Head over to the Epic Games Store on April 4th and you’ll be able to grab The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition and Thief (2014) for free and to keep forever. Like a thief!
The Outer Worlds and Thief are free from Epic next week
Category: Video Games
Certain Affinity, Halo: Infinite Co-Developer, Says It’s Struggling to Find New Work, Announces Layoffs
Halo and Call of Duty co-developer Certain Affinity has been hit with a wave of layoffs, CEO Max Hoberman announced.
The studio head wrote about the decision in a lengthy post on the developer’s website, saying that the layoffs affect 25 US-based staff members and “has the most impact on the teams running our business operations.” The Certain Affinity website says the company currently has more than 250 full-time employees, meaning today’s move affects somewhere around 10% of its staff.
The decision marks the first time Certain Affinity has laid off team members since it was established in 2006.
“There are multiple factors underlying this decision to do a layoff for the first time in our 17+ year history,” Hoberman wrote. “Most significant is an industry-wide slow down in the funding of new lead and co-development projects and the reluctance of third party investors to fund games or game companies. This has made it exceptionally difficult to sign new work or secure other forms of funding.”
Hoberman says Certain Affinity is supporting those affected with severance pay and benefits continuation. The company is also making their vested awards under its Stock Equity Plan portable “so they may benefit from the company’s success in the future.”
“We have built an amazing culture where we all come together to support one another in times of need,” he added. “We ask for your understanding and patience while we navigate this unprecedented event. Thank you.”
Certain Affinity has helped shape a number of notable titles through the last 17 years. This includes helping with the development for the Halo and Call of Duty franchises as well as other projects like Prey (2017), Gotham Knights, Doom (2016), Left 4 Dead, Hogwarts Legacy, and more. For example, the team’s work on the base version of Call of Duty: Black Ops saw them creating five multiplayer maps along with various multiplayer features. Certain Affinity also helped with Halo 4 and is responsible creating features and content for its Forge mode alongside various multiplayer game modes.
Certain Affinity is only the latest developer to be affected by the layoffs plaguing the industry. Other developers recently affected include Supermassive Games (Until Dawn) and Cloud Imperium Games (Star Citizen). Sega’s Creative Assembly (Total War) and Hardlight (Sonic Dream Team) studios were both subjected to layoffs in the last day, too, with company’s like Nintendo also announcing that they are undergoing restructuring in some departments.
For more on the job losses sweeping the industry, be sure to take a look took at the human impact of the last year of layoffs. You should also read up on what some developers think of the layoffs and why we’re seeing them happen now.
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.
Metal: Hellsinger VR re-tools the rhythm shooter for headbanging in a headset
Rhythm shooter Metal: Hellsinger has you circle-strafing Quake-style level layouts at high-speed while you shoot demons to the beat. I meet the news that it’s getting a VR version this year with some trepidation, therefore. Do I really want to vomit on the beat?
Sega Of America staff have ratified a union contract, the first to do so at a major US studio
Sega Of America employees have become the first a major US video games studio to ratify a union contract. The contract covers guarantees minimum yearly pay increases for around 150 staff through 2026.
Guide: Every Game In Nintendo’s ‘Partner Spotlight’ eShop Sale (North America)
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk! Pentiment! Bioshock!
After the announcement of the European eShop’s ‘Blockbuster Sale’, we had a sneaky suspicion that North America would be treated to one of its own before long. Sure enough, the ‘Partner Spotlight Sale’ has kicked off on the US eShop today, bringing up to 80% off a selection of tasty third-party titles.
The sale began on 28th March and will run until 8th April so you have a good bit of time to decide what to spend your bucks on.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240325-2200)
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.
It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.
Details can be found below!
System Update Details
- OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN25398.4063.240325-2200
- Available: 4 p.m. PT – March 28, 2024
- Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – March 29, 2024
Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.
Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Backgrounds
- Fixes to address an unexpected error when attempting to set a new dynamic background.
System
- Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.
Known Issues
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
Audio
- Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
- Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
- Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
- Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.
Home
- We are aware some tiles at the top of Home may not navigate as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks, and we’re working on a fix.
- Workaround: Take an alternate path. For example, if you’re trying to claim Perks, open Game Pass > Perks.
Networking
- We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.
As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.
If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.
When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.
Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!
The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240325-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 Controller Is $30 Cheaper Than the Nintendo Switch Pro and Nearly As Good
Starting today, Amazon is offering the excellent 8BitDo Pro 2 Wireless Controller for only $39.99. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for the Pro 2 controller. It’s compatible with the Nintendo Switch Steam Deck, PC, iOS and Android smartphones, and pretty much any gaming console that supports Bluetooth. Moreover, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is often considered one of the best 3rd party wireless controllers for the Nintendo Switch.
8BitDo Pro 2 Controller (Switch Compatible) for $39.99
The 8BitDo Pro 2 controller is compatible with both the Nintendo Switch console as well as any Windows, Mac, Android, Steam, or even Raspberry Pi device. It uses wireless Bluetooth so it works with the Switch out of the box with no dongle required. At $30 cheaper than the price of a Switch Pro controller, it has a lot going for it. The SN30 Pro 2 supports button remapping, adjustable analog sticks, hair triggers, and macros. It also supports rumble and motion controls on the Switch. It is powered by a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, but you have the option to use two AA batteries in a pinch instead.
