominic Monaghan on Instagram confirmed the attendance of many other core cast and crew, including Sean Bean, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, John Rhys-Davies, Karl Urban, Miranda Otto, and Peter Jackson.

[caption id="attachment_2357717" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Via Dominic Monaghan on Instagram.[/caption] This upcoming Lord of the Rings reunion is the fourth Gad had arranged for Reunited Apart, following The Goonies, Back to the Future, and Splash. The specials aim to raise money for COVID-19-related charitable causes. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.

Warner Bros. reportedly still intends to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman in a future DC movie, although which one remains unclear. Deadline claims they've heard "Cavill could come back in a couple of different ways, not a standalone film, but there are plans to put him back in the big red cape again sources with knowledge tell us." Variety reports that Cavill is "in talks to return as Clark Kent in an upcoming DC Comics movie." Deadline points out that while Wonder Woman 1984 and The Suicide Squad are already done filming, and Superman isn't expected to appear in 2021's The Batman, Cavill's Man of Steel could appear in such future DC productions as Shazam 2, Black Adam, or Aquaman 2. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-dceu-movie-review-score&captions=true"] Shazam 2 seems like a likely bet given the Superman cameo at the end of the first movie, but Black Adam could also be a possibility given Dwayne Johnson's previous pronouncement that a Superman/Black Adam brawl "is in the cards." Cavill recently appeared in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel watch party during which the release of the Snyder Cut of Justice League was officially announced. Deadline's report follows rumors from Heroic Hollywood which claimed Warner Bros. had put the brakes on developing a Supergirl movie in favor of another Superman project starring Cavill. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/21/justice-league-the-snyder-cut-official-hbo-max-announcement"] It was reported in 2018 that Henry Cavill was out as Superman, while Cavill later insisted the role was still his (as did his Justice League co-star Jason Momoa). Cavill still has to finish filming Season 2 of Netflix's The Witcher, which was shutdown indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. His next movie, Enola Holmes, sees Cavill play Sherlock Holmes. The film was originally meant to be released theatrically by Warner Bros. but will now debut on Netflix instead.

Warner Bros. reportedly still intends to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman in a future DC movie, although which one remains unclear. Deadline claims they've heard "Cavill could come back in a couple of different ways, not a standalone film, but there are plans to put him back in the big red cape again sources with knowledge tell us." Variety reports that Cavill is "is in talks to return as Clark Kent in an upcoming DC Comics movie." Deadline points out that while Wonder Woman 1984 and The Suicide Squad are already done filming, and Superman isn't expected to appear in 2021's The Batman, Cavill's Man of Steel could appear in such future DC productions as Shazam 2, Black Adam, or Aquaman 2. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-dceu-movie-review-score&captions=true"] Shazam 2 seems like a likely bet given the Superman cameo at the end of the first movie, but Black Adam could also be a possibility given Dwayne Johnson's previous pronouncement that a Superman/Black Adam brawl "is in the cards." Cavill recently appeared in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel watch party during which time the release of the Snyder Cut of Justice League was officially announced. Deadline's report follows rumors from Heroic Hollywood which claimed Warner Bros. had put the brakes on developing a Supergirl movie in favor of another Superman project starring Cavill. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/21/justice-league-the-snyder-cut-official-hbo-max-announcement"] It was reported in 2018 that Henry Cavill was out as Superman, while Cavill later insisted the role was still his (as did his Justice League co-star Jason Momoa). Cavill still has to finish filming Season 2 of Netflix's The Witcher, which was shutdown indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. His next movie, Enola Holmes, sees Cavill play Sherlock Holmes. The film was originally meant to be released theatrically by Warner Bros. but will now debut on Netflix instead.

