SQUARE ENIX has today announced that a special Square Enix Presents Tokyo Game Show edition will air on October 1 at 3:00AM PDT. The official stream with English subtitles can be found at https://youtu.be/d-pJiL_wm1M. The program will focus on both new and previously released information on upcoming Square Enix titles.
In addition to the Square Enix Presents Tokyo Game Show edition, several game-specific stream programs will air throughout the weekend, including the following that will offer English subtitles or dubbing:
Forspoken – Friday October 1 at 6:00AM PDT
STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN™ – Saturday, October 2 at 5:00AM PDT
FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLDIER – Sunday, October 3 at 1:30AM PDT
Also during Tokyo Game Show, new merchandise and event limited music products will be revealed for pre-order on the North American and European SQUARE ENIX STORE.
Well I certainly would not want to follow that incredible Xbox and Bethesda Showcase just 30 minutes ago but now we have the Square Enix Digital showcase for E3 and as a PS5 gamer, I certainly have my eyes on this one for some Final Fantasy news, MARVEL’s Avengers Blank Panther expansion news and other updates and possible reveals of what to expect over the next year from this publisher. Below you will find all the news and trailers as they happened in the showcase followed by my own thoughts on them:
MARVEL’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Official Reveal Trailers
Fire up Star-Lord’s jet boots for a wild ride across the cosmos in this third-person action-adventure game, a fresh take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. With the unpredictable Guardians at your side, blast your way from one explosive situation to another, with original and iconic Marvel characters caught in a struggle for the fate of the universe. You got this. Probably.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is coming October 26, 2021 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Final Fantasy: Pixel Remasters
The games that inspired a generation come to life once more, in the ultimate 2D pixel remaster. Coming soon to Steam and Mobile!
Legend of Mana:
Watch the Legend of Mana opening movie! Now Remastered for the first time, featuring a colorful cast of characters, exciting real-time combat, and the option to alternate between the original or new rearranged music. Legend of Mana is available 24th June 2021
MARVEL’s Avengers: Black Panther – War for Wakanda Trailer
Black Panther must defend Wakanda from Klaw, who seeks to steal Vibranium for his own desires. Watch the cinematic trailer for Marvel’s Avengers Expansion: Black Panther – War for Wakanda. Available in August 2021!
Mobile Games: Trailers
Hitman Sniper: The Shadows introduces a wholly original story set in the Hitman Universe. The game focuses on events following the disappearance of Agent 47 and follows the story of The Shadows, a group of highly skilled snipers – Soji, Kiya, Kolzak, Knight, and Stone – within the hidden world of assassination, where a new criminal network threatens global stability. Diana Burnwood and the International Contract Agency (ICA) activate Initiative 426, aka The Shadows, to eliminate this threat. Hitman Sniper: The Shadows is a free-to-play game set to be released in 2021 on iOS and Android. More exciting updates will be revealed later this year.
Pre-registration is now available for NieR Re[in]carnation, an action command-based RPG for mobile.
With over 45 Million downloads worldwide, FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS celebrates its 5th Anniversary with a special countdown campaign starting on June 17, 2021!
Can you become history’s first SOLDIER? FINAL FANTASY VII THE FIRST SOLIDER coming to iOS and Android Worldwide in 2021
Babylon’s Fall: Trailer
BABYLON’S FALL from Square Enix is developed in partnership with renowned action specialists, PlatinumGames Inc., (NieR:Automata). Featuring fluid co-op-combat, powerful weapons and a unique, striking art style, the epic world of BABYLON’S FALL is coming to the PlayStation5 (PS5) console, PlayStation 4 and STEAM. The game can be played in co-op online multiplayer for parties up to four and will feature a range of post launch game modes at no additional cost.
Life is Strange: Remastered Collection Trailer
The Life is Strange Remastered Collection includes ‘Life is Strange Remastered’ and ‘Life is Strange: Before the Storm Remastered’. Both award-winning games have been remastered with updated visuals across characters & environments.
