Shortly after circulating on social media, Rockstar Games has officially unveiled the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI.
The trailer, available for viewing below, further affirms its scheduled release in 2025, with the title currently confirmed as Grand Theft Auto VI. A specific release date has not been disclosed.
The trailer offers a glimpse of the game’s female protagonist, a first for the series named Lucia, who begins her journey in prison – a stroke of “bad luck,” she quips.
Additionally, the trailer confirms the setting in Vice City, as indicated by a prominent sign – a revelation not entirely surprising for avid series followers but still exciting. Amidst quick shots of criminal activities, there are glimpses of TikToks and live-streams, suggesting that social media will play a significant role in the game.
Set against the backdrop of Tom Petty’s “Love Is a Long Road,” the trailer appropriately captures the essence of numerous car-related crimes depicted. True to its Florida-inspired setting, the trailer also showcases alligators in unexpected locations.
Towards the conclusion, the trailer reveals more of Lucia and a male character, seemingly portrayed as lovers and partners-in-crime. Lucia asserts, “The only way we’re gonna get through this is by sticking together and being a team.”
Rockstar initially announced in November that the Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) trailer was scheduled for an “early December” release, creating anticipation within the gaming community. The confirmation came on December 1, with the trailer slated for December 5, although Rockstar expedited the release following an unexpected leak.
Speculation and discussions surrounding GTA 6 had been ongoing since the launch of GTA 5 in 2013, with the latter acclaimed as a “masterpiece” in IGN’s review. The first formal acknowledgment of GTA 6 surfaced in 2020, coinciding with reports of Rockstar’s efforts to enhance working conditions. Official confirmation of GTA 6’s development being “well underway” arrived in 2022.
However, 2022 also witnessed challenges for Rockstar, as development footage of GTA 6 leaked in a substantial data breach. A British teenager was subsequently arrested in connection with the breach. Following a period of relative silence, Take-Two Interactive hinted in May 2023 at substantial financial gains between April 2024 and March 2025, attributing it to the launch of a highly lucrative series.
After more than two years since the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) initiated a high-profile lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, alleging extensive gender discrimination and pay disparities, the two parties have reached a settlement of approximately $54 million.
The Wall Street Journal broke the news of the settlement on Friday, followed by a statement from the CRD on its website. Pending court approval, Activision Blizzard will undertake additional measures to enhance fair pay and promotion practices within the company, as outlined in the settlement, which also includes providing monetary relief to women employed by or contracting with Activision Blizzard between October 12, 2015, and December 31, 2020. The CRD indicates that approximately $45 million of the settlement will be allocated to a fund for compensating affected workers. Any surplus funds will be directed to charitable organizations, with a focus on advancing women in video games and tech or supporting initiatives that raise awareness of gender equality issues in the workplace.
The lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, filed by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (formerly known as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing), in 2021 stemmed from a two-year investigation. The legal action alleged multiple violations of California’s Equal Pay Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act, citing a pervasive “frat boy” culture that discriminated against women within the company.
Despite Activision Blizzard’s repeated denials, the lawsuit persisted, and the company’s attempt to have it dismissed was unsuccessful in October 2022. The controversy surrounding the lawsuit was one of the factors influencing Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, with the latter’s stock facing significant declines.
Bobby Kotick, the contentious CEO, has confirmed his tenure will extend only until the end of 2023 post the acquisition, and no new CEO has been appointed yet.
According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, the regulatory body initially sought a settlement far exceeding the one reached with Riot Games in December 2021. In 2021, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing estimated Activision Blizzard’s potential liability to be close to $1 billion.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s God of War is currently available at a 50% discount on Steam, reducing the game’s price to ₹1,649 until December 21. This promotion represents the lowest price point the critically acclaimed title has reached on the platform thus far.
Developed by Santa Monica Studio, God of War departs from its original Greek mythology setting and instead draws inspiration from Norse mythology, immersing players in the ancient Scandinavian realm of Midgard. The narrative revolves around the father-son duo of Kratos, the former Greek God of War, and his young son Atreus. Their journey is fueled by Kratos’ late second wife Faye’s dying wish, which implores them to scatter her ashes atop the highest peak spanning the nine realms.
Embarking on their odyssey, Kratos and Atreus traverse the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, encountering both familiar allies and formidable adversaries. A distinctive element of their journey lies in Kratos safeguarding a closely held secret—Atreus’s true identity—a revelation withheld throughout their ventures.
