Category: IGN

Earlier today, the International Olympic Committee announced that the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

In its announcement, the IOC revealed that the Olympic Esports Games is part of the organization’s 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia. However, the particular details for the Olympic Esports Games, such as its city, date, qualifications for prospective players, and game titles, have yet to be hashed out.

“As a ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games, obviously there is still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve,” Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee said. “The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.“

“We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience,” IOC President Thomas Bach wrote. “By partnering with the Saudi NOC we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the programme, the promotion of gender equality and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”

Fallout fans yearning for the days when the series was an isometric RPG can once again revisit that gameplay style thanks to this new fan-made project that revives the original vision for Fallout 3 by Black Isle.

Spotted by GamesRadar, Fallout Yesterday is a Fallout 2 mod that allows players to play the Fallout 3 that might have been. If you are unfamiliar with Van Buren, it was the codename for the third mainline installment in the Fallout series. Set in the year 2253 in the American Southwest, Van Buren would have players controlling a prison while trying to evade robotic prison guards.

Fallout Yesterday’s Nexus Mods page notes that the mod includes a slew of new content to flesh out what Van Buren might have been. Some changes added to this mod include new items, weapons, traits and perks, and companions, to name a few.

Van Buren would ultimately be canceled in late 2003, with Bethesda Softworks acquiring the Fallout IP after Interplay went bankrupt. Bethesda would continue to make Fallout games, including a third mainline installment released in 2008, which would be a major pivot for the franchise, keeping the game in the RPG genre but pivoting from isometric, turn-based combat to action RPG with the option to switch between first or third-person perspectives.

Last month, Fallout creator Tim Cain broke his silence on the canceled Fallout project, revealing that an unidentified VP at Interplay asked him to play a prototype of Van Buren. “I don’t think they can get it done, so I’m just going to cancel it. But if you look over it and give me an estimate, there’s a chance I wouldn’t cancel it,” the executive told Cain.

The Fallout creator spent two hours playing the build and questioned the development team. Cain revealed that he ultimately told the VP he was “convinced” the game could be shipped in 18 months. That, however, proved too long and costly for Interplay.

The breakout success of Prime Video’s Fallout TV show has boosted interest in all things Fallout, including the classic PC originals. Bethesda development chief Todd Howard recently ruled out remakes of Fallout 1 and 2, saying some of their charm has to do with the fact they remain firmly rooted in the old-school PC role-playing game era of the mid-to-late 90s.

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

Join Dale, Emma, and Jesse for some galactic Star Wars Outlaws chat about the upcoming open-world Star Wars game coming this August. The trio also talk about heartwarming Apple TV show, Trying, which just released its fourth season, as well as the brand new Gladiator 2 trailer.

Send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you’re enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.

IGN UK Podcast 757: Star Wars Outlaws, Trying and… It’s Coming Home?

• IGN UK Podcast 756: The 2024 Halfway Point Check-In
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• IGN UK Podcast 753: The Best Games From Not-E3
• IGN UK Podcast 752: Our Summer Showcase Predictions

The First Descendant has seen 10 million players in its first week of availability.

Nexon’s free-to-play looter shooter launched at the end of June and saw immediate popularity, with an impressive 264,860 peak concurrent players on Steam alone. (Microsoft and Sony do not make player numbers publicly available.)

Nexon has now confirmed the impressive total player count of 10 million in seven days. It said “we’ve reached” 10 million players, which suggests this figure relates to player accounts, rather than dormant downloads.

“Thank you all for your tremendous support and love,” Nexon continued. “It means everything to us. We will do our best to bring you great experiences. Can’t wait to continue this journey together!”

