2019-06-03
Beyond Good & Evil 2, the long-awaited Ubisoft sequel, will not be at E3 2019 this month. In a blog post, the developer said it's focusing on "core development milestones." As such, Beyond Good & Evil 2 won't have a presence at E3 2019."This year, as we are focusing on core development milestones, we will not be attending E3 2019," reads a line from the blog post.More gameplay footage and other news about the game will be announced "when the time is right." On the more immediate horizon, the next Space Monkey Report livestream event for the game will take place on June 5 at 6 PM PT. You can watch on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook."You continue to inspire us by sharing your ideas and creativity with the Beyond Good and Evil 2 dev team and community, and we really appreciate our Space Monkeys' passion and dedication!"This development follows the news from April when Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot suggested that changes might be afoot for Beyond Good & Evil 2. At the time, Guillemot said he recently spoke with creative director Michel Ancel about "another direction" for the game."I spoke with Michel last week about it to see where it was going; how we should move in one or another direction," Guillemot said in a video that was apparently recorded in March. "We see the potential of this universe is fantastic, and Michel is really passionate [about it]. It's going to be fantastic, I think.In an intriguing bit of news, actor Joseph Gordon Levitt's creative company, HitRecord, is partnering with Ubisoft for the tools so anyone can create content for Beyond Good and Evil 2.Beyond Good & Evil 2 is a prequel to the 2003 original. It's been in the works for a long time, but there is still no release date or announced platforms.As for what Ubisoft will show off at E3 this year, the company has already confirmed Ghost Recon Breakpoint will be there. Ubisoft also announced it has three more triple-A games releasing by March 31, 2020. It hasn't detailed what those are, but they're very likely to be announced at E3, and one of them could be the rumored Watch Dogs 3. In addition to games, Ubisoft might announce a game-streaming service called Ubisoft Pass.Ubisoft's press conference will take place on Monday, June 10 at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST (6 AM AET on June 11), sandwiched between Limited Run Games and Square Enix. You can check out the full press conference schedule for full details.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-03
A new trailer for Walt Disney/20th Century Fox's upcoming racing movie Ford v. Ferrari has arrived. Matt Damon stars as Ford car designer Carroll Shelby whop recruits British driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to create a car that could beat Enzo Ferrari's at the Le Mans competition in 1966.John Bernthan, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Caitriona Balfe, Noah Rupe, Ray McKinnon, and Remo Girone also star in the movie that's directed by Oscar nominated director James Mangolf (Logan, Girl, Interrupted). Ford v Ferarri opens on November 15.Walt Disney/Fox also released a new poster and a series of production stills for Ford v Ferrari. Click through the images below the poster to see them all.Ford v Ferarri opens on November 15.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
We're still in the early days of Fortnite Season 9, but it's already proven to be quite different from previous seasons. In addition to the standard array of weekly and Utopia challenges, Epic has introduced a new collectible to the game called Fortbytes, which can only be obtained by completing certain tasks. On top of that is the ongoing Downtown Drop limited-time mode, which features its own unique set of challenges to complete and rewards to unlock.Unlike a standard game of Fortnite, Downtown Drop takes place in a self-contained area and is all about momentum. The mode has players sliding around as though they were on a pair of skates, and the map is littered with boost pads and ramps to send you rocketing around. This also makes your character much trickier to handle, however, which can be a pain when you're searching for specific items hidden around the map, as many of the Downtown Drop challenges have you do. If you find yourself having a hard time completing these, we're here to make your life a little easier.A handful of the Downtown Drop challenges are to find Jonesy--one of the original Fortnite characters--in various places around the map. There are three separate challenges of this nature. The first is to find Jonesy hidden behind a fence. That's an awfully vague hint, but if you hug the north side of the map, you'll eventually come upon a drop that'll dump you behind a curved wooden fence, changing your momentum. Head to the end of that alleyway and you'll see Jonesy behind a chain-link fence.The second challenge is to find Jonesy in the sewers. This one is fairly easy to spot. On the eastern side of the map is a secret tunnel--you'll see a trail of coins leading you into it. Head into the tunnel and you'll be dropped onto a boost pad, which will send you hurtling along other pads into the sewers, where you'll come across the Jonesy cutout before trampolining back up to the surface.The final challenge has you finding Jonesy in three different locations: near the basketball court, near the rooftops, and in the back of a truck. The basketball court can be found at the end of the first slope down at the beginning of the map; head inside and you'll spot Jonesy against the back wall. The rooftop is a bit trickier. Find the crane that's dangling a car and use an Impulse Grenade to send yourself up onto the building that is still being constructed, where you'll see the Jonesy cutout. The truck is also easy to miss, as it's located at the end of an alley near the beginning of the map. If you need more help finding them, we walk you through where every Jonesy is located in the video above.The Downtown Drop LTM is slated to end on June 3, so you only have a few days left to complete its challenges. Week 4's challenges are also now available. Most of these are fairly straightforward, but one that may give you a bit of trouble is to dance inside the holographic tomato head, holographic Durrr Burger head, and dumpling head. You can find more guides in our our complete Fortnite Season 9 challenge roundup.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
Season 9 of Fortnite is well underway, and on top of the usual weekly and Utopia challenges, Epic is holding a Downtown Drop limited-time mode, which comes with its own assortment of tasks to complete and rewards to unlock. Most of these are fairly self-explanatory, but one that'll require a little more work is to search O-N-F-I-R-E letters. These are scattered around the map, so if you need help finding them, we're here to show you where to go.The Downtown Drop LTM takes place in its own self-contained map, which greatly limits the area you'll need to search to find the letters. Even so, the map can be confusing to navigate thanks to all of the ramps and corners it features, especially since you're constantly slipping and sliding as you play the mode, so knowing exactly where to look for the letters will greatly alleviate the frustration of this challenge. You can see where each of the letters is located below:O: Next to the red car in the southeast cornerN: Near the basketball courtF: Near the Durrr Burger food truckI: Near the secret tunnel leading to the sewersR: In front of the crane truck at the end of the mapE: By the subway turnstileOnce you've found all six letters, the challenge will be complete, and you'll earn a stylish back board for your troubles. If you need more help finding the letters, we show you exactly where each one is located in the video at the top of this guide. You'll need to hurry if you're hoping to unlock the back board, however; the Downtown Drop LTM is slated to end on June 3, giving you only a few more days to finish this challenge.While most of the Downtown Drop challenges are fairly straightforward and should be easy enough to complete with a little persistence, another one that may give you some trouble is to find Jonesy. There are actually three separate challenges of this sort, and they task you with finding a cutout of the character in various areas of the map. You can see all of the locations in our video walkthrough.Beyond the Downtown Drop LTM, Week 4's challenges are also now available. These are likewise mostly straightforward, but the trickiest of the bunch is to dance inside the holographic tomato head, holographic Durrr Burger head, and dumpling head. You can find tips for previous challenges in our complete Fortnite Season 9 challenge guide.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
