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Thursday, 21 January 2021 15:43
Xbox Live Gold Price Increases, Here Is What That Means For You
Written by SWOSH-X 
The Xbox Live Gold membership is getting a price increase and the common reaction to the news is anger when comparing the 12-month membership to that of PlayStation Plus. For current 12-month members and for those interested in the Game Pass Ultimate, here is what you need to know about the Live service changes and what that means for you as the player.
[UPDATE]: Xbox issued a statement saying "Today was not great. We always try to do our best for you and today we missed the mark. We hear you, and we're reversing our Xbox Live Gold pricing updates.
Xbox Live first launched 18 years ago and allows for players to enjoy online components of games, exclusive savings on first and third-person titles, and freebies every single month. Up until now, the PlayStation Plus and Live memberships were in sync regarding pricing, though that's about to change with the recent announcement. The price of a Live membership has increased depending on the term you purchase.
To begin, here are the new prices:
- 1 month for $10.99 ($1 increase)
- 3 months for $29.99 ($5 increase)
- 6 months for $59.99 ($20 increase)
For those that currently have a Live membership that is 12 or 6 months in length, there will be no price change. When it's time to renew, the current price will be the price players pay.
This move has many in the industry divided, both professionally and on the consumer side. We've previously talked about how Sony and Microsoft are taking wildly different approaches to this new generation of gaming, with PlayStation focusing on more traditional value with hardware and Xbox taking a more ecosystem-centric focus. You can learn more about that here.
The intent behind this appears to be focused on generating even more value for the Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate, two services that have been met with positive acclaim since their introduction. With the Ultimate bundle including Xbox Live, the value does not lie within the standalone service any longer. With the Game Pass offering even more financial accessibility in terms of gaming with its low monthly fee, expanding library of free (no additional cost) games, including first party exclusives on day one (made even more valuable with the recent acquisitions made), the Live service has become antiquated.
Microsoft has been steadily adding to the Game Pass' value since it was first introduced and the company could have continued to grow this service without raising any prices for it to continue its value growth. Could a price hike for the Ultimate Pass happen? Sure, anything is possible, but that doesn't fall inline with the current mission statement, which is to make a fully integrated ecosystem designed to make it easier to play the games players want to play.
That being said, despite the near-universal praise for the Game Pass and its Ultimate service, many haven't strayed beyond the Xbox Live membership because it has been a staple for nearly two decades and the Xbox One generation didn't offer enough of a reason to jump into what the Pass offers. With the ZeniMax acquisition on the way to finalization and more studio acquisitions on the horizon, now is the time for Microsoft to show players why this new direction matters.
In order to do this, Microsoft needed to make a show of how antiquated the Live service has become on its own. But with raising the price, many can opt to stay in with the service should they choose (many of which can stay at the current price if they are already members of the 6-12 month programs) while others see the hike as a startling change, which then encourages them to see "just what the Ultimate Pass is and is it worth it?"
With each month, the Live-only subscription numbers have dwindled, showing a massive pivot towards the Game Pass and its Ultimate option. People are saying that this move is making them cancel their Live memberships, but what many fail to realize is that this decision is the entire goal of a move like this. The value isn't there anymore for players on a wider scale or for Microsoft as a business, at least in terms of motivation behind a move like this.
Currently, I believe that the Xbox Game Pass and Ultimate is the truly one of the best offerings currently in gaming. From PC to console to even mobile, the evolving library and potential with future acquisitions makes it something is almost a no-brainer for Xbox fans. New titles? Free, no additional costs. Older favorites? Free, no additional costs. This price hike, despite being unfortunate as is the case with any price increase, is the logical next step for building the Xbox ecosystem to be a true industry standard.
While this move makes sense and should not come as a surprise, it is important to note that this move isn't the most consumer-friendly in terms of households that may be lower-income or many households with players that aren't "dedicated gamers", a demographic that benefits from services like these. As a person in a lower-income household, I understand that this move isn't going to be the most popular with everyone and that concerns are absolutely valid. With that in mind, it's not anti-consumer for the reason that many think, though it's not entirely pro-consumer either when looking at a wider scope.
