This new broke last night (20:10pm BST 19/8/2019) as Sony and PlayStation announced that Insomniac Games Studios has just joined the PlayStation Worldwide Studios.

Following the success of PS4 exclusive MARVEL’s Spider-Man PS4 last year, it comes really as no surprise to see Sony snap up Insomniac Games. This also follows Microsoft rather aggressive acquisitions of major studios over the last two years and with the recent announcement that Sony is going in deep with a whole Spider-Man Universe of TV shows, films and animations….could this be the start of Insomniac creating a full Spider-Man universe of games?

Sony PlayStation Official Press Release:

Sony Interactive Entertainment (“SIE”) has announced that SIE has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Insomniac Games, Inc. (“Insomniac Games”), a leading game developer and long-time partner of SIE, in its entirety. Insomniac Games is the developer of PlayStation®4’s (PS4™) top-selling Marvel’s Spider-Man and the hugely popular PlayStation® Ratchet & Clank franchise.  Upon completion of the acquisition, Insomniac Games will join the global development operation of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios (“SIE WWS”). Insomniac Games is the 14^th studio to join the SIE WWS family. This addition furthers SIE’s continued commitment to creative excellence and innovation in game development exclusively for the PlayStation platforms.

Based in Burbank, California, and Durham, North Carolina, Insomniac Games is the award-winning studio behind many of PlayStation’s most highly-successful franchises, including Spryo the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, and Resistance.  Most recently, Insomniac Games, in partnership with SIE and Marvel Games, launched Marvel’s Spider-Man, one of 2018’s most highly-acclaimed PS4™ games.   Marvel’s Spider-Man has sold through more than 13.2 million copies worldwide as of July 28, 2019.

In addition to the studio’s signature storytelling infused with humor and highly interactive worlds, Insomniac Games has been recognized for its collaborative workplace culture, having earned 20 awards since 2005.
Building on a working relationship between Insomniac Games and SIE spanning more than 20 years, this acquisition enhances the creative force within SIE WWS and formally adds a studio to the PlayStation family that continues to raise the bar on open world, story-driven games.  The day-to-day operations of Insomniac Games post-closing of the acquisition are expected to be run by the current management team in conjunction with SIE WWS San Mateo Studio.   Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and certain other closing conditions. Financial terms of this transaction including the acquisition cost are not disclosed due to contractual commitments.

“Insomniac Games is one of the most highly-acclaimed development studios in the industry and their legacy of best-in class storytelling and gameplay is unparalleled,” said Shawn Layden, Chairman, SIE WWS.  “We have enjoyed a strong collaborative partnership with the studio for many years, and are thrilled to officially welcome them to the Worldwide Studios family.  The addition of Insomniac Games to SIE WWS reiterates our commitment to developing world class gaming experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform.”

“Joining the WWS family gives Insomniac even greater opportunities to achieve our studio vision of making positive and lasting impressions on people’s lives,” said Ted Price, Insomniac Games founder and CEO. “We’ve enjoyed a special relationship with PlayStation practically since our inception. Our partnership amplifies our potential, and Marvel’s Spider-Man was a testament to this. We’re excited to take the next step in our growth alongside our longtime WWS partners. Most of all, we look forward to delivering fresh, new experiences for our fans.”

Square Enix Ltd.,today announced that fan favourite role-playing game, FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered, will make its debut on 3^rd September 2019 digitally for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 , the Xbox One family of devices and STEAM.

FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered celebrates its 20th anniversary by bringing the cherished RPG to modern platforms, featuring newly rendered visuals that breathe life into the game’s characters like never before. Players step into the shoes of SeeD recruit Squall Leonhart and resistance fighter Rinoa Heartilly as they work together to save the world from the military nation of Galbadia.

