Court documents released as part of the currently ongoing Apple v Epic Games trial have revealed that Epic paid $146 million to secure Borderlands 3 as an Epic Games Store Exclusive on PC for a timed exclusive window of six months.

Also notable: Epic paid Take-Two $146 million in advances for PC Borderlands 3 exclusivity ($115 million for the game + marketing + one-off fee) and recouped the minimum guarantee part ($80mil) in just the first 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/3YThZuy5pJ

— Simon Carless (@simoncarless) May 4, 2021

As noted by GameDiscoverCo's Simon Carless on Twitter, Epic paid Borderlands 3's publisher, Take-Two Interactive, $115 million for exclusive rights to distribute the PC version of the game for six months. This included a "minimum guarantee" of $80 million to cover costs, as well as a marketing commitment of $15 million and $20 million to cover non-recoupable fees. Additionally, Epic also paid Take-Two $11m for the Borderlands Handsome Collection and $20million for Civilization 6, which were all added together to make a "Fully Loaded Borderlands 3 Deal" priced at $146 million. As shown in the tweet, Epic recouped the cost of its minimum guarantee payment in just two weeks, and managed a net revenue of $9.2m from sales. During that period, 1.56 million people came to the Epic Games Store to play Borderlands 3, 53% of which were new to the platform. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/08/14/borderlands-3-the-borderlands-are-yours-trailer"] Both Epic and developer Gearbox faced plenty of criticism following the announcement of Borderlands 3 being exclusive to Epic Games Store on PC. The game would, of course, come to Steam in March 2020, but that half-year window was enough to bring many new users to the Epic Games Store. For more news arriving from the Apple v Epic case, take a look at our story on Sony making Epic pay for Fortnite cross-platform support, and how much Epic has spent on free games for its store. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

It looks like Sony has registered a trademark for the previously Xbox-exclusive shooter Sunset Overdrive. Spotted by Nibel on Twitter, the trademark was registered at the US Patent and Trademark Office in late April. It doesn't confirm anything, but it is interesting given that Sunset Overdrive was initially exclusive to Xbox One upon its release in 2014. The game then came to PC in 2018 before Sony acquired Insomniac as a first-party PlayStation studio in 2019.

It appears that Sony has registered a trademark for Sunset Overdrivehttps://t.co/sUlKPPxfwT

(Insomniac owns the IP but the original game has been on XBO/Windows only so far) pic.twitter.com/CoPI4cAAwQ — Nibel (@Nibellion) May 4, 2021

This means Sony can lay claim to the game and are clearly interested in maintaining its patent, but whether they intend to actually do anything with the property is anyone's guess. Interestingly enough, Sunset Overdrive Director Drew Murray recently rejoined Insomniac Games after a stint at Microsoft's 'AAAA' Perfect Dark studio The Initiative. You can check out our review of Sunset Overdrive here. We scored it a 9, calling it "fun, frantic and fantastic." It also made our list of the best open-worlds in video games. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/15/sunset-overdrive-windows-10-pc-launch-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

It looks like Sony has registered a trademark for the previously Xbox-exclusive shooter Sunset Overdrive. Spotted by Nibel on Twitter, the trademark was registered at the US Patent and Trademark Office in late April. It doesn't confirm anything, but it is interesting given that Sunset Overdrive was initially exclusive to Xbox One upon its release in 2014. The game then came to PC in 2018 before Sony acquired Insomniac as a first-party PlayStation studio in 2019.

