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Source: Microsoft / Xbox Series X ‘Brooklin’
Another massive leak, spilling some juicy Xbox details, has the video game world buzzing.
An FTC leak has produced documents detailing some of Xbox’s future plans and another massive acquisition. The biggest news from the leak was that Xbox plans to drop what it calls a “console refresh” of the Xbox Series X called ‘Brooklin.’
It has been confirmed that it was Microsoft were the one’s who “leaked” the information after accidentally loading it onto a government website, per Bloomberg’s reporting.
Anyway, Brooklin is a new Xbox Series X console version that ditches the original “box shape” small fridge look for a new circular design plus a much-needed increased internal storage of 2TB.
Gamesradar reports that the “console refresh” will have the same price as the previous console with tweaks like a faster wireless connection, more storage as mentioned above, eco-friendly features to reduce the console’s carbon footprint, ditching the disc drive, and even an updated controller that could finally bring it on par, or close to the greatness that is the PS5’s DualSense controller.
The new controller, code-named Sebille, is “more immersive” and will feature gyro support, Bluetooth 5.2, and a direct Cloud connection. There will also be “precision haptic feedback” that doubles as speakers.
“Improved longevity” is also a feature of the Sebille controller, thanks to new modular thumbsticks.
According to the leaks, the controller will launch sometime in August 2024, around the same time as E3 2024, when the company was set to reveal its latest offerings to the video game world.
There are also plans for an Xbox Series S refresh due in August, with the Brooklin console coming in late October, right in time for Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season.
Phil Spencer Was Dreaming of Video Game Domination
The new console and controller weren’t the only news about the FTC leak. According to leaked emails, Xbox Chief Phil Spencer wanted to bring Nintendo into the Xbox ecosystem.
In the August 2020 email sent right before Microsoft bought Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax, Spencer called a possible acquisition of Nintendo “a career moment.”
Spencer’s lust didn’t stop there. He also expressed interest in Steam owner Valve and Warner Bros’ collection of game studios like Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm Studios and Rocksteady, the game studio behind the Batman Arkham Series.
Per IGN:
“Nintendo is THE prime asset for us in gaming and today gaming is our most likely path to consumer relevance,” Spencer wrote in the email.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with the LT of Nintendo about tighter collaboration and feel like if any US company would have a chance with Nintendo we are probably in the best position.”
However, Spencer outlined a number of blocks on the merger, including the fact Nintendo seemed uninterested in selling up. Nintendo is “sitting on a big pile of cash”, Spencer said, and was apparently happy with its current position. As a result, Spencer said he couldn’t “see an angle” on a buyout in the short term, adding: “I don’t think a hostile action would be a good move… so we are playing the long game.”
Well damn.
You can see more reactions to the leaks in the gallery below.
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Photo: Microsoft / Xbox Series X ‘Brooklin’
2. Interesting
3. Looks like Tom was right.
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Source: Trolli Candy / PUBG: Battlegrounds
Trolli Candy links up with PUBG: Battlegrounds for a delicious collaboration that also adds flavor to your Battlegrounds experience.
Announced on National Video Games Day, the first-ever partnership between the gummy candy company and popular video game invites gamers to join the Sour Brite Squad.
The collaboration will see four collectible Trolli x PUBG packs featuring iconic PUBG characters on retailers’ shelves nationwide until December.
Gamers will get their hands on the yummy gummies and access exclusive in-game content, including custom Trolli character skins adorned with Trolli’s sour neon Trolli worms.
Source: Trolli Candy / PUBG
“More than 50 percent of Trolli consumers identify as avid gamers, so we know that our Trolli brand is closely connected to the culture,” said Hope Hruska, Brand Manager for Trolli. “We’re always looking for unexpected ways to show up for the gaming community, which is why we’re excited to merge Trolli’s neon brite world with PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and bring to life iconic elements of the game that gamers have never seen before.”
PUBG: Battleground players can grab the in-game content when purchasing four specially marked packs of Trolli gummies, including:
You can see more photos from the collaboration in the gallery below.
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Photo: Trolli Candy / PUBG: Battlegrounds
1. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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2. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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3. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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4. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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5. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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7. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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8. Trolli Candy x PUBG
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Source: David J. Becker / Getty / FaZe Clan
Once uber-popular Esports organization FaZe Clan is struggling and now needs a new CEO.
Spotted on Digital Music News, FaZe Clan has given CEO Lee Trink the boot, “effective immediately.” The news comes on the heels of the publicly traded company’s shares plummeting “nearly 99 percent since mid-September of 2022,” the website reports.
