Stranger Things Season 4 Spoiled By Tie-In Monopoly Game
Stranger Things Season 4 is just over a week away, but a tie-in Monopoly game spoiling some major plot points has seemingly hit shelves before the penultimate season has hit screens.
It looks like a few people have temporarily paused their D&D campaigns in favor of picking up a new Stranger Things Monopoly game that ties into the upcoming fourth season of the hit Netflix series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, images of the board game have started making the rounds online, with a few of the game's cards spoiling major plot points.
A Reddit thread created about the leak claimed the game was purchased at "a nationally recognized retailer and purchased fair and square by a consumer. Nobody stole it; nobody leaked a sample." Although that information is unconfirmed, many people have been sharing the cards online and theorizing harder than Murray Bauman about upcoming events.
The Duffer brothers, on the other hand, are said to have had a "total meltdown" about the leaked spoilers, as sources claim that they were never consulted about the game and certainly didn't approve of it being released ahead of Season 4, regardless of whether or not it was meant to be, as they like to maintain a certain level of secrecy around the show.
The fourth season marks the beginning of the end for Stranger Things, as the Duffer brothers announced in a letter to fans in February that the Netflix hit would wrap up after Season 5, meaning there's plenty to be revealed about the characters and the lore of the Upside Down in the next season. Knowledge of what's coming varies from person to person.
"We really wanted to give as many of our characters as we could their time to shine and to really work on their character development and their arcs," Ross explained in IGN's first ever digital cover story, reflecting on Season 4's bumper length. "And we've talked about this being a very revelatory season, in that there's a lot of stuff that we want to tell the audience."
It's the first season of Stranger Things to be split in two, with Part 1 debuting on May 27 and another batch of episodes hitting Netflix on July 1. It's also reported to be its most expensive season yet, given that it's over five hours longer than previous seasons, as well as allegedly one of the most expensive TV shows of all time (although Netflix has not confirmed that).
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
God of War Ragnarök Will Have More Than 60 Accessibility Features
God of War Ragnarok will include more than 60 accessibility features when it arrives on PlayStation 4 and 5 later this year.
The list of features was revealed in a PlayStation Blog post which said developer Sony Santa Monica has combined the options available in the original God of War (2018) with those in the PC version, and added some brand new ones too.
The new features added include full controller customisation, with players able to choose from several preset layouts or map their controller themselves to a layout that works best for them.
Complex actions will also come with a preset list of alternative options, and for actions that require more than one button, several shortcuts can be assigned instead including Touch Pad swipes.
For traversing in Ragnarok, players can choose to enable features such as automatic sprinting that require less button inputs altogether, and other actions including jumping gaps, vaulting, and so on can be automated too.
A Navigation Assist button has also been added that switches the player's view towards the next story objective, and audio cues can be used to reveal interactive objects while exploring and even in combat such as for weapon swap cues.
Sony Santa Monica has also "invested heavily" in improving its subtitle and caption system. The minimum text size has been increased and new scaling has been added, including an extra-large text size.
The text itself is also customisable with players able to mix and match with seven different colours between speaker names, the subtitle body, and individual sound captions (that can also be customised with several options available to represent different sounds).
Direction indicators can also be added for sounds important to the story, such as Kratos hearing a noise to his left that players are encouraged to explore, that will tell players what direction the sound came from.
The background behind subtitles can also be customised, with players able to blur the background or darken it with multiple opacity settings available.
The size of in-game icons, such as button prompts, indicators of a locked chest, and so on, can also be adjusted in size.
Another visual option is a high-contrast mode that allows players to highlight enemies, items, traversal paint, and so on in different colours to make things clearer to see.
A persistent dot option has also been added that provides an additional focal point to reduce motion sickness, alongside options to toggle on and off different actions with a single button press (such as holding the shield up) instead of holding the button.
God of War Ragnarok, despite several rumours suggesting otherwise, is still scheduled for a 2022 release date, with developers reassuring fans in April that the game would be released this year.
PlayStation exclusives have been somewhat inconsistent with adding a diverse set of accessibility options at launch, with games such as The Last of Us Part 2 setting a high standard (by letting players set accessibility options before anything else) but the more recent release of Deathloop was lacking in accessibility options for months (although the latest patch has added extensive options).
Microsoft has made accessibility a focus within its developers by introducing guidelines for its developers and even an evaluation system that ensures games are built with all players in mind.
