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Here, we present some of the most striking images around the world this past week.
Multilateralism and global partnership are critical to building a new world order that will ensure people reach the future they desire, agreed the attendees of a top-level international forum in Conghua district of Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, Monday.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on Tuesday it will soon unveil a new round of relief measures, one day after the city recorded its biggest plunge in retail sales.
I just spent a week in Hong Kong, and luckily, it was peaceful. Radical protesters had called off violence for the previous weekend in order to "ensure" that the District Council elections would not be canceled. As a result, things were normal on the ground. However, as has been typical for the past few months, in the following weekend, things quickly sparked up again.
The government's proposal to create an Independent Review Committee to find why and how the violent protests happened and what to do in their aftermath would be a step in the right direction if Hong Kong is to move on, Lan Kwai Fong Holdings Chairman Allan Zeman said.
Although sentencing is an art and not a science, there are occasions when the duty of the courts is crystal clear. Public disorder is an obvious example of the type of criminality which invariably requires a firm response. As the Court of Final Appeal explained in its judgment in an unlawful assembly appeal in 2018, "public order must be maintained", and this requires the judges "to consider the factor of deterrence in sentencing" (FACC 8/2017).
Civil servants convicted of criminal offenses will face not only the legal consequences but also disciplinary action from the government, Hong Kong's civil servant chief said on Wednesday.
A United States senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, has pushed and prodded his colleagues with misleading information, gained bipartisan support, and finally managed to obtain unanimous Senate approval of his benignly named Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019.
The pro-establishment camp's defeat in the District Council Election is not entirely unexpected. Notwithstanding the common-sense presumption that most Hong Kong citizens are opposed to the street violence, property destruction and transportation disruption wreaked upon our once-safe and orderly society by the "blackshirts" in the past six months, there was a reliable opinion survey before the election showing that 40 percent of the citizens actually support their anarchy! With such deviant thinking, what can you expect!
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government should make no further concessions to violence, but must resist it with all the means at its disposal, the city's former director of public prosecutions said on Tuesday at a legal forum on the ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong.
On Wednesday, both houses of the United States Congress passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act - a bill designed to implement sanctions on officials and rescind the city's "special status" if Washington deems certain requirements are not met. Sponsored and pushed by hawkish senators such as Marco Rubio, the bill is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, despite his personal ambivalence and unwillingness to get involved on the issue. The legislation is expected to cause disruption to US-China relations, with Beijing condemning it as a violation of national sovereignty and intervention in its internal affairs.
Depuis qu'un nouveau confinement a été décidé à compter du 30 octobre 2020, les élèves se déplaçant seuls et les parents accompagnant leur enfant doivent justifier d'une attestation pour les trajets entre le domicile et l'école. Depuis le 15 décembre 2020, elle n'est plus nécessaire en journée mais seulement si ces déplacements ont lieu pendant le couvre-feu, c'est-à-dire entre 20h et 6h. Service-Public.fr vous explique comment vous la procurer et quelles sont les conditions pour les collégiens et les lycéens.
Vous regrettez de ne pas disposer d'une meilleure information sur la durabilité des produits lorsque vous achetez un nouveau lave-linge ou une nouvelle tondeuse à gazon ? Depuis le 1er janvier 2021, le caractère réparable d'un produit fait l'objet d'un indice. Cette mesure de la Loi anti-gaspillage pour une économie circulaire est complétée par un arrêté paru au Journal officiel le 30 décembre 2020 qui accorde un agrément à un éco-organisme assurant la gestion des déchets d'équipements électriques et électroniques ménagers.
Dans une succession, il arrive que le défunt ait prêté de l'argent à un héritier, un de ses enfants par exemple. La Cour de cassation vient rappeler comment cette dette est rapportable à la succession. L'héritier qui demande le rapport d'une dette par l'un de ses co-héritiers doit en prouver l'existence. À son tour, l'héritier à qui le prêt a été consenti doit prouver qu'il a remboursé la dette. S'il ne le fait pas, elle sera déduite de sa part d'héritage.
Aide humaine et aides techniques : le bénéfice de la prestation de compensation du handicap (PCH) est élargi aux besoins liés à l'exercice de la parentalité des personnes handicapées dès la naissance de leur enfant. Un décret est paru au Journal officiel le 1er janvier 2021. Il est complété par un arrêté paru le même jour qui en détermine les montants. Les précisions avec Service-Public.fr.
Écoles, collèges, lycées : les vacances scolaires d'hiver dépendent de la zone où se situe l'établissement scolaire, l'Outre-mer ayant par contre des dates spécifiques.
Comment fêter Noël en famille dans le contexte de l'épidémie ? Pour cette soirée, le couvre-feu entré en vigueur le 15 décembre 2020 avec le déconfinement sera exceptionnellement levé, mais il faudra néanmoins respecter les préconisations de prudence émises par le Gouvernement pour protéger les plus fragiles et éviter les contaminations. Service-Public.fr vous les rappelle.
Soins funéraires, toilette mortuaire, présentation du corps, mise en bière, délai d'inhumation ou de crémation, cérémonies funéraires... Les règles ont évolué depuis le début de l'épidémie. Le droit funéraire est adapté jusqu'à un mois après la date de fin de l'état d'urgence pour tenir compte de la pandémie. Un décret paru au Journal officiel le 12 décembre 2020 précise les dernières dispositions.
Vacances d'hiver, vacances de printemps et d'été... Vous avez besoin de connaître dès maintenant les dates des futures vacances scolaires de vos enfants pour pouvoir vous organiser ? Service-Public.fr vous donne le détail du calendrier pour toute l'année scolaire 2021-2022, publié au Journal officiel le 16 décembre 2020.
Allocations familiales, APL, RSA, prime d'activité... Le paiement des prestations se fait le 5 de chaque mois sauf lorsque le 5 tombe un samedi, un dimanche ou un jour férié, le paiement est alors reporté au jour ouvré suivant le plus proche.
Depuis le 16 décembre, tous les numéros des Caisses d'allocations familiales (Caf) en 0810 sont remplacés par un numéro unique, accessible partout en France et dans les Dom, le 3230.
Visites dans les établissements, sorties des résidents en famille, animations festives dans les structures... Le ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé a exceptionnellement assoupli le protocole sanitaire en vigueur dans les établissements hébergeant des personnes âgées afin de permettre aux résidents de vivre sereinement les fêtes de fin d'année, mais maintient un haut niveau de protection des aînés. Les recommandations sont applicables du 15 décembre 2020 au 3 janvier 2021.
Dès le 21 décembre 2020, vous aurez accès à l'ensemble des formations proposées en 2021. Vous pourrez vous inscrire à ces formations à partir du 20 janvier 2021. Cette année, les écoles vétérinaires rejoignent les 17 000 formations accessibles. Service-Public.fr vous rappelle le calendrier des phases principales de la procédure Parcoursup qui permet de s'inscrire dans l'enseignement supérieur (écoles, universités) publié par le ministère de l'Éducation nationale. Lycéens de Terminale, apprentis, étudiants en réorientation, découvrez les premières dates des grandes étapes à retenir.
À compter de la session 2021, les candidats au baccalauréat en voie générale et technologique passent un Grand oral à la fin de l'année de terminale. Cette nouvelle épreuve du baccalauréat vise à former les lycéens à prendre la parole en public de façon claire et convaincante. Comment est-elle évaluée ? Comment se déroule t-elle ? Quelle est la composition du jury ? Service-Public.fr vous explique.
Écoles, collèges, lycées : les vacances scolaires de Noël sont identiques quelle que soit la zone concernée. Elles commencent samedi 19 décembre 2020 après la classe (les élèves qui n'ont pas cours le samedi sont en vacances dès le vendredi soir). Les cours reprennent ensuite à partir du lundi 4 janvier 2021.
À compter de la session 2021 du baccalauréat général et technologique, une attestation de compétence en langues vivantes étrangères et régionales sera délivrée aux candidats à la fin du cycle terminal en même temps que le diplôme. C'est ce que prévoient un décret et un arrêté parus au Journal officiel le 5 novembre 2020.
Promiscuité, tension, anxiété... Le contexte particulier du confinement lié à l'épidémie de Covid-19 expose les mineurs aux violences intrafamiliales. Le 119 est le numéro national dédié à la prévention et à la protection des enfants en danger ou en risque de l'être.
Les dates des épreuves écrites du diplôme national du brevet, du baccalauréat, du CAP et du BEP 2021 viennent d'être arrêtées par le ministère de l'Éducation et de la Jeunesse. Retrouvez-les sur Service-public.fr.
Respect des gestes barrières, distanciation physique, port du masque pour les adultes et les élèves dès le CP, hygiène des mains, nettoyage et aération des locaux, limitation du brassage... Rendu nécessaire par l'évolution de la circulation du virus, un protocole sanitaire renforcé est mis en place à compter de la reprise du 2 novembre 2020 dans les écoles, les collèges et les lycées afin d'assurer la protection des élèves et des personnels. Le point avec Service-Public.fr.
En raison de l'impact de la crise sanitaire sur les conditions de préparation du bac, les modalités du baccalauréat général et technologique pour l'année scolaire 2020-2021 sont adaptées. Les épreuves communes sont remplacées par le contrôle continu. Les épreuves des enseignements de spécialité sont maintenues avec deux sujets au choix. C'est ce qu'a annoncé le ministère de l'Éducation nationale le 5 novembre 2020.
La question : Mon enfant qui est en classe de CP doit désormais porter le masque à l'école. Je crois qu'il n'est pas tenu de le porter sur le trajet de l'école. Pouvez-vous me le confirmer ? La réponse de Service-public.fr : Depuis le 2 novembre 2020, les élèves des écoles élémentaires doivent en effet porter un masque à l'école. Cependant, ils n'ont pas encore l'obligation de le porter dans la rue, dans les transports et les magasins.
Vous vous mariez ou vous souhaitez changer de contrat de mariage ? Une jurisprudence vient rappeler que même dans un régime de séparation de biens, la contribution aux charges du mariage est une règle obligatoire à laquelle les époux ne peuvent déroger. La contribution aux charges du mariage est l'obligation qu'ont les époux de participer à l'ensemble des dépenses de la vie courante : dépenses de logement, nourriture, habillement, santé, éducation des enfants, loisirs...
Le stage d'observation d'une semaine en entreprise qui doit se dérouler durant l'année de 3e est cette année rendu exceptionnellement facultatif en raison de la crise sanitaire et de la situation économique qui en découle. Il reste cependant très souhaitable. En l'absence de stage, des formations sur le monde du travail seront proposés aux collégiens.
La loi encadre le travail des « enfants influenceurs »
sur les plateformes de vidéos en ligne (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram...). Elle comble un vide juridique car rien n'était prévu jusqu'alors pour les protéger. Elle leur ouvre également un droit à l'oubli numérique qu'ils pourront exercer seuls sans leurs parents.
Vous avez des questions sur la scolarisation de votre enfant handicapé ? Vous avez besoin d'écoute et d'accompagnement dans vos démarches ? Votre enfant désire des précisions ou un soutien ? Le Ministère de l'Éducation nationale met à votre disposition tout au long de l'année la cellule nationale « Aide handicap École »
et les cellules locales « École inclusive »
pour vous répondre grâce à un numéro unique : le 0 805 805 110.
Vous avez des difficultés pour percevoir la pension alimentaire due par votre ex-conjoint ? La Caf peut servir d'intermédiaire afin d'assurer son versement. Deux décrets parus au Journal officiel le 1er octobre 2020 précisent la mise en œuvre de cette intermédiation financière.
Parent en perte d'autonomie, conjoint malade, enfant en situation de handicap... Depuis le 30 septembre 2020, le congé qui permet à un salarié résident en France d'arrêter son activité professionnelle pour accompagner un membre de sa famille est indemnisé. Un décret paru au Journal officiel le 2 octobre 2020 précise ses modalités.
Des habits de princesse, des poupées, des dînettes roses pour les filles et des camions, des jeux scientifiques, des costumes de super-héros pour les garçons... Noël approche, comment seront présentés les jouets dans les magasins et les catalogues ? La charte 2020 pour une représentation mixte des jouets a été signée le 24 septembre 2020 afin de lutter contre les stéréotypes de genre ancrés dès le plus jeune âge et renforcer le goût des filles pour les sciences. Service-Public.fr vous explique.
Le portail national d'information pour les personnes âgées et leurs proches www.pour-les-personnes-agees.gouv.fr, qui a pour devise « Pour rester autonome, je prends les choses en main »
, propose une nouvelle version de son site, refondue et enrichie d'un annuaire des services d'aide à domicile. Démarches, aides, accompagnement à domicile, adresses, prix des établissements, comparateur officiel des prix et des restes à charge en EHPAD... À découvrir avec Service-Public.fr !
Les montants des droits d'inscription (droits de scolarité) dans l'enseignement supérieur public pour les étudiants étrangers en « mobilité internationale »
resteront les mêmes qu'en 2019 et à un montant différent de celui payé par les étudiants français, européens ou déjà résidents en France. Un arrêté a été publié au Journal officiel du 26 juin 2020. Saisi pour se prononcer sur les montants différenciés de ces frais, le Conseil d'État a jugé qu'ils ne s'opposaient pas à l'exigence constitutionnelle de gratuité visant à assurer l'égal accès à l'instruction.
Un décret paru au Journal officiel le 24 septembre 2020 précise les modalités de mise en œuvre du dispositif électronique mobile anti-rapprochement destiné à assurer le contrôle à distance des conjoints ou ex-conjoints violents. Déployé dans un premier temps dans cinq juridictions depuis le 25 septembre 2020, il sera généralisé à l'ensemble du territoire à la fin de l'année.
Règles sanitaires, revalorisation des bourses, gel des frais d'inscription, Resto'U, repas à 1 €, aides au logement, programme Erasmus +... : tout sur la rentrée universitaire 2020.
Depuis la rentrée 2019-2020, les étudiants n'ont aucune cotisation à régler à la sécurité sociale et aucune démarche d'affiliation n'est nécessaire. Ceux qui s'inscrivent pour la première fois dans un établissement d'enseignement supérieur restent rattachés à leur régime de protection d'Assurance maladie antérieur (régime général, RSA...), généralement celui de leurs parents. Étudiant étranger en France, étudiant à l'étranger, vous pouvez cependant avoir des démarches à accomplir. Quels sont les conseils pour être bien remboursé ?
