Monday, May 22, 2017

News:: Valve hired the team behind 'Kerbal Space Program'

Worried that Valve's recent departures mark an end to conventional game development at the Half-Life studio? You might have a glimmer of hope. Valve has confirmed that it hired the team at Squad, better known as the creators of the shipbuilding hit Kerbal Space Program. The company isn't saying just how many people it hired, what they're working on or what's happening to KSP ("more details soon," a spokesperson says), but former Valve designer Roger Lundeen had said in the Game Dev Unchained podcast that the "entire team" had made the leap.

Source: Eurogamer, SoundCloud



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News:: Some Steins;Gate games have been added to Xbox One backward compatibility

Microsoft had made a big push to get into the Japanese market with the launch of the Xbox 360, but that ended up backfiring and led to Microsoft embracing more Western properties. That is a real shame, too, since we got the classic Lost Odyssey and some pretty oft-kilter releases from Cave (Deathsmiles, DoDanPachi, etc).

Now, you can relive some of the crazy part of Microsoft's history on Xbox One. According to Major Nelson on Twitter, three of the Steins;Gate games have been added to the backward compatibility list. The titles include the original Steins;Gate and its spin-offs Linear Bounded Phenogram and Darling of Loving Vows.

Some Steins;Gate games have been added to Xbox One backward compatibility screenshot

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News:: The Marvel Heroes Omega open beta hits PS4 tomorrow

Gazillion's action-RPG Marvel Heroes Omega is holding an open beta on PlayStation 4 tomorrow, May 23. For the impatient among us and/or superfans who dig Marvel Heroes on PC enough to want to do it all again, there are several Founder's Packs offering instant beta access. Those start at $20.

Considering it's free-to-play, there's local co-op, and folks have fond memories of games like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (not that this is the same thing), I can see Omega resonating well with console players.

While PS4 is up first, Xbox One is also getting the game -- on June 20, 2017.

The Marvel Heroes Omega open beta hits PS4 tomorrow screenshot



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News:: We're streaming PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

Watch live video from Destructoid on www.twitch.tv

It's been too long since you've had to stare at my ugly mug. Let's fix that. We're going live in 10 minutes with the 100-player battle royale PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. I'm going in blind. I haven't played yet, so I'll be fumbling around for a while. Can we last longer than 69th? Let's find out!

We're streaming PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds screenshot



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News:: Valve has hired most of the developers behind Kerbal Space Program

This may come as a surprise to most of you, but Valve used to make video games once upon a time. A lot of their titles came about when they hired mod teams to work as full time programmers. This resulted in things like Counter-Strike and Portal becoming mainstream successes before Valve realized they never had to make games again. Ah, the good old days.

Either way, it looks like news is getting out that Valve has hired a portion of the developers from Squad, the team behind Kerbal Space Program. Apparently this happened towards the beginning of the year, but information is just now getting out to the media. In an interview with Game Dev Unchained, former Valve developer Roger Lundeen made mention of the acquisition.

"[Valve] is still buying up mod teams. There's the group of... the modders who made—is it Kerbal Space Station? ... I think it just happened about four or five months ago, six months ago. They just gave that entire team jobs," Lundeen recounts. While Lundeen is wrong on a few counts (the game isn't a mod and its title doesn't include Station), Valve has confirmed that Squad was hired and that they'll be announcing more about what they are doing soon.

What this means for Squad and for Valve remains to be seen, but seeing as how Valve has three VR titles in production, maybe Squad will be working on one of those. I would love it if they tackled Half-Life 3, if only so we could finally put that damn meme to bed and finish off the series.

Valve hires members of the Kerbal Space Program team [PC Gamer]

Valve has hired most of the developers behind Kerbal Space Program screenshot



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News:: These Pokemon woodblock prints don't come cheap

Video games and woodblock prints are often a winning combination. The U.S. Pokémon Center has begun selling a pair of prints, and at $450 a piece (and with only 50 of each print being produced), we're just gonna have to look. Which, hey, that's fine with me! The making-of photos are neat enough:

If the staging looks at all familiar (particularly the bridge), that's because these prints draw inspiration from famous pieces: Gojō Bridge, an Episode from the Life of Yoshitsune, and the third station, Kanagawa, from The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō. Super cool. Even if you don't care for the Pokémon renditions, this is a good chance to pore over traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

It's been an expensive sort of day on Destructoid.