The remastered version includes the following boosts to enhance the experience:

• Battle Assist: The ability to always have maxed out HP and ATB, and trigger Limit Breaks at any time.
• No Encounters: An enemy encounter option that allows players to enjoy the storyline uninterrupted. While enemy encounters are turned off, players can still enjoy the story’s event battles.
• 3x Speed Boost: Play through the game with three times the speed.
• The STEAM® version will also receive additional functions, including All Items (possess all items except for a few certain items), All Abilities, GF Max Level, Max Gil, Max Magic, All Limit Breaks, and All Cards (possess max number of Triple Triad Cards except for Rare Cards).

To pre-order the game for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One family of devices and PC (STEAM), visit: http://www.ffviiiremastered.com.

• Pre-Order on Xbox One – https://www.microsoft.com/store/productid/9nntspsc35zb
• Pre-Order on PC (STEAM) – https://store.steampowered.com/app/1026680
• Pre-Order on PlayStation 4 – https://store.playstation.com/#!/cid=EP0082-CUSA08751_00-FFVIIIREPREORDER
• STEAM pre-orders will be available from 17:00 BST / 18:00 CEST 20th August.

Those who pre-order for PlayStation 4  will receive a commemorative PlayStation 4 system theme, while those who pre-purchase on STEAM will receive exclusive wallpapers featuring Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartilly.

FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered will be available for the Nintendo Switch system, PlayStation 4, Xbox One family of devices and PC (STEAM) on 3^rd September 2019. For more information, visit http://www.ffviiiremastered.com

For More information visit:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasy

Twitter: http://twitter.com/finalfantasy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalfantasy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/finalfantasy

inXile entertainment—the studio led by Interplay founder and Wasteland co-creator Brian Fargo—along with Deep Silver, premiered a brand new trailer for the highly anticipated Wasteland 3 during the Inside Xbox show.

In this trailer the Patriarch of Colorado summons the Desert Rangers to his land and warns of the dangers they’ll encounter. With their home state of Arizona in dire need of the aid the Patriarch is offering, the Rangers have no choice but to brave the frozen wasteland, deal with the cults and gangs that inhabit it, and hope the Patriarch will stay true to his word.

Wasteland 3 has a large presence on the gamescom floor, with over 25 stations available for attendees to try a first-ever hands demo. At the same time, the Alpha will be released to backers who supported the title on its initial Fig crowdfunding campaign.

The legendary series, which pioneered the post-apocalypse genre in video games, returns players to the role of Desert Rangers, lawmen in a post-nuclear world working to rebuild civilization from the ashes. Trading the dry, dusty heat of the American southwest for a perpetually frozen Colorado, Wasteland 3 features a number of chilling new locations where the Rangers receive an even frostier reception from the locals.

Wasteland 3 is set to release on Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 4, Windows, Mac, and Linux in Spring 2020.

London is facing its downfall. With millions of Londoners at your fingertips, build the perfect team and take the city back! Who will be your first recruit: that big lad with a firm grip, that well-connected lawyer? That’s up to you. You’re in command!

Watch Dogs Legion will be available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, UPlay, Stadia and NVidia.

Follow for more information:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchdogsgam…
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/watchdogs_uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchdogsga…

The Surge 2 storms onto PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in just one month on September 24. To celebrate Gamescom and the game entering the final stages of production, Deck13 and Focus Home Interactive are proud to present the Gamescom Overview Trailer. This trailer details returning and new mechanics in the game, giving you a run-down of everything from lore to how best to extract the parts you need from your enemies.

With years of development coming to an end, Deck13 are proud to say that The Surge 2 offers an experience that all can enjoy. Fast-paced, tactical combat returns, with satisfying executions and meaningful choices for each encounter based on which equipment you wish to gather, equip, and upgrade. Many systems are designed from the ground up to accommodate gamers who want to play their way, be that carefully and at range or balls-to-the-wall all-out attacks. Whether you want indicators for directional parrying to assist or to rely purely on your skill and optimised build to defeat your enemies., you’ll find The Surge 2 a blast to play.