Que faire si mon enfant est un cas contact ? Que se passe-t-il s'il a des symptômes évocateurs du Covid-19 ? Un enseignant doit-il s'isoler s'il a côtoyé un enfant infecté ? Quand une classe peut-elle être fermée ? Sur les recommandations du Haut conseil de la santé publique (HCSP), le ministère de l'Éducation nationale assouplit, à compter du 22 septembre 2020, le protocole sanitaire dans les établissements. Il publie à cette occasion des fiches pratiques à l'attention des parents et des équipes pédagogiques.
Quel est le taux de réussite au baccalauréat des lycées de votre ville ou de votre département ? Le ministère de l’Éducation nationale présente les indicateurs de résultats des lycées d’enseignement général, technologique et professionnel, publics ou privés sous contrat, pour l’année 2019.
Port du masque, hygiène des locaux, récréation, cantine... Vous vous demandez quelles règles sont appliquées pour protéger votre enfant du Coronavirus pendant sa journée à l'école, au collège ou au lycée. Service-public.fr vous explique le protocole sanitaire complété de fiches thématiques diffusées le 20 septembre 2020 par le ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports.
Dans les écoles, collèges et lycées, des élections sont organisées chaque année pour élire des représentants de parents d'élèves. Pour l'année scolaire 2020-2021, elles se déroulent le vendredi 9 octobre 2020 ou le samedi 10 octobre 2020, ainsi que l'indique le Bulletin officiel de l'Éducation nationale du 10 juillet 2020.
Accompagnement à la parentalité, allongement des congés maternité et paternité... Voici quelques-unes des recommandations contenues dans un récent rapport pour mieux accompagner les « 1 000 premiers jours »
de l'enfant, du 4e mois de grossesse aux deux ans.
Écoles, collèges, lycées : les vacances scolaires de Toussaint sont identiques quelle que soit la zone concernée. Elles commencent samedi 17 octobre 2020 après la classe. Les cours reprennent ensuite à partir du lundi 2 novembre 2020.
Les évaluations nationales de CP, CE1, 6e et les tests de positionnement en seconde et CAP ont commencé le 14 septembre 2020 pour tous les élèves. Dans le contexte de l'après-confinement, ils vont permettre d'identifier les acquis et les besoins des élèves, afin de leur proposer un accompagnement personnalisé adapté et de remédier à leurs difficultés éventuelles.
Si un lien de filiation est judiciairement déclaré et prouvé à la suite d'une recherche en paternité, son établissement a un effet rétroactif. Selon l'article 371-2 du Code civil, les parents sont rétroactivement tenus à l'entretien et à l'éducation de l'enfant. Il est par ailleurs prévu une prescription de cinq ans pour les actions de paiement d'une contribution à l'entretien et à l'éducation d'un enfant majeur. Cette durée de prescription pourrait-elle être supprimée ou allongée dans le futur projet de loi pour l'émancipation économique des femmes ? C'est la question posée par un député au ministère.
Vous êtes inscrit sur Parcoursup pour suivre une formation dans l'enseignement supérieur à la rentrée 2020 et vous n'avez peut-être pas reçu de proposition d'admission ? Pas de panique, l'ouverture de la phase complémentaire destinée à vous aider à obtenir une place dans l'enseignement supérieur est prolongée de deux semaines jusqu'au 24 septembre 2020.
En raison de la crise sanitaire, il a été décidé du gel des frais d'inscription à l'université. Les montants des droits d'inscription (droits de scolarité) resteront les mêmes qu'en 2019. Un arrêté a été publié au Journal officiel du 26 juin 2020.
Une personne majeure, même placée sous mesure de protection juridique, choisit librement d'avoir des relations personnelles avec un tiers (parent ou non). En cas de difficulté, le juge intervient et peut refuser de maintenir des liens dans l'intérêt de la personne protégée. C'est ce que vient de rappeler la première chambre civile de la Cour de cassation dans un arrêt du 24 juin 2020.
Dans le cadre d'une procédure de divorce, le Code civil prévoit que les époux fournissent au juge une déclaration sur l'honneur de ses ressources, revenus, patrimoine et conditions de vie. Ils doivent pouvoir justifier de sa teneur. Mais quelle est la valeur juridique de cette déclaration et quelles sont les sanctions en cas de fausse déclaration ? C'est la question posée par un député au ministère de la Justice.
Règles sanitaires, fournitures, formation obligatoire, programmes scolaires, organisation des épreuves du bac 2021, téléphone portable, allocation de rentrée et bourses, assurance, santé, cantine, calendrier des vacances... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir sur la rentrée avec Service-public.fr.
Vous débutez une formation en alternance en contrat d'apprentissage ou de professionnalisation et vous cherchez un logement ? Désormais salarié, vous n'avez plus le statut étudiant et vous vous demandez quelles aides sont possibles ? Que ce soit pour une location dans le parc privé ou social, une colocation, une sous-location, un foyer... plusieurs aides existent pour faciliter votre installation, réduire le montant de votre loyer et pouvoir ainsi prendre un logement proche de votre lieu de formation.
À la rentrée, une attestation d'assurance scolaire vous est demandée par l'école, le collège ou le lycée de votre enfant. Est-il utile de souscrire une telle assurance ? Est-elle indispensable ou même obligatoire ? Que couvre-t-elle exactement ?
À la disparition d'un proche, avoir procédé à un inventaire de succession peut s'avérer utile et dans certains cas il est obligatoire. Il s'agit d'inventorier tous les meubles, objets de décoration, tableaux, bijoux et autres objets personnels du défunt. Service-public.fr vous explique.
Bientôt la rentrée et les fournitures à acheter ! Faites le point avec Service-Public.fr.
Pour tout savoir sur les fournitures scolaires 2020, ce qui est à votre charge ou pas..., retrouvez notre vidéo avec les réponses pratiques aux questions que vous vous posez.
Les épreuves communes de contrôle continu (E3C) sont renommées « évaluations communes »
et les commissions d'harmonisation ont désormais lieu en fin d'année de première et de terminale, et non plus à la fin de chaque session d'évaluations. Elles comptent toujours pour 30 € de la note finale du baccalauréat. Le ministre de l'Éducation nationale a retenu des propositions du comité de suivi de la réforme du baccalauréat 2021 du 30 juin 2020. Un décret est paru au Journal officiel le 30 juillet 2020.
En cas de séparation des parents, l'exercice du droit de visite ou d'hébergement pose parfois des difficultés. Afin de garantir la remise effective de l'enfant et d'éviter tout contact entre les parents lorsque le contexte est conflictuel, un décret paru au Journal officiel le 30 juillet 2020 prévoit que cette démarche puisse être effectuée avec l'assistance d'un tiers de confiance et dans un lieu désigné. C'est alors le juge qui l'organise.
La question : « Je commence à organiser la rentrée scolaire de mes enfants, connaît-on la date de versement de l'ARS et quels sont les montants prévus cette année ? »
La réponse de Service-public : « L'allocation rentrée scolaire (ARS) est versée le mardi 18 août 2020 en métropole et dans les départements d'outre-mer (Guadeloupe, Guyane, Martinique). Le versement a eu lieu le mardi 4 août 2020 dans les départements de Mayotte et de la Réunion. Le plafond de ressources des familles varie en fonction du nombre d'enfants à charge au 31 juillet 2020 et de l'âge des enfants. Cette année, elle est exceptionnellement majorée. »
Activités à faire chez soi, lectures à distance, sélections d'ouvrages, discussions en ligne... Avec Partir en livre, c'est le livre qui va à la rencontre des enfants et des jeunes du 8 au 19 juillet 2020 pour leur transmettre le plaisir de lire. Les propositions sont multiples partout en France, gratuites et destinées à tous. Afin de s'adapter au contexte sanitaire, la manifestation propose cette année un bouquet de contenus numériques.
Séjours en villages vacances ou en campings, colonies de vacances, activités sportives, loisirs... Savez-vous que des aides financières peuvent être demandées à votre caisse d'allocation familiale (Caf) lorsque le coût des vacances est un frein ?
Le Code civil prévoit que les époux se doivent mutuellement respect, fidélité, secours et assistance. Mais en cas de séparation, l'un des conjoints peut se retrouver dans le besoin. Dans le cadre des mesures provisoires, le juge aux affaires familiales fixe alors la pension alimentaire que l'un des époux devra verser à son conjoint. Cette pension suppose que l'un soit dans une situation de besoin et que l'autre ait les ressources suffisantes. Mais que recouvre la notion d'état de besoin ? C'est la question posée par un député au ministère.
Mon enfant doit-il porter un masque en classe ? Quelle est la distanciation physique à respecter dans la cour de récréation ? Pourra-t-il manger à la cantine ? Les locaux sont-ils nettoyés régulièrement ? Le ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse a établi un protocole sanitaire, appuyé par un décret paru au Journal officiel le 22 juin 2020, qui précise les nouvelles modalités concernant la sécurité des enfants, des équipes pédagogiques et des autres personnels.
Vous avez besoin de connaître dès maintenant les dates des futures vacances scolaires de vos enfants pour pouvoir vous organiser ? Service-public.fr vous donne le détail du calendrier pour toute l'année scolaire 2020-2021.
En raison du contexte sanitaire, l'ensemble des épreuves du diplôme national du brevet, du baccalauréat général, technologique et professionnel et du BTS seront validées à partir des notes du livret scolaire. Les diplômes seront délivrés uniquement par le contrôle continu. C'est ce qu'indique un communiqué de presse du ministre de l’Éducation nationale du 3 avril 2020, complété par l'annonce du Premier ministre du 28 mai 2020. Les décrets sont parus entre le 28 mai et le 14 juin 2020 au Journal officiel.
L'envoi répétitif de SMS menaçants et d'appels téléphoniques malveillants à un membre de sa famille constitue une atteinte à la vie privée. C'est ce que rappelle la Cour de cassation dans son arrêt du 20 mai 2020.
Présentée le 6 juin dernier par le ministre de l’Éducation nationale, l'opération « Vacances apprenantes »
doit permettre à un million d'élèves de combler de manière distrayante et enrichissante les lacunes accumulées depuis le début de la période de confinement. Plusieurs dispositifs sont mis en œuvre : écoles ouvertes dans les villes et à la campagne, colonies de « vacances apprenantes »
, accroissement des accueils de loisirs. Service-public.fr passe en revue l'ensemble des mesures de « Vacances apprenantes »
.
La fête des pères aura lieu le 21 juin et les parents séparés se demandent souvent chez quel parent doivent se trouver les enfants ce jour-là. La réponse peut se trouver dans leur décision de justice ou leur convention (parentale ou de divorce). Il faut y vérifier si un dispositif particulier est prévu pour cette fête. Sans décision de justice ou sans convention, les parents peuvent s'organiser à l'amiable.
Un décret paru au Journal officiel du 6 juin 2020 prévoit que les victimes de violences conjugales puissent débloquer par anticipation leur épargne salariale, afin d'avoir rapidement les moyens de s'éloigner de leur agresseur en cas d'urgence et de faire face aux changements matériels imposés par leur situation.
Vous venez de perdre un de vos proches et vous souhaitez connaître les principales formalités à accomplir. Organisation des obsèques, informations aux différents organismes, inventaire des meubles, règlement de la succession... Service-public.fr vous guide dans vos démarches selon votre situation et vous informe des nouvelles règles funéraires adaptées en raison de la pandémie de Covid-19.
En cas de conflit et en l'absence de dernières volontés du défunt sur ses funérailles, c'est le parent le plus présent qui décide de l'organisation des funérailles et de l'inhumation. C'est ce que rappelle la Cour de cassation dans un arrêt du 18 décembre 2019.
Suite aux annonces du Président de la République, l'ensemble des crèches, écoles, collèges et lycées sont fermés depuis lundi 16 mars 2020 et jusqu'à nouvel ordre. Un dispositif de continuité pédagogique et scolaire est assuré par l'école ou l'établissement scolaire pendant cette période. Une offre de programmes du primaire au lycée, La Maison Lumni, est également proposée à la télévision.
Lycéens de Terminale, étudiants en réorientation, vous avez jusqu'au 2 avril pour finaliser votre dossier sur la plateforme Parcoursup avec les éléments demandés par les formations et confirmer chaque vœu pour les formations de votre choix dans l'enseignement supérieur. Le contexte sanitaire n'a en effet pas modifié le calendrier à ce stade. Mais il est déjà prévu que les concours postbac d'accès aux écoles seront remplacés par des examens des dossiers. Découvrez la suite du calendrier 2020.
En raison du contexte sanitaire, la tenue des concours et examens nationaux de l'enseignement public et privé et des concours administratifs est suspendue jusqu'au 5 avril 2020. Un arrêté est paru au Journal officiel le 18 mars en ce sens.
Le juge aux affaires familiales peut rendre une décision sur les droits de visite et d'hébergement d'un parent sur son enfant mineur même si un seul des parents a fait une proposition à ce sujet.
Les inscriptions à l'école maternelle débutent généralement en mars pour la rentrée de septembre 2020. Cependant, certaines communes commencent à les enregistrer dès janvier. Renseignez-vous auprès de votre mairie le plus tôt possible. Si votre enfant est déjà scolarisé et ne change pas d'école, il n'est pas nécessaire de renouveler son inscription.
Officialisée en 1977 par les Nations-Unies, cette journée couvre plusieurs événements à travers le monde avec comme objectif de célébrer les avancées des droits des femmes. Vie-publique.fr fait le point en cinq questions pour comprendre la création de cette journée.
Un nouveau virus particulièrement dangereux, le Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), s'attaque aux tomates, poivrons et piments. Alerté par l'Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (Anses), le ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation émet des recommandations à l'attention des particuliers et des professionnels afin de prévenir le risque élevé d'introduction, de dissémination et d'impact pour les cultures.
Alors que les premiers volontaires du SNU 2019 termineront leur mission d'intérêt général, les inscriptions à la deuxième session ont commencé sur un nouveau site internet dédié au programme. Vous êtes en classe de 3e et vous avez entre 15 et 17 ans ? Cette expérience vous est ouverte.
L'arnaque à la webcam ciblée (ou sextorsion) est une escroquerie qui s'est beaucoup développée sur internet. De quoi s'agit-il exactement ? Comment s'en protéger ? Que faire lorsque l'on s'est fait piéger ? Service-public vous répond.
