Rockstar was supposed to make a GTA 6 Trailer 2 announcement today, November 22, according to a moon theory that had sent the Grand Theft Auto community into overdrive.
A year on from Rockstar’s internet-breaking GTA 6 Trailer 1 release, information-starved fans have taken to looking at images of the moon as they hunt desperately for clues on Trailer 2.
Fast forward to the start of November 2024, and Rockstar’s release of another GTA Online image, below, that – you guessed it – includes the moon in the Waning Gibbous phase. The real-life moon ends its current Waning Gibbous phase today, November 22, and from tomorrow moves on to the Last Quarter phase. And so, fans thought today would be the last possible day for either Trailer 2 itself or an announcement on when it would drop.
GTA Online Community Update
First details on an exciting new GTA Online update coming in December — featuring clandestine operations launched from the Darnell Bros. Garment Factory.
Unfortunately for its supporters, the moon theory turned out to be false this time. 9am Eastern, when Rockstar’s New York-based parent company Take-Two tends to make its announcements, has been and gone without a peep.
The GTA community is struggling to cope with this, taking to social media, Discords, and subreddits to question their world view.
It is remarkable that Rockstar has gone nearly a year without following up GTA 6 Trailer 1 with any new information at all. With GTA 6’s fall 2025 release window on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S still on the cards, according to Take-Two, you’d expect Rockstar to pipe up sooner rather than later. But will the moon show fans the way? Or is Rockstar just messing with its fanbase, as it’s done many times in the past?
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.
If, during the late 2010s, you were pining for a new Paper Mario game, you may well have picked up Moonsprout Games’ Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling, a fantastic paper-themed turn-based RPG. It came to Switch half a year after its PC release (in May 2020), and has proven popular.
However, five years after its PC release, Moonsprout Games has dropped a surprise free update for the game. What a treat!
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 25 to 29
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
The year is 2053. The world as we know it came to an end in a war lost to time. Now, only inequality remains, in the form of Viridis, the great city that encompasses the dangerous Blind City and the luxurious Bright City. As former police detective Axel McCoin, you will become the key piece to unmask a plot of corruption and power that plagues the unstable peace of Viridis.
A lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer with Sekiro-inspired, deflection-based combat. Embark on a journey through an Asia-inspired fantasy world, explore a land once ruled by an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero on a quest to slay the 9 Sols—the powerful rulers of this forsaken realm.
You are pulled out of the water by a masked native. With his help, you begin a journey into the depths of a mysterious island. Face the challenges that await you and uncover yet undiscovered places like a dangerous volcano, mysterious figures, and mystical tribes. What will you do to survive?
The game has 50 levels, with increasing difficulty and the introduction of new mechanics as the player progresses. Players can have three distinct sizes: small, medium, and large, growing whenever they collect a seed and shrink one size when they take damage (see board tiles/enemies). If the character takes damage when small, the game ends.
Step back into Hanwell and discover the world beyond it, set in the deeper parts of London. Explore a rich, atmospheric take on Westminster and its various Locations, filled with lore and secrets to discover as you scavenge scarce supplies like weapons and ammo as you utilize the environment in creative ways to take out the Anomolies in a frantic effort to simply survive.
Enter the relentless world of Death Elevator, a sleek, low-poly FPS where every decision matters and every encounter could be your last. With a one-hit death mechanic and dynamic slow-motion, each battle demands precision and quick reflexes. Ascend through randomized floors, battling waves of enemies with ever-changing weapons, as you unravel the mystery behind the elevator.
Show your logical skills and quick mind to help Ada save Codeland by defeating enemies and clear dungeons in this fun and thrilling action adventure full of logical puzzles, loops, and fun visual algorithms suited for players of all ages.
After a 3-year break, the official game of the MXGP is back. All the official bikes and 20 tracks of the 2024 calendar await to give you the full championship experience. Over 50 riders are available, including those from official teams like Red Bull KTM, Red Bull GasGas, Monster Energy Yamaha, Honda HRC, Kawasaki, Nestaan Husqvarna, Monster Energy Triumph, Fantic and Beta MRT.
The Battle of Penguin’s Road is a fast and fun 3rd-person action shooter. The player is given an arsenal of weapons and tools to defeat enemies that attack from the land, sea and air. Master run-and-gun, cover-shooting, long aims, close blasts, melee and commanding tanks for victory!
A top-down rogue-like action game in which you play as heroes of tales and legends that must slay hordes of nightmarish creatures in nerve-racking fights. After the success of Curse of the Dead Gods, Passtech Games returns with an improved formula and a compelling game experience with endless replay value. It can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op.
A relaxing puzzle game where players work to restore the energy systems of a damaged spaceship. The main objective is to move reactors and activate the power grid, solving directional and color-based challenges. The game introduces new levels and obstacles that add depth while keeping the series’ accessible and easy-to-pick-up gameplay.