Originally launched on April 20, 2018, as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, God of War expanded its horizons with a momentous release on January 14, 2022, for the PC platform, marking a historic milestone for the main series. Jetpack Interactive assumes stewardship of the PC version, augmenting the gaming experience with cutting-edge features like DLSS support and ultra-widescreen compatibility.
Ensuring an optimal gaming experience, the minimum system requirements necessitate an Intel i5-2500k (4 core 3.3 GHz) or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (4 core 3.1 GHz) processor, coupled with an Nvidia GTX 960 (4 GB) or AMD R9 290X (4 GB) graphics card, and a minimum of 8GB RAM.
For those seeking peak performance, the recommended specifications advocate for an Intel i5-6600k (4 core 3.5 GHz) or AMD Ryzen 5 2400 G (4 core 3.6 GHz) CPU, paired with an Nvidia GTX 1060 (6 GB) or AMD RX 570 (4 GB) GPU. Adequate storage space of at least 70GB is advised for a seamless installation process. As God of War extends its legacy onto the PC platform, players can now immerse themselves in the epic saga with enhanced visuals and a broader gaming community.
The individual behind an unofficial PC port of the Game Boy Color classic Link’s Awakening, which gained widespread attention on social media, has taken it down from itch.io following a takedown notice from Nintendo.
The creator, ‘linksawakeningdxhd,’ had uploaded a PC port of 1998’s Link’s Awakening DX, featuring HD visuals, 120fps scrolling, and widescreen support. However, the game’s files were suspended after Nintendo issued a copyright claim.
The takedown notice, published on itch.io, is reproduced below:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am an authorized representative of Nintendo of America Inc., owner of the following copyrighted material:
PA0002212311 (The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening) and PA0000772666 (Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Game Boy version).
It has come to our attention that the following game, https://linksawakeningdxhd.itch.io/links-awakening-dx-hd, offered on Itch.io infringes and makes unauthorized use of Nintendo’s copyrights in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening video game.
Please act expeditiously to remove the download and information page for the infringing game.
I have a good faith belief that the material is not authorized by the intellectual property owner, its agent, or the law. The information provided in the notice is accurate, and I swear under penalty of perjury that I am authorized to make the complaint on behalf of the intellectual property owner.
Sincerely, Nintendo Legal Nintendo of America Inc. 4600 150th Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052 425-882-2040 [email protected]
The port garnered attention for allowing players to zoom out for a complete view of Koholint Island, with all NPCs and enemies remaining active.
I've found out that there's a port of Zelda Link's Awakening for PC and I'm amazed with it. This version not only offers widescreen support, but the game now runs at a single screen without any transitions and you can zoom out to see more of the overworld. pic.twitter.com/yQBbbFeytn
Naughty Dog has ceased development on The Last of Us Online, its ambitious venture into creating an online version of the popular franchise. The studio cites the need to allocate all resources to post-launch content for an extended period, a strategy that would have adversely affected its capacity to craft future single-player games.
In a statement, Naughty Dog expressed awareness that fans of The Last of Us Factions multiplayer community would likely be disappointed by the decision. The studio sought to offer context for why it opted to discontinue development on the game.
The development journey for this game began during our work on The Last of Us Part II, with the multiplayer team engaging in pre-production to create an experience they believed was both unique and full of potential,” explained Naughty Dog. “As the multiplayer team iterated on their concept for The Last of Us Online during this phase, their vision became clearer, the gameplay more refined and satisfying, and we grew enthusiastic about the direction we were heading. As we progressed toward full production, the extensive scope of our ambition came into focus. Releasing and sustaining The Last of Us Online would have required dedicating all our studio resources to supporting post-launch content for years to come, significantly impacting the development of future single-player games. Faced with this choice, we had two paths: transform into a solely live-service games studio or continue our focus on single-player narrative games that define Naughty Dog’s legacy.
Navigating the Struggles of The Last of Us Online
In May, Naughty Dog initiated a reduction in the development efforts for The Last of Us Online following an internal review by Bungie. The subsequent October saw the studio confronting layoffs, leading to the reported suspension of the multiplayer project.
Recently, Naughty Dog officially declared the cessation of The Last of Us Online, reaffirming its commitment to the single-player path that has solidified its standing as a prominent entity within PlayStation’s first-party studios.
The forthcoming release from Naughty Dog is The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, slated to debut on January 19, 2024, for PlayStation 5.
