Gearbox Publishing has joyfully revealed that Remnant 2 has achieved a remarkable feat by selling over one million units within its first week of release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. The highly anticipated three-person cooperative shooter hit the market on July 25, receiving enthusiastic praise from both players and critics, and it's evident that the excitement surrounding the long-awaited sequel translated into impressive sales. Gunfire Games CEO, David Adams, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to this incredible milestone, acknowledging their unwavering support during the multi-year development journey. He emphasized the team's dedication and passion poured into the game, which has now been embraced by a thrilled community. Yoon Im, the president of Gearbox Publishing San Francisco, shared the overwhelming pride in Remnant 2's success, stating that the game surpassed their expectations as both a commercial hit and a critical success. He extended his thanks to the Remnant community for their unwavering support during the game's development. Furthermore, he warmly welcomed the new Remnant fans who joined the community in the past week, appreciating their presence on this extraordinary journey. The achievement of this sales milestone may not come as a surprise, considering that Remnant 2 soared to the top of Steam's best-sellers list even before its launch. Gunfire Games was humbled and grateful for the positive response from the community. They are dedicated to refining the game's performance and addressing issues such as bugs and a PS5 invite error that impacted some players. With this commitment to improvement, they are determined to ensure that players continue to have a fantastic experience with Remnant 2.

According to a recent report via VGC, Nintendo is planning to release its next-generation console in the second half of 2024. Development kits for this unannounced console have already been distributed to partner studios, and the release window has been strategically set to ensure sufficient stock availability at launch. Similar to the Nintendo Switch, this upcoming console will also offer portable mode functionality, allowing players to enjoy games on the go. To keep costs down, the console will feature an LCD screen rather than an OLED screen. Additionally, it will include a cartridge slot for physical game copies. However, the question of backwards compatibility with Nintendo Switch games remains uncertain, and Nintendo has not provided any official comments on this matter when approached by IGN. Earlier, in May, Nintendo's President, Shuntaro Furukawa, had stated that the long-rumored successor to the Nintendo Switch would not be released before April 2024. He clarified during an investors' presentation that no new hardware is planned for the 2023/24 financial year, which concludes on March 31, 2024. Despite a decline in Switch sales, with around 18 million units sold in the last financial year (compared to 23 million in the previous year and 28 million in the year before that), Nintendo is not rushing to launch a new console to address this decline. Instead, the company is focused on sustaining the Switch's sales momentum and aims to achieve its goal of selling 15 million units in the current fiscal year. While rumors about the new console have been circulating for years, no official information regarding its features, specifications, or graphical capabilities has been disclosed by Nintendo yet. The speculations about enhanced graphics comparable to the PlayStation 4 and its Pro model are still unconfirmed. Nintendo enthusiasts eagerly await any official announcements regarding the next piece of hardware from the company.

PlayStation Plus members in the Premium tier now have the exciting opportunity to try out one of the gaming industry's highest-rated titles, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition. Originally released in 2015 to critical acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards, The Witcher 3 has continued to be a beloved game, especially after being made available on newer platforms, including PS5, where it holds an impressive Metacritic score of 94. Thanks to a trial offered by PlayStation Game Size, PS Plus Premium members can experience The Witcher 3 for up to four hours at no extra cost. While this may only provide a brief introduction to the game's extensive story and gameplay mechanics, it still grants subscribers a valuable hands-on experience with the title. It's worth noting that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt typically takes over 50 hours to complete, so the four-hour trial is a condensed glimpse into its immersive world. Nonetheless, fans will get a taste of the game's captivating features. As a recent update from CD Projekt Red has brought significant improvements to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can enjoy a more polished and refined experience. Fixes for grass collision and ray tracing implementation issues were among the notable improvements introduced in the update. Various time-limited game trials on PS Plus Premium offer different durations, often based on the genre and publisher. While massive RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 may offer a five-hour trial, some titles only allow users to play for up to an hour. A standout example of brevity is Hogwarts Legacy, with its PS Plus Premium trial lasting only 45 minutes. In addition to the exclusive trial opportunities, PS Plus Premium users also enjoy all the benefits of the other two tiers, granting access to a vast catalog of titles, along with the free monthly games. While the upcoming games for PS Plus Premium in August 2023 have yet to be revealed by Sony, members across all tiers can look forward to playing Death's Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23 next month.

