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As anticipation builds for the next Transformers game, it's worth recalling a time when players were flooded with various games based on the Hasbro franchise during the Xbox 360/PS3 era. Though the quality of these games varied, including the beloved Cybertron series, they were removed from the digital storefront a few years ago, leaving enthusiasts to seek out old physical copies to play. Hope sparks anew for fans, as recent successful developments surrounding the Activision Xbox merger have them yearning for these games to make their way to Game Pass. During a San Diego Comic-Con panel Q&A, the Hasbro team mentioned that adding these games to Game Pass would be simple. However, they also expressed frustration, noting that Activision is uncertain about the location of these games in their building due to various acquisitions over time. Nonetheless, Hasbro remains optimistic, hoping that the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Xbox will prompt a thorough search through archives and hard drives to unearth these classic games. Their ultimate desire is to give people a chance to relive the gaming experiences. As Transformers Reactivate approaches its release on consoles and PC in 2024, many fans are likely to share Hasbro's sentiment, eager to revisit older Transformers games. In other gaming news, players suggest that Diablo 4 should learn from Path of Exile 2, and Team Fortress 2 now supports 100-player matches, although Valve is cautious about recommending it.

Hogwarts Legacy, a Harry Potter game that took the world by storm upon its release in February, captivated players everywhere. The game's popularity soared not only due to the beloved Harry Potter franchise's nostalgic value but also because of its stunning graphics, captivating storytelling, and plethora of activities to keep players engaged. Avalanche Software's recent job openings have sparked speculation that a potential sequel to Hogwarts Legacy might be in the works. Given the massive success of the original game, it's a plausible assumption that the studio is expanding during game production for a follow-up. Excitement among fans has resulted in a flurry of rumors and ideas for what they'd love to see in this possible sequel. While it remains uncertain whether this rumored game is indeed a Hogwarts Legacy sequel, it aligns logically with the immense popularity of the first title, which sold millions of copies within days of its release. Fans are eager for the sequel to possibly take place in London and incorporate romantic elements. The ideas from the player and fan community are diverse, showcasing a wealth of cool and imaginative suggestions for the potential future of the Harry Potter gaming experience. Discussions on Reddit have surfaced, suggesting the inclusion of a romance mechanic, allowing players to explore romantic connections with other students in the game. Meanwhile, others express their ardent desire to play Quidditch, a thrilling sport in the Wizarding World. On a different subreddit, a user advocates for an open-world London setting for the sequel, believing that while the first game was fantastic, a different location would add greater impact and variety to the experience. Another creative proposal suggests a Demon's Souls-inspired approach, with multiple smaller open worlds that players can travel between while keeping Hogwarts Castle and its immediate grounds as a central hub area. For now, the specifics of Avalanche Software's current project remain unknown, leaving fans to hope that it might be another installment in the Hogwarts Legacy series. Given the resounding success of the first game, there's ample reason to be optimistic about the future of this enchanting gaming universe.

Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of Duty, recently filed a lawsuit in California against YouTuber Anthony Fantano, known for his popular music review channel called "The Needle Drop." The lawsuit accuses Fantano of misusing intellectual property law and capitalizing on a widely-used TikTok voice clip he created for financial gain. The dispute centers around a TikTok video from 2021 where Fantano reacts to a pizza being cut into increasingly smaller slices, exclaiming "it's enough slices!" The video went viral, leading to numerous copies and parodies. Activision Blizzard later used a version of the meme in a TikTok promoting Crash Bandicoot shoes, which Fantano found objectionable, alleging a "false endorsement" of the product without his consent. He sent a cease-and-desist letter to Activision Blizzard on June 27, demanding they stop using the audio and pay him a substantial settlement amount. If they refused, he threatened litigation. However, Activision's lawsuit claims that Fantano himself added the clip to TikTok's "Commercial Sounds" library, which allows for commercial use in advertisements. The company argues that Fantano is attempting to exploit intellectual property law for his financial benefit, selectively targeting certain users of the voice clip and demanding excessive payments. Activision's lawyers assert that Fantano willingly embraced the clip's public use until he saw an opportunity for monetary gain, at which point he changed his stance. They seek reimbursement of legal expenses and a declaration that Fantano cannot sue TikTok users for using the voice clip. Richard Hoeg, a lawyer specializing in digital and video game law, commented on the case, stating that based on what is known so far, Activision appears to have a reasonable case. He highlights that TikTok's audio library seemingly allows for general commercial use, limiting the rights of those who upload content to challenge its use. However, there may be undisclosed details about unauthorized involvement or automation that could impact the situation. In essence, the lawsuit revolves around Activision Blizzard's claim that Fantano is exploiting the legal system to profit from the viral voice clip and demanding payments from users who utilize it, despite having made it available in TikTok's commercial library initially.

