Japanese mobile game BlazBlue Alternative: Dark War gets character reveal

January 11, 2018, 7:00 am

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Arc System Works have released a little more detail on their upcoming mobile title BlazBlue Alternative: Dark War, which is coming to iOS and Android in Japan later this year.

The game was first announced with a teaser site back in August of last year. Since then there has been little information on the game, it's concept, or gameplay style. The site was updated today with something, namely a character reveal and some dramatic words. This noble-looking gal is Ciel Sulphur, and she will support the player on their... quest? deck-building? farming endeavors?

Read more...

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A reported 7,672 games were released on Steam last year

January 11, 2018, 7:30 am

≫ Next: PUBG got 3 million Xbox players before the end of 2017

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Steam Spy has been very useful when it comes to gleaning various Steam trends. Whether it's concurrent or total users for games or total sales, glancing at public information can help a lot of people out when it comes to market research or more consumer-friendly stuff like "does this game have a community anymore and will I be able to play online?"

One decidedly unsettling number was just released though -- 7,672 games were released on Steam last year. That's 21 games per day on average.  Valve has been somewhat fighting the shovelware epidemic by curbing Greenlight, but outside of shedding Silicon Echo Studios (which released a series of notorious asset flipped titles) they haven't put a meaningful amount of effort into the practice.

Ultimately, it all goes back to the bottom line. Much like YouTube or any other content provider, cutting anything, whether it's for vague morality clause reasons or quality control, impacts their revenue stream. While long term benefits like consumer loyalty and curation do play a factor, companies can really drag their feet when it comes to snipping out large swaths of their marketplaces. Valve, known for its stubbornness, might have a tougher time with this than most.

Steam Spy [Twitter]

PUBG got 3 million Xbox players before the end of 2017

January 11, 2018, 7:45 am

≫ Next: Meltdown, Spectre, cybersecurity and you

≪ Previous: A reported 7,672 games were released on Steam last year

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When it was revealed that PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds would make its console debut on Xbox One, it was easy enough to predict incredible sales numbers. The most popular game in the world is coming to a more accessible platform. It doesn't take much insight to assume that's the formula for a success story.

And it has been so far! Xbox revealed today that PUBG ended the year with 3 million Xbox One players (not all necessarily purchased copies, but the vast majority surely are). Considering the December 12 release date, that's 3 million in 19 days. A lot of publishers would be proud of their game getting 3 million sales total, and they'd be ecstatic if those were just one platform's numbers.

But, by virtue of how staggeringly popular PUBG is, it's kind of just a normal-sounding figure. SteamSpy estimates there are about 28 million people who own the PC version now. It has had 2.6 million concurrent players today, which is approaching the entire Xbox install base. The Xbox statistics will only continue to grow but 3 million (and that's a big number!) manages to feel like a drop in the bucket when it should be rather impressive. Success sure has a funny way of influencing your perspective and moving the goalposts. 

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Passes 3 Million Players on Xbox One [Xbox Wire]

Meltdown, Spectre, cybersecurity and you

January 11, 2018, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Shigesato Itoi interview comic explores the origins of MOTHER

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You've probably heard the terms "Meltdown" and "Spectre" a lot lately. Over the past few days the two security vulnerabilities have been everywhere in the news. Hell, you're reading about them on a video game website right now, that's usually a sign that something's gone too far.

There's a good reason for that! We're used to vulnerabilities being isolated to some software or some machines, but nothing quite this widespread. Unless you're browsing Destructoid on a Raspberry Pi or something, the device you're using to read this page right now is vulnerable. That's just how it goes.

Read more...

Shigesato Itoi interview comic explores the origins of MOTHER

January 11, 2018, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Putin Says North Korea’s Kim ‘Won This Match’ on Nuclear Weapons

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Shigesato Itoi is not what you would call a video game superstar. He broke into the game industry as a copywriter with a question: "What RPG would Steven Spielberg create?"

From that question, coupled with his perseverance to bring his vision to life, he created the MOTHER franchise. Sure it's only three games, two if you wanna count the ones that have seen western releases, but it cannot be denied that fans of the MOTHER series are passionate about the trilogy. But does even the greatest fan know what the first MOTHER game was an homage to?

If you don't know the answer to that last question, fear not because series creator Shigesato Itoi himself was recently interviewed by Japanese author Keiichi Tanaka about the inspiration, the arduous development process of the MOTHER, MOTHER 2/EarthBound's development and, briefly, MOTHER 3. The best part? It's all presented in comic form, which brings a great visual aid to Itoi's story. The interview could also serve as inspiration for anyone that strives to complete their goals, as it also touches on persevering through multiple failures, while still maintaining enthusiasm for your vision.

The translated interview comic can be found here and is part of a series of interviews on denfaminicogamer.jp where notable Japanese game developers are interviewed about the passion projects of the early parts of their career. So far, beside Itoi, the creators of Yakuza, and Zoids as well as the legendary Hironobu Sakaguchi have also been interviewed as part of the series.

