Author: Game Infliction

Cozy Lord of the Rings Game Tales of the Shire Delayed to Early 2025

Tales of the Shire is delayed to early 2025, its developer has announced.

Tales of the Shire is a cozy life sim set within The Lord of the Rings universe originally due out this fall across PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and Netflix Games. It’s developed by Wētā Workshop and published by Private Division, the embattled subsidiary of Take-Two.

Ahead of a deep dive on the game set for September 22 (the annual Hobbit Day celebration for The Lord of the Rings fans because it marks the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins), Wētā Workshop said it delayed the game to ensure it delivers its vision.

“All of us here at Weta Workshop are excited to have you join us in the Shire, a peaceful corner of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. When a new Hobbit steps into Bywater for the very first time, we want that moment to be everything you’re hoping for.

“To ensure we deliver that vision, Tales of the Shire will now be launching early 2025. Thank you for your patience and continued support. Be sure to tune in to our A Hobbit Day Showcase on September 22 to learn more about Tales of the Shire and our new release date.”

Tales of the Shire features everything from cooking to fishing and foraging to decorating. There’s also a narrative “that lovingly stays true to the books.” Check out IGN’s Tales of the Shire preview for more.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Portal To The Cosmobeat is a brilliant, ridiculous and currently free mix of QWOP and Dance Dance Revolution

Haha. Hoho. Yes. Hehe. Yes. This rules. This rules so hard. Portal To The Cosmobeat is a rhythm dance battler where you copy the moves of your opponents by controlling each of your limbs, and your head, with a separate key. If you look down at your keyboard right now, you’ll notice your W, A, D, Z and X form a five pointed star – with the W key a bit off, granted. That’s you, that is. You hold down the limbs you want to wiggle, then control them with your mouse. It’s simple, silly, and very fun. Here’s a tray-tray:

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Annapurna Interactive’s entire staff resign following dispute with owner

Annapurna Interactive – the publisher behind games such as Cocoon, Stray, and Neon White – have seen their entire staff resign after an internal dispute this month, via Bloomberg.

The resignations came in the wake of a dispute between Annapurna Interactive president Nathan Gary and Annapurna studio head Megan Ellison. As Bloomberg report, negotiations were taking place to “spin off the video-game division as an independent entity.” After failing to reach an agreement, Ellison pulled out of the negotiations, resulting in the resignation of Gary and “other executives.” Further resignations followed, with a reported two dozen other staff leaving the company.

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Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection For Switch Confirmed As “Code In Box” Release (Europe)

It seems other regions will still get a physical cartridge.

As you might have seen, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection made its digital debut on the Switch this week. It will be followed by a physical release on 22nd November 2024.

Unfortunately, there won’t be a proper physical release on Nintendo’s platform in Europe. Capcom provided this update on the European version of the game via social media, noting how the Switch release will be delivered as a “code in box”:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Annapurna’s Entire Gaming Team Has Resigned

Annapurna Interactive’s entire gaming staff has resigned from the company following a leadership dispute, according to a Bloomberg report.

The report, which IGN can confirm based on conversations with our own sources, states that Annapurna Interactive president Nathan Gary had recently been in negotiations with Annapurna founder and billionaire Megan Ellison to spin the gaming segment off as its own company. However, Ellison eventually pulled out of negotiations, at which point Gary resigned. Almost 30 other individuals, including division co-heads Deborah Mars and Nathan Vella, as well as the entire remaining staff of Annapurna Interactive, joined him.

“All 25 members of the Annapurna Interactive team collectively resigned,’’ Gary and the resigned staff said in a joint statement to Bloomberg. “This was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make and we did not take this action lightly.”

While negotiations were still ongoing, Annapurna Interactive re-hired former Epic Games executive Hector Sanchez as its president of interactive and new media, and Paul Doyle as its head of strategy. IGN understands that Sanchez was expected to head up Annapurna’s gaming efforts in Gary’s absence once his part of the company was spun-off. With Gary now having resigned, Sanchez has taken the lead.

As Bloomberg reports and IGN has also heard, Sanchez has spoken with partner developers this week to reassure them that Annapurna will continue its existing contracts and replace departed staff.

“Our top priority is continuing to support our developer and publishing partners during this transition,” Ellison told Bloomberg. “We’re committed to not only our existing slate of games but also expanding our presence in the interactive space as we continue to look for opportunities to take a more integrated approach to linear and interactive storytelling across film and TV, gaming, and theater.”