Life is Strange: True Colours Trailer
In March, the latest entry in the Life is Strange series was revealed: Life is Strange: True Colors, a small-town supernatural mystery. Brought to life through full performance capture by rising talent Erika Mori, players will navigate Haven Springs as Alex Chen, a young woman who has long suppressed her ‘curse’: the psychic power of Empathy, a supernatural ability that allows her to experience, absorb and influence the strong emotions of others – which she sees as blazing, colored auras. When her brother dies, in a suspicious accident, Alex must at last embrace her volatile power to find the truth, and uncover the dark secrets buried by a small town. Alex Chen’s journey, power and future are all fully under the player’s control. The psychic power of Empathy affects every interaction and relationship Alex has in the game and is fully under the player’s control. Use it to reveal the secrets of Haven Springs, the hidden facets of Alex’s past, and the future of her journey to find a place to call home. Release Date: September 10, 2021
Strange of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin – Announcement Trailer
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE veterans Tetsuya Nomura and Kazushige Nojima join forces with Team NINJA from KOEI TECMO GAMES to deliver a bold new vision for FINAL FANTASY. Get your first look at STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN. Coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC in 2022. With the memory of their struggle buried deep in their hearts… Jack and his allies, Ash and Jed, burn with resolve to defeat Chaos as they throw open the gates to the Chaos Shrine. Yet doubts remain—are they truly the Warriors of Light the prophecy foretold? Step into a world of dark fantasy and revel in the exhilarating, action-packed battles! Trial version available on PlayStation 5 until June 24th, 2021.
and that is a wrap…..
My Thoughts…
Well short and sweet and to the point really, a focus on the big MARVEL license they have so of course we got to see the plans for the MARVEL’s Avengers newest expansion in Black Panther: War for Wakanda and I have to be honest, it does look good enough to make me want to return to the game to play it and a very sensible choice to keep it as a free for everyone who owns the game because at this point following the most recent content updates, not sure I would put my hand in my pocket to pay for it. The surprise opening of the rumoured MARVEL’s Guardians of the Galaxy was a clever way to open the showcase and they did double down on the trailers with a reveal, gameplay and developer breakdown set of trailers. Pleased to say they are certainly more inspired to give a comic book GoTG experience than trying to make it like the MCU versions though some of the gameplay look like it was lifted from the Tell Tales GoTG game and Avengers.
A Focus to Mobile games was expected but not really very exciting unless you are into Mobile games before a nice look at Life is Strange and I will say that though I have no desire to revisit the first game again, True Colours certainly has my attention with its main character and choice of powers. Babylon’s fall looks interesting but not as much as what was not shown in this showcase though the promise of another Square Enix Presents in the future that will look at Final Fantasy XVI and Forspoken, but it was enough, nothing huge but just…enough.
Here we go, perhaps the biggest event for Xbox fans other than a console launch, with E3 2021 now fully underway it is time for Xbox and newly acquired Bethesda Studios to both showcase what they have coming soon and for the next 12 months. Hoping for surprises and reveals, updates on currently known games and what Xbox has in store for fans in the near future, this is a showcase with so much potential to make a lot of Xbox gamers very very happy. Below you will find all the news and trailers from the event as well as my own thoughts on it:
The opens with Bethesda’s Todd Howard delivering the opening and welcome to the showcase, talking about the 20th Anniversary of Xbox and the relationship between Bethesda and Xbox. Time to open the show with…Starfield!
Starfield: Showcase Teaser Trailer
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. Launching November 11, 2022 exclusively on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Become a member of Constellation at StarfieldGame.com and be among the first to receive Starfield news and updates.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl – Official Gameplay Trailer
From epic cutscenes and underground labs to open-world fields, here is the first look at the gameplay of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl. The game is next-gen only (PC, Xbox Series X|S) and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass (both console and PC).
Back 4 Blood: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Trailer
New PVP mode for Back 4 Blood tells us one thing – things are about to get messy. Coming Slay, October 12! https://www.xbox.com/games/back-4-blood Play Back 4 Blood day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Contraband: Reveal Trailer
From Avalanche Studios and Xbox Game Studios, a co-op smuggler’s paradise set in the fictional world of 1970s Bayan.
Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life Reveal Trailer
Split across five incredible Tall Tales packed with secrets and side-quests, Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life sees Captain Jack Sparrow sailing in from beyond the horizon to sweep players into an epic new adventure! Free Jack from his prison and witness the power of the world’s greatest Pirate Treasure, which he just so happens to have stolen, before joining him on an unforgettable quest to stop dark forces from dominating this pirate paradise. This lovingly crafted story will be available to play alone or with a crew, and will be a free update for all players with the arrival of Sea of Thieves: Season Three on June 22.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon – Xbox Game Pass Reveal, Available Now!
Play Yakuza: Like A Dragon today on console, PC, and cloud with Xbox Game Pass. Become Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking yakuza grunt left on the brink of death by the man he trusted most. Take up your legendary bat and get ready to crack some underworld skulls in dynamic RPG combat
Battlefield 2042: Gameplay Trailer
Play Battlefield 2042 starting October 22, 2021. Fight to define the future in a world transformed by disorder. For the first time in Battlefield’s history, 128 players can join the all-out war at the same time* – giving you the chance to take part in massive-scale battles where anything can happen. Get an even greater sense of spectacular, large-scale war on seven massive maps where you’ll experience ever-changing battle conditions and gameplay challenges.
Twelve Minutes: Release Date Trailer
Twelve Minutes is coming Xbox console & day one to Xbox Game Pass on console, PC, and cloud on August 19, 2021.
Psychonauts 2: Gameplay Trailer
Psychonauts 2 is available August 25. Play it day one with Xbox Game Pass. Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers. Psychonauts 2 serves up danger, excitement, and laughs in equal measure as players guide Raz on a journey through the minds of friends and foes on a quest to defeat a murderous psychic villain. Optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
Bethesda Updating more games coming to Xbox Game Pass such as the free Xbox Series X/S optimisation for Doom ETERNAL before talking about….
Fallout 76: Steel Reign Expansion Trailer
Steel Reign brings the conclusion of the Brotherhood of Steel storyline. You arrive back at Fort Atlas to find the tensions between Paladin Rahmani and Knight Shin have reached a boiling point. After swarms of Super Mutants start to appear and people are reported missing, how will you guide the Brotherhood? Will you take the side of justice or will you remain committed to duty? Free for Fallout 76 Players. Available July 7.
Expeditions: The Pitt is a free update to Fallout 76 that will, for the first time, take you outside of Appalachia! Expeditions are story driven, repeatable missions to various exciting locales in the Fallout universe – starting with The Pitt in 2022!
The Elder Scrolls Online: Console Enhanced Trailer
Experience Tamriel unleashed with Console Enhanced, a new version of the game for Xbox Series X|S that fully utilizes the native power of current-generation machines to provide incredible boosts to performance and graphical fidelity. Tamriel has never looked or played better on consoles with Console Enhance—available June 15 for Xbox Series X|S
Party Animals – Official Console Announce Trailer
Get ready to party like an animal. Party Animals is coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2022. Fight with or against your friends in Party Animals! Choose your character from a diverse cast of adorable animals as you battle it out across multiple game modes to be the last one left standing in the ultimate competitive brawler.
HADES: Xbox Gsame Pass Reveal Trailer
Battle out of hell in Hades, recipient of more than 50 Game of the Year awards, coming to Xbox Game Pass on console, PC, and cloud on August 13, 2021 and also available for pre-order now. In this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion and Transistor, you’ll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unravelling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.
Somerville E3 2021 Trailer
In the wake of catastrophe you must find the means to make your family whole again. Somerville is a Sci-Fi adventure grounded in the intimate repercussions of large scale conflict
HALO Infinite: Multiplayer Trailer
Halo Infinite’s free-to-play multiplayer experience is dynamic, ever-evolving, and arrives later this year on Xbox and PC. Whether you’re a returning player ready to check out the Master Chief’s new campaign or brand new to the franchise, Halo Infinite builds on the legacy foundations of the series’ sandbox-driven gameplay, including Big Team Battle and Arena. Offering something that’s equal parts fresh and familiar, with a personalized Spartan journey that’s only just beginning at launch – Halo Infinite’s multiplayer will deliver continuous content releases, finely tuned combat, unique modes, and community-driven content for years to come.