It appears that Sony has registered a trademark for Sunset Overdrivehttps://t.co/sUlKPPxfwT

(Insomniac owns the IP but the original game has been on XBO/Windows only so far) pic.twitter.com/CoPI4cAAwQ — Nibel (@Nibellion) May 4, 2021

This means Sony can lay claim to the game and are clearly interested in maintaining its patent, but whether they intend to actually do anything with the property is anyone's guess. Interestingly enough, Sunset Overdrive Director Drew Murray recently rejoined Insomniac Games after a stint at Microsoft's 'AAAA' Perfect Dark studio The Initiative. You can check out our review of Sunset Overdrive here. We scored it a 9, calling it "fun, frantic and fantastic." It also made our list of the best open-worlds in video games. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/15/sunset-overdrive-windows-10-pc-launch-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Sony has announced May 2021’s PlayStation Now update, and it includes Jump Force, Nioh, and Streets of Rage 4, all available from May 4. Announced on the PlayStation Blog, the new games are available from today, with Jump Force remaining on the subscription service until 2 August 2021, and Streets of Rage 4 available until 1 November 2021. No removal date was given for Nioh. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/02/06/nioh-review"] It’s quite a mix of games this month, with dark samurai action game Nioh, chaotic anime arena fighter Jump Force, and 2D side scrolling brawler Streets of Rage 4 all joining the service. But PS Now currently has over 800 PS4, PS3, and PS2 titles available to stream, and over 300 PS4 games that are also available to download. Sony also reminded fans that PlayStation Now has recently started to support 1080p streaming of games on the service for PC, PS5, and PS4, depending on your internet connection. The rollout will be occurring over the next few weeks, across Europe, Canada and Japan. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/04/08/streets-of-rage-4-mr-x-nightmare-dlc-official-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Liam Wiseman is a freelance news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @liamthewiseman 

Sony has announced May 2021’s PlayStation Now update, and it includes Jump Force, Nioh, and Streets of Rage 4, all available from May 4. Announced on the PlayStation Blog, the new games are available from today, with Jump Force remaining on the subscription service until 2 August 2021, and Streets of Rage 4 available until 1 November 2021. No removal date was given for Nioh. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/02/06/nioh-review"] It’s quite a mix of games this month, with dark samurai action game Nioh, chaotic anime arena fighter Jump Force, and 2D side scrolling brawler Streets of Rage 4 all joining the service. But PS Now currently has over 800 PS4, PS3, and PS2 titles available to stream, and over 300 PS4 games that are also available to download. Sony also reminded fans that PlayStation Now has recently started to support 1080p streaming of games on the service for PC, PS5, and PS4, depending on your internet connection. The rollout will be occurring over the next few weeks, across Europe, Canada and Japan. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/04/08/streets-of-rage-4-mr-x-nightmare-dlc-official-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Liam Wiseman is a freelance news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @liamthewiseman 

Nintendo has an official clause in its contracts that stipulates any Japanese developers or publishers it works with cannot be tied to organised crime groups such as the Yakuza. Documents and details about the inner workings of the games industry are currently being revealed as part of the ongoing Epic Games vs Apple trial. A highly confidential and heavily-redacted Nintendo document has been doing the rounds as a result. Within that document is a section on “Anti-Social Forces,” spotted by Stephen Totilo of Axios Gaming. The document notes that if a ‘Content Provider’ is based in Japan, it can not be an “Anti-Social Force” or “Boryokudan” (a Japanese term that means 'violence groups', or organized crime groups). Effectively, the document imposes a black and white ban on partners working with the Yakuza. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/20/yakuza-like-a-dragon-next-generation-of-yakuza-trailer"] If the developer or publisher wishes to work with Nintendo, they are also not allowed to ”give monetary benefits to an Anti-Social Force,” “use threat or violence in connection with transactions” or “interfere with the business of Nintendo Entities by spreading false rumours, using fraud or force,” the document reads. Of course, this doesn’t bar Nintendo from working with game studios that are making games about organized crime groups in Japan, such as Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Yakuza series. However, In the past, Yakuza series producer Daisuke Sato has said that the Nintendo Switch is not the “ideal“ platform to develop Yakuza games on. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Nintendo has an official clause in its contracts that stipulates any Japanese developers or publishers it works with cannot be tied to organised crime groups such as the Yakuza. Documents and details about the inner workings of the games industry are currently being revealed as part of the ongoing Epic Games vs Apple trial. A highly confidential and heavily-redacted Nintendo document has been doing the rounds as a result. Within that document is a section on “Anti-Social Forces,” spotted by Stephen Totilo of Axios Gaming. The document notes that if a ‘Content Provider’ is based in Japan, it can not be an “Anti-Social Force” or “Boryokudan” (a Japanese term that means 'violence groups', or organized crime groups). Effectively, the document imposes a black and white ban on partners working with the Yakuza. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/20/yakuza-like-a-dragon-next-generation-of-yakuza-trailer"] If the developer or publisher wishes to work with Nintendo, they are also not allowed to ”give monetary benefits to an Anti-Social Force,” “use threat or violence in connection with transactions” or “interfere with the business of Nintendo Entities by spreading false rumours, using fraud or force,” the document reads. Of course, this doesn’t bar Nintendo from working with game studios that are making games about organized crime groups in Japan, such as Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Yakuza series. However, In the past, Yakuza series producer Daisuke Sato has said that the Nintendo Switch is not the “ideal“ platform to develop Yakuza games on. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