The initiatives appear to be working, as the Xbox Series X includes a number of accessibility focused options and Xbox console exclusive Forza Horizon 5 won IGN's Noteworthy Advancement in Accessibility award last year.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
God of War Ragnarök Will Have More Than 60 Accessibility Features
God of War Ragnarok will include more than 60 accessibility features when it arrives on PlayStation 4 and 5 later this year.
The list of features was revealed in a PlayStation Blog post which said developer Sony Santa Monica has combined the options available in the original God of War (2018) with those in the PC version, and added some brand new ones too.
The new features added include full controller customisation, with players able to choose from several preset layouts or map their controller themselves to a layout that works best for them.
Complex actions will also come with a preset list of alternative options, and for actions that require more than one button, several shortcuts can be assigned instead including Touch Pad swipes.
For traversing in Ragnarok, players can choose to enable features such as automatic sprinting that require less button inputs altogether, and other actions including jumping gaps, vaulting, and so on can be automated too.
A Navigation Assist button has also been added that switches the player's view towards the next story objective, and audio cues can be used to reveal interactive objects while exploring and even in combat such as for weapon swap cues.
Sony Santa Monica has also "invested heavily" in improving its subtitle and caption system. The minimum text size has been increased and new scaling has been added, including an extra-large text size.
The text itself is also customisable with players able to mix and match with seven different colours between speaker names, the subtitle body, and individual sound captions (that can also be customised with several options available to represent different sounds).
Direction indicators can also be added for sounds important to the story, such as Kratos hearing a noise to his left that players are encouraged to explore, that will tell players what direction the sound came from.
The background behind subtitles can also be customised, with players able to blur the background or darken it with multiple opacity settings available.
The size of in-game icons, such as button prompts, indicators of a locked chest, and so on, can also be adjusted in size.
Another visual option is a high-contrast mode that allows players to highlight enemies, items, traversal paint, and so on in different colours to make things clearer to see.
A persistent dot option has also been added that provides an additional focal point to reduce motion sickness, alongside options to toggle on and off different actions with a single button press (such as holding the shield up) instead of holding the button.
God of War Ragnarok, despite several rumours suggesting otherwise, is still scheduled for a 2022 release date, with developers reassuring fans in April that the game would be released this year.
PlayStation exclusives have been somewhat inconsistent with adding a diverse set of accessibility options at launch, with games such as The Last of Us Part 2 setting a high standard (by letting players set accessibility options before anything else) but the more recent release of Deathloop was lacking in accessibility options for months (although the latest patch has added extensive options).
Microsoft has made accessibility a focus within its developers by introducing guidelines for its developers and even an evaluation system that ensures games are built with all players in mind.
The initiatives appear to be working, as the Xbox Series X includes a number of accessibility focused options and Xbox console exclusive Forza Horizon 5 won IGN's Noteworthy Advancement in Accessibility award last year.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Versions Set for Q4 2022 Release
CD Projekt Red has announced that the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are planned to release at the end of this year.
Let's make this 7th anniversary even better, shall we?
— The Witcher (@witchergame) May 19, 2022
We're delighted to share that the Next Gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is planned to release in Q4 2022.
See you on the Path, witchers! pic.twitter.com/2wQbxMP4zh
In a Twitter post celebrating the 7th anniversary of The Witcher 3, the official Witcher account said "We're delighted to share that the Next Gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is planned to release in Q4 2022."
Last month CDPR had to assure fans that the next-gen version of The Witcher 3 was "not in development hell" after the developer delayed the upgraded version of the celebrated RPG indefinitely.
The enhanced version, which will be released as a free update for owners of the existing PC, PS4, and Xbox One versions of the game, will visually and technically boost the RPG for those playing on PS5, Xbox Series X, and beefier PCs. It was originally planned to release late 2021, but has faced delays on the journey to launch.
Q4 begins on October 1 and concludes December 31, so CD Projekt are planning to launch in the final months of the year. That's typically a packed time for video games, but with Starfield delayed into 2023, that's one less gargantuan RPG it has to content with.
Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.
The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Versions Set for Q4 2022 Release
CD Projekt Red has announced that the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are planned to release at the end of this year.
Let's make this 7th anniversary even better, shall we?
— The Witcher (@witchergame) May 19, 2022
We're delighted to share that the Next Gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is planned to release in Q4 2022.
See you on the Path, witchers! pic.twitter.com/2wQbxMP4zh
In a Twitter post celebrating the 7th anniversary of The Witcher 3, the official Witcher account said "We're delighted to share that the Next Gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is planned to release in Q4 2022."
