Following a weekend of MIXER Partners reporting sexual assaults and reported seriously racism amongst the hierarchy which even had Phil Spencer himself step in to contact those making the allegations. Suddenly at 19:30PM BST on Monday June 22nd, a Tweet from the official MIXER Twitter released a statement:

The Statement opens with: (Source – MIXER Official Blog)

From the beginning, Mixer has been about creating the most engaging and interactive livestreaming experience. We set out to help streamers build great communities based on deep engagement with their audience. You all have been amazing throughout this journey – the Mixer community has focused on creating welcoming and inclusive communities, and you should be proud of what you have accomplished together.

Ultimately, the success of Partners and streamers on Mixer is dependent on our ability to scale the platform for them as quickly and broadly as possible. It became clear that the time needed to grow our own livestreaming community to scale was out of measure with the vision and experiences that Microsoft and Xbox want to deliver for gamers now, so we’ve decided to close the operations side of Mixer and help the community transition to a new platform. To better serve our community’s needs, we’re teaming up with Facebook to enable the Mixer community to transition to Facebook Gaming. This is a key part of a broader effort that Xbox and Facebook Gaming are embarking on, bringing new experiences and opportunities to the entire world of gaming.

In a nutshell, MIXER’s failure to grow as a streaming platform basically lead to its downfall and in the opening to the statement it is acknowledged that the MIXER experiment for Microsoft and Xbox…failed hugely. As a result, all MIXER Operations will close on July 22nd, exactly 30 days from the statement release day. In a subsequent news article posted on Xbox Wire – the official Xbox News Site, Phil Spencer Head of Xbox himself goes on to hard sell the move to Facebook Gaming :

Beginning today, Facebook Gaming will make it easy for anyone in the Mixer community to join, if they choose to do so. We will work to transition the Mixer community over the next few weeks. Starting on July 22, all Mixer sites and apps will redirect users to Facebook Gaming. For Mixer Partners, streamers, and viewers, we expect you’ll have many questions – you can find more details on how we will support the transition to Facebook Gaming on the Mixer blog here.

Transitioning the Mixer community is a key part of a broader effort that Xbox and Facebook Gaming are embarking on, bringing new experiences and opportunities to Facebook, where every month more than 700 million people play a game, watch a gaming video, or interact in a gaming Group. 

MIXER Partners will be granted immediate partnership status with Facebook Gaming starting from now, those who were able to monetise their MIXER channels will be given eligibility to apply to Facebook Gaming’s Level Up monetisation feature. Anyone with outstanding Embers and MIXER Pro subscriptions will have these refunded in the form of an Xbox Gift Card and MIXER Partners will get double payment for all their June earnings.

It should also be noted that despite this deal with Facebook Gaming clearly taking some time to arrange and seal the deal, both MIXER Staff and MIXER Partners were given ZERO warning or notice about this announcement with them finding out just as the public did when the statement was released, raising huge questions not only about the manner in which Microsoft made this decision but the morality of giving all staff/employees and MIXER Partners essentially a 30 days notice that the platform, their jobs and their livelihoods was going to vanish.

Whilst this is all very raw, in fact not even 24hrs have passed at the time of writing this article since the announcement, the reaction has been immediate with MIXER Partners moving to Twitch instead of Facebook Gaming citing the way in which they were pretty much just trashed by Microsoft as a big reason for not continuing a relationship with their new partner Facebook Gaming.

We will continue to update this story as the clock ticks down to July 22nd but many questions have been left unanswered and Microsoft is being accused of throwing away the platform instead of dealing with the accusations of racism and sexual assault and misconduct.

With the Annual E3 event cancelled due to COVID-19, many publishers and platforms are holding their own Digital Showcase events and tonight EA are taking their turn. Not sure what to expect other than the usual sports titles and more information on Star Wars Squadrons, which following a leak, EA were forced to release the teaser trailer earlier this week.