DIABLO II: Resurrected Reveal Trailer
A dark figure wanders in the East and he must be stopped at all costs. Own the definitive remastering of Diablo ® II and its Lord of Destruction ® expansion on 9/23/21 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
A Plague Tale: Requiem Reveal Trailer
Embark on an emotional and breath-taking journey. Follow Amicia and her brother Hugo on a perilous new quest, doing whatever it takes to survive a brutal, uncaring world. A Plague Tale: Requiem will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2022. The game will be available at launch on Xbox Game Pass for Consoles, PC and Cloud.
Far Cry 6: Xbox Gameplay Overview Trailer
Watch new Far Cry 6 gameplay from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. Takedown settlements with the help of an angry alligator Fang for Hire, resolver weapons, and customizable backpacks. Bring freedom back to Yara with co-op matchmaking.
Slime Rancher 2: Reveal Trailer
Beatrix LeBeau is returning to the Far, Far Range in Slime Rancher 2!
Shredders: Reveal Trailer
A love letter to snowboarding, Shredders takes inspiration from snowboarding movies, the Amped games from the original Xbox, and the snowboarding heroes on social media. Shredders is a project fed by passion and built to shine on Xbox Series X|S.
Atomic Heart: Reveal Trailer
Atomic Heart is coming day one to Xbox Game Pass on console, PC, and cloud. Atomic Heart takes place in the Soviet Union in an alternative reality sometime in 1955, where technology like the internet, holograms and robots have already been invented. The main protagonist is a special agent called P-3, who is sent by the government to investigate a manufacturing facility that has fallen silent.
REPLACED: Announcement Trailer
Discover the dark secrets of Phoenix-City. Define your shared future in REPLACED coming in 2022 to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox Game Pass for Console and PC, with an optimized version for Xbox Series X|S.
Grounded: The Shroom & Doom Update Trailer
The Grounded Shroom & Doom Update is available June 30. Play it with Xbox Game Pass. Befriend pets, build castles, unlock achievements, fight the Broodmother, and so much more, in one of our biggest updates to Grounded yet, coming June 30. Play Grounded today in Xbox Game Preview with Xbox Game Pass.
Among Us: 15 Player Lobbies Trailer
Hey Crewmates! Among Us celebrates its 3rd birthday on June 15, and our gift to you is a special update: You can play with EVEN MORE of your friends with the launch of 15 Player Lobbies!
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes: Reveal Trailer
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is an exciting new JRPG adventure published by 505 Games and developed by Rabbit & Bear Studios. Featuring a traditional 6-character battle system utilizing painstakingly created 2D sprites and gorgeous 3D backgrounds. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a celebration of the JRPG genre readily associated with studio lead Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden I & II) and director Osamu Komuta. Eiyuden Chronicles is both a throwback to the classic JRPG games that have entertained millions and a modern, exciting tale of discovery and adventure featuring a cast of hundreds of fully realized characters.
The Ascent: Coming to Game Pass Trailer
Play The Ascent day one on console, PC, and cloud with Xbox Game Pass on August 19, 2021. The Ascent is a solo and co-op Action-shooter RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it?
Age of Empires IV: Release Date Trailer
Age of Empires IV is available October 28, 2021. Play it day one with Xbox Game Pass for PC. One of the most beloved real-time strategy games returns to glory with Age of Empires IV on Xbox Game Pass for PC, Windows Store, and Steam, putting you at the center of epic historical battles that shaped the world. Featuring both familiar and innovative new ways to expand your empire in vast landscapes with stunning 4K visual fidelity, Age of Empires IV brings an evolved real-time strategy game to a new generation. Choose your path to greatness with 8 diverse civilizations, 4 distinct campaigns with 35 missions that include legendary historical figures, user generated content tools for custom games, 8 player multiplayer modes, and a tutorial system and story mode designed for first time players to help achieve easy setup and success.
The Outer Worlds 2: Reveal Trailer
New solar system, new crew, same Outer Worlds. The Outer Worlds 2 is coming…and when that day is closer we will show you more…but until then enjoy this.