PlayStation Plus is currently on sale once again post-Black Friday, though the discount is less substantial. This offer is applicable only for new subscribers or those with expired PS Plus memberships. The sale provides a 30% discount on specific 12-month subscriptions, limited to Extra and Premium plans. Unfortunately, existing Essential or Extra tier members won’t benefit from upgrade or stackable discounts, and there are no additional discounts with PS gift cards, as seen during Black Friday.
It’s important to note that this deal is active until December 17, offering a limited window for interested individuals to avail themselves of the discounted rates.
PlayStation Plus Extra 12-Month Subscription: $94.49 (originally $134.99)
PlayStation Plus Premium 12-Month Subscription: $111.99 (originally $159.99)
This PS Plus offer commenced on December 11, and while it was initially overlooked during the Seasons of Play sale announcement, it remains available. Additionally, the ongoing deal for PS5 slim bundles at $499, including a free game, continues after Black Friday. Note: Some users may encounter difficulties accessing the PS Plus discount on their first attempt.
PlayStation Plus is set to undergo a price increase in 2023. Here are all the details regarding the change
The current top-notch PS5 deal offers savings on a Spider-Man 2 PS5 bundle. This package includes the latest game, the standard console, and a DualSense wireless controller. Priced at $499, it represents an 11% discount from its regular $559.99 price. Additionally, there are savings available on this bundle with the new Slim PS5 console, as detailed below.
Top PS5 Deal: Spider-Man 2 Slim Bundle Available for $499
The current best PS5 deal allows you to save on a Spider-Man 2 PS5 bundle, featuring the new game, the standard console, and a DualSense wireless controller. Priced at $499, it’s an 11% discount from its usual $559.99. Additionally, there are savings available on a bundle with the new Slim PS5 console, as detailed below.
GTA 5 Takes the Spotlight in the PS Plus Game Catalog for December
December brings an exciting lineup to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, headlined by Rockstar’s GTA 5. This addition coincides with the recent launch of GTA Online: The Chop Shop update, introducing new content like a Salvage Yard business and Drift Races. The full list of games for December includes:
Grand Theft Auto 5 | PS4, PS5
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin | PS4, PS5
MotoGP 23 | PS4, PS5
Metal: Hellsinger | PS4, PS5
Salt and Sacrifice | PS4, PS5
Moonscars | PS4, PS5
Mega Man 11 | PS4
Gigabash | PS4, PS5
Grime | PS4, PS5
Tinykin | PS4, PS5
Prodeus | PS4, PS5
Shadowrun Returns | PS4, PS5
Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut | PS4, PS5
Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition | PS4, PS5
Is PS Plus Premium Worth the Investment?
PlayStation Plus underwent a transformation in the summer of 2022, introducing a three-tiered membership structure. Similar to popular streaming subscriptions like Netflix and Disney+, the higher the tier you subscribe to, the more benefits you unlock.
PS Plus Essential: This tier is the core offering, providing access to online play, cloud saves, two free games every month, and discounts on the PS Store.
PS Plus Extra: Moving up a tier, Extra offers new PS4 and PS5 games each month, expanding the game library with around 400 titles, and includes all the features of the Essential tier.
PS Plus Premium: Opting for the Premium plan grants additional access to PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 titles, in addition to the benefits provided by the Extra and Essential tiers.
In summary, if you’re keen on playing more PS4 and PS5 games, Extra is the ideal choice. For those feeling nostalgic and seeking access to a broader range of titles, Premium is the top-tier option. If online play is your primary focus, Essential provides all the necessary features. The breakdown aims to simplify the decision-making process based on your gaming preferences.
The Epic Games Store’s extensive Holiday Sale is in full swing, featuring a daily giveaway of free games. Starting on December 19, players can add a substantial free game to their library. Destiny 2: Legacy Collection, comprising three expansions, is available for free on the Epic Games Store until December 20.
Epic Games Store Holiday Sale 2023: Discounts and Free Games Galore
Commencing on December 19, the Epic Games Store is set to feature a daily giveaway of free games, with notable titles likely to be unveiled on Christmas Day. Throughout the giveaway period until January 4, 2024, users can anticipate a mix of AAA and indie games to enhance their gaming library.
In tandem with the free game offerings, the Holiday Sale 2023 on the Epic Games Store boasts enticing discounts on popular titles such as Alan Wake II, FC 24, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Hogwarts Legacy, Red Dead Redemption 2, Mortal Kombat I, and more. Additionally, users will receive a 33% discount coupon applicable to any purchase exceeding $14.99 (approximately INR 1,249) during the sale. This coupon can be applied to already discounted games, providing users with additional savings, or utilized for purchasing multiple games at an attractive bundled price.