At time of writing this opening piece we are 20 minutes away from the start of the event and I’m expecting to see MASS Effect Trilogy Remastered after so many reports have suggested its finally going to happen but other than that and usual suspects EA have…..this could either be a lovely surprise or sadly if anything like EA Play LIVE 2019, dull and drab. But below you will find all the trailers and news and then my reaction!

Opens with CEO of EA Games, Andrew Wilson who begins the event by talking about the impact that recent global events such as the Australian bush fires, Covid-19 Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have had on everyone, with EA pledging to support where they can. The final moments of the event countdown also had a splash-screen showing 8:46 minutes….the time it took for George Flloyd to be killed. A moving opening especially the words from Andrew Wilson.

Next the host of the pre-recorded event, Greg Miller, takes to the stage to explain what to expect from this 45 min show which opens up with….

Apex Legends: Fortunes Favour – Season 5 Event ‘Lost Treasures’

Apex Legends coming to STEAM this fall along with Crossplay and then to Nintendo Switch.

This is followed up by a celebration of The Sims, both as a series and for the diversity of the fans and players of the Sims, a video plays featuring thank you messages who explain what the series has meant for them in their own lives.

Next we move to EA Games announced the line up of titles as well as EA Access all launching on STEAM starting Command & Conquered Remastered as well as Games coming to Nintendo Switch such as Burnout Paradise on June 19th.

EA Originals: The Return of a Visionary – Josef Fares and Hazelight

Infamous Indie Developer Joseh Fares reveals his new game “It Takes Two”

Lost in Random: Zoink Games new Title

Rocket Arena: July 14th Release

Star Wars Squadrons: Gameplay Trailer

Crossplay confirmed for Star Wars Squadrons this October.

EA Sports: Madden 21 and FIFA 21

We then have short video explaining what fans can expect from EA Games in the new future as new technology and a new console generation launch this year and what opportunities EA has to work on more impressive games.eld on new gen consoles,

SKATE is Back!

The event comes to a close with perhaps the only real surprise for fans in the reveal that a new SKATE game is to be developed with the original creators who thanked fans and gave credit to their comments and continued interest in SKATE series for making this return possible.

My Final Thoughts….

Well I think it is fair to say that my prediction that a MASS Effect Trilogy Remaster was going to be announced was absolutely wrong, but that really sums up what to be was a seriously over produced and rather empty showcase event from EA Games. No idea if this would have been the same style and content that EA would have shown if E3 2020 had gone ahead but this was incredibly dull with very little in big reveals other than a SKATE reveal to close the show and the fact we actually got to see quite a bit of actual gameplay for Star Wars Squadrons which genuinely has me excited for it to release knowing it will have Crossplay and so far, little to no micro-transactions with cosmetic items all unlocked very gameplay and progress.

It was very clear that EA were making it known that they were coming to STEAM in a big way by releases titles for the first time there and bringing EA Access to STEAM later this year, I know many PC Gamers were never happy with the Origins platform so this could be a big game changer going forward.

But the show itself was so dull with Greg Miller hamming it up delivering a cringe worthy script with awful jokes and what looked like a pre-recorded interview with the Squadrons Developer that almost looked like the developer was merely replying to Gregg’s pre-recorded part of the interview, it just came across as too try hard when the gameplay trailer spoke volumes instead.

It was also very noticeable that feedback and criticism from the E3 2020 EA Play event about there being far too much focus on the sports titles from EA because we did not get to see anything really, about either FIFA 21 or Madden 21 in any real content other than a flashy trailer combining EA Sports as a short showcase. Normally the sports section of the event is where most people tune out.

For me this was a very lacklustre showing from EA who are very thin with titles heading into a new console generation and if they are holding reveals back, not sure what other event they could do them unless they will be part of another PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X online event in the months to come. If you did stay up to watch this on UK time of midnight then you probably went to bed either happy about Star Wars Squadrons or Skate and if you did not stay up, well those are two videos you can easily watch now without the fear of missing any ‘big moments’ from EA Play LIVE 2020…which is kinda sad really, a big opportunity for EA to make an impact on the launch of the next generation of console gaming and they just did not have anything really mind blowing for me.