Square Enix has officially revealed "Dawntrail" as the fifth major expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. The announcement took place during the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest keynote, where a trailer with a summer vacation theme showcased the new expansion, set to be released in the summer of 2024. The director of FF14, Naoki Yoshida (also known as Yoshi-P), enthusiastically presented the expansion, expressing his dedication to continue working on the game for as long as possible. The storyline of Dawntrail promises to offer players the ultimate hero's summer vacation, serving as a departure from the events of the previous expansion, Endwalker. This expansion introduces a completely new narrative for the game, set in the "New World" or Tural, situated to the far west of Eorzea. Players will find themselves participating in a rite of succession to determine the next ruler of Tural, a process that involves a contest leading them to a legendary city of gold. However, this contest might lead to the division of the Scions into two factions. Within Tural, players will gain access to a fresh hub city called Tuliyollal, situated in the Yok Tural region. Tuliyollal focuses on diversity and harmony with nature and is ruled by Gulool Ja Ja, a two-headed Mamool Ja. The central objective of Dawntrail revolves around deciding who will succeed this ruler. The expansion includes various exciting features, such as new allied tribes like the Pelupelu, a race previously seen in Final Fantasy X and X-2. The 7.0 patch will also bring a level cap increase to 100, new skills for all jobs, and two new DPS roles—one melee and one ranged magical DPS. Additionally, players can expect new dungeons, enemies, gear, recipes, lifestyle content, variant dungeons, raids (including a new Alliance raid with a strong Final Fantasy essence), a PvP update, and various other system updates. Notably, the game's graphics will receive a significant upgrade, with more detailed and dense environments, characters, and vegetation. The development team is thrilled about the increased level of detail in the game's plants and vegetation, particularly evident in Tural's forests. While polygon count cannot be raised, the team found creative ways to enhance the overall visuals. Among other improvements, players will be able to apply two dyes to gear, wear eyeglasses alongside headgear, and enjoy an increased limit on housing furnishings. However, these system updates may result in a slight increase in system requirements. In a separate announcement, Square Enix plans to expand the free trial of Final Fantasy XIV to include all content from Heavensward to the beginning of Shadowbringers in the 6.5 update, catering to the game's enthusiasts. Moreover, in a surprising revelation, Phil Spencer appeared on stage with Yoshi-P to announce the arrival of Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox consoles. Dawntrail joins the lineup of previous expansions, including Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker, all renowned for their captivating and extensive storylines, offering players a rich RPG experience. Endwalker, in particular, was a massive success for the game, leading to the suspension of sales temporarily due to server load issues.

The story behind Christopher Judge's choice to eschew voicing a younger iteration of Kratos in God of War: Ragnarok is as respectful as it is intriguing. The seasoned actor, known for his portrayal of the Ghost of Sparta, recently opened up about his stance during a livestream event with YouTuber AbdBay and Streamily, shedding light on his reasoning and admiration for the original Kratos actor, Terrence C. Carson. Judge, recognized for his portrayal of the iconic character, expressed his reluctance to step into the shoes of a younger Kratos, highlighting a deep reverence for Carson's work and an intention to carve his unique path with the character. "I never watched any of the scenes from the earlier (God of War games) because TC’s so great, and I thought it would be a disservice to try to voice match him or anything, nor did they ask for it," Judge shared. "From the very beginning, it was about making it my own." The actor further clarified his stance, affirming that even if the developers at Santa Monica Studio had proposed aligning his performance with Carson's portrayal, he would have declined. Emphasizing the significance of individual contributions, Judge explained his refusal to imitate or overshadow another actor's established work, stressing the importance of celebrating unique performances. Although Judge didn't explicitly specify the role or the offer he turned down, speculation arose regarding a possible involvement in God of War Ragnarok's Valhalla DLC. The DLC features a moment where the present-day Kratos encounters an illusion of his younger self, though the younger version remains silent. This encounter hinted at a potential opportunity that Judge might have declined. Christopher Judge took on the daunting task of embodying Kratos in the series' soft reboot in 2018, a role for which he received acclaim, even earning a nomination for his performance at The Game Awards. His decision to respectfully distance himself from mirroring the original portrayal in God of War: Ragnarok showcases his dedication to honoring the character's legacy while imprinting his unique stamp on the role.

