Bethesda and id Software’s next Doom game is reportedly called Doom: The Dark Ages and is expected to be revealed at next month’s Xbox Games Showcase, according to Insider Gaming.
A report from the site says fans will see the next entry in the classic first-person shooter franchise when Microsoft holds its gaming event come June 9. It adds that the title has been in development for at least four years and judging by early details from last year, it may feature a medieval theme.
id’s next mainline Doom game has been rumored for years, though it has been called a different name in the past. Leaked Microsoft court documents from 2023 revealed something known as Doom: Year Zero. If Doom: The Dark Ages is real, it’s likely the final name for that same project. While Bethesda has never officially confirmed that such a project exists, a recent “IDKFA” trademark filing from ZeniMax Media had many fans hoping an announcement could be on the horizon.
It’s been four years since id unleashed its modern Doom sequel, Doom Eternal, for PC and consoles in March 2020. It’s not been completely quiet in the time since, though, as the studio also released The Ancient Gods Part One and Part Two in late 2020 and early 2021, respectively. Without confirmation that Doom: The Dark Ages is real, it’s probably best to keep expectations low. Either way, we won’t have to wait much longer to see if the rumors hold any weight.
For more on Doom, you can read our review of Doom Eternal. We loved the way the follow-up brought the FPS franchise into the future, awarding it a 9/10 at the time. We said, “Whether you’re a new Doom fan or a veteran one, Doom Eternal is bound to delight & entertain you. It’s gloriously fun.”
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.
Nintendo is the most recognizable name in history when it comes to video games. From the beginning, Nintendo has been at the forefront of creativity and innovation in the home console space. Nintendo is known for its vast library of treasured IPs, with many offering the same charm dozens of years later. With so many upcoming titles, the company is showing no signs of slowing down. Below, we’ve rounded up every single console Nintendo has ever released. Journey through the ages and discover how Nintendo has continued to push the gaming medium forward!
Looking to save on a new Nintendo Switch or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Nintendo deals available today.
How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?
In total, thirty-two Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo’s history of releasing games. We’ve included revision models for both home and handheld consoles, which include brandings like XL and Mini.
Every Nintendo Console in Order of Release
Color TV-Game – June 1, 1977
The Color TV-Game line of systems was Nintendo’s first foray into gaming hardware and one that you might not necessarily be aware of. These devices were a joint venture by Nintendo and Mitsubishi Electronics, with the latter involved as Nintendo was inexperienced at developing hardware. These systems were a major success at the time and ultimately led Nintendo to divert its focus to developing more gaming hardware. Almost fifty years later, the Color TV-Game’s legacy is still felt, with Nintendo invested more than ever in gaming.
Game & Watch – April 28, 1980
Nintendo’s first foray into the handheld market was with its Game & Watch devices, each loaded with a different game. While you might not think much of it, the Game & Watch series sold over 40 million units worldwide. These devices brought many gaming revelations that are still utilized today, such as the D-Pad in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. These consoles made a comeback somewhat recently when Nintendo released limited edition models in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate the anniversaries of Mario and Zelda.
Nintendo Entertainment System – October 18, 1985
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is the first Nintendo home console to be released in North America. Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, this console implemented cartridges to allow users to purchase and play as many games as they’d like on the system. Almost all of the major Nintendo franchises we know and love got their starts here, with series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Overall, the NES is one of the most important consoles in video game history, as it established a pipeline for generations to come.
Game Boy – July 31, 1989
The first true Nintendo handheld video game console is the Game Boy, which released in North America during the Summer of 1989. Game Boy took a major step forward from the Game & Watch, offering cartridges so you could play as many games as you’d like on the system. For many, the Game Boy’s most well-known game is Tetris, which was bundled in with the system in every region with the exception of Japan.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – August 23, 1991
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) brought 16-bit graphics to a Nintendo platform for the first time. This console was when Nintendo began crafting major evolutions for their biggest series, with games like Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and more. Despite launching toward the latter part of this console generation, the SNES still managed to be the best-selling console of this time period with its profound software lineup and generational appeal.
Virtual Boy – August 14, 1995
The Virtual Boy is quite possibly Nintendo’s weirdest console. This portable device was the first ever video game console that could properly display 3D visuals. A mere 22 titles were ever released for the system, with games like Mario’s Tennis, 3D Tetris, and Virtual Boy Wario Land among the most popular. Virtual Boy only lasted on the market for one year, with just under 800,000 units sold in its lifetime.
