In light of the Activision Blizzard merger, Blizzard announced that some of its games are coming to Steam, starting with Overwatch 2 on August 10. In fact, Overwatch 2 already has a Steam page that you can check out here. According to a blog post on Blizzard Entertainment, they state, “As a free-to-play, team-based game, we believe Overwatch 2 is the perfect title for Blizzard’s debut on the platform.” All you have to do is connect the Steam version of Overwatch 2 to your Battle.net account, and you'll have access to all of your previous amenities, achievements, and heroes.

Overwatch 2: Invasion, the game's new PvE Story Missions, will also be available on August 10. With them comes a new PvP game style, two new maps, and even another new hero. And it'll all be available on August 10th, the same day Overwatch 2 is released on Steam. So, it's certainly an exciting time for Overwatch 2 fans, however, that's just one of many Blizzard games that are arriving on Steam.

Other Blizzard Games Arriving on Steam

Although Blizzard stated that their other titles will be available on Steam, they did not specify which ones. Furthermore, they did not provide a time frame. All the announcement said was, “As far as what’s next for Blizzard on Steam, we’ll be sharing more about potential other games coming to the platform when the time is right.”

So, it looks like it could be a little bit before we find out which of Blizzard's games is arriving on Steam next. We're keeping our fingers crossed for Diablo 4, but given how fresh it is, that seems doubtful. Nonetheless, older Blizzard titles like Starcraft II and Hearthstone are likely to make their way to Steam in, hopefully, the near future.

So, what's your take? Are you excited Overwatch 2 is coming to Steam? What other Blizzard games do you think are coming to Steam? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Overwatch 2 and Other Blizzard Games Are Arriving on Steam appeared first on Gaming.net.

It's no secret that video game adaptations have been on the rise since the release of shows like the League of Legends Arcane series and the Cyberpunk 2077 anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The latest one due to hit our screens is a new Overwatch mini-series. Releasing in thee-parts, the animated series is called Genesis and looks to be a prequel to Overwatch.

The series will premiere on the PlayOverwatch YouTube channel on July 6 with the first five-minute episode titled “Part One: Dawn.” The second episode, “Part Two: Innocence” will be released on July 13th, with a longer episode of 6 minutes and 34 seconds. Finally, “Part Three: Rebirth” will air on July 20, with a slightly longer runtime than the second episode at 6 minutes and 58 seconds.

So, the new Overwatch mini-series may be short and sweet, but its trailer has certainly caught our eyes. If you have yet to see it for yourself, feel free to check it out yourself through the embedded link below.

Take Aways From Genesis Trailer

In the trailer, we can get a glimpse of a young Reaper, Ana, Reinhardt, and Torbjorn. What's more, the narration also references life before the Omnic uprising and then steeps into how the war changed life forever. All of this alludes to the idea that Genesis is in fact a prequel. Nonetheless, we're excited about it and what it has in store for us come July 6. Oh, and in case you're wondering. Here are the showtimes for each episode in the Overwatch mini-series:

• Part One: Dawn – July 6 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST
• Part Two: Innocence – July 13 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST
• Part Three: Rebirth – July 20 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST

So, what's your take? Are you excited about the new Overwatch mini-series? Do you think it will compare to that of Arcane and Edgerunners? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Blizzard Announces Overwatch Animated Mini-Series for YouTube appeared first on Gaming.net.

Adam Jackson, Diablo 4’s class designer, has dropped details on the rarest Unique items found in Diablo 4. The information from his Twitter feed shed some light on an ongoing debate about these six items, and now we have much more information.

Hello! I wanted to clear up some details on the rarest Unique items in Diablo 4.

1. They can drop from level 85+ enemies
2. You get them anywhere you can get a regular Unique, and they always drop at 820 ipower
3. We currently have 6 of them in the game
4. They're realllly rare! pic.twitter.com/pVVj5DTEaU

— Adam Jackson (@AZJackson85) June 24, 2023

The game already had a massive following prior to its inception, which may explain the high level of interest among gamers. According to Blizzard, Diablo 4 is its fastest-selling game ever, recording a whopping $666 million in sales in its first five days. The news from Jackson seems to have been well received by many.

Diablo 4 Six Rare Items

The six items named by Jackson include Doombringer, The Grandfather, The Ring of Starless Skies, Andariel’s Visage, Harlequin Crest, and The Melted Heart of Selig.

According to Jackson, enemies of level 85 or higher can drop every item, but they are exceedingly rare. 

Additionally, these items have a chance to drop from any location where you would typically receive Unique items, provided that the item power reaches 820.

Diablo 4 enthusiasts have frantically tried to figure out how to retrieve the game’s rarest loot. However, with Jackson’s information, they also gain some insight into how they can obtain these six rarest items.  

According to Jackson, “Whenever you get a Unique, there is a chance for that Unique to be one of these instead.” He stated, “Therefore, the best way to farm these is to do content that gives you the most Uniques per x period of time.” However, he does not reveal what that content was.

Diablo 4, released on June 6, had early access available as of June 1. The rarity of the six items can be attributed to the fact that one of them, the Harlequin Crest, was not found until June 10, more than a week after the start of early access.

