Game News

DMCA music strikes have become an even bigger problem over the past few years, and with a game like Guardians of the Galaxy that centers around well-known oldies, the concern for streamers is great. One way studios are combating the content restriction has been to offer a specifically tailored Streaming Mode to make it safe for creators to share their play experience with their community without fear of a strike. Eidos Montreal is offering a Streaming Mode for its upcoming Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy game, offering a way for players to stream without having to worry about consequences.

In a new interview with VentureBeat, senior narrative director Mary DeMarle talked a little bit about how music plays a role in the upcoming Guardians game, including classic hits that fans can expect to see, including how 80s the soundtrack is going to get. "Everything from Iron Maiden to Rick Astley to KISS to Wham to Blondie," she told the site.

She added, "The way we use the music in the game is fun. Of course, we’ll use it as part of the cinematics or to heighten the drama in some scenes. You’ll be in big battles and hear something amazing like 'The Final Countdown,' because it matches the story. But at the same time, we have two unique ways we use it. One is, in the Milano, you have moments where the story takes you to the ship and you can hang out and talk to all the Guardians. There’s a jukebox in the Milano where you go over and pick the song you want to hear as you explore. You can listen to the songs on your own, how you want, while you’re hanging out."

When the site asked about any sort of Streaming Mode, she did say that she's not the right person to ask and that "someone can get you the correct answer." That correct answer comes by way of an Eidos Montreal spokesperson that told TechRadar that there will be a Streaming Mode that will disable all licensed music. This addition will allow players to progress through the story without being concerned over automated DMCA strikes, especially on Twitch.

Interested in learning more about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy game? Good news! It's our cover story next month, so be sure to mosey on over to our dedicated hub here for more first looks and insider information! In addition, we'll be updating this hub with new interviews and features, so keep it tuned into Game Informer to learn more about the upcoming Star-Lord adventure.

What are your thoughts on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy from what we saw during E3 2021? Do you think Streaming Modes should be more commonplace in gaming? Sound off with your spiciest of hot takes in the comment section below!

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Monday, 21 June 2021 15:37

Write Your Own Story With This The Last Of Us Part II Notebook Box Set

Written by Marcus Stewart

The Last of Us Part II isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we can probably all agree that Ellie and Abby’s journals were pretty cool, right? If you think so and want a cool collectible or are just a general stationary aficionado (they exist), luxury design store Cook and Becker and Naughty Dog have something for you. The two companies have put together limited edition replicas of the two characters’ notebooks and packaged them alongside with other goodies.

The two premium notebooks feature character art and illustrations pulled straight from the game, such as Ellie’s sketches. You can still write in it yourself, of course, with plenty of lined blank pages. Abby’s book even includes a blank workout schedule.

No journal is complete without a good writing instrument, so the set includes a black graphite pencil for Ellie and a red carpenters pencil for Abby. Cook and Becker also tosses in a fine art print, post-it notes shaped like Molotov cocktails, stickers, a guitar pick, and a guitar-shaped paperclip. It all comes packaged in a fancy box bearing an appropriate cordyceps fungus warning message, which will likely deter unwanted eyes from prying into your box. Probably.

This whole set is limited to only 3,000 so best grab it sooner than later if it tickles your fancy. You can purchase it now for $89.95 (plus shipping) with the expected shipping date set for November 30. The store page can be viewed here.

This seems like the best sort of collectible in that it’s both decorative and functional. It’s not quite up my alley, but I appreciate the craftsmanship and I’m always more interested in collector’s items that branch beyond the usual steelbook case or expensive statue (though you can also grab one modeled after Ellie here).

Interested in picking up this collection? Are you a general fan of collecting notebooks and stationary? Let us know down in the comments!

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Monday, 21 June 2021 15:49

PAX West 2021 Confirmed To Be An In-Person Event With Safety Precautions Detailed

Written by Liana Ruppert

With vaccinations continuing to roll out, PAX West 2021 will be among the gaming events returning to offer in-person community celebrations. Not only will the event be returning in a more familiar form outside of a digital alternative, but ReedPop also has detailed safety precautions that are being implemented for those planning on attending.

PAX West 2021 will be returning to the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA, from Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6. Badges for the upcoming convention will be going on sale "in the next two weeks," with options to also get PAX Online 2021 access, as well. PAX Online will be taking place on Thursday, July 15, through Sunday, July 18.

Leading up to PAX West, ReedPop has canceled six consecutive in-person events. Now that we are dipping our toes back into any sort of normalcy, ReedPop wants to assure gamers that it is taking safety precautions seriously. This means health patterns will be tracked, and a reduced event capacity number has been implemented. More detailed precautions are coming at a later date.

"It’s been almost two years since the last PAX West, and it's been surreal to imagine its triumphant return,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of Penny Arcade and PAX. “I can't think of a better excuse to leave the house than PAX West."

For those excited for a little more of a competitive experience, PAX Arena is partnering with Metro Esports for a special Valorant amateur open tournament. Players interested can show off their skills for a chance at winning a shot at that $10,000 prize pool. Quarter and semi-finals will be going down on July 15 at 12 p.m. Eastern, with Finals bringing it all full-circle on July 17 at the same time. "I am beyond excited to partner with ReedPop and engage a broad and diverse community of gaming enthusiasts," said Shaon Berry, Founder and CEO, Metro Esports, about the upcoming tournament.

For those interested in taking part in PAX West this year, four-day badges for the general public will run $230, with individual-day options at $60 a pop. For media and content creator applications, those are now available for PAX Online East until June 30, with PAX West applications following shortly after.

To learn more about PAX West and the digital events leading up to its return, you can check out the official ReedPop website right here.

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