FaZe Clan “quietly” decided to change leadership in a formal release. Before joining Faze Clan, Trink worked at Atlantic and EMI as an exec before joining the organization in an advisor capacity in 2016 before he was promoted to CEO in 2018, and it’s been all downhill since he took the job.
Per Digital Music News:
Previously an Atlantic and EMI exec, Trink signed on with FaZe Clan as an advisor in 2016 before beginning as CEO in September of 2018. But for a variety of reasons, it’s been a downhill ride for the Jimmy Iovine-backed company since it listed on the public market via a SPAC merger in July of 2022.
Shares parted with north of 25 percent of their worth immediately thereafter, and Snoop Dogg, having joined the gaming collective’s board of directors in March of 2022, abruptly ducked out of the operation in April of this year.
The following month, former BMG exec and Raised In Space CEO Zach Katz, who’d started as FaZe Clan’s president and COO in May of 2022, exited the role. And in August, the business reported Q2 2023 revenue of $11.69 million (down 37.84 percent year over year) as well as a quarterly net loss of $14.36 million.
COO and CFO Christoph Pachler will take over Trink’s now-vacated role in an interim capacity. Digital Music News reports that it’s unclear if he will permanently take the role or if there is an active search for a replacement.
Is this the beginning of the end for FaZe Clan? We shall see.
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Photo: David J. Becker / Getty
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Source: Nintendo / Mario vs. Donkey Kong
The PlayStation State of Play event is a couple of hours away, but Nintendo kicked things off this morning with many games coming to the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch owners have a lot of games to look forward to playing well into 2024 as they continue to patiently wait for Nintendo to confirm the existence of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Until that day comes, there are some very exciting titles Switch owners should be excited to get their hands on this winter and in 2024.
So, in case you were still sleeping while it was going on, don’t worry. HHW Gaming has got you covered.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
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The iconic rivalry between Mario and Donkey Kong comes to the Nintendo Switch. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is described as a puzzle-platforming game that will see the legendary plumber on a mission to regain a bunch of stolen Mario toys taken by Donkey Kong.
The game features local co-op play and comes to the Nintendo Switch on February 16, 2024.
Princess Peach: Showtime
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Princess Peach doesn’t need to be saved this time. In Princess Peach Showtime !, the titular character teams up with her companion, The Sparkle Theater’s guardian Stella, to stop Grape and the Sour Bunch, who have taken it over.
The trailer showcases Princess Peach’s ability to take multiple forms: Detective Peach, Kung Fu Peach, and Swordfighter Peach. The game launches on the Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2024
F-ZERO 99
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We’re finally getting a new F-ZERO game, but it’s not exactly what fans of the iconic racer that first arrived on the Super Nintendo were asking for.
F-ZERO 99 is a battle royale race that will see up to 99 players hit the track and duke it to finish at the top. The game has new gameplay features, allowing players to customize their favorite F-ZERO racer vehicles.
The game is available right now to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Starring Lara Croft
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OG Lara Croft is back! Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr are bringing the first three Tomb Raider video games and slapping them with a fresh coat of HD paint. For the retro purists, you can play using the original graphics.
We are curious to see how well this game has aged and how it will feel when it arrives on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG on February 14, 2024.
Contra: Operation Guluga
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Contra is a classic, so it put a smile on our faces to see Konami and developer WayForward’s complete remaster of the iconic Nintendo shooter.
Contra: Operation Galuga brings the shooter to the Nintendo Switch with a new look and feel, and we honestly can’t wait to play this one when it launches on the Switch sometime in early 2024.
For the rest of today’s Nintendo Direct announcements, hit the gallery below.
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Photo: Nintendo / Mario vs. Donkey Kong
1. Trombone Champ – Launch Trailer – Nintendo Switch
Trombone Champ is available today on Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Honk, blow, and toot your way through over 45 songs! Up to 4 players can play together in local multiplayer! The Nintendo Switch version supports multiple control modes: Tilt, IR Motion Camera and Tilt-Motion. Try your best to get higher scores, and compete with your friends on the online leaderboards! Collect all 50 unique Tromboner Cards, meet mysterious characters, and uncover the mysteries of the Trombiverse. Do you have what it takes to become the Trombone Champ?
2. Unicorn Overlord – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch
Unicorn Overlord is releasing for Nintendo Switch on March 8, 2024! Wishlist today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
From the creators of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Odin Sphere, Unicorn Overlord shines in combining overworld exploration and an innovative battle system in the iconic Vanillaware style. Traverse the vibrant world, cultivate a grand army with over 60 uniquely designed characters, and grow your renown throughout the five nations in this unique epic fantasy experience!