CD Projekt Red, the renowned AAA gaming studio behind iconic titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, stands firm in its commitment to maintain independence amidst industry speculations. In a recent interview with Parkiet, CEO Adam Kicinski reiterated the studio's stance against future acquisitions and potential buyouts. Kicinski emphasized, "At the moment, we have no plans for acquisitions. We remain open to strategies that can accelerate our growth, but we're not interested in mere financial consolidation of acquired companies. We prioritize value over integration." The CEO's words underscore CDPR's unwavering dedication to chart its own course in the gaming world. Independence, as articulated by Kicinski, embodies freedom—a sentiment echoing the sentiment of the entire development team. The prospect of being absorbed by a larger conglomerate raises concerns about relinquishing creative autonomy. "We've worked tirelessly to attain our current position, valuing our independence above all," Kicinski remarked. "We're confident in our trajectory and passionate about our ambitious plans for growth." With over 66 percent of its stocks owned by external entities, discussions about a potential hostile takeover have circulated within gaming communities. However, CD Projekt Red's existing regulations, designed to thwart such takeovers, bolster the CEO's assurance: "We've always maintained a clear position, reinforced by our articles of association aimed at preventing hostile takeovers." Addressing past challenges, Kicinski acknowledged the studio's resilience while expressing confidence in its financial stability. CD Projekt Red's substantial cash reserves affirm its ability to invest in multiple ambitious projects simultaneously without external financial reliance. The studio's resolute commitment to independence, coupled with its financial strength, reinforces its capacity to evolve and innovate within the gaming landscape, ensuring CD Projekt Red remains a force to reckon with in the years ahead.

In a recent exclusive interview with Game Informer, Tetsuya Nomura, the creative director behind Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, delved into the highly anticipated scene that has left fans on the edge of their seats. Nomura teased, "I was able to do what I truly wanted to show in this title." The scene in question—the poignant demise of Aerith at the hands of Sephiroth—remains one of gaming's most iconic moments. While Nomura remained tight-lipped about the remake's approach to this pivotal event, he shared intriguing insights with Game Informer about its significance in both the original and the new iteration. "When we embarked on the original Final Fantasy VII, we set 'life' as its central theme," expressed Nomura. "Depicting life and death was a core consideration from the outset." Reflecting on the original game's direction, Nomura emphasized, "Loss, in its truest form, occurs unexpectedly. It's not necessarily a grand, drawn-out affair but rather the sudden departure of someone you've just connected with—gone forever. I firmly believed that in this title, the deceased should remain so, which was our approach in the original game." Nomura expressed pride in the team's work for Rebirth, asserting that the depiction evokes fresh emotions for both returning players and newcomers. He reiterated, "I was able to convey precisely what I envisioned for this title." While Aerith's fate in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth remains shrouded in secrecy, the game's conclusion has been confirmed to culminate in the unforgettable encounter at The Forgotten Capital. Director Naoki Hamaguchi highlighted, "Players will witness deeper interactions among the characters, strengthening their bonds—a pivotal element in the narrative." The wait for answers draws closer to its end, with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth slated for release exclusively on PS5 on February 29, 2024.