The disclosure by Jackson now means that players have a roadmap to discover and acquire these sought-after treasures.

What’s your take? Have you come across any of these rarest items? Let us know on our socials here or in the comments below. 

The post Diablo 4 Developer Reveals Secrets to Obtaining the Six Rarest Unique Items appeared first on Gaming.net.

NetEase, a Chinese game developer, is reportedly suing Blizzard Entertainment, for breaching a number of licensing agreements. 

According to a Chinese media outlet, Sina Technology, NetEase is reportedly suing Blizzard and demanding ¥300 million ($43.5 million). The amount will cover refunds for canceled games like “World of Warcraft,” which NetEase has already paid for in full. In addition, the amount includes prepayments for unsold game inventory and deposits for a number of underdeveloped titles.

NetEase and  Blizzard had licensing agreements that allowed gamers in China access to Blizzard games. The two companies ended their partnership earlier this year, leading to Blizzard pulling their games from the Chinese market. The titles have since gone offline in China, and gamers cannot access them locally. The games include World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Warcraft III: Reforged, Overwatch, the StarCraft series, Diablo 3, and Heroes of the Storm. 

According to the report, Netease has reportedly not filed the suit yet. This leaves the possibility of a settlement between the two sides open. The two companies could still reach an agreement that will allow Blizzard to operate and provide services in China. However, the possibility is still slim considering that the public and somehow messy disagreement led to Blizzard closing down its offices in China.

The contentious disagreement led to Netease tearing down a statue of World of Warcraft outside its headquarters. NetEase streamed the demolition live on one of its official game channels. 

Both NetEase and Blizzard have yet to comment on the issue. 

What is your take? What do you think about NetEase suing Blizzard for $43.5 million? Let us know on our socials here or in the comments below. 

The post NetEase Reportedly Suing Blizzard For $43.5 Million appeared first on Gaming.net.

Overwatch 2 is proving to be a problem. Blizzard has been under heavy fire for its failure to launch one of its flagship titles. With many players eager to play Overwatch 2 upon release, the stage was set for an extremely successful launch. This did not happen however, as Blizzard was hit with a DDOS attack amidst launching the game. While the team scramble to find a solution to this problem, fans wait with bated breath in the lengthy queues.

Acknowledgement of Launch Issues

Quick to tend to the needs of players, Blizzard responded, issuing a statement about just how intertwined these problems are with other issues with the game. Antsy players anticipating playing only add to the long queue times as Blizzard tries to address all of the encompassing issues plaguing the game. While the main issue being felt by players is the server stability, the issues with the game go deeper for the developers.

Steps in the Right Direction

Seeking to solve their server issues, Blizzard proceeded to patch one of the servers that had been causing them so much strife, with the hopes that stemming the bleeding of these problems will help address the community's disdain for Blizzard at the current moment. While it remains to be seen how long players will have to wait for a completely stable experience, Blizzard appears to be hard at work to alleviate these issues.

Another issue that is greatly affecting the situation is the SMS Protect system, which in the eyes of many fans was an invasion of privacy as it required players to supply Blizzard with their phone numbers. With the change set to be going live effectively on Friday October 7th, 2022, Blizzard is adamant in their stance that they are using this system to be more attentive to players. How the community reacts to the rocky launch of Overwatch 2 fully remains to be seen.

So, what’s your take on Blizzard's response? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

The post Blizzard Addresses Overwatch 2 Launch Issues and Discusses Rollback of SMS Protect Feature appeared first on Gaming.net.

Blizzard has announced a closed and confidential beta for Diablo 4‘s endgame content.

According to a blog post from Blizzard, a closed test for the upcoming dungeon crawler will launch soon. The “confidential” test will be exclusively dedicated to endgame content. Testing of Nightmare Dungeons, Hell Tides, and other post-game features will be the main focus of the upcoming beta. The developers of the game stated that they were avoiding story spoilers since it is still early. However, the main objective of the beta is to give them enough time to make any necessary adjustments to the endgame material.

Players can participate in the “confidential” closed beta test on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. According to Blizzard, there will be a testing phase that will be open to the general public in 2023.

According to the statement from Blizzard, the developers will pick a small group of players. Only players who have recently completed a lot of end-game material in Diablo 2: Resurrected and Diablo 3 are eligible for the confidential test. Players interested must opt-in to receive communication updates from Blizzard for any invites by October 11. Blizzard did not announce the specific start date for the closed beta. The company will send out invitations via email by November 18. The developer's blog for Diablo 4 outlines the specific methods to opt-in.

The closed beta will include numerous endgame events. These include Helltide, which allows players to battle more formidable enemies for extremely valuable loot.  Additionally, there will be Whispers of the Dead, a recurring quest system for the endgame, and the Nightmare Dungeons, which are enhanced versions of the standard dungeons with specific modifiers. Another one is  Paragon Boards, which allow players to gain more strength after achieving a max level.

Diablo 4 Launch Details

Blizzard announced that Diablo 4 will launch in 2023 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Do you intend to take part in Diablo 4's closed beta? Are you looking forward to the launch of the game?  Let us know here on our socials or in the comments below. 