Last month CDPR had to assure fans that the next-gen version of The Witcher 3 was "not in development hell" after the developer delayed the upgraded version of the celebrated RPG indefinitely.
The enhanced version, which will be released as a free update for owners of the existing PC, PS4, and Xbox One versions of the game, will visually and technically boost the RPG for those playing on PS5, Xbox Series X, and beefier PCs. It was originally planned to release late 2021, but has faced delays on the journey to launch.
Q4 begins on October 1 and concludes December 31, so CD Projekt are planning to launch in the final months of the year. That's typically a packed time for video games, but with Starfield delayed into 2023, that's one less gargantuan RPG it has to content with.
Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.
Netflix Unveils New The Umbrella Academy Season 3 Trailer
Netflix has released a new trailer for The Umbrella Academy that gives the first, in-depth look at what fans can expect in Season 3.
The 2-minute trailer reveals that, yes, another apocalypse is coming, and The Umbrella Academy once again has just a few days to stop it, though this time while also contending with the alternate timeline Sparrow Academy.
Family Meeting. The World is Ending Again.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2022
Season 3 of The Umbrella Academy premieres June 22 pic.twitter.com/LfLLljM8G8
The following paragraphs feature minor spoilers for the first two seasons of The Umbrella Academy.
The trailer shows some of the new characters in action, seemingly taking place immediately after the ending of Season 2 when The Umbrella Academy members returned to present-day.
The Sparrow Academy - made up of equally unusual children born alongside The Umbrella Academy cast, including a grown up, very much alive Ben - appear to attack their counterparts to begin with but later grow to get along.
Their powers seem just as wacky as The Umbrella Academy crew, with one member summoning killer crows and another shooting red lighting. As Diego describes it in the trailer, "we've been replaced by a bunch of blobs and cubes and birds and s**t".
Netflix confirmed Season 3 was on its way last November and later revealed a June 22 release date, not saying much else about the new season outside of releasing its episode titles.
We also know that Elliot Page's character will come out as transgender in Season 3 after Page himself did the same in 2020.
In our 9/10 review of the previous season, IGN said: "Umbrella Academy finds its groove by honing its signature style and humour, making for a funnier, more focused Season 2."
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
Netflix Unveils New The Umbrella Academy Season 3 Trailer
Netflix has released a new trailer for The Umbrella Academy that gives the first, in-depth look at what fans can expect in Season 3.
The 2-minute trailer reveals that, yes, another apocalypse is coming, and The Umbrella Academy once again has just a few days to stop it, though this time while also contending with the alternate timeline Sparrow Academy.
Family Meeting. The World is Ending Again.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 19, 2022
Season 3 of The Umbrella Academy premieres June 22 pic.twitter.com/LfLLljM8G8
The following paragraphs feature minor spoilers for the first two seasons of The Umbrella Academy.
The trailer shows some of the new characters in action, seemingly taking place immediately after the ending of Season 2 when The Umbrella Academy members returned to present-day.
The Sparrow Academy - made up of equally unusual children born alongside The Umbrella Academy cast, including a grown up, very much alive Ben - appear to attack their counterparts to begin with but later grow to get along.
Their powers seem just as wacky as The Umbrella Academy crew, with one member summoning killer crows and another shooting red lighting. As Diego describes it in the trailer, "we've been replaced by a bunch of blobs and cubes and birds and s**t".
Netflix confirmed Season 3 was on its way last November and later revealed a June 22 release date, not saying much else about the new season outside of releasing its episode titles.
We also know that Elliot Page's character will come out as transgender in Season 3 after Page himself did the same in 2020.
In our 9/10 review of the previous season, IGN said: "Umbrella Academy finds its groove by honing its signature style and humour, making for a funnier, more focused Season 2."
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
Riverdale to End With Season 7 at CW
The CW has announced that Riverdale will debut its seventh and final season during the midseason of 2023.
Riverdale was renewed for Season 7 in March, along with several other CW dramas, including The Flash, All American, Superman & Lois, Walker, Kung Fu, and Nancy Drew. However, that green light for another season wasn't indicative of Riverdale's future, as it turns out that the upcoming seventh season will actually be the show's last on the network, per TVLine.
"I am a big believer in attempting to give series that have had long runs an appropriate sendoff," said CW Chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz. "We had a long conversation with [exec producer] Roberto [Aguirre-Sacasa] yesterday, who is thrilled by this news, and we will treat the show in the manner it deserves... We want to make sure it goes out the right way.