Game Boy Pocket – September 3, 1996
The Game Boy Pocket is a smaller version of the Game Boy, featuring a definitive black and white screen instead of the Game Boy’s green tinted display. One of the biggest improvements of this release was the new hardware inside that improved the response time of the display on screen. However, with the smaller design, the Game Boy Pocket had a shorter battery life than the Game Boy.
Nintendo 64 – September 29, 1996
Nintendo 64 brought 3D graphics to a Nintendo home console for the very first time. This revolutionary device offered two of the most influential titles ever with Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The N64 completely refreshed what the NES and SNES offered, with a bold new controller that featured an analog stick for the first time. N64 is one of the few consoles where Nintendo offered many iconic special editions, with multiple translucent variants available.
Game Boy Light – April 14, 1998
Game Boy Light is a console you might not be too familiar with, and a large part of that is likely due to it being exclusive to Japan. This Game Boy revision was bigger than the Game Boy Pocket, but added a new backlight so players could play in low-light areas. Ultimately, this change allowed for the Game Boy Light to feature longer battery life than the Game Boy Pocket, with around 20 hours in total.
Game Boy Color – November 18, 1998
Game Boy Color finally brought color to Nintendo’s handheld side, offering a new way to experience portable gaming. The device is backwards-compatible with all Game Boy games, so it was an easy upgrade for many. Some Game Boy games had support for color already, so titles like Tetris could be experienced anew with bright and beatuiful colors. With the new hardware inside, hundreds of new games were also released exclusively for the system.
Game Boy Advance – June 11, 2001
Game Boy Advance (GBA) was the first massive technological leap forward in the Game Boy brand for Nintendo. In a major shakeup to the previous Game Boy models, GBA flipped the device orientation to a horizontal, rectangular shape versus the portrait-designed Game Boy. 16-bit graphics were now available portably, with a major upgrade from the Game Boy’s 8-bit graphics support. Of course, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games were also supported via backwards compatibility. This opened the number of games available on GBA into the thousands.
Pokémon mini – November 16, 2001
Pokémon mini released in 2001 with a major focus on Pokémon games (as the name implies). This device is so incredibly small that you can fit multiple in your pocket. Only 10 games were ever released for Pokémon mini, with just four in North America. Pokémon mini featured a built-in clock function, an infrared port for communication, and built-in rumble.
Nintendo GameCube – November 18, 2001
Nintendo GameCube built upon the success of the Nintendo 64 and followed up with sequels to many of the beloved titles found on the system. Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are all three titles that shined on the system. GameCube made a major departure from Nintendo’s prior home consoles, as it utilized discs instead of cartridges. Additionally, the controller made major improvements from N64, with built-in rumble, analog/digital triggers, and a staggered design for the sticks. The legacy of the GameCube still lives on today, with many of the franchises that debuted on the title more popular than ever. Looking at you, Animal Crossing.
Panasonic Q – December 14, 2001
Panasonic Q is a collaborative console between Panasonic and Nintendo. This device combined a traditional GameCube with a DVD player, allowing for users to play GameCube titles, watch DVDs, and listen to CDs. Its design is striking, with a stainless steel exterior and a front LCD panel. Due to a steep price point and low sales, the console only lasted two years on the market.
Game Boy Advance SP – March 23, 2003
Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP) was the first revision of the Game Boy Advance. A major change from the previous model was the hinge design, which placed the screen on the top panel and the controls on the bottom panel. Additionally, the GBA SP featured a chargeable battery and a backlit screen (exclusive to later models), which were both major improvements from its predecessor. Nintendo opted to omit a headphone jack on this model but offered an adapter for players to listen to audio through headphones.
Nintendo DS – November 21, 2004
Nintendo DS was the first unit in the DS line, which marked the start of Nintendo’s best-selling console. The DS featured Wi-Fi support for the first time, with a standout clamshell design that expanded upon the Game Boy SP. With two screens, games on Nintendo DS were quite unique, with many developers creating experiences unlike anything on the market previously. The bottom screen was a touchscreen that players could use with the included stylus pen.
Game Boy Micro – September 19, 2005
Game Boy Micro was famously revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé during E3 2005, with many shocked at the small size of the system. The rectangular design featured a D-pad and two buttons on the front, with Start and Select buttons on the bottom side of the unit. Like previous GBA models, Game Boy Micro was backwards compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, in addition to playing Game Boy Advance titles. Game Boy Micro featured a backlit screen that allowed for adjustable brightness and even lighting across the screen. The system only sold 2.42 million units across 18 months, where production was then ended.