3. SaGa Emerald Beyond
SaGa Emerald Beyond is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2024! Wishlist today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
The latest standalone entry in the SaGa franchise, SaGa Emerald Beyond, brings together the very best elements of the beloved series to offer each player their own unique gameplay experience.
As players venture across 17 mysterious worlds, they will forge their own unique branching stories that unfold based on their very own choices and actions. With multiple endings and countless scenes to discover, players will experience a unique tale upon each playthrough!
4. SPYxANYA: Operation Memories
SPYxANYA: Operation Memories is coming to Nintendo Switch next year! Wishlist today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Complete a photo diary for homework by living your daily life as Anya in the world of SPYxFAMILY! You will surely find treasured memories in the ordinary daily life.
Not only the family members, Loid and Yor, but also Anya’s friends, Damian and Becky, and even Yuri and Fiona will appear in the game.
In addition to outings, play unique mini-games to get cute costumes, and add color to your memories by dressing up characters in your style!
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 6
The final wave of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass arrives this holiday! Learn more: https://mariokart8.nintendo.com/boost…
Wave 6 includes Daisy Circuit plus 7 more courses, along with 4 returning playable characters: – Diddy Kong – Funky Kong – Pauline – Peachette
6. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door from the Nintendo GameCube system will return with enhanced graphics for Nintendo Switch in 2024!
7. Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass – Side Order DLC
The Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass – Side Order DLC is releasing spring 2024! Learn more: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Featuring a brand-new story, the single-player Side Order DLC will challenge you to ascend the Spire of Order in an experience that’s designed to be replayed over and over!
8. Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG is releasing for Nintendo Switch on November 17, 2023! Pre-order today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Mario and his teammates are tougher than ever in Super Mario RPG! Use the updated Action Commands to unleash the all-new Triple Moves, where Mario and his party members team up to unleash a unique group attack.
9. Another Code: Recollection
Another Code: Recollection is releasing for Nintendo Switch on January 19, 2024! Pre-order today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
The Nintendo DS game, Trace Memory, and its sequel, previously unreleased in North America, return fully enhanced for the Nintendo Switch system as Another Code: Recollection.
10. Detective Pikachu Returns
Detective Pikachu Returns launches for Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. Pre-order today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Unravel a series of mysteries across Ryme City with a tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu and his human partner, Tim Goodman. When a jewel theft occurs, the case sets this great detective duo down a path filled with mystery. Why did Tim’s father, Harry, go missing? What is causing the Pokémon-related incidents around Ryme City? Answer these questions and more by searching for clues, investigating scenes, and using your case notebook to make deductions.
11. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is releasing for Nintendo Switch summer 2024.
Welcome to Evershade Valley, a place that’s screaming and teeming with the supernatural. Luigi and his vacuum-like device, the Poltergust, ensue mansion mayhem, and Luigi must face his courage to save the day! Up to 4 players can play together locally and online across different multiplayer modes.
12. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is coming to Nintendo Switch on January 18, 2024! Pre-order today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is an action-adventure platformer game set in a mythological Persian world, bringing new characters & lore, engaging narrative, and exciting gameplay mechanics to a legendary franchise.
13.
WarioWare: Move It! is releasing for Nintendo Switch on November 3, 2023! Pre-order today: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Strike a pose with a multitude of motion-based microgames in a brand-new entry in the WarioWare series! You can laugh out loud with over 200 lightning-fast microgames, and multiplayer modes aplenty!
14. Horizon Chase 2 – Gameplay Trailer
Horizon Chase 2 is available today on Nintendo Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/store/produc…
Get your crew together and embark on this new trip around the World with the classic signature high-speed arcade gameplay within a dynamic environment, unique art style, thrilling soundtrack and online gameplay!
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Source: NurPhoto / Getty / PlayStation
There were rumblings that PlayStation might have another State of Play stream up its sleeve. Those rumors were indeed true.
Nintendo excited the video game world when it announced it was holding an early-morning Nintendo Direct showcase. Sony decided to get in on the fun and spring on games that it was having a direct.
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The “surprise” stream is going down on September 14, 5:00 pm ET on PlayStation’s YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok accounts. In the announcement, PlayStation told fans there will be “something for everyone.”