Woodblock Prints [Pokémon Center]

These Pokemon woodblock prints don't come cheap screenshot

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News:: Space sim Starpoint Gemini 2 free to own on Steam

I don't know about you, but I like starting the week off with a free game that I in all likelihood will never get around to playing, much less downloading. This week, that game is the tactical space simulator Starpoint Gemini 2. It's free to claim for 48 hours and once you do, it's yours to keep for good.

(The narrator of this years-old trailer has the enthusiasm of my inner voice on a Monday morning.)

Why give it away? There's always a reason. In this case, the promo precedes the full launch of Starpoint Gemini Warlords. It's been in Steam Early Access for about a year now, and as of tomorrow, it'll be out.

Space sim Starpoint Gemini 2 free to own on Steam screenshot



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News:: 'LawBreakers' makes the leap to PlayStation 4

LawBreakers isn't confined to the PC any longer: The game is also heading to PlayStation 4, developer Boss Key Productions announced today. LawBreakers comes from Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski, and it's a rapid-fire, five-on-five, first-person shooter set in a low-gravity, sci-fi world.

Source: PlayStation Blog



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News:: Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory introduces Zubamon

Bandai Namco has released new screenshots and details for Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory, covering new characters, the new "Domination Battle" system, and the Digital Monster 20th Anniversary Digimon Zubamon.

Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory introduces Zubamon screenshot

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News:: Rust is nearing the end of its run on Steam Early Access

The last time I played Rust was back in October 2014. To recap: I smashed a warthog to pieces and then got my own head bashed in by another player, like you do. I haven't been back since. It's not even that I'm bored of the humans-are-the-real-monsters survival sandbox (though, admittedly, the concept is less novel nowadays). I've simply been holding out for the final release, whenever that might be.

In a blog post about the curse of Early Access, creator Garry Newman touched on when Rust will finally launch on Steam proper. It's happening sooner than I was thinking. Here's the crucial excerpt:

"To me it comes down to a single question:

'If early access didn’t exist – would we release this game?'

Once you put it in these simple terms, it's easy to answer. We definitely would have released it by now. We obviously wouldn't have stopped updating it yet (and we don't plan to stop updating it after we leave EA), but it would have been on Steam by now.

So our plan is to add a bit more help to the game (so first time players can actually open the inventory menu without reading guides on the internet), and then quietly slip out of Early Access."

It's been long enough for me that I'll essentially be coming in fresh, so, good to hear.

The curse of Early Access [garry's blofg]

Rust is nearing the end of its run on Steam Early Access screenshot



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News:: How has Injustice 2 been for you so far?

It feels like Injustice 2 has a bit of a thing going against it. Gamers aren't too keen on aggressive DLC strategies. Not to mention NetherRealm Studios always makes a complete edition re-release a year or two later. It has been guaranteed each and every time since Mortal Kombat 9. But a fighting game can feel really different at launch compared to a re-release, and if I want to be known for one thing, it's my love and respect for fighting games.

How has Injustice 2 been for you so far? screenshot

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News:: Microsoft won't force Xbox One and Scorpio games to run at the same framerate

While Microsoft has been mostly mum on its souped up new Xbox One, Project Scorpio, ahead of E3 next month (except to say that there are "no issues" and it's coming this year), Twitter has granted us one tidbit: Microsoft won't mandate games run at the same framerate between Xbox One and Scorpio.

Someone on Twitter said there was "fps parity" between Xbox One and Scorpio in multiplayer, intimating that Xbox One owners would be "holding back" people who plonk down cash on the nicer model.

Xbox engineering lead Mike Ybarra replied, "No, there isn't," adding, "This is up to the developer to choose, for their games, what they want to do." Ybarra loosed an addition tweet, writing, "Developers are free to choose how they use the power of Project Scorpio for games. We have no requirements limiting framerate or fidelity."

So don't blame Microsoft if you have the same disgusting framerate in multiplayer as the unwashed poors. Unfortunately (for the disposable-income-havers), you probably will, just not via Microsoft mandate. Microsoft Studios boss Shannon Loftis commented on the question, noting, "Developer choice, but as a developer I would bet no one chooses different framerates for mp games ever."

Mike Ybarra [Twitter]

Microsoft won't force Xbox One and Scorpio games to run at the same framerate screenshot



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News:: Skydiving with a Nintendo Switch looks terrifying

This strange but compelling "short action film" by Valera Boluchevsky and Richard Chirkin shows some of the places you can take your Nintendo Switch, up to -- and including! -- while skydiving.

