This week in gaming: Red Dead Redemption 2 is delayed, Mario Kart goes mobile, plus new updates for Destiny 2 and PUBG. Here’s our digest of the week’s top video games news.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds news
It’s been a typically busy week in the word of PUBG, both in the game and behind the scenes. The game’s latest patch addresses some Miramar-related issues by adding more cover, additional buildings, and new off-road routes, among plenty of other changes. The Xbox One edition of PUBG has also received updates to vehicle damage from grenades, and slight adjustments to player damage in certain scenarios.
As work on improving the game continues, the money keeps rolling in. According to a survey by SuperData, the game earned $712 million between its March 2017 launch and the end of the year.
And finally, a range of new anti-cheat measures have been announced and will roll out this week. Find out more at the PUBG Steam Community Blog.
Red Dead Redemption 2 release date confirmed
I suppose we should insert that famous Miyamoto quote about making video games here, right? The confirmation that Red Dead Redemption 2 has been pushed back to October is a little disappointing, but not surprising. Take as much time as you need, RockStar. Idiots on the internet who have assumed the game is in some kind of “development hell”, remain idiots.
Nintendo making money
There was a Nintendo Direct’s worth of information released this week as part of the company’s latest earnings call.
In summary, the Switch has sold almost 15 million units and passed lifetime sales of the Wii U, Mario Kart Tour is coming to mobile, the SNES Classic Mini has sold 4 million units, and the 3DS is still trucking, with an impressive 5.86 million units sold. All of this means that Nintendo is firmly back in the business of making big money, with $7.9b revenue earned in the last fiscal year.
Elsewhere, it was revealed that Nintendo Labo will include a Toy-Con Garage feature that supports home-brew creations. And details of the Nintendo Switch online service have also been confirmed. Its September launch surely points to the release of a new Super Smash Bros.
Oh, and Imagination – the studio behind The Lorax and Minions – are making an animated Mario movie. Joy.
Bungie detail new Destiny 2 updates
Bungie continue to nip, tuck, tweak, and fix Destiny 2. The game’s latest patch adds an increase in player speed and mobility, plus a lengthy list of other changes that covers Armor Masterworks, reward balancing, and UI.
Shadow of the Colossus review round-up
Bluepoint’s sumptuous remake of Fumito Ueda’s PS2 classic comes to PlayStation 4 this week. Critics have been impressed by its graphical makeover, and gameplay that stands the test of time.
Oli Welsh, writing in Eurogamer, says:
“Shadow of the Colossus is such a sad, beautiful, thrilling game. It’s so bold in its austerity; compared to the frantic busywork of today’s games, its sheer emptiness comes as a relief.”
The Telegraph‘s John Robertson says:
“In 2005 Shadow of the Colossus was a masterpiece and that remains so in 2018. This is one of the greatest games ever made and is an accolade that shows no sign of being detached from its monumental presence.”
And GameSpot‘s Edmon Tran says:
“Shadow of the Colossus is a tremendous journey, and one well worth taking and retaking. The visual overhaul is stunning, thoroughly enhancing every facet of Wander and Agro’s excellent adventure.”
No Nolan
GDC organisers have confirmed the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement, Ambassador, and Pioneer awards. Industry stalwarts Tim Schafer and Rami Ismail will be honoured with the first two, but the Pioneer choice of Atari founder Nolan Bushnell caused a swift backlash due to well documented examples of inappropriate behaviour. The award will now be dedicated to “the pioneering and unheard voices of the past.”
Sega partner with Interior Night
Sega and Interior Night have announced a publishing partnership that will see both companies collaborate on the creation of brand-new, narrative driven IP.
Billy Mitchell in hot water
Noted Donkey Kong player – and hot sauce magnate – Billy Mitchell has been accused of recording high scores using MAME, rather than an original Donkey Kong arcade cabinet. The initial analysis – carried out by Donkey Kong Forum – indicates that frames from Mitchell’s official score submissions may have been spliced together. The evidence is now under review by Twin Galaxies, the US-based organisation that tracks video game world records.
The C64 Mini
The NES and SNES Classic Minis – but not the Sega Genesis Flashback – are a great way for ageing gamers to relive their youth, but what about those us who played games on home computers? Enter TheC64 Mini, a fully functional miniature version of the Commodore 64 that comes bundled with a joystick, and 64 pre-installed games. We assume (hope) the loading times have been shortened.
Sony profits
Sony’s PlayStation 4 continues to dominate, with worldwide console shipments reaching 76.5 million. Sony forecasts a further 19 million PlayStation 4s will hit stores during the remainder of this financial year, which ends on March 31, 2018.
Sony’s Kaz Hirai to step down
Despite the ongoing success of the PS4, Sony’s Kaz Hirai has announced that he will step down from the role of CEO in April. He will stay on as company chairman, and will be replaced by current CFO, Kenichiro Yoshida. In a statement, Hirai-san said:
“As the company approaches a crucial juncture, when we will embark on a new mid-range plan, I consider this to be the ideal time to pass the baton of leadership to new management, for the future of Sony and also for myself to embark on a new chapter in my life.”
Demon Souls to lose online play
FromSoftware have announced that Demon’s Souls’ online servers are shutting down at the end of the month, nine years after the game’s release.
The next Gran Turismo is in production
Never mind that GT Sport still feels like a half-finished game, series creator Kazunori Yamauchi says he’s already hard at work on the next entry in the Gran Turismo franchise.
Latest video game releases
There are plenty of new games coming to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this week. Follow our new releases page for regular updates, and check back on Monday for this week’s Nintendo eShop lineup.
Sunday reading
Our own Josh Wise explores how video games like Oxenfree, Firewatch, and Alan Wake tune into the wonder and fear of radio.
