Game News 2.0

EoinMcLovin · 24-01-2022 6:27pm

https://twitter.com/watchdogsgame/status/1484621254950887430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1484621254950887430%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=

Watch Dogs Legion will no longer be updated, Ubisoft winding down support

Watch Dogs Legion will no longer be updated, Ubisoft has said, and the game's current multiplayer season will be its last.

In a blog post flagged via social media on Friday evening, Ubisoft said that the game's 5.6 patch - released four months ago in September 2021 - was actually its final update.

The game's fifth and final multiplayer season, which began at the weekend, will now be followed by repeats of seasons three, four and five on a cycle until servers are eventually switched off.

Potential-Monke · 24-01-2022 8:50pm

Ie: It's no longer making money.

EoinMcLovin · 25-01-2022 4:32pm

https://www.ea.com/en-gb/news/electronic-arts-and-lucasfilm-games-announce-new-star-wars-titles-from-respawn-entertainment?utm_campaign=swjfo_hd_ww_ic_soco_twt_respawn-sw&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&cid=72725&ts=1643119201080

Electronic Arts & Lucasfilm Games announce new Star Wars titles from Respawn Entertainment

January 25, 2022 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) and Lucasfilm Games are joining forces to continue delivering all-new, world-class gaming experiences set within the beloved Star Wars galaxy.

Respawn Entertainment, best known for their work on Apex Legends™, Titanfall™ and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order™, is leading the development and production of these new projects. Vince Zampella, Group GM and Founder of Respawn, will oversee this new phase of EA's relationship with Lucasfilm, building on Respawn's award-winning history in game development and expertise in telling compelling Star Wars stories.

Game Director Stig Asmussen and his team at the studio are already working on the next game in the action adventure Star Wars Jedi series, and are joined by two new teams working to deliver additional unique Star Wars gameplay experiences across multiple genres. Leading the development of Respawn's all-new Star Wars first-person shooter game is Peter Hirschmann, Game Director at Respawn, who has a long and accomplished history with the Star Wars franchise. The third title is a Star Wars strategy game developed through a production collaboration with the newly formed studio Bit Reactor, helmed by games industry veteran Greg Foerstch. Respawn will produce the new Star Wars strategy game while Bit Reactor leads on the development of the title.

"We are excited to continue working with the superbly talented developers at Respawn," said Douglas Reilly, VP, Lucasfilm Games. "They have demonstrated excellence in telling epic Star Wars stories along with best-in-class gameplay across different genres and we are looking forward to bringing more amazing experiences to the galaxy far, far away."

"Building on the previous successes of our EA relationship, this new collaboration highlights the trust and mutual respect shared between the world-class teams at EA, Respawn and Lucasfilm Games," said Sean Shoptaw, SVP, Walt Disney Games. "Fostered by the expertise and passion within each team, we will create thrilling original games for diverse audiences across the Star Wars galaxy."

"Working with Lucasfilm Games on a new FPS in the Star Wars galaxy is a dream come true for me, as this is a story I have always wanted to tell," said Peter Hirschmann, game director at Respawn. Peter previously worked as VP of development at LucasArts, and was executive producer on the original Star Wars Battlefront games. Hirschmann and the team at Respawn have just begun work on the title

Mr Crispy · 25-01-2022 4:37pm

Lost the Star Wars exclusivity deal? No problem... THREE new Star Wars games are in development at EA, with Respawn being at the forefront. There's the Fallen Order sequel, a new FPS (excellent), and a strategy title of some sort which is being helmed by these guys in conjunction with Respawn;

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118500913#Comment_118500913

The official announcement;

https://www.starwars.com/news/ea-lucasfilm-games

CatInABox · 25-01-2022 6:51pm

EA seem to have realised that Respawn are one the only studios that they haven't managed into the ground yet.

johnny_ultimate · 25-01-2022 6:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118532011#Comment_118532011

Forcing them to be shackled to licensed Star Wars games across multiple genres is a good way of speeding up the inevitable running into the ground.

