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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
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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
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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
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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
21. NBA 2K24 Launch Event
Source:Getty
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
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Source: BEHROUZ MEHRI / Getty / Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently the white whale of the gaming industry, and reportedly, a bunch of Captain Ahabs (devs) got to see it at Gamescom.
The evidence is mounting that Nintendo showed off the highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 to developers at Gamescom, and they also got to see it in action. Spotted on The Verge, via Eurogamer, and Windows Central, “trusted devs” saw a tech demo of how some games run on the Switch 2.
Per The Verge:
There was reportedly a demo of an improved version of Zelda: Breath of the Wild designed to run on the more advanced hardware inside the Nintendo Switch 2. Eurogamer’s report follows rumors from Windows Central’s Jez Corden that Nintendo had discussed a next-generation Switch with select developers at Gamescom.
Reports also claim that devs saw Epic Games Unreal Engine 5 tech demo of The Matrix Awakens running on hardware Nintendo hopes to get into the Nintendo Switch 2.
According to The Verge’s reporting, the game utilized “Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology with ray tracing enabled,” signaling that Nintendo and Nvidia are possibly working on a more powerful chip for the Switch 2.
Other Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors
VGC also reports that Nintendo is gunning for a 2024 release for the Nintendo Switch 2. It will not use an OLED screen, which is an unusual decision, and will still have support for physical cartridges.
“Certain developers” also have developer kits and console development is “progressing well,” Nikkei Asia reports.
These latest reports follow the multiple rumors of Nintendo dropping a “Nintendo Switch Pro” that was allegedly supposed to allow 4K gaming, and 11 developers did get their hands on 4K Nintendo Switch development kits.
According to Bloomberg, Nintendo had to change plans due to the global chip shortage. Nintendo, who is notoriously tight-lipped about their projects, denied it was working on a 4K Nintendo Switch.
As expected, the video game streets are talking. You can see the reactions to the recent developments in the gallery below.
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Photo: BEHROUZ MEHRI / Getty
1. A game changer, literally.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1/ Megan Fox
Actress Megan Fox is bringing her talents to the world of video games and is the latest big name to join in on the fun that is Mortal Kombat 1.
Fresh off the release of the “It’s Your Blood Trailer” starring Dave Bautista, NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games announced Megan Fox will be the voice and face of Nitara, the vampire heroine and latest main roster fighter coming to the fighting game.
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In a statement about being a part of Mortal Kombat 1, Fox said, “I grew up playing Mortal Kombat, and I can’t believe that I’m voicing a character in the new game.” “It’s an honor to be a part of one of the greatest video game legacies of all time.”
As for Nitara, she first burst on the scene in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance; in those games, she is described as “self-serving” rather than an outright villain and fights to separate her realm from Outworld.
Per Warner Bros. Games, she “hails from the dark and desolate realm of Vaeternus, and fights to protect her race of vampires and utilizes her ferocious claws, razor-sharp fangs, and aerial abilities to take on any opponent in her path.”
What also remains the same is that Nitara still requires blood to live, and she is still a deadly foe.
The Fighters So Far In Mortal Kombat 1
Nitara joins Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, Kenshi, Smoke, Rain, Li Mei, Tanya, Baraka, Geras, Reptile, Ashrah, Havik, General Shao, Sindel, Nitara, and more who all have new backstories thanks to Fire God Lui Kang rebooting the timeline.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches on Xbox Series S | X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch on September 19.
Step into the Nitara announcement trailer featuring Megan Fox below.
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Photo: Warner Bros. Games/ NetherRealm Studios / Mortal Kombat 1
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Source: Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games / G. I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
It’s a beat ’em up game renaissance. Fans of the classic 80s cartoon, it’s your time. G.I. Joe is coming to your PC and Nintendo Switch.
Unveiled during The MIX, G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is the latest retro arcade style beat ’em up game to drop. Developer Maple Powered Games and publisher Freedom Games aim to deliver a game set in the iconic world of G.I. Joe.
Players can take control of legendary Joes, Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock, and other franchise favorites to fight for freedom wherever there’s trouble over land, sea, air, or even in space and visit iconic locations like Cobra Island, the Pit, Cobra’s top-secret underwater base, and more.
You will lead the Joes on a mission armed with an arsenal of weapons, explosives, and more as you thwart Cobra Commander and his Cobra minions like Troopers, Ninja Vipers, HISS Tanks, the deadly Crimson Guard, and more.
Each playable character can pull off a special ability, string-together combos, and defensive moves like dodging and parrying.
You can embark on this mission alone or assemble a team of four for online or couch co-op in either Story or Arcade Mode.