UPDATE: Apple has reportedly come aboard to finance and serve as the key creative studio behind Martin Scorsese's next film, Killers of the Flower Moon, with Paramount Pictures giving the film a wide theatrical release. According to Deadline, the budget for the period piece is between $180-$200 million. Killers of the Flower Moon will Scorsese veterans Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Our original report from April follows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Martin Scorsese may be looking to work with a streaming service again for his next feature film after traditional movie production outfit Paramount Pictures is reconsidering the project due to its $200 million price tag. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Scorsese’s representatives have been talking with Apple and Netflix, which produced and distributed his last film The Irishman, to potentially produce his next movie. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-reviewed-movies-of-2019&captions=true"] Titled “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the movie was originally set to be produced by Paramount Pictures, but the talks between Scorsese and Paramount hit a snag after the budget grew to more than $200 million. According to the report, Paramount previously agreed to make Scorsese’s next big-budget movie in 2019 before the global coronavirus pandemic. However, due to the hit from the economic downturn and the impact of COVID-19 on Hollywood’s movie production this made Paramount reconsider. The company has allowed Scorsese’s representatives to reach out to other studios, like Apple and Netflix on the project. Killers of the Flower Moon is based on a bestselling 2017 nonfiction book about a federal law enforcement agency, the precursor to the FBI, as it investigates the murder of the Osage Nation Native Americans living on oil-rich Oklahoma in the 1920s. The movie is set to star Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/07/31/the-irishman-official-teaser-trailer"] Scorsese previously worked with Netflix on his last big-budget picture, The Irishman about a hitman who reportedly killed Jimmy Hoffa. Netflix reportedly paid $173 million to produce the movie. As traditional movie producers are looking to develop cheaper movies, streaming services like Apple and Netflix have been stepping up to fun big-budget projects. However, there’s a chance Scorsese’s movie could go forward at Paramount, though with a co-financier. In the meantime, you can still watch The Irishman on Netflix, or perhaps just Tiger King again. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Doom Patrol might be streaming on both DC Universe and HBO Max for its second season this June, but fans should not expect any of the other DC Universe shows to migrate over to HBO Max. An HBO Max rep informed Business Insider that there are "no current plans for any other DCU show" to also appear on the newly launched streaming service. But that doesn't mean HBO Max doesn't have any plans for new DC programming. Indeed, the streaming service is currently developing a Justice League Dark series from producer J.J. Abrams and a live-action Green Lantern series from Greg Berlanti, as well as the anthology series Strange Adventures and the half-hour comedy Super Hero High. So why is Doom Patrol the only DCU program coming to HBO Max? In a chat with Business Insider, HBO Max content chief Kevin Reilly said there "have been extensive discussions around DCU" and how to "walk the line" between a very specific "deep fan engagement" service like DCU with something broader like HBO Max. "That is evolving but there were high-end series that DCU produced that felt like, budgetarily, we could handle from a business model better, and bring along and service that swath of fans," Reilly explained. "Doom Patrol was a show we identified that had deep love for it and tucked right into our portfolio." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-dark-knight-trilogy-and-more-dc-movies-and-series-missing-on-hbo-max&captions=true"] Speaking of budgets and business models, Reilly also said that HBO Max's Green Lantern and Justice League Dark shows will boast "the highest level of cinematic production values." He said Green Lantern's Berlanti "has done a lot of really quality DC fare for The CW. These will not be that. These will be next step up in production value. You can expect the highest level of cinematic production values on those shows, and that's the same for the projects we've announced with J.J." Reilly added that J.J. Abrams pitched the Justice League Dark series to HBO Max, saying the Star Wars franchise director has "always loved it. He always felt that there was a lot of opportunity there and an unexplored territory, and kind of a pond that he could play in exclusively." [poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F26%2Fhbo-max-logo1590525159775.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F26%2Fhbo-max-logo1590525159775_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225ecd7cece4b0ab1a33de67f4%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hbomax.com%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Sign%20Up%20Here%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22HBO%20Max%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] Kevin Reilly isn't the only member of the HBO Max brass talking up the DC properties coming to the new streaming service. HBO Max boss Bob Greenblatt has been busy promoting the long-awaited release of The Snyder Cut, which will debut on HBO Max next year. For more HBO Max coverage, here's a rundown of every DC movie and show NOT available on the service at time of launch, all the movies and shows you can stream right now, and its curated selection of cool anime. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/21/justice-league-the-snyder-cut-official-hbo-max-announcement"]