In news that will no doubt disappoint fans, CD Projekt Red have just announced that Cyberpunk 2077’s release, originally set for September 17th 2020 after the first delay, will now release on November 19th 2020, two months later.

This statement was posted on their official Twitter Account:

Whilst this news could be seen as a cynical delay to make it a launch title for the new gen consoles in Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, if a game is not ready to be released than it is better to delay than to release with issues spoiling the experience for fans.

There will be a special ‘Night City Wire’ event on June 25th which way reveal more about the game and it would appear some Press have had preview access to the game so we will no doubt hear more from outlets on June 25th.

I was personally hoping to have Cyberpunk 2077 as part of my birthday plan in September, even purchasing the Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox Controller this week which I still only plan to use with the game….I just have to wait even longer to do so. But I am excited for the event on June 25th and I have complete faith in CD Projekt Red who have not made this decision likely.

Descend into Humanity’s last hope. The Daughters, echoes of the greatest warrior to ever live, are all who stand before Suffering and death. Lead your army to battle with all the skill you can muster. Your prowess in combat will decide their fate, shape their abilities and personality. Make the toughest decision and sacrifice one to heal another – survivors will get stronger, ready to fight the next battle.

Combat is an intricate dance of spectacular actions and counters: plan ahead of time and set up impressive chains of abilities to outsmart the enemy using the Dynamic Timeline System. Fight in epic boss battles against the sources of Suffering – dread creatures pulled from the worst of Humanity’s crimes against itself.

You will fight. You will fail. You will rise again.

Othercide comes to PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on July 28, and on Nintendo Switch this summer. Pre-orders are now open on Steam and Xbox One with a 15% discount.

On Steam, players can also pre-order the GAME+OST+ARTBOOK Bundle for an additional special discount. Pre-orders on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch will soon be available.

Codemasters today goes under the hood of DIRT 5 with a brand-new trailer focusing on its epic Career mode. With five chapters, over 130 events across nine race types and Throwdown challenges, DIRT 5’s high-octane off-road extravaganza will set pulses racing. DIRT 5 releases from 9 October on the current generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles and Windows PC (via Steam). More information regarding the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions will follow.

DIRT 5’s Career mode focuses on the highly successful ‘DIRT Series’: a global racing event across various disciplines, featuring the world’s greatest off-road racers. The player starts their fledgling career going up against an established field. The line-up includes superstar and fan favourite, Alex ‘AJ’ Janiček and Bruno Durand, a veteran who quickly becomes the game’s antagonist. The rivalry between AJ and Bruno creates the opportunity for a new up-and-coming driver to make their mark and build their legacy in the sport.

DIRT 5 features a star-studded cast with the biggest names from gaming and motorsport culture. The iconic Troy Baker (AJ) and Nolan North (Bruno) voice the main characters. The career is tied together with the help of James Pumphrey and Nolan Sykes from racing enthusiasts and YouTube sensations, Donut Media. The entire story comes to life via the ‘DIRT Podcast by Donut Media’ featuring special guests including current W Series World Champion, Jamie Chadwick and YouTube star, SLAPTrain.

Career mode is divided into five chapters, offering multiple paths allowing players to choose the events they wish to play. The higher the finish, the more Stamps the player earns, which are needed to unlock the Main Event. The highly competitive final challenge is all that’s standing in the player’s way to proceed to the next chapter. Also dotted throughout are one-off Throwdown challenges. Once unlocked, players face the ultimate one-on-one challenge against a fierce competitor from the world circuit.

The world tour takes players across the globe from the US to China and beyond. With real-world global brands waiting to sign fresh talent, there are plenty of in-game rewards on offer based on performance and reputation rank. DIRT 5’s Career also allows for couch-play support for up to four players. This option is available for all multi-car challenges with additional drivers replacing Al-controlled vehicles. With the highest finishing position counting towards the player’s career, it’s a great way to boost Stamps and help players progress.
       