A new short teaser for Disney+'s Loki was released during tonight's Marvel-themed NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans. This new promo spot, which was shared by those like @MarvelFacts on Twitter, gives us another glimpse at the adventures this "variant" of the God of Mischief will be undertaking.

New special look at #Loki pic.twitter.com/WBzWyAytRK

— Marvel Facts (@MarveIFacts) May 4, 2021

Also appearing alongside Tom Hiddleston's Loki in this spot are Owen Wilson's Mobius E. Mobius and Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Judge Renslayer. Loki will also feature Sophia Di Martina, Wunmi Mosaku, and Richard E. Grant. When Loki premieres on Disney+ on June 11, 2021, we will learn the story of the Time Variance Authority's plan to force Loki to fix the mess he made during the events of Avengers: Endgame. We will also discover how Marvel's Loki will connect to the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and how much trouble Loki can get into while traveling to various points throughout human history, influencing historical events in his mischievous way as he goes. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/04/05/marvel-studios-loki-official-trailer-2"] As for this Marvel-themed NBA game, the event was called NBA Special Edition Presented by State Farm: Marvel's Arena of Heroes and it included an "original" Marvel story with characters like Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, Black Widow, and Doctor Strange making an appearance.

Soon #ArenaOfHeroes pic.twitter.com/ErizXwbIA1

— ESPN (@espn) May 3, 2021

Players in the game earned Marvel Hero Points for each point, rebound, assist, steal, and block, and the telecast was Marvel-themed, featuring a comic book-style presentation - complete with "Hulk Smash" animations when dunks occurred - and special appearances by everyone's favorite heroes.

Black Panther, Iron Man & Captain Marvel dropped in for Marvel’s #ArenaOfHeroes! pic.twitter.com/de9MwDOL6i

— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2021

[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. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

A new short teaser for Disney+'s Loki was released during tonight's Marvel-themed NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans. This new promo spot, which was shared by those like @MarvelFacts on Twitter, gives us another glimpse at the adventures this "variant" of the God of Mischief will be undertaking.

New special look at #Loki pic.twitter.com/WBzWyAytRK

— Marvel Facts (@MarveIFacts) May 4, 2021

Also appearing alongside Tom Hiddleston's Loki in this spot are Owen Wilson's Mobius E. Mobius and Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Judge Renslayer. Loki will also feature Sophia Di Martina, Wunmi Mosaku, and Richard E. Grant. When Loki premieres on Disney+ on June 11, 2021, we will learn the story of the Time Variance Authority's plan to force Loki to fix the mess he made during the events of Avengers: Endgame. We will also discover how Marvel's Loki will connect to the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and how much trouble Loki can get into while traveling to various points throughout human history, influencing historical events in his mischievous way as he goes. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/04/05/marvel-studios-loki-official-trailer-2"] As for this Marvel-themed NBA game, the event was called NBA Special Edition Presented by State Farm: Marvel's Arena of Heroes and it included an "original" Marvel story with characters like Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, Black Widow, and Doctor Strange making an appearance.

