Monthly Archives: September 2022

Webb Telescope Shows Us the Heart of a ‘Phantom Galaxy’ in a Way Hubble Never Could

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a stunning view into the heart of the vast Phantom Galaxy - officially known as M74 - which lies 32 million light-years distant from Earth in the constellation Pisces.

This latest cosmic piece of art from the JWST is a perfect example of how data captured by multiple orbital telescopes that are designed to observe different wavelengths of light can be combined to create a more complete, and spectacular view of an astronomical object.

The new JWST imagery was captured using the telescope’s Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which is designed to observe light that exists in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ordinarily, our human eyes would be incapable of perceiving this kind of light. However, astronomers are able to take the raw infrared data collected by telescopes and instruments such as MIRI and assign them colors that we can comprehend.

This is useful, as galaxies such as M74 are saturated with enormous clouds of interstellar dust and gas that prevent telescopes that observe the heavens in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum from seeing its underlying structure.

Thankfully, infrared telescopes such as the JWST are able to look past this obscuring layer to observe that which lies beneath, in order to provide a more complete view of the universe.

In the case of the Phantom Galaxy, Webb’s powerful infrared eyes revealed an ethereal view of the filaments of dust and gas that lie within M74’s well defined spiral arms, and a clear central region that plays host to a dense cluster of stellar bodies.

Previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope meanwhile showcased the galaxy in the ultraviolet and visible parts of the light spectrum. The Hubble data highlighted a central population of old red stars, and the locations of younger blueish stellar bodies that pepper the spiral arms.

Red gasseus regions dotted throughout the structure represented regions of intense star formation, where the light pouring out from powerful young stars had energised the surrounding clouds, causing them to glow.

Scientists were able to combine the Webb and Hubble data to create a truly spectacular view of the Phantom galaxy. Here, JWST data has been colored red to denote the mass of dust weaved throughout the galactic structure, with regions of orange representing hotter regions of matter. Young stellar bodies meanwhile are represented in blue, while their older cousins are shown in a cyan/green hues.

With the new Webb data, astronomers will attempt to shed light on the processes that governed star formation in the early universe, and to figure out the ages and masses of ancient star clusters.

Check out IGN’s science page to stay up to date with the weird wonderful, and often magnificent world of science.

Anthony Wood is a freelance science writer for IGN.

Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST Team; ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Chandar. Acknowledgement: J. Schmidt

Webb Telescope Shows Us the Heart of a ‘Phantom Galaxy’ in a Way Hubble Never Could

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a stunning view into the heart of the vast Phantom Galaxy - officially known as M74 - which lies 32 million light-years distant from Earth in the constellation Pisces.

This latest cosmic piece of art from the JWST is a perfect example of how data captured by multiple orbital telescopes that are designed to observe different wavelengths of light can be combined to create a more complete, and spectacular view of an astronomical object.

The new JWST imagery was captured using the telescope’s Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which is designed to observe light that exists in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ordinarily, our human eyes would be incapable of perceiving this kind of light. However, astronomers are able to take the raw infrared data collected by telescopes and instruments such as MIRI and assign them colors that we can comprehend.

This is useful, as galaxies such as M74 are saturated with enormous clouds of interstellar dust and gas that prevent telescopes that observe the heavens in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum from seeing its underlying structure.

Thankfully, infrared telescopes such as the JWST are able to look past this obscuring layer to observe that which lies beneath, in order to provide a more complete view of the universe.

In the case of the Phantom Galaxy, Webb’s powerful infrared eyes revealed an ethereal view of the filaments of dust and gas that lie within M74’s well defined spiral arms, and a clear central region that plays host to a dense cluster of stellar bodies.

Previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope meanwhile showcased the galaxy in the ultraviolet and visible parts of the light spectrum. The Hubble data highlighted a central population of old red stars, and the locations of younger blueish stellar bodies that pepper the spiral arms.

Red gasseus regions dotted throughout the structure represented regions of intense star formation, where the light pouring out from powerful young stars had energised the surrounding clouds, causing them to glow.

Scientists were able to combine the Webb and Hubble data to create a truly spectacular view of the Phantom galaxy. Here, JWST data has been colored red to denote the mass of dust weaved throughout the galactic structure, with regions of orange representing hotter regions of matter. Young stellar bodies meanwhile are represented in blue, while their older cousins are shown in a cyan/green hues.