Flight Simulator: Xbox Console Edition
Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to Xbox Series X|S July 27, 2021. Play it day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Forza Horizon 5: Reveal trailer
Your ultimate Horizon adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars. Play Forza Horizon 5 day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Phil Spencer takes to the stage to recap what has been shown, 30 new games with 27 coming to Xbox Game Pass on day on of release before announcing one more Xbox Exclusive…
Redfall: Reveal Trailer
The quaint island town of Redfall, Massachusetts, is under siege by a legion of vampires who have blocked out the sun and cut the island off from the outside world. Trapped with a handful of survivors against diabolical enemies threatening to bleed the town dry, choose your hero from a diverse roster, grouping up with others to create the perfect team of vampire slayers. Redfall is an open-world co-op FPS being developed by Arkane Austin and will launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC in Summer 2022. Play it Day One with Xbox Game Pass.
and that is a wrap….well…almost
My Thoughts……
HOLY SH*T!…..I mean if you are going to hold a 90 minute briefing at E3…..Xbox have just set a new standard, to put this into perspective, 30 games were showcased with 27 of them coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for console and PC. The Pacing did not let up, this was a showcase all about the games, no talking about films or TV shows in the work, no focus on Cloud gaming and the plans to expand on the technology across new devices…just games and we got a lot of games.
From sequels to surprises and finally Xbox Exclusive games to call their own, this showcase not only showed the Series X and S consoles as being must have consoles now but Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best subscription service you can have as a gamer. This show in 90 minutes answered all the criticisms of the last 8 years for lack of exclusive games and with so many games coming and the plan to have one a month on Game Pass has blown my mind to the level i am physically tired just having all that information in my brain. Though we did not hear or see anything about FABLE or Avowed, we still have a Gamescom season to come and this was a lot, I do not think any platform has announced that many games with so many coming as part of an affordable subscription service.
Incredible showcase by Xbox and the entire team, and to end with the Xbox Series Mini Fridge…..amazing, and of course now I want one!
E3 2021 season has begun and Ubisoft is holding its own annual digital event to showcase hopefully new games as well as updates for current games available and those soon to be released. As per the norm now sadly, some aspects have already leaked ahead of the event in terms of potential DLC for Far Cry 6, a delayed game only recently given a release date but this is a time for many Ubisoft fans to get excited to see what they have in store for them for the next 12 months and beyond. Below you will find all the news and trailers from the event:
Rainbow Six Siege: Extraction – Cinematic Reveal Trailer
As the threat grows, our Operators rise to meet it. In Extraction, Rainbow Six has been united under REACT. Their mission: learn about the enemy, stop its spread at all costs… and leave no one behind. Hibana has gone Missing in Action. See Operators Ela, Lion, and Nomad, under commands from Eliza “Ash” Cohen, mount a daring rescue mission, as they use intel, teamwork, and improvisation to save one of their own from a dangerous new enemy. Who’s Got YouR6?
Aiden Pearce is back! Discover Bloodline, the expansion that brings Aiden and Wrench back to Watch Dogs! Set before the events of the main game, Aiden Pearce leaves Chicago for London where he will take over a contract and reunite with Wrench and his nephew Jackson. Caught between a powerful military robotics corporation and a returning DedSec member with an opposing agenda, Aiden must rely on his grit and experience to navigate a hostile city, try to outmanoeuvre his enemies, and keep his family intact. Bloodline is part of the Season Pass. Available 6th July.
The Crew 2: Year 4 Reveal Trailer
The Crew 2 is getting new content for its 4 year! Starting with Motorflix third season this summer: You have your spot on the starting grid of the U.S. Speed Tour, the fastest rally around the East Coast.
Rocksmith + : Interactive Music Learning – Reveal Trailer
Learn to play acoustic, electric, or bass guitar with Rocksmith+, the only subscription service that offers interactive music learning using official song masters and personalised real-time feedback. Rocksmith+ has been built upon the proven Rocksmith method which has helped almost 5 million people learn how to play guitar.
Riders Republic: Official Deep Dive Trailer
Riders Republic invites players to jump into an exhilarating massive multiplayer playground where they can experience the thrill of outdoor sports through some of the most breathtaking landscapes the United States has to offer! Riders Republic will run at 60 FPS on next gen consoles and display more than 50 players simultaneously live on screen. With the game’s very intuitive character and camera control combined with an innovative trick system, all players, casual and hardcore, will have the chance to experience untapped joy from the very beginning.
