Game Control: Supercell Releases Star-Studded ‘Squad Busters’ Trailer, Prime Video To Adapt ‘Yakuza Like A Dragon’
Console: The Sims 4 released two new downloadable content (DLC) kits, “Riviera Retreat” and “Cozy Bistro,” each with features for its build mode. “Riviera Retreat” includes build items to creating scenic pools, fountains, and oases. Some items include linen furniture, wicker lounge chairs, and pergolas. On the other hand, the “Cozy Bistro” kit contains furniture for elevating community lots like lounges and bars that are included in The Sims 4 base game.
Additionally, The Sims 4 added a new “Events” feature that is controversial among players. Following the format of a battle pass, new game items are unlocked and ready to claim in the game’s main menu daily. The rewards range from new Create-a-Sim content to items for build mode to traits.
During Microsoft’s Xbox Game Showcase, Activision and developers Teryarch and Raven Software confirmed at a Call of Duty Direct that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be released on October 25th. Following this announcement a gameplay trailer for Black Ops 6 was released. The game will feature a globetrotting campaign, multiplayer aspects, and round-based Zombies gameplay. This entry into the Call of Duty canon will be set post-Cold War and promises players an “epic spy thriller.” Though well loved characters like Frank Woods and Russell Adler will be included in this installment, there are a few newcomers like Troy Marshall and Jane Harrow.
Prime Video is adapting the SEGA series Yakuza Like a Dragon. The live-action series is currently titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza. Directed by Take Masaharu (100 Yen Love), the six-part series will star Takeuchi Ryoma (Kamen Rider) as lead Kiryu Kazuma. Like a Dragon: Yakuza will be released on Prime Video in two batches of three episodes on October 25th and November 1st. It will be subtitled and dubbed in 30 languages. The screenplay and story will be written by Sean Crouch and Yugo Nakamura, while a Japanese screenplay will be written by Yoshida Yasuhiro and Yamada Kana.
Hypercharge: Unboxed hits new heights in popularity after reaching nearly 50,000 sales on Xbox in five days. The indie game was developed by Digital Cybercherries, a studio of only six people. The game began as early access for PC in 2017 and saw a full release on the Switch and PC in 2020, leaving Xbox fans desperate to have a shot at playing. Xbox reached out to Digital Cybercherries for collaboration in 2022, and there is a clear pay off two years later.
Mobile: Mobile giant Supercell released a new game called Squad Busters. The game’s release hit fans with a star-studded trailer featuring Chris Hemsworth, Christina Ricci, Ken Jeong, Will Arnett, and Auli’i Cravalho. Squad Busters is an action game that focuses on combat and squad building. Supercell is known for this genre of gameplay, with other hits like Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, and Clash Royale.
Netflix Games announced 14 new titles. Some of these games will be based off Netflix’s own intellectual properties (IPs), including Netflix Stories: Emily in Paris and The Dragon Prince: Xadia (to be released July 30th). Other games are based on IPs Netflix does not own, such as Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings ™ Game, which allows players to explore the Shire as a Hobbit. Additionally, Netflix Games announced original properties including puzzle game Lab Rat, an interactive sign language music adventure/narrative game called Harmonium: The Musical, and their own version of Hearts.
PC: New DLC for the hit fantasy game Elden Ring will be released on June 21st. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was announced last February to the delight of the game’s fanbase. Shadow of the Erdtree is the first major expansion for the game, sparking plenty of guides, theories, and thoughts in the days before its release. After Elden Ring won Game of the Year in 2022, Shadow of the Erdtree has high expectations to live up to.
Nvidia — the mind behind most PC parts, including the GeForce brand — launched a Nvidia app. The interface combines the practical Nvidia Control Panel and GeForce Experience into one interface. For those with a GeForce graphics card in their PC, the app will monitor and update drivers regularly, among other features. Though the app is still in beta testing, Nvidia wants more users. Some perks offered to testers include three months of free access via Microsoft’s PC Game Pass (valued at around $30). This offer began on June 4th and requires users to have a Nvidia account.
Virtual Reality: Meta announced that Batman: Arkham Shadow will be exclusive to the Quest 3. The title will be set in the pre-existing Arkham universe, which has featured classic games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham Knight. Unlike its predecessors, Arkham Shadow was created by Oculus Studios and developed by Camouflaj, rather than by Rocksteady Studios.
Popular simulator games Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator are now available on the Apple Vision Pro. The game was previously available on PlayStation VR and Meta Quest. Job Simulator for Apple Vision Pro is priced at $19.99, while Vacation Simulator costs $29.99.
Meta’s fitness VR workout developer, Supernatural, is adding a Mixed Reality (MR) Mode on Quest 3. This mode will add a “life-sized” Supernatural coach into your room during your workout through MR support. Supernatural is Meta’s virtual reality fitness app that allows users of Quest devices to work out via virtual, and now mixed, reality. Supernatural’s developer confirmed that this new mode will blend surroundings with an immersive environment after activating through the accessibility menu or the Quest 3’s toggle button.
Industry: Summer Game Fest 2024 streamed live on June 7th. This year’s event saw announcements from Xbox, Ubisoft, and Blumhouse. Some major games announced at the show include MMO Dune: Awakening, Lego Horizon Adventures (Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC in 2024), Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions (Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, PC, and Xbox One and Series on September 3rd), and Alan Wake 2: Night Springs. New games weren’t the only big announcements this year. Revivals, additions, and expansions were also announced to gamers. Street Fighter 6’s roster is expanding with M. Bison (Summer 2024), Terry Bogard (Fall 2024), Mai Shiranui (Winter 2025), and Elena (Spring 2025). SEGA is remastering Sonic Generations with Shadow the Hedgehog, coming on October 25th. Lastly, to the delight of gamers everywhere, Riot giant Valorant is headed to PS5 and Xbox Series X with a limited beta test starting June 14th.
Atari acquired Intellivision along with certain games from its back catalog. The Atari and Intellivision console war has ended after 45 years of battle. The original Intellivision console, released in 1979, was the first major competitor Atari faced (with its release of the Atari 2600). Despite this acquisition, Atari has not released details about its plan for the Intellivision brand. However, with nostalgia acting as a large driving force in gaming, this acquisition will surely rake in profits.
