Just Cause Dev Avalanche Studios Opens Third Studio in Sweden
Avalanche Studios, the developer behind the Just Cause series and Mad Max, has opened a third office in Malmö, Sweden.
The studio was founded in Stockholm in 2003, and opened a second New York office in 2011. The third studio is reported to be working on current and future IP, particularly "relatively small and flexible projects which rest on a solid foundation of AAA production values and award-winning proprietary technology," reads a statement.
Sara Ponnert, formerly of Pan Vision and Sony Ericsson Mobile, will manage the Malmö studio.
"Getting back into the games industry feels like coming home. I’m honoured to have been chosen for the role, and look forward to building Avalanche Studios’ presence in Malmö," she said.
Days Gone Feels Like ‘The Last of Us Jr.’, for Better and for Worse
I was dropped an hour into Days Gone’s post-apocalyptic survival world. I started in a camp/safezone with my motorcycle and a very limited quantity of ammo for my pistol and assault rifle (and sadly, no bolts for my crossbow). The freakers (don’t call ‘em zombies!) were a danger anywhere outside of the camp’s walls, and here I was, with a few tasks on my ledger, free to do whatever I pleased.
A tap on the bottom quadrant of the DualShock 4’s touchpad brings up hero Deacon St. John’s skill menu. You can upgrade yourself just like you can anything else in one of three categories: melee, ranged, and survival. Sadly my 20-minute hands-on didn’t allow me much time to plumb the depths of any of them, but I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into each tree in the final version (which isn’t out until 2019, by the way).
Why Marvel’s New and Classic Avengers Shouldn’t Be Mutually Exclusive
An all-new Avengers series has kicked off over at Marvel Comics with a brand new team roster -- "new" in this case being extremely relative. Avengers by writer Jason Aaron and artist Ed McGuinness has set out to return the team to their classic roots, anchored by the familiar likes of Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor for the first time since 2014. No one is particularly surprised by this turn of events given that the pattern of benching and returning major heroes in comics is so regular you could set your watch by it. The fact that they're back isn't what makes this time special, nor is it really the problem -- it's who they're ousting in the process, and the way it looks from the outside.
We Happy Few Denied Classification by Australian Ratings Board
We Happy Few has been denied classification in Australia, although the reason behind the decision hasn't been specified.
The game was refused classification this week based on Australia's "National Classification Code", which states video games that "depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified."
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PS4 is Entering Final Phase of its Life Cycle
The PlayStation 4 is entering the final phase of its life cycle, according to Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO John Kodera.
Kodera told analysts and investors the console is entering the final phase of its life cycle, which was reported by The Wall Street Journal's Takashi Mochizuki on Twitter. The news was in the context of console revenue, which Kodera said would be negatively affected by a decrease in unit sales, but that recurring revenue from membership services such as PS+ would help cushion the impact.
He went on to suggest that March 2021 would be the time when the company would be looking beyond the PS4 console and into the future.
The Expanse Season 4 Could Find a Home at Amazon
After being cancelled by Syfy, it looks as though The Expanse could find its fourth season on Amazon.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon is in talks to pick up the show for its streaming service. The Expanse is an adaption from James S. A. Corey's book series. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is reportedly a big fan of sci-fi novel series and wasn't happy when Syfy got the TV show.
Amazon has not commented on the situation, but producer Daniel Abraham said on Twitter that the "deal's not closed, but the talks are real."
Mysterio Explained: Who Is the Spider-Man: Far From Home Character?
In Spider-Man: Far From Home, we'll finally get the MCU's version of Quentin Beck, a.k.a. Mysterio, the long-time Spidey villain. And, yes, Jake Gyllenhaal is playing him. At long last, the master of illusion will get his due on the big screen... though is he friend or foe in Far From Home? Hmmm... (As for the other new MCU characters in Far From Home, check out our explanation on who the Elementals and Hydro-Man are!)
Zachary Levi Gives Peek at Live-Action Shazam
Shazam! star Zachary Levi has provided a sneak peek at the live-action version of the titular superhero.
Levi shared an image on Instagram of himself donning the red and gold costume. The promotional art Levi is pointing at is on display at the Licensing Show in Las Vegas. Check out the image below.
First look at Shazam, via Zachary Levi's Instagram