You can learn more about the price increase and what that means for you with the official Xbox announcement right here.
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Whether you’re planning on building on the purchase of your new PS5 or working on a library of classic games and accessories for your beloved PS4, you’ll want to know the best
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Thursday, 21 January 2021 15:22
Xbox Games with Gold February: Gears 5, Resident Evil, more
Written by SWOSH-XXbox Games with Gold for February have been announced.February’s Xbox Games with Gold have been announced, and the games are Gears 5, Resident Evil, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition, Indiana Jones and
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Thursday, 21 January 2021 15:03
Microsoft announces price increase for Xbox Live Gold
Written by SWOSH-XMicrosoft has announced a price increase for Xbox Live Gold.The company has said it will be making price adjustments for Xbox Live Gold in select markets.According to the new pricing structure, existing
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Thursday, 21 January 2021 14:13
Cyberpunk 2077 players are getting refunds, and some don’t have to send the game back
Written by SWOSH-XIt’s not clear why or how many people still have access after getting their money back.People who bought the console versions of CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 are seemingly being allowed to keep
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Thursday, 21 January 2021 00:17
Feast Your Eyes On The Latest Pop Figures Coming From Funko Fair 2021
Written by SWOSH-X
If you’re reading this, chances are you already own way too many Pop figures and are peeping this article for an excuse to add just one more figure to your already crowded shelf or cabinet. That’s totally okay, of course; collecting things is fun! Funko Fair 2021 is kicking off with a new line of figures ripe for pre-ordering. As such, we’ve gathered some of the coolest Pops based on gaming and pop (ah) culture as a whole. Your wallet can thank us later.
First up is Eivor from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Unfortunately, only the male variant is available, but he should look good sitting next to you as you upgrade your homestead or help a weird lady fart better.
Next up is Wolf, the hero of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That game is really hard, so hopefully getting your hands on one of these bad boys is a bit easier.
Let’s be honest, if you love Pop figures and Pokémon, collecting is just in your blood. So combine both habits with these new versions of Pikachu, Psyduck, Meowth, and a silver Bulbasaur.
Because I like wrestling and Reiner made the foolish mistake of assigning me this article, I snuck this bad boy in. Marvel at “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock facing off inside of a 2000s era Monday Night Raw ring.
Dragon Ball fans probably don’t have enough Goku Pop figures, so here’s another Goku to Goku with your Goku.
Who you gonna call? This Egon Spengler Pop figure, that’s who!
Speaking of rebounds, how about that Dennis Rodman? I would have gone with his Double Team incarnation, but this probably conjures fonder memories of the basketball legend. Plus, this is Funko we're talking about; you know Double Team Rodman is probably on the way.
Star Wars' Rey and Kylo Ren aren't packaged together, which is a mistake since they're canonically sweethearts or something. Smooches don't lie no matter how awkward or unnecessary. Anyway, here they are looking worse for wear after enduring months of bad Rise of Skywalker reviews.
There's plenty more where these came from, so be sure to check out Funko's full sale catalog (which updates frequently as figures are announced) to find that perfect figure for you and yours. For more cool Pop figures, check out this series based on Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
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Wednesday, 20 January 2021 22:22
New Video Offers New Look At Netflix's Animated Resident Evil Film, Infinite Darkness
Written by SWOSH-X 
Netflix is continuing on its gaming adaptations streak with a new animated CGI series called Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. While we've known about the upcoming show for a while now, we have yet to learn more about what it will be like beyond a few stills and the initial teaser trailer. In a world set a few years after the events of Resident Evil 4, Capcom shared another new look at the upcoming Resident Evil show with a second video.
Netflix has previously teased the new series, saying "When biohazards run wild, only a pair of veteran zombie slayers can get the job done," reads the social media caption alongside the still reveal. Netflix also states that this will be set within the canon of Capcom's universe and that it will be arriving sometime next year."