Pre-orders are available ahead of the September 24 release date, offering the URBN item pack as a bonus free DLC. Jericho City is waiting – can you overcome it in The Surge 2?

The Surge 2 releases September 24th for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC.

The Diaz brothers’ journey towards a new life in Mexico reaches a turning point in Life is Strange 2, Episode 4 ‘Faith’! From Square Enix External Studios and Raoul Barbet & Michel Koch’s Life is Strange team at DONTNOD Entertainment, the second season of the award-winning franchise continues on August 22^nd, 2019.

The saga picks up in a Humboldt County, California hospital room where Sean, gravely wounded, wakes up to find that Daniel is still missing. Under arrest, and facing tough questions from law enforcement, Sean is running out of options. Only quick thinking and unexpected allies can secure his freedom.

“In Episode 4, we re-join Sean at his lowest point. The disaster that separated him from his brother has scarred him for life, and he is lost, alone and in quite a bit of trouble,” said Michel Koch & Raoul Barbet, Co-Creative Directors of Life is Strange 2. “Sean is already at a breaking point, and now faces some of the toughest situations in his life as he desperately searches for Daniel, whose absence hangs heavy over the whole episode. Considering what happened in that California Redwood forest, even if he can locate his brother – he can’t be sure of who, or what he will find.”

Searching for Daniel under the scorching Nevada sun and through freezing desert nights, Sean must make his toughest choices yet. Puerto Lobos and the dream of freedom have never felt so far away.

Will Sean’s faith in Daniel be rewarded – or is the younger wolf lost forever? 

For more about Life is Strange 2 visit: 

• Official website: https://lifeisstrange.square-enix-games.com
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LifeIsStrangeGame/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LifeIsStrange

Today, Marvel Entertainment and Square Enix released the first official gameplay video for Marvel’s Avengers. Watch as Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and Thor battle Taskmaster and his army of mercenaries in the opening level – a Hero tutorial where players learn the unique powers of the Avengers. Additionally, the A-Day demo is playable for the first time at gamescom 2019.

Marvel’s Avengers is a story-driven, third-person action-adventure game. Players will reassemble and rebuild their Avengers roster in an original, cinematic single-player campaign, then battle solo or online alongside friends in new missions around the globe. They can also customize Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and harness their unique powers to defend the world from escalating threats for years to come.

Marvel’s Avengers begins at A-Day, where Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and Thor are unveiling a hi-tech Avengers Headquarters in San Francisco — including the reveal of their own helicarrier powered by an experimental energy source. The celebration turns deadly when a catastrophic accident results in massive devastation. Blamed for the tragedy, the Avengers disband. Five years later, with all Super Heroes outlawed and the world in peril, the only hope is to reassemble Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Marvel’s Avengers will release simultaneously for the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X, Stadia, and PC on May 15, 2020.

Related Links

• Official Homepage: www.playavengers.com
• Official Twitter: @PlayAvengers
• Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayAvengersGame/
• Official YouTube: http://youtube.com/PlayAvengers

Global publisher 505 Games and Typhoon Studios will launch the humorous sci-fi exploration and adventure game Journey to the Savage Planet digitally worldwide on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. A full global release at physical retail will follow in supported countries across Europe and the rest of the world on Friday, Jan. 31, priced at £24.99 on all formats and territories where available for purchase.

In a new trailer and b-roll footage unveiled today at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, viewers are treated to an exciting look at more of Journey to the Savage Planet’s weirdly wonderful alien world, including the dangerous Jellywaft Islands, the murky Swamp Gully and a towering Fungal Forest, among other intriguing environments. Never-before-seen creatures showcase the space adventure’s zany and peculiar comedic charm such as the Floopsnoot, a dangerous flying one-eyed creature and the Insectoid Swarm, a dense cluster of angry insects. Also unveiled is the announcement of a new 2-player online co-op feature enabling players to adventure and explore the upbeat and comical world of Journey to the Savage Planet with a friend.