The post Diablo 4 Closed Beta Coming Soon appeared first on Gaming.net.

The best thing about mobile gaming is the ability to take it with you wherever you go. With that is the selection of games at your disposal, as mobile has a very diverse variety of titles that stem from a multitude of genres. Basically, you'll have a plethora of options in a sea already brimming with mobile games. But the titles don't stop there, as hundreds of new games are released every day. That's why we've whittled it down to the five best Android and iOS games we think you should play this August.

Best not to squander your time with mobile games you could play instead of those you should play. Because there's a reason certain games have risen to the top of the rankings, and we just as much as you want to know why that is. So, let's find out what makes these Android and iOS games, the five best to play in August.

5. Noah's Heart

Noah's Heart is the most popular open-world MMORPG on mobile right now. The game was recently launched on July 28, 2022, and was developed on Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). It takes place in the world of Noah, which has sci-fi and fantasy aspects. As a result, merging this open world with UE4 creates a lovely aesthetic with consistently excellent visuals. In fact, the entire game hinges around the heart of Noah. That's why the care and detail put into the world makes it easy to fall in love with, and fight for.

You are invited to explore the game's completely explorable open world from the start. Which is nothing short of enormous. Along the way, you meet a slew of interesting players and NPCs, embark on some daring quests, and gradually uncover the secrets that lurk within Noah. Overall, there is an endless list of things to do in Noah's Heart. Whether you're looking for your next battle or just want to soak and immerse yourself in a new MMORPG game world; Noah's Heart will deliver just that.

4. Descenders

If you're looking for some high-speed and daring gameplay in August, check out Descenders. The original game came out back in 2017, but it was just released for mobile last month, which makes it a relatively new offering for Android and iOS gamers. The game is purely focused on extreme downhill free riding, and players are quickly finding it to be one of the genre's best, right out of the gate, and here's why.

The game contains procedurally generated worlds, so every track, jump, slope, and corner you take on is unique each time you play. So you'll never see the same course twice, making the game a continually challenging experience. The game also incorporates great progression with choosing to ride for a team, earning your rep, and establishing yourself as one of the best descenders in the game. Both of these features make Descenders a much more compelling game, evidently why mobile gamers are having tons of fun playing it in August, and you should too.

3. Card Crawl Adventure

If you're into strategic deck-builders and in the form of solitaire-style dungeon crawlers, then you might want to check out Card Crawl Adventure. The single-player card game has you traveling to and from Taverns across the world to play against monsters. Ultimately, with the goal of winning over their precious items, such as cards and items that you can use to further build up your deck. It's a simple idea but not an easy challenge.

Each character you face in the game has its own cards and effects that you won't be familiar with. That means each match is a new experience, one that you may not mentally be prepared for, but you can get through it with the cards in your hand. The aim is to combine card to create powerful attacks and magical spells. Rather, then, cards that simply hit and can be hit. This makes for some great strategy in the game, that will surely test your wits even as a proficient deck-builder.

2. Diablo Immortal

Diablo Immortal is the series' first spin-off game that was originally intended for mobile. However, not much has changed despite crossing over to the platform and with the game taking place between Diablo II and Diablo III. The true hack and slash gameplay is there, class customization, and a whole lot of dungeons to explore throughout Sanctuary. It's really all you could ask for from a Diablo spin-off for Android and iOS.

But Blizzard even does a good job of merging a fitting story with it. In this entry, the Worldstone lies shattered, tainting the land and bringing forth new evils to conquer. It's your job to not only defeat this evil, but destroy the Worldstone fragments and bring Sanctuary back to order. Even if you haven't played the Diablo series on PC before this game, it's still worth checking out. It's hands down one of the best games on Android and iOS right now, and with that, another solid entry from Blizzard; who we know has high expectations for their releases.

1. Dicey Dungeons

Dicey Dungeons is a deck-based roguelike game, where almost everything comes down to your luck, against Lady Luck. So let's hope you've got a horseshoe in your pocket because you'll need it. That's because Dicey Dungeons doesn't focus on cards to decide its battle, but with regular, six-sided dice. That means it really comes down to the roll of the die that ultimately decides your fate. But that doesn't mean you can't come prepared to do some damage when the die bounces your way.

You can give each side of the die different abilities when it lands to combat the abilities of your enemy. You can also stack and combine abilities to make for some pretty devastating combos. The mobile version also includes two free episodes that bring new items, enemies, and gameplay to the game. Dicey Dungeons may have a friendly and cartoonish aesthetic, but the game is highly addicting once you learn the ropes of the gameplay, which can be ruthless at times. However, it's exactly the gameplay that's pushed Dicey Dungeons as one of the best games on Android and iOS this summer.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other Best Games on Android & iOS that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post 5 Best Games on Android & iOS (August 2022) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Overwatch is well-known for being one of the games that offer microtransactions for in-game loot boxes to its players. However, as of August 30th, in-game loot boxes will no longer be available, according to a blog post from Blizzard announcing the Overwatch Anniversary Remix Vol.3 event, their third and final event. Just one of the moves being made by developers Blizzard as we get closer to the new free-to-play Overwatch 2. Which releases on October 4, 2022.

