A new report claims the much-rumoured Xbox Series S (or Xbox Lockhart) will be revealed in August, after it was originally scheduled for an E3 announcement. According to Eurogamer's sources, Microsoft had originally pegged June as its announcement month for the alleged lower priced, lower powered version of the Xbox Series X, using an E3 showcase as a space to explain the console while showing it playing the same next-gen games as the more powerful console. The site now reports that Series S will get its own reveal - presumably in an Inside Xbox-like showcase - in August. That supports a previous Venturebeat report. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/10/xbox-lockhart-seems-real-but-is-it-out-this-year-unlocked-447"] Some reports have suggested that the Series S reveal was originally planned to remain in June - to fit in as part of the monthly updates branded by Microsoft as Xbox 20/20 - before being pushed back. However, Eurogamer says its sources indicate that this month's series of technical updates on elements like Smart Delivery was always the plan for June. The next confirmed major beat for Xbox 20/20 is a July showcase of first-party games. Xbox Series S increasingly looks to be a reality, with the original rumours now supported by the discovery of Windows OS code that references its Lockhart codename. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
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Monday, June 29, 2020
Xbox Series S Will Reportedly Be Revealed in August
The Last of Us Part 2: Director on the Sequel's Ambitious Story
By the end of the original The Last of Us, developer Naughty Dog asks players, as Joel, to commit morally challenging acts that, whether you agree they're the right thing to do, you at least understand where the character is coming from. For The Last of Us Part 2, Naughty Dog aimed to achieve a similar sense of empathy through playing on a larger scale on the sequel. Massive spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2 follow. If you haven't finished playing, turn back now! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/12/the-last-of-us-part-2-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Speaking to IGN ahead of The Last of Us Part 2's release, director Neil Druckmann explained the philosophy the team took with the original game, and how it led to Part 2's key goals. "You don't necessarily agree with what [Joel's] doing, but we saw that the majority of people understood what he's doing and now they're role-playing as him," Druckmann said. "'I might not do this but I understand why Joel would. So I'm going to see the world through his eyes.' There's something unique about the empathy that is created in video games, it's wholly unique. "Can we build a whole experience around this concept," Druckmann said, explaining what he and the team ventured out to do with Part 2. "Can we make you hate someone to such a degree that you want to hurt them in really horrible ways for what they've done to you? And then all of a sudden make you play as them and, the challenge was, can we get you to empathize?" [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-review-screenshots&captions=true"] Of course, Part 2 includes the dramatic gameplay shift of its second half, putting players in control of Abby, first introduced early in the sequel as someone successfully hunting Joel to kill him. The second half, both in the present and in flashbacks, explores Abby's life and motivations, which Druckmann explained allowed them to dive into the themes of revenge from multiple perspectives. "I don't know if you're going to like [Abby] necessarily. We hope you do, but can we really get you to understand them? And that's where the second half of the game [goes], you're playing as someone that goes on their own journey of redemption. You get to see revenge from two sides," he said. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/how-long-is-the-last-of-us-part-2"] And moreso than just exploring revenge, which is what most of The Last of Us Part 2's early marketing focused on, Druckmann explained how the dual perspectives allowed them to explore the flip side of that — forgiveness. "It's a game about empathy and forgiveness and getting past grief and seeing other people for the more complex human beings they are. That's what got us excited about making this," Druckmann said. Stay tuned to IGN for more from Druckmann on the sequel, and if you haven't already be sure to check out IGN's The last of Us Part 2 review. For more on the Naughty Dog sequel, read our dive into The Last of Us Part 2's accessibility features, how much The Last of Us Part 2 sold in its debut weekend, and why the sequel probably won't get DLC. And if you're playing, be sure to check out IGN's comprehensive The Last of Us Part 2 guide for help with collectibles, Trophies, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, Host of Podcast Beyond!, and can't stop hearing Pearl Jam in his head now. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.