Le montant d'une pension alimentaire évolue dans le temps. Sa révision est prévue à la date mentionnée dans le jugement du juge aux affaires familiales ou bien dans la convention. Son montant peut augmenter ou bien diminuer selon l'indice des prix à la consommation. Comment calculer cette réévaluation ?
Alors que le code général des collectivités territoriales (CGCT) fixe les critères d'inhumation des cercueils, quels sont les critères d'inhumation des urnes contenant les cendres des défunts ? C'est la question posée par un sénateur au ministère.
Abaissement de l'âge obligatoire de l'instruction, école à la maison, contrôle des connaissances... 5 décrets parus au Journal officiel du 4 août 2019 précisent les mesures concernant l'instruction obligatoire prévues par la loi du 26 juillet 2019 pour une école de la confiance.
Informations générales, état d'urgence sanitaire, déconfinement, couvre-feu, attestations, travail, santé, aides sociales, justice, citoyenneté, initiatives solidaires, garde d'enfants, enseignement, voyages, loisirs... Service-public.fr rassemble dans ce dossier les principales informations officielles et les dispositions prises pour faire face à l'épidémie de Covid-19.
Afin de limiter la propagation du coronavirus et pendant cette période de déconfinement, il est demandé aux entreprises d'organiser du télétravail ou du travail à distance lorsque cela est possible. De quoi s'agit-il et quelles sont les conditions de mise en place ? Réponses avec Service-public.fr.
Emplois d'« extras »
dans la restauration, formateurs dans l'enseignement, ouvriers forestiers, auxiliaires de vie... Même dans les secteurs d'activité où il est d'usage constant d'avoir recours au contrat de mission ou au contrat à durée déterminée, la relation de travail doit rester temporaire. Sans quoi, le contrat peut être requalifié en contrat à durée indéterminée, avec les conséquences financières que cela implique. C'est ce que vient de rappeler la Cour de cassation.
Quel supplément si vous réservez un taxi ? Quel tarif minimum peut-on vous demander ? Quel est le forfait pour vous rendre dans un aéroport ? Les tarifs des courses de taxi qui doivent entrer en vigueur au plus tard le 1er février 2021 sont fixés par un arrêté publié au Journal officiel du 29 décembre 2020.
Les taux de l'intérêt légal applicables au 1er semestre 2021 ont été fixés par un arrêté publié au Journal officiel du 26 décembre 2020. Le premier taux, le plus élevé, concerne les cas où une somme d'argent est due à un particulier (le créancier est un particulier), le second taux s'appliquant aux autres créanciers (professionnels notamment).
À compter du 1er janvier 2021, la prise en charge par la Sécurité sociale des audioprothèses évolue. Les assurés choisissant les appareils inclus dans le dispositif du « 100 € santé »
seront entièrement remboursés. Le prix du premier modèle sera plafonné à 950 € (au lieu de 1 100 € en 2020) pour les personnes âgées de plus de 20 ans. 240 € seront pris en charge par l'Assurance maladie et 710 € par les complémentaires santé. Ce remboursement intégral (sans reste à charge) des aides auditives était prévu dans le cadre de la réforme dite « 100 € santé »
par un décret publié au Journal officiel du 12 janvier 2019.
Le 31 décembre 2020 à minuit, le droit de l'Union européenne cessera de s'appliquer au Royaume-Uni. Britannique vivant en France, Français vivant au Royaume-Uni, entreprise travaillant avec le Royaume-Uni, vous êtes directement concernés par le Brexit. Citoyen ou acteur économique, vous vous posez de nombreuses questions pratiques. « www.brexit.gouv.fr »
est le site internet du gouvernement mettant à disposition des citoyens et entreprises français des informations pratiques liées à la sortie du Royaume-Uni de l'Union européenne.
Soins funéraires, toilette mortuaire, présentation du corps, mise en bière, délai d'inhumation ou de crémation, cérémonies funéraires... Les règles ont évolué depuis le début de l'épidémie. Le droit funéraire est adapté jusqu'à un mois après la date de fin de l'état d'urgence pour tenir compte de la pandémie. Un décret paru au Journal officiel le 12 décembre 2020 précise les dernières dispositions.
Congés payés, CET, jours de repos, régime des contrats à durée déterminée (CDD) et des contrats courts, prêts de main d'œuvre... Les dispositions temporaires exceptionnellement prises en mars et en juin 2020 sont prolongées de 6 mois afin de permettre aux entreprises de s'adapter aux conséquences économiques, financières et sociales de l'épidémie. C'est ce qu'indique une ordonnance parue au Journal officiel du 17 décembre 2020 en application de la loi autorisant la prorogation de l'état d'urgence sanitaire.
Votre entreprise a besoin d'être aidée dans ses projets ou pour surmonter une difficulté ? Vous n'identifiez pas facilement l'aide publique dont vous pourriez bénéficier ? Vous ne savez pas à qui vous adresser ? Porté par le ministère de l'Économie et du ministère du Travail, le site « Place des Entreprises »
permet de déposer votre demande. Le bon interlocuteur vous rappelle et vous accompagne selon votre situation. Ce service de mise en relation gratuit est à la disposition des entrepreneurs dans les Hauts-de-France et depuis peu en Île-de-France.
Pollution de l'eau, de l'air, des sols, incendie, explosion... Pour prévenir les risques pour l'environnement, la santé ou la sécurité publique, ou les impacts importants sur le milieu aquatique, les installations classées protection de l'environnement (ICPE) ou installations, ouvrages, travaux, activités (Iota) sont soumis à l'autorisation environnementale. Depuis, le 14 décembre 2020, l'exploitant ou le maître d'ouvrage peut déposer cette demande en ligne sur Service-Public.fr.
À partir du 1er janvier 2021, le salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance (Smic) va être revalorisé de 0,99 € (contre 1,2 € au 1er janvier 2020). C'est ce que prévoit un décret publié au Journal officiel du 17 décembre 2020.
Une ordonnance parue au Journal officiel le 3 décembre 2020 autorise les services de santé au travail à participer jusqu'au 16 avril 2021 au dépistage et à la vaccination dans le cadre de la lutte contre la propagation du Coronavirus. Les modalités seront précisées par un prochain décret.
Dans le contexte de crise sanitaire liée à la propagation du Covid-19, les entretiens professionnels obligatoires des salariés devant se tenir entre le 1er janvier 2020 et le 30 juin 2021 peuvent être reportés par les employeurs jusqu'au 30 juin 2021. Une ordonnance prise le 2 décembre 2020 détermine des dispositions spécifiques en matière de formation professionnelle.
Pour soutenir le secteur de la restauration et permettre aux Français d'utiliser leurs titres-restaurant datés de 2020, leur date de validité est prolongée jusqu'au 1er septembre 2021 inclus. Par ailleurs, les mesures d'assouplissement prises en juin dernier sont maintenues jusqu'à la même date. Le plafond journalier des titres-restaurant reste à 38 €. Ils peuvent être utilisés pour le « click and collect »
ou pour les livraisons de plats préparés. C'est ce qu'a indiqué le ministre de l'Économie le 4 décembre 2020.
Les victimes professionnelles atteintes de maladies liées à une exposition aux pesticides peuvent désormais demander une indemnisation. Le fonds d'indemnisation des victimes de pesticides (FIVP) nouvellement créé permet une meilleure reconnaissance de ces maladies professionnelles. Il indemnise les agriculteurs mais aussi les enfants ayant été exposés aux pesticides avant la naissance. Les exploitants agricoles retraités avant 2002 sont aussi concernés. Un décret est paru au Journal officiel le 29 novembre 2020 en application de la loi de finances de la sécurité sociale pour 2020. Service-Public.fr vous explique.
Le lanceur d'alerte est protégé d'un licenciement. Mais cette protection n'est valable que si les faits qu'il dénonce sont de nature à caractériser une infraction pénale (crime ou délit). C'est ce qu'a décidé la Cour de cassation dans un arrêt du 4 novembre 2020.
Le dispositif exceptionnel d'activité partielle mis en place pendant le premier confinement est réactivé pour le mois de novembre 2020 pour certains salariés à domicile de particuliers employeurs. Quels sont les cas retenus ? Le détail avec Service-Public.fr.
Visioconférence, vote par correspondance, augmentation du nombre de voix portées par un mandataire... En raison de l'évolution de l'épidémie de Covid-19, une ordonnance parue au Journal Officiel le 19 novembre 2020 prolonge les dispositions permettant la tenue d'assemblées générales de copropriété à distance jusqu'au 1er avril 2021. Les contrats des syndics et les mandats des conseils syndicaux expirant avant le 31 décembre 2020 bénéficient d'une prorogation.
Vous êtes jeune diplômé en recherche d'emploi, vous cherchez des informations sur l'apprentissage, vous avez besoin d'un accompagnement pour vous aider dans votre parcours professionnel... Face au contexte économique difficile lié à la crise sanitaire, le ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de l'Insertion met à votre disposition la nouvelle plateforme « 1 jeune, 1 solution »
pour vous accompagner dans vos recherches. Service-Public.fr vous en explique les modalités.
Si vous étiez salarié avant le 31 décembre 2014, vous disposez peut-être encore de droits au titre de votre ancien DIF (Droit individuel à la formation). Vous n'avez pas encore transféré les heures acquises au titre de votre DIF vers votre Compte personnel formation (CPF) ? Pas de panique ! Initialement fixée au 31 décembre 2020, la date limite pour effectuer cette opération est reportée au 30 juin 2021. Passées ce délai, vos anciennes heures seront perdues. Service-Public.fr vous explique comment savoir s'il vous en reste et comment les reporter sur votre compte.
Que faire face aux premiers symptômes du Covid-19 ? Combien de cas confirmés en France et dans le monde ? Quelles mesures l'employeur doit-il prendre pour protéger la santé de ses salariés ? Quelles solutions pour la garde d'enfants et les personnes vulnérables ? Dois-je annuler mon déménagement ? Comment s'organise la restauration universitaire ? Face à l'épidémie, vous vous posez de nombreuses questions. De fausses informations circulent. Où trouver les réponses officielles à vos interrogations sur la vie quotidienne, le confinement, la santé, la situation sanitaire, le travail, le logement, les voyages, l'enseignement, les transports ? Service-public.fr a rassemblé pour vous les foires aux questions et questions-réponses des sites gouvernementaux.
Si ces éléments n'ont pas été obtenus de manière frauduleuse, un employeur peut justifier un licenciement en produisant comme preuve des éléments provenant du compte Facebook privé du salarié. Cette production doit être indispensable et l'atteinte à la vie privée proportionnée au but recherché.
Médecins, infirmiers, pharmaciens, masseurs-kinésithérapeutes, diététiciens, aides-soignants, psychologues, agents des services hospitaliers, agents d'entretien qualifiés, cuisiniers, retraités, étudiants... Les établissements et services sanitaires et médico-sociaux ont besoin de vous ! Le ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé a ouvert une plateforme de mise en relation entre ces établissements et les professionnels volontaires, soignants comme non-soignants pour venir renforcer ces structures.
Dans le cadre du plan « France Relance »
, un coup de pouce est donné aux entreprises et associations en faveur du recrutement des personnes en situation de handicap quel que soit leur âge. Pour tous les contrats conclus entre le 1er septembre 2020 et le 28 février 2021, une aide est accordée aux employeurs qui recrutent des personnes bénéficiant de la reconnaissance de la qualité de travailleur handicapé (RQTH). Un décret est paru au Journal officiel du 7 octobre 2020
Un magasin en libre-service n'est pas tenu d'une obligation générale de sécurité de résultat à l'égard de ses clients. Il doit mettre tous les moyens qui sont à sa disposition pour prévenir les risques d'accident mais il ne peut pas garantir le résultat, la sécurité du client. C'est ce qu'a décidé la Cour de cassation dans un arrêt du 9 septembre 2020.
Fonctionnaires, contractuels, personnels médicaux : les agents de la fonction publique hospitalière gagnaient en moyenne 2 308 € nets par mois en 2018, soit une baisse de 1 € en euros constants, selon l'INSEE. Avec des disparités salariales entre les postes qui s'accentuent.
Depuis le 13 mars 2020, de nombreuses mesures ont été prises pour faire face à la crise sanitaire provoquée par l'épidémie de Covid-19. Vie-publique.fr vous propose de retrouver chaque semaine tous ces textes publiés au Journal officiel.
Dans les entreprises de plus de 20 salariés, soumises à règlement intérieur, les sanctions disciplinaires qui y figurent peuvent être appliquées à une condition. Ce règlement doit avoir été porté à la connaissance des salariés, a minima par voie d'affichage sur les lieux de travail, les locaux et la porte des locaux où se fait l'embauche. Dès lors, un affichage dans la salle de pause ne suffit pas.
Faciliter l'entrée dans la vie professionnelle des jeunes particulièrement touchés par les conséquences de la crise sanitaire, orienter et former 200 000 d'entre eux vers les secteurs et les métiers d'avenir, accompagner ceux qui sont éloignés de l'emploi en construisant 300 000 parcours d'insertion sur mesure : le plan « 1 jeune, 1 solution »
va accompagner les 16-25 ans pour les aider à construire leur avenir.
Pour tous les contrats conclus entre le 1er juillet 2020 et le 28 février 2021, une aide est accordée aux employeurs qui recrutent des alternants (apprentis et jeunes en contrat de professionnalisation). Le délai d'accueil en CFA (Centre de formation d'apprentis) est prolongé. Ces mesures font suite au plan « 1 jeune, 1 solution »
annoncé en juillet par le ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de l'Insertion. Elles visent à faciliter l'entrée dans la vie professionnelle des jeunes particulièrement touchés par les conséquences de la crise sanitaire.
Agent public et salarié du privé peuvent porter une barbe « à connotation religieuse »
. C'est ce qu'a jugé le Conseil d'État dans son arrêt du 12 février 2020 et la Cour de cassation dans son arrêt du 8 juillet 2020.
Amendes de stationnement, factures de la crèche ou de cantine, contribution à l'audiovisuel public... Depuis le 28 juillet 2020, un réseau de 5 100 buralistes proposent à leurs clients de payer leurs impôts ou certaines factures du quotidien directement dans les bureaux de tabac. Quelles sont les conditions et comment ça se passe ? Service-public.fr vous explique.