Embark on a chilling journey with the Thornvale family as they confront a malevolent force unleashed by their own patriarch’s archaeological discoveries. With each passing night, the family is tormented by terrifying apparitions and escalating paranormal activity, leading them to unravel dark secrets buried within the walls of their own home.
Explore nearly 180 territories and tens of thousands of cities. Build airports anywhere and start transporting passengers globally. Adapt your strategy to different regions: shorter routes are easier to manage in places like Europe, while long-distance connections in vast areas will require careful planning due to higher costs.
Blast through 30 high-intensity action-packed racetracks as you compete to be the fastest in every contest. Catch bursts of speed while avoiding slippery banana peels. Grab bottles of nitro to build up your vehicle speed. Collect coins to trade in for stylish new custom skins from the in-game store. Dodge punches and kicks and outrun opponents on different tracks around the world. The big Furious Biker trophy awaits you.
Enjoy over 50 unique levels, each with its own set of obstacles, twists, and turns. Its simple controls make it a snap to learn from the outset and through its three modes, you’ll soon go from fledgling to master putter.
Shines Over: The Damned will take you into a unique experimental horror experience in first person, where your senses will be tested and your reality questioned. You have no name, no memory, no weapons. There are no friends to protect you. You are alone except for your faithful German Shepherd dog, who will guide you through this dark world and stay by your side.
Dear Trailblazers, greetings from the Honkai: Star Rail dev team! It’s been a while, but today we’re thrilled to bring you more information about version 2.7, A New Venture on the Eighth Dawn which launches on December 4, the last chapter before the Astral Express sets its sights on the mysterious realm of Amphoreus, known as the Eternal Land. This update closes our chapter in Penacony and paves the way for a new story in version 3.0.
In the previous story arc, Black Swan suggested the Crew venture to Amphoreus — a realm so enigmatic that even the Aeon of the Trailblaze, Akivili, never managed to reach. Curious yet cautious, Miss Himeko the Navigator decides to gather any available intel about this destination. Meanwhile, the Crew makes a final stop in Penacony, reuniting with old friends and creating lasting memories in one last farewell before they set forth on their next daring journey.
Old friends returning to the spotlight
The memories of that performance at the Penacony Grand Theater feel as vivid as yesterday. It’s not just the Astral Express or Penacony that’s awakened from its dream — Sunday has, too. Reflecting on it, there’s something deeply stirring about sharing the stage with Mr. Sunday once more. Stepping down from his role as the head of the Oak Family, he’s chosen to “Descend to the mortal realm and walk their lands. See what this world is truly like.” Casting aside blessings from both Harmony and Order, Sunday is setting out to pursue his vision of a utopia as a mere mortal. This time, he returns to Penacony, thanks to the aid of a secretive Pepeshi called Wonweek, with one wish: to give a final, unforgettable performance before embarking on his new journey. Accordingly, his robe and hood serve not only to give him a fresh appearance but also to hide his true identity for his last dance in the Planet of Festivities.
As a 5-star Imaginary character, Sunday has unique Support capacities, and his Skill causes an ally to immediately take action and increase their DMG dealt. If that ally has a Summon, then both the ally and the Summon can immediately take action and further improve the DMG Boost effect. When Sunday uses his Ultimate, he regenerates Energy for one ally, and makes that ally and its Summon – The Beatified. A halo is bestowed on the ally who becomes The Beatified and increases their CRIT DMG.
Another character soon to arrive is Fugue, who we know as our old friend Tingyun. Once a tactful foxian girl, she now finds her name, appearance, and even identity stolen. Fate, however, has left her a slender thread of hope, though the mark of Destruction still stirs restlessly within her. Tingyun barely escaped death after her encounter with Phantylia during version 1.2’s main storyline and was saved only by the intervention of Madam Ruan Mei from the Genius Society, who granted her a second chance at life. Recently, Himeko and Welt visited Madam Ruan Mei and took it upon themselves to bring Miss Tingyun home, renewing her journey back to where she belongs.
Fugue is a 5-star Fire character who is skilled at supporting one ally to reduce Toughness regardless of the enemy’s Type Weaknesses. While Fugue is on the field, enemy targets are afflicted with the Cloudflame Luster state. When Cloudflame Luster is reduced to zero, the target takes Break DMG once again. Moreover, when teammates attack Weakness Broken enemy targets, they deal Super Break DMG. And that’s not all — Fugue can use her Technique to increase ally characters’ Break Effect. When she uses her Ultimate, she deals Fire DMG to all enemies, and this instance of attack ignores Weakness Type to directly reduce all enemies’ Toughness.
Additionally, the limited 5-star characters General Jing Yuan and Firefly, will return in the first and second halves of the version 2.7 warp event respectively. Their formidable support makes them invaluable allies for your future journeys.
More gameplay features for version 2.7 and beyond
Beyond new characters and storylines, version 2.7 also offers Trailblazers a truly immersive experience. Step aboard the Astral Express’ new Party Car — a place where elegance and nostalgia blend seamlessly. Guests are welcomed to a spacious reception area, set against a sleek marble bar and accompanied by a classic bartending robot. With the vast Cosmos as your view, you can savor a drink with the Express Crew or reflect quietly by the window, letting the scenery stir your thoughts.
