Lord of the Rings Visual Effects Studio Making Video Game Based ‘Major Worldwide IP’

Weta, the company founded by Peter Jackson and best known for its visual effects work for Lord of the Rings, has revealed through a job advertisement that its gaming division is working on a new video game based upon a "major worldwide IP".

A post advertising for the position on Weta's Facebook page states that a successful candidate will be involved in helping the team create "cutting edge games" including the studio's next release which is based on "an incredibly rich and inspiring license that will fill fans and players around the world with delight."

According to the vacancy post listed on Weta Workshop's website, the company is looking for a game producer to deliver Weta's next PC and console project, which is said to be based on a "major worldwide IP very close to [their] hearts."

While this could suggest that the game may have links to the Lord of the Rings franchise, given that Weta is best known for its visual effects work on Peter Jackson's trilogy of films, the post stops short of making any further connections. With the studio also having worked on a number of other major projects including King Kong, Wonder Woman, Avatar, and more recently Marvel's Shang-Chi, there's definitely enough ambiguity there to leave questions surrounding what the project might be.

Weta initially launched its gaming division in 2012. Since then, the studio has worked on a number of games including the multiplayer VR game Combonauts. Earlier this month, game engine developer Unity announced its intent to purchase Weta for an estimated $1.62 billion with plans to integrate the company's tech and assets into Unity's cloud platform so that anyone can use them.

While it's still currently unclear whether Weta's upcoming game will be based around the Lord of the Rings franchise, Middle Earth fans are still set to get a healthy dose of (non-film trilogy related) gaming content through Daedalic's Lord of the Rings: Gollum. Earlier this year, it was announced that the studio had partnered with Nacon to publish the game - though this also came with a further announcement stating that the game had been delayed until 2022.

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Ant-Man Director Commemorates Filming Conclusion with Some Fantastic Art

Ant-Man director Peyton Reed has shared some pretty impressive artwork for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania while also announcing that filming for the movie has now concluded.

Reed shared the announcement on Twitter stating that "principal photography on Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is now complete!" The director went on to say that he can't wait to show everyone what the team has been up to before including a piece of stunning artwork depicting Evangeline Lilly's character poised on top of Ant-Man's helmet.

This isn't the first time of late that Reed has paired an announcement about Quantumania's production process with an interesting image. Back in July when filming began, Reed announced the first day of principal photography with an accompanying image that reintroduced the world to the terrifying bunny that Paul Rudd's character Scott Lang gifted his daughter Cassie in the hero's first outing.

While the film's cast and production team have kept their lips tightly sealed surrounding Quantumania's plot, Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne) recently praised the film's script during an interview with Collider. "I was so stoked on the script. Jeff Loveness is our new writer for the film. And we've never worked with him before," she said.

"I think he is phenomenal. I think he's one of the best writers we've ever had. I think he's got an incredible mastery of voice. So on the page, I could hear all the characters, and I knew that he'd really kind of harnessed each person's unique personality. I just think that it's going to be really special," she continued.

Despite Reed's confirmation that Quantumania is now ready to move into post-production, fans will still have to wait until July 2023 before its debut in theatres. To pass the time, make sure to check out this article detailing how Evangeline Lilly says that her character Hope is still 'an enigma' even after multiple movies.

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Ant-Man Director Commemorates Filming Conclusion with Some Fantastic Art

Ant-Man director Peyton Reed has shared some pretty impressive artwork for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania while also announcing that filming for the movie has now concluded.

Reed shared the announcement on Twitter stating that "principal photography on Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is now complete!" The director went on to say that he can't wait to show everyone what the team has been up to before including a piece of stunning artwork depicting Evangeline Lilly's character poised on top of Ant-Man's helmet.

This isn't the first time of late that Reed has paired an announcement about Quantumania's production process with an interesting image. Back in July when filming began, Reed announced the first day of principal photography with an accompanying image that reintroduced the world to the terrifying bunny that Paul Rudd's character Scott Lang gifted his daughter Cassie in the hero's first outing.

While the film's cast and production team have kept their lips tightly sealed surrounding Quantumania's plot, Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne) recently praised the film's script during an interview with Collider. "I was so stoked on the script. Jeff Loveness is our new writer for the film. And we've never worked with him before," she said.

"I think he is phenomenal. I think he's one of the best writers we've ever had. I think he's got an incredible mastery of voice. So on the page, I could hear all the characters, and I knew that he'd really kind of harnessed each person's unique personality. I just think that it's going to be really special," she continued.

