Archived News:
Thursday, Jan 20, 2022
Blizzard Update [8:44 pm ET] – Share – 8 Comments
Amid all the news of Microsoft
moving to purchase
Activision Blizzard, there's a new update from Blizzard boss Mike "Qwik"
Ybarra on the
Blizzard Website. This reflects on the news and outlines what Blizzard has
been doing to improve its work place culture in the wake of a sexual harassment
scandal that rocked the company last year. Mike offers a list of changes they
have implemented to improve workplace culture. Here's how he introduces the
list:
2021 was challenging for all of us. As individuals, we care about treating everyone around us with respect and dignity. As professionals, we care deeply about our crafts, and we want to work in the most supportive and safe environment possible.
Our top priority—now and into the future—is the work we are doing to rebuild your trust in Blizzard.
Watching Blizzard work as creatively and diligently as we have throughout this challenging time (on top of an ongoing pandemic) has been inspiring. Navigating these challenges, evolving our development processes, and being introspective and looking at how we can improve our culture shows incredible strength and commitment to one another, our work, and to the player communities.
Latest MS/Activision Roundup [8:44 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Activision Blizzard tells SEC it's unaware of employee strike.
- Activision Blizzard employees voice concerns about Microsoft acquisition.
- Activision Employees Are Optimistic About Microsoft Takeover (may require registration or subscription).
- Bobby Kotick addresses Activision Blizzard employees on layoffs, potential departure (may require registration or subscription).
- Xbox CEO Phil Spencer discusses reviving old Activision games after Microsoft’s acquisition (may require registration or subscription).
- Call of Duty Could Move Away From Annual Releases, According To New Report. We vote for every two months.
- Microsoft's Buyout Of Activision Criticized By World Bank President.
- Activision CEO says he had a "really cool vision" for the next Guitar Hero game.
Expeditions: Rome Released [8:43 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Logic Artists announce that Expeditions:
Rome has roamed out, and this historical RPG is now available for Windows on
GOG.com and
Steam.
You can get a look at gameplay in this
Release Trailer and/or experience it firsthand via the playable demo
on Steam.
Here's word on why there's no place like Rome:
The hero or heroine of Expeditions: Rome is not off to a good start: father murdered, sister married to an enemy and on their way to Asia Minor, to serve in the legion, far away from Rome. Meanwhile, on board your ship, there is another vessel getting closer - of course, pirates!Continue here to read the full story.
In Expeditions: Rome you will play a young male or female roman soldier, making your way through history. Take command of a small group of praetorians and eventually become the Legatus a Roman legion. You'll gather a group of loyal companions, engage in tactical turn-based combat, learn new skills, loot and craft new equipment for your soldiers, and shape the fate of Rome. Expeditions: Rome offers over 50 hours of cRPG-gameplay and multiple ways to end the story.
WARNO Early Access [8:43 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
Steam now
features Early Access to WARNO (Warning Order), a real-time strategy game
from Eugen Systems described as "the ultimate World War III battle simulator."
This is set during an alternate timeline where instead of the Iron Curtain
falling in 1989, war breaks out. Here's the previously released
Official Reveal Trailer, and here's a WARNO shot:
Deploy into an authentic, expansive, and meticulously researched Cold War real-time strategy game with WARNO. As the spiritual successor to the acclaimed Wargame series, WARNO is the ultimate next-gen World War III battle simulator.Continue here to read the full story.
Two years have passed since Gorbachev’s overthrow in a coup by hardline communists, and now, in the dark summer days of 1989, the Cold War finally turns hot. The armies of NATO and Warsaw Pact have deployed in a divided and tense Germany. Conflict is imminent. The only thing left is to wait for the inevitable Warning Order that will begin it all. War is coming home, commanders…
HUMANKIND Cultures of Africa Pack Released [8:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
A new Cultures of Africa Pack is now available
on Steam as DLC for
HUMANKIND,
the historical turn-based strategy game. In addition to the new content from the
add-on, there's also a patch for the base game. You can read all about that in
this post. Here's a bit: "Just as importantly, we are releasing the Allen
Newell Patch today. This patch focuses primarily on military AI improvements, in
particular regarding culture and civics choices, sieges, bombardment, and
strategic planning. Of course, it also includes various bugfixes, for example to
nuclear weapons. In addition, the modding tools will receive an update to fix
various bugs and ensure compatibility." And if you're interested in rocking in
the cradle of Africa, here's a recent
Feature Focus Trailer along with more on the DLC:
Players can expand their HUMANKIND™ experience with the "Cultures of Africa" DLC, which features 6 new cultures spanning all eras, new natural and built wonders, 7 new independent people, and 15 new narrative events. Will you master ocean trade as the Swahili? Or perhaps shore up your defenses as the Ethiopians? The choice is yours!Continue here to read the full story.