In a recent interview with Julien Chièze, Fabian Salamon, the producer of Assassin's Creed Mirage, disclosed that the game's average completion time would be around 20-24 hours. Salamon explained that completionists might take up to 30 hours to finish the game, while expert players could wrap it up in just 20 hours. During the interview, Salamon revealed that the studio conducted several internal playtests for the game, which consistently resulted in completion times ranging from 20 to 24 hours. For those who fully immerse themselves in the game and pursue all its aspects, the total playtime might extend to 25-30 hours. On the other hand, players who rush through the game could complete it in approximately 20 hours. Assassin's Creed Mirage will be notably shorter than recent titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which had an average main story completion time of 60 hours. This makes Mirage more comparable in length to older entries in the franchise, such as Unity and Black Flag. In terms of gameplay and genre, Salamon clarified that Assassin's Creed Mirage is a single-player action-adventure game, differentiating it from open-world RPGs like Valhalla and Odyssey. However, the storyline of Mirage will tie into Valhalla, as it features the protagonist, Basim, who first appeared in Valhalla. The developer emphasized that players don't necessarily need to play Valhalla to enjoy Mirage fully. The story will have an end for both Valhalla players and those who haven't played it, providing a cohesive experience for all players. By focusing on storytelling and offering a more concise gameplay experience, Assassin's Creed Mirage represents a return to the franchise's roots. In contrast to recent criticisms about the series favoring longer games with massive open worlds, Mirage aims to provide a more focused and narrative-driven adventure. Developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux, Assassin's Creed Mirage will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC starting October 12, 2023.

Microsoft has made the unfortunate decision to shut down the Xbox Console Companion App, leaving capture enthusiasts without a direct first-party option to import screenshots from consoles to PC. This app was a vital tool for users to access and download clips and screenshots from their Xbox consoles onto their computers, making it especially valuable for content creators and reviewers who often incorporate these captures into their work. The closure of the Companion App presents a significant inconvenience, compounded by the fact that there is no direct replacement. Windows Central's Jez Corden pointed out that this removal leaves users without any first-party means to access Xbox clips and screenshots on Windows PCs. Microsoft currently has three Xbox apps on PC: the Xbox Game Bar, the Xbox app, and the Console Companion App. Unfortunately, neither the Game Bar nor the official Windows Xbox app offer the ability to download screenshots from Xbox LIVE. This move comes after a history of complications with Microsoft's screenshot and capture functionality. On July 28, 2023, Microsoft announced that the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows would be deprecated on August 28, 2023. While users can still engage with Xbox games, services, and communities on their Windows devices using the Xbox app for Windows, the loss of the Companion App's screenshot-importing capabilities remains a significant setback. In the past, the Xbox One lacked a dedicated screenshot and video capture button on the controller like the PlayStation 4's DualShock 4, which offered native support for screenshot functionality. This made capturing screenshots and videos on the Xbox One a hassle, requiring users to upload them to OneDrive and download them separately. With the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft addressed this issue by adding a dedicated screenshot button to the new controller, which was a welcome improvement. However, a new problem arose as the console automatically overrides stored screenshots and captured clips when storage space runs low. This automatic overwriting can lead to the loss of valuable captures without any warning. Now, with the closure of the Companion App, gamers face yet another challenge in importing their captures. While manual import to a USB stick remains an option, it's essential to avoid the auto-overwrite feature by setting all captures to be saved to a dedicated USB drive instead of relying solely on the console's built-in SSD. This will help preserve valuable captures and screenshots for the long term.