Overwatch's Anniversary Remix Vol. 3 event, which begins today, August 9th, gives players one last chance to get limited in-game skins by purchasing Anniversary Loot Boxes throughout the event before it concludes on August 30th. When that date arrives, in-game loot boxes will no longer be available for purchase. However, after the event, you will still be able to earn standard free loot boxes. Then, any loot boxes you have lying around will open automatically before the release of Overwatch 2. Transferring all loot box items to Overwatch 2 when it replaces Overwatch on October 4th.

Once Overwatch 2 launches, purchasable in-game loot boxes will be a thing of the past. Instead, Overwatch 2 will provide its players with a free and paid seasonal battle pass to earn in-game loot and cosmetics. With that, the games store will also continue to offer items for purchase. Similar to that of Epic Games model for buying in-game cosmetics in Fortnite; which has never featured loot boxes.

This is due to the fact that in-game loot boxes are widely regarded as an unethical form of gambling. Video games frequently target a younger audience, and paying money for in-game loot boxes where you don't know what you're getting is seen as encouraging gambling. Some countries, such as China and Belgium, have gone so far as to outright ban in-game loot boxes altogether.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with Blizzard's decision? Are you excited for Overwatch 2? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Blizzard Will Stop Selling Overwatch Loot Boxes on August 30th appeared first on Gaming.net.

Controversial news has been making rounds in the Overwatch Contenders league over the last few days. During the Overwatch Contenders 2022 Summer Series: Europe A-Sides, a tournament hosted by Blizzard, teams Munich Esports and 01 Esports were confirmed to be facing off in a best-of-seven semi-final (first to four games) in the winner's bracket on July 28th.

The winners' bracket semi-final match was well underway, with Munich Esports leading the series 3-0 and looking to seal the deal. O1 Esports, on the other hand, remained persistent and was able to claw back to make it 3-2, smelling a comeback on the horizon. However, that is when the unthinkable occurred. Overwatch Contenders officials abruptly ended the match, with a final verdict score of 3-2, seeing Munich Esports freely walk into the Grand Finals, and O1 Esports sent to the loser bracket finals.

This did not sit well with 01 Esports, and it appears that Ex Oblivione, the team they would face later that day in the loser bracket final, felt the same way. That's when both teams communicated with each other, that they would protest the ruling during their loser bracket semi-final match. Which they did, by loading into the game and having both teams stand around, refusing to play the objective.

pic.twitter.com/zMEZNri9S0

— Ex Oblivione (@ExOblivioneOW) July 28, 2022

The Outcome

At this point in time, the broadcast was cut off, and both teams were apparently threatened to be disqualified. This can be seen in a Tweet from Ex Oblivione player, Helv. With no compromise from both teams, finally, Overwatch Contenders remarked by releasing the statement below:

#OWSUMMERSERIES pic.twitter.com/Caz9P2ggRM

— Overwatch Path to Pro (@owpathtopro) July 28, 2022

Effectively going back on their ruling, and letting teams Munich Esports and 01 Esports close out their original proposed best of seven today, July 29th. Munich Esports quickly stamped that match out 4-2 with the win. 01 Esports went on to play Ex Oblivione in the loser bracket final, taking the series 4-1. This advanced 01 Esports to today's Grand Finals against Munich Esports, which Munich Esports won 4-3.

We wish we could say it was a happy ending for 01 Esports, but evidently, it wasn't. This has sparked a massive backlash against Blizzard's treatment of semi-professional Overwatch Esports. If 01 Esports had maintained the momentum they had the day before, the outcome could have been very different.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with the Overwatch Contenders decision? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Teams Strike in Protest at Overwatch Contenders Game appeared first on Gaming.net.

While we wait for an official Diablo IV release date, we thought we'd bide our time by examining the best Diablo IV features that have been announced. Some of these are wholly new concepts, such as the open world, which has never been featured in the franchise's previous titles. While others are reimagined features, that adapt or expand on their typical format. Regardless, there are tons of new features coming to Diablo IV, and we're excited for them all.

Though we want to discuss them all, these are the five announced features that have us the most enthusiastic. All of these additions should change the way Diablo IV is played and make it a relatively fresh experience. That's why it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how they will work, so you can already start pre-planning your class. Just try not to become overwhelmed since there is a lot to unpack here, so let's get started.

5. Classes

As per usual, Diablo IV will come with five starting classes. The first three that were revealed early on are Sorceress, Barbarian, and Druid. Then to build the usual hype, Blizzard dropped the last two classes later, which are Necromancer and Rogue. These make up all five classes in the game, which are all based on prior character classes from previous games in the series. Some people are on the fence about this, but we’re rather ambitious.

First of all, despite the classes being recycled, they're all fan favorites which we can't complain about. We also know that these classes are being completely redesigned in terms of their playstyle and abilities. For example, the Necromancer, who has been a “floater” in past games, is undergoing a thorough re-work to make him more relevant and active in combat. Plus, with the new skill tree and character customization, it's doubtful that these classes will play and feel the same as in the past. Granting the opportunity to build a playstyle that's true to you, but still something completely new.