En raison de l'épidémie du Covid-19, les tarifs réglementés des notaires (appelés émoluments) changeront à compter du 1er janvier 2021. C'est ce qu'indique un arrêté publié au Journal officiel du 29 avril 2020 modifiant l'arrêté du 28 février 2020 qui prévoyait un changement au 1er mai 2020.
Quelles sont les précautions à prendre dans le cadre de mon travail ? Comment mettre en œuvre le télétravail ? Quel est le rôle du médecin du travail ? Le ministère du Travail a publié un document réunissant de nombreuses réponses aux questions que salariés et employeurs se posent face au coronavirus (Covid-19).
Pour répondre à la demande et protéger le consommateur d'une éventuelle augmentation du prix de vente des gels ou solutions hydroalcooliques, plusieurs textes sont parus au Journal officiel entre le 6 mars 2020 et le 11 juillet 2020. Ils réglementent les tarifs de ces produits jusqu'au 10 janvier 2021 et élargissent les autorisations de fabrication afin de lutter contre la pénurie.
Transports en commun, taxis, livraisons à domicile : quelles sont les mesures de protection à respecter ? Respecter les distances entre les personnes et les chauffeurs, garantir l'hygiène des véhicules, prévoir une réserve de gel hydro-alcoolique dans les véhicules... Les mesures sont précisées dans un décret du 10 juillet 2020.
Par reconnaissance pour l'effort et le dévouement des personnels soignants mobilisés depuis le début de l'épidémie du coronavirus, une prime exceptionnelle leur a été versée fin mai ou leur sera versée fin juin. Le montant de cette prime pourra atteindre 1 500 € nets pour les soignants travaillant dans les départements les plus touchés par le Covid-19 par exemple.
Les délais pour effectuer le contrôle technique ou la contre-visite de votre voiture ont été modifiés pendant l'état d'urgence sanitaire, entré en vigueur sur l'ensemble du territoire national le 24 mars 2020 et prolongé jusqu'au 10 juillet 2020 par la loi du 11 mai 2020. Les nouveaux délais sont précisés dans l'ordonnance n°2020-560 du 13 mai.
C'est l'article L 3133-1 du code du travail qui fixe la liste des fêtes légales considérées comme des jours fériés. Rappel avec Service-public.fr des jours fériés prévus en 2020 et des principales règles qui s'appliquent pour les salariés.
L'apprenti peut-il bénéficier du chômage partiel ? Quelles sont les indemnités prévues ? Que se passe-t-il s'il ne peut pas débuter sa formation ? Pour tenir compte de la suspension de l'accueil des apprentis et des stagiaires par les centres de formation, les contrats d'apprentissage et de professionnalisation en cours au 12 mars 2020 peuvent être prolongés durant l'épidémie. Les indemnités d'activité partielle ont également été précisées dans une ordonnance, publiée au Journal officiel du 16 avril 2020
Une séance de kinésithérapie à distance ? C'est désormais permis pour certains actes. Avec le prolongement du confinement, il était nécessaire de pouvoir apporter plus de soins aux personnes vulnérables, comme les malades chroniques, les personnes âgées, les patients en rééducation.... Si les soins à domicile sont toujours possibles à condition de respecter les mesures barrières, le télésoin est ouvert aux masseurs-kinésithérapeutes. Un arrêté est paru en ce sens au Journal officiel le 17 avril 2020.
Vous êtes en recherche d'emploi ou bien en activité partielle et vous souhaitez travailler dans les entreprises nécessaires au bon fonctionnement du pays pendant la crise sanitaire ? Portée par Pôle Emploi, la plateforme mobilisationemploi.gouv.fr recense les offres d'emploi dans les secteurs désignés comme prioritaires : la santé, l'agriculture, l'agro-alimentaire, les transports, la logistique, l'aide à domicile, l'énergie et la télécommunication.
La réglementation spécifique des bruits de voisinage provenant d'une activité professionnelle ne s'applique pas à toutes les exploitations mais seulement aux établissements ayant vocation à créer des nuisances sonores. C'est ce qu'a décidé la Cour de Cassation dans sa décision du 14 janvier 2020.
L'attestation de déplacement dérogatoire est désormais présentable en numérique sur votre mobile ou votre tablette. Il faut en générer à chaque nouvelle sortie. Où trouver cette attestation numérique ? Comment l'utiliser sur votre portable ? Quelle confidentialité pour vos données ? Service-public.fr vous informe.
Un chauffeur de VTC, utilisant une plateforme numérique pour être mis en relation avec les clients, est salarié de cette plateforme à partir du moment où celle-ci lui donne des directives, contrôle l'exécution des courses effectuées, et exerce un pouvoir de sanctions.
L'index de l'égalité femmes-hommes est un outil mis en place graduellement depuis 2019 par le ministère du Travail afin de supprimer les inégalités professionnelles entre les femmes et les hommes dans les entreprises. Publié chaque année au plus tard le 1er mars au titre de l'année précédente, il est maintenant obligatoire pour toutes les entreprises d'au moins 50 salariés.
Conformément à son obligation de sécurité, lorsqu'il est informé de faits pouvant conduire à une situation de harcèlement moral, l'employeur doit faire procéder à une enquête au sein de son entreprise.
Contrat de travail, embauche, durée du travail, rémunération, rupture, maladie, accident du travail, formation... Vous avez des questions sur le droit du travail ? Retrouvez en ligne le code du travail numérique proposé par le ministère du Travail.
Lunettes, prothèses dentaires, aides auditives. Dans le cadre de la réforme dite « 100 € santé »
, un décret publié au Journal officiel du 12 janvier 2019 précise les modalités de la mise en place progressive du remboursement intégral (reste à charge zéro) par la Sécurité sociale et les complémentaires santé de certaines lunettes, prothèses dentaires et aides auditives grâce notamment à la fixation de tarifs plafonds.
Depuis le 1er janvier 2021, appeler une administration ne peut pas coûter plus cher que le prix d'un appel local. Les administrations et les organismes chargés d'une mission de service public doivent désormais proposer un numéro d'appel non surtaxé et non géographique pour permettre d'obtenir un renseignement, d'entreprendre une démarche ou de faire valoir ses droits. Cette mesure avait été prévue à l'article 28 de la loi pour un État au service d'une société de confiance (dite « loi Éssoc »
) votée en 2018.
Vous êtes de nationalité étrangère et né à l'étranger et vous souhaitez vous pacser. Un certificat de non-pacs vous sera nécessaire pour constituer un dossier. Savez-vous que depuis le 18 décembre 2020 vous pouvez demander ce certificat attestant que vous n'êtes pas déjà pacsé grâce à un nouveau téléservice de Service-Public.fr ? Les explications.
L'application pour smartphone visant à briser les chaînes de transmission de Covid-19 « TousAntiCovid »
vous propose également des fonctionnalités très pratiques : un générateur d'attestation qui permet de conserver vos données et votre dernière attestation, les adresses pour effectuer un dépistage, l'accès aux données sanitaires quotidiennes, des alertes vers les dernières actualités... Quel est l'objectif de cette application ? Est-elle obligatoire ? Comment fonctionne-t-elle ? Quelles données seront transmises ? Que faire en cas de contact avec une personne testée positive ? Service-Public.fr fait le point.
Votre colis a été égaré ou livré avec du retard ? Vous attendiez un courrier qui n'est finalement jamais arrivé ? Vous pouvez signaler en ligne les problèmes liés à la livraison d'un colis ou d'un courrier par le biais de l'Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse (Arcep). Votre signalement permettra d'améliorer les services des opérateurs et de développer leurs réseaux.
Vous devez rédiger une demande de congé de paternité, entreprendre une démarche pour vous faire rembourser votre dépôt de garantie par votre propriétaire ou encore rédiger une demande de mise en disponibilité en tant que fonctionnaire, et vous cherchez un modèle. Savez-vous que vous pouvez utiliser les nouvelles lettres types gratuites et personnalisables que vous propose Service-Public.fr ?
Acte d'état civil, extrait de cadastre, jugement de divorce, permis de construire, jugement d'adoption... Vous n'êtes pas familier des archives mais vous avez un besoin ponctuel, pour une démarche administrative ou des recherches personnelles, d'accéder à un document public. Comment savoir si vous avez le droit de consulter le document ancien ou plus récent qui vous intéresse ? Le site @docs conçu par le Service interministériel des Archives de France vous guide dans votre recherche.
Étudiant étranger en France, vous avez besoin de demander ou de renouveler votre titre de séjour ? Un nouveau téléservice ouvert par le ministère de l'Intérieur simplifie ces démarches et permet de faire en ligne votre demande d'un premier titre de séjour ou d'un renouvellement. Vous ne devrez désormais vous présenter physiquement en préfecture qu'au moment de la remise du titre. Les explications avec Service-Public.fr.
Vous souhaitez acquérir la nationalité française par naturalisation et vous vous êtes assuré que vous remplissiez les conditions. Vous devez maintenant fournir un dossier de demande constitué de pièces justificatives : autorisation d'entrée en France, certificat de scolarité de votre enfant, avis d'imposition, contrat de location, facture de téléphone, attestation à un test linguistique... Un simulateur vous accompagne dans cette démarche en établissant la liste des documents à fournir en fonction de votre situation personnelle et familiale.
Initialement prévue pour une période de mai 2019 à mai 2020, l'expérimentation de la e-carte Vitale dans le Rhône et les Alpes-Maritimes est prolongée de douze mois. C'est ce que prévoit un décret publié au Journal officiel le 14 octobre 2020.
Vous êtes Britannique et vous vivez en France ? Dans le cadre de la sortie du Royaume-Uni de l'Union européenne (UE), avez-vous des démarches particulières à effectuer pour continuer à séjourner en France après la période de transition qui arrive à terme le 31 décembre 2020 ? Service-public.fr vous répond.
Le portail national d'information pour les personnes âgées et leurs proches www.pour-les-personnes-agees.gouv.fr, qui a pour devise « Pour rester autonome, je prends les choses en main »
, propose une nouvelle version de son site, refondue et enrichie d'un annuaire des services d'aide à domicile. Démarches, aides, accompagnement à domicile, adresses, prix des établissements, comparateur officiel des prix et des restes à charge en EHPAD... À découvrir avec Service-Public.fr !
Demander un logement social (HLM) en ligne se simplifie. Vous pouvez désormais déposer votre pièce d'identité ou un justificatif en numérique et vous n'aurez plus à fournir plusieurs fois le même document à tous les organismes pouvant vous proposer un logement. Votre demande sera transmise plus vite et son ancienneté débutera aussitôt. Le site « Ma demande de logement social »
évolue pour vous proposer une démarche simplifiée.
Quel est le taux de réussite au baccalauréat des lycées de votre ville ou de votre département ? Le ministère de l’Éducation nationale présente les indicateurs de résultats des lycées d’enseignement général, technologique et professionnel, publics ou privés sous contrat, pour l’année 2019.
Vous êtes inscrit sur Parcoursup pour suivre une formation dans l'enseignement supérieur à la rentrée 2020 et vous n'avez peut-être pas reçu de proposition d'admission ? Pas de panique, l'ouverture de la phase complémentaire destinée à vous aider à obtenir une place dans l'enseignement supérieur est prolongée de deux semaines jusqu'au 24 septembre 2020.
Football, parachutisme, boxe, spéléologie, gymnastique, équitation, tir, karaté, roller, tennis... Vous ou votre enfant pratiquez un sport en club nécessitant une licence sportive « loisir »
ou « compétition »
et vous vous demandez chaque année si vous devez fournir un certificat médical pour continuer à pratiquer ? Service-public.fr propose un simulateur permettant d'obtenir la réponse en quelques clics !
Vous êtes étudiant et vous cherchez un logement ? Connaissez-vous les aides au logement auxquelles vous pouvez prétendre ? Comment faire la demande ? Pour tout savoir (simulation, demande, suivi de dossier...), rendez-vous directement sur le site internet de la Caisse d'allocations familiales (Caf).
Vous avez obtenu votre permis de conduire à l'étranger, vous résidez en France et vous devez l'échanger contre un permis français ? Vous n'avez plus à vous déplacer en préfecture, cet échange se fait désormais entièrement en ligne sur le site de l'ANTS (Agence nationale des titres sécurisés).
Au décès d'un conjoint ou ex-conjoint, il est désormais possible de demander la pension de réversion en une seule procédure en ligne pour tous les régimes de retraite auquel il a cotisé sur le portail info-retraite.fr.
Opération tranquillité vacances, vote par procuration, signalement de faits... Après une première expérimentation en juin 2019 dans deux départements, puis une deuxième expérimentation démarrée le 17 mars dans 10 nouveaux départements, il est désormais possible de prendre rendez-vous avec les gendarmeries sur l'ensemble du territoire pour certaines démarches, directement sur Service-public.fr.
Insultes, agressions, violences familiales ou conjugales, discriminations... Vous êtes victime ou témoin d'un de ces actes envers des personnes LGBT ou bien séropositives ? La nouvelle application mobile gratuite FLAG ! vous permet de faire un signalement anonyme.
Afin de répondre aux besoins de connaissance et de surveillance concernant l'épidémie de Covid-19, le site de collecte de données épidémiologiques sur la grippe saisonnière Grippenet.fr devient Covidnet.fr. Après une inscription simple et anonyme sur le site, vous pouvez devenir un acteur de la veille et de la recherche sur l'épidémie.
Lycéens de Terminale, étudiants en réorientation, vous avez jusqu'au 2 avril pour finaliser votre dossier sur la plateforme Parcoursup avec les éléments demandés par les formations et confirmer chaque vœu pour les formations de votre choix dans l'enseignement supérieur. Le contexte sanitaire n'a en effet pas modifié le calendrier à ce stade. Mais il est déjà prévu que les concours postbac d'accès aux écoles seront remplacés par des examens des dossiers. Découvrez la suite du calendrier 2020.
Le numéro vert qui répond aux questions sur le nouveau coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19) est ouvert 24 heures sur 24 et 7 jours sur 7 : 0 800 130 000.