🎉 10 Million Descendants! 🎉

We’ve reached 10 million Descendants in just 7 days!
Thank you all for your tremendous support and love. It means everything to us.
We will do our best to bring you great experiences. Can’t wait to continue this journey together! pic.twitter.com/SsvcelMTsh

— The First Descendant (@FirstDescendant) July 12, 2024

The First Descendant is a massive hit already, but Nexon will be mindful of growing its player count as the game evolves, and we’ve seen how difficult this has become for so many publishers and developers who have entered the ultra competitive live service market in recent years.

While The First Descendant is clearly a hit it is not without controversy, and sits on a ‘mixed’ user review rating on Steam. Players have heavily criticized The First Descendant’s ultra aggressive monetization, which includes $100 character bundles and premium customization items that expire after use. Nexon was also accused of copying Destiny 2 icons for the icons used in The First Descendant, something the company has now said it will address in-game.

Generally speaking, The First Descendant is a mash-up of mechanics from various looter shooters already in the market. There’s more than a whiff of Destiny about The First Descendant’s design, systems, and mechanics, but then there’s also a lot of Warframe about it, too.

This week, Nexon released a significant update for The First Descendant that makes some big changes to the game, but leaves some aspects that had become a topic of discussion within the community well alone.

IGN’s The First Descendant review returned a 5/10. We said: “The First Descendant has all the building blocks of a fantastic looter shooter, but they’re buried under a pile of monotonous quests, a terrible story, and an infuriating free-to-play model that has influenced its game design in the worst possible way.”

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.

Ubisoft’s apology for using a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in artwork for Assassin’s Creed Shadows without permission isn’t good enough, the group has said.

As reported by Automaton, Sekigahara Teppo-tai, a historical re-enactment group made up of volunteers who perform to the public at festivals and other events, published a statement on X/Twitter saying it would also like its image, essentially copied one for one, removed from the printed physical art book featured in the Collector’s Edition of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft is selling this edition for $279.99.

Eagle-eyed fans initially noticed the identical recreation of the flag, which can be seen below, in a piece of concept art for the Japan-set Assassin’s Creed released alongside its full reveal. It was raised to a leading member of the Sekigahara Teppo-tai, X/Twitter user @matchlock_kage, who posted a photo of the real flag taken on October 27, 2019, and expressed concern at it being used by Ubisoft without permission.

Ubisoft apologized and said it will no longer use the associated artwork (though the nature of the internet means it will be infinitely shared anyway) with one exception: the presumably already printed physical art book.

However, this apology was deemed not enough for the historical re-enactment group. “The Sekigahara Teppo-tai members discussed the matter again,” X/Twitter user @matchlock_kage said in another post. “We have asked Ubisoft to remove the image from the Collector’s Edition art book. I’m not sure if this will be possible but I’ve contacted Ubisoft through their support.” Ubisoft is yet to respond, but IGN has asked for comment.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows was fully revealed in May 2024 as a Japan-set entry where players take control of two protagonists: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the action-orientated Yasuke, who is a real figure from Japanese history.

IGN had a wealth of exclusive content on the reveal, and you can read about all the gameplay changes, story beats, and open-world assassinating coming with Shadows in our extensive interview with the development team.

If that’s not enough, check our analysis and explanation of where and when Shadows is set and 40 key details we’ve learned about the game. You can also watch our full breakdown of the cinematic trailer to discover all its hidden details, Easter eggs, and more.

Shadows launches November 12, 2024 for those buying the Gold, Ultimate, Deluxe Editions, or Collector’s Editions, while the Standard Edition is available on November 15, 2024.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

Nintendo has added three new Game Boy Advance games previously only available in Japan to the Nintendo Switch.

Tose Software’s Starfy Game Boy Advance trilogy is now part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online library, and available for all Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members to play starting today.

The set includes 2002’s Densetsu no Starfy, 2003’s Densetsu no Starfy 2, and 2004’s Densetsu no Starfy 3, all colorful platformers starring star-shaped hero Starfy. Densetsu is the Japanese word for legend, and Starfy is, as Nintendo describes him, the “Prince of Pufftop Kingdom, golden-hearted (and slightly clumsy) hero and frequent aquatic explorer.”

