With no new Star Wars movie on the immediate horizon, all eyes are on The Mandalorian: Season 2 right now. And unsurprisingly, Hasbro is betting big on all things Mando and Baby Yoda for its upcoming toy and collectible releases. As part of the first weekly Mando Monday event, Hasbro revealed a huge bounty of Mandalorian toys in the works for Fall 2020. From new additions to the Black Series and Vintage Collection lines to a Mandalorian-themed version of Monopoly, there's a little something for every Star Wars fan here. Check out the slideshow gallery below for a closer look at everything: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-wars-hasbro-reveals-vintage-inspired-mandalorian-figures&captions=true"] Perhaps the coolest reveal in this new batch of figures is the Star Wars: The Black Series Credit Collection. While these various 6-inch Mandalorian figures have all been released as part of the regular Black Series in the past, the Credit Collection rereleases update those figures with new weathered paint scheme designed to mimic the stylish end credits of The Mandalorian. They also come packaged in vintage-inspired boxes (similar to the recent The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary figures) and each include a different replica of an Imperial credit. Similarly, while the 3.75-inch Vintage Collection series has seen several Mandalorian figures in the past year, the Carbonized Collection updates those figures with metallic paint jobs. These weren't the only new Mandalorian toys revealed as part of the first Mando Monday. Baby Yoda is getting his own LEGO set, and he still looks adorable in block form. In other The Mandalorian news, we've got a breakdown of all the characters and cameos in the series so far, including some new reveals from the Season 2 trailer. And Temuera Morrison, the actor who portrayed Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones, was recently cast as Boba Fett in the second series of the show. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/15/the-mandalorian-season-2-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

If you've been having a hard time trying to order the new Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics card, you're not alone. Nvidia has issued a formal apology to those impacted by the overwhelming demand for the card. Nvidia put the new card on sale last week, September 17, and production has been in full swing for the RTX 3080 since cards began shipping to retail partners in August and supply is being increased each week to meet the demand. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=nvidia-geforce-rtx-30-series-reveal&captions=true"] Nvidia revealed its next generation of graphics cards earlier this month and immediately had the internet abuzz, and for good reason. The RTX 3080 offers more than twice as much power as its predecessor at almost half the price. The company reported more than four times the traffic on its website as compared to the 20-series launch, and stated that over 50 retail partners "reported record traffic to their sites, in many cases exceeding Black Friday." Many people woke up early hoping to secure their orders only to find the graphics cards were sold out almost instantly, with many taken by bots. RTX 3080s were being listed on eBay shortly after for thousands of dollars above the retail price. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080-founders-edition-review"] Nvidia is aware of the many bots attempting to place orders and has assured potential buyers that it is doing everything in its power to reduce the amount of successful bot sales. "This is the first time that we have seen bots at this scale and sophistication," Nvidia stated in its blog post. "While individuals using bots may have shown images of email inboxes filled with confirmed orders, NVIDIA has cancelled hundreds of orders manually before they were able to ship." Additional security has been implemented on the backend of its website, as well. "We have been quickly working on numerous security upgrades, including CAPTCHA," Nvidia said. "We will also continue to manually monitor purchases to help ensure cards get in the hands of legitimate consumers." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/01/nvidia-rtx-3080-reveal-trailer"] Expect a similar demand for the RTX 3090 which is available to order beginning September 24, but hopefully this time Nvidia's additional security measures will ensure those eager to purchase the card will be more successful this time around. Looking to order an RTX 3080 when it's back in stock? Check out our handy guide for where to preorder the RTX 3080. Also, check out our reviews for the NVIDIA RTX 3080 Founders Edition and the MSI RTX 3080 Gaming X Trio. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matthew Adler is a Features, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

Mobile streaming provider Quibi, or "Quick Bites," is reportedly exploring options to sell the company just six months after its launch. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Quibi is considering "several options" to keep the company afloat, including going public via a merger, selling, or raising additional funds. THR goes on to say that while a Quibi spokeswoman declined to comment, she did release this statement: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/08/quibi-review-2020"] "Quibi has successfully launched a new business and pioneered a new form of storytelling and a state-of-the-art platform," she told THR, adding "Meg and Jeffrey are committed to continuing to build the business in the way that gives the greatest experience for customers, the greatest value for shareholders and greatest opportunity for employees." When the streamer debuted back in April 2020, co-founder Jeffery Katzenberg told the Los Angeles Times he hoped Quibi would become "the third generation of film narrative," by combining the strengths of movies and episodic television into one cohesive force. The service launched with $2 billion in financial resources, however, the company has seen diminishing returns with 4.5 million initial app downloads and 1.6 million subscribers according to THR. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=quibis-movie-and-tv-shows-reviewed&captions=true"] In our review of the streaming platform, we say, "Quibi checks all the boxes when it comes to its smooth user interface and reasonable pricing but lags behind Netflix and Amazon in terms of quality original series." Do you think Quibi still has a fight in the Great Streaming War? Let us know in the comments. [poilib element="accentDivider"] David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.