Despite Reed's confirmation that Quantumania is now ready to move into post-production, fans will still have to wait until July 2023 before its debut in theatres. To pass the time, make sure to check out this article detailing how Evangeline Lilly says that her character Hope is still 'an enigma' even after multiple movies.

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Ghostrunner Teases a Reveal of Its ‘Ultimate DLC’

Ghostrunner, the high-speed first-person action game, is teasing the announcement of 'The Ultimate DLC' – and you can sign up to play it in beta now.

A new teaser includes a cryptic set of images that show a mixture of action, shots of a lab-like environment, and a stirring figure inside a cryo-chamber like case. The teaser is accompanied by the words:

"You're in a dream. A child approaches you and asks you for directions. While the child is talking, you notice a snake in the grass about to strike them. What do you say?"

We'll learn more on November 30 but, in the meantime, you can register to be a part of a closed beta already.

Previous Ghostrunner DLC packs have included new cosmetics and weapons, as well as brand new modes, but the phrase "Ultimate DLC" would imply that this is more substantial an addition.

We awarded Ghostrunner an 8/10 review, saying that its "lightning-fast gameplay makes for a short-lived but memorable action game with some incredible moments."

Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Ghostrunner Teases a Reveal of Its ‘Ultimate DLC’

Ghostrunner, the high-speed first-person action game, is teasing the announcement of 'The Ultimate DLC' – and you can sign up to play it in beta now.

A new teaser includes a cryptic set of images that show a mixture of action, shots of a lab-like environment, and a stirring figure inside a cryo-chamber like case. The teaser is accompanied by the words:

"You're in a dream. A child approaches you and asks you for directions. While the child is talking, you notice a snake in the grass about to strike them. What do you say?"

We'll learn more on November 30 but, in the meantime, you can register to be a part of a closed beta already.

Previous Ghostrunner DLC packs have included new cosmetics and weapons, as well as brand new modes, but the phrase "Ultimate DLC" would imply that this is more substantial an addition.

We awarded Ghostrunner an 8/10 review, saying that its "lightning-fast gameplay makes for a short-lived but memorable action game with some incredible moments."

Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Dragon Age 4’s Creative Director Has Left BioWare

The senior creative director on Dragon Age 4, Matt Goldman, has left BioWare. He had been senior creative director on Dragon Age since 2017.

As reported by Kotaku, Goldman's departure from BioWare was announced in a recent staff email written by studio General Manager Gary McKay. In the email, McKay explains that the creative director has agreed to leave the developer after the two parties "mutually [agreed] to part ways."

"I’m writing to inform you all that Matt Goldman is leaving BioWare," said McKay in the email. "We have mutually agreed to part ways, and his last day is today."

"We understand that Matt’s departure has an impact on you, as well as the game’s development," the email continued. "Rest assured our commitment to a high-quality Dragon Age game has not waivered, and we will not ship a game that is not up to BioWare’s standards."

EA have since confirmed to Kotaku that Goldman has departed the company. "Matt Goldman is no longer working at BioWare," the publisher said in a statement. "He leaves the next Dragon Age game in excellent hands, with the team here at the studio who will carry forward our vision for the game."

Goldman originally started work at the studio in 1998, when he worked as an artist on a number of BioWare games including Baldur's Gate and previous entries into the Dragon Age series. Following a spell working on Halo Wars at Microsoft's Ensemble Studios, Goldman returned to BioWare and in 2017 was appointed the role of senior creative director on Dragon Age 4.

While Goldman's departure from the studio may be its latest, he isn't the first notable figure to have left BioWare in recent memory. Last December former general manager Casey Hudson and Dragon Age executive producer Mark Darrah both parted ways with the studio. In February, EA CEO Andrew Wilson was keen to reassure investors that BioWare still had a bright future ahead.

"I think that from the outside world there have been some blips in [BioWare's] delivery over the last couple of years, but that has come as a result of them pushing deeply into innovation and creativity, and we feel very, very confident about their future roadmap," he said at the time.

Goldman's replacement at the studio is yet to be confirmed by EA. For more on Dragon Age 4, make sure to check out this article detailing how the series owes its title (and dragons) to a random name generator.

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Dragon Age 4’s Creative Director Has Left BioWare

The senior creative director on Dragon Age 4, Matt Goldman, has left BioWare. He had been senior creative director on Dragon Age since 2017.

As reported by Kotaku, Goldman's departure from BioWare was announced in a recent staff email written by studio General Manager Gary McKay. In the email, McKay explains that the creative director has agreed to leave the developer after the two parties "mutually [agreed] to part ways."