Journey to the Savage Planet is an upbeat first-person adventure and exploration game set in a bright and colorful alien landscape. As an employee of Kindred Aerospace, which proudly touts its rating as the “4th Best Interstellar Exploration Company,” players are dropped onto the uncharted planet AR-Y 26, deep in a fictitious, far-away corner of the universe. Launched with high hopes but little equipment and no real plan, players are invited to explore, catalog alien flora and fauna and determine if this strange planet is fit for human habitation.

Pre-orders for the new aspirational interstellar sci-fi game are now available worldwide at digital retail for PC and PS4, and at physical retail for PS4 and Xbox One (with digital orders for Xbox One to follow soon). Players who pre-order Journey to the Savage Planet on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC will receive two exclusive in-game pre-order bonus items: The Martin Tweed digital bobblehead, a perfect complement to players’ in-game Javelin habitat, and a Kindred Aerospace “4^th Best” pistol charm, giving players an increased chance at better loot drops when equipped.

PlayStation 4 and PC players will receive 10% off digital pre-orders form the PlayStation Store and Epic Games store. Additionally, players who pre-order Journey to the Savage Planet for PlayStation 4 will be treated to an exclusive dynamic console theme. Players pre-ordering Journey to the Savage Planet from the Epic Games Store will receive an exclusive digital wallpaper graphic. All pre-order bonus items will be delivered to players at game launch.

Hands-on appointments of a new demo showcasing 2-player co-op in an all-new biome are available to qualified press attending Gamescom 2019 in Cologne, Germany.

For more information about Journey to the Savage Planet, visit www.savageplanetgame.com and follow @PlaySavagePlanet on Facebook and @4thBestInSpace on Twitter.

Hopoo Games and Gearbox Publishing today revealed during Nintendo’s Indie World Presentation that Risk of Rain 2 will be launching on the Nintendo Switch. Since March 2019, Risk of Rain 2 has earned more than one million players on Steam Early Access with its co-op roguelike gameplay. Switch players can look forward to joining in on the same all-out chaos soon!

For more news on Risk of Rain 2 on Switch, check out Gearbox’s show at PAX West next week on August 30 at 1:30PM Pacific Time: https://www.twitch.tv/gearboxofficial

“We love the Nintendo Switch and actually dedicate an hour at the end of our days to play together as a team in the office,” said Duncan Drummond of Hopoo Games. “We’re excited to have it come to the Nintendo Switch earlier than planned and can’t wait to tell you all more at PAX West!”

The sequel to the beloved indie hit, Risk of Rain 2 brings 3D graphics and third-person shooter mechanics to the franchise while holding true to its roguelike roots. Risk of Rain 2 is available on Steam in early access and slated to launch in Spring 2020. Download it today here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/632360/Risk_of_Rain_2/

You can find more information about Risk of Rain 2 on Twitter, Facebook and the Hopoo Games DevBlog.

Gamescom 2019 has kicked off in Colgne Germany and as tradition, Xbox are taking to the stage with a special LIVE edition of ‘Inside Xbox’. We will see the Horde mode for GEARS 5 with its world premier as well as seeing Bungie returning to a Microsoft stage to showcase more of upcoming Destiny 2 expansion “Shadowkeep”.

Below you will see all the trailers and news as it happened during the special stream:

Well the live audience is loud as Graeme Boyd hosts along with Xbox On’s very own Leah, Benny and Charleyy with Julia Harding returning as always.

Kicking things off we have the brand new trailer for Blair Witch! coming to Xbox Game Pass on August 30th!

Next some Xbox and PC Gamepass news with the announcement that Kingdom Come Deliverance is coming to Game Pass along side Ape out,

Age of Empires: Def edition for PC, Stellaris and Devil May Cry 5 all join Xbox Game Pass and PC pass from….Today!! (day of original stream 19/8/19)

GEARS POP has an August 22nd release date, a free to play iOS, Android and Windows 10 including the news that those who watched the show via MIXER will have earned a special pack for the game.