Blizzard has announced official dates for its online-only BlizzCon 2021 celebration, dubbed “BlizzConline.”

BlizzConline is scheduled for February 19 and February 20, 2021, and while Blizzard doesn't have a lot of info on what will be shown just yet, it did set expectations with its announcement, while also announcing some community event plans. “While circumstances are keeping us from gathering in person this year, we’re putting together a little something early next year to channel the spirit of BlizzCon into the form of an online show,” Blizzard said in its announcement. “We still have a lot of planning to do, and it’ll be some time before we’re ready to share more details — but we wanted to provide a heads-up on how you can be a part of the online fun.” Despite the lack of a real-world gathering place, BlizzConline will still feature a number of fan community events. There’s the annual cosplay contest, divided up into four different categories: Best character, best weapons and armor, best modern creation, and best traditional creation. Cosplayers will be submitting videos and photos rather than walking out onto a stage. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/world-of-warcraft-shadowlands-gameplay-trailer"]

BlizzConline will also feature an art contest, digital storytelling contest, a talent spotlight, and a virtual “March of the Murlocs,” where fans dress up as Blizzard’s bipedal frog-like creatures.

You can find rules and additional details about all those BlizzConline fan events here.

BlizzConline is far from the only major games industry show to be impacted by COVID-19 and the ensuing restrictions on large social gatherings. Game studios and developers are also having to restructure how they continue on with their work.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer for IGN...again...finally.

It's only been hours since Microsoft announced that it acquired ZeniMax Media – bringing Bethesda and Obsidian into the same corporate fold – and fans are already asking for them to collaborate on Fallout: New Vegas 2. You might be wondering why that's all of a sudden a possibility when the first New Vegas game came out almost a decade ago. It's because Microsoft announced today that it had acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company to Bethesda Softworks. Fallout: New Vegas was a Fallout game published by Bethesda, but developed by Obsidian (itself purchased by Microsoft in 2018). With both Bethesda and Obsidian now under the Xbox umbrella, fans are starting to feel the potential for a sequel to the beloved Fallout game and Obsidian seemingly has no problem teasing.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ https://t.co/MqyiuNsWS2

— Obsidian (@Obsidian) September 21, 2020

As you can see in the tweet above, when someone tagged Obsidian in a tweet today and asked if Fallout: New Vegas 2 is a "legit possibility now," the studio responded with the playful shoulder shrug emoji. Of course, this doesn't confirm anything other than Obsidian playfully acknowledging the idea of a collaboration. But that simple tweet has already garnered upwards of 16,000 retweets, and fans are letting their imaginations run wild:

pic.twitter.com/AmfAma3CTT

— Lik Chan (@LikChan) September 21, 2020

Obsidian's social media team waking up to thousands of "New Vegas 2" tweets like pic.twitter.com/QKiVNvZWLG

— so much drama in the L.D.C. (@cringus__dingus) September 21, 2020

Me: Microsoft buying Bethesda is yet another step towards a hypercorporate dystopia much like the one depicted in Fallout games

Also me: Oh my god what if Obsidian makes New Vegas 2 — Tristan Cooper (@TristanACooper) September 21, 2020

Only time will tell if anything comes of the company's newfound connection - and it will likely be a very long time. Obsidian's hands are quite full right now, considering they still have Outer Worlds DLC, backyard-survival sim Grounded and (extremely Bethesda-like) fantasy RPG Avowed in development. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/22/every-ign-fallout-review-ever"] For more Fallout: New Vegas, read about the best Fallout stories we think should be told in Amazon's new Fallout show and then read about why we think Fallout: New Vegas is one of the best games of the past decade. Be sure to check out our video explaining every IGN Fallout  review ever after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