"I’m writing to inform you all that Matt Goldman is leaving BioWare," said McKay in the email. "We have mutually agreed to part ways, and his last day is today."

"We understand that Matt’s departure has an impact on you, as well as the game’s development," the email continued. "Rest assured our commitment to a high-quality Dragon Age game has not waivered, and we will not ship a game that is not up to BioWare’s standards."

EA have since confirmed to Kotaku that Goldman has departed the company. "Matt Goldman is no longer working at BioWare," the publisher said in a statement. "He leaves the next Dragon Age game in excellent hands, with the team here at the studio who will carry forward our vision for the game."

Goldman originally started work at the studio in 1998, when he worked as an artist on a number of BioWare games including Baldur's Gate and previous entries into the Dragon Age series. Following a spell working on Halo Wars at Microsoft's Ensemble Studios, Goldman returned to BioWare and in 2017 was appointed the role of senior creative director on Dragon Age 4.

While Goldman's departure from the studio may be its latest, he isn't the first notable figure to have left BioWare in recent memory. Last December former general manager Casey Hudson and Dragon Age executive producer Mark Darrah both parted ways with the studio. In February, EA CEO Andrew Wilson was keen to reassure investors that BioWare still had a bright future ahead.

"I think that from the outside world there have been some blips in [BioWare's] delivery over the last couple of years, but that has come as a result of them pushing deeply into innovation and creativity, and we feel very, very confident about their future roadmap," he said at the time.

Goldman's replacement at the studio is yet to be confirmed by EA. For more on Dragon Age 4, make sure to check out this article detailing how the series owes its title (and dragons) to a random name generator.

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Hawkeye’s Producer Explain How Clint’s Disability Keeps Him Human

This story contains minor spoilers for the premier of Marvel’s Hawkeye, streaming now on Disney+.

In Hawkeye, the new Marvel Disney+ show that premieres today, Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton wears a hearing aid. It’s a nod to the comics, particularly the Matt Fraction and David Aja comics from which the show draws much of its inspiration, but the show’s producers also note that it’s an important aspect in showing that Hawkeye is not super human.

Talking to IGN, Hawkeye’s Executive Producer Trinh Tran said “There were certain details we really wanted to bring forth [from the comics], one of which is Clint’s hard of hearing.

“It's the realistic nature of having him being a human being with no super powers. He does get injured,” she said. “It's that human element that we wanted to bring forth. That they can get hurt, it can be life and death in some of the experiences that they get themselves involved in. He does put ice packs on him at the end of the mission. We wanted to show that 'behind the scenes', a part of which is the hearing loss that he has.”

In the TV series, Clint has his hearing aid from the very start of the show, and it is later shown that he has started using them to compensate for the toll many explosions have taken on his ears over his Avengers career (he was pretty much in the firing line of one of Endgame’s biggest booms, after all). It’s more of an ‘wear-and-tear’ damage approach compared to the comics, which first saw Hawkeye rendered deaf in 1983 when he burst his own eardrum with a sonic arrow in order to counter Crossfire’s sonic weaponry. Hawkeye’s ears were eventually healed, but the Fraction and Aja comics re-introduced his hearing aids, and later made him completely deaf by having him stabbed in the ears by the Clown. Stretches of the following issues are written in sign language, which we also see Clint and his son use in the show.

For more on Hawkeye, check out our premiere review, and why the idea for a Clint Barton solo movie was turned into a TV show.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.

Hawkeye’s Producer Explain How Clint’s Disability Keeps Him Human

This story contains minor spoilers for the premier of Marvel’s Hawkeye, streaming now on Disney+.

In Hawkeye, the new Marvel Disney+ show that premieres today, Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton wears a hearing aid. It’s a nod to the comics, particularly the Matt Fraction and David Aja comics from which the show draws much of its inspiration, but the show’s producers also note that it’s an important aspect in showing that Hawkeye is not super human.

Talking to IGN, Hawkeye’s Executive Producer Trinh Tran said “There were certain details we really wanted to bring forth [from the comics], one of which is Clint’s hard of hearing.

“It's the realistic nature of having him being a human being with no super powers. He does get injured,” she said. “It's that human element that we wanted to bring forth. That they can get hurt, it can be life and death in some of the experiences that they get themselves involved in. He does put ice packs on him at the end of the mission. We wanted to show that 'behind the scenes', a part of which is the hearing loss that he has.”