Nintendo DS Lite – June 11, 2006
Nintendo DS Lite was the first revision of the Nintendo DS. This model released just under a year and a half after the initial launch of the Nintendo DS, and it brought a few changes to the fold. First, the DS Lite is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. The screens are also both noticeably brighter than the standard DS, which made games easier to see regardless of lighting conditions. Lastly, the battery life was much improved on Nintendo DS Lite to allow for more playtime without the need for a charge.
Nintendo Wii – November 19, 2006
Nintendo Wii marked a huge resurgence for Nintendo’s home console business, with a unique focus on motion controls that sold many on the system. The unique Wii Remote relied heavily on motion to control the system, utilizing both infrared and digital technology to input motion from all directions. Nintendo released all sorts of accessories for the system from the Nunchuk to the Wii MotionPlus. Wii was backwards compatible with both GameCube titles and controllers, since the Wii utilized optical discs once again. One of the defining software offerings of Wii was Virtual Console, which allowed players to purchase NES, SNES, and N64 titles for digital download.
Nintendo DSi – November 1, 2008
Nintendo DSi made a few changes to the Nintendo DS, acting as the second major revision of the model. It added two cameras, one on the hinge inside and one on the outside panel, which were utilized in games and in certain software. An SD card slot was also added to provide additional storage for downloaded games. Unfortunately, the Nintendo DSi also removed the Game Boy Advance slot that was present on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite.
Nintendo DSi XL – November 21, 2009
Nintendo DSi XL was a larger model of the DSi that launched a year after the main model. This device featured larger, wide-view screens that both sat at 4.2 inches. Two speakers were added to the top panel to provide better, clearer sound for players, and a bigger battery for longer playtime. With the larger screens, Nintendo DS games were brighter and easier to experience than ever.
Nintendo 3DS – March 27, 2011
Nintendo 3DS was the successor to the Nintendo DS line, offering a wide variety of new features, games, and hardware capabilities. The key feature of 3DS was the 3D capabilities, which were powered by stereoscopy so no eyewear was required. Interestingly enough, this is the same technology that was used to power the Virtual Boy, which only lasted on the market for one year in 1995. 3DS was a massive upgrade from Nintendo DS, with many impressive titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Super Mario 3D Land.
Nintendo 3DS XL – August 19, 2012
Nintendo 3DS XL (known as Nintendo 3DS LL in Japan) featured a screen that was 90% larger than the original 3DS. This console retained every feature of the Nintendo 3DS and simply offered a larger screen. Many games were much easier to view with this model, especially with the bottom screen.
Nintendo Wii U – November 18, 2012
The Nintendo Wii U was the successor to Nintendo Wii, featuring an all-new GamePad controller. This controller featured a screen and could be used to play titles off of the TV. All previous Nintendo Wii games, accessories, and controllers were compatible with the system. Wii U was Nintendo’s first-ever console to support HD, which was a major step up from the 480p capabilities of the Wii. There were some incredible titles released for the system, including Xenoblade Chronicles X, Super Mario 3D World, Splatoon, and Bayonetta 2 to name a few. Ultimately, a combination of poor marketing and confusion led to poor sales of the Wii U, which left Nintendo in a crucial state prior to the launch of Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Wii Mini – December 7, 2012
Wii Mini was a smaller, lighter Wii unit that was released at the very tail end of the Wii’s life cycle. Wii Mini featured a top-facing disc drive, which was a huge departure from the standard Wii. Additionally, it removed support for GameCube, Wi-Fi connectivity, 480p resolution, and SD cards. This console launched in Canada during December 2012, with releases in Europe and the United States in 2013.
Nintendo 2DS – October 12, 2013
Nintendo 2DS offered exactly what it sounds like – fun, 2D content. This device removed the 3D capability present on 3DS models and instead flattened out the console to a square-like shape. All 3DS titles are playable on 2DS, with all features minus 3D intact. The console did lose considerable sound quality, as the speaker onboard was swapped for a mono speaker versus a stereo speaker. However, with the extremely low price point, Nintendo had to cut costs somewhere.