Here are some standout deals on games featured in the Epic Games Holiday Sale 2023:
Game
Price
Alan Wake II
INR 2198.4 (20% off)
FC 24
INR 1399.6 (60% off)
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
INR 1749.3 (60% off)
Dead Island 2
INR 1979.4 (40% off)
Hogwarts Legacy
INR 2399.4 (40% off)
Mortal Kombat 1
INR 2699.4 (40% off)
Payday 3
INR 1679.25 (25% off)
Red Dead Redemption 2
INR 1,055.67 (67% off)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
INR 1,749.50 (50% off)
Dead by Daylight: Ultimate Edition
INR 1,374.50 (50% off)
LEGO 2K Drive
INR 1,121.67 (67% off)
The Last of Us Part I
INR 2,679.33 (33% off)
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
INR 2,399.40 (40% off)
Dead Space
INR 1,199.60 (60% off)
God of War
INR 1,649.50 (50% off)
Claim Destiny 2: Legacy Collection for free on the Epic Games Store
The Destiny 2: Legacy Collection encompasses three expansions—Shadowkeep (2019), Beyond Light (2021), and The Witch Queen (2022). It features 37 potent Exotic weapons, 15 Exotic armor pieces, and provides access to the Stasis subclass. You can now acquire the game for free on the Epic Games Store.
Hogwarts Legacy Conjures Up a Challenge for Call of Duty and Rockstar’s US Sales Reign
For over a decade, Call of Duty has reigned supreme, year after year, atop the US video game sales charts. Only Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V dared to break its streak. But now, a new challenger has emerged from the mists of Hogwarts: Hogwarts Legacy.
Circana’s monthly report paints a surprising picture. Modern Warfare 2 may have secured November’s top spot, but for the year so far, it’s Hogwarts Legacy that holds the crown. And with its current momentum, the magical title could very well finish 2023 as the undisputed champion.
This potential upset would mark a historic shift. Since 2008, when Rock Band ruled the charts, the top spot has belonged exclusively to either Call of Duty or a Rockstar game. Hogwarts Legacy’s potential victory would rewrite the script, proving that even the mightiest franchises can be dethroned by a captivating new world.
So, brace yourselves for a thrilling battle between veteran titans and a rising star. Will Call of Duty and Rockstar reclaim their dominance, or will Hogwarts Legacy etch its name in the annals of US video game history? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain: the competition has never been more magical.
So, what’s the scenario here? Is Hogwarts Legacy simply performing exceptionally well, or is Call of Duty facing a downturn this year? According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, it’s a bit of both. Piscatella, in conversation with Circana, confirms that Hogwarts Legacy has indeed showcased remarkable performance, further boosted by its recent launch on the Switch. It secured the second-best-selling spot on the Switch in dollar sales for November, following only Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
On the flip side, full game dollar sales for Modern Warfare 3 are trailing behind Modern Warfare 2’s performance from the same period last year, influenced by various factors, including its slightly later launch in the year. Piscatella clarifies, “It’s not to say that Modern Warfare 3 is doing poorly (it is already the 2nd best-selling game of 2023 after all), but no, it is not currently meeting what Modern Warfare II did a year ago.”
Hardware Experiences Significant Decline in 2023
While headlines might be dominated by Hogwarts Legacy’s magical ascent, a closer look at Circana’s latest report reveals a more complex picture for the November game sales landscape. Here are some key takeaways:
Hardware Hits a Slump:
Overall hardware sales dipped 24% year-over-year in November, with all current-gen consoles experiencing over 20% declines in dollar sales. Even the ever-resilient Switch saw a dip, likely due to its age and growing anticipation for new hardware. Analyst Mat Piscatella offers a nuanced perspective, reminding us that last year’s November saw consoles finally meeting pent-up demand after supply constraints. So, while the year-on-year numbers look rough, the bigger picture shows a market adjusting after a period of elevated supply. This “comp issue,” as Piscatella aptly puts it, is expected to linger in December but settle out by January.