With the new Webb data, astronomers will attempt to shed light on the processes that governed star formation in the early universe, and to figure out the ages and masses of ancient star clusters.

Check out IGN’s science page to stay up to date with the weird wonderful, and often magnificent world of science.

Anthony Wood is a freelance science writer for IGN.

Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST Team; ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Chandar. Acknowledgement: J. Schmidt

Destiny 2: Where Is Xur Today? Location and Exotic Items for September 2-6

The swag chaffeur, Xûr, is now live in Destiny 2 for the weekend until next week's reset. If you're looking to get your some shiny new Exotic armor or weapons for your Guardian, look no further.

Each week, Xûr has a random assortment of Exotic armor, one for each Guardian class, as well as a random Exotic Weapon and an Exotic Engram available for purchase. In addition to his Exotic wares, he's got a random collection of Legendary weapons and armor to deck out your Guardians.

We've rounded up all the info on Xûr for the week including where to find Xûr, which Exotic weapons and armor are available, as well as which Legendary weapons you should pick up, either for PvE or PvP.

Where Is Xûr Today?

Xûr's location can be found at Winding Cove in the EDZ on September 2 through September 6. To reach him, travel to the landing point at Winding Cove. When you arrive, make for the rock cliffs at the far end of the cove and look for a cave winding up to a platform next to some Fallen. There you'll find the freakish salesman we all adore.

What's Xûr Selling Today?

Exotic Engram

Tractor Cannon - Exotic Shotgun

The Dragon's Shadow - Exotic Hunter Chest Armor

  • 14 Mobility
  • 18 Resilience
  • 2 Recovery
  • 12 Discipline
  • 2 Intellect
  • 12 Strength
  • Total: 60

Lion Rampant - Exotic Titan Leg Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 17 Resilience
  • 9 Recovery
  • 7 Discipline
  • 12 Intellect
  • 10 Strength
  • Total: 62

Contraverse Hold - Exotic Warlock Gauntlets

  • 12 Mobility
  • 12 Resilience
  • 8 Recovery
  • 12 Discipline
  • 6 Intellect
  • 13 Strength
  • Total: 63

Some decent exotics this week, but sadly all of their rolls are pretty subpar, which means you likely will want to wait to make your purchases unless your need is urgent.

Exotic Weapons

Hawkmoon - Exotic Hand Cannon

  • Paracausal Shot
  • Arrowhead Brake
  • Alloy Magazine
  • Snapshot Sights
  • Textured Grip

Dead Man's Tale - Exotic Scout Rifle

  • Cranial Spike
  • Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Armor-Piercing Rounds
  • Moving Target
  • Fitted Stock

Hawkmoon and Dead Man's Tale are both great weapons generally speaking, but neither rolls is terribly inspiring today so pass on buying them unless you don't own these GOATed shooty friends yet.

Legendary Weapons

Chroma Rush - Auto Rifle

  • Full Bore/Polygonal Rifling
  • Appended Mag/Steady Rounds
  • Dynamic Sway Reduction
  • Adrenaline Junkie
  • Reload Speed Masterwork

Shattered Cipher - Machine Gun

  • Extended Barrel/Smallbore
  • Steady Rounds/Flared Magwell
  • Field Prep
  • Adrenaline Junkie
  • Reload Speed Masterwork

Cold Denial - Pulse Rifle

  • Chambered Compensator/Full Bore
  • Alloy Magazine/Appended Mag
  • Zen Moment
  • Headseeker
  • Range Masterwork

Royal Entry - Rocket Launcher

  • Hard Launch/Linear Compensator
  • High-Velocity Rounds/Implosion Rounds
  • Genesis
  • Thresh
  • Vanguard's Vindication
  • Velocity Masterwork

Fractethyst - Shotgun

  • Smoothbore/Barrel Shroud
  • Extended Mag/Accurized Rounds
  • Ensemble
  • Trench Barrel
  • Handling Masterwork

Enigma's Draw - Sidearm

  • Control SAS/Farpoint SAS
  • Alloy Magazine/Appended Mag
  • Triple Tap
  • Rangefinder
  • Handling Masterwork

Distant Tumulus - Sniper Rifle

  • Full Bore/Polygonal Rifling
  • Accurized Rounds/Extended Mag
  • Pulse Monitor
  • Quickdraw
  • Handling Masterwork

My top picks this week are Cold Denial, Fractethyst, and Enigma's Draw, all three of which aren't necessarily God rolls, but certainly stand out as having perks that work well with the current meta and could come in handy!