4. Skill-Tree & Ability Customization

Following on from the discussion of classes, Unlike previous Diablo games, Diablo IV will not have pre-defined class designs based on items and equipment. Instead, it will focus on a literal skill tree that lets you choose your character's abilities, with a variety of routes. These will be a combination of active and passive abilities that may be enhanced with skill points. With the skill abilities, you can activate new skills and further upgrade them. The same goe's for passive skills, however, they are more focused on character upgrades, rather than abilities.

Both skills and passives feature a dynamic root system with multiple options, thus allowing you to customize your character's playstyle, abilities, and stats. To go with that, your stat build also coordinates with your skill and passive tree. So, depending on how many points you put into your Strength, Intelligence, and so on, you will receive boosts to your abilities and passive stats.

So, regardless of whether classes are reused from previous games, it's quite unlikely that they'll play similarly. Your character can match your playstyle while still providing a unique experience. As far as Diablo IV's new features go, this one's got us really excited.

3. PvP

PvP was something fans longed for in Diablo III, and while developers promised it would appear, it never did. That will change with Diablo IV, which will add PvP as a new feature. However, rather than being implemented as a game mode, PvP will be organically interwoven into the open-world environment. This is done by the use of “Plains of Hatred,” which are PvP areas, distributed throughout the open world.

PvP was something we saw in Diablo II and expectedly fans adored it. It allowed you to test your characters' build against others and offered us something to look forward to other than grinding levels and quests. This should be even more of a dynamic experience this time around with the new skill tree. As a result, each player will have their own distinct fighting style, making each match-up a new and reasonably dynamic experience each time. So, we're somewhat enthusiastic about this coming to Diablo IV because it will undoubtedly be one of the best features.

2. Character Customization

For the first time in the franchise's history, Diablo IV will feature complete character customization. Now, you can say “Previous Diablo games offered character customization,” but it was bleak, generic, and not completely realized. To counter this, Diablo IV, like most RPG games these days, will have an excruciatingly large amount of character customization. Most of the time this is a daunting and tedious task upon launching, but we're all for it.

When you play a character that you believe matches you, the role-playing becomes more immersive, especially in a grind-oriented RPG title. You can customize all the way down to your skin tone, hair color, and accessories to cover a small portion. Additionally, there are tons of personas, armor sets, and brand-new art for the five distinct classes. So, in addition to your character playing differently from everyone else's, no two characters will look the same.

1. Open World

One feature we are seeing for the first time in the Diablo franchise is an open-world environment. If you’re familiar with the previous three titles, you’ll know they’re pretty linear dungeon crawlers. But that will change this time around. The Devs note this will begin as a narrow path, that will eventually break off into multiple paths, allowing you to freely roam about and choose where you want to go. Regardless, they all converge together near the end for the final act.

For example, after the opening introduction players can venture off into three separate regions. Those are, Scosglen, the Fractured Peaks, and the Dry Steppes, and you’re free to do them in any order you see fit. The devs have also mentioned that there would be diversions and events within these regions, though they have refrained from calling them side quests. So you may opt to aid a villager or participate in an event, which can unlock additional tasks and objectives, such as a new world boss appearing on your map.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other features for Diablo IV that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Diablo IV: 5 Best Features Announced So Far appeared first on Gaming.net.

Aside from the list of game reveals that surprised us, the 2022 Xbox & Bethesda Showcase also had some big announcements. Some were about mysterious new games, others announced exciting new content, whilst others were just important announcements about some games and devs' future plans. Regardless, there was a lot to take in, and there's a likelihood you didn't hear or see everything. That's exactly why we've compiled a list of the five best announcements from the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase right here.

If the announcement was big enough to break headlines, then it's most likely on our list. We've also weeded out some games that had features and showed off new gameplay but didn't have a release date. Which mainly falls onto Hollow Knight: Silksong, Diablo IV, and Redfall. The only exception is Starfield. Even though it didn't get a release date, there were still some big announcements made, which we'll cover.

Now that we have the logistics out of the way, let's waste no more time. Here are the biggest and best announcements from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, that you need to know.

5. Overwatch 2 – Free to Play and Release Date

Although not many Overwatch fans are too pumped about a new installment, Blizzard did drop a lot of big news, that's putting the game in a better direction. Firstly and most importantly, Overwatch 2 will be free to play for everyone. On top of that, the game will support cross-platform play. What's more is that all your cosmetics, like skins, sprays, and emotes you gained in Overwatch will carry over to Overwatch 2. Props to Blizzard, because this is a step in the right direction.

What's more, is that there was a follow-up show for the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase that aired today, and Blizzard made more big announcements. That being, the Overwatch 2 Beta will launch on June 28th to PC and console players. With this, you can test out a new map, as well as the Junker Queen, the newest hero that was revealed at the main event. Lastly, Overwatch 2 got a release date reveal at the event. The game is set to launch on October 4th, 2022 as “early access”.

