World of Warcraft: Forever is taking gamers back to the earliest moments of World of Warcraft’s story, but things might not play out exactly the same this time around.

World of Warcraft: Forever Devs Discuss Possible Journeys to Outlands and Northrend

During a recent chat with some key members of the World of Warcraft: Forever development team, VICE had the chance to ask about how lore will work once the game has been around for a while and whether Forever players might eventually travel through The Dark Portal…

VICE: If World of Warcraft: Forever goes on to be as popular as the beta has been and continues grow, it seems like the story will eventually have to move forward slowly over time updates. Will things like the Dark Portal remaining closed eventually be addressed?

Josh Greenfield (Senior Game Designer): Yeah, we mentioned at BlizzCon that we are in our own little time bubble, as we like to call it. We are effectively in a different continuity and that gives us flexibility to be able to go in slightly different directions.

I don’t think we’re really thinking too much about going to Northrend or Outland or any of the other places yet, but those places do exist in the world and they’re important to the world. I think it would be pretty surprising if we just never touch them.

But we have a pretty well developed plan for the next few years about what we’re going to do in terms of the narrative and the lore and where we’re going to go. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we end up in some form of those kinds of places, but it probably won’t be The Burning Crusade Outland or Wrath of the Lich King Northrend, but we could end up in those places at some point.

Kris Zierhut (Principal Game Designer): In the meantime, our plan is to really go deeper on the story we are telling. You can think if it as time moving more slowly within this bubble.

Josh Greenfield (Senior Game Designer): Yes, it’s a time dilation.

Kris Zierhut (Principal Game Designer): Exactly. So, we’re going to dive deeper into the stories of each of these places. We’re going to look at NPCs, plotlines, or locations that were kind of left untouched the first time around. Or were left unfinished the first time around. A questline like The Missing Diplomat, for example.

The analogy I’ve been liking to use is, you’ve got a favorite novel. And then they make a three hour movie about it that is amazing and has lots of great things, but there’s still lots of character and story that had to be left out.

And then somebody comes along and says, we’re going to give you the twelve-episode long mini-series. That’s what we’re doing with WoW: Forever. We’re going deep and taking longer to go through out, but it’s the same overall story.

Josh Greenfield (Senior Game Designer): We also talk about using this time dilation as an opportunity to flesh out things that were cool concepts from original WoW, but were kind of underdeveloped.

We talk about things like the AQ War, Opening the Gates of Ahn’Qiraj, the Scourge Invasion in original WoW. And those were fine, but what they bakes down to was a really big, maybe laggy event at the end. Or a bunch of little camps of mobs that were spawned that you just murdered to get some resource. I think if they had had more time they would’ve developed that a lot more.

So being able to take our time, and maybe spend a couple of different patches going over what it means for the world to be at war with the Scourge or having the Ahn’Qiraj actually invading a port of Kalimdor, so what do we do about that? That’s a really cool opportunity to take that core story and that core series of events and really just bulk them up and give them a lot more meat on the bones.

VICE: Right. So, World of Warcraft: Forever is sort of for WoW what The Clones Wars and The Bad Batch are to the Star Wars franchise?

Kris Zierhut: Right!

Josh Greenfield: Absolutely.

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Be sure to check back soon for lots more World of Warcraft: Forever news and updates as the early days of the new WoW experience play out.

World of Warcraft: Forever and World of Warcraft: Midnight are both available now on PC.

The post How World of Warcraft: Forever is ‘The Clone Wars’ of the WoW Franchise appeared first on VICE.

Dungeons and Dragons players who use D&D Beyond can now access their November Drop and begin exploring new character options and resources inspired by Ysgard.

D&D Beyond Drop Adds Bariaur Species and New Feats

Another month has arrived and Dungeons and Dragons has transitioned into the Season of Champions. Although the spotlight release for this season will be the Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion, that’s not the only new content arriving for players and DMs.

The D&D Beyond November Drop is kicking off the Season of Champions with some exciting Ysgard-themed content for subscribers to dig into. On the player side, this release offers the return of a 3.5e species, some powerful feats, and a handful of new weapons to equip.

Species

• Bariaur: Bariaurs are native inhabitants of Ysgard that never shy away from a battle.

New Feats

• Upper Planes Pact: Make a pact with an entity from the Upper Planes and draw upon some of its powers.
• Elysium Diplomat: Call upon the tranquility of Elysium to calm hostile hearts and slip away when talks turn sour.
• Ysgardian Warrior: Build upon your pact with the Upper Planes by embracing the fighting spirit of Ysgard.

Until now, these feats have been tied to an extraplanar concept or creature type. This month, they’re explicitly tied to the Upper Planes (rather than something like Celestial), with General feats themed around specific planes.

News Weapons

• Bola (Martial Ranged). Bolas are two weights secured to a short length of leather or rope used in hunting.
• Pitchfork (Simple Melee). Pitchforks are a popular farming instrument consisting of two or three sharp tines at the end of a long handle.
• Weighted Chain (Martial Melee). Weighted chains are a long chain that loops behind the wielder’s back and extends past each hand.

In addition to all of those character options, players can also claim a new Ysgard-themed backdrop to use on their character sheets.

That should cover just about everything in the latest drop for players. As always, there are a handful of other resources specifically for DMs, as well.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Dungeons and Dragons news and updates.

Dungeons and Dragons is available now at local game stores and through D&D Beyond. The content in the D&D Beyond November Drop is available now for subscribers.

The post Dungeons and Dragons Resurrects a 3.5 Edition Species for Players appeared first on VICE.

The big November update just brought a long list of new titles to Luna and Amazon Prime members can take advantage of that streaming library to access one of 2026’s best indie games.

Mixtape Is Now Available Through Amazon Luna

Mixtape released for PC and consoles in early May 2026 and immediately became a game of the year contender for a lot of indie game fans. The music-driven short game received a ton of perfect scores from various outlets thanks to its charming characters, curated soundtrack, and familiar coming-of-age narrative.

Now that awards season is fast approaching, Mixtape is finding its way back into the conversation by joining the Amazon Luna catalog of titles. Mixtape was added to the library in the November update and is now available to play for anyone with an active Amazon Prime subscription.