Rainbow Six Siege: North Star Story Trailer
Love, wisdom, bravery. It suits her. On June 14, look to the skies for help from Thunderbird in the new Season, North Star.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint: 20th Anniversary Trailer
2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon. It’s thanks to the fans continuous support that Ubisoft celebrating this milestone. Stay tuned! There’s still lots to come!
Just Dance 2022: Reveal Trailer
Launching 4th November 2021, Just Dance 2022 will make you dance, exercise and share unforgettable moments!
Curious to know where your journey with Assassin’s Creed will lead you in the coming months? Learn more about Assassin Creed Valhalla’s upcoming second expansion, The Siege of Paris, as well as free updates, Discovery Tour, and more in this Upcoming Content Recap.
Ubisoft Movies and TV Shows Updates:
With the quarantine finally over, the new season of Mythic Quest finds everyone back in the office (well, almost everyone), attempting to build upon the success of Raven’s Banquet by launching an epic new expansion, but Ian (Rob McElhenney) and the newly promoted co-creative director, Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao), struggle with the game’s direction. Meanwhile, C.W. (F. Murray Abraham) reconciles some unresolved issues from his past, the testers (Ashly Burch and Imani Hakim) test the bounds of an office romance, and David (David Hornsby) loses yet another woman in his life as Jo (Jessie Ennis) leaves him to assist Brad (Danny Pudi).
WEREWOLVES WITHIN is a feature film based on the Ubisoft VR title of the same name. Directed by Josh Ruben (“Scare Me”), and written by screenwriter, bestselling author, and Ubisoft Women’s Film Fellowship Recipent Mishna Wolff (“I’m Down”), “Werewolves Within” is set in the small town of Beaverfield. When a killer terrorizes the snowed-in residents of the small town, it falls to the new forest ranger to find out who – or what – lurks among them in this hilarious horror whodunnit The ensemble cast includes Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus, Catherine Curtin, Wayne Duvall,, Harvey Guillén, Rebecca Henderson, Cheyenne Jackson, Michaela Watkins, and Glenn Fleshler. Werewolves Within opens in theaters June 25 and on VOD July 2.
Far Cry 6: Meet the Villain Anton Cinematic Trailer
Escape isn’t an option from Yara. Watch as Giancarlo Esposito plays the most powerful Far Cry villain yet. In Far Cry 6, players are immersed in the adrenaline-filled, chaotic world of a modern-day guerrilla revolution. Welcome to Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. As dictator of Yara, Antón Castillo is intent on restoring his nation back to its former glory by any means, with his son, Diego, following in his bloody footsteps. Become a guerrilla fighter and burn their regime to the ground.
For the first time in franchise history – become the villain. You are Vaas. You are Pagan Min. You are Joseph Seed. Play as past villains with the Far Cry 6 Season Pass. Watch now and learn more.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: Cinematic World Premiere Trailer
Team up with Mario, Rabbid Peach, and their friends on a mission to save the galaxy! Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, coming 2022 on Nintendo Switch. Cursa, a mysterious and malevolent entity seeks out energy to further its nefarious plans, plunging the galaxy into chaos. Twisting the planets with its evil influence, it’s determined to consume all the energy of the Sparks, uncanny creatures formed by the fusion of Lumas & Rabbids, and destroy all who stand in its way. To bring order back to the galaxy and save the Sparks, Mario and friends team up with Rabbids heroes in a journey through mysterious and ever-surprising planets.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will be available for Nintendo Switch in 2022!
….and that’s a wrap following a word from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillmort, paying tribute to all the developer teams following the difficult year that was COVID and giving credit to the millions of Players and Fans for their support in their game’s communities but closing the event with the first look at….
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Reveal Trailer
Coming in 2022 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia and Luna.