At the same time, the blog post also made a valiant effort to temper expectations by noting the ” broadcast will focus on updates to previously announced games coming to PlayStation consoles. From indie and PS VR2 highlights to major upcoming titles from our third-party partners.”
Still, that’s not stopping the speculation train from rolling out of the station. We could get new information on games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Stellar Blade, Death Stranding 2, Alan Wake 2, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and some Indie titles.
Again, we are going into this State of Play with meager expectations to avoid an epic level of disappointment. We know PlayStation usually saves its best for its PlayStation Showcase live streams.
Keep it locked on HHW Gaming. We will share whatever information comes from the State of Play if you miss it.
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Photo: NurPhoto / Getty
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Source: SOPA Images / Getty / Unity
Unity, the cross-platform game engine that many popular games run on, is the current subject of ire on X (formerly known as Twitter) following the announcement of its new business model, including ridiculous new fees.
Spotted on Kotaku, Unity took a page out of Elon Musk’s book of sabotaging your own brand by introducing a new Runtime Fee tied to player’s game installations in a September 12 blog post.
Per Kotaku:
The new Runtime Fee, announced in a September 12 Unity blog, is based on the number of installations a game built with the Unity engine receives, as well as the revenue it generates. Though it won’t start until January 1, 2024, the Runtime Fee will apply to any game that has reached both a previously established annual revenue threshold and a lifetime install count. Games developed with the lower-cost Unity Personal and Unity Plus plans reach that threshold at $200,000 of revenue in one year and 200,000 lifetime installs, while Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise accounts must reach $1 million in revenue and 1 million lifetime installs for the fee to kick in.
As expected, the announcement of these new fees garnered many adverse reactions from Game Developers. Unity claims the new prices will help fund the development of new technology. Developers wonder if developing a hit game on Unity will cost them more money than they can bring in.
Per Axios Gaming’s reporting, under the new fee, “developers who use Unity’s free tier of development services would owe Unity $0.20 per installation once their game hit thresholds of 200,000 downloads and earn $200,000 in revenue.”
Developers paying $2,000 a year for a Unity Pro plan must hit higher thresholds but would be charged lower fees. The fees won’t kick in until the start of 2024.
Unity Scrambles To Explain The New Business Model
The company took to X to explain the new business model.
Today we announced a change to our business model which includes new additions to our subscription plans, and the introduction of a Runtime fee. We wanted to provide clarifying answers to the top questions most of you are asking.
Yes, this is a price increase and it will only affect a small subset of current Unity Editor users. Today, a large majority of Unity Editor users are currently not paying anything and will not be affected by this change. The Unity Runtime fee will not impact the majority of our developers. T
he developers who will be impacted are generally those who have successful games and are generating revenue way above the thresholds we outlined in our blog. This means that developers who are still building their business and growing the audience of their games will not pay a fee. The program was designed specifically this way to ensure developers could find success before the install fee takes effect.
Social Media Reactions
As expected, the fallout to Unity’s news was swift. Video Game Awards creator Geoff Keighly wrote on X in reply to the news, “What a joke.”
“I appreciate that louder voices than mine are pushing back on this Unity news. I’ve spent every moment of the last six years building my world and tools in Unity and honestly don’t have time or energy to be bothered with more corporate nonsense,” Indie Developer Dean Dodrill said.
Welp.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: SOPA Images / Getty
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Source: Warner Bros. Games / NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1 / Shang Tsung
It has begun. Mortal Kombat 1 is days away, and the latest launch trailer gives us more clues about the game’s new story, a look at sorcerer turned snake oil salesman, Shang Tsung’s moves, and more.
A new launch trailer has arrived ahead of Mortal Kombat 1’s September 19 release September 14 for those with early access. In it, we get more story beats about what’s going on in Fire God Lui Kang’s new world he made following the events of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath.
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A previous trailer revealed a younger Shang Tsung will return in Mortal Kombat 1. Still, he is no longer the formidable soul-stealing, shapeshifting sorcerer we have known him to be for many iterations of the iconic fighting game franchise, but a down-on-his-luck snake oil salesman.
His fortune changes when MK 11’s main villain, Kronika, shows up, offering him a chance to restore himself to his former glory. Well, somehow, he gets his ability to launch his signature fireballs, or flaming skulls, and shapeshift into other Kombatants.
The trailer also shows some gameplay footage of Reiko, who is described as General Shao’s second in command and is “the savage warrior with a fighting style that matches his fierce persona, as well as bone-krushing highlights of other launch roster fighters.”