Enric Álvarez, CEO of MercurySteam, the developer behind Metroid Dread, revealed in an interview with Gamereactor that the action-adventure title has surpassed three million copies sold worldwide. He expressed pride in the game's development, calling it "one of the best games in the franchise." This updated sales figure solidifies its position as the highest-selling Metroid release to date. During the interview, Enric Álvarez addressed a previous report suggesting a chaotic development process for Metroid Dread. He refuted the claim, stating that such chaos wouldn't result in a triumphant game like Metroid Dread. The game's critical acclaim, numerous Game of the Year nominations, and record-breaking sales in the UK, Japan, and the US supported his assertion. Although Enric Álvarez didn't provide exact numbers, he indicated that the game has sold "3 point something million copies" as of now, marking an increase from the last official sales figure of 2.9 million copies as of May 2022. Metroid Dread's success not only brought commercial triumph but also revitalized the Metroid franchise, previously seen as competent but lacking commercial success with entries like Metroid: Samus Returns. With Dread's success on the Nintendo Switch, it attracted a new generation of fans to the action series. Furthermore, this success positively influenced the sales of Metroid Prime Remastered in 2023, which sold over a million copies worldwide in under two months after its release on March 31st, 2023. This newfound success bodes well for the series' future, and while Metroid Prime 4 still awaits a release date, fans remain hopeful that it will arrive sooner rather than later, possibly on the new Nintendo Switch successor.

The excitement surrounding Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is undeniable, as the beloved superhero has captured the hearts of many. PlayStation's previous successes with Marvel's Spider-Man and Miles Morales only intensified fans' hunger for more. However, rumors are now circulating about the possibility of a villain-centered game in the works. With the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 just around the corner in October, anticipation is running high, though it still feels like a long wait. What makes this installment intriguing is its slightly different direction, leaving players curious about what the future holds. Insomniac Games, the developer behind these Marvel titles, has been tight-lipped about a potential PC release for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. So far, it remains exclusive to PlayStation, leaving PC fans eager to join the excitement. Another exclusive Marvel title, Marvel's The Wolverine, is also set for release on PlayStation 5. However, rumors suggest that Insomniac Games might have a third Marvel title in the works, unrelated to Spider-Man and Wolverine. Culture Crave, known for posting credible video game content that often comes true later, recently tweeted about Insomniac Games' mysterious project. Speculations have arisen about the nature of this new game. Some fans ponder whether it could be a Sinister Six game, while others dream of a Punisher video game to join the existing lineup. Venom's appearance in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has sparked rumors that the third AAA title might be Venom related. This leads to the question of how interconnected the games would be, considering the presence of Venom in Spider-Man 2. Fans have also engaged in a poll on the tweet, listing potential characters for the third game, including Iron Man, Deadpool, Hulk, and Black Panther. While a new Iron Man game is already in development and a possible Black Panther title is being considered, Deadpool seems to have emerged as the top choice. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet, leaving fans eagerly awaiting answers about this upcoming game. In conclusion, the Marvel gaming universe continues to expand with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 generating much excitement. With whispers of a third Marvel title from Insomniac Games, the possibilities for future games are creating a buzz of anticipation among fans. Let's hope that the developers shed some light on these speculations soon.

Larian Studios has unveiled an exciting offer for Baldur's Gate 3 fans. If you purchase the game on any day before August 3, you'll receive a free upgrade to the digital deluxe edition, saving you $20. However, there's a catch; this offer is exclusive to the PC edition, and console players won't be able to take advantage of it. So, if you're planning to play Baldur's Gate 3 on PC and want to enjoy the deluxe perks, act quickly to make the most of this deal. The deluxe edition, available only in digital form, comes packed with enticing extras. Firstly, you'll get the Bard song pack, featuring an enchanting collection of new songs guaranteed to captivate audiences. Of course, the deluxe version also includes the base game. Additionally, you'll receive an exclusive dice theme, giving your checks a stylish flair, along with numerous captivating paintings from Rivellon to explore across the forgotten realms. Players will also benefit from an adventure pouch filled with camp supplies and potions, providing a head start in their Baldur's Gate 3 journey. The digital deluxe edition also includes the official soundtrack composed by Borislav Slavov, letting you fully immerse yourself in the game's musical brilliance. Furthermore, you can delve into the art and design of Baldur's Gate 3 through an exclusive digital art book crafted by the developers. Each origin character in the game will have their own four-page D&D character sheet, adding depth to your role-playing experience. For those who pre-order Baldur's Gate 3 on PC and acquire the deluxe edition, an item pack from the world of Divinity: Original Sin will be yours to enjoy. This pack contains exciting items such as the Cape of the Red Prince, inspired by the character from Divinity: Original Sin II, and the shapeshifter mask, allowing you to change race and appearance on the fly. Additionally, the digital deluxe edition grants access to unique playable items, including the Lute of the Merryweather Bard (inspired by Lohse of Divinity: Original Sin II), the needle of the outlaw rogue (a dagger inspired by Sebille of Divinity: Original Sin II), and the bicorne of the sea beast (headgear inspired by Beast of Divinity: Original Sin II). For now, the digital deluxe edition is available exclusively on the PlayStation Store. After the game launches on August 3, it will be available for PC as well. So, if you wish to enjoy all the deluxe edition features for the price of the base game ($60), make your purchase on PC before the offer ends. Baldur's Gate 3 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on September 7, following its PC release in August.