My Thoughts…
Very little on big surprises but overall, a very solid and steady event from Ubisoft that will no doubt have fans of their iconic game series looking forward to the year ahead. Interesting to see that AC Valhalla is going to be supported through it’s second year with more expansions no doubt pushing the next AC Game to 2023. Plenty of things for fans of Rainbow Six Siege to get excited for with Extraction being a potential fun one to see experienced players stream. Surprised by the lack of focus on titles like Watch Dogs Legion: Bloodline expansion, just a trailer during the pre-show and mention briefly during the show.
But yeah, a solid and great start to the E3 eekend and for me, keeping it simple and safe was probably wise considering the amount of delayed games they have had to deal with in this challenging last 12 months.
This Summer, the video game industry comes together for Summer Game Fest. It all begins this Thursday, June 10 with Kickoff Live, a spectacular world premiere showcase hosted by Geoff Keighley, followed by Day of the Devs with iam8bit and Double Fine.
Thursday, it’s time to kick off a summer video game season unlike any other.
⁰#SummerGameFest Kickoff Live! hosted by @geoffkeighley with 30+ games, special guests, musical performances and more.
— Summer Game Fest – LIVE This Thursday (@summergamefest) June 6, 2021
This event joins in a time just before E3 week begins bringing even more gaming news to gamers the world over, with the promise of surprises, big reveals with 30+ Games across all platforms and special guests, this is one event definitely worth watching!
For more information make sure to follow Summer Game Fest on:
As E3 2021 gets ready to kick off on Saturday, June 12, the official schedule has been revealed. In addition, fans can now register to be a part of the global four-day virtual event that will feature digital presentations from major industry publishers such as Nintendo and Microsoft, panel discussions, celebrity appearances, exciting reveals and more. Fans can register at the E3 website to gain access to the E3 2021 online portal and app, a key hub for the duration of the show.
*Details around the schedule are available below, noting that some things may change leading up to the first day of the broadcast*
Schedule Overview
Hosted by Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez, Jacki Jing and Greg Miller, the E3 2021 broadcast will feature major publisher showcases, press conferences, industry panels, extended livestreams, special celebrity guest appearances and more.
Saturday, June 12, broadcast pre-show starts at 10am PT / 1pm ET/ 6pm BST
E3 2021 will kick off with press conferences from Ubisoft and Gearbox Entertainment, as well as a session with GamesBeat.
Sunday, June 13, broadcast pre-show starts at 8:45am PT / 11:45am ET/ 4:45pm BST
Microsoft’s long-awaited Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will take place starting at 10am PT / 1pm ET/ 6pm BST
Fans can also look forward to special presentations from SQUARE ENIX, the PC Gaming Show and the Future Games Show.
Warner Bros. Games, Back 4 Blood and 24 Entertainment will also be featured.
Monday, June 14, broadcast pre-show starts at 8:00am PT / 11:00am ET/ 4PM BST
Alongside press conferences from several indie developers, presentations from Mythical Games, Freedom Games, Razer and Capcom will take place, as well as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Panel Discussion from Take-Two Interactive throughout the day.
Verizon and Intellivision will also be featured, along with a session with VENN.
Tuesday, June 15, broadcast pre-show starts at 8:00am PT / 11:00am ET/ 4PM BST
The last day of E3 will include Nintendo’sNintendo Direct and Nintendo Treehouse: Live programming starting at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST
BANDAI NAMCO, Yooreka Games and GameSpot will also have focused events.
Registration has begun for fans around the globe to access the E3 online portal and app. Beginning on Saturday, June 12, the portal will provide access to:
Select Exhibitor Booths – Featuring special events, VOD content and articles, exhibitor booths will act as hubs within the portal for key announcements and game or product information tied to participating exhibitors (the full list of exhibitors with virtual booths can be found on the E3 website)
Lounges – Online gathering spots for all E3 attendees
Forums – Special boards for focused online discussion and sharing among attendees
Leaderboards – Gamified elements that can be collected and displayed, encouraging fans to interact in as many ways as possible
Profile Creation – All attendees can create and customize their own unique profiles
The online E3 2021 portal and app will also feature the E3 live broadcast, with interactive overlays that include viewer polls, featured tweets, and more.
Media, creators, industry professionals and fans are encouraged to visit the E3 2021 website for the most up-to-date information on exhibitors, schedules and more. In addition, there are detailed FAQs for media, industry and fans.