Interesting now we have some NBA2K20 news with a live segment with Julia Hardy and Josh Hart from the New Orlean Pelicans who was less than impressed to see his in-game stats revealed I must say. We also have the world premier for the trailer for NBA2K10 My Career Mode featuring Idris Elba and Rosario Dawson!

A new trailer for Ghost Recon: Breakpoint and the first look at the MP mode “Ghost War” !

Now for some Borderlands 3 action as Charleyy interview Gearbox’s Managain Director of Narriative: Randy Varnell. Borderlands 3 will features new Vaults being discovered on new planets which players will get to visit in the game. Fl4k, the latest Vault Hunter to be revealed, with confirmation that players will be able to pet his Skagg follower! If I was not excited for Borderlands 3…I am now!!!

A look at PUBG Season 4 now…..the game that launched the Battle Royale game into the main stream has been lacking with newer titles overshadowing it, but can this new season win over veteran and new players alike? The reveal of Console crossplay between Xbox and Playstation is very interesting indeed…if it works come early October.

Wasteland 3 is up now taking a look at what this new title will bring.

Graeme is giving us a look at two new Xbox One Controllers with the Night Ops and the Sport Blue Contolllers. Both will work with all Xbox One consoles as well as any Windows 10 device (PC/Laptop and Tablet)

Empire of Sin is up next, with some real Prohibition Untouchables vibes, releasing Spring 2020. Empire of Sin, the strategy game from Romero Games and Paradox Interactive, puts you at the heart of the ruthless criminal underworld of 1920s Prohibition-era Chicago. It’s up to you to hustle, charm and intimidate your way to the top of the pile and do whatever it takes to stay there. This character-driven game puts players smack dab in the glitz and glamor of roaring 20s all while having them work behind the scenes in the gritty underbelly of organized crime.

The free to play ‘Vigor’ has left Xbox Preview Program today, a new looter shooter.

Aaron Greenberg stepping up for an interview with Charleyy as he talks all things Xbox as they build up to GEARS 5 release in just two weeks with early access for GEARS 5: Ultimate Edition (which subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can play as well on September 6th). Talking about what fans at Gamescom can play at the Xbox area with Minecraft: Dungeons and Battletoads.

We also have a few hints for XO19 in London for November 14th with tickets going for £19 with all proceeds going to charity.

A new look at Greedfall now and how players will need to befriend and work with all factions in the world as well as developing relationships with your companions!

The Surge 2 is looking to be bigger and better than the original and now a new trailer showcases even more of the story and its world!

Bungie make their long awaited return to an Xbox stage to showcase more about Destiny 2: Shadowkeep expansion, and the excitement of Leah from Xbox On who is a rabid Destiny fan is extremely endearing. The devs take us through the new finishers which will be class orientated which have no cooldowns it seems. Personally its not enough just yet to convince me to invest more money in this series….but I am becoming more tempted!

Following Metro Exodus joining the Xbox and PC Game Pass recently, now we have the world premier of the next expansion for the game “The Two Colonels” launching August 20th…TOMORROW!

GEARS 5 is up to close the show, starting with a tribute to GEARS and the passion of the fans who have followed the series from its beginning on the Xbox 360 as a launch title, till now

Now for the big finish…GEARS 5 Horde Mode! This was really the go to mode for myself and my friends playing Gears, more so than the MP. It was a real test of team work, communication, skill and just sheer tenacity to survive all the waves! GEARS 5 has been designed to bring a challenge to veteran players but it is very clear that they are fully aware that many might be coming to Gears of War series for the first time with 5 and so measures have been taken to bring newcomers into the world of GEARS 5 and its modes.