On Sale [8:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Check our Classic Games Sale and discover 6 timeless titles - GOG.com.
- Humble Software Bundle: Supercharge Your Microsoft Excel Skills (pay what you want and help charity).*
*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.
Evening Patches [8:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Official patches.
Evening Multiplex [8:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Evening Consolidation [8:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- HITMAN Trilogy Is Now Available For PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X-S (Game Pass).
- RPGolf Legends Is Now Available For PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X-S.
- Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S Is Now Available For PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X-S.
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction Is Now Available For Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
- LEGO Star Wars- The Skywalker Saga Is Now Available For Digital Pre-order And Pre-download On Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
- WWE 2K22 Is Now Available For Digital Pre-order And Pre-download On Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
- Monster Crown Is Now Available For Digital Pre-order And Pre-download On Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
- Windjammers 2 Is Now Available For PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X-S (Game Pass).
- Pupperazzi Is Now Available For PC, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X-S (Game Pass).
- 'Life Is Strange- Remastered Collection' Nintendo Switch version delayed.
Evening Mobilization [8:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Into the Black [8:43 pm ET] – Share – 7 Comments
Last Link of the Day:
‘A Christmas Story’ Sequel In Works With Peter Billingsley Starring.
Get Relicta for Free [2:21 pm ET] – Share – 10 Comments
Relicta is now available as this week's free game on the
Epic Games Store.
This is a first-person physics-based puzzler where you are tasked with
overcoming the gravity of the situation. You can keep it, as long as you collect
a copy before next Thursday when
DAEMON X
MACHINA will take its place as the next giveaway. Here's more on
Relicta:
Relicta is a first-person physics-based puzzle game where you need to creatively combine magnetism and gravity to unravel the secrets of Chandra Base. Alone in the depths of the Moon, your scientific mind is the only thing that can keep your daughter alive …
Play as a top physicist stranded on an eerie, derelict Moon base. Find your way around the enigmatic, terraformed craters by bending gravity and magnetism to your will in order to solve physical puzzles. Will you rush straight ahead and try to reach safety - or will you take your time to gather clues and unravel the intrigues of 22nd century orbital politics? Buried in the eternal darkness of the lunar craters lies a secret that might claim your daughter’s life - or change the fate of humanity forever. Are you ready to face the ultimate consequences of your research?
Rainbow Six Extraction Released [2:21 pm ET] – Share – 13 Comments
The
Ubisoft Website declares that Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction is
now available for PC and consoles, offering the chance to take on a mutating
alien parasite in this tactical co-op shooter. Windows gamers can extract a copy
from the
Epic
Games Store or the
Ubisoft
Store, and can also be played through the
PC Game Pass, Luna, and Stadia. An
article on the NVIDIA Website outlines the game's support for NVIDIA DLSS
and Reflex. There's no official launch trailer, but there are tons of videos on
the
Ubisoft YouTube, such as the recent
Lore Gameplay Trailer.
Here's word:
Extraction stars a select line-up of Operators from Rainbow Six Siege who have been reworked with new abilities and attributes to help them better take on the Archaean parasite. The 13 different mission types across 12 containment zones pose an ever-shifting challenge, as players face 13 enemy archetypes and a host of mutations that make each incursion unpredictable. Team up with up to two other players, or take on solo missions as you level up your Operators’ loadouts and abilities, and progress to unlock new REACT tech gadgets, cosmetic customization items, and more.Continue here to read the full story.