G.I.Joe: Wrath of Cobra features hand-drawn pixel art and classic-style cartoon cutscenes to deliver fans the ultimate G.I. Joe experience paired with an arcade-style soundtrack from legendary composer Tee Lopes (Sonic Mania, TMNT Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4 – Mr. X Nightmare DLC) and from Crush 40’s lead vocalist Johnny Gioeli (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020).
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Banking On That 80s Nostalgia
G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is the latest game looking to bank on nostalgia, and gamers love for arcade-style beat ’em up games.
“G.I. Joe is an absolute classic franchise with one of the best fanbases. Working on this game is a dream come true, and it’s been a blast creating the game I’ve always wanted to see for G.I. Joe,” said Kerry Vandenberg, co-founder of Maple Powered Games. “We’re honored to give G.I. Joe fans the video game they deserve with the most authentic experience possible.”
“G.I. Joe is one the most iconic brands from the 80s, and it was the golden era of arcade games. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro-themed games, we’re thrilled to partner with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games to bring G.I. Joe fans our first-ever Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of a classic 2D beat ’em up,” said Eugene Evans, SVP Digital Strategy and Licensing at Hasbro.
The game arrives on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG with support for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and Nintendo Switch in Q1 2024.
Hit the gallery below for more screenshots from the game.
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Photo: Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games / G. I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra
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Source: PlayStation / PlayStation Plus
Yesterday’s price is not today’s price for the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
Sony announced that the price of a PlayStation Plus is going up. An annual Essential plan jumps from $60-$80, the Extra plan goes from $100 to $135, and the Premium plan from $120 to $160.
Brace yourselves. The new prices for the tiers go into effect on September 6.
Those still locked into their current subscriptions won’t experience the price hike until November 6, but if you make any changes “such as upgrades, downgrades, or buying additional time,” you will have to pay the extra money for the new subscription price.
As for the reason for the price hike, Sony says it will allow the company to “continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits” to the service.
Basically, if you want them to continue to drop those great games free to subscribers, the price has to go up. Sony also adds that yearly plans continue to come at a discount and are a better value than month-to-month or three-month subscriptions.
New PlayStation Plus was Sony’s answer to Xbox’s subscription service, Game Pass, and offered its users free titles every month, and for the most part, there were plenty of bangers.
Hilariously, the news of the price hikes comes on the heels of the very mid Saints Row coming to the PlayStation Plus service as the month’s free title. It is a rare miss for Team PlayStation regarding its monthly offerings.
Gamers React To The PlayStation Plus Price Hike
As expected, gamers have been sounding off about the news, and no one is happy about the price hike.
“I just saw that PlayStation plus is going up so they can provide us with better games each month and the first month of the price hike is saints row. What a world we live in,” One X user wrote.
Another user noted in an X post, “No dedicated Sony multiplayer games No Day 1 first parties No extra incentives or perks PlayStation: “We’re gonna increase the prices of plus.”
Welp.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: PlayStation / PlayStation Plus
2. Good times
3. Interesting
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Activision / Call of Duty / 21 Savage
How many kills can you rack up with 21 Savage in Call of Duty? A LOT, now that his skin is available in Call of Duty and Warzone.
Following the release of Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj’s operator skins, 21 Savage is the next Hip-Hop superstar who will be playable in both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone.
Launching Tuesday morning, Sir 21 Savage will bring some catchy adlibs and his finishing move hilarious named “Stabbed . . . a Lot,” a play on his single “A Lot” off his 2018 album, I Am > I Was.
Per the Call of Duty blog, 21 Savage’s arrival will feature the Tracer Pack: 21 Savage Bundle that will include two weapon blueprints named after two of his popular songs, the “Savage Mode” Assault Rifle and the “Red Opps” SMG.
For his secondary weapon, 21 Savage is armed with his “Slaughter King” melee tool, and the bundle will also include the “Skrrt Skrrt” UTV Vehicle Skin, a Charm, a Sticker, and, of course, a “Mr. Right Now” Loading Screen.
Sir Savage joins Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj in Call of Duty’s celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, but they are not the only cool additions coming to the game.
Lara Croft Is Also Coming To Call of Duty
A familiar face in video games, Tomb Raider’s own Lara Croft will also be an operator in the popular first-person shooter video game.
According to the Call of Duty blog, Lara Croft will be available on September 9. She will include a new version of the “Ice Axe” melee weapon, the “Mythic Defender” SMG, and, of course, her signature “Mach-5” dual pistols based on the new sidearm, plus her “Play for Sport” finishing move.
The bundle will also include the “Tomb Buggy” skin for the Chop Top, a Loading Screen, a Sticker, and an Emblem.
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Photo: Activision / Call of Duty / 21 Savage
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