4. Forza Horizon 5 – Hot Wheels Expansion

Fans of the acclaimed racing game Forza Horizon 5, got a big announcement that came in the form of new content. That's right, the Hot Wheels Expansion is back and it's coming to Horza Forizon 5 on July 19th, 2022. And it's not just bringing cars, but tracks and more with it. The big announcement was unveiled by the trailer during the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, in which Xbox followed up by mentioning it contains the, “most extreme tracks ever in a Horizon game”.

The Hot Wheels Expansion will bring with it 10 new vehicles, four of which are actual Hot Wheels models. It also is coming with 200 kilometers (roughly 125 miles) of Hot Wheels tracks across its four new, visually stunning biomes. However, the best part is that you have the option to customize your very own track, with over 80 distinct snappable track pieces which can be shared. The expansion will come at a cost of $19.99 unless you've already purchased the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-ons Bundle, Premium Edition, or Expansions Bundle.

3. Xbox Partners with Persona

Xbox made their Game Pass even more appealing by teaming with a well-known long-running RPG series, the Persona franchise. The big announcement came at the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase with the trailer, which also celebrated the games 25-year anniversary. This is a major reveal because up till this point, the Persona franchise was majority a PlayStation exclusive. But that won't be the case for long.

Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable are amongst the Persona titles that will be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass. Persona 5 Royal will be the first game to debut on Game Pass on October 21, 2022. With Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable set to come after, but no official date yet. If you're a fan of the renowned Japanese RPG game or have always wanted to try it, this is the perfect chance.

2. Hideo Kojima Partner With Xbox on New Game

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer took the stage at the Xbox & Bethesda showcase to announce they will be teaming up with game developer Hideo Kojima and his studio Kojima Productions. You know, the guy and studio that brought us Death Stranding, Silent Hill, and almost every Metal Gear game? Hideo Kojima didn't attend the event, instead, he appeared on screen, yet his brief presence came with a huge announcement.

In partnership with Xbox Game Studios, Kojima announced he is working on a new game he said, “He's always wanted to make”. Utilizing Microsofts cloud-based technology, Kojima went on to mention, “It's a completely new game that no one has ever experienced or seen before”.  The best part is that we didn't get a release date, name, or any clue about what the game is about. That means a mystery game is on our hands, which we're sure leakers have already begun getting to the bottom of. If they do, stay posted because we'll be on top of it.

1. Starfield – Gameplay Reveal Trailer

Starfield may have not made a big release date announcement at the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, but they did drop loads of information about the game. Which, until the event, we had little to nothing off. That's why almost every announcement they made about the game was a big one. And you can bet there were plenty of announcements, given that the game received got a 15-minute Gameplay Reveal Trailer at the event, which was jam-packed with information.

To pick out the most important parts, Starfield confirmed character customization, base-building, ship customization, and even intergalactic spaceship fighting. Todd Howard also commented that the interstellar map will contain 100 different star systems and over 1,000 fully realized and explorable planets. One planet, New Atlantis, was also shown, and it will serve as one of the main hubs, which we got a glimpse of.

Among that, there were tons of details pertaining to quests, factions, combat, leveling, and looting – basically all the main RPG aspects. All of which sounds like Starfield is off in the right direction. Out of all the announcements that happened at the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, in our eyes, Starfield made for the best and most intriguing of them.

So, what's your take? What other announcements from the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase did you think were big? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

The post Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022: 5 Best Announcements appeared first on Gaming.net.

Overwatch 2, the followup to the competitive first-person multiplayer shooter Overwatch, has announced a date for their closed PvP beta. Starting this April 26th, the beta will have a sizeable group of play-testers. Looking to get as much feedback as possible, test content, the new features of Overwatch 2 and game systems. It will include four new maps, the new hero Soujourn, a 5v5 gamemode, a new ping system all alongside well-known hero reworks. Plenty to look forward to for any Overwatch fan.

Testers will be chosen based on a variety of reasons, from hardware to the region you're playing in. Once selected, expect to be contacted via the email associated with your Blizzard.net account. You will also need to own the first Overwatch title to be able to play the beta. Haven't had the chance to sign up yet and want to? You can head on over to their website to sign up for a chance to participate and shape the Overwatch 2 experience.

Developer Announcement:

No set amount was given for the number of testers who will receive an invite. Notably however if more testers are needed, more invites will be given out to ensure the game systems are thoroughly tested. This first PvP beta is solely for PC players, but that will change. In the future Blizzard is intending to bring console gamers in to help with testing. Following this, we can expect another phase of stress-testing. As Blizzard pushes the limits of the servers with far higher player counts.

So, what’s your take? Will you be applying to participate in the upcoming beta? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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The 2000s were a decade that redefined what games were capable of. It began with the Gamecube, PS2, and Xbox, but also within the same time period, advanced to the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. This was an area that also sparked the great lunchtime controversy with friends of whether the PS3 or Xbox 360 was better. Agh yes, this was a simpler time. Regardless, all of these consoles in their own way were groundbreaking and pushed what graphics, gameplay, and storytelling could offer.

It really was a period of time where we saw games coming out that had something new and exciting to offer. It was also a period of time when some of gaming's biggest staples make a name for themselves. Games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Grand Theft Auto launched onto the scene and thrived into the great franchises we still play today. These game developers are now notable names in the gaming scene and often aren't given enough credit. This is why we have ranked the top five game developers that dominated this crucial decade for gaming.