New Nintendo 3DS – October 11, 2014
New Nintendo 3DS made significant upgrades to the standard 3DS, with new controls, features, and platform support. Nintendo added the C-Stick, ZR and ZL buttons, and NFC support for amiibo with this release. While the New Nintendo 3DS launched across Japan, Australia, and Europe in late 2014 to early 2015, North America did not receive this standard version until September 25, 2015.
New Nintendo 3DS XL – February 13, 2015
Released before New Nintendo 3DS in North America, New Nintendo 3DS XL was a larger version of the revised 3DS model. Although the standard model did feature bigger screens than the standard 3DS, the 3DS XL had even bigger displays, which allowed for more immersive games. The New 3DS XL made a major change from the smaller model as it removed the ability to change face plates. Many felt this limited customization, though Nintendo did offer mutliple special editions for players to purchase.
Nintendo Switch – March 3, 2017
Nintendo Switch fully realized the vision of the Wii U and completely propelled Nintendo to the top of the industry once again. The Switch operates as both a home and portable console, with the ability to play games wherever you go. The same grand experiences you were used to on consoles can now be played in a park, on a plane, or in your bed. With arguably the best first party library of any Nintendo console, Switch has seen some of the greatest games of all time be released on it. There have also been quite a few special edition Nintendo Switch consoles that have been released throughout the years.
New Nintendo 2DS XL – July 28, 2017
New Nintendo 2DS XL was a major update to the 2DS. Additions for this model included an analog stick, shoulder buttons, amiibo support, and more. 2DS XL also moved back to the signature clamshell-hinge design, which was a departure from the flat panel used for 2DS. This console was also able to play New 3DS titles, which included games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Fire Emblem Warriors.
Nintendo Switch Lite – September 20, 2019
Nintendo Switch Lite shrunk down the body of the Nintendo Switch, utilizing a 5.5 inch LCD screen. The major change with this model was the removal of Joy-Con, as the controllers are now built-in on the sides of the console. As a result of these changes, the Nintendo Switch Lite is only playable in handheld mode and cannot be docked to a TV. This allowed Nintendo to cut costs and charge $100 less for the Lite model.
Nintendo Switch OLED model – October 8, 2021
Nintendo Switch OLED debuted alongside Metroid Dread in October 2021. This premium Switch increased the size of the screen to 7 inches, while also adding a new premium OLED panel. In addition to these features, the speakers and kickstand were also reworked for this device. The OLED model released alongside a new dock, featuring rounded corners and a built-in LAN port.
Upcoming Nintendo Consoles
With the Nintendo Switch in the midst of its seventh year on the market, Nintendo’s next console is on the horizon. In fact, current Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed in May 2024 that Nintendo would reveal details on its next generation console sometime during Fiscal Year 2025.
This console, referred to by many as Nintendo Switch 2, is expected to offer power somewhere between a PlayStation 4 Pro and an Xbox Series S. Additionally, backwards compatibility and 4K support through DLSS are two major features expected to be available. Nintendo Switch 2 will likely release in early 2025 based on multiple reports from this Spring.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.
Sony is rumored to be gearing up to announce a new Astro Bot game for PlayStation 5 soon.
The details come from Dealabs and reliable leaker Billbil-kun, which say that developer Team Asobi will apparently reveal the next entry in its cutesy robot platformer series sometime in the next 15 days. Part of the unannounced title is said to take place in a desert area with a new character described as a “fennec fox in the form of a robot” that shares some similarities with Astro. IGN understands the rumor to be accurate.
With Summer Game Fest set to kick off in the next few weeks, it’s no surprise to hear that PlayStation has some announcements in the cards. A PlayStation showcase of some kind has been rumored for weeks as well, with many believing that Sony will announce a summer presentation sooner rather than later. However, it’s probably best to keep expectations tempered until a PlayStation event is officially revealed.
Astro Bot has appeared only a handful of times in the last decade and is usually used to highlight PlayStation hardware features. Astro Bot Rescue Mission, a game we gave a 9/10, wowed PSVR users upon its release in 2018. Then, with the launch of the PS5 in 2020, users were treated to Astro’s Playroom, a platformer that dived into PlayStation history while putting a spotlight on the DualSense controller’s features. We gave it an 8/10 in our review, saying, “Astro’s Playroom is a great showcase for the varied, impressive ways the DualSense can immerse you in next-gen games.”