Keiichi Tanaka explores the history behind MOTHER [denfaminicogamer]

Putin Says North Korea’s Kim ‘Won This Match’ on Nuclear Weapons

January 11, 2018, 9:17 am

≫ Next: 2019 Ford Edge ST — it's a sportier Sport, and that’s not a bad thing

≪ Previous: Shigesato Itoi interview comic explores the origins of MOTHER

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has “won this match” in the contest to acquire nuclear weapons.

2019 Ford Edge ST — it's a sportier Sport, and that’s not a bad thing

January 11, 2018, 9:45 am

≫ Next: Fools Paradise – Super Professional

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It's safe to say the Edge ST was a surprise.

Fools Paradise – Super Professional

January 11, 2018, 11:00 am

≫ Next: A UPenn sophomore was found dead — the ninth student or faculty member to die in a year

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Fools Paradise is currently taking pre-orders for their Super Professional vinyl/PVC figure. The approximately 12-inch tall figure features Mario as Leon (The Super Professional) and Princess Peach as Mathilda. The set will be limited to a run of 398 pieces. It's priced at $268.00 and anticipated to begin shipping around Q2 of 2018.

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A UPenn sophomore was found dead — the ninth student or faculty member to die in a year

January 11, 2018, 11:05 am

≫ Next: Wal-Mart's Sam's Club to shut some stores after review

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Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, was found dead on Wednesday in what police are investigating as a homicide. Nine UPenn students and faculty have died since the start of 2017. Students at the University of Pennsylvania woke up to devastating news on Wednesday: Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old sophomore who had been reported missing for a week, had been found dead in a park in California.

Wal-Mart's Sam's Club to shut some stores after review

January 11, 2018, 11:10 am

≫ Next: WWE's John Cena To Voice Villain In Upcoming Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series

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Business Insider, citing Wal-Mart, reported that Sam's Club was closing 63 stores and laying off thousands of workers. Sam'S Club's tweet comes after local news outlets in Arizona, Alaska, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana and New York reported that some Sam's Club stores closed abruptly on Thursday, with employees learning of the move as they arrived for work. "Closing clubs is never easy and we're committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition," Sam's Club said on Twitter.

WWE's John Cena To Voice Villain In Upcoming Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series

January 11, 2018, 11:22 am

≫ Next: Two New Black Lightning Promo Videos From CW

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Two New Black Lightning Promo Videos From CW

January 11, 2018, 12:21 pm

≫ Next: Arrow Divided Extended Trailer

≪ Previous: WWE's John Cena To Voice Villain In Upcoming Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series

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Arrow Divided Extended Trailer

January 11, 2018, 12:26 pm

≫ Next: Zukaty x Plamanhobby Cow Head Customs

≪ Previous: Two New Black Lightning Promo Videos From CW

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Zukaty x Plamanhobby Cow Head Customs

January 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Donkey Kong is joining Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle as a playable hero

≪ Previous: Arrow Divided Extended Trailer

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The Zukaty x Plamanhobby Cow Head Customs are a collaborative work between zukaty and Plamanhobby. These will be available today (January 11th 2018), beginning at 10AM EST at http://zukatyartz.storenvy.com/. The series is available as three one-of-a-kind 10-inch tall pieces as follows: Taurus Galaxy Cowhead - $290.00 plus shipping Purplues Taurus Cowhead - $290.00 plus shipping Silver Dust Taurus Cowhead - $265.00 […] Read more

Donkey Kong is joining Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle as a playable hero

January 11, 2018, 9:15 am

≫ Next: Pokemon Go is dropping support for older iOS devices next month

≪ Previous: Zukaty x Plamanhobby Cow Head Customs

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Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a turn-based strategy game and Donkey Kong has patiently waited his turn. Now it's his chance to leap into action with his banana boomerangs and Simian Slams.

Today, Ubisoft revealed that there's going to be some Donkey Kong-themed DLC for Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. In the announcement post, creative director Davide Soliani cites DK's raw strength and his aloof attitude as ideal traits for involving him in this add-on.

Yeah, that all checks out. It was tough to believe that Nintendo would lend the Mario property to Ubisoft to mix with Rabbids. Once that happened (in surprisingly fantastic fashion, mind you), it became a lot more realistic for other Nintendo properties to make the leap. Donkey Kong seems like a natural fit now that Mario broke down the barriers.

Ubisoft hasn't yet said much about this expansion apart from the lead role and that it includes "an original story and a new world." But, it's not hard to imagine Donkey Kong sitting on the grid, ready to pounce. Maybe he'll have the DK64 coconut gun or maybe he'll be able to do his Smash Bros. Konga Beat. Lotta possibilities here. 

The Mario + Rabbids: Donkey Kong DLC releases sometime this spring and its price hasn't yet been announced.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle DLC -- Donkey Kong Swings into Action [Ubisoft]

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Pokemon Go is dropping support for older iOS devices next month

January 11, 2018, 9:30 am

≫ Next: Fe finally reveals its forest of mysteries in February

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As of February 28, 2018, you'll no longer be able to play Pokémon Go on older iOS devices that can't upgrade to iOS 11, including iPhone 5 and 5c. Niantic is planning an update with improvements that "push the application beyond the capabilities of the operating systems on such devices."