Accessibility Features Are Coming To Mortal Kombat 1
Additionally, Warner Bros. / NetherRealm Studios announced additional accessibility options for the game, like audio descriptions, cues for on-screen action, and much more, which you can learn about here.
Welcome to the New Era. Will you fight for peace, or embrace the khaos? #MK1 pic.twitter.com/3RexJuvyoP
— Mortal Kombat 1 (@MortalKombat) September 12, 2023
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Mortal Kombat 1 punches and kicks onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) on September 19, 2023.
Shang Tsung will be available as a playable character if you hit the pre-order button.
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Photo: Warner Bros. Games / NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1
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NBA 2K24 is here (our review is in progress), but to celebrate the arrival of the annual basketball video game, 2K put on a massive celebration in New York City. On Wednesday, September 6, celebs, your favorite Hip-Hop stars, the press, NBA 2K fans, and athletes converged in NYC at the ArtsDistrict Brooklyn to celebrate the launch of NBA 2K24.Those in attendance could experience several activations, including a barbershop, sneaker cleaning station, Brotherhood Deli with NBPA, Def Jam Freestyle Booth, and gaming stations to NBA 2K24 for a spin.Among those in attendance include Ronnie 2K, of course, Hip-Hop stars Swae Lee, Fabolous, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Fivio Foreign, Maino, Jadakiss, Jim Jones, and Coi Leray, NBA stars Donovan Mitchell, Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr. and, NBA 2K24 cover athlete and NY Liberty all-star guard Sabrina Ionescu and more.As with all NBA 2K launch parties, there has to be a performance to cap off a great night, and it was pretty fitting to have Lil Uzi Vert hit the stage to perform his mega-hit, “Just Wanna Rock,” to usher in NBA 2K24.The celebration didn’t stop there. On Thursday, Ronnie 2K, Swae Lee, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Cade Cunningham, and professional tennis superstar Frances Tiafoe hit the streets of Times Square NYC to play the first-ever 2K24 game on the big screen to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.NBA 2K24 is now available on every damn platform you can think of. Keep it locked on Hip-Hop Wired Gaming for our review of the game, and hit the gallery below for more photos from the launch party.
1. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Fabolous, Maino and Jadakiss attend a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,maino – rapper,jadakiss
2. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Cade Cunningham attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,cade cunningham
3. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Fivio Foreign attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
4. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Jim Jones attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,looking at camera,brooklyn – new york,sport,sunglasses,basketball – sport,event,three quarter length,james jones – basketball player
5. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Coi Leray attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,coi leray
6. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Connie Diiamond attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
7. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Key Glock attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
8. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Taylor Rooks attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
9. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Lil B attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,lil b
10. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,a boogie wit da hoodie
11. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Don C attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
12. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Sabrina Ionescu attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,sabrina ionescu
13. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Armani White attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,armani white
14. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Zaytoven attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,zaytoven
15. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Dave East attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,dave east
16. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Jeff Hamilton attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
17. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Tim Hardaway attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,tim hardaway
18. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Nav and Ronnie Singh attend a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event
19. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Lil Uzi Vert performs onstage during a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,new york city,performance,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,stage – performance space,lil uzi vert
20. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Lil Uzi Vert performs onstage during a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,new york city,performance,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,stage – performance space,lil uzi vert
21. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Dave East attends a NBA 2K24 Launch Event on September 06, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NBA 2K24 ) photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,horizontal,usa,new york city,brooklyn – new york,sport,basketball – sport,event,dave east
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1 / Jean-Claude Van Damme
It’s a complete full circle moment for legendary action film star gymnast Jean-Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport, Kickboxer) and the Mortal Kombat video game franchise.
It only took 30 years, but Jean-Claude Van Damme is finally where he belongs in Mortal Kombat.
Van Damme’s appearance in the game was already known, but today marks the first time we see him in action in Mortal Kombat 1.
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Unlike his fellow Hollywood brethren Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallon, who appeared in Mortal Kombat 11 as DLC characters, Van Damme is a skin for MK OG Johnny Cage, and his likeness and voice are in the game.
This Is A Reunion 30 Years In The Making
Van Damme has a long history with the world of fighting video games. Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon revealed on a recent episode of First We Feast’s popular show Hot Ones that he originally wanted to make a video game starring Van Damme before making Mortal Kombat.
Conversations between Van Damme’s team and Boon’s crew never amounted to anything. Eventually, Van Damme would star in one of the worst video game movie adaptations ever, Street Fighter, and star in the even worst fighting game based on the film.
In the trailer, Van-Damme makes a hilarious Street Fighter reference in a pre-fight scene.