It’s hard to say exactly how the next Astro game will build upon Asobi’s previous work, but the team seems to at least be confident in what it’s been working on for the last few years. For more, you can check out our list of the 25 best PS5 games.
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.
XDefiant launched its pre-season this week and Ubisoft’s free-to-play first-person Call of Duty competitor appears to be going down well with competitive shooter fans hankering for an old-school experience. But there’s one issue with the game that sticks out more than any other: hit registration.
Hit registration is a video game’s ability to detect the impact of projectiles accuracy. Soon after XDefiant launched this week across PC via Ubisoft Connect, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, players took to social media, subreddits and Discord to say the game was doing a poor job of hit registration, letting characters avoid fire more than they’re used to in other similar games.
Redditor ChuckedBankForFbow called XDefiant’s hit registration “the worst I’ve seen in a long time.” “I’m surviving way longer running and jumping around bullets than I would in any other games cuz their shots just won’t connect lol,” they explained. “M16a4 feels like im shooting hopes and dreams at the enemies,” BlOoDy_PsYcHo666 added.
When XDefiant launched, Ubisoft asked the playerbase to keep in mind that the game is currently in preseason, and that Season 1 will likely provide a more robust playing experience. Now, in a tweet responding to more complaints about hit registration, XDefiant development chief Mark Rubin said “it’s something we are working on.”
You don’t need a petition. 🤣 It’s something we are working on.
XDefiant also launched with matchmaking issues, although those seem to be ironed out for the most part as the game heads into its first weekend. XDefiant is not available on Steam, so we do not have an idea of concurrent player numbers, but according to a report from Insider Gaming, XDefiant hit 1.5 million players within just a few hours of launch.
Of course, Ubisoft’s hope is XDefiant proves popular enough long-term to make its free-to-play live service a money-spinner throughout the rest of 2024 and beyond, with Activision reportedly preparing Call of Duty Black Ops 6 for release in late October.
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.
The developer behind Wuthering Waves has apologized for its rocky launch and offered players compensation.
Wuthering Waves is an open-world Genshin Impact-style Gacha game from Chinese developer Kuro that launched globally in free-to-play form across PC and mobile this week.
But the launch has seen a number of issues since, including a raft of bugs and lag problems. In a tweet, Kuro said it was actively working on solutions to these problems. “We are committed to constant self-reflection and improvement, with your satisfaction as our top priority,” the developer said. “We are incredibly grateful for your understanding and patience during our recent technical issues.”
The scale of the technical issues is laid out in a post on the Wuthering Waves website. There was a login timeout issue, now said to be fixed, a problem with age authentication, which is under investigation, forced logins every time the game client is relaunched on PC, crash issues, glitches on certain Android devices, poor quality localization, and performance issues including lag, freezes, frame-rate drops, devices overheating, blurry graphics, and force quits.
An emergency patch was issued to address the most urgent issues, but Kuro advised those still experiencing serious overheating or frequent crashes lower the graphics settings “in the case of an overload for a smoother gaming experience.”
“Please rest assured that we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our players, and we take performance concerns seriously,” Kuro said. “In future updates, we will continue to optimize the game’s performance to improve your gaming experience. Please stay tuned to our upcoming notices and announcements. “
Compensation now offered includes Lustrous Tide*10 for Rovers (player characters) who reach Union Level 2 or above by July 3.
Similar to Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves features a gacha mechanic for obtaining new characters and weapons — see our guide for more details on how to unlock pulling, plus our in-progress walkthrough to help you get started. To celebrate Wuthering Waves’ launch, Kuro Games is also issuing in-game rewards via promo codes.
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.
Stellar Blade developer Shift Up Corp. has released patch 1.003, adding a new Boss Challenge, new outfits for main character Eve, and more.
Stellar Blade is an action game released exclusively on PlayStation 5 in April. IGN’s Stellar Blade review returned a 7/10. We said: “Stellar Blade is great in all of the most important ways for an action game, but dull characters, a lackluster story, and several frustrating elements of its RPG mechanics prevent it from soaring along with the best of the genre.”
Now, a month after release, the new update adds the Boss Challenge mode, which pits players against the 19 bosses from the base game. Progression in the Boss Challenge requires battle data from bosses you’ve previously defeated, director Kim Hyung Tae explained in a post on the PlayStation Blog. You can also fight bosses on the hard difficulty setting after you’ve seen the ending of the game.
