Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Gaming News

  • ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ Remake is Being Built “From Scratch”, Update Not for Another “Several Months”

    ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ Remake is Being Built “From Scratch”, Update Not for Another “Several Months”

    Ever since the initial reveal, many were excited to see what the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic might be like. It seemed like they might have to wait a little longer on an update, as during the Q4 report by Embracer Group, which owns the developers Aspyr Media, they revealed that the game is being remade “from scratch.” While discussing the game and the Playstation exclusive deal, board member Matthew Karch talked about the game’s size and that we’ll probably get an updated “in the next several months.”

    We’re fully confident that the game is going to be fantastic but it’s a massive, massive product and massive products require a lot of effort and a lot of time to make good. And especially when you’re talking about a game already old — very old — we’ve basically had to remake that game from scratch. I would say in the next several months you’ll be hearing more from us about it.

    Matthew Karch

    It does sound like the game has become a “massive,” as Karch put it, undertaking for Aspyr. It seems Saber Interactive is also involved with the production. There’s a lot of excitement for what the project might bring, especially with how beloved the Knights of the Old Republic franchise is. There have been hints that the game might not replicate the gameplay from the original but take a very different approach, but so far we only got a teaser but not actual gameplay. Here’s hoping we may get at least a glimpse of what the new version will play like.

    Source: Push Square

  • ‘Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ Gets Rating in South Korea, Hints at Release Soon

    ‘Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ Gets Rating in South Korea, Hints at Release Soon

    While most attention has been on Marvel’s Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy game as of late, the upcoming XCOM-inspired Midnight Suns has been a bit dormant. Due to some delays, it was unclear when we might expect the game to release, which will feature a wide variety of Marvel characters facing off against Lilith and the revived HYDRA. The player will take on the character only known as Hunter, who they can customize throughout the game’s playtime. A Redditor by the name of u/LongJonSllver has uncovered a rating in South Korea for the game, which may hint at a release date soon.

    Normally, rating boards are only assigned when a game is near completion and they are on their way to finalizing the project. There’s been no word if the game has gone gold yet, but it does add to the speculation that a new announcement may be on the horizon.

    Normally, rating boards are only assigned when a game is near completion and they are on their way to finalizing the project. There’s been no word if the game has gone gold yet, but it does add to the speculation that a new announcement may be on the horizon. XCOM developer Firaxis is working on the game, which started making the rounds ahead of last year’s E3 event. There are supposedly some unannounced characters for the game. So, we’ll see if they may also get their time in the spotlight once more details are revealed on its upcoming release.

    Source: Reddit via VGC

  • 3 New ‘Silent Hill’ Titles in Development

    3 New ‘Silent Hill’ Titles in Development

    Just recently, we shared leaked photos from what is supposedly the new mainline Silent Hill revival. It’s been quite a long time since the last entry in the franchise, which was Silent Hill: Downfall back in 2012. So, many have been hoping to see one of the most influential horror franchises make a grand return, and it seems that Konami is cooking up quite a bit for the franchise’s revival.

    According to Video Game Chronicles, there are currently not one but three games in development. This adds to recent leaks by journalist Jeff Grubb and influencer NateTheHate adding to the possibility of these projects in development. It seems that Bloober is the one working actively on one of the new Silent Hill entries. This may be a remake of Silent Hill 2 is in some form of development, which will feature “reworked AI, animations, puzzles and several new endings” with a PlayStation exclusive release planned for a limited time.

    In addition, we have a new mainline game and an episodic series of “short stories” in some form of development. It seems Until Dawn’s Supermassive might have been in talks before creating the concept for the Dark Pictures anthology. Annapurna Interactive may now be the one involved with the new episode project, but there have seemingly been many in some form of discussion. For now, there’s hope we could see something later this year.

    Source: VGC

  • RUMOR: New Leaks Offer First Look at Long-Rumored ‘Silent Hill’ Revival

    RUMOR: New Leaks Offer First Look at Long-Rumored ‘Silent Hill’ Revival

    There have been quite a few rumors that a PlayStation exclusive Silent Hirumors that a PlayStation exclusive Silent Hills revival. It was initially expected to get an official announcement during last year’s Video Game Awards, but even with a few teases it was quite empty for fans of the iconic horror franchise. Now, it seems that a user by the name AestheticGamer has shared some images that could be part of the long-rumored Silent Hills game.

    Video Game Chronicles has shared a few of the photos that seemingly hint at a strange room covered in post-it notes and a character that has cherry blossoms for hair. As there’s no official announcement, it’s hard to confirm if this is actually from that game or if someone went out of their way to create some very elaborate concept art, which has also been removed through a DMCA, adding to it being real potentially.