5. 2K Games

Before the 2000s, sports games didn't have much to offer compared to opposing titles. Most of the time, sports games were fun arcade-like games that you put down after a couple of hours. However, with the advancement of gaming consoles, came the advancement of 2K and its sports games. Bought out by Take-Two Interactive in 2005, 2K is a developer with a long list of subsidiaries companies that helped develop its many titles.

It is because of 2K's accessors that they dominated the sports genre in NBA, NHL, and NBA. For sports fans, and sports gamers, 2K took over the scene, but that didn't restrict 2K from also releasing their own unique story title. That game is Bioshock, and it was 2K's most anticipated title at the time. This showed the gaming community that 2K was a developer that could succeed in any genre. The great success 2K found across these games led it to be one of the best game developers of the 2000s and into a million-dollar franchise today.

4. Treyarch & Infinity Ward

As most of you would expect, I couldn't leave out Treyarch and Infinity Ward for their installments to the Call of Duty series. Within the 2000s both companies developed great Call of Duty games, but three titles stood above the rest. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War, and the best for last, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. It was these games that really showed that both companies had what it took to dominate the FPS genre in the 2000s.

I mean seeing the Infinity Ward logo again just gives me chills. It throws me back to every day after school when I would toss my backpack into the void of non-existence and play Call of Duty all afternoon with my friends. These were simpler times but also one of the best eras of gaming, and Call of Duty dominated it, with credit going to both developers.

3. Rockstar North

One video game series that quickly grew to stardom in the 2000s was the Grand Theft Auto franchise. You probably know of their publisher, Rockstar games, but the real brains are credited to Rockstar North. The company produced three monumental titles in the decade with Grand Theft Auto: III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City & San Andreas, and of course Grand Theft Auto IV. These games alone put Rockstar North up on the podium as a game developer that dominated the era.

What skyrocketed Rockstar North in the 2000s was their release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, for the PlayStation 2. The title became the highest selling game in the history of the console and branched the franchise out to where it is today. It really makes me want to find my old cheat-sheet list and rip around Los Santos again.

2. Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard is a game-developing giant that has claimed fame to many successful titles over the years. One game stands out above all the others on Blizzard's list, as it swept the 2000s. Can you guess it? That game is World of Warcraft. One of the most played games of all time, one of the most sold games of all time, and the game that once held the most amount of time spent in a video game (That was until Fortnite). Regardless if they have lost some of these records, they were monumental in the 2000s, and if you don't call that domination, then what is?

The crazy part is, that isn't Blizzard's only substantial release in the 2000s. You also saw Diablo II which was one of the best-selling computer games at the time. Even now, there are still people playing this game two decades later. The company only released these two games throughout the decade, but they were some of the most substantial in gaming history. Any company that can accomplish a feat as great as that was one of the powerhouse game developers of the 2000s.

1. Nintendo

Yes, it's everybody's favorite video game developer, Nintendo. There are a few reasons this game developer took over as number one of the 2000s. The company has its infamous Game Boy Color, which was also the first platform to kickstart my gaming career. You also had the Nintendo 64 which was still in good standing until it was taken over by the GameCube in 2001. The company also released the Nintendo DS, and Wii which were both revolutionary hits.

Nintendo not only dominated the gaming platforms but the video games as well.

The company has many notorious titles, like Zelda, Metroid Prime, and an insanely long list of various Mario and Pokémon games. Nintendo actually released so many titles I would need to do a whole top 10 list just to scrape the surface. Without a doubt, Nintendo took over with their platforms and many exclusive titles.

If one company can dominate both platforms and games, then it has single-handedly dominated the 2000s decade.

So which game did you spend the most time playing growing up? And what developer is your favorite of the 2000s? Tell us why, in the comments below or over on our socials here.

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Since 2003, Call of Duty has annually debuted a new game right around the holidays. Sadly, 2023 will not follow the same pattern, as Call of Duty will not release a new title to the series this year. Marking the first time in two decades Call of Duty will miss its annual release. Reports from Bloomberg say that Activison Blizzard Inc. will delay the release of its new Call of Duty game till 2024.

As reported by Bloomberg, the company is not happy with the results of its last two games, Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone. The report references that the games have underperformed due to new versions of the game being released too quickly. Despite all of this, I don't see it as all entirely bad news. I think it's about time we saw a new Call of Duty game that is substantially better than its predecessor.

It’s time for a #CallofDuty Special Briefing 🚨

We’ve got all the intel you need heading into Season 2 (and beyond): https://t.co/imT5GQrCUl 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SnVeB4rGmt

— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) February 11, 2022

So What's the Good News?

The good news is that Activision is developing other projects to help fans fill the void in the meantime. According to the report by Bloomberg, Treyarch will assist Activision in developing a free-to-play online title. There are no reports of when this game will be released, but if I was a betting man, I would say around the holidays is a good guess.