Warlock Legendary Armor

For Warlocks, Xûr is selling the Opulent Scholar set which includes:

Opulent Scholar Gauntlets

  • 14 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 8 Recovery
  • 14 Discipline
  • 15 Intellect
  • 2 Strength
  • Total: 62

Opulent Scholar Chest Armor

  • 12 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 9 Recovery
  • 16 Discipline
  • 6 Intellect
  • 9 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Scholar Helmet

  • 24 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 6 Recovery
  • 10 Discipline
  • 7 Intellect
  • 15 Strength
  • Total: 64

Opulent Scholar Leg Armor

  • 16 Mobility
  • 6 Resilience
  • 10 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 20 Intellect
  • 12 Strength
  • Total: 66

Opulent Scholar Bond

Warlocks have floated upon a major W with leg armor that's extremely high stat. Intellect-build Warlocks will want to especially pay Xur a visit this weekend.

Titan Legendary Armor

For Titans, Xûr is selling the Opulent Duelist set which includes:

Opulent Duelist Gauntlets

  • 6 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 16 Recovery
  • 11 Discipline
  • 19 Intellect
  • 2 Strength
  • Total: 63

Opulent Duelist Chest Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 22 Recovery
  • 15 Discipline
  • 6 Intellect
  • 9 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Duelist Helmet

  • 16 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 12 Recovery
  • 9 Discipline
  • 12 Intellect
  • 10 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Duelist Leg Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 15 Resilience
  • 9 Recovery
  • 7 Discipline
  • 9 Intellect
  • 14 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Duelist Mark

The best Titans have got this week are their gauntlets which are fairly mid in this Guardian's eyes. May want to skip out this week, my fellow Titans!

Hunter Legendary Armor

For Hunters, Xûr is selling the Opulent Stalker set which includes:

Opulent Stalker Gauntlets

  • 2 Mobility
  • 12 Resilience
  • 15 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 2 Intellect
  • 23 Strength
  • Total: 56

Opulent Stalker Chest Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 22 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 25 Intellect
  • 2 Strength
  • Total: 60

Opulent Stalker Helmet

  • 2 Mobility
  • 22 Resilience
  • 6 Recovery
  • 16 Discipline
  • 10 Intellect
  • 7 Strength
  • Total: 63

Opulent Stalker Leg Armor

  • 8 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 15 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 16 Intellect
  • 9 Strength
  • Total: 59

Opulent Stalker Cloak

Similar to Titans, Hunters only have one mid tier piece of armor in the helmet, though luckily those are at least quite spikey where Resilience is concerned. Still, my recommendation for buying those is tepid at best.

That's a wrap on Xûr for this week, Guardians! What do you think of the changes coming to PvP regarding skill-based matchmaking? Let us know in the comments! For more on Destiny, check out some of the new weapons and gear you can find in The Witch Queen and read about how Sony's purchase of Bungie fits into its larger plans.

Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.

Destiny 2: Where Is Xur Today? Location and Exotic Items for September 2-6

The swag chaffeur, Xûr, is now live in Destiny 2 for the weekend until next week's reset. If you're looking to get your some shiny new Exotic armor or weapons for your Guardian, look no further.

Each week, Xûr has a random assortment of Exotic armor, one for each Guardian class, as well as a random Exotic Weapon and an Exotic Engram available for purchase. In addition to his Exotic wares, he's got a random collection of Legendary weapons and armor to deck out your Guardians.

We've rounded up all the info on Xûr for the week including where to find Xûr, which Exotic weapons and armor are available, as well as which Legendary weapons you should pick up, either for PvE or PvP.

Where Is Xûr Today?

Xûr's location can be found at Winding Cove in the EDZ on September 2 through September 6. To reach him, travel to the landing point at Winding Cove. When you arrive, make for the rock cliffs at the far end of the cove and look for a cave winding up to a platform next to some Fallen. There you'll find the freakish salesman we all adore.

What's Xûr Selling Today?