Retr0gamer · 25-01-2022 8:53pm

Hopefully they can do better than clunky souls with the fallen order sequel.

Mr Crispy · 25-01-2022 9:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118532045#Comment_118532045

This is the worry. They've already moved Vince Zampella to work on Battlefield, so there's restructuring afoot. Given we didn't even get working titles for the shooter and strat games, they must be pretty early in development. Hopefully there'll be a raft of hiring to follow.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118532514#Comment_118532514

Yeah, they need to improve a lot of that but TBH it's the FPS and (possibly) turn-based game that genuinely interest me.

Mr Crispy · 25-01-2022 11:31pm

More here from Jeff Grubb. He's saying that Zampella is actually overseeing the trio of SW games and Battlefront 3 is dead, as expected (déjà vu).

https://venturebeat.com/2022/01/25/star-wars-goes-to-respawn/

johnny_ultimate · 26-01-2022 1:16am

Personally I think Fallen Order is the sort of game that gets a bit too much credit for being merely alright. After some disastrous EA Star Wars games it at least was something inoffensive, with a decent enough story (albeit with all the good stuff shoved at the end). But it’s a weak Souls game combat-wise and a pretty terrible Metroidvania game exploration-wise (the maps are awful to actually backtrack across). It was, at least, better as a whole than its individual parts, but not a patch on Titanfall 2 design-wise.

At least it’s one of those games where a sequel could, if handled properly, smooth out the edges and expand the ideas of the first. But I do have to admit it’s a shame to see a studio with such talented designers stuck making Star Wars games over original ones. Hopefully at least an FPS will allow them to use their Titanfall / Apex experience.

Retr0gamer · 26-01-2022 10:41am

What annoys me more is I've friends I've been trying to get into souls for years and yet they will play and enjoy Fallen Order.

Penn · 26-01-2022 10:53am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534047#Comment_118534047

In fairness I pretty much count Fallen Order as the thing that convinced me to give Souls games another try. With the Souls games being kind of their own genre/style of game, a Souls-lite makes it easier to bridge that gap and make trying a Souls game more palatable.

pixelburp · 26-01-2022 11:00am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534047#Comment_118534047

Nevermind, re-read the post 😆🙄 stupid inability to delete

The Raging Bile Duct · 26-01-2022 11:03am

Fallen Order wouldn't be anywhere near as unforgiving as the Souls or Nioh games and it has an adjustable difficulty level.

26-01-2022 11:04am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534146#Comment_118534146

Yeah, I gave Bloodborne a go and while I can recognise it's a good game I just wasn't up for the grind. Plus I had absolutely no idea what was going on.

I'm still intrigued by Elden Ring but I'll hold off a while on it.

Exclamation Marc · 26-01-2022 11:09am

I enjoyed Fallen Order quite a lot so am excited for a sequel. Sure, it was partially driven by being a Star Wars tie-in with the associated lore but it was really enjoyable for me. My one criticism which johnny_ultimate highlighted is that the maps are brutal to return to pick up anything missed.

Stone Deaf 4evr · 26-01-2022 11:12am

Fallen order was grand for what it was, but for anyone who'd played the souls games, the combat was a serious downgrade. Enemies had no stamina meter, so could block swipe after swipe without consequence, making combat essentially button mashing, and they did that super annoying trope of having a close range encounter while also being shot at by ranged attackers.

however, overall, I did enjoy my time with it, and some of the sequences like the train were very cinematic.

Retr0gamer · 26-01-2022 11:32am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534115#Comment_118534115

Was really hoping it would be a entry level drug for them but no, they just wanted star wars.

Maybe George RR Martin will be the push.

johnny_ultimate · 26-01-2022 11:35am

Fallen Order I think suffered from being released so close to Sekiro for me. The parry / counter mechanics in Sekiro are basically the best in any video game (albeit once you overcome the learning curve), but in Fallen Order the parrying felt clunky and imprecise in comparison. It's more 'generous' in terms of timing and requires less precision, but somehow feels worse as a result!