To start the challenge, you can either load up and use your own gear you’ve been using or choose one of several presets. “Choose the minimum preset for a true challenge, which is extremely understated, or the maximum preset, which has all of your skills and stats buffed up, if you want to taunt the boss with some spectacular combat,” Kim Hyung Tae suggested.
After the challenge is over, your battle data is automatically analyzed. You’ll see metrics like battle time, number of perfect parries and dodges, consumable usage, and more. You can compare your results with those of your friends. If you defeat all bosses in the Boss Challenge on Normal difficulty setting or higher, you’ll get to earn the Neurolink Suit for Eve, below.
Speaking of new outfits, the update adds two new Nano Suits: White Kunoichi and Black Kunoichi (check them out in the images below). Kim Hyung Tae encouraged players check in-game for more Nano Suits.
And finally, quality-of-life improvements mean if you switch to ranged attack mode and switch back while locked on to an enemy, you will automatically lock on to the enemy again. The update also adds an option to always show the compass in the HUD.
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.
Naughty Dog boss Neil Druckmann has said AI will “revolutionize” video game development process, but cautioned that the controversial technology has “ethical issues.”
Druckmann, Studio Head and Head of Creative at The Last of Us and Uncharted developer Naughty Dog, issued the comment as part of a Sony-published interview on the company’s ‘Creative Entertainment Vision.’ Druckmann was asked how he envisions the “fusion of storytelling and technology evolving over the next 10 years” as part of a Sony series that also revealed an idea for a futuristic PlayStation controller.
Here’s Druckmann’s response in full:
We’re seeing this exciting marriage of cutting-edge technology with traditional storytelling that’s pushing us into a future where enhanced fidelity isn’t just about achieving realism, but about broadening the spectrum from highly stylized visuals to ultra-realistic ones. This broadening of possibilities is fueled by increasingly accessible tools that allow even non-technical people to use their imagination and create worlds and narratives to their heart’s content.
Moreover, AI is really going to revolutionize how content is being created, although it does bring up some ethical issues we need to address. With technologies like AI and the ability to do motion capture right from home, we’re reducing both costs and technical hurdles, opening the door for us to take on more adventurous projects and push the boundaries of storytelling in games. This evolution is truly empowering creators to bring their visions to life without the traditional obstacles.
Druckmann’s comments have caused a stir online, particularly within the video game community where the impact of AI is perhaps the hottest topic. Developers and gamers have expressed concern about the use of AI to replace everything from voice acting to narrative design, but executives have continued to push it hard, telling the investment community it will fundamentally change how video games are made and, as Druckmann alludes to, cut costs.
“AI is really going to revolutionize how content is being created, although it does bring up some ethical issues we need to address.
As part of the same Sony series, head of PlayStation Productions and head of Product at PlayStation Studios Asad Qizilbash weighed in on AI to say its use in video games is important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers who seek “personalization across everything.”
“For instance, non-player characters in games could interact with players based on their actions, making it feel more personal,” Qizilbash said. “This is important for the younger Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, who are the first generations that grew up digitally and are looking for personalization across everything, as well as looking for experiences to have more meaning.”
Earlier this month, EA boss Andrew Wilson told the investment community that “more than 50% of our development processes will be positively impacted by the advances in generative AI.” Wilson, who oversees EA Sports FC, The Sims, and BioWare games, added that AI will make game development “more efficient”, revealing that the EA Sports FC developers can now make stadiums in six weeks rather than six months.
The Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle also expressed caution and frustration at the growing presence of AI within the video game industry, calling it “inevitable” but “dangerous.” Ironically, however, the biggest developer to use AI for voice acting so far is The Witcher studio CD Projekt Red, though this was only done to replace a deceased voice actor after gaining permission from the family.
“One of the key learnings was that whilst Gen AI may simplify or accelerate certain processes, the best results and quality needed can only be achieved by experts in their field utilising Gen AI as a new, powerful tool in their creative process,” Keywords said.
Elsewhere in the Druckmann interview, the Last of Us director teased Naughty Dog’s new game, saying it “could redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.”
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.
Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3: Wrecked has been revealed and its Battle Pass will let players unlock Fallout’s T-60 Power Armor and, later in the season, the Wastelander Magneto Outfit.
This latest season of Fortnite is available today, May 24, and brings a literal wasteland into the Battle Royale. Following a sandstorm, a new biome was created in the south called wasteland and “Wasteland Warriors” have claimed the area for their own.