I can't say I fully understand the Donkey Kong Country-ness of it all, but dang, what a cool video!

[Via reddit]

Skydiving with a Nintendo Switch looks terrifying screenshot



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News:: Wynncraft is a full, free fantasy MMO built within Minecraft

There are two kinds of people in this world. One uses Minecraft's endless possibility to make dicks, the other builds a complete fantasy MMO with over 100 quests, guilds, and more. That's Wynncraft, a full-featured MMO four years in the making that you can play right now for free if you have a copy of Minecraft. Just add the server.

The site boasts Wynncraft has a million unique users, with over a thousand online right now. And there's a huge world for these folks to explore. Look at this full map (you can even zoom in).

Wynncraft is a full, free fantasy MMO built within Minecraft screenshot



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News:: Angry Birds sequel coming to theaters in 2019

Rovio Entertainment has announced that The Angry Birds Movie 2 will be launching onto the silver screen in Fall 2019.

Angry Birds sequel coming to theaters in 2019 screenshot

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News:: BioWare is developing a new Dragon Age

It's been an open secret and not really discussed here, especially with Mass Effect: Andromeda hogging the recent limelight, but the Dragon Age series, last seen with 2014's Dragon Age: Inquisition, is still alive over at BioWare.

Eurogamer interviewed Fallen London and Sunless Sea creator Alexis Kennedy, currently in an "unusual arrangement" as a guest writer (writing from London) working with BioWare (headquartered in Canada) on a new project, "which I can now legitimately say is in the Dragon Age franchise although it has been known for a while."

The full piece is a good look behind the development process, though in an atypical case, given that BioWare usually, "doesn't have guest writers, as a rule." Kennedy naturally wasn't able to divulge much about what the next Dragon Age actually is -- it's not even been announced and is still in early stages -- but has explained his unique role.

"What I can say is I have been given considerable autonomy to work on a storyline bit of lore which is well-segregated from other parts of the game," Kennedy said. "It's nothing that grandiose, but it is distinct. It’s a bit of lore which has not been addressed much to date in Dragon Age." 

Writing the next Dragon Age [Eurogamer]

BioWare is developing a new Dragon Age screenshot



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News:: Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2's Switch port coming West this Fall, Super Pack 4 in June

Although I would prefer another entry in the Budokai series, as that first trilogy played like a goofier Tekken, I'm glad as many people as possible are going to have access to one of the most fun Dragon Ball games in quite some time, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

A Nintendo Switch port of the title was recently confirmed for a Fall 2017 release in Japan, but now will also release in the West at that time as well. The port will feature motion controls (can't wait to Yamcha my way through that), ad-hoc play with up to six players, and two people can fight on one system with a Joy-Con each. 

Also the newest DLC, DB Super Pack 4, releases in June for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC and features some new missions as well as Fused Zamasu and Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Vegito. I'm sure that string of letters means something to those watching the subbed episodes of Dragon Ball Super, and not waiting for the dubbed ones like me. The dub just got to the Resurrection F arc, so I'm pretty psyched to watch something I've already seen stretched out over fourteen weeks. 

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2's Switch port coming West this Fall, Super Pack 4 in June screenshot

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News:: Incredible Zelda: Breath of the Wild cheat lets you spawn anything, anywhere

While we've seen people do all kinds of amazing things over the last few months with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, behold, an effective God mode, no longer working within the limitations of mortal men.

The Accio Master Code, created by Chadderz and MrBean35000vr, is a powerful cheat for the Wii U version of Breath of the Wild, with instructions on how to run it for yourself in the video description. It may be a bit beyond a layman's grasp (it requires a Wii U cheat client), but at the very least you can enjoy the above video, as Link spawns a gang bang of Old Mans, banana rain, 999,999 rupees, every boss in a single room, and more.

Oh, and it, "can also be run alongside Tornado Mode." What's "Tornado Mode," you ask?

Incredible Zelda: Breath of the Wild cheat lets you spawn anything, anywhere screenshot



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News:: Overwatch is getting its own minor league

Some of my favorite memories growing up were heading with my family out to Everett, WA to watch the AquaSox play. The 'Sox is a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners. It's where Ken Griffey Jr. hit his first professional home run. Watching the AquaSox made me want to play baseball before I realized how bad I am at it. Watching the new Overwatch Contenders will probably have the same effect.

Revealed today, Overwatch Contenders is a developmental league for the soon-to-launch professional Overwatch League. Starting this summer in North America and Europe, the Contenders minor league is open to every Overwatch player in those regions with an online qualifier that will whittle the teams down to the top 16. From there, the top eight teams will be selected for the Contenders Playoffs.