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Super Nintendo World Theme Park Opening Delayed Indefinitely
The Super Nintendo World theme park's opening has been indefinitely delayed in Japan. Universal Studios Japan is planning to postpone the opening of its upcoming Nintendo-theme land in Osaka as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to NHK World-Japan. The theme park, which is heavily based on Nintendo's Mario franchise, is nearly complete. This includes not just construction of the land, but themed rides and restaurants as well. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-press-conference-images&captions=true"] The park was originally set to open in July but because of COVID-19, the park's opening has been delayed indefinitely, likely to give Universal Studios time to review the pandemic landscape and determine a safer opening date. Because construction on the land is near complete, it's unlikely this delay was made in order to give the company more time to work on the park itself. Because of the popularity of Nintendo, Mario, and the idea of a new land opening within Universal Studios Japan, the company is expecting an increased number of visitors to the park. This poses an even larger threat to the safety of guests in the midst of a pandemic. As such, Universal Studios Japan said it is unsure of when the new Nintendo-themed land will open. The rest of Universal Studios Japan opened on June 8 to guests from the local Kansai area. It also limited guest numbers by half of its standard capacity. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/06/08/super-nintendo-world-japan-teaser-trailer"] It may not be open, but there are still plenty of ways to get a glimpse of the park. Check out this new image that shows multiple areas of the land. After looking at that, read about how the Super Nintendo World theme park might expand beyond Mario in the future. The eastern US version of this Nintendo-themed land is coming to the new Epic Universe theme park planned for Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Here are some ways to help and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
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Ghost of Tsushima: Here's What Comes in Each Edition
Ghost of Tsushima is coming to PS4 on July 17. The game is set in the 13th century, as the Mongol army is marching and sailing to conquer the East. Tsushima is an island off the coast of Japan, and the first to fall as the enemy fleet arrives and the invasion begins. You play as Jin Sakai, one of the lone survivors of the first wave of the attack on the island, who's out for revenge. As with many AAA titles, the game will be available in a number of special and collector's editions, each one containing various extras. Below, we break down what comes in each edition, how much it costs, and where you can place your preorders right now.
Ghost of Tsushima Standard Edition
[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F06%2F29%2Fghost-of-tsushima1593439946660.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F06%2F29%2Fghost-of-tsushima1593439946660_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225ef9f6cfe4b0ca0322f13a2c%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fbestbuy.7tiv.net%2Fc%2F1442478%2F615614%2F10014%3FsubId1%3D__GUID__%26subId2%3Dsog2020%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bestbuy.com%252Fsite%252Fghost-of-tsushima-launch-edition-playstation-4%252F6255398.p%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Ghost%20of%20Tsushima%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Best%20Buy%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"]- Get it at Best Buy - $59.99
- Get it at Amazon - $59.99
- Get it at Walmart - $59.99
- Get it at GameStop - $59.99
- Get it at PlayStation Store (digital) - $59.99
Ghost of Tsushima Special Edition
- Get it at Best Buy - $69.99
- Get it at Walmart - $69.99
- SOLD OUT: GameStop | Amazon
- Mini art book
- Director's commentary
- Hero of Tsushima skin set (Golden Mask and Sword Kit)
- 1 Technique Point
- Charm of Hachiman's Favor
Ghost of Tsushima Digital Deluxe Edition
- Get it at PlayStation Store - $69.99
Ghost of Tsushima Preorder Bonuses
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/05/ghost-of-tsushima-story-trailer"] Preorder any edition of the game, and you'll also receive a digital mini soundtrack, a Jin avatar, and a PS4 dynamic theme based on the game's box art.The Art of Ghost of Tsushima
[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F03%2F11%2Fghost-of-tsushima-art-book1583932985899.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F03%2F11%2Fghost-of-tsushima-art-book1583932985899_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e68e63fe4b035b46686e93c%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbpsk%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22The%20Art%20of%20Ghost%20of%20Tsushima%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"]- See it at Amazon - $41.49 (was $49.99)
Ghost of Tsushima Collector's Edition - SOLD OUT
The collector's edition of the game retails for $169.99 and comes with a heap of extras, both digital and physical. As for the physical items, you'll get a Sakai mask and stand, Sashimono war banner, cloth map of Tsushima, Furoshiki wrapping cloth, 48-page mini art book, and a steelbook case. Digital extras include a director's commentary, Samurai PS4 dynamic theme, Hero of Tsushima skin set, and one Technique Point to be used in-game. Other Preorder Guides
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Harry Potter RPG Reportedly Due in Late 2021
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's rumored Harry Potter RPG is reportedly set to be released in late 2021 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, according to a report by Bloomberg. Although, the developers are said to be "rattled" by such issues as the COVID-19 pandemic, J.K. Rowling's recent controversial comments, and the possible sale of the Warner Bros. video game publishing business. This Harry Potter RPG has been long-rumored but never officially announced. While there was a supposed gameplay leak in 2018, Warner Bros. has yet to confirm this much-anticipated title to the world at large. The project is said to let players become wizards in a, "vast, open world re-creation of Hogwarts and its surrounding areas." Two anonymous sources close to the project have revealed to Bloomberg that the project is "very real" and that it is in development by Disney Infinity studio Avalanche Software in Salt Lake City, Utah. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/05/our-leaked-harry-potter-rpg-theories-beyond-highlight"] The sources have confirmed the leak from 2018 was authentic, but many of the rumors that have come after are false. It was also said that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the possible sale of the Warner Bros. video game publishing business, and "fierce backlash against the franchise's creator," the game still remains on track for its release next year. There is anxiety at the studio, however, especially due to the aforementioned comments by J.K. Rowling that are widely viewed as transphobic. According to one person, the studio's management has still not addressed the controversial words by Rowling. Many spoke out against Rowling's comments, including those who have worked close with her and starred in Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts franchises – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Eddie Redmayne. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/24/best-25-harry-potter-characters"] Rowling is still very involved in most things Harry Potter, although one of the sources said that she has, "very little direct involvement" in this project. Felicia Grady, the managing editor of the popular Harry Potter fan site MuggleNet wrote an e-mail to Bloomberg stating that this controversy is, "likely to diminish some of the anticipation of the game." "Based on what I've seen from fans, I do believe that Rowling's comments have had some effect on the level of excitement they have for the Harry Potter RPG or other upcoming content," Grady wrote. "We've seen comments from fans who no longer wish to support Rowling or the brand financially." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-harry-potter-universes-most-fantastic-beasts&captions=true"] The possible sale of the Warner Bros. video game publishing business is also of big concern because, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Matthew Kanterman, expensive projects can be the, "most at risk of cancellation in the event of a sale," especially one that has been in development for so long. These issues have caused WB to shift its plans regarding the reveal of the project, which was originally going to appear during E3 2020. The new plan, according to those familiar with such things, is to unveil the new Batman game in August at the DC FanDome and then focus on the Harry Potter RPG at a later date. These plans, however, were made prior to Rowling's comments. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
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Ubisoft CEO Promises to 'Personally Follow' Misconduct Reports, Two Execs Reportedly Placed on Leave
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has promised to "personally follow" each of the recent reports of sexual misconduct at the company, while two of its vice-presidents, among others, have allegedly been placed on leave as a result of the reports. In a letter to staff obtained by Business Insider, Guillemot writes that he has been "profoundly affected" by the multiple reports of sexual impropriety and abuse emerging from Ubisoft. "These actions are in total contradiction with our values and with what I want for Ubisoft", Guillemot's letter continues. "The company we hold dear must offer a welcoming and respectful environment, allowing everyone to flourish. I will not accept anything less." Guillemot said the company was setting up a multidisciplinary working group (with an external partner) in order to "come up with better solutions and tools to detect, report and resolve any incident or serious problem without delay and in an impartial manner." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/assassinss-creed-valhalla-creative-director-is-stepping-down-amid-cheating-allegations"] Separately, Bloomberg reports that vice-presidents Tommy François and Maxime Béland, as well as several other employees, have been placed on administrative leave as allegations of misconduct from multiple sources are investigated. Bloomberg reports that many Ubisoft employees have expressed skepticism over whether appropriate action will be taken, with some pointing out that some of these allegations are not new, and have been reported to HR in the past without result. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla creative director Ashraf Ismail has already stepped down from his role on the project after he was accused of engaging in extramarital affairs. It's unclear what his status as an Ubisoft employee is at this time. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
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PlayStation Plus Games Announced for July 2020
Sony has announced that NBA 2K20, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, and Erica will be July 2020's PlayStation Plus free games. In addition, today, June 29, is the 10 year anniversary of the launch of PlayStation Plus. Announced on PlayStation.Blog, all three of these games will be available from July 7 - August 3. As for how Sony is celebrating 10 years of PlayStation Plus, it will be offering a free PS4 theme for a limited time, and a free online multiplayer weekend that will start on July 4 at 12:01am - July 5 at 11:59pm in your local timezone. PlayStation also shared a look back graphic of PS Plus through the years. Some interesting facts shown are that Wipeout HD was one of the first games given to PS Plus Members, June 2012 saw the introduction of monthly games, over 1,000 games have been offered through the service globally, and there are over 41.5 million users as of March 31, 2020. 
It also revealed that the Top 5 Monthly Games Redeemed from PS Plus Globally are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Sonic Forces, Shadow of the Colossus, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and Destiny 2. The Top 5 Online Multiplayer Games Played by PS Plus Members Globally are Grand Theft Auto V, Rainbow Six Siege, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Destiny, and Call of Duty: Black Ops IV. In our review of NBA 2K20, we said "NBA 2K continues its tradition of upping already tremendous gameplay, emulating the real-life sport in ways that didn't seem possible just years ago." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/09/nba-2k20-review"] In our review of Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, we said "Rise of the Tomb Raider hasn't lost its luster a year after its initial release. Bundled together with all of the content released so far, Lara's already-packed adventure is now even bigger." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/10/10/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-20-year-celebration-review"] Erica is a "feature-length cinematic experience" that follows Erica, a "brave young lady plagues with nightmare's of your father's murder." When traumatic events are brought back to light via new clues, you must figure out the "shocking truth behind this devastating tragedy. This news follows PlayStation Plus' June 2020 lineup that included both Call of Duty: World War II and Star Wars Battlefront 2. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN who wishes PlayStation Plus a happy 10th birthday. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
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