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Developer Trialforge Studio and publisher Tate Multimedia revealed Deathbound, a new Soulslike with a unique class-based twist, last August. At the time, PC was its only platform but now, Game Informer can exclusively reveal Deathbound will also come to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S day-in-date with PC later this year. As we learned with Deathbound's reveal last year, the game wears its Soulslike inspiration on its sleeve. However, it aims to differentiate itself within the ever-growing genre with what Trialforge calls a single-player party-based system. Players will control a single vessel that channels various heroes known as the fallen. These are individual characters, each with unique skill sets, combat styles, and lore, that share the player-controlled vessel. As such, players can switch between different characters, but they'll need to do so with caution as they aren't all necessarily in alliance with each other. Check out the newest Deathbound trailer for yourself below: Click to read more.

Developer Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division have released the first trailer for Tales of the Shire, and it showcases what looks like a Middle-earth Animal Crossing game with hobbits and a cozy place to call home. This trailer arrives after the companies teased releasing the first Tales of the Shire trailer this month, following the game's reveal last year. In Tales of the Shire, players will create their own Hobbit before setting forth into Bywater, the shire setting of the game. Here, players can forage fruits and herbs, tend to gardens, fish, trade with townsfolk, and more, all while working to help Bywater, which has not yet been established as an official village in Hobbiton, flourish. "Greet comfort at the door as you deocrate your own Hobbit hole, tend to your garden, fish at the clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, or trade with townsfolk, " a press release reads. "Prepare homemade meals to share with fellow Hobbits and foster relationships. With much to see and lots more to eat, enjoy days of splendor in the picturesque forests, lakes, and pastures." Check out the first official Tales of the Shire trailer for yourself below: Click to read more.

The Fabletown gang will be back, developer Telltale Games has promised in a new development update for The Wolf Among Us 2, its sequel to The Wolf Among Us it announced in 2019. This update, which reveals the studio is still hard at work on the game, arrives after an unspecified number of layoffs hit Telltale Games last October. "We've been quiet because we've been heads down, focusing on the promise of [The Wolf Among Us 2]," the update reads. "While we can't give a big update yet, here's a little something for you: in-progress shots from the current build. The work continues. The Fabletown gang will be back. Thanks for being fans." The four in-progress shots from the current build of The Wolf Among Us 2 can be viewed below: Click to read more.

Amazon's Fallout TV Series Renewed For Season 2 Amazon Prime Video has renewed its Fallout television show for another season, confirming that Season 2 is in the works following an earlier report. This news arrives just over a week after the series' release on April 10, which premiered two days earlier than expected to rave reviews from both fans and critics. We loved Fallout Season 1, and you can read about why in Game Informer's Fallout review, so we're excited to revisit the wasteland with Lucy, Ghoul, Maximus, and others. As for when to expect Season 2 of Fallout, that remains unknown. The announcement simply confirms another season is coming with no details on Season 2's production. Fallout joins a string of other hit Amazon Prime Video series currently airing on the streamer service, like The Boys (with a new season dropping June 13) and Invincible, which just had its second season wrap up. It also joins a string of other successful video game adaptations, like HBO's The Last of Us, which is getting a Season 2 next year, Peacock's Twisted Metal, Netflix's Arcane, and Netflix's Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Source.

Blizzard has decided to cancel this year’s BlizzCon. The company states the event will return in the future, but it plans to showcase upcoming games in a different manner over the coming months. First announced in a blog post, Blizzard plans to share details on upcoming games like World of Warcraft: The War Within and Diablo IV’s Vessel of Hatred expansion at other trade shows, such as Gamescom. The company also plans to launch “multiple, global, in-person events” for Warcraft’s 30th anniversary, which are described as being “distinct” from BlizzCon. “Our hope is that these experiences – alongside several live-streamed industry events where we’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening in our game universes – will capture the essence of what makes the Blizzard community so special,” Blizzard states in the blog post. A Blizzard representative tells Windows Central that Blizzard made the call to cancel BlizzCon and not Microsoft, which completed its acquisition of the company last year. In a statement to the outlet, the representative says, “This is a Blizzard decision. We have explored different event formats in the past, and this isn't the first time we're skipping BlizzCon or trying something new. While we have great things to share in 2024, the timing just doesn’t line up for one single event at the end of the year.” BlizzCon began in 2005 as an annual convention celebrating all things Blizzard. Last year's show saw the reveal of World of Warcraft’s next expansion, The War Within, as well as two other expansions coming after it. It's good that event is only taking a year off as opposed to being canned for good, and we're curious to see how the alternative events shape up over the coming months. Source.

