Yearly Archives: 2020

Call of Duty, NBA 2K20 Add In-Game Black Lives Matter Tributes

In response to the global protests following the death of George Floyd, many games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and NBA 2K20, have added in-game Black Lives Matter tributes. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, after delaying Modern Warfare, Warzone, and Call of Duty: Mobile's upcoming seasons and committing to ban racist names from its online modes, has added an update that prompts a Black Lives Matter message to each and every Modern Warfare player as they log on. The message reads "Black Lives Matter. Our community is hurting. The systemic inequalities our community experiences are once again center stage. Call of Duty and Infinity Ward stand for equality and inclusion. We stand against the racism and injustice our Black community enures. Until change happens and Black Lives Matter, we will never truly be the community we strive to be." BLM As reported by Kotaku, NBA 2K20 has also chosen to use its platform for Black Lives Matter and is giving away three free shirts for players to wear on their in-game avatars. These shirts say "Black Lives Matter," "I Can't Breathe," and "Say Their Names." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image Credit: Kotaku[/caption] In addition, a message pops up in-game saying "In Memoriam - George Floyd, Black Lives Matter #BLM." In the neighborhood hub world section of NBA 2K20, many players wore the free shirts and protested in-game, all while large "Black Lives Matter" posters adorned the surrounding buildings. [caption id="attachment_236080" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Protest Image Credit: @FlyWithoutWings[/caption] The in-game tributes accompany the many companies around the world spreading the Black Lives Matter message and stepping back to allow for important voices to be heard. In a mission to not take over this important conversation, Sony delayed its PlayStation 5 reveal event, Fortnite delayed Chapter 2 Season 3, Rockstar shut down GTA Online and Red Dead Online for 2 hours, and the Cyberpunk 2077 news broadcast, Night City Wire, was delayed from June 11 to June 25. IGN stands in solidarity with the black community, and condemns racism. We encourage those reading to donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and support the fight for racial justice. [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 who can't say this loudly enough - Black Lives Matter.. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Call of Duty, NBA 2K20 Add In-Game Black Lives Matter Tributes

In response to the global protests following the death of George Floyd, many games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and NBA 2K20, have added in-game Black Lives Matter tributes. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, after delaying Modern Warfare, Warzone, and Call of Duty: Mobile's upcoming seasons and committing to ban racist names from its online modes, has added an update that prompts a Black Lives Matter message to each and every Modern Warfare player as they log on. The message reads "Black Lives Matter. Our community is hurting. The systemic inequalities our community experiences are once again center stage. Call of Duty and Infinity Ward stand for equality and inclusion. We stand against the racism and injustice our Black community enures. Until change happens and Black Lives Matter, we will never truly be the community we strive to be." BLM As reported by Kotaku, NBA 2K20 has also chosen to use its platform for Black Lives Matter and is giving away three free shirts for players to wear on their in-game avatars. These shirts say "Black Lives Matter," "I Can't Breathe," and "Say Their Names." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image Credit: Kotaku[/caption] In addition, a message pops up in-game saying "In Memoriam - George Floyd, Black Lives Matter #BLM." In the neighborhood hub world section of NBA 2K20, many players wore the free shirts and protested in-game, all while large "Black Lives Matter" posters adorned the surrounding buildings. [caption id="attachment_236080" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Protest Image Credit: @FlyWithoutWings[/caption] The in-game tributes accompany the many companies around the world spreading the Black Lives Matter message and stepping back to allow for important voices to be heard. In a mission to not take over this important conversation, Sony delayed its PlayStation 5 reveal event, Fortnite delayed Chapter 2 Season 3, Rockstar shut down GTA Online and Red Dead Online for 2 hours, and the Cyberpunk 2077 news broadcast, Night City Wire, was delayed from June 11 to June 25. [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 who can't say this loudly enough - Black Lives Matter.. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Limited Edition Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X Console Is Up at Amazon