What a delightful surprise! Nintendo has generously added two timeless classics from the Zelda series to its Switch Online subscription service. On July 27, players can now enjoy The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Before this addition, the Game Boy library on the Nintendo handheld hybrid was quite sparse. However, with the inclusion of these companion pieces from 2001, it is now shaping up to be a more fulfilling collection. These games, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, perfectly blend the nostalgic charm of old-school top-down Zelda adventures with clever mechanics that result in engaging puzzles and visually appealing pixel art gameplay. In Oracle of Seasons, Link wields the Rod of Seasons to manipulate time and change the seasons, while in Oracle of Ages, the Harp of Ages enables him to travel through time. Both these instruments bring about transformations in different parts of the world, with Oracle of Ages focusing more on puzzle-solving aspects. The brilliance lies in the fact that completing one game grants a secret code to alter the gameplay and storyline in the other, creating a unique interactive experience. Players who complete both games can then take on the final secret boss, adding an extra layer of excitement. What truly sets these games apart and endears them to players is the rich and captivating overworlds filled with monsters to battle, items to collect, and secrets to unveil. Released shortly after Ocarina of Time, they mark the end of the classic 2D structure of the series, where players explored dense maps and conquered individually themed dungeons—a feature that some still yearn for in modern Zeldas like Tears of the Kingdom. For many, Oracle of Seasons and Ages rank among the finest handheld Zelda games ever crafted by Nintendo. In fact, for some, they stand tall as two of the greatest entries in the entire Zelda series. As the summer heat intensifies, there couldn't be a more opportune moment to take a delightful escape from reality and immerse oneself in the enchanting, surreal, and nostalgia-filled worlds of these two gems.

During this year's ExileCon keynote, Grinding Gear Games made a significant announcement regarding Path of Exile 2. Originally planned as a replacement for its predecessor, the game will now be developed as a separate entity and will operate on its own client. This decision was prompted by the substantial expansion PoE2 underwent since its initial announcement four years ago, as reported by PC Gamer. Jonathan Rogers, co-founder of Grinding Gear Games, highlighted the extensive enhancements coming to PoE2. These include the introduction of six new classes, 36 ascendancy classes, 600 unique monsters, 100 challenging bosses, 240 active skills, and a staggering 1,500 passive skills. Notably, players have warmly embraced the addition of a dodge roll mechanic with no cooldown. Initially, there were concerns about completely replacing the beloved Path of Exile 1 with its sequel, which was reminiscent of what happened with Overwatch and its successor. In light of this, Rogers explained that they realized the plan to replace PoE1 with PoE2 would essentially mean getting rid of a game that people love without any valid reason. Consequently, they decided that Path of Exile 1 and 2 will be distinct games, each with its own mechanics, balance, endgames, and leagues. Despite their separation, PoE1 and PoE2 will maintain some connection. In-game purchases will be available in both games, with some exceptions due to compatibility issues. Rogers assured players that items purchased in one game can be used in the other, as long as the content aligns. However, certain exclusive content may not be transferable between the two. At the event, developers showcased a portion of PoE2's campaign called the Jungle Depths of Act 3, which features the new Monk class, one of six being introduced in the sequel. Initially announced as an expansion in 2019, Path of Exile 2 is now slated for a simultaneous release on PC and consoles. It is highly anticipated and expected to pose a significant challenge to Diablo IV upon its launch.