After seeing the news that Microsoft plans to acquire ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks for $7.5 billion, the first question uttered by most (well, after “What the f**k?”) was: “Wait, is The Elder Scrolls 6 an Xbox exclusive now?” Officially, that’s a firm “no comment” from Bethesda right now, while head of Xbox Phil Spencer told Bloomberg that Bethesda games would appear on non-Xbox consoles on a “case by case basis”. Behind the scenes, it might present the sternest test of head of Xbox Phil Spencer’s philosophy of openness so far. The case for making Bethesda’s games exclusive is obvious – players have consistently made the case that PlayStation has had the better exclusives for at least the last generation, building a stable of mega-hits that have undoubtedly had an effect on the huge success of PS5 preorders. Until today, Microsoft had little more than a delayed Halo, some untested new franchises, and hazily release-dated Forza and Fable games. Now, should it be deemed the right approach, Xbox could also have The Elder Scrolls 6, the much discussed Starfield (even if we don’t actually know what it is), future installments of Fallout, Doom, Wolfenstein and more. It’s not a coincidence that the news came the day for Xbox Series X and S preorders opened. By classic games industry logic, making all of these games exclusive to Xbox is something of a no-brainer. These are some of the biggest franchises in the world, and locking them into Microsoft’s hardware would likely make them an enormous amount of money, potentially even tipping the balance of the upcoming new generation. The thing is, recently, Phil Spencer hasn’t been espousing classic games industry logic. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] “I find it completely counter to what gaming is about to say that part of that is to lock people away from being able to experience [exclusive] games”, he told GamesIndustry earlier this year. “Or to force someone to buy my specific device on the day that I want them to go buy it, in order to partake in what gaming is about. Gaming is bigger than any one device.” At the time, Spencer was explaining his philosophy for why new Xbox Game Studios games would appear on Xbox One, the Xbox Series X, in many cases the PC, and, as we know now, the Xbox Series S. But those words might echo a little louder now. Is there a chance Xbox will allow the Bethesda games it will soon own to be released on competing consoles? I’d say the signs are there. Quite apart from the fact that Xbox has already said it will honour the timed PS5 exclusivity for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo, and that past Xbox exclusives have already begun popping up on Switch, Bethesda itself has potentially been hinting at the idea today. In a blog post, Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard never quite said that the company’s games would remain multi-platform, but got pretty close: "Like our original partnership [with Xbox for Morrowind], this one is about more than one system or one screen. We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone - regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/01/interview-head-of-xbox-phil-spencer-unlocked-437"] This could, of course, be referring to Xbox’s existing openness - its multi-generational release structure for games, and new cloud streaming services. Like the existing Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft might be imparting a philosophy of making games that will work on as many devices as possible, as long as they’re controlled by Microsoft in some way. Except there’s also the chance that, unlike Microsoft’s other recent acquisitions, Bethesda will be sitting outside of the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. While a Microsoft press release made clear that Bethesda’s 8 studios were being added to its stable of 15 existing developers, it avoided using the Xbox Game Studios term. On top of that, Bethesda SVP of global marketing Pete Hines said, "We’re still working on the same games we were yesterday, made by the same studios we’ve worked with for years, and those games will be published by us." I’ve asked Microsoft for clarification on that language, but the issue of publishing is an interesting one. On its own website, Xbox lists games by its other studios, such as Playground Games or Ninja Theory, as being published specifically by Xbox Game Studios. If Bethesda will be publishing its own games after the acquisition, it could imply that the company will continue to create games for all platforms possible. So why would Microsoft allow such a thing? It might be as simple an answer as basic maths. At their largest, Bethesda’s games are legitimate phenomena. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has sold more than 30 million copies, a feat achieved in part because it’s been sold across so many platforms that it’s become a self-fulfilling meme. If Xbox takes a cut on every copy of the game sold (as it does with Minecraft copies sold on PS4), it might simply make more financial sense to release it across all possible platforms, no matter how many more consoles shifted by putting The Elder Scrolls 6 behind an Xbox-shaped wall. Minecraft is a good analogue in general here – a game simply too big to be removed from competitor platforms after Microsoft bought it. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/xbox-series-sx-video-montage"] In fact, Xbox could still benefit beyond the simple sales cut. It’s already confirmed that future Bethesda games will arrive at launch on Xbox Game Pass – to be able to tell customers that they can grab a Game Pass subscription to play all of Bethesda’s games, or pay a possible $70 for a single one of its games on PS5 is still a weighty move. To some, foregoing exclusivity might even come across as a gesture of goodwill, an opportunity for Xbox to look like the good guy, while PlayStation locks its best products away. The deciding factor, potentially, could come down to appearances. Does Phil Spencer want to look like the man that bought Bethesda but gave their games to everyone, or does he make Xbox into a newfound powerhouse of exclusives? They’re both strong looks, depending on who you talk to – seeing which he chooses will be one of the upcoming generation’s most fascinating moments. [poilib element="accentDivider"] 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.