Mixtape – On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more shared adventure. En route to their final party together, a perfectly-curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories. It’s the greatest hits of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. Mixtape draws inspiration from classic coming-of-age movies, bringing together nostalgic aimlessness, mischief, music, and the highs and lows of adolescence, set to the soundtrack of a generation.

In addition to Mixtape, the most recent content update for Amazon Luna also added all of the following other titles:

• EA Sports Madden NFL 27 – The deepest Madden NFL experience has arrived, featuring the all-new Persona Engine that gives every NFL athlete a distinct personality and set of motivations, Dynamic Weather conditions that evolve over the course of a game, and the all-new G.O.A.T. Career Journey where players can build their Superstar legacy path from high school to the NFL Hall of Fame. Madden NFL 27 makes every decision feel more meaningful, and every season feel more alive.
• NBA THE RUN – Take your favorite NBA stars to iconic streetball courts around the world in this fast-paced, online 3v3 basketball game. Uniquely handcrafted and stylized, NBA THE RUN is filled with high-flying dunks, thunderous blocks, ankle-breaking tricks, and a roster filled with fan-favorite NBA stars and recently-added NBA Legends.
• Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – Bring the magic of Disney to life in a vibrant 3D platformer. This beautiful remake sends Mickey Mouse on an epic journey through Wasteland, a realm of forgotten Disney characters. As Mickey Mouse, you will dive into a fantastical world and, armed with paint and thinner, shape your adventure and the fate of this alternate world.
• Kingdom Come Deliverance II – A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure – through the eyes of young Henry – as you embark on a journey of epic proportions. Embark on an epic journey from a humble blacksmith’s forge to the court of Kings.
• Police Simulator: Patrol Officers – Welcome to Brighton! Join the police force of this fictitious American city and experience the daily life of a Police Officer. Start with citing violations and giving out parking tickets, then work your way towards shouldering more responsibilities. Be part of the community of Brighton, get to know your neighborhood and handle daily police work to fight crime during your shift.

Amazon Luna has been doing a solid job expanding its library and finding ways to appeal to a wide-variety of gamers. This month is perhaps the biggest update yet with the addition of Madden NFL 27 and Mixtape headlining the lineup.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more indie games and Amazon Luna news and updates.

Mixtape is available now through Amazon Luna. Mixtape is also available on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles.

The post One of 2026’s Best Reviewed Games is Playable for Free Through Amazon Prime appeared first on VICE.

The Fortnite Pirate Shop Token is so rare that a rumor has spread online that it’s been removed from the game. Here is what we know about the rare Fortnite Treasure Hunters reward, its drop rates, and how to get Pirate Shop access.

Did Fortnite Remove the Pirate Token?

No, Epic Games has not removed the Pirate Token from Fortnite. It just has an extremely low drop rate. Players continue to report finding the reward every day, and the official Fortnite Status account recently confirmed that every account has an equal opportunity to find Pirate Shop access.

The rumor of the Pirate Token being removed spread online after players spent the opening week of Fortnite Treasure Hunters searching for the rare reward and coming up empty-handed. This has also led to speculation about whether certain accounts have a better chance of finding it due to outside factors.

That said, the Fortnite Pirate token literally gives you every item in Item shop for free for 14 days straight after redeeming. Not only that, you get a second token to use in 2027. This puts the Fortnite Pirate Shop’s value at around 1.2 Million V-Bucks in total, depending on when the player uses both of them.

According to dataminers, that is roughly $8.7k dollars in value. When you put that into perspective, it makes sense why most players are not easily finding it.

Fortnite Pirate Shop Token chances Explained

Epic Games has not publicly confirmed the Fortnite Pirate Shop Token chances or drop rates. Estimates circulating online have put it at around 0.1%, but that figure is unverified and should not be treated as the actual odds.

However, Epic Games recently responded to speculation about the rare reward and clarified one key detail: every player has an equal opportunity to find Pirate Shop access. “This is just like any of the chests in Battle Royale, so every player has an equal opportunity to find Pirate Shop Access,” the official Fortnite Status account explained.

Hey @Pirat_Nation – Buying an account or using fake tools is a scam. This is just like any of the chests in Battle Royale, so every player has an equal opportunity to find Pirate Shop Access.

— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) November 3, 2026

That statement does not reveal the exact drop rate or fully explain how the reward is calculated. So while players have plenty of theories about the Fortnite token, there is no confirmed percentage you can use to work out how many chests you need to open.

Basically, if you aren’t finding the Pirate Token, that alone doesn’t mean it has been removed. It’s a random reward, and opening lots of chests still doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it.

How to Get the Pirate Shop Token in Fortnite

The way to get the Pirate Shop Token in Fortnite is to jump into a Battle Royale match and open chests. That’s really all there is to it. However, there are a few ways to make your search more efficient:

• Play with a squad. If one teammate finds Pirate Shop access, the rest of the squad also receives it. Having more teammates searching means your group can cover more chests.
• Use chest-finding Sprite abilities. These can help you locate loot and spend less time searching empty buildings.
• Land somewhere with plenty of chests. Lantern Landing and The Chest are two locations to try for a chest-focused route.
• Plan your next stop. Once you’ve searched an area, rotate to another nearby location instead of spending the match looking for one last chest.

These tips help you search more chests; they don’t establish a higher drop rate for each individual chest. Even with a good route, you’ll still need to get lucky.

Where to Search for the Fortnite Pirate Token

The best place to find the Fortnite Pirate Token is either Lantern Landing or The Chest. Lantern Landing has plenty of buildings to search, making it a useful location for working through multiple chests in one area.

The Chest is the giant glowing treasure chest landmark, with buried treasure around the area that you can dig up with your pickaxe. You can also try working both locations into the same match if the storm circle and nearby players give you enough time.

Just be warned: popular chest-farming spots can get rather sweaty. A quieter landing spot where you actually survive long enough to loot can be more useful than fighting half the lobby over a handful of chests.

The post Did Fortnite Remove the Pirate Token? Drop Rates Explained appeared first on VICE.