At long last, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has arrived at California's Disneyland--and it's coming soon to Florida's Walt Disney World in August. The new area takes up 14 acres at the theme park as it attempts to completely immerse visitors in the world of Star Was on a new planet called Batuu. But does it deliver on the hype?? The answer is: Yes--but there are some caveats.GameSpot had the chance to visit Galaxy's Edge and experience everything the new Star Wars land had to offer two days before it officially opened during a press preview event. From the new Millennium Falcon ride to a variety of eateries and shops, there's plenty to keep you occupied if you managed to grab a reservation to its first month of operation.Still, given how packed Disneyland is likely to be for the next couple of years, you might be wondering if it's worth making the trip to Anaheim--or Orlando, after August 21--to experience the park for yourself. Let's take a look at what Galaxy's Edge has to offer before you book your travel.How immersive is it?That's the big question I had when walking into Black Spire Outpost for the first time. Anyone who's visited Disneyland knows that music is piped in throughout the park and regardless of where you are, chances are you can see a different land with another theme, which can break the illusion that you're visiting another world. However, Galaxy's Edge designers took great care in making sure no other piece of Disneyland can be seen or heard from within Galaxy's Edge. Using walls, rocks, trees, and other scenery elements, the land is completely secluded from the outside world. It also has a unique musical score, which helps with the feeling that you're living your own Star Wars story--an idea we heard from multiple people involved in the creation of Galaxy's Edge.How do you live your own story?This is where Galaxy's Edge is unlike pretty much anything else I can think of, when it comes to theme park experiences, as not even the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Pandora: The World of Avatar goes to the same lengths. And it all starts with the land's setting.The planet Batuu is in the middle of a civil war, in many ways. The First Order has arrived to take control of Black Spire Outpost--which is massive--while a Resistance camp in the forest is full of rebels that are covertly trying to defeat the bad guys. Whose side you’re on is up to you, but both First Order troops and rebels will interact with you throughout the land, to varying degrees.For example, during the grand opening celebration, rebel spies were teaching guests secret handshakes and phrases to help identify other rebels, while Stormtroopers were walking around and questioning people.There are also plenty of story elements that come into play thanks to the Play Disney Parks smartphone app. In the app, you can access a datapad user interface that allows you to hack various things within Galaxy's Edge, like droids, vehicles, and signage. I hacked the Millennium Falcon and was shocked when it seemingly opened an exhaust port, and the massive spacecraft started making noises.The app also tracks the progress you make on the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride, which we'll get into detail about below. Following your time on the ride, you receive a score based on your team's performance. That score is translated into credits, which then impact your reputation in the land. It's possible characters within Black Spire Outpost will approach you or interact with you to discuss your performance.It was noted during the media preview that bartenders in Oga's Cantina might even make reference to you crashing the Millennium Falcon, if you weren't so great at piloting it, or completing your mission if you were.One bartender I spoke to revealed that the various booths in the Cantina could also connect to the app and a series of lights on the walls tip off cast members about the reputation you've built on Batuu so far.Just how deep this will go, especially with so many people populating the land, remains to be seen. If you try hard enough, though, it sounds like you can have a unique experience each time you visit.So let's talk about the ride.Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is the only ride attraction open at the Galaxy's Edge launch. It's also, honestly, the only real downside of the land. It's a fun-enough ride, but it's a motion simulator with screens in the various windows. It's sort of an advanced version of Star Tours--a Disneyland staple--with buttons to press.Don't get me wrong, flying in the Millennium Falcon is a dream. The execution of this particular ride, though, misses the mark a bit. Each Falcon cabin seats six riders, and each rider is given a job--two pilots, two gunners, and two engineers. If you're a pilot, get ready for an exciting ride--though it makes the design of the Falcon seem kind of silly. One pilot controls vertical steering and hyperspace, while the other controls horizontal. That means you'd better be communicating with your co-pilot or you're going to crash into many, many things. Don't worry, though. Crashing doesn't end the ride. Instead, the cabin will shake violently while the engineers have to spring into action.For gunners, there are two options. The automatic controls mean you push a single button to fire weapons at whatever is in the Falcon's way. It's good for an introduction, but too simplistic for those that will want a challenge. The manual controls offer more variety and give gunners more buttons to press, but it's still not like the operation of the Falcon's guns as seen in Star Wars movies.The engineers' role in the mission is probably the least exciting. You're essentially playing Simon. When the ship takes a hit, a button or switch will light up, and you'll hit or toggle it. It's pretty simple, and if you spend the entire ride simply mashing all of the buttons, you'll be just fine. It should be noted, though, that while this job gives you the least to do, it also gives you the most opportunity to watch what's happening on-screen.That all said, there is a lot of excitement in the lead-up to the ride. The queue is exciting to walk through and spot Easter eggs in and manages to include some different angles of the massive Millennium Falcon that sits in front of it. And the waiting room to enter the ride itself is where you'll find an animatronic of Hondo Ohnaka, a Weequay alien character who first appeared on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Now, Hondo runs a shipping company that has borrowed the Falcon to get supplies and the animatronic is so incredibly lifelike you'll have to look twice or more to determine whether or not it's someone in a costume.After you meet Hondo, you get a chance to hang out in the lounge section of the Falcon. You can sit at the Dejarik board (where R2-D2 faced off against Chewbacca) or wander around