J Mysterio · 26-01-2022 12:02pm

Ubisoft have added a plaque to one of the Rainbow Six Siege maps to commemorate a former player/ esports commentator who passed away.

https://dotesports.com/rainbow-6/news/ubisoft-pays-tribute-to-late-r6-caster-kixstar-with-a-plaque-on-presidential-plane-map

McFly85 · 26-01-2022 12:07pm

I enjoyed FO for what it was, but haven’t gone back to play it again. I think if you’re going to borrow mechanics from Souls games then you should at least have your character controls nailed on. It felt clunky and unpredictable at times, and jumping always felt weirdly floaty.

A Star Wars game with the mechanics of Sekiro would be unreal, but considering the popularity of the franchise I can’t see it happening, FO is probably the closest we’ll get.

Mr Crispy · 26-01-2022 12:58pm

Looks like there could be a Crysis 4 on the way.

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-26-crysis-4-image-appears-online-ahead-of-official-announce

EoinMcLovin · 26-01-2022 1:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534730#Comment_118534730

Yep just announced officially

https://twitter.com/Crytek/status/1486309465485946883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1486309465485946883%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=

pixelburp · 26-01-2022 1:27pm

Ah, this grampa remembers, "...but will it run Crysis?"

Retr0gamer · 26-01-2022 1:40pm

I think it's finally time to upgrade the old 6900 XT

pixelburp · 26-01-2022 3:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534949#Comment_118534949

Wait, you mean there are people using graphics cards for games? Thought they were just mining tools? 😂

Retr0gamer · 26-01-2022 3:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118535872#Comment_118535872

I'm using mine mostly to play 10 year old games and retroarch emulation.

1000 euro well spent.

CastorTroy · 26-01-2022 4:17pm

I'm reminded of that ad where the guy has a massive super computer and plays Solitaire.

26-01-2022 4:24pm

I spent a grand building a PC that I never use.

Retr0gamer · 26-01-2022 4:28pm

In my defense 2021 was a dumpster fire for Triple A. Did enjoy Resi 8 (even with the odd performance dip at times because the copy protection screwed up). Hoping 2022 is better. Have GoW lined up and elden ring on the horizon.

Stone Deaf 4evr · 26-01-2022 4:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118536115#Comment_118536115

funnily enough, in todays market, you could probably part it out and make a profit if you fancied getting rid.

26-01-2022 4:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118536145#Comment_118536145

You're right, but I couldn't be arsed. Plus it's not even that well specced. I'd rather give it to a niece/nephew than deal with the hassle of selling parts.

johnny_ultimate · 26-01-2022 4:58pm

Recently bought a new PC and just had to go down the pre-build route to get the parts I wanted affordably and quickly. Just couldn't be bothered waiting months for the parts to become available at RRP. A lot of the benefits of building your own have been all but destroyed due to the supply issues. I know a pre-build will be more of a pain down the line, but it was so much easier and more affordable right now that going down the usual route wasn't an option.

I need a desktop for work as well so that makes a difference, obviously. I wouldn't at all recommend anyone who doesn't 'need' a PC to get one at the minute. I don't mean this in any format wars sort of way at all (and I just spent a lot on a new PC that'll play games well!) but it's been a long time since consoles seemed like such a no-brainer compared to PC price-wise. A PS5 or XBSX are a bargain for the performance you get, certainly relative to PC at the moment. There was such a performance gulf between the consoles and a decent PC last gen, but the gap has narrowed a lot (even though I've no doubt PC will flourish when we get more real 'next-gen' games).

But then the consoles are mired in availability issues too. It's all just a mess, honestly, but the PC market is in a particularly dire mess despite the hardware actually being really good if you can get it and afford it.

I will say DLSS is bloody magic. I'm using i with Guardians of the Galaxy and getting 30-40 frame performance boosts with no real visible hit to fidelity. Definitely the one edge PC games have at the moment, although at least 60 FPS is becoming more of the norm on consoles too.