Vous résidez en France et vous avez obtenu votre permis de conduire dans un pays européen. L'échange de votre permis contre un permis français n'est pas nécessaire pour conduire en France. Mais si vous demandez une nouvelle catégorie du permis ou si vous commettez en France certaines infractions routières, vous êtes alors obligé d'échanger votre permis. À partir du 3 mars 2020, la démarche se fait en ligne.
Produits périmés en rayon, prix non affichés, hygiène douteuse dans un restaurant, service client injoignable, publicité mensongère... Vous avez rencontré un problème avec une entreprise ? Faites un signalement sur le site internet SignalConso : l'entreprise sera prévenue et pourra agir, et la Direction de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes (DGCCRF) interviendra si c'est nécessaire.
Le certificat de travail doit être remis au salarié par l'employeur à la date du dernier jour du contrat. Il est dû au salarié pour tout type de contrat de travail (CDI, CDD...), quel que soit le motif de la rupture (démission, licenciement...). Vous êtes particulier employeur et avez besoin de rédiger ce document ? Savez-vous que vous pouvez utiliser un modèle personnalisable depuis Service-public.fr ?
Le montant d'une pension alimentaire évolue dans le temps. Sa révision est prévue à la date mentionnée dans le jugement du juge aux affaires familiales ou bien dans la convention. Son montant peut augmenter ou bien diminuer selon l'indice des prix à la consommation. Comment calculer cette réévaluation ?
Une procédure en ligne unique, ouverte jusqu'au 15 mai 2020, vous permet de demander une bourse d'étude et/ou un logement social étudiant pour la rentrée 2020/2021, ainsi que des aides. Pour cela, il faut constituer un Dossier social étudiant (DSE).
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another Champions League record on Wednesday, scoring in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to become the first player to find the net in all six group-stage matches.
CAIRO - Arab foreign ministers on Sunday demanded that the US rescind President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, calling it a "grave" development that puts Washington on the same side as "occupation" and the violation of international law.
CAIRO - Arab foreign ministers on Sunday demanded that the US rescind President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, calling it a "grave" development that puts Washington on the same side as "occupation" and the violation of international law.
The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has set the guideline for China's development and renewed its commitment to an open economy, which has great significance for the world, China's top publicity official said on Thursday.
China's national internet platform featuring information about lost or stolen cultural relics went online on Thursday in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province.
The number of Chinese students taking advantage of an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in the United States, has seen growth for seven straight years, according to a report released on Tuesday.
President Xi Jinping attended the grand opening ceremony of the Vietnam-China Friendship Palace, which was built with Chinese assistance, in the middle of a new district of the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Sunday.
China's Belt and Road Initiative is expected to tighten connections between Asia-Pacific economies and explore new growth engines in supporting a more open regional market, according to officials and experts at the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam.
China and Vietnam signed documents to boost cooperation in such areas as the economy, investment, finance and cultural exchanges on Sunday during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the neighboring country.
Mire TV, Pixabay License.
The Institute for Communication Sciences (UMS 3665) closed on 31 December 2018.
The European project InsSciDE, coordinated by Pascal Griset, professor of contemporary history at Sorbonne University, joined Sirice.
Research groups on digital themes were transferred to a new CNRS unit, the Center for Internet and Society (UPR 2000), created by Mélanie Dulong de Rosnay and Francesca Musiani.
For more information, you can contact Christophe Potier-Thomas (InsScide (...)
Mire TV, Pixabay License.
L'institut des sciences de la communication (UMS 3665) a fermé ses portes le 31 décembre 2018.
Le projet européen InsSciDE, coordonné par Pascal Griset, professeur d'histoire contemporaine à Sorbonne Université, a rejoint l'UMR Sirice.
Les pôles de recherche sur le numérique ont été transférés au sein d'une nouvelle unité CNRS, le Centre Internet et Société (UPR 2000), créée par Mélanie Dulong de Rosnay et Francesca Musiani.
Pour tout renseignement, vous pouvez contacter (...)
Ce séminaire se déroule les 2e et 4e vendredis du mois, de 15h à 17h, en salle 2, 105 boulevard Raspail, Paris 6e, du 9 novembre 2018 au 14 juin 2019.
9 novembre 2018 Réflexion introductive, « Les nouvelles frontières numériques » Benjamin Loveluck (Télécom ParisTech), « Frontières et souveraineté à l'ère numérique » Francesca Musiani (ISCC, CNRS), « La gouvernance d'Internet : quelques repères » Françoise Daucé (CERCEC), « Le Runet derrière le mur. Une brève histoire des régulations de l'internet russe » (...)
La rencontre annuelle du Global Network of Internet and Society Research Centers (NoC) s'est tenue à Paris.
15 novembre 2018, 15h à 19h
Université Paris 1 Institut de recherche juridique de la Sorbonne Amphithéâtre Sainte-Barbe 4 rue Valette, Paris 5e
Programme
15h à 15h10 – Welcome remarks Mélanie Dulong de Rosnay, Francesca Musiani (ISCC) Carlos Affonso Souza (ITS)
15h10 à 16h – NoC Today and the Future Presentation of numbers of members, diversity, activities, opportunities for engagement, (...)
Maître de conférences habilitée à diriger des recherches à la Faculté des Lettres et Civilisations de l'Université Lyon 3 Jean Moulin, Marida Di Crosta est en délégation au CNRS de septembre 2018 à juillet 2019.
- Annuaire / CherchStatutaireTommaso Venturini est chargé de recherche au CNRS (ISCC) depuis le 1er novembre 2018.
- Annuaire / CherchStatutaireFrancesca Musiani, chargée de recherche (CNRS-ISCC), est membre du comité scientifique de cette conférence.
Presentation
Surveillance is often framed as a resilience building tool in the security discourse. However, if human rights and democracy are included in the object of resilient behaviour, the relationship between resilience and surveillance becomes ambiguous, as it often ends up undermining the very values it aims at protecting.
Privacy and data protection, both fundamental rights (...)
Chacune des séances est construite autour de l'intervention d'un chercheur. Si la période susceptible d'être couverte dans les interventions va de la fin du xviiie siècle à aujourd'hui, l'accent sera mis sur la période contemporaine.
L'un des objectifs du séminaire est de réunir et faire interagir des publics provenant d'horizons différents (étudiants de niveau master 2 en histoire, doctorants et chercheurs débutants en histoire des sciences, et doctorants des disciplines scientifiques de Sorbonne (...)
Cet ouvrage, coordonné par Valérie Schafer, a été publié en mars 2018 dans la collection « Intelligences numériques » des Presses universitaires de Paris Nanterre.
Résumé
Alors que le fonctionnement en temps réel, la promesse de l'instantanéité et l'accélération continue des échanges en réseaux ont été des éléments récurrents des discours fondateurs sur les « nouvelles technologies de l'information et de la communication », force est de constater que celles-ci n'ont aboli ni le temps ni l'espace. Davantage (...)
15 novembre 2018
Sorbonne Université
Campus de Jussieu / Tour 26
4 Place Jussieu, Paris 5e
Francesca Musiani participe à ce symposium annuel de GigaNet (Global Internet Governance Academic Network). Le LIP6 (Sorbonne Université) accueille cette 13e édition, qui porte sur le thème "Not the ‘New Oil' – Data Governance and the Internet".
"GigaNet is an international association of academic researchers founded in 2006 to support multidisciplinary research on Internet governance. Its membership (...)
As a black man with a lifelong obsession with games, I’ve either heard or been asked this question many times in my life: What games let you play as black characters? My answer is usually pretty short. Anyone paid attention knows that games have predominantly featured white protagonists for decades. There are plenty of great-looking games on the horizon, but finding titles starring heroes that resemble the people in marginalized communities can be like finding a needle in a haystack. That's unfortunate because no matter the shape or size of a game, it's always a powerful feeling to see a character that looks like you.
So, I’d like to prepare an answer for people who are regularly asked the same question and for those who ask it themselves. I’ve compiled this list of upcoming games featuring protagonists who are black, brown, or just non-white in general. To that end, this list excludes games with user-created protagonists. Character creators are great and all, but they also put the responsibility of diversity onto the players, rather than developers taking the initiative themselves. Now, let’s take a look at the coolest-looking games starring protagonists of color.
Developer: Scavengers Studio
Release Date: TBA
Season is a gorgeous-looking adventure game about a woman who leaves her remote village to explore the world on her bike. Along the way, she documents her discoveries through the lens of her camera, capturing the final moments of various fictional cultures before an impending cataclysm befalls the world. The game showcases a diverse cast of characters who occupy a strange version of Earth; in it, modern human progress has remained stagnant despite thousands of years passing. Season comes from Scavengers Studios and is fascinating departure from its previous game, the survival battle royale The Darwin Project.
Developer: Arkane Studios
Release Date: May 21
With quality games like Dishonored and Prey in Arkane Studios’ history, excitement for Death Loop is sky-high. The games pits two legendary assassins, Colt and Julianna, against each other on the island of Blackreef. Players control Colt, who not only must survive being hunted by Julianna and the island’s inhabitants, but also find a way to break a mysterious time loop engulfing the island. The goal is to assassinate eight targets in the span of a single night, otherwise the cycle begins anew. I pray Deathloop sticks to its May release date because I can’t wait to get my hands on one of 2021’s most inventive-looking titles.
Developer: Veritable Joy Studios
Release Date: Spring
This quirky visual novel stars 12 struggling singles living in Jercy City (yes, Jercy). They are looking for love while also trying to, according to the game’s website, “overcome the harsh realities of capitalism" while also dealing with the everyday grind. ValiDate boasts over 30 story routes for these flawed 20-somethings who range from a professional cosplayer, a wedding counselor, a food scientist, and a manager at “Bopeyes”. Dating is the name of the game, of course, as you make a series of choices to (hopefully) romance the single of your choice. Veritable Joy Studios says ValiDate’s writing is handled with “empathy and self-indulgence” and comes from an all-POC writing team. Look for ValiDate when it launches this spring, or you can try a free demo on itch.ionow.
Developer: Awaceb
Release Date: TBA
Tchia recently premiered during the pre-show of The Game Awards, and draws inspiration for its world and cast from New Caledonia, a Pacific Island east of Australia. Players control the titular Tchia, a girl with special abilities who sets sail on her makeshift raft in a physics-driven sandbox. Tchia has the power to take control of any animal or object, which includes a bird and even a coconut, as seen in the debut trailer. Exploration combines climbing, gliding, and sailing, drawing on elements of Zelda games like Breath of the Wild and Wind Waker. With a vibrant color palette and heartwarming vibe, Tchia is a gem to keep an eye on.
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: 2021
The Far Cry series isn’t always stellar about handling its cultural themes beyond simple stereotypes, but here’s hoping that changes with Far Cry 6. Set in the Cuba-inspired island of Yara, players control Dani Rojos (who can be male or female), a local that gets swept up in a revolution against the country’s brutal dictator, Antón Castillo (played by Giancarlo Esposito of The Mandalorian and Breaking Badfame). We don’t know much about the plot, but the debut trailer revealed a fascinating relationship between Castillo and his young son, Diego, who he wants to mold in his image. How Dani fits into this father/son story isn’t clear, but it’s safe to expect the high-octane gameplay Far Cry is known for.
Developer: Aerial_Knight
Release Date: Early 2021
Coming to you from a single developer, Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield is a stylish auto-runner set in a Tokyo-flavored, futuristic Detroit. Wally is a cool kid with a robotic leg seeking to uncover the truth about his past. However, he discovers darker evidence that could affect the future of his entire city. Players must run, jump, and slide past enemies and obstacles in an experience that caters speedrunners and casual players alike. This game bleeds Detroit, including a soundtrack composed by local artist Danime-Sama, as well as contributions from black artists across the globe. Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield is slated to be released in early 2021, so, like Wally himself, it looks like the game is coming in hot.
Developer: Studio Zevere
Release Date: 2021
She Dreams Elsewhere is a surreal RPG about a comatose woman struggling with anxiety who must discover the cause of her condition by literally confronting the demons within her. The game’s old-school aesthetic and turn-based combat evokes RPGs of old, but is layered with an ethereal, lo-fi vibe from the soundtrack to the trippy effects. A connection system lets players bond with their party members who have their own narrative threads, or customize their playstyles using the charm system. She Dreams Elsewhere is coming to PC sometime this year, and you can download a demo on Steam right now.
Developer: Interior/Night
Release Date: 2021
As Dusk Falls is an interactive drama with a fascinating hook. In 1999, two families were caught up in a hostage situation gone wrong. Over the course of the next 30 years, players see how it's affected the lives of all who were involved. We don’t know much about the game other than it stars a mixed-race protagonist, but it wouldn’t surprise me if you controlled other characters, such as the boy turned young adult shown in the debut trailer. As Dusk Falls is the first game from newly formed studio Interior/Night, led by Quantic Dream alum Caroline Marcha. The game currently has no release window, but since it’s being published by Xbox Game Studios, you can expect it to hit Game Pass on console and PC on launch day.
Developer: Reflector
Release Date: TBA
This mysterious sci-fi title centers on Haroona, a young girl from Kolkata, India who discovers she’s imbued with a mysterious power that allows her to access a secret dimension known as The Fold. Haroona eventually encounters a mentor who teaches her how to hone this power to uncover the secrets behind this dimension as well as her abilities. We still know little about the game other than it’s a third-person action/adventure title set in the Unknown 9 universe, which is a multimedia sci-fi franchise spanning multiple books, comics, and podcasts. Though I’m not familiar with the broader series, I am intrigued to see what lies ahead for Haroona in the game.
Developer: Red Thread Games
Release Date:TBA
Dustborn is a story-focused action/adventure game about a band of misfits on a dangerous road trip. Steering the narrative is Pax, a con artist and ex-convict who recruits a motley crew of allies to help her transport a mysterious package across the America Republic, a fractured version of the former USA. Your crew (or “Fam”) sport their own unique abilities as well as colorful personalities and backstories, which you learn more about through a deep dialogue system. The comic-inspired art direction gives the game a loud personality, especially the use of onomatopoeias. With both the government and fanatical puritans in hot pursuit of our not-heroes, Dustborn looks to be a wild and exciting road trip.