and see what else you can find stashed in the area.Smugglers Run will remain the only ride in Galaxy's Edge for a few months. However, it will eventually be joined by what sounds like Disney's most impressive ride to date. Rise of the Resistance is seemingly a massive dark ride, which will take guests on an adventure that includes imprisonment by the First Order, a battle between the two sides, and some of the biggest set pieces in any theme park in the world.While I can't wait for that ride to open, it not being available at the launch of Galaxy's Edge seems like a missed opportunity. That's especially the case when it comes to the Resistance camp in the forest, which is also where the entrance to Rise of the Resistance is. Without the ride, there's little else to do in the camp besides checking out the full-size X-wing and A-wing replicas on display. That's exciting for photo purposes but other than that, the rebel camp doesn't feel like a must-see at this point.The food is good, though.Chances are you're not just going to Galaxy's Edge for the rides. Given that it's an immersive experience, there's so much more to take into account--like the food. Thankfully, the Disneyland Resort chefs have created a menu of food that seems normal on the surface but is just alien enough to make it feel at home in a Star Wars story.For instance, the land's version of fried chicken is fried Endorian Yip-Tip. It's a breaded and fried piece of meat in a rectangular shape that comes with a mashed potato that also features carrots and peas. It's a simple-enough meal. However, an interesting tweak has been made. The mashed potatoes are dairy free, with the milk being swapped out for olive oil.There are also a couple of plant-based items, which Disneyland Resort executive chef Jason Martin told GameSpot is a move made in response to visitor feedback. "We listen to what our guests are saying. And they're looking for, once again, plant-based, [which] is big now," he explained. "And it's just good for the environment, so we're looking towards that. That's why you have two plant-based items on this menu."One of those items is the Felucian Garden Spread, which includes herb hummus, pita, a tomato-cucumber relish, and plant-based Kefta "meatballs." These meatballs were downright delicious, and it was hard to believe it was all plant-based protein.There are also a few theme park staples that have been given a Star Wars spin. Smoked Kaadu Ribs, which are quite tasty, are very sticky pork ribs and come with a blueberry corn muffin. The meat is incredibly tender and falls right off the bone, while the muffin adds a fun texture to the meal.If you head to Ronto Roasters, which is a food stand where meats are cooked using a podracer engine--it looks as cool as it sounds--you can snag a Ronto Wrap, which is essentially a space hotdog. It's a grilled sausage wrapped in pita. What sets it apart though is a tangy slaw it’s topped with, which adds a crunch and some good flavor to what would otherwise be a pretty pedestrian dish.There's also no end to the snacks, breakfasts, and several other menu items for you to try during a visit to Galaxy's Edge. If you leave the land hungry, clearly you've done something wrong.Now let's talk about the drinks.This is where adult Star Wars fans are likely going to be excited. Yes, you can purchase alcoholic cocktails at the Cantina in Galaxy's Edge. What's more, there are even breakfast cocktails--for those that want coffee with a little rum or a Bloody Rancor, which is the Oga's Cantina version of a Bloody Mary.During normal daytime hours, though, there are eight different themed cocktails, along with a selection of beer and wine available exclusively within Galaxy's Edge. During the opening celebration, the Yub Nub--a rum concoction--was the only drink available to sample. It was was a sweet treat that made me want to try them all at least once.There are also plenty of non-alcoholic options. There's even blue and green milk, as seen in the movies. Interestingly, both are non-dairy. Instead of traditional milk, they're made with a blend of rice and coconut milks, with other flavors added. The blue milk, which I enjoyed in its frozen form, has a light tropical taste and, thanks to the lack of dairy, it’s both creamy and light. Green milk swaps out the tropical taste for a floral one.For those looking for a more familiar drink, there are also Coca-Cola products for sale, though they certainly look different than those normally found on Earth. In Galaxy's Edge, they've been given unique bottles shaped to look like decommissioned thermal detonators. It's a nice touch.And finally, the merch.You didn't think you could go to a Star Wars land and not spend all of your money, did you? Of course, there are all kinds of new stuff to buy--and all of it is in-world, so don't expect to buy Star Wars-branded items.There's a wide range of souvenirs, with prices that start at $9 and go up to $25,000. So if you're on a budget but want a keepsake, you should be able to find something reasonably priced. That said, there are so many options for those looking to spend more.For $100, you can build a remote-controlled droid. Currently, R-series (like R2-D2) and BB-series (like BB-8) units are available for purchase. There are also tons of pre-built droids, which start at under $10 and go up in price depending on size and features. Many of the droids can also be augmented with personality chips and customizable parts.In Savi's Workshop, you get the opportunity to build your own custom lightsaber using a variety of parts, though constructing the heavy-duty plastic weapon will set you back $200. If you prefer a metal lightsaber replica, though, you can pick those up on Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities--a shop that is stuffed full of Easter eggs. These lightsabers range in price but are cheaper than those built in Savi's Workshop, where you're paying a premium for the experience.Beyond things like droids and lightsabers, there's a never-ending supply of toys, games, clothing, and other items to buy--including plenty of touristy items to commemorate a trip to Batuu, from coffee cups to keychains.Let's wrap it up.It's hard to look at Galaxy's Edge as anything other than a massive achievement. The land is so big and filled with so many things to interact with that it isn't hard to see yourself as visiting a distant planet in a galaxy far, far away. I could easily lose hours just exploring the various corners of the 14-acre land, looking for hidden Easter eggs and ways to dive even deeper into the story of Batuu. Throw all of the dining and shopping experiences on top of that, and it's a recipe for a thrilling time at Disneyland.Still, it's not perfect. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is exciting at first, but doesn't seem like something that will retain its excitement the more you ride it--especially if you're put in any role other than that of pilot. That said, it's a fun motion simulator, and I would be shocked if the creative team behind the ride didn't have plans for alternate missions, much like the various trips you can take on Star Tours.Even if Smugglers Run isn't Disney's best, though, the land itself is beyond impressive. Sure, it's filled with things for you to waste money on--this is a theme park, after all--but it's also possible to simply exist in the world of Batuu and experience whatever story you find yourself in the middle of.Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is unlike any other theme park attraction you're going to find. It's so big and filled with interactive elements and beautiful architecture that it will be hard to rival. That said, raising the bar of theme park entertainment this much only means things are going to get better in the future. So I'm expecting big things from the Marvel land currently under construction at Disney California Adventure.Until we can check that out, enjoy your trip to Batuu. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is open now at Disneyland and will open at the Walt Disney World Resort on August 29. Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