The latest teaser trailer can be seen below, showing off more of Leon and Claire, at the end of the showcase:
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe upcoming animated series will take place a few years after the events of Resident Evil 4, seeing both Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield together once more to face off against a brand new outbreak. While Capcom did not confirm when the new series will air, we do at least have a small trailer to tide us over until more is revealed in the coming months.
While enticing, the latest look at the upcoming series didn't really offer a feel for what's to come, which makes sense given that it is a teaser, but the "horror series with a sci-fi twist" definitely looks appealing. Animated also seems to be the way to go with an adaptation such as this, but only time will tell how this show fares when paired up against Netflix's many other projects.
Thoughts on today's Resident Evil Village and anniversary reveals? What has you the most excited? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Wednesday, 20 January 2021 22:20
PvP As Your Favorite Resident Evil Characters With RE: Verse
Written by SWOSH-X 
Earlier this month, Capcom invited a select number of players to join in on a closed beta test for a PvP experience meant to celebrate 25 years of the iconic Resident Evil franchise. That testing period is set to go live next week, but we do have our first look at what those players will enjoy with Capcom's reveal of RE: Verse.
While many players enjoyed Project Resistance, a spin-off multiplayer experience set within the Resident Evil universe, RE: Verse is an all-out PvP journey that pits iconic characters against one another. In the video below, Capcom's Tsuyoshi Kanda revealed our first look at RE: Reverse, including a shootout between Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe above trailer starts off with a Leon Kennedy running through a seemingly abandoned station, donning that familiar RPD gear. As he prepares to go through an open doorway, he's confronted by none other than Claire Redfield. In this world, however, they aren't allies, they're enemies, and that PvP flare kicks off with a comedic Western-style shootout closeup before the two fire rounds into one another.
In our first look at the multiplayer spin-off, we see staples throughout the franchise like Mr. X, Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and more. With special attacks modeled after real moves in-game, RE: Verse is a kill or be killed online adventure that allows fans to harness their inner...well, whoever!
RE: Verse was created specifically to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Resident Evil franchise on March 22 and it is one of "many" ways Capcom intends to celebrate with fans. The studio promises that even more surprises are on the way in the coming months, making it an incredibly exciting time to be a horror fan.
There was so much revealed today, including more gameplay, a PS5-exclusive demo, and so much more. To catch up on all of the revelations ala Resident Evil Village, check out our previous coverage here. As for the game itself, Resident Evil Village arrives on May 7, 2021 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
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Wednesday, 20 January 2021 22:20
Resident Evil 25th Anniversary Crossover Event Announced For The Division 2
Written by SWOSH-X 
In addition to a new Resident Evil Village trailer and some demo footage in anticipation for the next horrific chapter in the franchise, some extra content stemming from the game series’ 25th Anniversary was premiered during the showcase. Following the gameplay reel of the new PVP-focused RE: Verse and another trailer for the upcoming Internal Darkness Netflix film, Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment announced a crossover event with The Division 2 and Resident Evil.
For a limited time, players will have the opportunity to collect classic cosmetic items like exclusive outfits and weapon skins inspired by the original Resident Evil trilogy. Every player that simply logs in during the event gets the Leon Kennedy police uniform. The in-game footage is reminiscent of the zombie outbreak that led to the total decimation of Racoon City - e.g., burning vehicles and buildings, abandoned streets, and all. There’s also an eerie reveal of an armored soldier towards the end of the trailer but whether or not zombies will be roaming The Division 2’s metropolis is yet to be seen.
The crossover event starts on February 2 and ends on February 15.
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Wednesday, 20 January 2021 22:13
Resident Evil Village PS5-Exclusive Demo Drops Today Alongside New Video
Written by SWOSH-X 
From a new trailer to impressive gameplay, Capcom is spreading that horror love with a ton of Resident Evil Village news! For those fans itching to get their hands on the newest title first, a PS5-exclusive beta goes live today with our first look at exactly what that will have to offer those brave enough to dive in. Don't have a PS5? No worries! A different demo will be going live for all other platforms at a later date, but first, let's take a look at what the new-gen experience has in store.