Another report by Bloomberg also mentions that there are a total of three Call of Duty games being developed. One of those games is the title that has been pushed back to 2024. The other two games have been confirmed as Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019 sequel. Both of these games are rumored to feature big changes to them mechanically, as well will contain new maps, modes, and gun modding. There is a lot of speculation and news circling around these games daily, so stay tuned to find out more.

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The post For the First Time in 20 Years, Call of Duty Is Skipping It’s Annual Release for 2023, and Here’s Why appeared first on Gaming.net.

As much as I would honestly love to say I enjoyed my time slaughtering boars for bits of battered flesh in the Valley of Trials, I'd definitely say I had a lot more fun spooling through the heaps of other story arcs Azeroth's many regions served up. Ever since Blizzard made the call to expand on the opening campaigns, World of Warcraft only continued to employ even bolder cutscenes and questlines, leaving the likes of the Orcs to scuffle in envy with the worn-out boars and deadly scorpid Sarkoth running amok.

Several expansions have come out since the early days of World of Warcraft, meaning we've had plenty of time to explore its every new race and class, as well as experience each of their opening stories one by one. The question is: which race had the most memorable opening sequence, and which fell beside the Orcs in the Valley of Trials? Well, let's go ahead and rank the best of the best. Here are, in our opinion, the five best opening campaigns in World of Warcraft.

5. Undead

Long before Blizzard employed a new line of cinematics and exaggerated opening campaigns, both Alliance and Horde races owned up to having relatively basic quest chains. Without the theatrics, it was a simple case of patrolling an unusual surrounding, getting your bearings, and then being scooted along your way. However, where the Orc faction failed to inflict even the slightest shred of interest from its opening, the Undead ally definitely managed to resurrect the faith with its Tirisfal Glades segment.

From headbanging in a cemetery to submerging into the darkest depths of the Undercity, the Forsaken faction had one of the most engrossing tales of the bunch. It was chilling, and yet so incredibly beautiful and well constructed. Waking to a new life as a member of the Forsaken, bound for an eternity in misery; it was the strangest breath of fresh air one could possibly inhale. It was exciting, outlandish, and oh so entertaining.

4. Pandaren

Mists of Pandaria was a welcome addition to the base game, because it not only brought a whole new class to the fold (that being the Monk), but also an entire new species to enrol as. The ability to course the beloved Pandaren folk towards one of two factions was a crossroads nobody really expected, but an exciting one to be a part of nonetheless.

From the moment you step foot into The Wandering Isle as a newborn Pandaren, you're given a role, a role that keeps the balance of peace and prosperity among your kind. However, with adventure coursing through your veins, you soon find yourself battling your inner demons, desperate to branch out and aid the wide world outside your own home. Thankfully, when opportunity comes knocking, adventure follows suit. Are you with the Alliance, or for the Horde?

3. Worgen

As much as we enjoyed the Undead chapter and all its morbid humor and grave robbing quest chains, something about the Worgen world just hit a little differently. It was almost as if every cheap eighties horror movie surrounding werewolves just spoonfed its strongest influences to Blizzard for inspiration. The result of that, of course, led to the creation of Gilneas, a vacant town that was highly reminiscent of a generic steampunk suburb, complete with all the gears, knobs and cogs one would hope for.

At first glance, being a Worgen didn't seem any different to fighting for any other faction on the Alliance team. But then, completely out of the blue, the moon uncloaked its true colors, and along came Pandora's box, ready to be opened and decoded. Gilneas had plenty of secrets, and being there to unravel its abundance of mysteries was a delight in itself. Some would say, excluding the Death Knight, it was the best starting zone, period.

2. Goblin

Unlike the Pandaren opening, which was of course filled with tranquil settings and what have you, the Goblin induction phase was a little more, say, manic. It was a supercharged world with explosive personalities, with a whole lot of mechanical enhancements and steampunk embellishments. But after Mists of Pandaria, that's exactly what we needed; something completely out of the ordinary.

As one of thousands of Goblins on the remote island of Kezan, you start your journey by trying to make a name for yourself as a mid-level executive for a major trading branch. However, after a nearby volcano erupts and causes the region to flee for the boats and find sanctuary in distant lands, your race quickly falls between the lines of an ongoing war. With the Horde desperate to drive back the Alliance, opportunity knocks once again, giving you the freedom to pursue a brand new adventure.

1. Death Knight (Wrath of the Lich King)

The Death Knight isn't a race, but a class. Not that it matters, because we're still going to throw its opening sequence up there as the best in the series. Wrath of the Lich King was an expansion that changed the face of the MMO, and without the accompanying Death Knight faction to boot, it probably wouldn't have been anywhere near as impressive. But it was. And that opening cinematic atop the glorious Icecrown Citadel? Wow.

Before the fearsome folk uprooted and set up shop within the Eastern Plaguelands, Death Knights claimed sanctuary in the frosty region of Icecrown, where war and fear scourged the lands and fear churned in the pit of every heart. Starting at level 55, with a whole bunch of rare gear to boot, becoming one of the Lich King's new recruits gave us a feeling of superiority unlike anything we had ever experienced before. Suddenly, everybody wanted to be “the greatest Death Knight in all of Azeroth.” That says it all, to be fair.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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