After several teases on social media from Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon, new gameplay has finally been revealed showing returning antagonist Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 11. As the first character for the upcoming Kombat Pack, the soul-stealing sorcerer will be available early for current owners of the DLC on June 18 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. In addition to the new character, Kombat Pack owners will also get early access to Klassic Skins for Scorpion, Noob-Saibot, and Sub-Zero.As the original antagonist for the Mortal Kombat series, before quickly being brushed aside in favor of big-bads Shao Khan and Shinnok, the sorcerer has gone through many changes throughout the series. However, his combat style has always focused on his abilities to steal men's souls and use their talents against them. In addition to copying his opponent's appearances and skills, the warlock also harnesses the souls of returning ninjas Rain, Smoke, and Ermac--who are interestingly enough found dead in MK11's Krypt. During the battle, he's able to call upon their abilities in mid-combo, allowing him to use Smoke's teleports, Ermac's telekinesis, and Rain's...water-based skills. His fatality, however, features his most gruesome callback, with the MKII mid-boss Kintaro making an unexpected and violent return.For those who've already played Mortal Kombat 11, you'll know that Shang Tsung is presently in the game as a guide for MK11's Krypt. In the Krypt, you're able to explore his island fortress and uncover its secrets, with him taunting you for any untimely deaths that occur during your journey. Now that he's playable, the soul-stealing warlock looks right at home in Mortal Kombat 11's gruesome battles. For fans of the original live-action film, you'll notice that Shang Tsung is performed by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa--the same actor from the movie.The new trailer was all about Shang Tsung. However, it also teased what was to come. Towards the end, three other characters were briefly referenced--which included returning characters Nightwolf and Sindel, both of whom made their first appearances in Mortal Kombat 3. However, the last character to get a shoutout was Image Comics' Spawn--who is the first guest character to make it to MK11. This news will likely be no surprise to those who have been keeping up with certain leaks from the last month, which hinted at the return of these characters, along with Sheeva from MK3 and Ash Williams from the Evil Dead.In total, the Kombat Pack--which is priced at $39.99--gives you access to six new characters and 19 additional skins for the roster. Just like the current characters, each new fighter will have their own suite of gear and skins to unlock. In 2015, Mortal Kombat X's roster expanded significantly with the influx of DLC fighters, so it'll be interesting to see how much MK11 will change over the course of its post-launch period. Curiously, though, mentions of the Switch version weren't present in the trailer. So it may seem likely that the Switch will receive its own release of the characters from the Kombat Pack at a later time.For more on Mortal Kombat 11, along with details on when you can expect to learn more about the other characters, be sure to check back with GameSpot. Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
It's been almost four years since the release of Halo 5: Guardians in 2015, so Halo fans are understandably eager to learn more about Halo Infinite. Thankfully, it's expected that Microsoft is going to showcase the Xbox One and PC game during the Xbox E3 2019 briefing on June 10.Besides Minecraft, Halo is arguably Microsoft's biggest and best-known franchise. It has millions of dedicated fans and it is steeped in history and evolution. But it isn't a stretch to say it's fallen out of prominence and mindshare in the gaming world.Franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield, along with newcomers Fortnite and Apex Legends, generate consistent buzz. Halo, on the other hand, is currently most prominently represented by Halo: The Master Chief Collection, a game that sputtered at launch and has left a sour taste in the mouths of many. Microsoft's commitment to supporting and improving upon the franchise's "black eye," as 343 has called it, has been impressive to see, but fans are interested in what's next for the series.Ahead of E3 2019, we're looking back at what we know so far about Halo Infinite and examining what the game must do to reinvigorate the franchise. If there is anything that Halo's campaigns have taught us over the years, it's that you should never bet against Master Chief. Tell A Better, More Coherent StoryHalo 5's story was generally considered to be a letdown, something many reviews noted, and a sentiment that even 343 Industries boss Bonnie Ross has admitted to (and this is to say nothing of the misleading marketing campaign). Whatever the case, it's good news to learn that Halo Infinite will place more of an emphasis on the franchise's hero and one of gaming's biggest names: Master Chief.As fans may recall, Halo 5 split up time between Master Chief and a new character named Agent Locke (voiced nicely by Mike Colter). Instead of splintering off to tell the stories of different side characters, re-focusing on Master Chief with Halo Infinite could be what the franchise needs to get back on track. Ross has described Halo Infinite as a "spiritual reboot" of the franchise. That wording suggests Halo Infinite could be akin to 2018's God of War. That game didn't tell an origin story for Kratos but it managed to retain the franchise's core tenets while also going deeper or wider in some brand-new narrative and gameplay areas.The Halo universe is a sprawling, rich tapestry on which to tell all kinds of different stories, and 343 needs to weave something unique and compelling with Halo Infinite after Halo 5's meandering and incoherent narrative. Microsoft no longer numbers its mainline Halo games, but even so, the company tells fans to think of Halo Infinite as Halo 6. That's important because at one point Microsoft said Halo 4,5, and 6 were part of the Reclaimer Trilogy. It's easier to understand why Halo 5's story was such a letdown because it had the tough task of being a bridge story that was actually good. However, Microsoft later canceled its plans for a strictly defined three-game trilogy. Now, the company wants fans to think of Master Chief's story as an ongoing "saga" that is not limited to any specific number of games. This gives Microsoft the freedom to redeem itself and, ahem, reclaim its former glory with a story that puts the focus back on Master Chief in new and interesting ways.Surprise Us With New Multiplayer InnovationsHalo 5 pushed the Halo multiplayer scene forward with its ambitious MOBA-style Warzone mode. Halo's multiplayer battlefield had never been so expansive, multi-layered, and engaging. It was a genuinely exciting and fresh take on the familiar Halo multiplayer formula. It felt like a bonafide strong step forward for the series, which has always been renowned for its multiplayer in particular. Microsoft needs to deliver a similarly novel multiplayer experience with Halo Infinite.There has been much discussion about Halo Infinite mimicing Call of Duty and Battlefield with a battle royale mode of its own, but 343 has said that may not happen (even if the game's engine is technically capable of delivering it). This may be for the best, as it would be more exciting to see Halo Infinite blaze its own trail rather than