Update: The console is sold out at Walmart and GameStop, but it's still available at Amazon without the $100 discount. Big summer deals for gaming are just kicking off, and you can now order the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Xbox One X console. Not only that but the console will only cost $299 for a limited time during the Xbox Deals Unlocked sale, running from June 5 - 15. This is likely to be a hot item, especially with that $100 discount, so don't miss out if you've been eagerly waiting for the last ever special edition Xbox One X to be released. Right now only Walmart has the console up and ready to order, but this is likely to change as the day goes on, and we'll be updating this page with all the current listings. [poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F06%2F05%2Fcyberpunk-xbox-one-x-bundle1591364686949.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F06%2F05%2Fcyberpunk-xbox-one-x-bundle1591364686949_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eda4c55e4b0441c3b0c8792%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbw1d%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Xbox%20One%20X%20Cyberpunk%202077%20Limited%20Edition%20Bundle%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] We can now also be certain what the console will come with, as listed on its retailer description, we can expect the console, controller, a full copy of Cyberpunk 2077 on September 17, and "the first expansion will be delivered directly to the console upon release." A free expansion is definitely worth taking note of. If you break this down, you're getting an special edition Xbox One X console, unique controller, the full Cyberpunk 2077 game, and the first expansion, all for just $299. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=xbox-one-x-cyberpunk-2077-limited-edition-bundle-screenshots&captions=true"] The console features custom panels that look straight out of the game's futuristic setting, alongside an ominous glow in the dark message on the console that reads "No Future," which matches up quite nicely with the previously see Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox controller. The controller features Johnny Silverhand’s black and silver color scheme, along with touches of red.

Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One Controller

cyberpunk-xbox-one-controller The controller's design is based on Johnny Silverhand, a musician character in the game played by Keanu Reeves. To complete the package, a matching charging stand is also available now. Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox One controllers will be compatible with Xbox Series X.

Other Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One Accessories

Don't see the deals below? Click here. [poilib element="commerceDeal" parameters="slug=cyberpunk-2077-xbox-one-accessories"] Two other Cyberpunk 2077-themed accessories are also available: a 2TB external hard drive from Seagate is set for a June release, and an Arctis 1 Wireless headset for Xbox One is available now. See our SteelSeries Arctis Gaming Headset review to see what we thought of it. Cyberpunk 2077 is being developed by CD Projekt Red, the same company that made The Witcher series. It's an open-world game set in the futuristic Night City, where people regularly install cybernetic enhancements on their bodies. The game will be available in a variety of editions; you can find full details in our Cyberpunk 2077 preorder guide. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Robert Anderson is a Commerce Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @robertliam21 [widget path="ign/modules/recirc" parameters="title=&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=us-shopping&count=3&columnCount=3&theme=article"]  

The Outer Worlds Nintendo Switch Review – Cosmic Haze

In my original review of The Outer Worlds, one of my takeaways was that it had strong worldbuilding which was enhanced by its audiovisual direction. That was based on dozens of hours with the PC version of the game. The game now has a port on Nintendo Switch, and being able to play a title as expansive as The Outer Worlds on the system is impressive. But naturally, the big compromise that it makes in order to run on the relatively less powerful console is in the visual splendour of its world.

As I've come to expect in Switch ports of graphically-intensive games, the concessions most noticeably come in the form of a very low level of detail, significantly reduced environmental objects, and the absence of many ambient and post-processing visual effects, among other things. The result is a fuzzy, watercolour-like image of a barren world, and you certainly lose a lot of the awe that comes with seeing the game's large, lush open areas and intricately detailed cities. But more importantly, the low visual fidelity makes it more difficult to spot enemy characters--especially at mid-to-long-range, and especially using the Switch's handheld mode; they tend to blend together, often sharing the same muted colour palettes.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Outer Worlds for Nintendo Switch Review – Cosmic Haze

In my original review of The Outer Worlds, one of my takeaways was that it had strong worldbuilding which was enhanced by its audiovisual direction. That was based on dozens of hours with the PC version of the game. The game now has a port on Nintendo Switch, and being able to play a title as expansive as The Outer Worlds on the system is impressive. But naturally, the big compromise that it makes in order to run on the relatively less powerful console is in the visual splendour of its world.