In a magical triumph, "Hogwarts Legacy" enchanted fans and dominated the gaming realm, boasting an impressive 22 million copies sold by the close of 2023. Warner Bros. Games revealed that 2 million of these enchanting copies flew off the shelves during the festive December holiday season. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment president, David Haddad, expressed his pride not just in the game's sales but in the joy it brought to fans. Haddad highlighted how the game breathed new life into the Harry Potter universe, allowing gamers to immerse themselves in a captivating world. Despite the industry norm of sequels holding the top-selling spot, "Hogwarts Legacy" secured its place as the best-selling game worldwide for the entire year. From its enchanting launch on Feb. 10 to the final day of 2023, the AAA title from Avalanche Studio accumulated a staggering 707 million hours of gameplay. Fans reveled in the experience, with many revisiting the game to explore different storylines by selecting alternative Hogwarts houses. Delving into in-game statistics, the magical adventure witnessed 819 million potions brewed, 1.3 billion magical plants harvested, 593 million magical beasts rescued, and a staggering 4.9 billion dark wizards defeated within the virtual wizarding school's hallowed halls. The magical journey doesn't end there. Haddad and the team are already concocting follow-up additions to the Potterverse's gaming universe. This includes the highly anticipated Quidditch title, currently in beta testing, and a trove of undisclosed projects promising even deeper engagement for fans. Warner Bros. Games, under the directives of top executives, is channeling its focus on its iconic franchises for global gaming domination. Following the success of "Hogwarts Legacy," the studio's ambitious plans include the imminent launch of "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League" on Feb. 2, described by Haddad as "one of our most ambitious projects ever." Additionally, the free-to-play brawler game "MultiVersus" is set to unleash Warner Bros.-owned characters into epic battles. Looking further ahead, the studio is brewing up a single-player open-world action game featuring Wonder Woman, along with games contributing to the reimagining of the DC Universe led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. As part of Warner Bros. Discovery's strategic shift, Haddad emphasized the importance of franchises in the gaming landscape. The focus is on transforming major franchises into ever-engaging experiences through live services, multi-platform releases, and free-to-play extensions. Haddad concluded, "Our macro goal is to ensure maximum engagement with the fans, using content, releases, updates, and live services." Could this mean a glimmer of hope for downloadable content in "Hogwarts Legacy"? Only time will tell as Warner Bros. Games charts its course toward a future filled with magical gaming experiences.

Almost five years since its initial revelation alongside the Xbox Series X, Ninja Theory's highly anticipated Hellblade 2 is gearing up for its big debut. The latest Xbox Developer Direct dropped some major news, confirming that Hellblade 2 is set to hit Xbox Game Pass on May 21st, 2024. In a captivating showcase during today's event, the talented team at Ninja Theory took fans on a deep dive into the ominous universe of Hellblade 2. The presentation not only treated viewers to additional snippets of awe-inspiring gameplay but also offered intriguing insights from the developers themselves. As fervent supporters of this upcoming Xbox exclusive, the announcement of a May release date has only heightened our excitement! "The sequel to the award-winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua embarks on a brutal journey through the mythic and torment-ridden landscapes of Viking Iceland. Driven by a fierce determination to rescue those ensnared by the horrors of tyranny, Senua confronts a battle that transcends both the darkness within and without." With Hellblade 2's imminent arrival on Xbox Game Pass, the stage is set for an immersive and visually stunning gaming experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down the days to May 21st, 2024, when Senua's next harrowing adventure unfolds on Xbox Series X|S.

The gaming sensation Palworld has taken the PC and Xbox platforms by storm, leaving PlayStation gamers yearning for a piece of the action. However, hope may be on the horizon, as developer Pocket Pair drops subtle hints about a potential Palworld PS5 version. The speculation arises from a noteworthy mention in the game's official FAQ on Steam: Will Palworld be coming to PS5? "We don’t have plans for this at the moment, but will consider it during development!" While PlayStation enthusiasts might be eagerly awaiting confirmation, the game has already made a colossal impact with its early access launch on PC and Xbox on January 19th, as confirmed by the FAQ. As Palworld basks in the glory of over three million copies sold within a few days, it's evident that the game's popularity is soaring. While the absence on PS5 raises questions, the early access availability on Xbox suggests a potential factor in the platform-specific release strategy. Will Palworld make its mark on the PlayStation landscape? Only time will tell, but the gaming community is undeniably watching closely.