In terms of fit and feel, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is excellent. It’s lighter than the Switch Pro controller but it still feels very solid and comfortable in your hands. The D-pad and analog joysticks react precisely, and the buttons have nice clicky tactile feedback. The retro style looks great.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 also brings a couple of new features that weren’t present in the previous generation Pro+ model. That includes the ability to save multiple profiles, a handy little switch that lets you instantly change from Switch to PC pairing, and two additional rear paddle buttons that are also programmable.
Compared to the official Switch Pro controller, it is missing a few features like HD rumble (although it does have standard rumble), amiibo sensing, and the ability to wake the Switch from sleep. In exchange, you get the ability to reprogram buttons and you get a much better D-pad, which is a godsend for precision type games like 2D platformers. The biggest advantage, though, is the price. For Nintendo Switch owners, if you don’t want to pony up $70 for the official Pro controller, this is the next best thing.
Check out more of the best Nintendo Switch deals today.
The Witcher 4: Polaris in Full Swing as CD Projekt Devotes Bulk of Its Efforts to Development
With the bulk of Cyberpunk 2077 finished, CD Projekt has now shuffled its priorities, putting the bulk of its resources into developing the next mainline The Witcher game, codenamed Polaris.
During an earning call to discuss the 2023 fiscal year, CD Projekt revealed that it is dedicating a bulk of its efforts to developing the next installment in its widely popular fantasy-themed RPG series.
As you can see from the screenshot below, CD Projekt was fully transparent with investors and those listening in on the call, showing exactly how many developers are being allocated to its current and future projects. The chart reveals that it has over 600 developers at the studios, over 400 of whom are assigned Polaris development.
Also interesting to note is that the next installment in the Cyberpunk franchise, codenamed Orion, has 47 developers currently assigned to the project. CD Projekt also revealed that Orion is in the concept stage of its development. The company previously revealed that its new studio, based in Boston, Massachusetts, has been assigned to work on the project.
This is not the first time CD Projekt has disclosed that a good portion of its employees are working on the next The Witcher game. In late November, during the Q3 2023 earnings report, CD Projekt revealed that almost 330 developers (nearly 50% of its staff) were tasked with developing the project.
With today’s announcement, some quick math shows that number is now over half of the development team; about 64% of its staff are working on The Witcher 4 development. That increase in developers is likely due to a “big part” of the Cyberpunk 2077 team moving over to work on The Witcher 4.
CD Projekt confirmed that a new The Witcher game was in development back in 2022. While details on the next entry are slim, we do know that it will run on Unreal Engine 5. CD Projekt Red game director Sebastian Kalemba said in an interview last December with Lega Nerd that the goal of the next entry is to “build something that goes beyond the previous The Witcher and that manages to tell something more intense, with also more intense gameplay.”
Though, don’t expect The Witcher 4 anytime soon, CD Projekt Red studio president and co-CEO Adam Kiciński said in 2022 that the project was at least three years away. This means that it could come out as early as next year. It is worth noting today’s earnings call also disclosed that Polaris’s project stage is “pre-production.”
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
PlayStation Portal Is Back In Stock at Walmart
The PlayStation Portal, Sony’s handheld gaming accessory for the PS5 console, is finally back in stock at Walmart, but who knows for how long. It’s almost always sold out everywhere, so don’t hesitate to place an order if you’ve been waiting. The PS Portal is not a standalone device, like the PS Vita. It’s a remote player for the PlayStation 5, so you’ll need a PS5 to use it. That said, it streams games from your console over Wi-Fi, essentially letting you play your PS5 games from anywhere in your home. Check out our PlayStation Portal review to see what our critic thought of it.
PlayStation Portal Back in Stock at Walmart
PS Portal is basically a DualSense controller with an 8-inch LCD screen in the middle of it. It lets you stream games from your PS5 at up to 60fps, with a 1080p screen resolution, so it should look plenty sharp considering the screen’s dimensions. It also features the full slate of vibrations, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers you’d get from a standard DualSense — something that’s missing if you stream your PS5 games to a phone, tablet, computer, or Steam Deck. It will also work when you’re away from home, provided you have a strong internet connection and you left your PS5 in rest mode.
It should be said that the PlayStation Portal isn’t the only way to stream your PS5 games over Wi-Fi within your home. As mentioned above, you can do that on many internet-connected devices, including phones, tablets, computers, and Steam Deck. Just download the PS Remote Play app to set it up (details here). It’s a little more complicated to stream to Steam Deck, but just search for Chiaki and you can probably figure it out. You can also check out our PlayStation Portal vs. Steam Deck comparison for a look at both handhelds side-by-side.
The developers of Dead Cells, Darkest Dungeon and Slay The Spire are launching their own “triple-I” Game Awards
A regular rogue’s gallery of independent game developers – including the creators of Dead Cells, Slay The Spire, Darkest Dungeon, Spiritfarer, Terraria and V Rising – have clubbed together to run their own videogame showcase: the Triple-I Initiative. Initially screening on 10th April, it’ll be a 45-minute, unhosted, back-to-back series of trailers, reveals and surprise game or demo releases, designed (as per the press release) “to highlight fan-favorite games and hype up established indie classics as well as new IPs”. It could become a yearly thing, but that’ll obviously depend on how well the first showcase goes down.
According to a few of the organisers, the IIIIs – as they shall now and forever be known – reflect a high level of anxiety even among more established indie teams about finding an audience, together with a feeling that they aren’t being served by existing showcases like the Geoffies, with their blockbuster headliners, celebrity cameos and extended Kojima soliloquies.