This week’s been full of surprise announcements - so many that we couldn’t actually include all of them. Fans were gifted with a long-awaited God of War PC release, whereas Pokemon Unite players got the less-than-great news of another rip-off skin being added to the game.
Also this week, Activision Blizzard announced measures it would be taking to address the shocking allegations put forward this summer. Despite this, staff remain unconvinced, and it remains to be seen if anything actually comes from this talk.
God Of War Is Coming To PC In January
Sony is reigniting its commitment to opening up its library of exclusives, with the critically acclaimed God of War coming to PC. The surprise announcement came suddenly this Wednesday, with the official PlayStation account dropping the trailer with no prior teasing. It’s also coming much sooner than many expected, as it’s set to launch January 14. Content-wise, it looks like it will be an incredibly faithful port, not introducing any exclusive features that PlayStation players missed out on. However, as it is a PC release, you can expect improved visuals depending on your set-up, as well as ultra-widescreen support. Hey, don’t worry guys, I’m sure Bloodborne will be next on the list.
Pokemon Unite Is Being Greedy Again
Remember the backlash after the last $40 Pokemon Unite skin? Well, I regret to inform you that they’re pulling the same trick again, as the latest Lucario holowear is going for the exact same price. Fans were, as you would expect, not happy at all. Unlike in other live services, where currency can be earned in-game as well as bought (albeit pretty slowly), aeos gems can only be purchased with real money. If you don’t hand over enough cash for a brand new game, you’re not getting that skin.
Resident Evil 4 Launches On VR, With Some Cut Features
Good news for Resident Evil 4 fans, this rerelease actually introduces a new way to play! Resident Evil 4 VR launched this Thursday, introducing the most immersive way to experience the iconic horror title. However, it’s bad news for fans of the extra unlockable modes - The Mercenaries, Separate Ways and Assignment: Ada - as these have not made it into the rerelease. I hope you like Leon, because you’re stuck with him the whole time. The game also omits the upskirting and suggestive language directed at poor Ashley in the original game, but I will be shedding fewer tears over that.
Grand Theft Auto The Definitive Edition Launches Next Month
Rockstar’s big apology for the lack of GTA 6 news - and a GTA 5 re-re-release that no one asked for - now has a release date. All the classics in Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition (too late to change the name?) are launching next month, November 11. The reveal also came with the first trailer, showing off the improved graphics in action. The games are coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, and will set you back $59.99. The remastered San Andreas will also be hitting Xbox Game Pass November 11, whereas PS Now players will get GTA 3 December 7.
20 Employees Fired From Activision Blizzard Amid Abuse Allegations
This week, Activision Blizzard went on a PR offence to try and repair its image. As part of this effort, CCO Fran Townsend - who herself has been a controversial figure amidst these allegations - spoke to the Financial Times, revealing that 20 employees have been dismissed, and another 20 are facing disciplinary action. Townsend then said, "It doesn’t matter what your rank is, what your job is. If you’ve committed some sort of misconduct or you’re a leader who has tolerated a culture that is not consistent with our values, we’re going to take action". Bit of a change of tune from her previous statements, and some staff aren’t buying it.
Overwatch’s McCree Is Renamed To Distance Him From His Namesake
On top of the interview, another method deployed by Activision Blizzard this week was to finally announce the new name for Overwatch’s Jesse McCree. The cowboy gets his original full name from a company veteran, who left after pictures resurfaced of him partying in the so-called “Cosby Suite” at BlizzCon. The Overwatch hero will now go by Cole Cassidy, and no new Blizzard characters will get their names from employees.