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Ascend the stairs, and you’ll find the Trailblazer’s very own quarters. In the Cosmic Home Décor Guide event, transform a once-empty storage room into a personal haven, with areas like a cozy bedroom and bathroom. As you gather furniture using Express Funds earned from tasks, your space takes shape piece by piece, mirroring your journey through the stars.
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And there’s more exciting news: the Relic system will also be receiving an update in version 3.0. You’ll be able to choose a Relic’s Main Stat and Subsidiary Stats using specialized tools during synthesis! By using a certain amount of the new item, Wishful Resin, alongside Self-Modeling Resin, you can set both the Main and Sub Stats for a Relic simultaneously.
Last but not least, before we take a bow, Pom-Pom discovered something special while tidying up the storage boxes for the Trailblazer! From the version 2.7 update until the end of version 3.2, Trailblazers can claim a Gift of the Express, allowing them to select one regular 5-star character of their choice. Our trailblazing expedition continues with old friends and new allies alike—let’s set off together and keep fighting side-by-side!
That concludes our insights on version 2.7. Stay tuned, as there are still more surprises waiting in the wings. I hope you are excited, because our old ally Herta, the renowned master of the eponymous Herta Space Station, is clearly fully prepared for the adventures that lie ahead when version 2.7 launches on December 4.
Cardy is joined by Jesse this week to talk about his adventures in The Zone of Stalker 2, as well as his new job in the skies over Peterborough in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. There’s also time for some nonsense about Mission: Impossible, the films of Brian de Palma, pea and pie gravy, gaming in prisons, and much more thanks to your feedback.
Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you’re enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.
The mutant enemies in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl are very hungry. Hungry not only for your flesh, but also all the bullets in your AK-47. It can take entire clips of ammo to take down some of these tough beasts, and you get nothing back for killing this wildlife except the hollow satisfaction of pest control. Alongside the bugs and performance issues, it’s a common enough complaint to players of the first-person survival shooter that it’s already been addressed by a modder, who has created a tweak to lower the health of various dogs, boars, and bloodsuckers.
In a tweet, Ukrainian studio GSC said that in addition to these sales, “much more” are playing via S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s day one launch on Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service.
“No wonder it feels a bit crowdy in the Zone,” GSC tweeted. “A million copies were sold, and much more stalkers joined the artifact hunt with Game Pass.
“This is just the start of our unforgettable adventure. The Heart of Chornobyl emanates stronger with each of us.
“Thank You, stalkers!”
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl hit the one million sold milestone less than 48 hours after launching across PC and Xbox Series X and S. On Steam, it has a peak concurrent player count of 117,928, putting it among the most-played games on Valve’s platform. Microsoft does not make Xbox player numbers public.
Clearly, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is already a success for GSC even before its first weekend on sale. However, the launch is not without problems, with players reporting a variety of bugs (check out IGN’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 review in progress to find out more). GSC has promised to sort out what it called S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s “rough edges” with a steady stream of patches.
Free in-game content is also coming to the game. Expect more on that when GSC Game World shares its roadmap later in December.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 suffered a number of understandable delays, most recently in July when the game was due out in September. GSC said at the time that the extra two months would give the developers the chance to fix “unexpected anomalies,” aka bugs.
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.
Long before Hideo Kojima made the first triple-A walking simulator, he was trying to spin sunlight into bullets. The game in question, Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand, is a Game Boy Advance title from 2003, in which you play a vampire-slaying gunslinger. The gun you’re slinging is a “solar-powered” pistol, which you could charge up using a cartridge-mounted photometric sensor by physically standing in sunshine. This was 13 years before the launch of Pokemon Go. Sadly, Boktai’s debut didn’t result in city parks or rooftops being flooded by crowds of GBA-wielding undead killers. But it was a fun gimmick and the game itself is good enough to carry it – an isometric dungeon-crawler in which you have to find a vamp’s coffin and drag it to the surface for purgation.
Upon some serious soul searching following a little time with the early access build of open world game Vivat Slovakia, I have unfortunately had to admit to myself that it is probably not the GTA 6 killer I was hoping for. This upsets me slightly, because I find Rockstar’s constant self-assured bloviating to be quite irritating, even though I’m sure I’ll play their game for a billion hours. What Vivat Slovakia is, then, is a very ambitious homage to the Grand Theft Auto series that isn’t shy about it, right down to the font choices. I’m not sure if you should play it, but I do feel enriched for learning of its existence. Here’s a trailer.
We got our first peek at Nautilus Games’ Everdeep Aurora in the 2023 Wholesome Direct before going hands-on with it at BitSummit earlier this year. We’ve liked what we have seen so far, so it’s exciting to hear the cute cat adventure now has a release window: Q3 2025.
Admittedly, that does feel like a long way away, but we’re hopeful that 2025 will bring plenty of exciting drops before then (please), so we’re sure it’ll fly by.