follow in the footsteps and trace the formula of an already-saturated battle royale market.Warzone was fantastic, but it always felt to me like more of a foundation or canvas that could support something bigger and more exciting. In addition to whatever advancements Microsoft makes with Halo 5 in terms of a large-scale multiplayer experience, the game would also do well to ensure the hardcore Team Arena fans are satisfied as well.Halo 5's Team Arena also pushed things forward with a multitude of new abilities and weaponry, while the simple addition of clambering really changed how you could move around the map. The white-knuckle, fast-paced action of Halo Arena is where the series shines the brightest. Halo Infinite needs to keep this trend going and deliver something that pro players (Halo has a big competitive gaming scene) and the average player will enjoy in similar measure.Show Off What The Slipspace Engine Can DoThe first trailer for Halo Infinite that was released at E3 2018 was actually for the game's engine, Slipspace, not the game itself. Slipspace is Halo's next-generation engine, and it was reportedly developed at no small expense. According to one Microsoft insider, careers will be made or broken based on the success of Halo Infinite due in part to its reported $500 million budget spanning game development and engine costs. For its part, Microsoft declined to comment on the reports of Halo Infinite's budget. Whatever the case, a new game engine can unlock new gameplay opportunities, and it's exciting to think about what a new set of development tools might allow 343 to do in terms of gameplay and Halo Infinite's overall depth and fidelity. The Slipspace engine trailer showed off a sprawling landscape that invites players to imagine what could be possible. At E3, Microsoft needs to answer that question. Bringing The Game To PC Is A Big DealFor the first time since 2004's Halo 2, the mainline Halo series is returning to PC with Halo Infinite. This is a big deal because it opens up the Halo franchise to a much wider audience, including those who have never played Halo before (and people who will inevitably double-dip). Fans have been calling on Microsoft to bring Halo back to PC for years now, so it's good to see Microsoft listen to that feedback and take action. Microsoft is already laying the groundwork with Halo: The Master Chief Collection coming to PC beginning this month with Halo: Reach, and it'll have a multitude of PC features like custom frame rates, FOV slider, button-mapping, and more. But Halo Infinite will be the first main series game on PC in more than 15 years, and Microsoft needs to make sure it's a best-in-class, native PC game that doesn't feel like a port.Showcase Forge's Next EvolutionHalo's Forge mode is a treat, and it's gotten bigger and better with each new Halo game. Already a robust map and mode-making tool, Forge could up the ante further in Halo Infinite with a tool suite and functionality that allows creative people to do even more. Halo 5's Forge mode led to creations developed with a level of sophistication and depth that few could have imagined. I was never creative or capable enough to make the most out of Forge's toolset, but I appreciated the community's creations and I spent my fair share of time playing Halo: Beer Pong and Toilet Bowl Zombies. Forge was never better than it was in Halo 5, but the game doesn't make it exactly easy to find custom game modes and maps, and the matchmaking system for custom games left a lot to be desired. Forge could help Halo Infinite become a truly "infinite" game with endless gameplay opportunities, but it needs better, more user-friendly systems and functionality to truly shine. Split-Screen Is Back, And That's Good NewsIt seems like a simple thing, but Halo Infinite bringing back local split-screen is incredibly significant. Split-screen is one of the core pillars of Halo. Some of my fondest childhood memories are playing Halo with my friends and siblings after school. I am not alone in my appreciation for local split-screen; just look at the reaction to Halo 5's decision to drop the feature. Microsoft was roundly criticized. Microsoft's data may have indeed shown that fewer and fewer people play local co-op, but removing the feature entirely from Halo 5 was a bad look all the same.Split-screen always needed to return in Halo Infinite, and I'm happy it is. It may not be a feature that people make use of as often as they once did, but having the option to play split-screen is essential.Have A Responsible Microtransaction PlanHalo Infinite is a big new AAA game, so it comes as no surprise that it will have microtransactions. Microsoft confirmed as much a long time ago. Given that Halo 5's microtransactions proved to be so lucrative, it is no surprise the business practice is coming back for the new game. For Halo Infinite, Microsoft needs to communicate a microtransaction solution that doesn't come across as aggressive or anywhere near what could be considered pay-to-win. Microsoft would have surely seen what happened with Star Wars: Battlefront II and other recent examples of microtransactions gone wrong. Microsoft would do well to get ahead of the discussion and explain clearly and upfront how Halo Infinite will handle microtransactions. Until they do, fans may assume the worst. If Halo Infinite's microtransaction plan edges too close to "icky," fans can and should be encouraged to voice their concerns and leave feedback with Microsoft. Use Halo Infinite To Show Off The Power Of The Next XboxWith 2001's Halo: Combat Evolved, Microsoft took a bold risk and demonstrated how well an FPS could work on console. It was a tremendous success. Halo played a pivotal role in getting Microsoft's fledgling Xbox business off the ground, and the Halo series has pushed every new Xbox console since, the latest example being Halo 5's massive-scale MOBA-style Warzone mode. With Microsoft also expected to announce a next-generation console (or two) at E3 this year, Microsoft again has the chance to showcase the next evolution of what Halo can be. With a name like "Infinite," Microsoft needs to deliver something special. To sell a new console, Microsoft needs to demonstrate the hardware's new and impressive capabilities. Combining that announcement with a technical showcase of Halo Infinite could be a jaw-dropper at E3. Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
For a second year, Square Enix is hosting its own E3 press conference. In Sony's absence--as the company chose to withdraw its traditional press conference from E3 2019--Square Enix is taking the final slot on Monday, June 10. The publisher hasn't revealed every game it plans on showcasing this year, only teasing that it will be "another exciting lineup of titles."However, we do know of a few Square Enix games confirmed for E3 this year, so it stands to reason that they will be shown off during the company's press conference. Those list of games can be found below.What Time Does Square Enix's Press Conference Livestream Start?Square Enix has scheduled its E3 2019 press conference for Monday, June 10. If you're in the US, you can watch the conference's livestream at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET. Unfortunately, if you're in the UK, you'll have to stay up fairly late to watch the stream because that translates to 2 AM BST the following day, June 11. Australian folks get to watch the stream in the middle of the day, at 11 AM AEST on June 11.How To WatchSquare Enix's E3 presentation will be broadcast live from the company's website, as well as several social media channels. We'll be streaming it too. Below, we've outlined the list of places you'll be able to find Square Enix's E3 presentation.Where To Watch The Square Enix E3 2019 Press ConferenceMain Website -- GameSpot, Square Enix WebsiteFacebook -- GameSpot, Square