Exotic Engram

Tractor Cannon - Exotic Shotgun

The Dragon's Shadow - Exotic Hunter Chest Armor

  • 14 Mobility
  • 18 Resilience
  • 2 Recovery
  • 12 Discipline
  • 2 Intellect
  • 12 Strength
  • Total: 60

Lion Rampant - Exotic Titan Leg Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 17 Resilience
  • 9 Recovery
  • 7 Discipline
  • 12 Intellect
  • 10 Strength
  • Total: 62

Contraverse Hold - Exotic Warlock Gauntlets

  • 12 Mobility
  • 12 Resilience
  • 8 Recovery
  • 12 Discipline
  • 6 Intellect
  • 13 Strength
  • Total: 63

Some decent exotics this week, but sadly all of their rolls are pretty subpar, which means you likely will want to wait to make your purchases unless your need is urgent.

Exotic Weapons

Hawkmoon - Exotic Hand Cannon

  • Paracausal Shot
  • Arrowhead Brake
  • Alloy Magazine
  • Snapshot Sights
  • Textured Grip

Dead Man's Tale - Exotic Scout Rifle

  • Cranial Spike
  • Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Armor-Piercing Rounds
  • Moving Target
  • Fitted Stock

Hawkmoon and Dead Man's Tale are both great weapons generally speaking, but neither rolls is terribly inspiring today so pass on buying them unless you don't own these GOATed shooty friends yet.

Legendary Weapons

Chroma Rush - Auto Rifle

  • Full Bore/Polygonal Rifling
  • Appended Mag/Steady Rounds
  • Dynamic Sway Reduction
  • Adrenaline Junkie
  • Reload Speed Masterwork

Shattered Cipher - Machine Gun

  • Extended Barrel/Smallbore
  • Steady Rounds/Flared Magwell
  • Field Prep
  • Adrenaline Junkie
  • Reload Speed Masterwork

Cold Denial - Pulse Rifle

  • Chambered Compensator/Full Bore
  • Alloy Magazine/Appended Mag
  • Zen Moment
  • Headseeker
  • Range Masterwork

Royal Entry - Rocket Launcher

  • Hard Launch/Linear Compensator
  • High-Velocity Rounds/Implosion Rounds
  • Genesis
  • Thresh
  • Vanguard's Vindication
  • Velocity Masterwork

Fractethyst - Shotgun

  • Smoothbore/Barrel Shroud
  • Extended Mag/Accurized Rounds
  • Ensemble
  • Trench Barrel
  • Handling Masterwork

Enigma's Draw - Sidearm

  • Control SAS/Farpoint SAS
  • Alloy Magazine/Appended Mag
  • Triple Tap
  • Rangefinder
  • Handling Masterwork

Distant Tumulus - Sniper Rifle

  • Full Bore/Polygonal Rifling
  • Accurized Rounds/Extended Mag
  • Pulse Monitor
  • Quickdraw
  • Handling Masterwork

My top picks this week are Cold Denial, Fractethyst, and Enigma's Draw, all three of which aren't necessarily God rolls, but certainly stand out as having perks that work well with the current meta and could come in handy!

Warlock Legendary Armor

For Warlocks, Xûr is selling the Opulent Scholar set which includes:

Opulent Scholar Gauntlets

  • 14 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 8 Recovery
  • 14 Discipline
  • 15 Intellect
  • 2 Strength
  • Total: 62

Opulent Scholar Chest Armor

  • 12 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 9 Recovery
  • 16 Discipline
  • 6 Intellect
  • 9 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Scholar Helmet

  • 24 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 6 Recovery
  • 10 Discipline
  • 7 Intellect
  • 15 Strength
  • Total: 64

Opulent Scholar Leg Armor

  • 16 Mobility
  • 6 Resilience
  • 10 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 20 Intellect
  • 12 Strength
  • Total: 66

Opulent Scholar Bond

Warlocks have floated upon a major W with leg armor that's extremely high stat. Intellect-build Warlocks will want to especially pay Xur a visit this weekend.

Titan Legendary Armor

For Titans, Xûr is selling the Opulent Duelist set which includes:

Opulent Duelist Gauntlets

  • 6 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 16 Recovery
  • 11 Discipline
  • 19 Intellect
  • 2 Strength
  • Total: 63

Opulent Duelist Chest Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 22 Recovery
  • 15 Discipline
  • 6 Intellect
  • 9 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Duelist Helmet

  • 16 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 12 Recovery
  • 9 Discipline
  • 12 Intellect
  • 10 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Duelist Leg Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 15 Resilience
  • 9 Recovery
  • 7 Discipline
  • 9 Intellect
  • 14 Strength
  • Total: 61

Opulent Duelist Mark

The best Titans have got this week are their gauntlets which are fairly mid in this Guardian's eyes. May want to skip out this week, my fellow Titans!