Developer: Thunderful/Image & Form Games
Release Date: 2021
The team behind the beloved SteamWorld franchise tackles something totally new in The Gunk. This Xbox exclusive stars two astronauts who happen upon a planet teeming with life and valuable resources. Only one problem: The world is being overtaken by a corruptive, parasitic goo. Exploration requires using the protagonist’s power glove to suck up the gunk to clear paths and uncover valuable artifacts. You also need it to combat slime-corrupted monsters. Ridding zones of the malevolent substance opens larger areas containing more clues of the planet’s past. What is the gunk? Where did it come from? We’ll have to wait until sometime later this year to find out.
Developer: Leap Game Studios
Release Date:2021
I’m a sucker for a good beat ‘em up, and Tunche taps into the innate fun of punching bad guys in the face while its roguelite structure keeps players on their toes. The map and enemies change with each playthrough, meaning you and up to four friends never know what to expect with each go-around. A tight, fast-paced combat system allows players to decimate monster hordes with juggling air combos while evading with an air-dash, among other abilities. Tunche is also easy on the eyes thanks to its hand-drawn cartoon art that breathes life into the game’s Amazon rainforest setting. Don’t take my word for it, though. Download the game’s free demo on Steam and see for yourself.
Developer: Heart Shaped Games
Release Date:Q1 2021
Described as an “afrofuturist squad management RPG,”We Are the Caretakers is all about defending endangered alien animals from extinction. Using systems inspired by games such as Ogre Battle, Darkest Dungeon, and XCOM, players assemble an arcane team of anti-poaching protectors to engage in tactical battles in procedurally generated campaigns. The game sports a full job system as well as a reputation mechanic where your actions affect how the world views your team. That includes managing international relationships by meeting with world leaders and balancing their demands. We Are the Caretakers sounds like a fun and robust game with a good conversationalist message in the middle of it all.
Welcome back to another episode of Shout! eSports. On this week's episode, host Jess Brohard breaks down some of the biggest news in the world of competitive video games including looks into the esports scenes for Dota 2 and League of Legends. Later in the episode, she also gives an update on some of the newest additions to Team Envy who play a game that's a little different from what you may be used to watching on Twitch and YouTube.
As always, we enjoy hearing your (constructive) feedback, so if you liked this video or have questions about the world of esports, be sure to leave them in the comment section below!
If you want to learn more about the fascinating world of esports, be sure to check out the first and second episodes of Shout eSports and follow Jess on Twitter for more looks into the industry.
Be sure to tune in again on February 1, as Jess will be back to breakdown the intricacies of game casting and how aspiring hosts can crack into the competitive field!
Chernobyl's Johan Renck was initially slated to directthe upcoming The Last of Us TV adaptation for HBO, but scheduling conflicts forced a change of plans. Now a new filmmaker has been nabbed to direct the upcoming project with Beanpole's Kantemir Balagov stepping up to the plate as director.
The new director choice has been revealed via The Hollywood Reporter, confirming that the show is back on track. Balagov is a Russian filmmaker that is no stranger to heartfelt drama and his talents have made him the seemingly perfect fit to pilot the upcoming HBO series.
The Chernobly touch isn't completely gone with Renck's exit. Craig Mazin, the series' creator, is still attached to the upcoming The Last of Us adaptation as a writer and co-executive producer.
Regarding the TV series itself, the game's creative director (and now Naughty Dog co-president), Neil Druckmann, has confirmed that he will be working alongside Mazin and the rest of the team to bring the story of The Last of Us to life once more through a different medium. "Neil Druckmann is without question the finest storyteller working in the video game medium, and The Last of Us is his magnum opus," Mazin mentioned in a previous interview. "Getting a chance to adapt this breathtaking work of art has been a dream of mine for years, and I'm so honored to do it in partnership with Neil."
"From the first time I sat down to talk with Craig I was equally blown away by his approach to narrative and his love and deep understanding of The Last of Us," added Druckmann. We don't have all of the details regarding the upcoming show, very little is actually known about the narrative direction and creative liberties, but we do know that it adapts the first game and will "enhance" what fans loved about their entry into this world."
The HBO adaptation will be a retelling of events from the first game; a violently heartbreaking tale set 20 years after the fall of civilization as we know it. The story revolves that of a smuggler named Joel and his father-esque relationship with a younger Ellie as they fight for survival against a fatal pandemic with no end in sight. Originally hired to smuggle a 14-year old Ellie out of a warlike quarantine area, Joel's path eventually becomes intrinsically intertwined with Ellie's as the pair learns more about one another and form a familial bond that was portrayed beautifully in the first game.
It will be interesting to see what this team does to bring such a narrative to TV audiences, especially under the helm of Sony Pictures Television. With PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog all on the front lines as producers, the latest gaming adaptation has high hopes for being faithful to a franchise many have fallen in love with without being a carbon copy of what we've already experienced.
What do you think about the recent director change for The Last of Us HBO TV series? Any casting picks you'd love to see make the cut for the show? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
Oh, Elden Ring! It has been ages since the first announcement of this collaboration between From Software and George R.R. Martin. We have waited patiently for gameplay or any significant news about the project, but with the video game world still adapting to working amid a global pandemic, we’re not exactly sure when action/RPG fans will get their next taste of what’s to come. Hopefully soon. But until then, there are tons of other options to satiate your fix for big bosses, beautiful environments, and the compelling duality of challenge and triumph.
Click here to watch embedded mediaFirst, there are the completely obvious suggestions that we won’t spend too much time on. These include the rest of From Software’s amazing suite of dark action/RPG fare, like the Souls series, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Even if you’ve already completed them, many of them are enticing to return for another play with a different build, co-op with friends, or even a mod to spice things up with random boss/item placements or additional content. This is also an excellent time to check out Demon’s Souls if you have access to a PlayStation 5. Now let's get to the games!
Nioh 2 is overflowing with content and challenges, whether you want to push ahead solo or take advantage of the many co-op opportunities. Now that the Nioh 2 DLC is available to give players a ton more to do at the end of the road (and with the Complete Edition coming out in just a few weeks on PlayStation and PC), it might be time to dive into the darkness. While there’s more grinding and item rolling than there is in Souls games to find your perfect gear and set pieces, that element of loot-finding adds a whole different layer of gameplay on top of a potent mix of exploration and big battles.
Many elements, enemies, and environments are taken wholesale from the original game, and that’s okay– you’re not going to run out of things to do or monsters to fight, and you can explore the combat with a wide variety of weapons and magical boons.
If you’re looking for a healthy dose of blood, gore, and some Bloodborne beats in an isometric Souls-like, Morbid might be your pick. Morbid is also a shorter soiree than many other genre offerings, hitting a sweet spot of about 7-10 hours.
There are many, many weapons to discover and perfect, allowing you to find a speed and style that resonates with you as you work your way through forgotten fishing hamlets and overgrown gardens. Morbid goes all-in on the grotesque horror angle, sporting a boss that uses a dead baby as a weapon and has some fairly unsettling quest arcs to pursue as well.
Combat is tightly tuned, and you learn to parry and roll with the best of them along the way. Along with finding new potent weapons and filling their sockets to create powerful builds, you must manage your sanity rating as you proceed to prevent being slaughtered by horrible apparitions. Of course, if you’re feeling more daring you can let your sanity slide to obtain more rewards.
Yep. I know. Breath of the Wild isn’t exactly a Souls-like, but you still owe it to yourself to play it if you’re a fan of exploration and dire discovery. I had held off on playing this one for years, but was impressed at its ability to evoke many of the same feelings that From Software’s amazing formula conjures up.
With the player forced to discover almost everything on their own via experimentation through trial and tribulation, and with multiple solutions to every problem, Breath of the Wild scratches the Souls brain in a supremely satisfying fashion.
An adventure in the truest sense of the word with secrets around every corner, the modern journey through Hyrule is beautiful, breathtaking, and brimming with opportunities to tune tenacity. My first encounter with a Lynel felt shockingly similar to a Souls boss encounter, and took me quite a while to overcome. But I refused to run– eventually mastering every parry and dodge as I took it down with five hearts and a handful of crude weapons. Yeah, that felt real good. You can see a slice of that action below!
While the focus is heavy on the platforming in Blasphemous, an iconic style shines through that begs attention as you quest through a variety of desolate environments. Secrets and hidden connections between levels run throughout the experience, one coated in religious iconography and darkness.
If you like platforming challenges mixed with a unique grisly art style and titanic boss fights, Blasphemous is the one for you. As always, upgrades abound ready to be discovered and unlocked as you make your way through each twisted encounter. It's kind of like a messed up, weird Castlevania... and that's pretty cool.
Remnant is a few years old now, but DLC offerings released over time make it a compelling playthrough if you missed out on it the first time around, including the addition of a roguelike dungeon crawl option that randomizes levels for you to tackle. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Remnant in our Souls selection is that it’s quite conducive to multiplayer sessions with friends.
You won’t need to put down summoning signs or ask for special codes to sync up games here, it’s ridiculously easy to join up with your fellow wasteland warriors and get into the action, and I’d recommend doing so, as Remnant plays better with your pals. As far as co-op goes, Remnant's model is a blast. Combining elements of third-person shooting and Souls-style gameplay, Remnant gives you a punishing playground to romp in.
I’m sure most people reading this are familiar with Team Cherry’s lush, stylish Metroidvania. If you’ve somehow missed out on this one, now’s the time. As we wait patiently for news on the sequel, a ride through Hollownest’s breathtaking environments is absolutely in order.
Hollow Knight has taken the lead in what amounts to a sort of subgenre within a subgenre, and has already inspired titles following in its footsteps like the upcoming Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights. Playing through Hollow Knight today raises one of the most important questions of 2021, which is... Silksong when?
Now, I know you’re thirsty for more Souls-like games and there are plenty more options to explore as well, depending on how hard you’re trying to find that oasis in the desert. I can’t recommend options like Code">https://www.gameinformer.com/review/code-vein/code-vein-review-a-simula… Vein, Hellpoint, and Mortal Shell, but they’re out there if you need a fix. Once you get the rush of slaying an impossible boss, the revelation of unearthing a secret area, or mastering a new weapon or skill, it can sometimes be tough to go back to other realms of gaming. From Software’s transformative subgenre is only going to continue to inspire imitators over the next decade as we continue to chase the thrill behind each and every fog door.
We don't know when we're going to get official new Elden Ring details, nor do we know when we'll finally get a new trailer, but at least we have something to "ooh" and "aah" over with some new concept art. One artist tied to the highly anticipated game recently shared some new Elden Ring concept art, though it was taken down a day later.
The artist in question is Gabriel Bjork Stiernstrom, who shared a ton of new Elden Ring concept art for eager gamers to feast their eyes on. The below images were shared by Twitter user @Okami13_ from the artist's official website where they uploaded an entirely new gallery:
Some new Elden Ring concept art was revealed today by one of the artists who worked on the original E3 trailer.. 👀
— Okami (@Okami13_) January 14, 2021
Full gallery: https://t.co/rayGRd2XnU #EldenRing #FromSoftware pic.twitter.com/dC6H5MFOid
The artist added an additional note onto the Reddit threadfollowing their decision to delete the original images, saying:
I feel like I need to write a disclaimer for you so that you have a better understanding of what it is I am sharing. I worked on the ‘E3 2019 Announcement Trailer’ of Elden Ring and these keyframes and concepts are just a selection of the work I did for the trailer because I’d like to share some of the work that I am proud of. I have not worked on the game itself.
Digic Pictures was responsible for a part of the E3 Announcement Trailer, the part with the figure hammering in the darkness. This was my first project at Digic Pictures and I made these concepts two years ago, back in January 2019. I had no idea what I was working on; the only information I knew was that FromSoftware was the client. I first learned about the project and the title when everyone else did at the E3 reveal. So I hope that explains how little I actually know about the game.
Now regarding the concepts I am sharing. Most of these were made for internal discussion at Digic Pictures between the Art Director, Director, Producer, and Leads. When they were happy with something they would then share those concepts with the client. In the end, FromSoftware would more or less provide us with most of the concept art in any case.
They added that people can take the art however they wish, the decision to share wasn't about "insider knowledge" or hinting at a new trailer. Instead, they just wanted to share some of their work that contributed to the reveal trailer. This isn't indicative of any sort of announcement plans by the studio, though many in the responding thread took the post to be a teaser of sorts.
Most of the images can be seen in the trailer itself at the top of the article. The hammering sequence, in particular, was among the art shared, though it appears that most of it has since been taken down after this article was written.
Click image thumbnails to view larger version
Also included was a version of the scene where the tree roots were taking over, though the artist added that it was felt that this version was "too much Dark Souls," prompting a change in direction.
If you want to check out this artist's ArtStation and official portofio to see when the images come back, or just to check out their other amazing work, you can do so right hereand here.
On last week's fun episode of Replay, we started our journey in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, one of the most influential modern RPGs to ever grace consoles, PC, and almost every other gaming device known to man.
The start of our tale featuring the khajiit only known as Buttz was wild to say the least. We got to watch the iconic prisoner-transfer scene, ran helplessly from a flying beast while trying to not get burnt to a crisp, and stole children's clothing from an unsuspecting townie that never saw it coming.
Normally when we play games on Replay, it's a one-and-done situation, but since Bethesda's iconic open-world game is too vast for just one viewing, we thought it fitting to return to where we left off and set out on another journey.
Will we find more mountains to inch our way up? Will I be successful in my attempts to pickpocket the king? Or will it all once again blow up in my face like a Dragonborn shout? Join Andrew Reiner, Marcus Stewart, Ben Reeves, and me to get those answers and more in our return to the world of Skyrim.
We'll be going live at 2 p.m. CT, so be sure to join us in the chat and end your week the right way! If you can't get enough of our live shows, remember to subscribe on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook to get notified when we go live each week. Thanks as always for watching and we hope you enjoy this week's show!
Are you excited about all things Elder Scrolls? Be sure to check out our articles on The Elder Srolls Online's upcoming Oblivion expansion, the rumors about a new Elder Scrolls TV show coming to Netflix, and how Bethesda may have teased the location of the next entry in the long-running series!
It's the end of an era. Bungie first brought the Halo vision to life, laying the groundwork for an iconic Xbox staple that has continued to evolve long after it moved into the hands of 343 Industries. While Bungie hasn't been involved in years with the series, the original Halo website has continued to be a resource for fans by housing stats, player data, community screenshots, and so much more. Now, it's going away for good.
In a recent blog post made by the team at Bungie, it was confirmed that Halo.Bungie.net is going offline next month, taking with it more than just a domain name. All stats, files, and other community-driven data from Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo: Reach will be going dark.