EnixTwitter -- GameSpot, Square EnixInstagram -- Square EnixYouTube -- GameSpotWhat To ExpectSquare Enix has confirmed only one game for its E3 press conference: Dying Light 2. However, a couple of Square Enix games have already been confirmed to appear at E3, so it's plausible we see most (if not all) during the company's press conference. Of the games confirmed, Marvel's Avengers is most likely the heavy hitter. Aside from some leaked details, there's been very little news about the game since its announcement trailer, which was released in January 2017. Square Enix has confirmed its superhero game will be at E3, and the leaks imply we'll see both single- and multiplayer gameplay during the show.Of course, Marvel's Avengers could be easily upstaged by Final Fantasy VII, the remake of the 1997 RPG of the same name. Square Enix has not confirmed the long-awaited remake will be at E3, but the latest PlayStation State of Play did tease more news about the game would be coming in June 2019. We assume that means E3, but, once again, it hasn't been confirmed.Square Enix Games Confirmed For E3 2019Dying Light 2Marvel's Avengers Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
We're less than two weeks away from E3 2019. While many of the industry's biggest publishers still hold press conferences in the days leading up to the expo, Nintendo will once again air a pre-recorded Nintendo Direct in lieu of a live stage show, which will showcase a number of games coming to Switch this year. Before that, however, the company is airing a Pokemon-focused Direct on June 5, with a series of invitational tournaments following on June 8. If you plan on tuning in, here's everything you need to know about what time it all starts and where you can watch it.What Time Do Nintendo's E3 Livestreams Start?As it traditionally does, Nintendo is airing its E3 Direct presentation the morning the expo begins. This year, that falls on Tuesday, June 11. The company hasn't specified how long the stream will be--Directs typically run anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes--but it is scheduled to begin at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET. In the UK, the presentation will start at 5 PM BST, while viewers in Australia will need to stay up until 2 AM AET on June 12.Tuesday's Direct will be the "big" one in terms of what the company plans to showcase, but it is hardly the only stream Nintendo is airing ahead of E3. On Wednesday, June 5, there will be a special Pokemon Direct. That will begin at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET / 2 PM BST and will reveal new details about the upcoming Pokemon Sword and Shield games. Then on Saturday, June 8, Nintendo will host back-to-back tournaments for Super Mario Maker 2, Splatoon 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, beginning at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET / 7 PM BST.Where To WatchNintendo will be streaming its various broadcasts on its Twitch and YouTube channels, as well as on its website. You'll also be able to watch the Pokemon and E3 Directs right here on GameSpot. We'll have both streams available on-site, so you can tune in during the times outlined above and watch the presentations unfold.What To ExpectNintendo has been characteristically tight-lipped about its E3 2019 Direct; all the company has said thus far is that the presentation will offer "a look at Nintendo Switch titles for 2019," of which there are quite a few already lined up. Daemon X Machina, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Luigi's Mansion 3, and the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening are all slated to release sometime this year, so we'll presumably learn more about those during the broadcast. Nintendo has also said that a new Animal Crossing game for Switch is coming out in 2019; presuming it hasn't been delayed, there's a good chance we'll get our first look at the title during the company's E3 Direct.Nintendo typically has one or two surprise announcements hidden up its sleeve as well, and that may prove true again this year--although what those could be is anyone's guess. It's also been a while since the company has provided any update on the Switch exclusive Bayonetta 3; perhaps we'll finally learn more about it at this year's E3. There are a handful of smaller games slated to arrive this year as well, including the tentatively named Town from Pokemon developer Game Freak and the Zelda/Crypt of the NecroDancer crossover, Cadence of Hyrule; the latter is releasing sometime in June, so we may hear more about it at E3.As previously mentioned, Nintendo and The Pokemon Company are revealing more about Pokemon Sword and Shield during the dedicated Pokemon Direct that takes place on June 5, so any new information we learn about the titles will likely come from that broadcast. There's also a chance Nintendo may unveil some new content for Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during their respective tournaments on June 8. Following last year's Splatoon World Championships, the company announced the release date of the game's Octo Expansion DLC, so it isn't out of the ordinary for reveals to come out of these events. There are still four unannounced DLC fighters in the works for Smash Bros., so we may get a look at another one during its tournament, and perhaps Nintendo will cap off its Super Mario Maker 2 invitational with some kind of surprise for that game.Many other companies have some big plans for this year's E3, as well. Be sure to check out our full E3 2019 press conference schedule for more details on what Microsoft, Ubisoft, Bethesda, and others have lined up for this year's expo.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
One of the most eagerly anticipated games of E3 2019 is Square Enix's Avengers title. It should come as no surprise that there's a great deal of excitement surrounding the game; not only has Marvel just wrapped up one of the most exciting movie events of the last decade with Avengers: Endgame, but it also scored a win in the video game space. Marvel's Spider-Man, which was developed by Insomniac Games and launched as a PlayStation 4 exclusive in 2018, received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling and gameplay. Things are looking good for Marvel right now, which could bode well for the Avengers game.The game was originally announced in January 2017 as "The Avengers Project." Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal, the teams behind Tomb Raider and Deus Ex, respectively, were attached as developers. Since then, a new teaser has been released and it indicates that the game is called "Marvel's Avengers." Aside from the new name, Square Enix, Marvel, Crystal Dynamics, and Eidos Montreal have played their cards very close to their chests. We're hoping they go big at E3 and, ahead of the event, we've put together a breakdown of everything we know and what we want to see. Take a look below.What We Know So FarMarvel's Avengers is the first chapter in a multi-game partnership between the comic book titan and Square Enix. The initial trailer confirmed that the world it is set in hasn't been too kind to superheroes--perhaps they've even been demonized. "They say the time of heroes is over," a narrator says in the original teaser trailer. "That if you're different, you're dangerous. But I know the truth. The world will always need heroes. We just need to reassemble."The use of 'reassemble" is important, as the original video then shows Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, Captain America's shield, and Iron Man's repulsor-equipped hand armor, though they've seen much better days. The implication is that the Avengers have been scattered, maybe even defeated. That means the player could play some part in the team's re-emergence in a time of need.Square Enix has said Avengers "is being designed for gamers worldwide and will be packed with all the characters, environments, and iconic moments that have thrilled longtime fans of the franchise."Square Enix also indicated that Avengers is being developed with long-term play in mind, saying it will feature "a completely original story" and "will introduce a universe gamers can play in for years to come."Since the game's initial reveal, it has come to light that Shaun Escayg, the creative director and writer of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, is serving as the creative director on Avengers. Stephen Barry, who was director of product development at Visceral Games, where he worked on titles like the Dead Space series, joined the development effort as director of production.What's Confirmed For E3Square Enix is hosting its E3 2019 press conference on June 10 at 6 PM PT. As revealed on Twitter, Avengers will be part of its presentation, though it didn't provide any indication of what we'll see. Leaks, however, have given us a glimpse into not only what we could see at E3, but what the game is.Details on the game leaked via the E3 Coliseum website, and although the information has been removed now, the cat is out of the bag. The description for a segment focused on the Avengers game indicated it will feature both solo and co-op play, and offer players the ability to customize their characters."Embrace your powers and join key members of the development team at Crystal Dynamics and the creative team at Marvel Games as they talk exclusively about the upcoming Marvel's Avengers," the description read. "This is the defining Avengers gaming experience: an epic action-adventure that combines cinematic storytelling with continuous single-player and co-operative gameplay. Moderated by Andrea Rene, assemble in teams up to four players, master extraordinary abilities, customize your heroes to fit your playstyle, and combine powers to defend an ever-expanding world under constant threat."What We Hope To See At E3Given that we've seen no gameplay of Avengers thus far, we'd like to see Square Enix go in-depth and show us exactly what playing the game actually involves. There are big questions around whether the game will allow players to take control of one of the core members of the Avengers team or cast them as a newcomer that fights alongside the iconic Marvel squad. If it's the former, Square Enix will need to delve into how it's realizing the unique powers and abilities of the superheroes in gameplay, and how the game is designed to make that feel satisfying. If it's the latter, we want to know how we'll be able to shape our own hero.Both Square Enix and Marvel have hinted at aspects of the game's story, such as the Avengers being in disarray and the world becoming hostile to heroes. The leak also states that it all takes place in an "ever-expanding world under constant threat." We're getting a games-as-a-service vibe from this setup, and we'd like to see how the developers plan to keep us coming back time after time. More importantly, how are they achieving this without diluting the hero fantasy experience that many come to superhero games like this for?Indulging our own fantasies briefly, we'd like to hear about what involvement Marvel has in crafting the experience. All the best superhero games have had key creatives with a proven track record involved to some degree, whether that's Paul Dini, Jim Lee, and Geoff Johns for Rocksteady's various Batman Arkham games, or Dan Slott for Insomniac's Spider-Man. It would be good to know if Marvel's own talent is being leveraged or at the very least what Square Enix's developers are drawing influence from. It'd be pretty cool if Jonathan Hickman or Mark Millar walked out on stage and confirmed they're lending their talents to the project--though perhaps that's asking a bit too much.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-02
It's June, which means E3 2019 is just days away. The Electronic Entertainment Expo is one of the biggest days in any gamer's calendar, and for Xbox One fans this year's show looks set to be a big one. Microsoft's E3 Xbox press conference will showcase 14 first-party games, and the company says it's "going big" at this year's show.What Time Does Microsoft's Press Conference Livestream Start?The Xbox showcase kicks off on Sunday, June 9. For those in the United States, that's 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET. For UK gamers, that's 9 PM BST, while Australian fans will need to wake up a little early to watch the conference at 6 AM AET on June 10.Where To WatchYou'll have a variety of options for watching Microsoft's E3 2019 briefing. The broadcast will air online on the company's Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer channels. GameSpot will also host a stream of the conference, so you can tune in right here to see all of Microsoft's announcements, or through our social media and streaming platforms below. Additionally, Xbox One owners can watch the briefing on their console using the Mixer app.GameSpotTwitchFacebookTwitterYouTubeWhat To ExpectAs for what's going to be shown, details are thin on the ground as yet. It's likely we'll get some form of update on Gears 5 and Halo Infinite, while Gears Pop and the new Battletoads game are possibilities. There are also rumors that Ninja Theory will be announcing a new sci-fi game scheduled for 2020 called Bleeding Edge, a fourth Fable game will be announced to be released in 2021, Ori and the Will of the Wisps will get a final trailer and release date, The Outer Worlds will get a new gameplay trailer and launch window (which has seemingly been confirmed via an Obsidian tweet), and Gears Tactics will get a new trailer and 2019 release date. Additionally, Microsoft is rumored to be revealing its new Xbox console, Scarlett.For more on the convention, check out the schedule of all the E3 2019 press conferences.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-01
Update: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's 3.1.0 update is now live. Along with the previously announced fighter adjustments, the patch introduces a new VR mode that's compatible with the Labo VR Goggles, as well as a few new Amiibo features. You can find the full patch notes here. The original story follows.Nintendo is rolling out a new patch for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate this week. All the company has said is the update will make an assortment of "fighter adjustments," but it appears there will be a few new features on the way as well, including Labo VR support.The in-game notification for the 3.1.0 update was uncovered ahead of the patch's release (via Twitter). According to that, the update will roll out at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET today, May 30 (2 AM BST on May 31) and add a VR mode, which will give players "a whole new perspective on the Smash action." To play this mode, you'll need to have the Toy-Con VR Goggles from the Labo VR kit.In addition to the VR mode, it appears the 3.1.0 update is adding some new Amiibo functionality. According to the leaked notification, players will be able to send their Amiibo fighters off on "journeys to train" and have them battle against other Amiibo fighters. Additionally, Amiibo fighters will now be able to join Battle Arenas.Beyond the upcoming update, a new Spirit Board event has been announced. This week's event is called Super Smash Sisters, and it features heroines from an assortment of different games, including the Legendary Spirits Pyra, Mythra, and Krystal. On top of that, players will be able to unlock a brand-new Spirit Peachette. The Super Smash Sisters event runs from May 31 to June 5.Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launched for Switch in December 2018 and has quickly become one of the system's best-selling games. GameSpot awarded it a 9/10 in our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate review and said, "Ultimate's diverse content is compelling, its strong mechanics are refined, and the encompassing collection is simply superb." Be sure to also check out our 20th anniversary feature on the original Super Smash Bros. game.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-01