Hunter Legendary Armor

For Hunters, Xûr is selling the Opulent Stalker set which includes:

Opulent Stalker Gauntlets

  • 2 Mobility
  • 12 Resilience
  • 15 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 2 Intellect
  • 23 Strength
  • Total: 56

Opulent Stalker Chest Armor

  • 7 Mobility
  • 2 Resilience
  • 22 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 25 Intellect
  • 2 Strength
  • Total: 60

Opulent Stalker Helmet

  • 2 Mobility
  • 22 Resilience
  • 6 Recovery
  • 16 Discipline
  • 10 Intellect
  • 7 Strength
  • Total: 63

Opulent Stalker Leg Armor

  • 8 Mobility
  • 9 Resilience
  • 15 Recovery
  • 2 Discipline
  • 16 Intellect
  • 9 Strength
  • Total: 59

Opulent Stalker Cloak

Similar to Titans, Hunters only have one mid tier piece of armor in the helmet, though luckily those are at least quite spikey where Resilience is concerned. Still, my recommendation for buying those is tepid at best.

That's a wrap on Xûr for this week, Guardians! What do you think of the changes coming to PvP regarding skill-based matchmaking? Let us know in the comments! For more on Destiny, check out some of the new weapons and gear you can find in The Witch Queen and read about how Sony's purchase of Bungie fits into its larger plans.

Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.

Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan Confirmed, Initial Pricing Details Revealed

Microsoft has finally revealed the long-rumored Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan, just days after a logo leak all about confirmed the new subscription tier. Xbox announced that the new plan, which will allow subscribers to share with up to four other friends or family members, is being tested in Ireland and Colombia, where it will cost €21.99 per month and 49,900 COP respectively.

Friends & Family Plan members will gain all of the usual benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes cloud streaming and a rotating selection of games. While pricing details haven't been revealed in the U.S., it figures to be roughly $10 more than the current Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan, which currently costs $14.99. The plan will allow users to share the cost among multiple people, making it a boon for college students who are just now returning to the dorms.

In addition to intial pricing details, Xbox also released an FAQ detailing how the service works and how it will work across different regions. It also confirmed that users can only be a member of one group at a time, and that group members can only join a group up to two times per year.

Subscribers who change their current plan will have their time remaining converted according to the following formula.

  • 30 days of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is 18 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of Xbox Game Pass (Console) is 12 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of PC Game Pass is 12 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of Xbox Live Gold is 12 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of EA Play is 6 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family

The Friends & Family plan is not yet available in the U,S., UK, or Europe, but should be revealed in those regions relatively soon. While you wait, check out our latest episode of Podcast Unlocked, where we talk about whether the new Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan can be a major upgrade for the service. You can also find our list of the best games on Xbox Game Pass right here.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan Confirmed, Initial Pricing Details Revealed

Microsoft has finally revealed the long-rumored Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan, just days after a logo leak all about confirmed the new subscription tier. Xbox announced that the new plan, which will allow subscribers to share with up to four other friends or family members, is being tested in Ireland and Colombia, where it will cost €21.99 per month and 49,900 COP respectively.

Friends & Family Plan members will gain all of the usual benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes cloud streaming and a rotating selection of games. While pricing details haven't been revealed in the U.S., it figures to be roughly $10 more than the current Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan, which currently costs $14.99. The plan will allow users to share the cost among multiple people, making it a boon for college students who are just now returning to the dorms.

In addition to intial pricing details, Xbox also released an FAQ detailing how the service works and how it will work across different regions. It also confirmed that users can only be a member of one group at a time, and that group members can only join a group up to two times per year.

Subscribers who change their current plan will have their time remaining converted according to the following formula.

  • 30 days of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is 18 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of Xbox Game Pass (Console) is 12 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of PC Game Pass is 12 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of Xbox Live Gold is 12 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family
  • 30 days of EA Play is 6 days of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family

The Friends & Family plan is not yet available in the U,S., UK, or Europe, but should be revealed in those regions relatively soon. While you wait, check out our latest episode of Podcast Unlocked, where we talk about whether the new Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan can be a major upgrade for the service. You can also find our list of the best games on Xbox Game Pass right here.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

Netflix Reportedly Trying To Get Its Ad-Supported Plan Out Ahead of Disney Plus

Continuing its recent series of competitive changes that have included a gaming service and price hikes, Netflix now is speeding up the addition of its cheaper, ad-supported tier to beat Disney+.