Soon #ArenaOfHeroes pic.twitter.com/ErizXwbIA1

— ESPN (@espn) May 3, 2021

Players in the game earned Marvel Hero Points for each point, rebound, assist, steal, and block, and the telecast was Marvel-themed, featuring a comic book-style presentation - complete with "Hulk Smash" animations when dunks occurred - and special appearances by everyone's favorite heroes.

Black Panther, Iron Man & Captain Marvel dropped in for Marvel’s #ArenaOfHeroes! pic.twitter.com/de9MwDOL6i

— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2021

[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. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

John Swartzwelder is both a beloved and enigmatic figure in Simpsons lore. Responsible for more scripts than any other writer in Simpsons history — 59 in total — he played a crucial role in developing the show's voice. But as something of a recluse, he's almost never given interviews, lending him an almost mythic aura in Simpsons history. So when Swartzwelder finally broke his silence to speak with The New Yorker over the weekend, it was big news. In the wide-ranging interview, Swartzwelder addressed many of the most famous legends from over the years, from supposedly applying for Late Night With Dave Letterman by handing in a three-by-five card containing a single joke (Swartzwelder denies it) to his time on SNL. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/08/20/history-of-awesome-the-simpsons"] Naturally, it was Swartzwelder's lengthy stint with the The Simpsons that garnered the most attention. He spoke honestly but fondly of his time on the show, praising the talent in the writing room, and revealing some of his secrets for producing beloved scripts like Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment. He also addressed some of the biggest legends surrounding his time at The Simpsons. For example, the rumor that he received special permission to work away from the office because he insisted on smoking. "After Season 4, I renegotiated my contract to allow me to work from home. I didn’t want to go in to work every day anymore. Getting old, I guess. It had nothing to do with smoking," Swartzwelder said. There was also the legend that he enjoyed working in a particular diner booth so much that he wound up bringing it home with him. "Actually, I bought a new diner booth and had it installed in my home," Swartzwelder replied matter-of-factly. "Later, I added a second one, in a different part of the house. Diner booths are a great place to write. Try it." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-top-30-simpsons-episodes&captions=true"] Swartzwelder went on to share some of his favorite episodes, including Bart the Murderer and Homer at the Bat, and reveal that Season 3 was his favorite of the bunch. "I will say that I’ve always thought Season 3 was our best individual season. By Season 3 we had learned how to grind out first-class 'Simpsons' episodes with surprising regularity, we had developed a big cast of characters to work with, we hadn’t even come close to running out of story lines, and the staff hadn’t been worn down by overwork yet. Season 3 was a fun year to be in the 'Simpsons' writers’ room, and I think it shows in the work," Swartzwelder said. Swartzwelder left The Simpsons in 2003. These days he self-publishes novels about a bumbling private detective named Frank Burly who has a habit of finding himself in sci-fi plots. His legacy lives on in the term "Swartzweldian," which is used to denote the mix of random and old-timey humor that infused his scripts. "I guess I understand what they’re driving at, and it all sounds very complimentary, and I thank everybody for that, but I can’t help thinking 'Swartzweldian' is about the most awkward-sounding word in the English language," Swartzwelder said. "I mean, I thought 'Oakleyesque' and 'Vittiriffic' [Simpsons' writers Bill Oakley and Jon Vitti] were bad, but 'Swartzweldian'!" The Simpsons is currently in the midst of its 32nd season, and has already been renewed for Seasons 33 and 34. It's better than you think, but if you still have some nostalgia for Golden Era Simpsons (who doesn't?), then this interview is well worth a read. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN. Her favorite episode of The Simpsons is "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show."