    AestheticGamer also shared the following statement in regard to the images they put out:

    There’s a lot I’m not sharing for now. This is from a relatively new source for me, but I have been given more than enough proof to believe them. I also will mention the names ‘Anita & Maya’, ‘SMS Messages’, and this is not the only Silent Hill game in development. The shots are a bit dated, from 2020, so maybe this project looks a bit different now. But [this is] what I’m choosing to share. I know many will doubt this, but I have a lot of private proof to show this is real, and as always I continue to wait on the Silent Hill game reveal

    AestheticGamer

    The fact that multiple Silent Hill games are in development is rather curious, but it could be a hint at mobile games or other ways to cash in on the game’s return. Silent Hill with VR or even remakes of the originals, especially to make up for what happened to Silent Hill 2 with the PS3 remaster, seem fitting additions to revive the franchise after a long hiatus since the release of Silent Hill: Downpour.

    Source: Reddit via VGC

  • RUMOR: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ Sequel’s Title Potentially Revealed

    RUMOR: ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ Sequel’s Title Potentially Revealed

    Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was quite a unique experience, as the developers took some inspiration from Dark Souls and used similar mechanics in a Star Wars game. We follow the story of Cal Kestis, who is on the run after having lived through Order 66 when he was a young Padawan and is now faced with the Inquisitors. We’ve still waited for some kind of update on the sequel, but a new rumor may have given us at least the title for the sequel.

    Gaming insider Jeff Grub asked some of his Twitch users what they believe the title might end up being, and it turns out colonelsanders21 was the right one to guess it, as Grubb went on to reveal that the title will be Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. He was the first to hint that a reveal for the sequel would follow at some point this month. So, we’ll see if more follows soon.

    UPDATING

    Source: Twitch via The Direct

  • Hangar 13 Developing a ‘Mafia’ Prequel Game

    Hangar 13 Developing a ‘Mafia’ Prequel Game

    After 2K announced the departure of Hangar 13 studio head Haden Blackman, rumors began spreading over the project he walked out on. Hangar 13 is best known for the Mafia franchise, an open-world prohibition-era game franchise similar in a lot of ways to games like Grand Theft Auto. While Mafia may have never gotten the acclaim and popularity of its competitors, it does have a pretty dedicated fanbase and has seen some moderate success.

    It’s rumored that Blackman departed very early in the development Mafia project, which is expected to be a prequel to the franchise and will be running on Unreal Engine 5, unlike the recent remasters collections that ran on Mafia III’s proprietary engine. No more details are known about the game at this time as it is still not technically confirmed by Hangar 13 or 2k who publishes the franchise.

    After suffering two rounds of layoffs following Mafia III’s release and now losing not one, but two higher-ups, Hangar 13 has definitely been in a bit of a problem area for years now. While the studio head departing may not mean the project is in trouble, a lot of things are stacking up to have me guessing that something isn’t quite right. Hopefully, they are able to deliver on the new title and stabilize, a rocky development studio is almost never a good sign for a new game. Hangar 13 has been recently assisting other developers on their projects, including Gearbox’s Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. This has led many people to speculate that they may be moving into more of a support role, but we will see what the fate of the company is over the next few years.

    Source: Kotaku

  • First Look at ‘Fortnite’s New ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Scarlet Witch Skin Leaks

    First Look at ‘Fortnite’s New ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Scarlet Witch Skin Leaks

    Nowadays, it has become a tradition that any major film release will also include some kind of tie-in. Most of the time, all eyes are on the Funko Pops that add a little something for collectors. Yet, there’s another gaming franchise that has become quite consistent with its film tie-ins. Fortnite has always revealed some great skins for players that always wanted to play as their favorite heroes. Well-known Fortnite leaker HYPEX has shared the first look at Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ tie-in skin that features Wanda Maximoff’s new Scarlet Witch costume.

    While we don’t get a good look at the full design, it definitely is great to know that we’ll get to play as this version of Wanda in the game, especially those that wanted to get their hands on the iconic costume. The design definitely stands out and feels like a natural evolution from what we saw in WandaVision, which surprisingly didn’t have a tie-in. So, while I said it consistently has a tie-in, there are also some expectations, and perhaps is this addition a way to make up for that.