Annapurna Interactive, a division of Annapurna Pictures, has become known for its publishing catalogue of boutique, critically-acclaimed indies. In recent years, the label has seen success and awards for games like Cocoon, Stray, Neon White, The Artful Escape, Sayonara Wild Hearts, and more. Just last month, the company partnered with Alan Wake 2 developer Remedy Entertainment to fund its ongoing development efforts as well as make TV and film versions of its IP. However, Annapurna Interactive has also been the subject of an investigative report by People Make Games alleging it supported multiple company founders known to be creating toxic work environments at partner studios.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

IGN Plus Games: Claim a Free Void Bastards Steam Key!

If you’re an IGN Plus member, a new game is available to claim now with IGN Rewards. You can claim a free Void Bastards Steam key with your membership while supplies last. If you’re a fan of System Shock 2 or BioShock, this is the perfect game for you to try out.

Claim a Free Void Bastards Steam Key!

Void Bastards throws everything you know about first-person shooter titles and throws it on its head. This is a roguelike with all sorts of fun elements thrown in. Here, you’ll need to take charge, decide where to go, who to fight, and more. Strategy is key, and one wrong turn can lead you quickly down a path of demise. Multiple systems are available throughout the game to master, including scavenging.

One of the most beloved aspects of the game is its vibrant visual design, with striking colors and a unique visual flair. The team at Blue Manchu created a game that is not only aesthetically pleasing to look at but immersive with its use of color, shading, and shadows.

This giveaway is just in time for the release of Wild Bastards, the spiritual successor to Void Bastards. Like its predecessor, Wild Bastards is a roguelike strategy shooter with FPS action that’s sure to excite any player. Join a team of 13 outlaws and become the space cowboy of your dreams today.

About IGN Plus

If you’re unfamiliar with IGN Plus, it’s the ultimate subscription to get the most out of your IGN experience! Some of the perks include no ads across IGN, unlimited maps and checklists for games, free games each month, and even discounts at IGN Store! Learn more and try IGN Plus today.

Save 33% Off the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7: One of the Best Gaming Headsets for PS5 and Xbox

Woot! (owned by Amazon) is currently offering brand new units of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Destiny Limited Edition wireless gaming headset for only $119.99, a 33% price drop from its original $180 MSRP. Amazon Prime members get free shipping, otherwise it’s an extra $6. Both PS5 (7p) and Xbox (7x) models are available. Note that although these are brand new, you get a 90-day Woot! warranty instead of a manufacturer’s warranty. This is a great price for the best wireless PS5 gaming headset of 2024 and the most comfortable Xbox gaming headset of 2024. This particular model is the Destiny Edition Limited Edition, who looks quite nice with its black, teal, and burnt sienna color theme. For our hands-on impressions, check out our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 review.

A quick note on compatibility. The Nova 7P is compatible with the PS5, PS4, and PC consoles. The 7X model is compatible with the Xbox, PS5.PS4 (limited compatibility), and PC.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gaming Headset for $119.99

The SteelSeries Arcis Nova 7 is the latest successor to the highly rated Arctis 7 series of headsets. It’s every bit as good as its predecessor but with some welcome upgrades like a USB Type-C charging port, a longer battery life (38 hours vs 30 hours), simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, and multi-platform compatibility. PC gamers also have access to the SteelSeries GG app, which opens up a whole suite of customization for your audio. You can tailor your audio settings independently for each game. If that’s too much for you, there are presets for specific games that are actually tailor-made by the game developers.

Other than that, the Nova Arctis is largely similar to the original Arctis. That’s not a bad thing because the Arctis 7 happens to be Steelseries’ most successful gaming headset ever. This headset has significantly better build quality over the official $100 Xbox wireless headset. If you want an even better wireless headset, in our opinion you’d have to step all the way up to something like the Nova 7 Pro, whose $350 price point puts you in a completely different bracket altogether.

If you’re looking for more games and accessories, check out the best PS5 deals or the best Xbox deals.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is out now, adding a shooty new character to the original’s tricky platforming

There’s no greater tool in video games than a grappling hook. 2022’s Grapple Dog knew that, making it the core ability of its platforming. The ability returns in sequel Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines, out today, although there’s now a second character to play as for those fools who favour shooting over hooking.

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Hands On: ‘Royalty Free For All’ Looks To Smash It With A Cosy Fighting Format & Timeless Roster

Domain game.

Over the course of 20 years and five games, Nintendo-employed game director Masahiro Sakurai wove together five decades of video game lore to build the ultimate fighting game franchise: Super Smash Bros., more or less inventing the 2D platform fighter genre in the process.

And look, it’s a madcap concept right off the rip to incorporate characters from so many franchises across half a century of games, but indie developer Colin McIsaac has iterated the idea further: What if there was a fighting game that incorporated fighters across all time?

Read the full article on nintendolife.com