The next Magic: The Gathering set is about to drop and players who grind through some games on Magic Arena can now check out the full list of monthly rewards that are up for grabs in November.

All Magic Arena November Season Rewards

Magic: The Gathering players who battle in Constructed or Limited ranked matches always have the chance to earn some packs and other unique cards or cosmetics for their efforts each month.

Now that November has arrived, Magic Arena is ready to reveal the full lineup of Star Trek-themed rewards that players will be battling for over the next few weeks. Arena players can expect to earn Star Trek packs, gold, and some very cool new card styles if they make it to the highest ranks.

Here is the full list of rewards and which tier and rank players need to reach to claim each one:

• Bronze Reward: 1 Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek pack
• Silver Reward: 1 Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek pack + 500 gold
• Gold Reward: 2 Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek packs + 1,000 gold + Highly Illogical card style
• Platinum Reward: 3 Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek packs + 1,000 gold + Highly Illogical and U.S.S. Discovery, at Black Alert card styles
• Diamond Reward: 4 Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek packs + 1,000 gold + Highly Illogical and U.S.S. Discovery, at Black Alert card styles
• Mythic Reward: 5 Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek packs + 1,000 gold + Highly Illogical and U.S.S. Discovery, at Black Alert card styles

Keep in mind that players must have played at least one ranked game in the respective format to receive seasonal rewards.

Players will receive their rewards for the November 2026 season at the start of the December 2026 ranked season (12:05 p.m. PT on November 30).

Ranked matches aren’t for everyone, but they are a fun opportunity for players who prefer a more competitive environment and enjoy the chance to earn some unique in-game items, currency, and cosmetics.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates as the launch of the Star Trek set arrives.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering Reveals November Season Rewards for Arena appeared first on VICE.

Nearly four decades after its arcade debut, this sci-fi shooter is making a comeback with contemporary gamers thanks to a new release.

Exzisus Is Available Now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox Consoles

Exzisus originally hit arcades in 1987 and delivered a horizontally scrolling shooter experience to players. The game was originally released in Japan, but did make its way to North America after its initial success.

Now, nearly forty years later the game is returning thanks to the Arcade Archives. This week’s retro gaming drop included both an Arcade Archives 1 and Arcade Archives 2 version of Exzisus.

“Control Cosmo Fighter Robin and defeat the mysterious army infesting the 4th Galaxy using your blaster and missiles. Each item collected powers Robin up, allowing it to transform into Turbo Jet mode or summon bird and dog animal robots to support you in attack.
Aim for the weak parts of the giant robots waiting at the end of each stage.”

The Arcade Archives 1 version of the game is now available on Nintendo Switch and PS4 for $7.99. The Arcade Archives 2 version is available on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles for $9.99.

There is also the option to upgrade the PS4 or Nintendo Switch 1 version for an additional $2.99.

As always, the Arcade Archives releases aim to recreate the original arcade experience for a home console environment with the additional of select modern conveniences and quality-of-life improvements. Here is a breakdown of some of the key features that players can expect:

• The “Arcade Archives” (ACA) series is developed with the concept of faithfully reproducing classic arcade games, staying true to its original.
• In ORIGINAL MODE, you’ll find a variety of convenient features that make revisiting these classic titles even more enjoyable.
  • These include difficulty and display settings, button remapping, rapid-fire options, the ability to create multiple save files at any time, and even a rewind function to undo your last move.
  • Some titles also offer special settings that recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of CRT TVs.
  • In addition, in HI SCORE MODE and CARAVAN MODE, you can compete for the best scores with players around the world through Online Rankings.
• “Arcade Archives 2” series introduces a brand-new mode called TIME ATTACK MODE, in addition to the ORIGINAL MODE, HI SCORE MODE, and CARAVAN MODE from Arcade Archives.
  • TIME ATTACK MODE focuses on how quickly you can complete the game, regardless of the score you achieve.
  • With VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, the gameplay can be reproduced even more accurately, closer to the original arcade experience.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more retro gaming news and updates.

The Arcade Archives versions of Exzisus are available now on Nintendo Switch 1, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles.

The post 1987 Arcade Shooter is Now Playable on Modern Consoles appeared first on VICE.

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Magic: The Gathering players who like to trick out their decks with unique land cards won’t want to miss the upcoming Secret Lair x Star Trek: New Worlds drop.

Every Card In Secret Lair x Star Trek: New Worlds

The release of Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek is right around the corner and the Secret Lair collection is preparing to celebrate with a massive Star Trek-themed superdrop of new products.

In addition to cards inspired by the Klingon language and The Wrath of Khan, one of the products also takes inspiration from some of the marvelous worlds that the crew of the Enterprise has visited for some new basic lands.

The New Worlds product offers limited-edition versions of all five basic lands with unique card. Here is the full list of every card included in the Secret Lair x Star Trek: New Worlds product:

• 2x Plains
• 2x Island
• 2x Swamp
• 2x Mountain
• 2x Forest

Collectors who want to add these alternate art lands to their decks can buy the non-foil edition for $29.99 or the foil edition for $39.99.

In addition to the New Worlds lands, the Set Phasers to Superdrop also includes products themed around Beam Me Up, tlhIngan maH, KHAAAAAAAAN, and Lower Decks.

Shoppers who want to secure any of the Set Phasers to Superdrop products should keep in mind that Secret Lair products tend to sell out quickly. In order to ensure a successful launch purchase, Star Trek fans will want to follow these steps:

• Create a Wizards Account: For a faster checkout save your shipping and payment info at myaccounts.wizards.com/registration.
• Double-check your address: Make sure your shipping details are current so your order arrives at the right place.
• Enter the pre-queue: The pre-queue opens at 8 a.m. PT, 1 hour before the sale goes live at 9 a.m. PT. To enter the pre-queue, add any product to your cart and proceed to checkout.
• Queue placement: When the sale begins, customers already in the pre-queue are randomly assigned a spot in line. Anyone who proceeds to checkout after 9 a.m. PT enters the queue in the order they proceed to checkout.
• Please note: Adding products to your cart does not reserve them. Products are only secured once checkout is completed.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates as the release of Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek approaches.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena. The Set Phasers to Superdrop products release on November 9, 2026.