HITMAN Trilogy Released; HITMAN 3 on Steam [2:21 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The HITMAN 3 - Year 2
Patch Notes have details on the new season that's now underway in HITMAN
3 on all platforms. This adds new content, a new game mode, support for PC
VR, and more to IO Interactive's assassination game. The game is also now more
widely available, as the Windows edition debuts
on Steam as
well as Game Pass. Steam offers the ability to buy previous HITMAN game content
as DLC. Steam also
carries the HITMAN Trilogy bundle, which is also available on the
Epic Games
Store. But there are still more ways to get all the HITMAN you want in one
place:
If you’ve already played HITMAN 2 on Steam, the locations that you can access in that game will automatically be converted into an ‘Access Pass’ for HITMAN 3. These will be applied to your account and the locations should be available and ready to play from the first time you launch the game. Plus, you’ll be able to carryover progress from HITMAN 2 on Steam into HITMAN 3, but this process is not automatic. More details about progression carryover is on our Progression Carryover Player Support page.
HITMAN Trilogy
HITMAN Trilogy brings together the World of Assassination trilogy into a single package as a way for new players to get started in Agent 47’s universe. HITMAN Trilogy will be available digitally, starting at 2pm CET on January 20 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Epic Games Store, Steam (7pm CET), Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. More details are on our HITMAN Trilogy Player Support Page.
Steam BIG ADVENTURE EVENT Demos and Showcases [12:36 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
THE BIG
ADVENTURE EVENT 2022 on Steam is now underway. As the name states, this is a
celebration of the adventure genre. Like other recent steam festivals, one of
the main features is a flood of playable demos. Most of these are time limited,
so this will be a resource management game unto itself. The payoff is that many
titles are on sale, so there's a chance to get bargains on the games you enjoy.
There's a livestream to follow from home, and pair of developer interview
videos: Here's
part 1
of 2 and
part 2
of 2. The festival runs through Monday.
Continue here to read the full story.
Still More MS/Activision Deal Details [12:36 pm ET] – Share – 13 Comments
The ripples in this pond will probably continue for some time:
- Overwatch 2 delays were due to Activision Blizzard CEO Kotick, says producer.
- Sony expects Activision Blizzard games to stay on PlayStation platforms. Because?
- Microsoft x Activision Blizzard FAQ Fails To Answer Questions.
- What Will Happen To Activision's Call Of Duty Charity After Microsoft Buyout?
- A new Guitar Hero game was discussed as part of Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard purchase.
- Microsoft's on-again off-again affair with PC gaming is finally the real deal. Thanks Neutronbeam.
- Overwatch team celebrates Microsoft buying Blizzard with Soldier 76 Halo skin.
Empire of Ember Ends Early Access [12:36 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The official release of Empire of Ember is now underway
on Steam,
as Early Access to this fantasy warfare game has concluded. The game carries a
25% launch discount for the coming week. The new
Release Trailer supplies a look at gameplay including melee combat and siege
warfare. Here's the Empire of Ember elevator pitches:
In this adventure, set in the world of its spiritual predecessor Ember, you’ll play as a battlemage who must rise from dust after his/her master got killed in a siege led by a mysterious cult. Bring your town back to prosperity and avenge your mentor while investigating the strange events behind his murder. Lead your troops in thrilling battles of up to a hundred units in fully destructible environments, explore a world of procedurally generated maps and dungeons, and build and customise your town with total freedom.Continue here to read the full story.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga in April [12:36 pm ET] – Share – 3 Comments
Warner Bros., TT Games, the LEGO Group, Lucasfilm Games, and a cast of thousands
announce April 5th as the official release date for LEGO Star Wars: The
Skywalker Saga for PC and consoles. The news comes along with a new
Gameplay Overview Trailer showing off what is described as "the biggest and
most visually striking LEGO Star Wars game yet." Here's more on what we're
seeing here: "the trailer gives an in-depth look into the gameplay and the
freedom offered to players by showcasing the new combat mechanics, a wide range
of characters and character classes, a vast galaxy to explore, and much more!"
Here's more on the game itself:
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga lets players experience battles like never before in a LEGO game as players can string different attacks together to form combo chains and fend off oncoming attacks. New blaster controls and mechanics allow players to aim with precision and take cover to plot their next move or utilize the skills of a Jedi by wielding a lightsaber and using the power of The Force.Continue here to read the full story.
Players can traverse space using the galaxy map on their holoprojector to chart their course through the saga, progressively unlocking planets to explore along the way. During space travel, players may engage in heroic dog fights against enemy ships, piloting legendary vehicles like the Millennium Falcon™, Imperial TIE fighters™, Rebel X-wings™, and many more. Once reaching their destination, players can choose to either continue onwards through the main story or explore and discover exciting quests and puzzles within the galaxy.