As I've come to expect in Switch ports of graphically-intensive games, the concessions most noticeably come in the form of a very low level of detail, significantly reduced environmental objects, and the absence of many ambient and post-processing visual effects, among other things. The result is a fuzzy, watercolour-like image of a barren world, and you certainly lose a lot of the awe that comes with seeing the game's large, lush open areas and intricately detailed cities. But more importantly, the low visual fidelity makes it more difficult to spot enemy characters--especially at mid-to-long-range, and especially using the Switch's handheld mode; they tend to blend together, often sharing the same muted colour palettes.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Pokemon Gets a Looney Tunes Style Animation

The Pokemon Company has released its first "Poketoon" animation, a new short in the style of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons. The Pokemon Kids TV YouTube channel recently posted the four-minute animated short that follows the slapstick escapades of Scraggy and Mimikyu in a humourous episode titled "Chase the Beans." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=poketoon-the-pokemon-cartoon-animation&captions=true"] The cartoon opens with its title set against a backdrop of coloured circles, similar to those used in the introduction of the Warner Bros. animated cartoon series, though the rings resemble a Pokeball in this special mash-up episode. The short story sees Scraggy on the hunt for food as he follows a trail of beans onto a train where he encounters the playful Mimikyu, who immediately interrupts his search for snacks and causes chaos in every single frame. The colourful title cards reveal that Taku Inoue directed the animation alongside Yoshiyuki Koie who served as the producer. It features animations by Miyako Makio, Ryousuke Senbo, Shinichi Suzuki, and Shuya Yoshisato. Tsutomu Ikeda animated the backgrounds and Kei Tsuda created the music for the lively animation that features no dialogue throughout. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/17/ash-ketchum-becomes-a-pokemon-league-champion-ign-now"] The short animation might help to fill the Pokeball-sized hole left behind by the Pokémon Anime TV series, which has been temporarily put on hold due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The latest season premiered in Japan with a one-hour special in November of last year. The new episodes follow Ash, Pikachu and new companion, Gou, on their globetrotting adventures from the Kanto to the Galar region, the setting of the Pokémon Sword and Shield games. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Pokemon Gets a Looney Tunes Style Animation

The Pokemon Company has released its first "Poketoon" animation, a new short in the style of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons. The Pokemon Kids TV YouTube channel recently posted the four-minute animated short that follows the slapstick escapades of Scraggy and Mimikyu in a humourous episode titled "Chase the Beans." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=poketoon-the-pokemon-cartoon-animation&captions=true"] The cartoon opens with its title set against a backdrop of coloured circles, similar to those used in the introduction of the Warner Bros. animated cartoon series, though the rings resemble a Pokeball in this special mash-up episode. The short story sees Scraggy on the hunt for food as he follows a trail of beans onto a train where he encounters the playful Mimikyu, who immediately interrupts his search for snacks and causes chaos in every single frame. The colourful title cards reveal that Taku Inoue directed the animation alongside Yoshiyuki Koie who served as the producer. It features animations by Miyako Makio, Ryousuke Senbo, Shinichi Suzuki, and Shuya Yoshisato. Tsutomu Ikeda animated the backgrounds and Kei Tsuda created the music for the lively animation that features no dialogue throughout. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/17/ash-ketchum-becomes-a-pokemon-league-champion-ign-now"] The short animation might help to fill the Pokeball-shaped hole left behind by the Pokémon Anime TV series, which has been temporarily put on hold due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The latest season premiered in Japan with a one-hour special in November of last year. The new episodes follow Ash, Pikachu and new companion, Gou, on their globetrotting adventures from the Kanto to the Galar region, the setting of the Pokémon Sword and Shield games. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Sony Fined $3.5 Million for Misleading Australian Consumers

