The ‘Anthem’ VIP demo begins January 25, and there’s still time to register
The VIP demo for BioWare's Anthem kicks off on January 25, but you still have time to enter it by pre-ordering the game, or subscribing to the EA Access or Origin Access game services. An open demo period for all players will then begin on February 1, and the full game launches February 22.
There’s a secret character in ‘New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe’
It appeared New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe had dropped one of the Wii U version's playable characters, but players have discovered a secret way to unlock them with just a few button presses. The Switch version also includes newcomers Toadette and Nabbit, as well as the New Super Luigi U expansion.
Latest ‘Fortnite’ update channels Halo with a scoped revolver
The latest update for Fortnite, update 7.20, is now available, and it brings a new Scoped Revolver weapon to the game alongside the returning Glider item and a limited-time Snipers-only mode. A new theme and island location have also been added for Creative Mode, which is free for all players.
Break out the Wii: ‘Just Dance’ movie reportedly in the works
Sony's Screen Gems has reportedly acquired the film rights to the Just Dance video game series from Ubisoft. Ubisoft has already brought the game Assassin's Creed to the big screen in 2016, and is also planning films based on The Division, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell.
‘RollerCoaster Tycoon 2’ ride takes 12 years to complete
A RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 player has constructed a coaster in the game that will take more than 12 years to complete from beginning to end, and is actually a tiny ride taking up a small portion of the landscape. The user's previous record was more than 200 days, using an extremely long design.
Alienware Academy uses Tobii eye tracking to improve your gaming skills
The new competitive gaming lessons program Alienware Academy is now open to the public to assist with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and it supports Tobii eye tracking for analytics. Several professional competitive players will offer video lessons and a special challenge map allows you to practice them.
‘Fortnite’ update 7.10 lets you channel your inner assassin with new sniper rifle
The latest update for Fortnite adds a Suppressed Sniper Rifle to the battle royale mode. The weapon allows players to be stealthier, but it has less damage as a result of the suppressor. The 14 Days of Fortnite has also been extended, with a chance to try out modes you missed the first time.
Tribute to Marvel legend Stan Lee added as Easter egg to ‘World of Warcraft’
A tribute character based on Stan Lee has been found in World of Warcraft's public test realm. The character, named Stanley, resembles the comic book legend and even utters his signature phrase. The Marvel Comics creator died at the age of 95 in November after making cameos in more than 20 films.
Marvel partners with former Blizzard developers on mysterious new game
Former Hearthstone developers at the new game studio Second Dinner have partnered with Marvel to create a game optimized for mobile devices. The game will feature classic Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, the Avengers, and X-Men, and the team includes the former game director for Hearthstone.
Nerf Rival ‘Overwatch’ blasters offer form over function
We got to try out the new Nerf Rival Overwatch blasters and were impressed with how close they resemble their in-game counterparts, but they aren't exactly the best bang for your buck. Full-size blasters are available for McCree, D.Va, and Reaper, with mini blasters for D.Va, Tracer, and Torbjörn.
‘Fortnite’ update 7.10 brings a rotating selection of modes big and small
The latest update for Fortnite introduces 14 Days of Fortnite, an event that brings back large and small battle royale modes as well as brand new ones to enjoy during the holiday season. Winter changes have also been made to the new Creative mode, including several new winter-themed villages to use.
The biggest gaming trends of 2018
2018 has been a wild year for video games, with several trends popping up over the course of the year. While some have us excited, others have us a little worried about what the future holds. These are the biggest gaming trends of 2018, including DLC practices and the explosion of esports.
The winners (and loser) of battle royale in 2018
2018 is approaching its end, and if there's one video game genre that dominated the year, it's battle royale. The genre is now part of the pop culture discourse, and it shows no signs of stopping. These were the winners of battle royale in 2018, as well as one game that has some catching up to do.
‘Fortnite’ removes the Infinity Blade weapon after player backlash
Following player backlash over the Infinity Blade weapon's inclusion in Fortnite's battle royale mode, Epic Games decided to remove the weapon from the game completely. It was not limited to a special mode, as had been the case for other extremely powerful weapons, such as Thanos' Infinity Gauntlet.
Nintendo’s sale offers big discounts on some of the best Switch games
Nintendo is currently running several sales with the participation of multiple publishers on its Switch eShop. Games on sale include Battle Chef Brigade, Furi, The Escapists 2, with some games available for less than half their standard price. Nintendo Labo can also be purchased on sale at GameStop.
‘Spider-Man’ for PlayStation 4 adds suit from original Sam Raimi film
Insomniac Games has added the suit Tobey Maguire wore in 2002's Sam Raimi film as a free update for all players. The suit features raised webbing, making it distinct from the flatter designs already included. The game released back in September to rave reviews, and is one of our favorite titles of 2018.