He finally gets to redeem himself with his appearance in Mortal Kombat 1, and it’s pretty fitting because, honestly, we all knew Johnny Cage was based on his character from Bloodsport.
Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for Johnny Cage will be available at launch as part of the first Kombat Pack, alongside early access to six new downloadable content (DLC) playable characters – Quan Chi, Ermac, Takeda Takahashi, Peacemaker, Omni-Man, and Homelander (all available post-launch) – and five new Kameo Fighters (available post-launch).
We hope Ed Boon and the crew even sneak in some of Van Damme’s other looks from his other “classic” films.
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Photo: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1
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Source: EA Sports / UFC 5
UFC 5 is coming and is aiming to be EA Sports’ best combat sports video game since Fight Night Champion.
Thursday, September 7, EA Sports dropped the first trailer for UFC 5 featuring UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who is the cover athlete for the deluxe edition of the game, and Alexander Volkanovski and former UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who cover the standard edition.
The Frostbite Engine Is Entering The Octagon
When UFC 5 arrives, it will be the first game in the MMA video game franchise to be powered by EA’s Frostbite Engine. It will introduce the all-new Real Impact System that the developer says will make the game “the definitive MMA experience with authentic gameplay and graphics maximized for modern consoles.”
EA claims the Frostbite Engine will “enhance” the realism in the game thanks to high-speed 60 frames-per-second rendering and gameplay simulation.
“UFC 5 offers an intensely realistic fighting experience, harnessing Frostbite’s power and technology,” said Nate McDonald, EA SPORTS UFC 5’s Lead Producer. “From our Real Impact System that helps maximize the power of the generational hardware leap to the enhanced lighting, detailed characters,strand-based hair, and face animation system, every aspect is upgraded. Our collaboration with UFC delivers an unparalleled and authentic MMA interactive experience.”
“UFC 5 captures all the sweat, blood, and commitment that it takes to be successful in the Octagon,” said Volkanovski. “Trust me, the level of immersion that EA SPORTS has recreated with this game is the ultimate representation of the sport.
The Real Impact System will allow players to experience realistic blow-by-blow damage with hyper-accurate progression as your fighter’s attributes realistically deteriorate throughout a fight.
Thanks to 64,000 possible facial damage combinations, players can feel the power behind each blow. The new fluid physics and particle systems elevate how blood and sweat are shed in the Octagon.
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Other Features Coming To UFC 5
Along with a new engine and the Real Impact System, other features coming to UFC 5 include:
Cinematic K.O. Replay: Cinematic K.O. replays showcase fight-ending finishes with intensified visuals and enhanced excitement. Presented in super slow motion with cinematic angles and lighting, the impact of fight-ending shots represents highlight reel moments recapturing the drama of a UFC fight.
Doctor’s Checks and Stoppages: Suffering a notable injury prompts the referee to pause the fight for a ringside doctor’s inspection. Failure to adapt and protect the injury from further damage can lead to a doctor’s stoppage, which introduces true-to-sport strategic variables for players to navigate under heightened pressure.
New Strikes and Hit Reactions: New Strike animations emulate heavy hitters and professional kickboxers and more coupled with new motion variations for ground and pound elbows, spinning attacks, body punches, and calf kicks. Plus, the Hit Reaction animations and physics during a frenetic fight can initiate clean connection impacts-moments players can feel with next-level immersion during gameplay.
Seamless Submissions: Revamped Seamless Submissions extend the existing grappling system with faster animation transitions and the removal of mini-games. Grapple Assist aids beginners, while veterans can explore deeper layers. Seamless submissions provide a smoother, authentic ground game for grappling enthusiasts.
Fight Week and Alter Egos: UFC 5’s launch includes a revamped live service with features like Fight Week and Fight Picks tied to real-world UFC events. Alter Egos are all new versions of top fighters that capture authentic career-defining moments and provide alternative looks and associated abilities.
Pre-Order Bonuses
EA Sports UFC 5 Standard Edition arrives on October 27 for PS5, Xbox Series S | X. The Deluxe Edition of the game arrives on October 24 for those who pre-order the game, plus grants you access to Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Pedor Emilanenko as playable characters.
For more photos, hit the gallery below.
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Photos: EA Sports / UFC 5
1. UFC 5
Source:UFC 5
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2. UFC 5
Source:UFC 5
UFC 5 ufc,ea sports,ufc 5
3. UFC 5
Source:UFC 5
UFC 5 ufc,ea sports,ufc 5