The LEGO Group has revealed a new set based on The Child (aka Baby Yoda) from Disney+ show Star Wars: The Mandalorian – announced alongside 'Mando Mondays', which will see new merchandise unveiled each week. The LEGO Star Wars The Child Construction Set is available starting October 30th and will let fans build a 20cm version of Baby Yoda, complete with cute details like the gearstick knob, his favourite toy from the show. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=baby-yoda-lego-images&captions=true"] Those who decide to adopt Lego Baby Yoda will be able to tweak his posable head, ears and mouth to create a range of expressions with the finished model. The model also comes with a supplementary information plaque and a Baby Yoda Minifigure. This toy reveal is part of a new Disney promotion called 'Mando Mondays' which will deliver new product reveals every week, based on characters from Star Wars: The Mandalorian. As well as the Lego Baby Yoda set, Hasbro Black Series figures and Funko Pop! Bobbleheads have also been revealed as part of the first wave of products. In other Star Wars news, check out our article explaining every character and cameo from the first season to prepare you for Season 2 of The Mandalorian. Temuera Morrison, the actor who portrayed Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones was recently cast as Boba Fett in the second series of the show. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

ZeniMax Online Studios has announced that despite Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, The Elder Scrolls Online will continue to receive support on PlayStation 4. Microsoft made the announcement on September 21 that it had acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks and ZeniMax Online Studios. This acquisition effectively brought franchises like Fallout, Doom, Dishonored, Wolfenstein, and of course, The Elder Scrolls, under the Xbox umbrella leaving many to speculate what might happen for the PlayStation side of these games. While not much is known across the board, ZOS said today that ESO will remain on PS4. "By now I am sure that most of you have heard the exciting news: ZeniMax Media (the parent company of ZeniMax Online Studios) has signed a deal to be acquired by Microsoft, including Bethesda Softworks and all of its studios, including ZOS," ZeniMax Online Studios director Matt Firor said in a statement released on Twitter. "I want to take this moment to reassure the entire Elder Scrolls Online community that ESO will continue to be supported exactly as it was, and we fully expect it to keep growing and thriving on each of the platforms that are currently supported." Firor continued on and said he's excited to see how Microsoft and ZOS can work together to make ESO an even better game for everyone before thanking fans for the continued support over the years. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-elder-scrolls-review&captions=true"] As you can tell in the statement, Firor doesn't specifically mention PS4 but he did mention that support for the platforms ESO is on would continue and considering ESO is on PS4, it's safe to say support will continue for the title there. What this means going forward into a new generation of consoles is up in the air though. ESO will likely be playable as a PS4 game on the PlayStation 5 considering 99% of PS4 titles will be playable on PS5, but an upgraded PS5 version for the game could now be off the table, not that an upgrade like this was even in the works to begin with. Only time will tell. If you're looking to preorder an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S in light of the Microsoft acquisition news, check out our guide for where and when to preorder these consoles and then read how it will likely be years from now when we hear about The Elder Scrolls 6 again. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/06/11/the-elder-scrolls-6-teaser-e3-2018"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Microsoft will reportedly honour the PS5 timed exclusivity agreed for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo, and that future Bethesda games will appear on Xbox, PC, and other consoles on a "case by case basis".

Xbox has announced that it plans to acquire ZeniMax Media, and with it Bethesda Softworks, creators and publishers of The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, Doom, Dishonored, Quake, Starfield and more. Announced by Head of Xbox Phil Spencer in an Xbox Wire post today, Microsoft will acquire ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion – 3 times the $2.5 billion it paid for Mojang and Minecraft in 2014 – and the formal purchase is expected to close in the second half of 2021. The deal includes ZeniMax Media as a whole, Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. In a blog post, Bethesda SVP of global marketing said, "We’re still working on the same games we were yesterday, made by the same studios we’ve worked with for years, and those games will be published by us." The move, Hines explains, is because Microsoft "access to resources that will make us a better publisher and developer." It's unclear whether Bethesda will be considered a part of, or separate to, the existing Xbox Game Studios fold. IGN asked Bethesda for clarification on that, and the effect on its in-development games – including Starfield's intended platforms, and the timed PlayStation exclusivity for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo – but was told that there would be no comment beyond the existing statements given today. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard wrote his own blog post about the benefits of the acquisition, pointing to the company's long association with Xbox, starting with porting Morrowind to Microsoft's first console. He says that Xbox Series S and X, "are optimized for the vast worlds we love to create, with generational leaps not just in graphics, but CPU and data streaming as well. It’s lead to our largest engine overhaul since Oblivion, with all new technologies powering our first new IP in 25 years, Starfield, as well as The Elder Scrolls VI. While avoiding any specifics, Todd Howard also alluded to the idea of exclusives indicating, perhaps that Bethesda would not be limited to the Xbox ecosystem: "Like our original partnership, this one is about more than one system or one screen. We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone - regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one." Xbox also says it "will be adding Bethesda’s iconic franchises to Xbox Game Pass for console and PC." A press release added that Bethesda’s future games will be added, at launch, into Xbox Game Pass on Xbox or PC. It's perhaps not a coincidence that the announcement comes the day before Xbox Series X and S preorders open. [poilib element="accentDivider"] 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.