Sony Europe (which controls Sony's operations in Australia) has been fined $3.5 Million AUD for misleading Australian consumers over its refund policy. The company has been ordered to pay this amount in penalties for "making false and misleading representations" regarding Australian Consumer Law rights. You can read the full release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission here. The court case that led to this settlement involved a series of consumers who contacted Sony over a game they deemed faulty. They were refused refunds for two reasons: the game was purchased digitally and it had been 14 days since they made the purchase. These responses from Sony do not align with Australian consumer law, so the case went to court. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/09/ps5-features-we-really-want"] Another breach of ACL came as Sony told a consumer that it could not provide a refund "unless the game developer authorized it" and told another that the refund would have to be issued using digital currency only usable on the PlayStation Store. "Consumer guarantee rights do not expire after ad digital product has been downloaded and certainly do not disappear after 14 days or any other arbitrary date claimed by a game store or developer,” reads a statement from Rod Sims, chair of the ACCC. "What Sony told these consumers was false and does not reflect the consumer guarantee rights afforded to Australian consumers." According to the release from the ACCC, Sony Europe's terms of service implied that users "did not have consumer guarantee rights regarding the quality, functionality, completeness, accuracy or performance of their purchased digital games" between October 2017 and May 2019. You may remember back in 2014 when the ACCC sued Valve for similar reasons over its refunds policy. In 2018, the High Court of Australia dismissed Valve's attempt to appeal a $3 million fine. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Sony Fined $3.5 Million for Misleading Australian Consumers

Sony Europe (which controls Sony's operations in Australia) has been fined $3.5 Million AUD for misleading Australian consumers over its refund policy. The company has been ordered to pay this amount in penalties for "making false and misleading representations" regarding Australian Consumer Law rights. You can read the full release from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission here. The court case that led to this settlement involved a series of consumers who contacted Sony over a game they deemed faulty. They were refused refunds for two reasons: the game was purchased digitally and it had been 14 days since they made the purchase. These responses from Sony do not align with Australian consumer law, so the case went to court. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/09/ps5-features-we-really-want"] Another breach of ACL came as Sony told a consumer that it could not provide a refund "unless the game developer authorized it" and told another that the refund would have to be issued using digital currency only usable on the PlayStation Store. "Consumer guarantee rights do not expire after ad digital product has been downloaded and certainly do not disappear after 14 days or any other arbitrary date claimed by a game store or developer,” reads a statement from Rod Sims, chair of the ACCC. "What Sony told these consumers was false and does not reflect the consumer guarantee rights afforded to Australian consumers." According to the release from the ACCC, Sony Europe's terms of service implied that users "did not have consumer guarantee rights regarding the quality, functionality, completeness, accuracy or performance of their purchased digital games" between October 2017 and May 2019. You may remember back in 2014 when the ACCC sued Valve for similar reasons over its refunds policy. In 2018, the High Court of Australia dismissed Valve's attempt to appeal a $3 million fine. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X Special Edition Comes With Free DLC Expansion

The limited edition Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X console bundle doesn't just entitle buyers to a digital copy of the game when it's released, but the game's first DLC expansion pack, which will be "delivered directly to the console upon release". Announced in April and available to purchase now, listings for the console point out the new detail. We previously knew that the console comes with a custom look, a matching limited edition controller, and entitles you to a copy of Cyberpunk 2077 when it's released on September 17. However, we didn't know the console would give owners the first expansion as well - a very nice bonus. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=cyberpunk-2077-xbox-hardware-images&captions=true"] Developer CD Projekt Red has previously confirmed that those expansions will be at least as big as the ones released for The Witcher 3, and will be announced before the core game's launch. We don't know how long after release those expansions will arrive, however. Only 45,000 of these consoles will be manufactured, and they'll mark the last ever special edition variant of the Xbox One X, ahead of the release of the Xbox Series X. It's worth pointing out that getting an Xbox One copy of the game automatically entitles you to a free upgrade to the Xbox Series X version when that's released, thanks to Microsoft's Smart Delivery service. Presumably, that will include the expansion content too. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/05/28/cyberpunk-2077-53-gameplay-details"] We're waiting to learn more about the much-anticipated action-RPG, with CD Projekt Red's Night City Wire news broadcast recently delayed to June 25. You'll be able to watch that, and much more, as part of IGN's Summer of Gaming event. If you're in the US, you can save $100 on the Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X right now. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.