"Everyone is welcome to save their stats and files, however they can, if you'd like to say anything," reads the latest blog post. The site is set to go offline on February 9, which is the cutoff for saving anything that Halo fans are looking to treasure.
As a massive fan of Halo myself, the news is not unexpected but still hurts. Years of scouring the forums, sharing hilarious screenshots, and even spinning off into comedic Red vs. Blue role-playing gave me some solid memories through the years. While those good times will always live on in my heart, it's a sad day to learn that the source of many of them will be going away forever.
The shutdown notice also comes as no surprise due to the company's focus on Destiny 2, especially with a number of new expansions still on the way. With Beyond Light undergoing massive changes with each new Season, Bungie's focus is better served being zeroed in on its current IP.
What do you think about the original Halo site going dark? What are some of your fondest memories from that time? Sound off with those Master Chief-inspired takes in the comment section below! We can cry together...
[Source: Bungie]
Mortal Kombat by Warner Bros. makes its long-awaited debut thisApril, andEntertainment Weeklyhas a new piece sharing story details and exclusive photos from the film. The new images give fans a look at some of their favorite kombatants in all their cinematic glory.
The article runs through the film's opening minutes, a battle between Sub-Zero and Scorpion in their pre-ninja identities, Bi-Han and Hanzo Hasashi, respectively. The batch of photos give us good looks at Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sonya Blade, Jax. The article also spotlights Cole Young, a brand-new character and the film's apparent protagonist. He's a down-on-his-luck, washed up MMA fighter who has a mysterious connection to the notorious tournament, evidenced by a birthmark of the iconic dragon symbol on his chest. Other confirmed characters include Raiden, Kano, Shang Tsung, Mileena, and Nitara. Be sure to head over to EW’s site for the full scoop, as it’s well worth a read.
For those worried that the film may water down the game’s signature gore, according to director Simon McQuoid, "it's definitely not gonna get a PG-13 rating." A big reason for that will be the movie’s fully realized Fatalities, a first for any Mortal Kombat film, some of which come directly from the games. Everything about the film looks promising on paper, and after suffering a COVID related delay, it’s nice to see a light of the end of the tunnel for the project.
Mortal Kombat is also being produced by Todd Gardner and James Wan (Aquaman,The Conjuring). The film releases April 16 and will be available to stream on HBO Max the same day it hits theaters. For more on Mortal Kombat in cinema, check out thisopinion piece on why the original 1995 film might be the best video game movie ever made.
[Source: Entertainment Weekly]
Persona 5 Strikers is just a month awayand fans can't wait to get their hands on the Musou-esque combat that awaits. With the launch on the horizon, Altus just dropped a brand new "All-Out" trailer to enjoy and the gameplay shared definitely lives up to the name of the video.
Persona 5 Strikers takes the characters and art style we love and brings them back in a big chaotic way, mixing hack and slash with RPG elements expertly. In the below trailer, those powerful combat moves are shown off with impressive flourish while maintaining that iconic style the Persona franchise is known for.
Click here to watch embedded mediaOur own Brian Shea came away with positive first impressions of the game, accentuating his love of the mainline series. "If my early hours are any indication, Persona 5 Strikers serves as a compelling follow up to one of my favorite role-playing games of all time," he notes in his full preview (seen here). "Not only am I enticed by the idea of carrying on with the lives of the various members of the team, but I'm intrigued by the directions the story is going."
The adventure officially kicks off when Persona 5 Strikers arrives on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC on February 23. Are you excited to kick butt and take names? Sound off with those Persona-related thoughts in the comment section below!
Hitman 3 is almost here and to celebrate, IO Interactive has just confirmed when fans can get their hands on the Nintendo Switch version of the highly anticipated title. For those wanting to take the assassination simulation on the go, the Switch experience will be dropping later this month but only via the cloud.
Arriving alongside the other platforms, the Switch version of Hitman 3 arrives on January 20. Due to the nature of the game and its more complicated graphics settings, the only way to play this title on the hybrid console is to play is through the cloud which — for those that may not know — requires an impressive internet speed as well as a stable connection to ensure quality.
HITMAN 3 on Nintendo Switch arrives 20 January! The World of Assassination awaits... pic.twitter.com/IHVDEZwQbw
— IO Interactive (@IOInteractive) January 15, 2021
While the Switch version of Hitman 3 won't run similarly to its PC and new-gen console counterparts, other cloud-based titles have found success with Nintendo players. While a downgrade is to be expected, the beauty of games cloud games Doom Eternal and Wolfenstein: The New Order proves that the Big N's console-on-the-go does more for mobile libraries than it gets credit for.
The return of Hitman is a big deal for the studio, and the third entry was a massive focus for our most recent issue of the Game Informer magazine. We even took a crack at the game's first mission, which you can watch here to see how the new Camera Tool works as well as the gameplay mechanics that saw a massive upgrade.
What do you think about the cloud-reliant version of Hitman 3 on Nintendo Switch? Are you excited to get your hands on the latest IO Interactive title? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
When Persona 5 launched in 2017, I fell into my new RPG obsession. I loved nearly everything about the journey of the Phantom Thieves, but the characters and the story are what stuck with me long after I wrapped up the more-than-100-hour journey. So when Persona 5 Royal was announced, I couldn't wait to jump back in and repeat the adventure with new characters, locations, and an additional story arc at the end. However, while I loved Persona 5 Royal (a lot, in fact), it left me wishing for an all-new story with the beloved cast of characters; I wanted to see how their friendships and lives evolved following the wild events of Persona 5. It may not be an RPG like the game it serves as a sequel to, but Persona 5 Strikers promises to give me the new adventure I've been craving since I first stepped foot in Café Leblanc nearly four years ago.
Co-developed by Atlus and the studio behind the Dynasty Warriors franchise, Omega Force, Persona 5 Strikers is hardly a direct successor to the Persona 5 I fell in love with. However, if you go in expecting it to be like what we saw Omega Force do with Hyrule Warriors, where it's just nonstop action and a constant stream of hack-and-slash battles, you're in for a surprise. Over the course of the first several hours I played, I felt less like I was playing some sort of strange, dissonant spin-off action game and more like I was playing a sequel to Persona 5 with action-based combat.
The similarities and differences between Persona 5 and Persona 5 Strikers are most aptly displayed through the cast of characters and the way you interact with them. The majority of my early hours were spent in dialogue with the Phantom Thieves. I loved learning more about what they've been up to in the months since the end of Persona 5. The passage of time was particularly exciting for characters like Makoto, who is now in college and in a different place in her life. If you're into the style aspect of the title, nearly all the characters are sporting new looks as well.
However, while the characters and their voice actors return from the original Persona 5 (sorry, Kasumi fans), the social elements have been hugely scaled down from the mainline series. Instead of social links, you can develop bonds with characters on your team. Much like the dearly departed social links, bonds open up new stat boosts and abilities for characters. Unlike Persona 5's system, however, you don't earn points toward upgrades through going to a ramen shop, amusement park, or shrine with your friends, but rather by defeating enemies. I'm a little disappointed by the lack of social options since that's such a huge part of what made me fall in love with these characters and the series as a whole in the first place, but this project was never meant to be a social simulation like the original release.
While the original characters already have strong links to one another, they welcome a new member to the Phantom Thieves' ranks very early on in the story. Sophia is an artificial intelligence character that Joker and Skull find during their first trip back into the Metaverse. She joins the team, contributing narrative guidance on top of her skills in battle. Using her yo-yos, she can attack a wide range, while her blaster lets her hit enemies from afar.
In Persona 5, the team infiltrates a Palace by discovering a corrupt ruler, gathering information on them, and using an app on their phone to make the shift into the Metaverse. That process remains the same in Strikers; the team discovers that something strange is happening involving Alice Hiiragi, a fashion stylist and idol who has developed an oddly ardent following. As it turns out, the seemingly sweet Alice has figured out some way to capture the desires of ordinary people, turning them into obsessed fans who will do anything for her, including one man who drops to his knees and confesses his love to her in front of his own fiancé. Once the Phantom Thieves figure this out and see Alice's true nature, they know they can't let it stand, so they begin an investigation by talking to and eavesdropping on fans scattered throughout Shibuya.
Once the team has enough information, it's back to the Metaverse to infiltrate Alice's dungeon, which turns the area surrounding Shibuya Crossing into a jail. The dungeon I played, while shorter than a Persona 5 Palace, plays out shockingly similar to how they played out in the original mainline RPG; you traverse the area, ambushing Shadows as you go. The biggest difference in the entire game lies in the combat; rather than the turn-based fare of Persona 5, battles play out closer to the high-paced action of the Warriors series. While you can hack and slash to your heart's content, taking strategy into account is crucial. Not only can you swap between your active party using the d-pad, but you can pause the action to swap Personas and use their abilities. Capitalizing on enemy weaknesses can knock them down, opening the door for a powerful All-Out Attack. I was also caught off guard by how the battles are spaced out. Based on my time with the Hyrule Warriors games, I expected the battles to be more constant. Instead, the encounters more serve to break up the exploration.
Even when you're not in the dungeon itself, Shibuya and the surrounding areas feel like a return home if you've already played either version of Persona 5. Shibuya and Yongen-Jaya are laid out exactly as they are in Persona 5, and seeing the gang return to Leblanc or their hideout in the accessway brought a smile to my face. I know the team will eventually move on from Shibuya and Tokyo as a whole during the course of the story, but these callbacks to the Phantom Thieves' flagship adventure are fun.
If my early hours are any indication, Persona 5 Strikers serves as a compelling follow up to one of my favorite role-playing games of all time. Not only am I enticed by the idea of carrying on with the lives of the various members of the team, but I'm intrigued by the directions the story is going. Persona 5 Strikers launches on PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC on February 23. To see the initial announcement trailer of its Western localization, head here.
Persona 5 Strikers, the latest installment in Atlus' popular JRPG series, explodes onto the scene with a returning cast of beloved characters and new hack-and-slash mechanics made popular by the Koei Tecmo Warriors franchise. Joker and crew are joined by a new character named Sophia, who escorts and guides the Phantom Thieves through a dangerous sewer system in this new gameplay footage.
In this episode of New Gameplay Today, join Jeff Cork, Brian Shea, and Alex Van Aken for an early preview of Persona 5 Strikers, which releases on February 20, 2020.
Tired of getting your butt kicked by those blonde-haired jerks and fire breathing dragon plushies in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition? In today’s tip video, we’re going to show you how to max out your character during the first level and have you cruising through Romana’s evil exes in no time.
To start, go to the Shopping District housed on level one. If you’ve beaten the level, you should be able to go there immediately from the main hub. Once you mop up the enemies, walk over to the Delicious Cup coffee shop and enter the door. Go in and buy any of the item menus. Having one in your inventory will prevent you from losing lives after you input the following cheat code.
Once you’ve obtained the consumable, step outside, and input the classic code while holding the jump button: up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, block. You’ll lose all your health, but you’ll gain $50 in the process – and because of your wise ways of purchasing the tea earlier (which restores your health before you lose a life), you won’t have to worry about starting the level over.
Repeat this process until you’ve saved more than $504.25. Once you’ve cheated your way to the top, head over to No Account Video and pay off Scott’s late fees. From there, a slew of videotape boosters will become available to you. While each tape has specific bonuses, you’re only going to want to focus on purchasing two upgrades.
First up is the Seven Shaolin Masters videotape, which boosts each of your stats by 10 points. If you’re level one, purchase the tape 10 times to max out all your stats to 100.
Next up is the Alone and Disturbed videotape, which gives you a 1500 XP boost per purchase. Buy enough to unlock all the moves through level 16 and watch your foes quake in fear.
Obviously, buying the tapes still takes money, so you’ll have to go and repeat the cheat code entry a few more times to cover the price, but we can assure you it’s worth it.
Congratulations, you’ve now turned Scott into the equivalent of a Super Saiyan God. We don’t recommend you play this way on your first playthrough, but this method is great for maxing out all the characters on your quest to unlock Nega Scott.
Thanks for watching and if you’re curious about Scott Pilgrim, be sure to check out our thoughts on the game on The GI Show and New Gameplay Today!
Coming off of a year that delivered two console launches, I would expect 2021's release slate to be loaded with games for current- and last-gen machines, but with the world in the middle of a pandemic, we need to temper our expectations as to what is achievable. The schedule is currently light on all fronts, but we're going to see plenty more games release in 2021 than are currently known. For the time being, publishers and developers are being careful with their announcements, and as such, most of this year's proposed games are floating with an ambiguous "2021" as a repeated date.
That doesn't mean the beginning of the year is barren. I've highlighted six titles that I can't wait to get my hands on that are hopefully locked in for release. The fun begins with a reunion with an old friend...
Click here to watch embedded mediaJanuary 20
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
I always enjoy spending quality time with Agent 47. He's resourceful in ways we don't often see in games. He can change skins to better blend into his surroundings, whether that's as a cook, mailman, or even a rock band drummer. He can also topple empires with ordinary household items, and show us just how big of an impact perfect timing can have on a dire situation. Agent 47's methodology is obviously the reason to play Hitman 3, but it isn't the only one this time around. The locations he infiltrates look grand in scale, sending him high atop skyscrapers and into densely packed city streets. The story also carries intrigue with the hook of it being an ending. Exactly what concludes remains unknown, but it's a nice tease that has me counting the days until Hitman 3 releases.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMarch 19
PlayStation 5
Following the success of twitch-based shooters Resogun and Nex Machina, developer Housemarque is trying something different for its maiden voyage on PlayStation 5. Returnal is a third-person shooter set on an alien world in which the player is thrown into time loops. Upon death, your character Selene is resurrected and must continue moving deeper into this strange land using a variety of science-fiction weapons and alien-generated abilities. The threats Selene faces look wild in design, consisting of too many tentacles to count and attacks that appear unnatural. It'll be interesting to see what Housemarque can do with the PlayStation 5 hardware and DualSense controller to make this a truly next-gen experience.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMarch 26
Switch
Rise is billed as the next big Monster Hunter game following World, and that alone is reason to get excited. The Monster Hunter series has had a long and healthy run on Nintendo handhelds, but players shouldn't expect that same blueprint here. Rise is designed more like World, and regions are sprawling open spaces that aren't broken up into zones. Players can also tap into a new item called the wirebug – that is similar to World's clutch claw – to traverse areas quickly. Rise allows for four-player co-op, and is designed as a Switch exclusive. As much as I can't wait to see what beasts are on the hunting trailers, the thing I'm excited about most is a creature called a palamute, which is basically a dog companion that you can pet, play with, have help you in battle, and even use as a mount.