According to a report by Variety, Netflix is moving its ad-supported tier to a November 1 release date in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France and Germany. Netflix had initially revealed the plan with a release date of "early 2023," though according to ad buyers, it's now being sped up to compete with Disney+. which is set to release its own ad-supported tier on December 8 alongside a price hike for its main plan.

While Variety's sources confirmed this new date, Netflix representative told Variety that no final decision has been made. “We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower-priced, ad-supported tier and no decisions have been made,” a Netflix representative told Variety.

Netflix's ad-supported tier is reportedly now heading to screens in just two months, but the company still hasn't revealed what else this subscription might include (or lack). It's possible that it might not include every Netflix show, and it's also likely to block users from downloading shows for offline viewing.

Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.

Netflix Reportedly Trying To Get Its Ad-Supported Plan Out Ahead of Disney Plus

Continuing its recent series of competitive changes that have included a gaming service and price hikes, Netflix now is speeding up the addition of its cheaper, ad-supported tier to beat Disney+.

According to a report by Variety, Netflix is moving its ad-supported tier to a November 1 release date in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France and Germany. Netflix had initially revealed the plan with a release date of "early 2023," though according to ad buyers, it's now being sped up to compete with Disney+. which is set to release its own ad-supported tier on December 8 alongside a price hike for its main plan.

While Variety's sources confirmed this new date, Netflix representative told Variety that no final decision has been made. “We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower-priced, ad-supported tier and no decisions have been made,” a Netflix representative told Variety.

Netflix's ad-supported tier is reportedly now heading to screens in just two months, but the company still hasn't revealed what else this subscription might include (or lack). It's possible that it might not include every Netflix show, and it's also likely to block users from downloading shows for offline viewing.

Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.

Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms DC FanDome 2022 Isn’t Happening

DC FanDome has been one of the biggest entertainment events of the past two years, but it looks like Warner Bros. Discovery is retiring its streaming event focused on DC movies, games, and television, at least for this year.

DC confirmed that DC FanDome would be taking a break in a statement to Popverse: "With the return of in-person events, Warner Bros. Discovery is excited to be able to engage with our fans live at numerous comic-cons around the world and will not be scheduling DC FanDome for 2022."

That means Warner Bros. won't be on hand to promote its upcoming array of DC projects, which include Gotham Knights, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. But with several DC projects being delayed or canceled outright, it's not surprising that WB Discovery is taking a break.

DC FanDome first appeared in 2020, where it found great success showing the "Snyder Cut" of 2017's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman 1984. DC FanDome 2021, meanwhile, debuted new trailers for The Batman and The Flash.

This year, WB Discovery has mostly focused on events like San Diego Comic-Con, where it held a major panel detailing Black Adam among other projects. Otherwise, WB Discovery's presence has been more muted this year, possibly because the DCEU itself is in flux amid the ongoing search for the company's own Kevin Feige-like figure.

In the meantime, WB Discovery is prepping for the release of Gotham Knights, which recently had its release date moved up to October 21. You can check out out exclusive preview via IGN right here.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms DC FanDome 2022 Isn’t Happening

DC FanDome has been one of the biggest entertainment events of the past two years, but it looks like Warner Bros. Discovery is retiring its streaming event focused on DC movies, games, and television, at least for this year.

DC confirmed that DC FanDome would be taking a break in a statement to Popverse: "With the return of in-person events, Warner Bros. Discovery is excited to be able to engage with our fans live at numerous comic-cons around the world and will not be scheduling DC FanDome for 2022."

That means Warner Bros. won't be on hand to promote its upcoming array of DC projects, which include Gotham Knights, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. But with several DC projects being delayed or canceled outright, it's not surprising that WB Discovery is taking a break.

DC FanDome first appeared in 2020, where it found great success showing the "Snyder Cut" of 2017's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman 1984. DC FanDome 2021, meanwhile, debuted new trailers for The Batman and The Flash.

This year, WB Discovery has mostly focused on events like San Diego Comic-Con, where it held a major panel detailing Black Adam among other projects. Otherwise, WB Discovery's presence has been more muted this year, possibly because the DCEU itself is in flux amid the ongoing search for the company's own Kevin Feige-like figure.

In the meantime, WB Discovery is prepping for the release of Gotham Knights, which recently had its release date moved up to October 21. You can check out out exclusive preview via IGN right here.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.