Remedy has provided updates on its portfolio of upcoming titles via a quarterly business review. In addition to painting the overall financial health of the studio, the report shares details on the current development state of Control 2, Max Payne 1&2 Remake, the Control multiplayer spin-off Codename Condor, and more. According to the report, the Control 2 team is “focused on finalizing the proof-of-concept stage, in which the game world, game mechanics and visual targets are proven.” The project is expected to move into the production readiness stage in Q2 of this year. Control 2 was first announced in 2022. Max Payne 1&2 Remake, first announced in 2022 as a rebuilt version that combines both games into a single title, remains in the production readiness stage, as first announced last October. However, the game is expected to enter full production in Q2 2024. Codename Condor has entered full production. Remedy describes its core loop as “engaging” and that “the game brings a unique Remedy angle to the genre.” Codename Kestral, Remedy’s other multiplayer title described as a “premium game with a strong, cooperative multiplayer component”, remains in the concept stage. Remedy also shares that Alan Wake 2 has sold 1.3 million units as of early February, recouping a “significant” chunk of its development and marketing expenses in the process. The development team continues to work on its upcoming expansions, Night Springs and Lake House. Following Remedy’s acquisition of the rights to Control from publisher 505 Games in February, the studio is now free to do what it wants with the IP. CEO Tero Virtala states, “We are currently weighing self-publishing and related business models. Simultaneously, we are actively looking into different partner publishing models and evaluating potential partners.” Remedy also expects to have two projects in full production simultaneously, stating "We are confident that the good progress of the beginning of the year carries over to the full production stages." Source.

Xbox will livestream an Xbox Games Showcase this summer. Similar to last year's Starfield Direct, the showcase will be followed by a special "Redacted" direct that will dive deep into a beloved franchise. As for when, the Xbox Games Showcase will begin at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on June 9, with the Redacted showcase streaming immediately after. "Like our double feature last year with Starfield Direct, immediately following the Showcase we'll be airing a special deep-dive into the next installment of a beloved franchise," an Xbox Wire blog post reads. "We can't say much, so for now, we'll call it the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] direct. This will also be our first showcase featuring games from our portfolio of studios across Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox Game Studios, in addition to titles from our third-party partners." And speaking of Activision Blizzard, I'm guessing the redacted showcase is about the next Call of Duty, based on the associated image that you can see in the X (formerly Twitter) post below: We know another Call of Duty is coming this year, following up last year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and that logo looks very militaristic. The Capitol Building behind it adds to this guess, too, especially if the next Call of Duty is about the Gulf War, which is what the latest rumors are saying (with Black Ops series developer Treyarch up to bat). Regardless, we'll find out soon because that presentation follows the Xbox Games Showcase happening in less than two months on June 9. This Xbox Games Showcase will follow this year's Summer Game Fest livestream on June 7 (and takes place during SGF's media-only days, where press and influencers will play various games on-site in Los Angeles, California, from June 8 to June 10). Following the Xbox Games Showcase, Ubisoft will host another Ubisoft Forward event on June 10. Source.

Universal Orlando Resort has released a new video detailing what to expect at its Florida-based Super Nintendo World when it opens as a land in its Epic Universe theme park next year. In it, the company confirms the land will have three rides, including the Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster that's expected to open later this year in Osaka, Japan's Super Nintendo World. The video includes digital fly-overs of the park, showing viewers what it will look like when it opens next year. If you've seen Super Nintendo World in Japan, this park looks nearly identical, with both the Donkey Kong Country (and mine cart coaster) section and the Mushroom Kingdom with Peach's Castle, Mt. Beanpole, the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge augmented-reality ride and Yoshi's Adventure dark ride. Check it out for yourself in the new Super Nintendo World overview video below: As you can see, the Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster will feature state-of-the-art track technology that allows it to create the illusion that riders will actually jump off the tracks, just like in the Donkey Kong Country games. Like in Hollywood's Super Nintendo World, which does not have the Yoshi's Adventure ride or the Donkey Kong expansion as a result of space at the location, and Osaka's Super Nintendo World, guests can purchase Power-Up Bands to play in interactive Key Challenges to earn coins and more. Plus, returning locations like the Toadstool Cafe restaurant and more will be at Orlando's iteration of the park. Here's a look at some of the locations to expect when Universal Epic Universe opens next year: Click to read more.

