Major console producers Microsoft and Sony discuss future plans, meanwhile indie studio Endnight Games drops an Early Access sequel that has become one of the biggest launches of 2023 thus far. Today, Game Rant’s weekly recap takes a look at some of the most notable headlines from the past week.
Following departures from Firaxis Games, Tango Gameworks' founder and CEO announces he is leaving his company in the hands of younger talent. Game Rant also talks to Shigeru Miyamoto as Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Hollywood. All that and more in this week’s roundup ofgames industry news.
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Microsoft Announces 10-Year Agreement to Publish Xbox Games on Nintendo Consoles
Microsoft’s ongoing acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has led to much debate among governmental bodies and development studios like Sony, which argues the loss of franchises likeCall of Dutywould have a major blow. However, just this weekMicrosoft signed a 10-year contract to continue bringing games to Nintendo consoles, highlightingCall of Dutyin particular. A similar 10-year deal was also announced between Microsoft and Nvidia GeForce Now.
PlayStation’s first State of Play presentation took place on February 23, offering fans a look at five PlayStation VR 2 titles alongside showcases forResident Evil 4,Street Fighter 6, and more. A big chunk of the event was spent on Rocksteady’s upcomingSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, but audience reception wasn’t wholly positive. Among other things, theSuicide Squadgame will have live-service elements like a “gear score” system, substantial amounts of DLC, and require solo players to always be online.
CEO Shinji Mikami Leaving Tango Gameworks
Shinji Mikami is one of the most renown creative forces in the industry, having pushed the survival-horror genre forward with the originalResident EvilandDino Crisisat Capcom. His storied career thereafter included additional Capcom titles likeResident Evil 4andGod Hand, as well as titles likeVanquishat PlatinumGames. He opened a new studio in 2010, but just this weekMikami announced he is leaving Tango Gameworksafter making his mark once again through franchises likeThe Evil Within. Mikami took to Twitter and said “the young people have grown up well,” highlighting Tango’s bright future with diverse releases includingGhostwire: TokyoandHi-Fi Rush.
Endnight Games' Sons of the Forest Has Massive Early Access Launch
In terms of 2023’s most-anticipated games, many might not have expectedSons of the Forestto rivalStarfieldandThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, Endnight Games' sequel to the 2014 indie survival-horror gameThe Foresthas made a name for itself. After being the most-wishlisted game on Steam,Sons of the Forest’s Early Access launch rivaledHogwarts Legacy’s concurrent player numbersthanks to over two million copies being sold in 24 hours. The launch is believed to be partially responsible for a Steam outage on February 23.
Atomic Heart Developer Apologizes for Offensive Cartoon, Promises Edits
Another anticipated 2023 game was Mundfish’sBioShock-inspiredAtomic Heart, but it has proven to be a controversial title. While some issues have been tied to design elements likeAtomic Heart’s dialogue, specific parts of its alternate-reality Soviet world have also drawn attention.Mundfish recently apologized after an offensive cartoon from the Soviet era was discovered inAtomic Heart, one depicting a stereotypical African tribe. The developer said it will edit out vintage cartoons and music that have “caused hurt or insult.”
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Features
This weekend marks the one-year anniversary ofElden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest Soulslike title that many feel revolutionizes open-world game design akin toThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It’s likely the game will continue to resonate if long-anticipated DLC is announced following its Game of the Year win at The Game Awards 2022, but even if that never comes there are smash-hits likeSons of the Forestwhich could occupy a similar place in players' hearts.
Movies & TV
Following Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, the brand based on J.R.R. Tolkein’s work has consistently cropped up with new projects. FromThe Hobbittrilogy to Monolith Productions’Middle-earthgames, and most recently Amazon’s TV seriesThe Rings of Power, there’s almost always something in the pipeline. Now, Warner Bros. has announced new films in theLord of the Ringsuniverse, giving fans something to anticipate alongside Daedalic Entertainment’sThe Lord of the Rings: Gollum.
Guides
TheKirbyfranchise is hot as ever following the dual releases ofKirby and the Forgotten LandandKirby’s Dream Buffetin 2022. Just this week, Nintendo and HAL Laboratory put outKirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe- a remake of a beloved Wii title from 2011. Those who are on the fence about whether to pick up this adventure might find it helpful to see how much of a time investment they’ll be putting in.
Game Rant Exclusives
After a successful launch in Japan, Super Nintendo World is now also open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Game Rant spoke withSuper Mario’s creator and famed Nintendo big wig Shigeru Miyamoto about the theme park and Nintendo’s modern endeavors, where he discussed the fact that characters fromSplatoonalmost appeared alongside park cameos such asPikmin.
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