WWE 2K22 in March [12:36 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The
WWE Website has details on WWE 2K22, revealing the mysterious Rey
Mysterio as a cover athlete/actor. This reveals the wrestling game is now
available for preorder for PlayStation and
Xbox in advance of a March 11th release. No Windows edition is listed, but word
is one is indeed on the way, though the PC is bizarrely listed under
"previous-gen platforms," so we should probably expected a gimped version. There
are four different editions, three of which are for PC, so the price will range
from USD$59.99 to $119.99, depending on your choice. Here's a new
Official Announce Trailer
and here are some details on this sports simulation simulation showing Apple has
irreparably damaged the adverb "differently":
From the redesigned gameplay engine to new controls and upgraded visuals, WWE 2K22 is set to look, feel, play, and “Hit Different.” The engine, coupled with WWE 2K’s most stunning graphics to date, ensures an unprecedented level of realism for the franchise. Alongside an updated and intuitive control scheme, as well as an immersive presentation and varied camera angles, players will feel the pressure and reward of every punch, kick, and slam.Continue here to read the full story.
Popular game modes including the returning 2K Showcase - starring Rey Mysterio - incorporate new features and updates, allowing players to relive the iconic moments behind Mysterio’s most famous matches. In MyRISE, players chart their own paths to superstardom. With Universe Mode and the upgraded Creation Suite, WWE 2K22 offers players the ability to fully customize their WWE experience down to the smallest details. From taking control over brands, premium live events, match results, rivalries, and more – or creating the ultimate custom Superstar personas, arenas, and championships – players can share all their creations with the global WWE 2K22 community with first-time-ever, cross-platform sharing.
Windjammers 2 Released [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Windjammers 2 is now available for Windows and consoles, satisfying a
28-year wait for a new installment in what is now an arcade sports series. The
PC edition is available
on Steam
and game pass. The Release
Trailer features 90s-style animation, but does not include gameplay, odd for
a sequel to a game from 1994. But according to the description, this disc-based
game is pretty faithful to the original:
Windjammers 2 features:Continue here to read the full story.
- The Spirit of a Classic: A faithful sequel channeling the lightning-quick battles and responsive action from the original Windjammers that fans fell in love with decades ago.
- Hand-Drawn Throwdowns: Fluid 2D animation converts each match’s intense energy and emotion into a beautiful spectacle that’s a joy to both play and watch.
- New Characters, Stages & Moves: New challengers, courts, and character abilities add variety and new layers of strategy onto the series’ classic competitive action.
- Arcade Mode: Conquer a tournament of matches against AI rivals as well as optional challenges, which reward versatile athletes able to adapt their playstyles on the fly.
- Approachable Complexity: Easy to understand mechanics let players of any skill level jump into the fun, with deeply strategic play also available for the fiercest competitors.
- Local and Online Multiplayer: Blaze the court with opponents around the world in ranked online play or quick matches, or take on rivals at home.
- Minigames: Unwind from the competition by chucking a power disc for a canine friend in Hot Dog Distance, or smash through a volley of targets in the all-new Disc Attack.
Hogwarts Legacy Delay Rumor Rebuffed [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
Following
rumors that the release of Hogwarts Legacy would be delayed again and
not released next year, an update from
Wizarding World says the Harry Potter-inspired action/RPG is still on track
to arrive this year:
2022 is also the year when the highly anticipated console game from Warner Bros. Games’ Portkey Games label, Hogwarts Legacy, is set to be released. Developed by Avalanche Software, this action RPG allows players to be at the centre of their own adventure set during the late 1800s wizarding world. From learning powerful spells and brewing potions, to honing combat skills and taming magical beasts, this game will allow players to experience the magical world as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before as they determine the fate of the entire wizarding world. To watch the trailer and learn more about the game, click here.
Sucker for Love: First Date Released [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 8 Comments
Sucker for Love: First Date is now available for Windows
on Steam, offering the latest installment in the crowded eldritch
horror/dating simulator genre. Here's a previously released
trailer for the game,
but stop now if you think viewing it will make any of this seem less crazy,
because it assuredly will not. Here's more on this game that puts the mystery in
mystery date:
Sucker for Love: First Date stars a trio of bubbly Eldritch goddesses to “romance,” each with their own unique personalities and menacing auras. There’s Ln’eta, a cute Cthulhu-like entity that is an affectionate sweetheart with a jealous streak; Estir, the elegant self-proclaimed royalty loves the color yellow and the finer things in life; and last but not least, there’s Nyanlathotep, whom at first may be intimidating but has a certain je ne sais quoi that often leads to those around her being completely enraptured.Continue here to read the full story.