In the TV series, Clint has his hearing aid from the very start of the show, and it is later shown that he has started using them to compensate for the toll many explosions have taken on his ears over his Avengers career (he was pretty much in the firing line of one of Endgame’s biggest booms, after all). It’s more of an ‘wear-and-tear’ damage approach compared to the comics, which first saw Hawkeye rendered deaf in 1983 when he burst his own eardrum with a sonic arrow in order to counter Crossfire’s sonic weaponry. Hawkeye’s ears were eventually healed, but the Fraction and Aja comics re-introduced his hearing aids, and later made him completely deaf by having him stabbed in the ears by the Clown. Stretches of the following issues are written in sign language, which we also see Clint and his son use in the show.

For more on Hawkeye, check out our premiere review, and why the idea for a Clint Barton solo movie was turned into a TV show.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.

Halo Infinite Players Frustrated With Fracture: Tenrai Event’s Gated Progression

Halo Infinite's first event - Fracture: Tenrai - is giving Spartans around the world the chance to earn free rewards like the samurai-inspired Yoroi Armor Core. Unfortunately, many have already run into issues with its gated progression and padded event pass.

The Fracture: Tenrai Event Pass is free to all players and contains 30 tiers of rewards. Unlike Halo Infinite's premium Battle Pass that requires XP to level up, players can only progress through the event pass by completing specific event challenges. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, some of the other factors surrounding it are causing frustration for certain players.

For one, the event pass can not be completed in this first week that ends on Monday, November 30, according to Halo marketing lead Noah Benesch. Instead, Fracture: Tenrai will return five more times throughout this first season to give players "plenty of opportunities to complete all 30 reward tiers." That is great for those who either don't have the time to dedicate a ton of time in one week to an event pass or may not even be available to play in a given week.

One of the biggest problems players have run into, however, is that the event pass appears to be padded with Challenge Swaps and XP Grants. So much so that only 10 of the 30 reward tiers are actual themed rewards.

"So there's 30 tiers, 10 of them being XP bonuses and 6 of them being challenge swaps," PN4R wrote on Reddit. "Out of the 14 tiers remaining which includes 'actual' content, 4 of them is a single emblem that you need to unlock 4 times to be able to use it everywhere.

"Out of the 10 remaining, you unlock 3 color palettes that are lock this specific armor [sp]. Out of the 7 remaining, you get 1 stupid callsign backdrop that most people will forget. So out of the 30 tiers for this event, you only get 6 armor parts, 2 of which are the same shoulder pad that you need to unlock 2 times for both shoulders. Meanwhile, 343 sells a 25$ armor set in the shop which actually looks pretty cool."

That armor set they spoke of is the Chonmage Armor Set, which is part of a bundle that can be bought with 2,000 in-game credits. As of this writing, that costs $17.99 USD. The shop also currently includes the Sentinel's Blades bundle that includes a Legendary Utility that can only be equipped on the samurai armor. Furthermore, you can't pay for tiers in the event pass, and you don't unlock the Yoroi Armor Core until level 5.

Compounding these issues is the fact that the event challenges are mixed in with standard challenges, so there may be times where you have to complete various standard ones to even get another event one.

Speaking of the event, it also comes with its own special mode - Fiesta - which is new to Halo Infinite but not to the franchise. In this mode, Spartans spawn with two random weapons and equipment, adding a bit of variety to the standard modes.

It's important to keep things in perspective, as Halo Infinite is a free-to-play game and this event pass costs you no extra to participate in. Sure, there are items locked in the shop that would be wonderful to be able to earn by simply playing through the event, but this is hardly the first game to do this. Although it is new to Halo, and it is a big change from the previous entries that were complete, paid packages.

To help ease players' woes, 343 Industries' community director Brian Jarrard has already responded to the outcry from these frustrated fans, saying they are "being heard loud and clear."

"Been traveling so slow to respond - but please know the constructive feedback is being heard loud and clear," Jarrard wrote. "Changes will take time and our priority this week is giving the team a much deserved break for the holiday after a long final stretch. Thank you for understanding."

It's also worth mentioning that Halo Infinite's multiplayer was not even set to be released until December 8 alongside its campaign. The team at 343 surprised fans during the celebration of Xbox and Halo's 20th anniversary by announcing that it would be available early.

This is the start of the future of Halo, and there will be bumps on the road. Luckily, 343 is committed to making this a game worthy of Master Chief, and it wants your constructive feedback to help make it so.

It has already proven it is ready to adapt, as it recently made changes to Halo Infinite's Battle Pass and promised that more changes will be on the way.

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.