In a surprising turn of events, Fntastic, the purportedly closed developer of The Day Before, has broken its silence to address the whirlwind of controversy surrounding its ill-fated game. The studio, which reportedly shuttered just days after The Day Before's debut on December 7, 2023, took to X/Twitter to counter what it deems as "misinformation" circulating online. "Why do they say that the released game is not the same as that in the trailers, and why was the game closed?" Fntastic pondered in its statement, asserting that it had "implemented everything shown in the trailers," albeit omitting some "minor features" like parkour. In a bizarre analogy, Fntastic likened The Day Before to an experimental scenario where biased influencers, profiting from negativity, tainted the perception of the game. Despite Fntastic's claims, The Day Before faced scathing criticism, earning a rare 1/10 review from IGN, which labeled it a "wholly disappointing online zombie survival shooter" that diverged significantly from its promised open-world survival MMO experience. Plain Sailing Fntastic's journey with The Day Before began with a promising five-minute trailer on January 29, 2021, showcasing high-quality graphics, seamless gameplay, and an expansive open world. The gaming community, excited by the prospect of a blend between The Division and The Last of Us, eagerly anticipated the game's release. However, the tide turned with the first delay in May 2022, attributed to a shift to Unreal Engine 5 technology. This marked the beginning of concerns, compounded by reports of Fntastic's "volunteering culture," raising questions about unpaid workers. Cracks Begin to Show As delays persisted, skepticism grew. Fntastic's rocky start to 2023 included a Steam page removal due to a trademark dispute and a subsequent admission that the delay was planned independently of the dispute. The developer reassured fans, but discontent brewed within The Day Before's community. Unhappy New Year A large portion of the fanbase accused Fntastic of deception, with some believing the entire project to be a scam. The tumultuous situation prompted Fntastic to respond, asserting the game's reality and pledging a November 10, 2023 release. Confusion lingered as the allegedly defunct developer hinted at future developments. In Retrospect The Day Before, once Steam's most wishlisted game, underwent a bizarre series of events that fueled suspicions and concerns among fans. Accusations of plagiarism and a trademark dispute added to the turmoil. Despite promises and delays, the game's Early Access launch in November 2023 faced significant issues, culminating in forced refunds for disgruntled customers. In the aftermath, Fntastic's fate remains uncertain, with reports suggesting the CEOs are already working on a new game. The strange saga of The Day Before serves as a cautionary tale in the gaming industry, highlighting the potential pitfalls of overpromising and underdelivering. As Fntastic attempts to salvage its reputation, the legacy of The Day Before will likely endure as a cautionary tale for developers and players alike.

Palworld, the latest sensation in the gaming realm, has taken the industry by storm since its recent debut on Xbox Game Preview. Breaking records and setting milestones, this captivating title has become the biggest 3rd party Game Pass launch in history within its first ten days on the platform. Xbox players have propelled it to new heights, marking it as the most-played 3rd party day one launch on Xbox Cloud Gaming with Game Pass Ultimate. With an impressive tally of over 7 million players across console and Windows PC, Palworld has hit a peak of nearly 3 million daily active users on Xbox alone, solidifying its status as the most-played game on the platform during that period. The CEO of Pocketpair, the mastermind behind Palworld, Takuro Mizobe, expressed gratitude, stating, “The response from fans has been tremendous, and it’s incredible to see the millions of players around the world enjoying Palworld. This is just the beginning for us and Palworld, and the feedback we’re gathering while in Game Preview will allow us to continue to improve the experience for Pal Tamers across all platforms.” For those unacquainted with the Pal Tamer journey, Palworld offers an online open-world adventure where players are thrust into a mysterious land, armed with the ability to capture over 100 Pals, creatures with diverse abilities useful both in battle and for survival in a hostile environment. The game's appeal lies in its seamless blend of battling, crafting, and building, captivating players worldwide. Palworld remains available in the Xbox Game Preview program, promising much more excitement as Pocketpair refines the experience in preparation for a full 1.0 release. The developers actively listen to player feedback, implementing improvements based on insights gained during the preview period. Notably, cross-play has emerged as a significant request from the fanbase, and Pocketpair is swiftly addressing this demand. Xbox is equally committed to enhancing the Palworld experience for its players. Collaborating closely with Pocketpair, Xbox is providing essential support for the game's Xbox versions, including dedicated servers and engineering resources to optimize GPU and memory usage. The partnership aims to accelerate the release of Palworld updates and optimize the title for the Xbox platform. Palworld is currently accessible on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC through the Game Preview program. Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass members can dive into this captivating world, and for those seeking the ultimate experience, Palworld is available on Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. Don't miss out on the Pal Taming action that has the gaming community buzzing!