Before you start sweating, check the full list of affected devices:

"Trainers using affected devices may no longer be able to access their Pokémon Go accounts from that device, or use their PokéCoins or other items in their Bags," meaning the end is near for some.

Here's a visual aid:

That said, if your device supports iOS 11 but you haven't upgraded (I feel ya), you won't need to do so yet. "No action is required. You will continue to be able to access Pokémon Go without interruption."

Pokémon GO to discontinue support on Apple devices that are not capable of upgrading to iOS 11 [Pokémon Go via Lifehacker]

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Fe finally reveals its forest of mysteries in February

January 11, 2018, 9:45 am

≫ Next: Former arcade exclusive Border Break takes aim for PS4

≪ Previous: Pokemon Go is dropping support for older iOS devices next month

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Upcoming EA-backed-but-still-indie platformer Fe is releasing at the most appropriate time it can: Smack dab in the middle of February. Developer Zoink Games announced today that Fe is set for a February 16 launch -- just over a month away.

Fe has been fairly quiet ever since its June 2016 reveal. It's a gorgeous exploration game about a cub finding its way through a dark Nordic forest. There are promises of "secrets, legends, and mystical creatures" hiding in the woods, all the right sort of words to make the mysteries of the forest all the more intriguing.

From a business perspective, Fe is intriguing because it's one of a few games that are a part of Electronic Arts' "EA Originals" program -- an initiative to give promising-seeming indie titles big publisher backing. Unravel was another one of those games, and everyone knows how that turned out; it stole a lot of hearts two years ago.

Fe has the opportunity to make a similarly big splash. It looks to have the charm and aesthetic of something that ends up well-received. It has its net cast wide, too. Fe's releasing on all of the major platforms on February 16 -- PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

Former arcade exclusive Border Break takes aim for PS4

January 11, 2018, 10:00 am

≫ Next: PUBG players will be able to make claims for lost 'battle points' soon

≪ Previous: Fe finally reveals its forest of mysteries in February

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For nearly a decade, Border Break has been a staple of Japanese arcades. A large-scale 10 vs. 10 team battle game, players are able to create and customise their own units by picking specific classes of mecha they will use as well as unlocking more powerful weapons and cosmetics by spending in-game currency earned through playing. 

The game has gone through a number of updates in its nine-year lifespan and has even had model kits of the mecha and figures of the female navigator characters to purchase, but the game itself has never reached out beyond the arcade (save for a mobile game in 2014) until now.

Announced earlier today, Border Break will be hitting PS4 in Japan in the summer with an open beta in February. It will use a free-to-play model so there will be some clear differences between this and the arcade version but for the first time, players outside of Japan will be able to give it a try and see what all the fuss is about (provided you have a Japanese PSN account).

The game is said to have a more expansive story mode as well at the expected online elements and will support DualShock 4 controls as well as mouse, to try and mimic the arcade controls which consists of a flightstick on the left and a mouse-like device on the right. It's... weird. For now, we get to check out the PV released by Sega for the game to give us an idea on what to expect but for those interested, keep your eyes peeled for the open beta next month!

[Via Gematsu]

PUBG players will be able to make claims for lost 'battle points' soon

January 11, 2018, 10:30 am

≫ Next: Walmart closing 63 Sam's Club stores and laying off thousands of workers

≪ Previous: Former arcade exclusive Border Break takes aim for PS4

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While PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds did manage to release in 2017, the game didn't suddenly shed all of its problems. Upon release day last month, there was a problem with the BP (or battle points) system for the game's reward crates. A lot of players did not properly receive points based on their performance and PUBG Corp. has issued an apology for the occurrence.

"We would first like to offer our most sincere apologies to our users who could not fully enjoy the game because BP was not given out properly," reads the Steam Community forum post, "an issue which had occurred after the PC 1.0 launch." From now until February 9, you'll be able to boot up the game and make a claim for any lost BP you feel you were cheated out of. To be clear, after that date, you won't be able to make any claims of lost BP.

I'm not sure if many people care about lost battle points, though, as the game is still infested with cheaters. The same Steam Community post has a couple of hundred pages of people complaining about other issues with the game and asking for a region lock on Chinese servers. While a few complaints are legit (like asking for a map toggle), others just seem to be salty over a perceived lack of focus.

Whatever the case may be, at least one issue is getting solved soon. I do wish it dealt with an actual gameplay problem, however.

PC 1.0 Update #2 Follow Up: BP Compensation [Steam Community]

Walmart closing 63 Sam's Club stores and laying off thousands of workers

January 11, 2018, 11:50 am

≫ Next: Amid North Korea tensions, US shows off military might in Guam

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On the same breath that Walmart announced that it is raising its hourly wages to $11 and giving employees bonuses due to tax return, the world’s largest retailer also revealed it’s closing 63 Sam’s Club locations across the U.S., which will ultimately lay off thousands of workers.