The post Magic: The Gathering – Every Card in the New Worlds Drop (And Where To Find Them) appeared first on VICE.

Following the exciting recent Elder Scrolls VI teaser from Bethesda, which included the full title reveal, players received enticing glimpses of the upcoming game. The release window, though, is still under wraps. So while Elder Scrolls fans are waiting to learn more, here are three games that might take the edge off. 

1. Elder Scrolls Online

Shockingly, one of the best games to make the wait for more Elder Scrolls IV news easier is, in fact, Elder Scrolls Online. Like the mainline games, Elder Scrolls Online is set within the world of Tamriel, featuring the same religious pantheon – like the Aedra – and familiar locations such as Windhelm and the Imperial City. It also includes the same playable races, including Elves and Men, along with Khajiit and Argonians. 

One thing that sets ESO apart, and one that provides the greatest opportunity to pass the time, is the fact that – as its name suggests – the game is a vast MMORPG. Players can explore the world of Elder Scrolls by themselves or with a group of friends, delving into a different timeline than the one played out in the mainline games. ESO takes place nearly a thousand years before the events of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Combat and character progression are also different. 

Anyone interested in experiencing Tamriel on a larger scale can experience Elder Scrolls Online via PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation. 

2. Dragon’s Dogma

Dragon’s Dogma centers on a main character known in the game as the Arisen, a moniker earned after surviving an attack by the Dragon, a creature that signals the end of the world. From there, the Arisen goes on a quest to defeat the Dragon, thereby stopping the apocalypse. The Arisen must end the game by confronting an actual god and making a series of decisions that impact the fate of the entire world. 

Considering the director of Dragon’s Dogma cited the Elder Scrolls games as inspiration for Dragon’s Dogma, it makes sense that this game – and by extension, its sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2 – could be a strong contender for helping the player get through an Elder Scrolls news drought. Both games offer open-world exploration, protagonists who serve as a “chosen one”, and narratives featuring NPCs with their own inner worlds and stories. Both Dragon’s Dogma and The Elder Scrolls games focus on the journey, not the destination. 

Both Dragon’s Dogma and its sequel are playable on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. 

3. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt 

While The Witcher franchise follows a more linear structure than The Elder Scrolls games, the two franchises overlap in their peak fantasy settings, which can draw players in. Wild Hunt also recently received a massive upgrade, which improved visuals and gameplay. The final game in the mainline trilogy, Wild Hunt reunites players with Geralt of Rivia, the titular Witcher, as he searches for Ciri, his adopted daughter. Ciri is being pursued by the subtitle of Witcher III, a terrifying group best avoided. 

Beyond their dedication to lore-rich, engaging fantasy, both Wild Hunt and The Elder Scrolls games feature deep combat mechanics and vast maps to explore, with environments that teem with life and detail. While both games offer dialogue options that affect the story, players who want conversations that create a butterfly effect throughout the rest of the game will find The Witcher III: Wild Hunt a great choice. 

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is available to play on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. 

The post 3 Fantastic Games to Play While You Wait for ‘The Elder Scrolls VI’ appeared first on VICE.

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After its release earlier this year, Control Resonant received strong reviews, including an 8 out of 10 at IGN and a 5 out of 5 at Video Games Chronicle. Now Remedy, the studio behind the game, has shared its quarterly financial report, showing that Control Resonant is more than just a favorite with many reviewers – it also played a significant role in revenue. 

According to the financial report, featured on Eurogamer, the release of Control Resonant was followed by a 226% jump in revenue, which resulted in revenue of €39.6 million for Q3 – or around $44 million in USD. Jean-Charles Gaudechon, Remedy’s CEO, has called it “a defining milestone for the company.” 

Control Resonant is the direct sequel to Control, released in 2019, although the Control universe is more expansive than these two titles might suggest. The expansion to the original came, Control: The Foundation, released in 2020, and Control: AWE followed the same year. This game linked the Control franchise with Alan Wake, another Remedy series centered on the titular writer and his adventures with shadows and Scratch. Before Control Resonant released this year, there was a co-op spin-off game entitled FBC: Firebreak, released in 2025. 

Remedy also noted that many players diving into Control Resonant were entirely new players, with reaching this particular audience viewed as “a key goal for this game”. According to the studio, the results so far indicate that both the Control franchise and Remedy itself are seeing a growing audience. In fact, the original 2019 game has also seen a bump in interest, meaning Control Resonant might serve as an introduction to the series despite being a sequel game. 

Gaudechon says that the new goal is to get Resonant into the hands of more players. The studio intended for the game to also work as a standalone experience, with a “previously on”-style segment available on the main menu to get players caught up – or informed – with events of the previous game. Still, it might be worth starting with Control 2019 so as to experience the full emotional breadth of the story. 

Remedy’s Latest Financial Report Has Some Very Good News for ‘Control Resonant’ Fans

Control centers around Jesse Faden, recently chosen as Director of the Federal Bureau of Control, a government agency dedicated to investigating supernatural events, also known as Altered World Events. She takes on the role following the previous Director’s death. Jesse was involved in an AWE with her brother, Dylan. Control Resonant follows Dylan as he journeys to reconnect with Jesse while hunting supernaturally corrupted creatures known as Resonants. 

So exploring Control first does add emotional depth with a better understanding of Jesse and Dylan’s relationship, but Dylan’s story is unique enough that players can jump right into Control: Resonant if they wish. Given the impact this game has had on Remedy, it’s understandable if new players want to see what has earned the studio millions of dollars. 

The post Remedy Just Reported a 226% Revenue Jump Following the Release of ‘Control Resonant’ appeared first on VICE.

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Amazon Prime is continuing its monthly trend of new additions to the Luna gaming catalog with a huge win for sports fans this month.

Madden NFL 27 and NBA The Run Join Amazon Prime Game Library

Sports fans who aren’t getting enough content watching college and NFL football every weekend this fall can now also play a couple of the biggest recent sports games for free, as long as they have an Amazon Prime subscription. Today, EA Sports Madden NFL 27 and NBA the Run join the Amazon Luna catalog.