You obviously can’t have a wasteland without Fallout, and the Wrecked Battle Pass will let you don some T-60 Power Armor after doing a bit of grinding.
When you purchase the Battle Pass, you will unlock an Outfit called The Machinist. By leveling it up, you will be able to unlock Rust, Peabody, Ringmaster Scarr, and then, finally, the T-60 Power Armor. That’s not all, as the Brite Raider and Megalo Don Outfits will become available two levels after that.
The Fallout fun doesn’t end there either, as ice-cold Nuka-Cola bottles will be littered around the map that will restore Health and, over time, a bit of Shield.
Beyond Fallout, Marvel fans will be delighted to know that they will be able to unlock the Wastelander Magneto Outfit from Battle Pass Quests in July.
A Wasteland Waiting to be Conquered
Whether you have the T-60 Power Armor or not, the wasteland will have a ton of things to do in it and challenges to conquer. There will also be a few new POIs, including the Redline Rig, Nitrodome, and Brutal Beachhead. All of these are run by different Wasteland Warriors that you’ll be able to take down if you dare to try.
Redline Rig’s The Machinist will drop a medallion that will recharge your shield over time and her Mythic weapon, Nitrodome’s Ringmaster Scarr will drop a medallion that gives you infinite ammo and a small damage buff alongside a Mythic Ringmaster’s Boom Bolt, and Brutal Beachhead’s Megalo Don will drop a medallion that will infuse you with infinite Nitro and Megalo Don’s Nitro Fists. Oh, and you can steal their vehicles as well.
Speaking of Nitro, the island will now be home to Nitro Splash and Nitro Barrels that are being shipped right from Redline Rig. Nitro Splash is a portable container that you can throw to infuse your car or yourself with Nitro while Nitro Barrels will fly off when you hit them and explode on whatever it lands on.
As for what Nitro is, it will increase the speed of cars, give “explosive ramming power that deals damage and knockback,” decrease fuel consumption, and buff attached attack mods. For the player, it will increase their movement speed, give them the ability to “bust through builds,” sprint for longer periods, reload guns faster, and take no fall damage.
Additionally, there are now Nitro Fists that lets players perform a 3x punch combo, uppercut, or aerial punch. These fists have four charges and each one recharges every eight seconds.
There is so much more to look forward to in this new season, including a War Bus that you can hijack that comes complete with two cannons and an EMP pulse, new and returning vehicle mods, the ability to create roadblocks with a Boom Bolt, and much more.
Over the past 10 years, The Sims 4 has certainly struggled under the technical weight of years of updates and DLC releases, much to the annoyance of fans. But today, the team’s pledged to put more resources into the “core game experience.”
The Sims released a statement on the matter earlier today, in which the team acknowledged that “technical issues with The Sims 4 have interrupted your gameplay over time and we recognize that this has caused you much frustration.”
“Today,” the statement continued, “we can share that we have assembled a team to invest in the core game experience, including tackling your reported concerns. This newly formed and focused team means we’ll be able to increase both the number of fixes and the frequency with which we ship these batched updates.”
The plan moving forward, according to the statement, is to release a patch roughly every two months, with the first coming later this month. EA published the details of this first patch in a “Laundry List” on its website. And, true to the “Laundry List” title, it mostly is a litany of fixes for small (albeit frustrating) bugs, ranging in everything from a “trash can is required” message appearing on lots that already have one to traversal issues with puppies and kitties.
But, behind the bug fixes, the team promises to “continue making core improvements to the performance of The Sims 4.” To that end, the statement says the next patch will include some optimizations across platforms so The Sims 4 uses less memory.
“As a result, you may experience fewer crashes, a better frame rate, and/or a more responsive simulation,” it adds.
As the devs acknowledge, bugs and performance have long been points of consternation among fans, so the community’s reaction to today’s news was largely positive on the game’s subreddit, if a little cautious in their optimism.
“They did an in game survey about [DLC] for rent that seemed to ask a lot about how unplayable it was, I wonder if that had anything to do with this,” wrote one user. “Glad EA is letting them have more people, hopefully they’re able to actually start fixing stuff (but probably not lol)”
In the meantime, the team has vowed to continue supporting The Sims 4, both in today’s statement and in prior ones.
“Our team is more dedicated than ever to developing great The Sims 4 gameplay experiences into the foreseeable future,” the statement concludes, “and we appreciate your support as these critical improvements roll out.”
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
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