Morning Patches [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
Official patch.
Morning Multiplex [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.
Morning Crowdfunding [12:35 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Retro Pixel Art x Furry- Puzzle Adventure Game Mercury Abbey by Gamera Game — Kickstarter. "Delve into this incredible story. Join uncle Harold and Willie duo on a bizarre journey in this classic suspense novel style adventure."
- Wekufu - A dark, Hand drawn 2D Hack and Slash Platformer by Stickerb Games — Kickstarter. "Play as Sakinko, a strong warrior hungry for vengeance. Explore detailed levels and fight strong enemies. Find who you are."
Morning Mobilization [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Thanks Ant.
- How Europe rolled out 5G without hurting aviation. Thanks Slashdot.
- Apple slashes trade-in values on most Android phones. Haha, they'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.
- Apple says it never intended iOS 14 security updates to last forever. Thanks Reddit.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra rumors: What we've heard about Samsung's next high-end phone.
- How 5G Clashed With an Aviation Device Invented in the 1920s (may require registration or subscription).
Morning Metaverse [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Morning Tech Bits [12:35 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Thanks Neutronbeam.
- Intel Urges Aid to Chipmakers: ‘Let’s Not Waste This Crisis’ (may require registration or subscription). Thanks Slashdot via Ant.
- ASML to Boost Headcount by Thousands to Overcome Chip-Supply Crunch (may require registration or subscription).
- Tech Start-Ups Reach a New Peak of Froth (may require registration or subscription).
- Apple now requires strict student verification to get education discounts. Thanks Ant.
- Windows 11 is getting a new Task Manager design.
- I Cannot Begin to Tell You How Proficient I Am in Microsoft Word.
Morning Safety Dance [12:35 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Hardware Reviews [12:35 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Case: Cooler Master HAF 500 Black Case Review - The FPS Review.
- Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL ROG - OCinside.
- Headset: Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X review - MusicRadar.
- Keyboard: MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile TKL Keyboard Review - TechPowerUp.
- Monitor: INNOCN 27C1U 4K Monitor Review - TechPowerUp.
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WIFI Motherboard Review - TweakTown.
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Pro Motherboard Review - TweakTown.
- Mouse: Cougar Dualblader Gaming Mouse Review - Modders Inc.
etc. [12:35 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Out of the Blue [12:35 pm ET] – Share – 6 Comments
The logo that's now adorning our desktop view is based on Medal of Honor:
Allied Assault. This first-person shooter was released on January 20, 2002
by 2015 (back when the developer's name seemed forward-looking). That makes
today the game's 20th anniversary, and a fitting time to revisit this logo.
Thank you to the immensely talented Walter
"2" Costinak for the original, and to the immensely talented Steve for
fixing to better suit our present format.
Obituary: Lusia Harris, first and only woman drafted into NBA, dies at 66.
Obituary: Lusia Harris, first and only woman drafted into NBA, dies at 66.
Honorable Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.Stories
- Maine Coon kitten outweighs toddler- People 'confuse him with a dog.' Dogs can be notoriously confusing. Thanks Max.
- South Georgia: The museum at the end of the world reopens for business. What about the restaurant at the end of the universe? Thanks brother19.
- Spider Killing Worm Named After Jeff Daniels.
Science
- Science’s 2021 Breakthrough of the Year- AI brings protein structures to all.
- SpaceX wins $102 million Air Force contract to demonstrate technologies for point-to-point space transportation.
- Antibiotic-resistant infections are killing millions, scientists say in Lancet study.
Image
- Calgary mall gets post-apocalyptic makeover for filming of "The Last of Us." Thanks Max.
- Wolf Moon: Stunning images show the first full moon of 2022 in all its glory.
Media
- TV reporter struck by car during live broadcast gracefully rebounds to finish shot. Most laconic anchor ever.
- The Cannonball Run Countach: Supercar Legend - Full Documentary. Thanks RedEye9.
Follow-ups
- Webb Space Telescope Mirror Segment Deployments Complete. Most attention to a mirror deployment since Studio 54 closed. Thanks Mr. Tact.
- Nocebo responses explain up to 76% of COVID vaccine side effects.
The Funnies
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