Amazon Luna added the campaign portion of Star Wars Galactic Racer last month and this month looks like another big score for gamers who have access to the library of Luna titles. Madden NFL 27 is a spotlight addition to the library and will likely draw in a lot of new users who subscribe to Prime, but haven’t tested out the library of games yet.

Here is a breakdown of the two new additions for gamers who may not be familiar with the sports titles:

• EA Sports Madden NFL 27 – Engine, the latest entry in the Madden NFL franchise brings a more dynamic experience to Franchise mode, where player personalities shape an evolving league. On the field, enhanced receiver and defensive back interactions, changing weather, and new short-yardage mechanics add expanded dimension to every matchup. In Superstar mode, players can also chart their path from high school to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• NBA the Run – NBA THE RUN delivers fast-paced, arcade-style 3-on-3 basketball featuring NBA stars of past and present and streetball legends. At launch, Luna players will have access to the most recent content dropped in-game, including the five NBA Legends released in late September (Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitzki and Tracy McGrady), along with Deluxe Edition content, Rookie Stephen Curry, Rookie Luka Dončić and Rookie Kevin Durant, for free.

In addition to the sports titles, a few other games that just arrived include:

• Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – Bring the magic of Disney to life in a vibrant 3D platformer. This beautiful remake sends Mickey Mouse on an epic journey through Wasteland, a realm of forgotten Disney characters. As Mickey Mouse, you will dive into a fantastical world and, armed with paint and thinner, shape your adventure and the fate of this alternate world.
• Mixtape – On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more shared adventure. En route to their final party together, a perfectly-curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories. It’s the greatest hits of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. Mixtape draws inspiration from classic coming-of-age movies, bringing together nostalgic aimlessness, mischief, music, and the highs and lows of adolescence, set to the soundtrack of a generation.
• Kingdom Come Deliverance II – A thrilling story-driven action RPG, with a rich open world, set in 15th century Medieval Europe. Experience the ultimate medieval adventure – through the eyes of young Henry – as you embark on a journey of epic proportions. Embark on an epic journey from a humble blacksmith’s forge to the court of Kings.
• Police Simulator: Patrol Officers – Welcome to Brighton! Join the police force of this fictitious American city and experience the daily life of a Police Officer. Start with citing violations and giving out parking tickets, then work your way towards shouldering more responsibilities. Be part of the community of Brighton, get to know your neighborhood and handle daily police work to fight crime during your shift.

Luna is included with an Amazon Prime membership at no additional cost. Prime members can currently enjoy a selection of more than 50 games. Players should note that titles do rotate in and out, similar to Xbox Game Pass, so available titles will shift from month to month.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more news and updates as the Amazon Luna catalog continues to grow and evolve.

Both NBA The Run and Madden NFL 27 are available on Amazon Luna starting November 5.

The post Madden NFL 27 Joins Catalog of Free Games for Amazon Prime Subscribers appeared first on VICE.

Nintendo has prepped its classic game for a rerelease with a slew of aesthetic upgrades—none more extreme than the protagonist’s curled-eyelash, glossed-lip glow-up.

World of Warcraft: Forever plans to differentiate its progression from Classic by really slowing down and offering a wide variety of different types of rewards for players to hunt down over a long period of time.

Exactly what does Horizontal Progression Mean In World of Warcraft: Forever?

After the initial reveal of World of Warcraft: Forever, many players in the community began debating and speculating exactly how the game would tackle progression and what that might look like in a “Forever” experience.

VICE recently had a chance to sit down with some key members of the World of Warcraft: Forever development team and talk about their approach to horizontal and vertical progress in Forever and what players can expect as the game continues to grow.

VICE: There’s been a lot of conversations around the idea of horizontal progression. There’s been a lot of debate in the community about what it actually means and what it will look like over time. Could you explain a bit more about how you think of horizontal progression and how it might look as the game goes on? How does it differ from vertical progression?

Josh Greenfield (Senior Game Designer): Yeah, it’s an interesting topic. World of Warcraft has always had some elements of horizontal progression, right? When it comes to things like collections, things you can get that are cosmetics. And I think that’s an interesting thing to continue to pursue in a classic way.

We’ve sort of done that with things like transmog, for example. We have the collection system for things like pets and mounts. Obviously, we’re not looking to bloat those systems out just for the sake of giving players a treadmill of things to do. But where it makes sense, adding more things to chase is a cool thing to do.

And it’s not just for one type of player either. It’s having a bunch of different things that a wide variety of players could be interested in. Players want different things at different times. I’m primarily a raider, but sometimes I might want to go PvP. Having some cosmetics or some other rep rewards to chase along that PvP side of things is a great opportunity for that.

When it comes to our vertical progression, World of Warcraft is kind of at its core a vertical progression game and always has been. Having that incremental power gain is kind of important to the core of the game. However, we want to really slow that progression down.

Kris Zierhut (Principal Game Designer): We’re trying to make the items in the game a lot more varied. No more feeling like ‘That’s the BEST item in that slot and I always want that.’

So, we have items that have bonuses agains a specific creature type. Or bonuses in specific environments. Or have mechanic-specific things that make them good in certain situations and not in others. The intent is that there’s a lot of variety of what items can do and a very well-developed character has a ‘bag of tricks.’

They might say, ‘Hey on this encounter I’m going to pull out these two trinkets because they’ll work really well against this boss to solve this problem.’ But in another encounter they might use different trinkets or in a raid use a different helm, etc. Having a large collection of tricks to dip into it.

You’ll see players get an item from a raid and say ‘that’s not that interesting, I’ll just throw it in my bank and maybe I’ll use it someday…’ And then when the next new raid comes out, that item may become the perfect item for this new boss because if the circumstances, the setting, the type of creature it is. And so items get new life as new content is created for them.

Having that large collection of different items at that your pursing means there’s a lot of room to move horizontally and to make this big collection.

At the same time, somebody who is brand-new and doesn’t have that wide collection isn’t at a huge disadvantage. They just can’t super optimize.