Doom Patrol might be streaming on both DC Universe and HBO Max for its second season this June, but fans should not expect any of the other DC Universe shows to migrate over to HBO Max. An HBO Max rep informed Business Insider that there are "no current plans for any other DCU show" to also appear on the newly launched streaming service. But that doesn't mean HBO Max doesn't have any plans for new DC programming. Indeed, the streaming service is currently developing a Justice League Dark series from producer J.J. Abrams and a live-action Green Lantern series from Greg Berlanti, as well as the anthology series Strange Adventures and the half-hour comedy Super Hero High. So why is Doom Patrol the only DCU program coming to HBO Max? In a chat with Business Insider, HBO Max content chief Kevin Reilly said there "have been extensive discussions around DCU" and how to "walk the line" between a very specific "deep fan engagement" service like DCU with something broader like HBO Max. "That is evolving but there were high-end series that DCU produced that felt like, budgetarily, we could handle from a business model better, and bring along and service that swath of fans," Reilly explained. "Doom Patrol was a show we identified that had deep love for it and tucked right into our portfolio." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-dark-knight-trilogy-and-more-dc-movies-and-series-missing-on-hbo-max&captions=true"] Speaking of budgets and business models, Reilly also said that HBO Max's Green Lantern and Justice League Dark shows will boast "the highest level of cinematic production values." He said Green Lantern's Berlanti "has done a lot of really quality DC fare for The CW. These will not be that. These will be next step up in production value. You can expect the highest level of cinematic production values on those shows, and that's the same for the projects we've announced with J.J." Reilly added that J.J. Abrams pitched the Justice League Dark series to HBO Max, saying the Star Wars franchise director has "always loved it. He always felt that there was a lot of opportunity there and an unexplored territory, and kind of a pond that he could play in exclusively." [poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F26%2Fhbo-max-logo1590525159775.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F26%2Fhbo-max-logo1590525159775_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225ecd7cece4b0ab1a33de67f4%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hbomax.com%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Sign%20Up%20Here%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22HBO%20Max%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] Kevin Reilly isn't the only member of the HBO Max brass talking up the DC properties coming to the new streaming service. HBO Max boss Bob Greenblatt has been busy promoting the long-awaited release of The Snyder Cut, which will debut on HBO Max next year. For more HBO Max coverage, here's a rundown of every DC movie and show NOT available on the service at time of launch, all the movies and shows you can stream right now, and its curated selection of cool anime. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/21/justice-league-the-snyder-cut-official-hbo-max-announcement"]

The latest edition of PlayStation's State of Play livestream focuses on The Last of Us 2. With less than a month before the sequel's release, Naughty Dog and Sony are sharing more about the highly-anticipated continuation of Joel and Ellie's post-apocalyptic saga. While Naughty Dog has been sharing video updates about various aspects of The Last of Us 2, today's 20-minute look could reveal even more insight. What's different in the world of The Last of Us 2? Check below for updates and reveals as they happen when the livestream begins at 1 pm PT/4 pm ET. You can follow along with the livestream below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/27/the-last-of-us-part-ii-new-gameplay-story-deep-dive-ign-live"] [poilib element="accentDivider"]

The Last of Us Part 2 Locations and Map Details

• The Last of Us Part 2 picks up several years after the events of the first game after they settle in the relatively peaceful settlement in Jackson, Wyoming.
• Ellie is 19 at the start of the sequel.
• The game will cover expansive parts of the world, including real-life locations.
• The game will take place over multiple seasons and climates, from the snow-capped mountains of Jackson to the lush Pacific Northwest.
• Naughty Dog has put great detail into recreating the real cities the maps are based on. Seattle will be another location Ellie visits on her journey.
• Along with jumping, Ellie will be able to use ropes to traverse a more open and expansive map or find hidden secrets.
• Naughty Dog says The Last of Us Part 2 will be some of the biggest the studio's developers have ever created.
• Horses and boats will also help Ellie traverse the larger maps.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-state-of-play-screenshots&captions=true"]

The Last of Us Part 2 Enemies and Factions Explained

• The Washington Liberation Front is an armed group that originally fought to free Seattle from the military. But have become a powerful and deadly faction in Seattle since taking control of the city.
• Another faction Ellie encounters are the Seraphites, or "Scars" a religious group of zealots that specialize in stealth combat and camouflage.
• The Seraphites are the cloaked group seen in the first Last of Us 2 reveal trailer.
• New infected types will be present in the sequel such as Shamblers, a pustule covered infected that explodes when hit.
• Druckmann did not share the most horrifying new infected-type, but a terrifying roar can be heard over a black screen.
• Enemy NPCs are smarter now and can track you from your scent.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-naughty-dog-game-review&captions=true"]

The Last of Us Part 2 Combat Details

• Ellie's physical advantages come into play in combat. She's more agile than enemies and can dodge and counter enemies during fights.
• Because of the large map size, Ellie can use the environment to her advantage or avoid combat instances altogether.
• Allies will sometimes join Ellie during combat encounters and other parts of the game. Ellie can take down enemies with the help of friends, or fight off clickers as a group.
• There will be a skill upgrade and weapons system that lets players create unique fighting styles that cater to their preferences.
• Players can scavenge for parts to customize weapons. These customizations will be visually represented on your weapons. So if you the rifle's sight, for example, the scope will be added to the rifle.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/27/8-minutes-of-the-last-of-us-part-2-gameplay"]

