Here’s our quick round-up of some video game news you might have missed.
It’s been another packed week in the world of video games, with a new Ghost Recon game announced by Ubisoft, and an impressive new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Remake closing the latest PlayStation State of Play.
As ever, there were a few stories that we missed. Here are ten worth knowing.
The video game cartoons we didn’t get
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, another glorious piece of video game ephemera is unearthed. Twitter user Tanooki Joe discovered an Ebay auction listing promotional art for unmade cartoons based on Castlevania, Double Dragon, Metroid, and California Games. The concepts feature a male Samus, and a rather Scooby-Doo-like take on Castlevania. It’s probably for the best these were never made.
- Images: Lance Cannon
Trouble at the top for the ESA
Variety has published a report detailing “a toxic environment rife with internal politics” at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). The association – which runs the annual E3 games event – has recently found itself on the wrong side of the arguments against workplace crunch and exploitative monetization practices. The problem, it seems, starts at the top.
Nintendo confirms E3 2019 plans
Nintendo has officially announced its plans for E3 2019 with the news that a new Nintendo Direct will air on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. It will be followed by three days of content from the Nintendo Treehouse. There will also be tournaments for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2 held on June 8, 2019.
Xbox Game Pass Quests expand to new regions
Major Nelson has announced that Xbox Game Pass Quests are now available in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, France, Germany, and Mexico. Quests encourage players to complete activities within eligible titles in return for Microsoft Reward points. The points can be redeemed for Xbox gift cards, in-game content, and digital media.
IDW launches a new Gears of War comic
Gears of War: Hivebusters is a new five-part Gears of War comic books series from IDW featuring art by Alan Quah and Pierre Droal, and a script by Kurtis Wiebe. The story is set after the events of Gears of War 4 and follows a tactical COG unit’s attempt to destroy a swarm hive from within.
EA Access is coming to PlayStation 4
Games subscription service EA Access is coming to PlayStation 4 five years after it debuted on Xbox One. The PS4 service will launch in July, and include early trials on new game releases, access to a library of EA titles, and 10% discounts on digital purchases. We assume it won’t include many of the last-generation titles that are available on Xbox One via Backward Compatibility.
The Division 2 loot plans shelved
Ubisoft has backtracked on plans to add higher level weapons and gear to The Division 2. The ‘515 gear’ was planned to drop in the game’s third update but following an outcry from players, developer Massive Entertainment said they had decided “not increase Gear Score beyond 500”.
God of War documentary released
Sony has released Raising Kratos, a two-hour-long documentary that follows the development of Playstation 4 game, God of War. The film was assembled from over 400 hours of raw footage and took two years to complete. It’s a fascinating look at the creation of one of this generation’s defining video games. Grab a coffee and watch it right here.
Monster Hunter World gets a free trial on PS4
PlayStation 4 owners can download and play the opening section of Monster Hunter World for free until May 20, 2019. The free trial includes the Ancient Forest and Wildspire Waste locations and eight assignments to complete. Online multiplayer is included, and all progress can be carried over to the full game.
Two points for Sega
Sega Europe has acquired Two Point Studios, the company behind the well-received simulation game, Two Point Hospital. The game will continue to receive support and updates as the studio works on new, unannounced projects. Speaking about the acquisition, Sega Europe president, Gary Dale, says:
“We’re delighted to welcome Two Point Studios officially in to the Sega family. As a relatively new, British-based developer with a global hit already under their belts, we knew we had to move quickly on this deal because they are an extremely attractive investment proposition with a great deal of talent.”
New game releases
Rage 2 and the Castlevania Anniversary Collection are the highlights from this week’s lineup of new video game releases for the Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
Follow Thumbsticks on Twitter for video game news, reviews, features, and comment.