Penn · 27-01-2022 9:52pm

Ubisoft shutting down HyperScape at the end of April, after also announcing they're no longer going to be updating Watch Dogs Legion.

On an unrelated note, have they started selling their NFTs yet?

Retr0gamer · 28-01-2022 12:55am

There's barrel scrapping for a mascot platformer to revive.

And then there's:

https://youtu.be/OSf6n7lDlck

J Mysterio · 28-01-2022 1:49am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118536164#Comment_118536164

I'll give you 20 for it 😀

I only have a very old Fujitsu -'gaming laptop'. It has always handled the type of games I wanted to play - mostly turn based strategy like Civ, X-Com, Total War, and some other mostly older games.

I recently bought Expeditions Rome but my laptop cant actually handle it, so had to give up! That was a first 😭

May have to invest in a new computer soon. That Fujitsu did me proud.

pixelburp · 28-01-2022 4:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118542621#Comment_118542621

Would that be a game somewhat dependent on updates - or will it at least remain playable in the state it exists ATM? Crazy how short the lifespan of AAA games can feel these days; especially those pitched as GAAS.

Penn · 28-01-2022 4:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118546105#Comment_118546105

From what I understand it just won't be playable after April. Watch Dogs Legion at least can still be played, it just won't be updated. Hyper Scape though was a free-to-play battle royal that never got an audience, so they're just shutting it down completely.

Zero-Cool · 28-01-2022 6:36pm

Evil Dead The Game releasing May 13th.

https://twitter.com/EvilDeadTheGame/status/1487085949825785857?t=sfD-V2ARCLAfOSao713ejw&s=19

Mr Crispy · 28-01-2022 7:08pm

Good move considering the competition it would have had in Feb!

PopePalpatine · 28-01-2022 8:31pm

Speaking of GAAS and the latest tranche of AAA games having short lifespans, I pretty much only bought Game Pass for FH5, and I'm getting kind of bored of it already. Sure, it has its fun parts (especially when I use my wheel for some hooning), but I already feel railroaded into grinding out weekly quests to get exclusive cars. It doesn't help that cars from previous games get reintroduced as DLC.

pixelburp · 30-01-2022 6:42pm

The latest in, "no no, NFTs aren't a scam, honest!" ... the sooner this obvious fad burns itself out and we can move onto the next digital snake oil, the better.

https://www.pcgamer.com/unofficial-minecraft-nft-game-blockverse-disappears-with-more-than-dollar1m

Penn · 31-01-2022 1:09pm

CD Projekt Red supposedly working on a new single-player Gwent game

https://www.ign.com/articles/witcher-gwent-project-golden-nekker-new-game-2022-release-date?utm_source=twitter

They already have Gwent as a multiplayer game, as well as the single-player Thronebreaker. I'm not sure how they'll make this so hugely different to warrant it.

EoinMcLovin · 31-01-2022 6:17pm

https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/it-takes-two-series-film-dj2-entertainment-1235167573/

‘It Takes Two’ Developer Hazelight Studios Teams With dj2 Entertainment to Adapt Game for Film, TV (EXCLUSIVE)

CatInABox · 31-01-2022 7:05pm

Sony just bought Bungie.

https://twitter.com/hermenhulst/status/1488211325062897667

31-01-2022 7:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118561288#Comment_118561288

Sony Interactive Entertainment to Acquire Leading Independent Videogame Developer, Bungie | Business Wire

31-01-2022 7:12pm

tHeRe's nO WaY ThEy CaN mAkE dEsTiNy eXcLuSiVe

CatInABox · 31-01-2022 7:12pm

I doubt that this is the last big deal of the year, sadly. Should the mods turn the MS/Activision thread into a general acquisition and consolidation thread?

Zero-Cool · 31-01-2022 7:14pm

I thought they were an xbox studio? Looking them up, they make destiny, hhhmmm interesting times.

johnny_ultimate · 31-01-2022 7:14pm

This is all getting a bit grim now IMO. It’s really not a positive thing that all these once independent companies (albeit once not independent in Bungie’s case!) are being bought up by platform holders.

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