As far as vertical progression, we do want to make it advance much more slowly that World of Warcraft: Classic did. So we expect the leveled items to grow more slowly and not very many items will be perfectly designed or optimized. They’ll all be sort of lopsized and good for different situations or different classes or different specs.

And, of course, the Legacy System. For some people, instead of going vertical progression on one character, they’re going to want to have a collection of every class. They’re going to have every trade skill. They’re going to explore the world, do every dungeon. And there are rewards that they can unlock that somebody focused on vertical progression doesn’t unlock.

They might get this spectral bear mount that super hard to get and other people who have awesome raid rewards don’t have it. They each have their own things they can pursue for different types of players.

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World of Warcraft: Forever is officially live now, but most players are taking their time through the early starting zones and levels. The question of how progression feels at max level won’t pop up for the average player for quite a while as they take their time leveling through Azeroth at a slower pace.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more World of Warcraft: Forever news and updates as the early days of the new experience play out.

World of Warcraft: Midnight and World of Warcraft: Forever are now available now on PC.

The post World of Warcraft: Forever Devs Break Down The Difference Between Vertical and Horizontal Progression appeared first on VICE.

Rockstar Games has released 38 new GTA 6 screenshots just two weeks before launch. The latest batch offers another look at Jason and Lucia, and Vice City, giving fans more of Leonida to take in before Grand Theft Auto VI arrives on November 19.

New GTA 6 Screenshots Show Vice City and Beyond

Grand Theft Auto VI is now two weeks away from release, and to celebrate, Rockstar Games has released a launch gallery with 39 new GTA 6 screenshots on the game’s official website.

The developer announced the surprising update in a post on X, pointing fans toward a new gallery featuring high-resolution images of Vice City and beyond. Rockstar also ended the announcement with a reminder that the wait is almost over: “See you in Leonida on November 19.”

Grand Theft Auto VI is now officially only two weeks away.

Today, enjoy a stunning look at Vice City and beyond with a collection of new screenshots on the official site: https://t.co/nX2McNaJNE

See you in Leonida on November 19. pic.twitter.com/JXkHN8r20Y

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) November 5, 2026

With 38 new images to look through, there is plenty here to keep fans busy before release day. If you have been counting down the days until you can finally jump into GTA 6, this should help make the wait a little easier. Or make the next two weeks feel even longer.

All New GTA 6 Screenshots (Launch Gallery)

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Note: We’ve included only a selection of some of the new GTA 6 screenshots above. You can find the complete collection through the gallery linked in Rockstar’s announcement.

GTA 6 Release Is Now Two Weeks Away

Alongside the screenshot drop, Rockstar reiterated that Grand Theft Auto VI arrives on November 19, 2026. That puts the release exactly two weeks after today’s November 5 update.

It’s still a little hard to believe we are this close after such a long wait. For now, though, fans have another batch of official images to dig through before finally getting to explore Leonida themselves.

Rockstar Games also revealed the official GTA 6 release times at launch, and when players will be able to pre-load the game starting on November 10.

The post Rockstar Releases 39 New GTA 6 Screenshots Before Launch appeared first on VICE.

The first few months of 2027 have some amazing titles scheduled to arrive, but one of the most-anticipated ones just got pushed back by a few months.

God of War: Laufey Delayed to May 2027

Santa Monica Studio make waves at San Diego Comic-Con back in the summer with the surprise reveal of God of War Laufey. Not only did the presentation confirm the next installment in the Sony exclusive franchise, but it also provided an extended look at gameplay and an early 2027 release date.

The original release window reveal shared that God of War Laufey was targeting a February 2027 launch. The team behind the game reconfirmed that release date in September 2026, but now it sounds like plans have changed.

Rather than arriving in February 2027, God of War Laufey is now releasing May 20, 2027. Santa Monica Studio confirmed the new plans on social media:

“Since the reveal of God of War Laufey in June, we’ve been deeply grateful to see so much excitement for Faye’s journey through the Everywhen. We don’t take for granted the trust placed in the studio to make an extraordinary experience worthy of the passion and dedication of our fans.

With this in mind, we’ve made the decision to delay God of War Laufey’s release to May 20th, 2027.

We will make the most of each moment until then by putting in the finishing touches and pushing the game to its fullest potential.

On behalf of every on the team, we appreciate your patience and we’ll be back to share more updates soon!”

Although it’s disappointing that fans will have to wait until closer to the summer, this game was already arriving much sooner than most people expected, so the release date shift isn’t too big of a surprise.

The game is likely going to be a game of the year contender in 2027, so it makes sense that the team wants to take their time and make sure it’s fully ready for launch before pushing it out the door.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more God of War Laufey news and updates in the coming months as the release date approaches.

God of War Laufey releases May 20, 2027 exclusively on the PS5.

The post One of 2027’s Biggest Games Has Been Delayed appeared first on VICE.

MagicCon: Atlanta is right around the corner and to celebrate the upcoming Magic: The Gathering event Bioworld’s Heroes & Villains are road tripping from Dallas to Atlanta in a van that will be very hard to miss.

MagicCon is a huge event in the Magic: The Gathering community and players from around the country (and the world) will be travelling to Atlanta this month to watch or take part in the weekend’s activities.

To help celebrate the occasion, and to connect with fans who may not make it all the way to Atlanta, Bioworld’s Heroes & Villains is setting out on an ambitious Van Tour and meeting up with the Magic community along the way.

Before arriving at the convention, the brand-new Heroes & Villains van will hold a pop-up event in Ridgeland, MS with giveaways, Magic: The Gathering (MTG) play, photo ops and more. While on tour, live updates will be provided of their adventure and reveal upcoming exclusives that can be purchased at MagicCon: Atlanta.

The Heroes & Villains van departs from the Dallas headquarters Thursday, November 5 and will stop at DogMud Tavern in Ridgeland, MS for a special pop-up event on Friday, November 6 from 6pm–10pm CT. Fans of Magic: The Gathering can receive an exclusive free Magic: The Gathering branded tee while supplies last, play Magic: The Gathering, and get a photo op with the mythically rare custom designed van.