Software Sees Surprises:
Despite the hardware dip, the software side offered some interesting highlights. Super Mario RPG Remake, fueled by physical sales alone (Nintendo keeps its digital sales under wraps), debuted at No.7, proving the enduring appeal of classic RPGs. Anime fans rejoiced with Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections entering at No.12, while Star Ocean: The Second Story R secured a spot at No.17. Discounts also played a role, with God of War: Ragnarok experiencing a chart boost thanks to a 50% Black Friday discount, and Just Dance 2024 leaping from No.73 in October to No.20 in November, likely for the same reason.
A Year-End Shuffle:
While Hogwarts Legacy might be stealing the spotlight, the November report paints a broader picture of a market in flux. Hardware sales are adjusting after a year of supply constraints, and software continues to offer diverse opportunities for success. As we head towards December and the holiday season, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and who emerges as the ultimate champion of the year-end sales battle.
So, the next time you see a headline about the “death” of hardware or the dominance of a single game, remember, the story behind the numbers is often richer and more nuanced than it appears. Stay tuned for further updates on the ever-evolving landscape of the video game industry!
Image Credit: Circana
In the realm of hardware, the PlayStation 5 maintains its position as the best-selling platform of 2023 in both units and dollar sales, closely trailed by the Switch. However, for the month of November, the Xbox Series secured the second spot.
The comprehensive insights into the full-year performance across these categories are anticipated in January with Circana’s annual report and analysis. Worth mentioning is the absence of Grand Theft Auto 6 data, as Take-Two Interactive no longer supplies the necessary information to be included in Circana’s charts. Regardless of Hogwarts’ potential victory this year, Call of Duty is expected to resume its dominance in Circana’s rankings in the years to come. Business as usual.
According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, the absence of Alan Wake 2 from the top 20 sales charts is primarily due to data reporting challenges. Circana relies on data from physical retailers and select digital data provided by publishers and storefronts. Notably, certain publishers, like Nintendo, do not share digital sales data with Circana. In the case of Alan Wake 2, since it had no physical release and its publisher Epic Games doesn’t provide digital sales data to Circana, the sales performance remains undisclosed. Piscatella did mention that Alan Wake 2 ranked 147th on Xbox Series and 115th on PlayStation 5 in Monthly Active Users (MAUs) in November, offering some insight, but the complete sales picture remains unclear. Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls estimates that globally, on consoles alone, Alan Wake 2 sold approximately 850,000 copies by the end of November.
Our global Alan Wake 2 sales estimate across console end of Nov is ~850k
Think there will be a fair amount of interest at a reduced price, and then there is sub service inclusion down the line (I assume)
The absence of Alan Wake 2 from the top 20 sales charts is attributed to data reporting challenges, with Circana relying on incomplete data from physical retailers and select digital sources. Notably, publishers like Nintendo and Epic Games, which don’t share digital sales data, contribute to the incomplete picture. Mat Piscatella mentioned that Alan Wake 2 ranked 147th on Xbox Series and 115th on PlayStation 5 in Monthly Active Users (MAUs) in November, offering partial insight. According to Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls, Alan Wake 2 sold around 850,000 copies globally on consoles alone by the end of November. While this figure may seem relatively low, comparing it to Remedy’s previous title Control, which sold two million units in its first year, provides context. Control’s sales included a physical release, but even with that, only 10% were reported as digital. The decision to forgo a physical edition for Alan Wake 2 might have saved Remedy money, and word-of-mouth could play a significant role in its success over time. Remedy has not responded to requests for comment.
In response to a viral topless stream featuring an OnlyFans model, Twitch has updated its sexual content guidelines. The changes now permit “artistic depictions of nudity,” including erotic dances, body writing, and content that highlights certain body regions, as long as it is properly labeled. The updated guidelines also address nudity in gaming, differentiating between prohibited pornographic games and those with incidental nudity. The move has sparked discussions and humor on social media under the trending term “Artistic Nudity.”
Twitch has faced ongoing challenges in managing sexual content on its platform
Twitch has encountered ongoing challenges in managing explicit content, with incidents like the “hot tub meta” in 2021, where streamers engaged in suggestive behavior in jacuzzis. In 2022, Twitch removed a feature that was exploited to promote explicit content on its front page. Recently, an OnlyFans model named Morgpie garnered attention for seemingly appearing topless on a stream while cleverly staying within Twitch’s guidelines. This incident sparked discussions among Twitch users, prompting the platform to clarify its rules. Despite operating within the terms of service, Morgpie faced a ban shortly after the incident. The ambiguity in Twitch’s guidelines and the ensuing debates highlight the ongoing struggle to strike a balance on the platform. Twitch is now seeking feedback and considering personalized viewer settings for the future.