Last of Us Part 2 Gameplay Demo

• The demo begins with Ellie diving into a lake to avoid detection from enemies before surfacing behind her prey.
• Hotline Miami exists in the world of The Last of Us, apparently.
• Ellie added a silencer to her pistol for stealth kills, but can also take enemy NPCs hostage if she needs cover or protection.
• Like in the first game, Ellie can use various explosives and traps during combat.
• Enemies will attack you while you're trying to open locked doors.
• The gameplay and cinematics blend seamlessly during the demo. Scripted sequences will occur during gameplay, while at other times gameplay will transition into a cinematic sequence.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] The Last of Us Part 2 will be released for the PlayStation 4 on June 19. IGN's Last of Us 2 review will go live on Friday, June 12, 12:01 AM PT.

The latest edition of PlayStation's State of Play livestream focuses on The Last of Us 2. With less than a month before the sequel's release, Naughty Dog and Sony are sharing more about the highly-anticipated continuation of Joel and Ellie's post-apocalyptic saga. While Naughty Dog has been sharing video updates about various aspects of The Last of Us 2, today's 20-minute look could reveal even more insight. What's different in the world of The Last of Us 2? Check below for updates and reveals as they happen when the livestream begins at 1 pm PT/4 pm ET. You can follow along with the livestream below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/27/the-last-of-us-part-ii-new-gameplay-story-deep-dive-ign-live"] [poilib element="accentDivider"]

The Last of Us Part 2 Locations and Map Details

• The Last of Us Part 2 picks up several years after the events of the first game after they settle in the relatively peaceful settlement in Jackson, Wyoming.
• Ellie is 19 at the start of the sequel.
• The game will cover expansive parts of the world, including real-life locations.
• The game will take place over multiple seasons and climates, from the snow-capped mountains of Jackson to the lush Pacific Northwest.
• Naughty Dog has put great detail into recreating the real cities the maps are based on. Seattle will be another location Ellie visits on her journey.
• Along with jumping, Ellie will be able to use ropes to traverse a more open and expansive map or find hidden secrets.
• Naughty Dog says The Last of Us Part 2 will be some of the biggest the studio's developers have ever created.
• Horses and boats will also help Ellie traverse the larger maps.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-state-of-play-screenshots&captions=true"]

The Last of Us Part 2 Enemies and Factions Explained

• The Washington Liberation Front is an armed group that originally fought to free Seattle from the military. But have become a powerful and deadly faction in Seattle since taking control of the city.
• Another faction Ellie encounters are the Seraphites, or "Scars" a religious group of zealots that specialize in stealth combat and camouflage.
• The Seraphites are the cloaked group seen in the first Last of Us 2 reveal trailer.
• New infected types will be present in the sequel such as Shamblers, a pustule covered infected that explodes when hit.
• Druckmann did not share the most horrifying new infected-type, but a terrifying roar can be heard over a black screen.
• Enemy NPCs are smarter now and can track you from your scent.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-naughty-dog-game-review&captions=true"]

The Last of Us Part 2 Combat Details

• Ellie's physical advantages come into play in combat. She's more agile than enemies and can dodge and counter enemies during fights.
• Because of the large map size, Ellie can use the environment to her advantage or avoid combat instances altogether.
• Allies will sometimes join Ellie during combat encounters and other parts of the game. Ellie can take down enemies with the help of friends, or fight off clickers as a group.
• There will be a skill upgrade and weapons system that lets players create unique fighting styles that cater to their preferences.
• Players can scavenge for parts to customize weapons. These customizations will be visually represented on your weapons. So if you the rifle's sight, for example, the scope will be added to the rifle.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/27/8-minutes-of-the-last-of-us-part-2-gameplay"]

Last of Us Part 2 Gameplay Demo

• The demo begins with Ellie diving into a lake to avoid detection from enemies before surfacing behind her prey.
• Hotline Miami exists in the world of The Last of Us, apparently.
• Ellie added a silencer to her pistol for stealth kills, but can also take enemy NPCs hostage if she needs cover or protection.
• Like in the first game, Ellie can use various explosives and traps during combat.
• Enemies will attack you while you're trying to open locked doors.
• The gameplay and cinematics blend seamlessly during the demo. Scripted sequences will occur during gameplay, while at other times gameplay will transition into a cinematic sequence.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] The Last of Us Part 2 will be released for the PlayStation 4 on June 19. IGN's Last of Us 2 review will go live on Friday, June 12, 12:01 AM PT.