If you have a squad that thinks it can compete with the best of them, registration is open now.

A Foundations for Greatness: Introducing Overwatch Contenders [Blizzard Entertainment]

Overwatch is getting its own minor league screenshot



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News:: 'Red Dead Redemption 2' won't come out in 2017 after all

Apparently, 2017 ain't big enough for Red Dead Redemption 2. The sequel is now slated to hit PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in spring 2018, rather than its initial release window of fall 2017. Rockstar Games announced the delay in a blog post, alongside a handful of fresh apology screenshots.

"This outlaw epic set across the vast and unforgiving American heartland will be the first Rockstar game created from the ground up for the latest generation of console hardware, and some extra time is necessary to ensure that we can deliver the best experience possible for our fans," Rockstar says. "We are very sorry for any disappointment this delay causes, but we are firm believers in delivering a game only when it is ready."

Source: Rockstar Games



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News:: Red Dead Redemption 2 delayed until Spring 2018

Rockstar won't be returning to the Wild West this year, after all. According to the developer, Red Dead Redemption 2 has been delayed until Spring 2018.

Red Dead Redemption 2 delayed until Spring 2018 screenshot

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News:: Upcoming Bloodborne statue costs $800

You can preorder a super detailed Bloodborne statue for $800 clams. 

Upcoming Bloodborne statue costs $800 screenshot

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News:: The Walking Dead: A New Frontier wraps up next Tuesday

Anyone who purchased the third seasons of Telltale's Walking Dead series and has been anxiously waiting for the finale (or playing them as they come out, I guess) can now rest easy. The final episode of A New Frontier, titled From the Gallows, will be releasing on May 30 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS and Android. In a blog post from Telltale, the company says this final episode is one of the most tailored releases they've ever done.

"Thanks to the nuanced relationships you’ve developed over the course of this season," the post starts, "‘From the Gallows’ will be Telltale's most tailored episode to date...The decisions you've made and bonds you've nurtured will determine which characters now trust Javi to safeguard all they hold dear as this crisis pushes every relationship past its breaking point."

As for a gameplay trailer, that won't be releasing until next week. Seeing as how the episode comes out in two weeks, I don't really know if there is a point in showing anything. I can't imagine there is a large percentage of people who buy only the final episode, but maybe I'm wrong. Either way, the end is almost nigh for A New Frontier and I'm eager to see if it manages to hold up (I've yet to start it).

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier Finale Coming May 30 [Telltale Games]

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier wraps up next Tuesday screenshot

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News:: 'Far Cry' is coming to America

Up until today, all of the Far Cry games have been set in far off locations. A tropical island, Africa, another tropical island, the Himalayas and prehistoric times have all played witness to the franchise's often morally ambiguous open-world first-person shooter. But now, the franchise is heading stateside. Series overlord Ubisoft has started teasing the next game in the franchise with a live-action trailer, as one does, and while there isn't a lick of CGI or gameplay, the 41-second clip does do a great job setting the game's tone.

Source: Ubisoft (YouTube)



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News:: Magikarp finally gets its due in its own game

Although Italy saw a sort of stealth release of Magikarp Jump last week, it's coming to more markets soon, including Japan as of tomorrow. Both Android and iOS will have its own versions, which feature the titular Pokemon in fishing form. It's free-to-play with microtransactions, if you were curious.

Evidently further information on future regions will come in time, and my guess is that we'll probably see it in every major region within a month. As for the game...it looks, okay? Given that not many people have played it we really don't have a lot of reports in regards to the fairness of its pricing scheme, but I'll be giving it a shot.

Anything for Magikarp.

Magikarp Jump [Apple via Serebii.net]

Magikarp finally gets its due in its own game screenshot



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News:: LawBreakers is coming to PS4 at a very competitive price

LawBreakers, aka BlueStreak, aka the first game from the former Epic Games lead and developer Jed Whitaker most wants to do the nasty with Cliff Bleszinski's Boss Key Productions, is set to release sometime later this year. Originally announced for PC and as a free-to-play title, it's evolved over the years. In 2016, Cliffy B dropped the free-to-play aspect and today he confirmed the game is coming to consoles. Well, one console at least.

On the PlayStation Blog, Bleszinski announced LawBreakers will arrive on the PlayStation 4 later this year for a cool $30.

LawBreakers is coming to PS4 at a very competitive price screenshot

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