GEARS 5 will also be coming to STEAM for PC and will feature Crossplay….that part I am a little nervous about, hoping it will be optional! Also something that was spoiled by Xbox One dashboard images, but two characters from HALO Reach will star in GEARS5 as pre-order bonuses as Emile and Kat come to Gears of War!

and that is all!

My Thoughts….

This was a very sensible and focused Inside Xbox, it was never going to be full of major reveals like an E3 briefing but we had some nice surprises of the games coming up now and soon such as Borderlands 3 and Greedfall. Nice to see Bungie back on the Xbox stage and was not surprised to see a tremendous focus on all things GEARS 5 with the reveal of Horde Mode and a chance for fans to look back at the series that launched the Xbox 360 and is hoping to return to glory with GEARS 5 come September!

Now all eyes turn to XO19 on November 14th in London….a ticket will be mine!!

Team17, a global games label, creative partner and developer of independent, premium video games, and Spanish-based independent developer The Game Kitchen, is proud to announce that the punishing action-platformer Blasphemous will launch on September 10^th across Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.

In Blasphemous’ twisted, pixel hellscape of Cvstodia, players take on the mantle of The Penitent One – the sole survivor of the ‘Silent Sorrow’ massacre – who’s tasked by a mysterious figure to overcome the malevolent and cursed force known as The Miracle.

During their deadly endeavour for redemption, The Penitent One will find solace in the mighty ‘Mea Culpa’, a powerful and mystical sword, which can be upgraded to unlock brutal new attacks against the many bloodthirsty and demonic forces strewn throughout the land. As The Penitent One journeys through the nightmarish world of Cvstodia, players will discover prayers and relics that unlock powerful new special attacks, buffs, and abilities that may give the edge needed to survive.

Mauricio García, CEO, The Game Kitchen, said: “As we put the final finishing touches to what will be an unrelenting experience for players, we’re really proud to be in a position to confirm the September 10^threlease date for Blasphemous. We know the game has been highly anticipated for some time, and we can’t wait to unleash The Penitent One on their perilous journey in just a few weeks’ time.”

Blasphemous will be available digitally on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on September 10^th for $24.99/€24.99/£19.99.

To keep up to date with all the information on Blasphemous like on Facebook, follow on Twitter and join the Discord.

Fans looking forward to playing Streets of Rage 4next year will be able to do so on their platform of choice as publisher and co-developer Dotemu (Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, Windjammers 1 and 2) with co-developers Lizardcube (Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap) and Guard Crush Games (Streets of Fury) today announced that the title will make its way on to PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. A brand new gameplay trailer released today also introduced the latest character to join Blaze Fielding and Axel Stone: a badass guitar-playing warrior named Cherry Hunter.

Cherry Hunter is the daughter of Adam Hunter from the original Streets of Rage.
Trained by her father and Axel, Cherry learned self-defense from a young age. Her interest in following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a cop soon faded out, replaced by her love of music. Nowadays, she plays with her electro progressive rock band in some of the most dangerous places in Wood Oak City. She may look young but make no mistake – she is a seasoned veteran of kicking ass and taking names.

The new trailer also reveals several more levels in the upcoming game at different times of day:  neon lighted urban rooftops, elevator, seedy airport hangars, dirty sewers, thumping music stage and many more are all yours for the taking – lay the smackdown and don’t look back.

Streets of Rage 4 will be the first entry to the core series in 25 years, standing as Axel and Blaze’s glorious return to serving up side-scrolling beatdowns. With lush hand-drawn animations, new combat abilities, and fresh tracks from an amazing team of composers, Streets of Rage 4 will be a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Streets of Rage 4 is being shown at Gamescom 2019 by appointment only in the business area of the conference center. Fans looking to play the latest build of Streets of Rage 4 can do so at the upcoming PAX West event in Seattle in booth 6802.

To keep your skull-cracking combo on the latest Streets of Rage 4 news going, head over to www.streets4rage.com, visit www.facebook.com/StreetsofRage4