VICE had a chance to speak with Doug Johnson, Creative Director at Heroes & Villains and Bioworld, who explained the inspiration and motivation behind the Van Tour:

“The ConQuest Road Trip is our way of building camaraderie and connecting face-to-face with fans across the country. Along the way, we get to explore local game stores, meet fellow enthusiasts, and spend time with the communities that make this game so special. Within our apparel offering we focused on timeless content reimagined in new and unexpected ways. We aim to translate the creative language of the game into products that feel authentic to the community and give fans new ways to express their interests. This journey is about more than getting to the convention. It’s about the people, the places, and the shared passion that bring this community together. We’re excited to be part of it and can’t wait to see everyone at MagicCon Atlanta!”

Fans of Magic: The Gathering who manage to get one of the exclusive free Magic: The Gathering shirts will find some very cool designs inspired by the van itself, Shivan Dragon, Black Lotus, and Serra Avenger.

Magic fans who aren’t on the path of the van or heading to MagicCon this month can still keep an eye out for a new Magic: The Gathering drop on Heroes & Villains that will be revealed soon. Some products will be available online and others will remain exclusive to MagicCon including backpacks, tees, jackets, and some others.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates and other gaming collaborations from Heroes & Villains and Bioworld.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post How To Get Exclusive Free Magic: The Gathering Swag from the Mythic Rare Dragon Van appeared first on VICE.

“See you later, alligator” takes on a whole new meaning with this gator-themed console from Xbox. An homage to Florida, home to many of the behemoth creatures, the console is waiting for a lucky gamer to grab it – being mindful of the teeth, of course, which already have an Xbox controller balanced between them. 

Measuring five feet long from scaly snout to thrashing tail, the X-BITE looks so real that anyone unfamiliar with its origins could be forgiven for jumping on the phone to their local animal control. Gleaming green eyes, complete with X-shaped irises, peer out from the top of the shovel-shaped head, which is complete with two rows of bright white teeth. The Xbox controller perched between its jaws has tooth marks on it, perhaps evidence of an ill-advised fight on the part of the original owner attempting to keep it. 

In the video on the Xbox website, the X-BITE is perched on its own stand, lifting it up in the air so that its clawed feet are poised as if in mid-swim. Or mid-charge, depending on the point of view. The silhouette of an Xbox Series X is visible in its stomach, stretching the green scales into a rectangular shape, the amber glow of the power button visible even through the gator’s thick skin. 

Xbox Just Made a Giant Alligator-Shaped Series X Console, and You Can Win It for Free

Despite the fact that an alligator appeared to treat the console like an appetizer, the post on the Xbox news site makes it clear that the Xbox Series X within is entirely functional. All the player would need to do is press the button to turn it on. The alligator itself was crafted with care, designed by the same studio – John Nolan Studio – which is behind animatronics and other creatures for The Witcher. This unique console was built with a combination of 3D modeling and fabrication, along with sculpting. 

For anyone interested in combining their love for gaming with a perennial conversation starter, Xbox is offering the Xbox Series X-BITE for free, as part of an online contest. Here’s the catch (no pun intended) – there’s only one. Interested gamers have three options to enter, though, including X, Instagram, or TikTok. 

Whatever social media platform they choose, the directions are simple. After making sure to follow the @XBOX account, just share the sweepstakes post. Don’t forget to add the #XbiteSweepstakes hashtag to the post before it goes live. 

It’s also important to note that the winner has 48 hours to claim their prize. “Miss the window,” according to the Xbox post, “and this gator makes a clean getaway.” 

Built to play. Not to pet. Enter for a chance win!

Follow and repost with #XbiteSweepstakes for a chance to win the one-of-a-kind playable XBOX Series X-BITE.

No Purchase Necessary. US/DC/PR 18+. Ends on 11/10/26. Rules: https://t.co/tngcGpYvRR pic.twitter.com/rmumLc3rAH

— XBOX (@XBOX) November 3, 2026

The post Xbox Is Giving Away a Free Giant Alligator-Shaped Series X Console. Here’s How to Win It. appeared first on VICE.

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If you’re watching your PlayStation console gather dust, Sony may have a solution.

Online reports have highlighted an offer appearing in the PlayStation app that lets gamers trade in their PlayStation 5 for a payment sent directly to their bank account. So, how much could you get for trading in your console? Well, it depends.

Those no longer interested in their standard PS5 and two (or more) controllers could earn up to $400. According to the original post on ResetEra, where poster Jay_Horror added screenshots of the offer, PlayStation is utilizing the website Back Market. So it looks like Back Market, not PlayStation or Sony, determines the trade-in terms. 

Still, PlayStation says the trade-in process would be “simple and hassle-free” through Back Market, although the terms seen in the screenshot also stress that how much the user receives depends on a variety of factors. These include the console model, its condition, storage capacity, and any accessories included in the trade-in. 

Sony Wants Your Old PS5, and You Could Get Up to $400 in Cash

The offer also states that users would receive payment directly to their nominated bank account, which is the account they choose to provide. Rather than receiving credit in the PlayStation Store, they would receive funds they could use however they wish. 

In the ResetEra post, one commenter wondered why Sony was making this offer in the first place. Another explained that a lot of hardware may just be sitting unused, and it could serve a new purpose by being resold to someone more interested in using it. Other posters pointed out that this is similar to what Microsoft did with Xbox consoles, and many affirmed that the move makes sense (along with potentially making cents for gamers who choose to trade in their console). 

With prices for brand-new consoles on the rise, for both PlayStation and Xbox, it’s understandable that there should be an interest in refurbished consoles, especially those that are in good condition. And if they include at least two controllers, that’s not a bad bargain. With exciting new games like Phantom Control Zero, Control: Resonant, and The Blood of Dawnwalker now available, potential gamers might want an affordable option that gives them access to these titles. 

The time of year could also matter. With the holiday season just around the corner, it makes sense that Sony would want a supply of consoles in good condition to resell to interested customers. 

The post Sony Is Offering PlayStation Owners Up to $400 for Their Old PS5 Consoles. Here’s Everything We Know. appeared first on VICE.