The Batman: Arkham series redefined the superhero genre and changed the course of action games in the decade following Arkham Asylum's release. While four mainline entries – Asylum, City, Origins, and Knight – delivered similar gameplay, a smaller spin-off game, 2016's Batman: Arkham VR, let players step into the shoes of the Caped Crusader using their PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, or HTC Vive headset. Batman: Arkham VR felt more like a tech demo than a fully fleshed-out game, but its relatively high sales showed that the appetite was there. Today, Oculus Studios announced another VR title set in the Batman: Arkham universe titled Batman: Arkham Shadow. Though Rocksteady Studios, the developer of Asylum, City, and Knight, was behind Batman: Arkham VR, the developer that most recently released Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League does not appear to be involved with Batman: Arkham Shadow. Instead, Camouflaj, the studio behind République and Iron Man VR, is in charge of Batman: Arkham Shadow. Details are scarce, but Camouflaj founder and studio head Ryan Payton penned a letter on behalf of the team, which is posted on the studio's website. "From the start, Batman: Arkham Shadow is being crafted to be the ultimate VR game and take full advantage of the Meta Quest 3," the letter said. "Leaning into our eight years of dedicated VR game development history has enabled us to not only create a distinctly Arkham-feeling game but done in a way that leverages the immersive magic only VR can provide." "Batman: Arkham Shadow is the largest Camouflaj development project to date and marks our second release as a first party member of Oculus Studios, following 2022's critically-acclaimed release of Marvel's Iron Man VR for Quest 2," the letter later said. When combined with the key art, the teaser trailer seems to hint at The Ratcatcher being the main villain in this title. Check out the very brief teaser video below. Source.

Housemarque is celebrating the three-year anniversary of its hit shooter roguelike Returnal by teaming up with Dark Horse Comics for a graphic novel, artbook, and a new animated adaptation you can watch right now. This news follows yesterday's tease from both Housemarque and later Dark Horse Comics about Returnal, sending fans into an understandable frenzy about what the teams had in store for players. "Another year, another cycle," a post on X (formerly Twitter) from Housemarque reads. "The Third time around, extra loot is exposed with Dark Horse flair." Here's what that flair brings to the Returnal universe: Returnal: Fallen Asteria Graphic Novel Returnal Artbook Fallen Asteria Animated Adaptation Now, even with PlayStation dipping its toes into cross-media production with Amazon's God of War series and Netflix's Horizon adaptation, this Returnal adaptation isn't the same. Instead, it's an "animated version of the first issue of the upcoming graphic novel, Returnal: Fallen Asteria." Check it out for yourself below: Source.

Starfield's first expansion, Shattered Space, is set to arrive this fall, according to director Todd Howard. Plus, a new update for Starfield is coming later this week that will make changes to ship-building mechanics and more. Howard revealed this and more about Starfield in a new interview with Kinda Funny, which is where the Bethesda executive producer also discussed Amazon's Fallout TV show and the Fallout series in general, as reported by XboxEra. As for what to expect of Shattered Space, Howard didn't say much. However, we already know it will bring new story content, locations, gear, and more to Starfield. As noted by XboxEra, Shattered Space will be free for all Starfield Deluxe Edition owners. As for the update coming to Starfield later this week, Howard says it will focus on the ship-building. This lines up with what the Starfield team shared last year in its 2024 plans for the game. Here's what it said at the time: "For those who love ship building, we'll also be expanding on ship customization with ship decorations, new ship building options, and more." Other updates scheduled for 2024 include new ways to travel, city maps, mod support, accessibility and additional difficulty options, and more. Source.

Earlier today, we learned that Take-Two Interactive, the company-publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series, had closed Rollerdrome studio Roll7 and Kerbal Space Program 2 studio Intercept Games. Both of those games, and many others including the recently released No Rest for the Wicked, were published by Private Division, an indie-publishing arm under Take-Two. Now, in a new update from GamesIndustry.biz, the publication reports that Take-Two has shuttered the "vast majority" of Private Division's teams in Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Munich, according to one of its sources. When GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Take-Two for confirmation, the company issued the same statement that can be read in Game Informer's original story below. The original story continues below...

David Leitch stepped down from directing Jurassic World 4 for creative reasons, paving the way for Gareth Edwards to take over. With Edwards on board and original writer David Koepp returning, Jurassic World 4 could see a return to the franchise's roots. The new installment, scheduled for July 2, 2025, may feature Scarlett Johansson as the lead, bringing a fresh dynamic to the film. https://movieweb.com/jurassic-world-4-david-leitch-breaks-silence-franchise-exit/

Fast & Furious 11 faces filming delays due to industry-wide strikes, threatening its April 2025 release date. Vin Diesel teases fans with behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, hinting at a thrilling resolution to Fast X 's cliffhanger. Tyrese Gibson reveals a return to street racing roots in response to fan feedback, promising heightened entertainment value. https://movieweb.com/fast-furious-11-release-delays-plot-tyrese-gibson-comments/

Lord of the Rings and Titanic star Bernard Hill Dies, Aged 79 Actor Bernard Hill, known for iconic roles, has passed away at 79 according to his agent Lou Coulson. Born in Manchester in 1944, Hill featured in British dramas and was praised for gritty performances. His recent role in The Responder with Martin Freeman airs today on BBC. https://movieweb.com/lord-of-the-rings-titanic-bernard-hill-dies-aged-79/