The primary hubs to watch the E3 2021 broadcast (outside of the portal and app) includes:
Gamers’ charity SpecialEffect is delighted to announce that, thanks to a record number of partners from the games industry, their One Special Day fundraising campaign on Friday 2nd October has raised over £500,000.
The charity, which has experienced an upturn in demand for their services since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March, are incredibly grateful to their friends from the worldwide games industry who have rallied to support their life-changing work. From donating UK income from mobile and PC games, to a special Humble Bundle and a series of socially-distanced ‘virtual’ challenges, industry partners large and small have raised vital funds to help SpecialEffect continue to find cutting edge solutions to help people with physical challenges play and avoid isolation.
SpecialEffect’s CEO and Founder, Dr Mick Donegan said “All of us at SpecialEffect are delighted and humbled at the outcome of our 5th and most successful One Special Day 2020 ever and are massively grateful to friends throughout the games industry. They’re not only ensuring that we can carry on meeting the ever-growing demand to help disabled gamers to play, but also the demand to help developers all over the world to make their games more accessible to all.”
SpecialEffect are an award-winning charity that enables people with physical disabilities to benefit from the fun and inclusion of video games. They support people of all ages through personalised assessments and equipment loans.
Ubisoft announced Odin’s Hootenanny, a digital variety show to celebrate the upcoming launch of Assassin’s CreedValhalla, to be held today on 6th November at 5pm UK time. Proudly presented in partnership with Xbox Series X|S, featuring segments from Xbox, IGN and BAFTA, Odin’s Hootenanny will be hosted by actor and comedian, Danny Wallace, who is best known to fans for his portrayal of Shaun Hastings in the Assassin’s Creed series.
The livestreamed event will feature a host of exclusive content, including a gameplay reveal from the Xbox Series X version of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as well as a Viking game-show featuring plucky ravens, red-hot forges and much more. The full show will include:
Eivor Critiques IGN’s Viking Skills: Magnus Bruun, the talented Danish actor behind male Eivor provides live commentary direct from a Viking long-hall in Denmark as Amy Mallett and Stevie Coales seek to prove their mettle in dark-age Leicestershire. In true Viking fashion, Magnus’ commentary is brutal and unforgiving, not to mention colourful.
BAFTA presents The Art of Storytelling: In an extended BAFTA Guru feature, Elle Osili-Wood sits down with Narrative Director Darby McDevitt to explore the storytelling of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Xbox On presents Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Xbox Series X. An extended gameplay segment showcasing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on the new Xbox Series X hardware.
Modern-Day Flyting: Gaming rapper and self-proclaimed Rhyme Minister, Dan Bull will go head-to-head with British rap star Lethal Bizzle in a modern interpretation of a dark-age flyting battle, filled with sarcastic wit.
A Very Viking Gameshow: A live-action, socially distanced game-show where two teams of the UK’s finest presenters and content creators, including Bex Bomb, Elle Osili-Wood, Gav Murphy and Marcus Bronzy square off in a series of Viking challenges, including axe-throwing and mind-games (and Kerplunk) with an actual raven named Loki.
“I’ve been a huge Assassin’s Creed fan from the beginning and delighted to be part of the series, and Valhalla looks like it’ll be the best so far,” said Danny Wallace, presenter of Odin’s Hootenanny. “So when Ubisoft tempted me out of the house with ravens, skulls and axes, how could I turn them down?”
Odin’s Hootenanny will premiere at 5pm GMT on Friday, 6th November. Tune in at:
It is hard to believe that we are just four days away from the launch of the next generation of Xbox consoles as the Series X and S release on November 10th. Whilst the US Xbox team will be having their own launch day celebration, our very own Xbox UK team are having their own launch celebration on Monday 9th November:
This six hour stream by the Xbox UK’s own Content and Streaming team ‘Xbox On’ from 6pm GMT on Monday evening on their Twitch Channel which will showcase actual Xbox Series X next generation gameplay on a variety of launch week titles such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and others.
Not only is this a great chance to see these games in their full Xbox Series X/S glory for those lucky enough to be getting their own consoles on the 10th but an opportunity to win an Xbox Series X console for those who were unable to should not be missed!
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