3 classic games featuring Starfy, the prince of Pufftop, are now available to play for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion members!#GameBoyAdvance:
☑️ Densetsu no Starfy 1
☑️ Densetsu no Starfy 2
☑️ Densetsu no Starfy 3 pic.twitter.com/x456oKT2OP

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 12, 2024

Nintendo provided an official description for each game:

Densetsu no Starfy: No sleep ’til Pufftop! A sudden storm has caused Starfy, prince of the floating sky kingdom Pufftop, to plummet from his lofty home into the sea below. Luckily, he is rescued by an old lobster named Lobber who sets the adorable hero on a grand journey back to Pufftop. The way home is full of dangers, though, and Starfy will need to employ a variety of abilities – including Star Spin and Glide – and vehicles like the mighty Mole Tank, to overcome the challenges that await. The legend begins here!

Apparently it’s not too late for Nintendo to be releasing new editions of their Switch Lite console. Right now Best Buy is offering preorders of the Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition handheld console for $209.99. That’s $10 more than the base price of the stock Switch Lite, but that’s more than justified by the fact that this edition includes a 12 month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The membership alone costs $49 and for most people, Switch Online is well worth the price of admission. Currently only Best Buy has it in stock, unless for whatever reason you prefer to purchase it from an overseas vendor.

Preorder the Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition Console

The Switch Lite Hyrule Edition was announced during the June 18 Nintendo Direct alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. We originally saw it available overseas in the UK, but this is the first time we’ve seen a vendor here in the United States offer one up for preorder. This particular edition is adorned in a gold colorway very similar to the Switch OLED Hyrule Edition. It is a gorgeous metallic finish that looks even better than in the photos. Aside from the tiny Triforce logo, the front of the case is free from any busy embellishments. The rear sports a single large embossed Hyrule Crest. It’s all tastefully done and the best looking Switch Lite so far.

Differences between the Switch Lite, Switch and Switch OLED

The Switch Lite’s major draw is that it’s $100 less expensive than the Switch and $150 less than the Switch OLED. It’s compatible with most Nintendo Switch games and it runs off the same hardware, so performance is identical. The three main tradeoffs of the Switch Lite is that (1) the controllers are not detachable, (2) the console can’t be docked and played on a TV and (3) the display is smaller (5.5″ vs 6.2″ on Switch and 7″ on Switch OLED). If you were intending to use the Switch solely as a handheld console, you might be better off just getting the Switch Lite. Even though the controls aren’t detachable, the Switch Lite does support wireless Bluetooth, so you can always purchase another pair of Joy-Cons, a Switch Pro controller, or a compatible third party wireless Switch controller, and you can still play untethered.

12 months of Switch Online membership Are Included

The bundle includes a 12 month Switch Online membership. You will absolutely need this if you plan on accessing the online portions of your favorite games. That includes being able to play online against other opponents in Super Smash Bros Ultimate or Splatoon 3, downloading other people’s creations in Minecraft or Mario Maker 2, or visiting someone else’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Other perks include access to the NES, SNES and Game Boy emulator libraries, which include classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO and Donkey Kong Country. You’ll even be able to play these games offline for up to seven days after you last logged into your Nintendo Switch Online account. Members also get access to exclusive deals and offers at the eShop, cloud saving, and access to the NSO mobile app.

You also get the Switch Online Expansion Pack

Here’s a rundown of what’s included with the bonus expansion pack:

• Classic Nintendo 64 games
• Classic Game Boy Advance games
• Classic SEGA Genesis games
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course pass
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise access
• Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion access

Looking for more Switch Lite deals? This Switch Lite bundle includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons for only $159. You better hurry, because it expires tonight.