"I think they, too, felt that seven years is the right amount," Pedowitz added. "As a fan myself, I do want to do what is right for the show."
The Archie Comics-inspired show is the latest series to have the axe fall down on it at The CW. The network previously cancelled Dynasty, Charmed, Naomi, 4400, In the Dark, and Roswell, New Mexico as well as DC's Batwoman, which was chopped after three seasons, and Legends of Tomorrow, which was cancelled after seven seasons and more than 100 episodes.
It is speculated that these cancellations tie into the network's rumored upcoming sale. It was reported in January that The CW was looking at "exploring strategic opportunities," including a potential sale of the business, as it has never been profitable and has primarily generated its revenue from licensing shows to international markets and streaming services.
Despite the report, The CW is still exploring new DC shows, having announced the development of Gotham Knights — which is also being adapted into a video game, though the upcoming television series isn't connected to that project. Instead, it will be based on the original DC comic books featuring characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
Riverdale to End With Season 7 at CW
The CW has announced that Riverdale will debut its seventh and final season during the midseason of 2023.
Riverdale was renewed for Season 7 in March, along with several other CW dramas, including The Flash, All American, Superman & Lois, Walker, Kung Fu, and Nancy Drew. However, that green light for another season wasn't indicative of Riverdale's future, as it turns out that the upcoming seventh season will actually be the show's last on the network, per TVLine.
"I am a big believer in attempting to give series that have had long runs an appropriate sendoff," said CW Chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz. "We had a long conversation with [exec producer] Roberto [Aguirre-Sacasa] yesterday, who is thrilled by this news, and we will treat the show in the manner it deserves... We want to make sure it goes out the right way.
"I think they, too, felt that seven years is the right amount," Pedowitz added. "As a fan myself, I do want to do what is right for the show."
The Archie Comics-inspired show is the latest series to have the axe fall down on it at The CW. The network previously cancelled Dynasty, Charmed, Naomi, 4400, In the Dark, and Roswell, New Mexico as well as DC's Batwoman, which was chopped after three seasons, and Legends of Tomorrow, which was cancelled after seven seasons and more than 100 episodes.
It is speculated that these cancellations tie into the network's rumored upcoming sale. It was reported in January that The CW was looking at "exploring strategic opportunities," including a potential sale of the business, as it has never been profitable and has primarily generated its revenue from licensing shows to international markets and streaming services.
Despite the report, The CW is still exploring new DC shows, having announced the development of Gotham Knights — which is also being adapted into a video game, though the upcoming television series isn't connected to that project. Instead, it will be based on the original DC comic books featuring characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
Gearbox Has 9 AAA Games in Development as Owner Embracer Continues to Grow
Gearbox currently has nine AAA games in development as it continues to grow alongside its colossal owner Embracer Group.
The Borderlands creator has both developing and publishing wings, and while it's unclear where these nine games in development fall, it's certainly a lot more than the company has announced previously.
Gearbox's owner Embracer - who recently purchased three studio's from Square Enix along with the Tomb Raider and Deus Ex IPs - revealed the number during its latest financial results.
"Gearbox continues to scale the organization to deliver on its ambitious growth plan, and there are currently nine AAA games under development," it said.
We currently know of five games being published by Gearbox - Homeworld 3, Hyper Light Breaker, Relic Hunters Legends, Have a Nice Death, and Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom - but despite the "AAA" term being slightly subjective, most people likely wouldn't refer to the latter two or three of these as AAA games.
We also know that Tales From The Borderlands 2 is on its way from Gearbox itself, but again, this smaller, narrative led game may not be considered a AAA title by some.
Embracer overall had a strong year with operating profits increasing by 17% and games such as Gearbox's Tiny Tina's Wonderlands performing better than expected.
Embracer said it "was well-received and reviewed by consumers and critics alike" (IGN said it was great) and "sales exceeded management's expectations".
Elsewhere, Embracer's latest release, Saber Interactive's Evil Dead: The Game, has sold 500,000 copies in just five days, making a good start for the Dead by Daylight-style asymetrical horror game. The company is also anticipating success with the upcoming Saints Row reboot from Deep Silver, which it says “is expected to step change the pace of organic growth”.
It's not all great news despite the overall sunny picture for Embracer. ELEX II “did not live up to management’s financial expectations in the quarter", but looking head the company expects the RPG from developer Piranha Bytes to provide "a positive ROI over time.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