In the PS5 demo, players won't be assuming the role of Ethan Winters, instead, we will be filling the shoes of a character that goes by The Maiden. Check out our first look at the demo below.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe demo for the new generation of PlayStation systems is unique to the PS5, meaning the demo that other platform players play will be different. For this particular early access period, however, players will encounter a different kind of experience: No combat, no wares, just the one objective of escaping a deadly castle before it's too late.
Now that the showcase is a wrap, the PS5 demo is available today. For other platforms, Capcom also confirmed that a separate play period will be coming soon "sometime in Spring." While not an exact date, it is nice to know that everyone will get a chance to get some hands-on time with the future of Resident Evil before it launches later this year.
What are your thoughts on everything revealed today about Resident Evil Village? Are you excited to see Ethan once more with some new faces, as well? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
As for the game itself, Resident Evil Village arrives on May 7, 2021 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
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Wednesday, 20 January 2021 22:12
Resident Evil Village Trailer Reveals More Plot Details, Locations, & Monsters
Written by SWOSH-X
Click here to watch embedded media Resident Evil Village looks to chill its player base to the bone with macabre environmental art, blood-curdling combat encounters, and eerie narrative suspense. In the new trailer released today (see above) during the Resident Evil Village Showcase and 25th Anniversary celebration, Biohazard’s Ethan Winters is once again at the mercy of ghouls, monsters, and a vampire lady(?). You can see the trailer above.
During the opening moments of the trailer, a simple phone conversation between the infamous white-gowned woman and the mysterious Sister Miranda give vague hints about Resident Evil Village’s plot. Ethan Winters has escaped the evil clutches of someone named Heisenberg and has infiltrated the castle for some reason. Ethan’s wife, once again, is missing and an important ceremony is about to take place - it’s no surprise that occult practices will play a pivotal role in the story. We also get a brief glimpse of Chris Redfield and a creepy guy donning shades and a trench coat with what appears to be telekinetic powers and a bone-crushing club.
Resident Evil Village launches on May 7 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. If you’re as excited about the next chapter in the iconic horror franchise as I am, be sure to play the demo on PS5 and secure your pre-order bonuses today.
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Wednesday, 20 January 2021 22:11
New Resident Evil Village Gameplay Revealed Showing Off Crafting, New Enemies, And More
Written by SWOSH-X 
Alongside a brand new trailer for the upcoming horror adventure Resident Evil Village, Capcom has also shown off some intense gameplay revealing what fans can expect from the newest entry. From crafting to the return of the Merchant, here is our first extended look at Resident Evil Village gameplay.
The latest look at Village shows off Ethan Winters, who first appeared in Resident Evil 7, once more as the protagonist as he dives deep into horrors untold alongside a giant vampire lady that half the internet has fallen in love with.
Also shown off in the video below is the new game's crafting system, allowing players to craft items having to do with first aid as well as ammo. The crafting is one part of the inventory system shown off, inventory that can become much better with the help of the Duke. Check out the first look at Resident Evil Village in action.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe Duke is what the returning Merchant is called in Resident Evil Village but with an all-new look. A robust man with inventory players will want to take advantage of, the Duke will be encountered many times throughout the progression of the game for players to buy and sell weapons, crafting items, and other miscellaneous odds and ends.
Horror fans will also be able to smash things to their heart's content while getting their inner Leon Kennedy on in a bid to find hidden items. Punching things to oblivion will also offer a few surprises, including sprinkled side objectives throughout the game.
From the giant vampire lady to the swarms of bugs and hungry foes, the latest look at Resident Evil Village feels like a love letter to long-time fans of Capcom's iconic franchise. With the 25th anniversary of the game kicking off this year, Village is shooting to be an experience that captures the past and the future of a beloved series.
As for the game itself, Resident Evil Village arrives on May 7, 2021 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC players.
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