Official Nintendo Switch Joy Cons aren’t discounted very often, but Walmart is bucking that trend. Walmart is offering the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons Bundled with Super Mario Party for only $69. This bundle usually retails for $99, and the cost goes up even more if you were to purchase each item separately. This is part of Walmart’s larger sale that competes with Prime Day. This deal is supposed to expire tonight.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons + Super Mario Party for $69

This bundle includes a pair of Nintendo Joy-Con controllers and the Super Mario Party game. The Nintendo Joy-Con controllers are functionally identical to the ones that came with your Switch console. A nice bonus is that the Joy-Cons are decked out in a colorway that’s exclusive to this bundle; there isn’t any other easy way to secure a pair of Mario Red and Mario Blue controllers.

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch console should be familiar with the Joy-Con controllers. The Joy-Cons are unlike any other controller on the market. There are three ways to use them; connected to the Switch console, separated with each Joy-Con as its own controller, and combined into a gamepad with the Joy-Con grip that came with your console. They have a lot of fun features like a built-in accelerometer, gyro sensor, independent motion controls,. HD rumble, and NFC touchpoint for amiibo compatibility. Most 3rd party controllers don’t support amiibos at all.

The included Super Mario Party game is the definitive party choice for the Nintendo Switch, with up to 80 mini games that take full advantage of the quirky tech of the Switch controllers to keep things feeling fresh. The game supports up to four players, and in most cases a single Joy-Con controller is needed for each player. That means, alongside your original Joy-Con controllers, this bundle is all you need to max out the player count in Super Mario Party.

Other Nintendo Switch related sales and news that might interest you:

• Best Nintendo Switch Deals
• All Pokemon Games on Nintendo Switch
• All Mario Games on Nintendo Switch
• Best Time to Buy a Nintendo Switch
• Best Free Nintendo Switch Games

Frontier Developments has announced Planet Coaster 2, a sequel to its 2016 theme park-building simulator, with a release window of autumn 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.

Frontier announced the news with a reveal trailer highlighting pre-alpha engine footage of some of the new water park attractions. The video shows off a pool area for attendees to float around in as well as a steep, stomach-churning waterslide, but the team also promises other features, including lazy rivers, wave pools, water coasters, changing rooms, sunbeds, lifeguards, and more.

“Building upon its highly successful predecessor, Planet Coaster 2 gives players the ability to push the boundaries of creativity like never before,” Frontier explains. “Be inspired by spectacular real-world parks and create vibrant guest plazas with enhanced building and pathing tools. Intuitive piece-by-piece building tools and mesmerising new themes make it simple for players to elevate their park building to the next level.”

Planet Coaster 2 aims to enhance the experience players remember from the series’ last outing, so while new watery tools will freshen up the theme-park management gameplay, some fan-favorite rides will return, too. Other new tools include animatronics, smoke, water jets, and unique sounds to ensure guests stay happy.

Frontier also promises three game modes to enjoy: Career mode, Franchise mode, and Sandbox mode. Career sees players completing specific scenarios, while franchise challenges players to build out a worldwide park network. Sandbox, meanwhile, lets thrill-seekers design parks to their heart’s content.

Finally, Frontier says playing with friends will be “easier than ever” in Planet Coaster 2. That’s thanks to the ability to visit friends’ parks and compete in Franchise mode leaderboards. Even Sandbox mode includes the option to jump into shared levels, allowing for cooperative building across platforms.

Frontier plans to reveal further details in Frontier Unlocked livestreams, which are set to premiere on the last Wednesday of every month. We enjoyed Planet Coaster upon its launch in 2016, giving it an 8.5/10 in our review. At the time, we said, “Planet Coaster is a wild ride of delightfully customizable roller coaster theme parks and light economics.”

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

Shelley Duvall, the actress best known for playing unique and often eccentric characters, passed away today at age 75.

As The Hollywood Reporter writes, Duvall died in her sleep from complications of diabetes. Her life partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed Duvall’s passing to the outlet. “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us,” Gilroy told The Hollywood reporter in a statement. “Too much suffering lately; now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”