    UPDATING

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’s Future Currently Uncertain After Square Enix Sale

    ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’s Future Currently Uncertain After Square Enix Sale

    A bombshell has just dropped, as Square Enix just sold its entire Western division for only $300M. With one single sale, the Japanese developer has sold every Western company under their umbrella alongside the many IPs that they work on. Yet, it also opens up the question of what exactly this means for the future of the Marvel games that are being developed by some of their studios.

    Initially, the deal made between Square Enix and Marvel would include four games. Two of those released in the form of Crystal Dynamics’ first venture into Games-as-a-Service with Marvel’s Avengers and the story-focused Guardians of the Galaxy by Eidos. During the press conference on the purchase, a statement was made on if the development of Marvel games would continue.

    All games that have been developed by the studios are included in the deal. However, a number of external approvals are needed from external parties to close this transaction. And potentially, licenses as mentioned here could be one of those approvals needed.

    Lars Wingefors

    So, if Marvel or Disney decides not to renew the license, the games would potentially find their end. This news hits especially hard for Crystal Dynamics, which has been quite dedicated to making Marvel’s Avengers work as a service game. after its critical success, there was also a lot of hope that Guardians of the Galaxy would get a sequel. Yet, if they do not renew their deal with the new Embracer Group, it sadly could spell the end of these ventures once the deal is finalized.

    Source: Embracer

  • BREAKING: Square Enix Sells Entire Western Division to Embracer Group for Only $300M

    BREAKING: Square Enix Sells Entire Western Division to Embracer Group for Only $300M

    Earlier last month, we learned that Gearbox’s parent company, the Embracer Group, was planning to continue its acquisition spree in the coming months. While not much was known on who they were currently eyeing at the time, a sudden press conference has revealed that Square-Enix has now sold its entire Western division, including all IPs connected to those companies, to the Embracer Group for $300M. This purchase includes the companies of Eidos, Crystal Dynamics, and Square Enix Montréal. CEO Lars Wingefors had the following to say on the purchase:

    We are thrilled to welcome these studios into the Embracer Group. We recognize the fantastic IP, world class creative talent, and track record of excellence that have been demonstrated time and again over the past decades. It has been a great pleasure meeting the leadership teams and discussing future plans for how they can realize their ambitions and become a great part of Embracer.

    Lars Wingefors

    Phil Rogers, the head of Square Enix America and Europe, also shared the following statement on the purchase by Embracer:

    Embracer is the best kept secret in gaming: a massive, decentralized collection of entrepreneurs whom we are thrilled to become a part of today. It is the perfect fit for our ambitions: make high-quality games, with great people, sustainably, and grow our existing franchises to their best versions ever. Embracer allows us to forge new partnerships across all media to maximize our franchises’ potential and live our dreams of making extraordinary entertainment.

    Phil Rogers

    It’s quite the shocking move, as Square Enix continues to move further away from its Western studios. there have already been hints that things weren’t going smoothly, as over the years each Western release wasn’t selling as the Japanese studio hoped. This move would include the sales of IPs such as Tomb Raider, Legacy of Kain, Thief, Desu Ex, and more. The fact they sold those studios for $300M is not a good sign, as it implies they were more focused on getting rid of it rather than increasing their profit. Here’s hoping that this new home may benefit these studios in the long run.

    Source: Embracer

  • RUMOR: Warner Bros Discovery Possibly Looking to Sell Game Studios

    RUMOR: Warner Bros Discovery Possibly Looking to Sell Game Studios

    The acquisition war is seemingly not going to end anytime soon. New rumors suggest that the newly united Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to sell its gaming studios, and instead, license out its IP to other game developers for future projects instead.

    Multiple rumors about WB Games being sold off have been floating around for a while now, however, it seems more likely than ever with Discovery and Warner Bros merger. The two companies have already been restructuring elsewhere, including canceling all scripted television from two of their largest TV networks. With more cuts likely to make their way to the company during these restructures, It doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibilities to see the game development side of things get sold for good.

    According to the rumors, interested parties include Microsoft, Sony, EA, Tencent, Take-Two, and NetEase. As a reminder, franchises like Mortal Kombat and studios like NetherRealm (Mortal Kombat, Injustice) and RockSteady (Batman Arkham, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League) would be up for grabs if this rumor is true, while new DC games may go the route of Marvel Games, being developed by companies far and wide across the industry.

    Other notable developers owned by Warner Bros are Monolith Productions (Shadow of Mordor, Wonder Woman), Avalanche Studios (Hogwarts Legacy), and WB Games Montreal (Gotham Knights). This could be a very large shakeup in the gaming space, make sure to keep up to date here with any new information that may come as this rumor develops.

    Source: Twitter