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Who doesn’t want to save money? According to Mark Tilbury, a self-made millionaire whose social media posts center around frugality, there’s a surprising way to save money that involves having fun. Playing GTA VI, he says, might just end up saving gamers thousands of dollars. No, really – thousands. 

Let’s say, as Tilbury proposes, the player dedicates four hours every night to exploring Leonida, getting to know Lucia and Jason, and listening to the new soundtrack. If the game takes around 80 hours to complete, that works out to 50 nights of play time, which means that’s 50 nights the player is likely staying home. So, whatever money the player might spend on a night out – Tilbury offers an estimate of $100 a night – stays right in their bank account. 

According to Tilbury, in fact, that means the player will save a total of $5,000. With the standard edition of the game coming in at $80, it’s an overall sound financial investment. Especially considering how long GTA fans have been looking forward to this game, it’s like a cherry on top to consider delving into the world of Vice City has real-life financial benefits.

A Self-Made Millionaire Says Gamers Could Save a Fortune by Playing ‘GTA 6’. Is He Crazy?

Ironically, there was talk online last month that indicated there’s some concern about how the game is going to impact the economy. Experts indicated that 1.5 million people might call out of work on release day. So while players might be saving money, the economy could receive a little pinch.

Of course, Tilbury’s math is more playful than properly Pythagorean, but it’s definitely true that gamers will be dedicating plenty of time to GTA VI. Judging by how much space gamers will need to clear up on their console, it’s definitely possible that they will be able to enjoy hours and hours of play before they even come close to the end. 

And if they’re spending more time at home, maybe that does mean fewer nights out. At the same time, since there’s also merchandise available that not only offers hats and T-shirts, but items like stickers, money clips, and a lighter, excited GTA fans might not stop at just buying the game. 

But why should they?

With only days to go before GTA VI drops on November 19, maybe the most important factor here isn’t finances. It’s knowing that one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, if not longer, is finally almost here. Whether they chose to call off work, grab a t-shirt or two, or dedicate a few evenings to playing the game, gamers deserve to celebrate the arrival of GTA VI however they see fit. 

The post How Buying ‘GTA 6’ Could Actually Save You $5,000, According to a Self-Made Millionaire appeared first on VICE.

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World of Warcraft: Forever has players select a ruleset, rather than a server, but the game’s developers have a plan for still maintaining neighborhood identity and local in-game communities.

‘You will never have to worry about there not being enough people on your realm’

In anticipation of the World of Warcraft: Forever launch, VICE recently had a chance to sit down with some key members of the development team and chat about the game’s beta and launch.

During the conversation, we discussed the Rule Set-based play experiences and how the game ensures players don’t get lost in the massive crowd of mega-realms.

VICE: I want to talk a bit about this realmless Azeroth or mega-realm Azeroth, with Rule Set based groups instead of individual, player-selected servers/realms… Vanilla WoW and classic MMO identity always relied on tight-knit server communities with local reputations, heroes, villains, and celebrities within each server. How did you go about having Forever preserve that sense of server fame and neighborhood identity so players won’t feel lost in a much larger server environment.

Kris Zierhut (Principal Game Designer): We don’t want to get into the details of the algorithm, but we an algorithm in place that tries to keep putting you together with the same cohort of players over and over again. We know players wanted to be on realms with very high populations, and going what you call ‘realmless’ is sort of our ultimate achievement of that.

You will never have to worry about there not being enough people on your realm or you rolled on the wrong realm and having your friends on a different realm than you. If you play with the same Rule Set and the same faction, you can play together.

But then the downside is you could be lost in this massive anonymous crowd, New York City kind of vibe. So we wanted to make sure we had a way to get the best of those small realms we had back in 2004 and make you keep seeing the same people over and over again as you adventure. There are systems in place that are doing that and we think they’re working really well.

People are seeing those same [character] names pop up as they adventure and level up, so we think it’s working really well.

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The new Rule Set-based experience seemed to work well for many players during the game’s beta window, so it will be very interesting to see how well the community continues to embrace this approach in the live version of the game, particular as many players begin to reach the max level and earn weapons, gear, and other accolades that could help bring fame to them if the community experience still feels tight-knight and local enough.

Be sure to check back for lots more World of Warcraft: Forever news and updates as the early days of the new experience play out.

World of Warcraft: Midnight is available now on PC. World of Warcraft: Forever launches on November 4, 2026.

The post How World of Warcraft: Forever Makes Serverless Azeroth Feel Like a 2004 Era Tight-Knit Community appeared first on VICE.

Halo Infinite is offering players a surprising content update that may tempt some gamers back into the most recent installment in the franchise for some exciting action.

Halo Infinite Adds 10 Maps This Week

Things have been quiet on the Halo Infinite beat for quite a while, but the game isn’t dead yet. A surprise update arrived this week and delivers 10 new multiplayer maps to the game.

All 10 new maps were part of the Halo Fest Forge Contest that took place earlier this year, and they’ve specifically been added to a Halo Fest Showcase playlist.

Here is a full list of all the new maps players can access after downloading the latest update:

• Abundance
• Bits and Pieces
• Cascade
• Eulogy
• Hierarch
• Sanctum
• Shade’s Promise
• Sluff
• Sojourn
• Unconveyed

Players can dive into CTF: Arena, King of the Hill: Arena, Oddball: Arena and Slayer: Arena modes if they want to see any of the new maps in action.

Xbox hasn’t announced the next official installment in the Halo franchise yet, but the reorganization did move development of the next project to Activision, which will be responsible for producing the next mainline game for the franchise.

The remaining Halo Studios team has been scaled down and the remaining members are now responsible for community support and multiplayer maintenance on existing games like Halo Infinite.

Leadership at Xbox is trying to develop games for the tentpole franchises more frequently, so it will be very interesting to see how long it takes for Activision to get a Halo title off the ground and how different that project might look from the previous games in the series.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Halo news and updates.

Halo Infinite is available now on PC and Xbox Series consoles.

The post Halo Infinite Gets A Big Content Update Five Years After Its Launch appeared first on VICE.