A new week-long event is kicking off soon in Pokemon Go. Niantic is holding another Adventure Week beginning Tuesday, June 4, and it'll give players a chance to earn extra rewards, catch some rare Rock-types, and even find a couple of new Shiny Pokemon.During Adventure Week, Geodude, Rhyhorn, Omanyte, Aron, Lileep, Anorith, and other Rock Pokemon will appear in the wild much more frequently than normal. You'll also be able to hatch certain Rock-types--such as Onix, Larvitar, Lileep, Anorith, and Shieldon--from 2 km Eggs, and Onix and other Rock Pokemon will appear in Raid Battles. On top of that, you'll have your first chance to catch Shiny versions of Onix, Lileep, and Anorith.In addition to increased Rock Pokemon spawns, you'll earn four times the usual amount of Buddy Candy during Adventure Week, as well as a whopping 10 times the usual amount of XP the first time you spin the Photo Disc at a new PokeStop. If you have Adventure Sync turned on, you'll also be able to earn 50,000 Stardust and 15 Rare Candies when you walk 50 km.Finally, Niantic is distributing special Field Research tasks during Adventure Week. As usual, you'll be able to collect these tasks by spinning the Photo Disc at PokeStops. Adventure Week is scheduled to end at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST on June 11. You can read more about the event on the official Pokemon Go website.Adventure Week isn't the only Pokemon Go event on the horizon. The game's next Community Day will take place on Saturday, June 8. The featured Pokemon this month will be Slakoth; not only will it appear in the wild more frequently than normal, it will also be able to learn an event-exclusive move if you manage to evolve it into its final form, Slaking, up to an hour after the event ends. The Legendary Pokemon Cresselia has also returned for a limited time.The Pokemon Company held a press conference earlier this week, where it announced a handful of new Pokemon games and services, including a new app called Pokemon Sleep that aims to "turn sleep into entertainment." To coincide with the announcement, the Sleeping Pokemon Snorlax is spawning in the wild in Pokemon Go until June 3.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-01
We're still in the early days of Fortnite Season 9, but it's already proven to be quite different from previous seasons. In addition to the standard array of weekly and Utopia challenges, Epic has introduced a new collectible to the game called Fortbytes, which can only be obtained by completing certain tasks. On top of that is the ongoing Downtown Drop limited-time mode, which features its own unique set of challenges to complete and rewards to unlock.Unlike a standard game of Fortnite, Downtown Drop takes place in a self-contained area and is all about momentum. The mode has players sliding around as though they were on a pair of skates, and the map is littered with boost pads and ramps to send you rocketing around. This also makes your character much trickier to handle, however, which can be a pain when you're searching for specific items hidden around the map, as many of the Downtown Drop challenges have you do. If you find yourself having a hard time completing these, we're here to make your life a little easier.A handful of the Downtown Drop challenges are to find Jonesy--one of the original Fortnite characters--in various places around the map. There are three separate challenges of this nature. The first is to find Jonesy hidden behind a fence. That's an awfully vague hint, but if you hug the north side of the map, you'll eventually come upon a drop that'll dump you behind a curved wooden fence, changing your momentum. Head to the end of that alleyway and you'll see Jonesy behind a chain-link fence.The second challenge is to find Jonesy in the sewers. This one is fairly easy to spot. On the eastern side of the map is a secret tunnel--you'll see a trail of coins leading you into it. Head into the tunnel and you'll be dropped onto a boost pad, which will send you hurtling along other pads into the sewers, where you'll come across the Jonesy cutout before trampolining back up to the surface.The final challenge has you finding Jonesy in three different locations: near the basketball court, near the rooftops, and in the back of a truck. The basketball court can be found at the end of the first slope down at the beginning of the map; head inside and you'll spot Jonesy against the back wall. The rooftop is a bit trickier. Find the crane that's dangling a car and use an Impulse Grenade to send yourself up onto the building that is still being constructed, where you'll see the Jonesy cutout. The truck is also easy to miss, as it's located at the end of an alley near the beginning of the map. If you need more help finding them, we walk you through where every Jonesy is located in the video above.The Downtown Drop LTM is slated to end on June 3, so you only have a few days left to complete its challenges. Week 4's challenges are also now available. Most of these are fairly straightforward, but one that may give you a bit of trouble is to dance inside the holographic tomato head, holographic Durrr Burger head, and dumpling head. You can find more guides in our our complete Fortnite Season 9 challenge roundup.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-06-01
The newly revealed Call of Duty game for 2019, Modern Warfare, features some major changes to the usual formula: cross-play between Xbox One, PS4, and PC, and the end of the season pass format. But one important aspect is remaining the same. As has been the case for the past few years, post-release content for Modern Warfare will launch first on PS4 before coming to Xbox One and PC. This was confirmed in a trailer for the game posted on PlayStation's YouTube account.The message states: "Play new content first on PlayStation 4." The fine print goes on to clarify that the exclusivity period is one week. "New playable content, when available, will launch on PS4 seven days prior to launch on other platforms." This matches the week-long duration in last year's Black Ops 4, which is less than the month-long window that Call of Duty games used to have.The exclusivity is no surprise, given Activision has partnered with Sony for Call of Duty exclusivity deals every year since 2015 with Black Ops III. Before that, Activision had a deal with Microsoft to launch Call of Duty DLC first on Xbox platforms. There had been some rumors recently that the exclusivity period might have come to an end, but clearly that is not the case.What is different with Modern Warfare is that all post-release maps will be free, whereas in the past Activision charged for them. The publisher confirmed as part of the game's announcement that it will not sell the traditional season pass that locks new maps and content to only players who pay for it. There's no word on what might replace this, although battle passes have become increasingly popular thanks to Fortnite.It remains to be seen how cross-play might be impacted when PS4 players have access to content that Xbox One and PC players do not. We've followed up with Activision in an attempt to get more details.Modern Warfare--which is a reboot of sorts of the popular sub-brand that began in 2007--launches on October 25. GameSpot recently visited developer Infinity Ward's studio to learn more about the game; check out the story below for more.Call Of Duty 2019 Is Modern Warfare - What We Learned Visiting Infinity WardInfo from Gamespot.com