Microsoft is revising its proposed deal with Activision Blizzard in order to address concerns raised by UK regulators. The main alteration involves transferring cloud gaming rights for both existing and future Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft. This change is aimed at satisfying the UK Competition and Markets Authority's worries about the potential impact of Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition on cloud gaming competition. As a result of this reshaped agreement, a new regulatory investigation has been initiated in the UK, expected to persist until October 18th. Microsoft President Brad Smith explains, "To address concerns about the impact of the proposed acquisition on cloud game streaming, as highlighted by the UK Competition and Markets Authority, we are restructuring the transaction to acquire a more limited set of rights." He adds that this involves a post-merger agreement that transfers cloud streaming rights for all current and upcoming Activision Blizzard PC and console games for the next 15 years to Ubisoft Entertainment SA, a prominent global game publisher, with the rights being perpetual. The revised deal means that if Microsoft finalizes the acquisition, it won't be able to exclusively offer Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, Microsoft won't possess exclusive control over the licensing terms of these games on competing services. Instead, Ubisoft will have control over streaming rights for Activision Blizzard games outside the EU, and then license the titles back to Microsoft for inclusion in Xbox Cloud Gaming. Smith elaborates, "Ubisoft will compensate Microsoft for the cloud streaming rights to Activision Blizzard’s games through a one-off payment and through a market-based wholesale pricing mechanism, including an option that supports pricing based on usage." He adds that Ubisoft will also be able to offer these games to cloud gaming services operating on non-Windows systems. Furthermore, Ubisoft intends to integrate Activision Blizzard games into its Ubisoft Plus Multi Access subscription, which is accessible on PC, Xbox, Amazon Luna, and PlayStation via Ubisoft Plus Classics. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority initially blocked Microsoft's deal in April due to cloud gaming concerns. Following the Federal Trade Commission's loss in a US federal court, negotiations were entered into with Microsoft. However, the restructured deal prompted a new investigation phase by the CMA, with a deadline set for October 18th. The CMA has placed a final order on Microsoft's initial deal, globally prohibiting it during the investigation into this new restructuring of the proposed acquisition. Ubisoft will also have the option, for a fee, to demand Microsoft to adapt Activision's titles to operating systems other than Windows if Ubisoft decides to license the cloud streaming rights to non-Windows cloud gaming services. This reshaped deal won't affect Microsoft's obligations to the European Commission. The EU regulators had approved the Activision Blizzard deal, taking into account a provision that allowed consumers in EU countries to stream current and future Activision Blizzard PC and console games through any cloud game streaming service of their choice. The CMA will review the adjusted deal in the following weeks and make a decision by the October 18th deadline. Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, emphasizes that this doesn't signify approval, stating, "This is not a green light. We will carefully and objectively assess the details of the restructured deal and its impact on competition, including in light of third-party comments. Our goal has not changed – any future decision on this new deal will ensure that the growing cloud gaming market continues to benefit from open and effective competition driving innovation and choice."

Charles Martinet is an American voice actor best known for his iconic role as the voice of Mario, the beloved Nintendo video game character. He has provided the voice for Mario in numerous video games and other media since 1995. Martinet's portrayal of Mario, with his enthusiastic and cheerful voice, has become synonymous with the character and has endeared him to fans around the world. Martinet's work as Mario has extended beyond just video games. He has lent his voice to various Mario-related projects, including animated TV shows, movies, and theme park attractions. In addition to Mario, he has also voiced other characters in the Mario universe, such as Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and various Toads. Charles Martinet's journey into voice acting began unexpectedly when he auditioned for the role of Mario at a trade show. His unique take on the character, which he described as a mix of a plumber from Brooklyn and a superhero, won him the role. Since then, he has been an integral part of Mario's evolution and success in the gaming industry. Beyond his work as Mario, Charles Martinet has also lent his voice to other video game characters and projects, although his association with the Mario franchise remains his most prominent achievement. He has made appearances at gaming events, conventions, and fan gatherings, where he often interacts with fans and embraces his role as a beloved figure in the gaming community. Charles Martinet has been the voice of Super Mario basically forever, but Nintendo just announced via their official Twitter account that he won't perform in the role going forward.