“DIRT 5’s Career underpins the entire experience and delivers a deeply immersive playground with player choice very much at the heart of it,” said Robert Karp, DIRT 5 Development Director at Codemasters. “The addition of Troy, Nolan and Donut Media has created a living, breathing world and one where the player wants to belong and compete. Whether they can rise to the Main Event and Throwdown challenges remains to be seen.”

Keep up with all the DIRT 5 news and follow updates from the studio on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook

With the recent exciting announcement from Bungie, Numskull Designs is celebrating the much-anticipated launch of ‘Beyond Light’, with a very special 10” collectable statue that launches alongside the expansion content on September 22nd 2020. This unique opportunity will thrill all fans of the Destiny franchise by bundling the 10” Statue and the Digital Deluxe expansion (provided separately via digital code).  

Now the enigmatic Stranger is back as players continue their adventures in Beyond Light. In addition, there is a wide range of top quality merchandise that will be ‘must-haves’ for all Destiny fans.

To mark the return of ‘The Stranger’, Numskull Designs has immortalised this character by creating an exclusive 10” replica in statue form. This is a strictly limited edition that will only be available to purchase at selected retailers around the world and will be bundled with the Digital Deluxe expansion for Beyond Light.  The attention to detail and textures are second to none and ensure this is a truly authentic replica figure. Positioned on a snow base with foot imprint, she is formidable at 10” with details matched to how she appears in-game.   

• Official Destiny Product.
• Designed and Manufactured by Numskull Designs, in conjunction with Bungie Cinematics team.
• Highly detailed 10″ replica of ‘The Stranger’ character.
• Figure comes with replica weapon strapped to her back.
• Detailed snow base with foot print.
• A must have for all Destiny fans.
• Available exclusively at selected retailers only.
• Digital Deluxe Expansion provided separately via digital code.

The Numskull Destiny 2 Beyond Light merchandise range also includes:

TUBBZ is a collection of quirky replicas of iconic characters from the biggest video game, movie, TV show and comic book brands.  Numskull Designs has added three brand new iconic characters from the Destiny franchise to the existing range, in fine cosplaying duck form.  These collectible characters come in a stackable box with a unique bathtub-shaped display stand for maximum shelf impact!

Skilfully designed, to show their true Destiny characters and capture their personal traits, you will easily recognise these three who join Eris Morn!

• The Drifter – still a rogue even in duck format (2nd from left)
• Saint-14 – he says he’s ‘the greatest Titan that ever lived’ surely he means duck? (2nd from right)
• The Stranger – she’s well and truly back – in mysterious cosplaying duck form! (centre)

Destiny ‘Pin Kings’Collectible Pin Badges

A must for all fans, these official Pin sets contain two premium metal and enamel pins on a backing card. The launch range has 3 sets to collect, with more coming in 2021. 

Destiny Mugs –definitely your cup of tea

Before you get into the universe, make yourself a cuppa in this Destiny heat reactive mug complete with Tricorn metal badge to front. When you’re playing intently, you will know when your drink has gone cold, as this heat reactive mug will have changed colour and gone from white to black!  No need to sip cold coffee or tea!

Destiny 2 Beyond Light expansion launches on September 22nd 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

What follows is an incoming transmission originating from somewhere between Earth and Mars:

“Greetings, fleshy Earth beings. Cryptosporidium 137 here, delivering a message on behalf of the Furon Empire: You are all going to be destroyed.

To show you how much fun I will have, bringing the final elimination to you, I have created a new audio-video transmission to teach you the Furon ways of destruction. Our research has proven, species who are familiar with the several ways of being exterminated, are 27% less likely to resist. So please watch the transmission several times to learn all different methods of being annihilated – we do not want you to be afraid when the alien invasion begins on July 28th, 2020 on the humanoid entertainment systems PC, PlayStation4, and Xbox One!”

Destroy All Humans! will launch on July 28th and is available for pre-order on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One from your preferred retailer, and also available for pre-order digitally on PC and Xbox One.