Click here to watch embedded mediaApril 1
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
Outriders is a cooperative shooter with characters that each wield X-Men-like powers. For instance, the trickster can alter time, whereas the pyromancer wields fire. It may look a little like Destiny from afar, but the cover-based-shooting, reliance on those powers, and exotic alien enemy designs give it a much different feel. Outriders will shower players in loot and is billed as an RPG with deep progression systems, but also has a lengthy story to tell about humanity searching for a future on an alien world. People Can Fly did some great stuff with Bulletstorm, and showed it has cover-based chops with Gears of War: Judgment. I hope Outriders gives us a taste of both while standing tall on its own as a unique co-op experience.
Click here to watch embedded mediaApril 30
Switch
Become a wildlife photographer and observe Pokémon in their natural habitats. The general idea of Pokémon Snap is awesome, but I felt the initial offering on Nintendo 64 didn't go far enough. It was light on Pokémon and felt like a proof-of-concept experience. I hope this new installment goes further and lasts longer. Trailers show us we can snap photos of several generations of Pokémon, and will be exploring unknown islands, which could mean we meet some critters we've never seen before. The game is set in the Lental region, where we'll be investigating something called theIllumina Phenomenon. Fans have been asking for another Pokémon Snap since 1999, and I'm glad it's finally coming.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMay 4
PlayStation 5, PC
We're already joking that 2020 feels a lot like 2021, and it appears a popular theme in games this year is the time loop. Returnal makes use of the concept, and so does Arkane Studios' Deathloop. Eight targets need to be killed before midnight. If one escapes (or if you're killed), the day begins again and all previous work needs to be completed again. Arkane calls this wild setup a "murder puzzle" and players need to piece it together to succeed. You scour the island of Blackreef for clues and to learn how the different characters and events fit together. Combine Arkane's artistry with this fascinating concept and Deathloop sounds like one of the craziest games in quite some time. We just need to see how this idea comes together and how the run-and-gun combat feels.
A new trailer for Returnal gives us a look at some of the unique weapons players will use to survive its hostile alien world. With the game only a couple of months away, this marks the first time players have gotten a deep dive into its combat.
Returnal blends third-person action with a roguelike structure. Players control Selene, an astronaut who crash-lands on a strange planet controlled by a mysterious time loop. Every time Selene dies, she’s reborn and re-experiences the same events again and again. In roguelike fashion, that also means her inventory starts from scratch with each cycle as well (though some elements persist).
Developer Housemarque took to the PlayStation Blog to break down Returnal’s combat, which combines third-person shooting with the studio’s trademark arcade-style action. Base weapons become augmented with various weapon traits that change how they perform, such as exploding shells for the shotgun-like Spitmaw Blaster. Players can stack traits to combine the same effects for “surprising results” in the heat of battle. In total, there are 10 base weapons and 90 weapon traits (with three levels each). Selene can only hold one weapon at a time, however, so players must choose wisely while also experimenting with different loadouts to find suitable combinations.
Guns have dual fire modes activated by the Dual Sense controller’s adaptive triggers. Pressing the aim button halfway activates one firing mode and pushing it all the way down triggers the second. This creates a seamless swap between firing modes, which are randomly assigned to guns which each cycle. Other weapons showcased include the Ground Spike, a tool that impales creatures with a massive spike, and the Atropian Blade, a sword that can shatter shields and block projectiles.
In terms of non-weapons gadgets, the bittersweet Parasite might be the most unique. This strange organism latches on to Selene and grants extra health with each kill but slain enemies leave pools of harmful acid behind. Returnal features other risk vs rewards elements, such as cursed chests that grants valuable treasure at the expense of being saddled with a negative status ailment, such as taking damage when opening doors.
After cutting its teeth with arcade-style games like Nex Machina and Resogun, Returnal is Housemarque’s biggest release yet and it looks to be shaping up quite well. We can’t wait to get our hands on it when it launches March 19 for PlayStation 5 and PC.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
Two Ubisoft games - Rainbow Six Siege and Ghost Recon Breakpoint - are coming together for a free, end-of-the-month crossover event. Titled “Operation Amber Sky,” the new event includes nine new campaign missions in Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. A poisonous gas called Amber Ruin threatens the peace, so players will be tasked with finding an antidote. The gameplay loop of Operation Amber Sky revolves around entering gaseous areas (masks will be provided, of course!) and completing a variety of mission objectives while trying to survive.
Rainbow Six Siege operators will also be playable during the event as popular operatives - specifically Ash, Finka, and Thatcher - will be joining the fray alongside the Ghost Recon team. You can swap out teammates for the Siege characters, and their loadouts and ability kits will make appearances during battles as well. Finally, over 120 new cosmetics will be available so that players can customize their avatars.
Additionally, Breakpoint is getting a free weekend from January 21-24, so players will be able to hop into Operation Amber Sky without already owning the game. The crossover event launches at the start of the free weekend on January 21.
[Source: GameSpot]
Since Portal 3 doesn't seem to be in the near future for Valve, the desire for any sort of a continuation of the sci-fi franchise featuring a homicidal A.I. reigns free and unbridled. For that reason, this fan-driven Portal 2 project is the perfect excuse to dive back into the world of cakes that don't really exist and philosophies about demanding life take its lemons back.
I've actually covered this mod previously, and for good reason. The project is called Desolation, and it is an extensive campaign that fleshes out the Portal universe. The mod team is back from a nice holiday break, and to celebrate, they've shared a new gameplay video of how Desolation works in Portal 2 and what other fans can expect:
Click here to watch embedded mediaOne of the cooler aspects of the gameplay reveal is a new environmental style that the team implemented called "Industrial." According to the modding team, "This style features open test chambers built into vast mined-out caverns. Constructed in the 1990s, Industrial serves to fill the gap between Old Aperture and the modern Enrichment Center, with the chambers built using modern materials assembled by human construction workers rather than by machines. This means the reconfigurable panel arms associated with the Enrichment Center are not present: the structures are rigid and formidable, resulting in a starker appearance. The visuals are further enhanced by our suite of new graphical features which help bring the Source Engine up to date, such as PBR (Physically Based Rendering) and a new tonemapper."
The above video also showcases one of Chapter 3's new testing chambers: Chain. This sequence looks tricky as can be with the faith plate reliance, but the team assures interested fans that it's "a lot less complicated than it looks."
Also included in a new HUD overlay that allows players to track their progression and other key informational tidbits before going into each chamber.
The aspect that I'm most excited about, personally, is the new Portal gun concept art (which has continuously evolved since May of 2018):
From character adjustments to new challenges, Portal 2: Desolation is an astoundingly impressive project driven by passionate fans who want to continue on in an adventure that so many of us have fallen in love with. This particular modding team also provides in-detail updates on its modding page, which you can check out for yourself right here.
Want more mods? Check out a few of my other favorite Mod Corner picks below:
Thoughts on the gameplay reveal for Portal 2: Desolation? Sound off with your hot takes in the comment section below! If you're looking for mod recommendations for other games, feel free to drop a request as well!
News broke yesterday that the Star Wars franchise is expanding beyond the previous EA exclusivity, beginning with Ubisoft taking its shot at a galaxy far, far away with a new open-world adventure. With Star Wars games being a hot topic, Xbox is offering players a chance to check out Motive Studio's Squadrons experience for free for a limited time. That's not the only game offering a free trial period over on Team Green either.
For a limited time, Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass Ultimate members can check out Star Wars: Squadrons, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Yooka-Laylee for free starting today until January 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT. This offer is also available for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S owners as well, so everyone can join in on the fun as long as they are a member of the Gold or Ultimate programs.
Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can play three great games this weekend during Free Play Days. Full details here: https://t.co/k4dfl8eAEc
— Xbox Wire (@XboxWire) January 14, 2021
For those that might not have dipped their toes into the Xbox Game Pass pool quite yet, it's a good deal! With this membership, there are two options to choose from with the Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Both offer Team Green fans a chance to play over 100 titles at no additional cost, including day-one launches of first-party titles. With the acquisition of Bethesda, there will be even more incentive to join up with this particular service, not to mention the rumorthat Ubisoft+ may be also joining in with its own library in the near future.
Xbox Game Pass is $10 a month, whereas Xbox Game Pass Ultimate comes in at $15 and includes Xbox Live Gold. It's a pretty good deal, especially for those that are picky with their games.
Do you have the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership? What are your thoughts on how Microsoft has cultivated its internal ecosystem thus far? Sound off with what you think about Xbox's continued evolution in the comment section below!
On this week's episode of The Game Informer Show, we discuss a handful of the games we've been playing recently, including Red Dead Redemption II, Little Nightmares II, Sonic Mania, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game. We're joined by the co-founders of Night School Studio Adam Hines and Sean Krankel who reflect on their time making games like Oxenfree, Afterparty, and Mr. Robot:1.51exfiltrati0n. It's a full show, but we make time for another fantastic round of community emails where we spend a good deal of time talking about the recent Lucasfilm Games' Indiana Jones and Star Wars announcements. So please join Joe Juba, Jeff Cork, Alex Stadnik, and myself for another wild and ever-entertaining episode!
Thanks for listening! Please make sure to leave feedback below, share the episode if you enjoyed it, and follow me @benjaminreeves to let me know what you think. You can watch the video above, subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes or Google Play, listen on SoundCloud, stream it on Spotify, or download the MP3 at the bottom of the page. Also, be sure to send your questions to podcast@gameinformer.com for a chance to have them answered on the show!
Our thanks to The Rapture Twins for The Game Informer Show's intro song. You can hear more of their music at their website.
To jump to a particular point in the discussion, check out the time stamps below.
Intro: 00:00:00
Red Dead Online: 00:01:36
Sonic The Hedgehog Series: 00:04:03
Ratchet and Clank 2016: 00:10:19
Grindstone: 00:13:31
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition: 00:16:21
Yakuza Series: 00:21:03
Tetris Effect: 00:25:52
Little Nightmares II: 00:27:00
Night School Studio Interview: 00:32:48
Community Emails: 00:54:34
Lucasfilm Games Announcements: 00:55:01
Super Nintendo World’s opening next month has been delayed. Universal Studios Japan announced that the new theme park was slated for a February 4 debut, but because of Osaka’s state of emergency status, everyone will have to wait for a new opening date. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the opening was pushed back. Super Nintendo World’s gates were originally set to swing open last year during the highly-anticipated 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, but the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to those plans.
The Verge reports that, just yesterday, Osaka and eleven other prefectures issued states of emergency that will still be in effect by February 7 (after the initial February 4 opening). And while the social restrictions in place aren’t as strict as conventional COVID-19 lockdowns, citizens are still being urged to stay home. Additionally, eateries and theaters close earlier in the day. It’s only natural that Super Nintendo World will remain closed.
Based on previous footage of Shigeru Miyamoto touring the park, Super Nintendo World features green pipe entryways, Peach's Castle, Mount Beanpole, and a Mario Kart ride. Nintendo fans will be able to explore these areas and many more exciting features when Universal Studios Japan releases a new launch date after the state of emergency period ends.
[Source: The Verge]
Riders Republic, Ubisoft’s wacky extreme sports game, has been delayed. The title was originally slated to launch February 25 but will now arrive at an undetermined date later this year.
Ubisoft’s tweet explains the reason for the delay is to simply allow more time to give the game some more TLC given its large scope, especially in its online multiplayer.
Riders Republic premiered during last September’s Ubisoft Forward event. The game pits up to 50 players against each other in a variety of extreme competitions including biking, snowboarding, skiing, and wing suiting. Despite the huge player count, the game can still be enjoyed solo as well as in co-op. Players can also compete in events, such as the X Games, and sign sponsorships to raise their Rider’s clout. Another cool feature is the game’s real-world locations based on America’s national parks such as Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, and Mammoth Mountain. We don’t get many AAA extreme sports games anymore, so Riders Republic is a welcomed project and looks like a blast so far.
Many studios are still finding their groove when it comes to working from home, so I wouldn’t expect Riders Republic to be the last big release to suffer a major delay. We’ve already seen marquee titles games such as Outriders, Hogwarts Legacy, and even the already far away Pragmata get pushed back. But as many of us should already know, if delaying a game ensures a better product, developers should take all of the time they need.
When Riders Republic eventually crosses the finish line, look for it on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC.
A new zombie experience comes to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War with Firebase Z. Firebase Z is the latest map to arrive for the Zombies mode of the shooter, continuing the Dark Aether narrative into season two.
Black Ops Cold War Zombies will be getting the new Firebase Z map on February 4, making it the perfect co-op experience to get down with on Valentine's Day (or not, but it'd be a lot cooler if you did). The new map will be free for all players and will bring players to Outpost 25 following the destruction of the WWII-era Projekt Endstation site in Poland. These events set the course for the Dark Aether outbreak, an outbreak that will continue its storyline well into season two with the newest map.
Treyarch has confirmed that it will have more to reveal about the latest drop in the "coming weeks" and will be celebrating "115 Day" on Friday, January 15 with even more Firebase Z details.
This reveal comes at the same time as the mode being free-to-play across all platforms for a limited time; fans don't even need to own Black Ops Cold War in order to get in on the action.
For those craving that Zombies experience right this minute, the new Raid map for Onslaught is now available for PlayStation players alongside the new Wakizashi Sword (which is not platform-specific).
Excited to dive into the new Black Ops Cold War Zombies Firebase Z map next month? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below! You can also see what we thought of the latest Call of Duty experience with our full review right here.
[Source: Treyarch]
Almost six years after its original release, new content is on the way for the original Axiom Verge. The 2D, Metroid-inspired indie game from developer Thomas Happ came out back in 2015 and earned acclaim for its clever gameplay and retro aesthetic. Now, with Axiom Verge 2 on the horizon, Happ has made the surprising announcement that a new randomizer mode is coming to the first game.
In a blog post, Happ explains that he has been working on Axiom Verge 2 since the launch of the original, and this new randomizer is the result of the passion and dedication of fans in Axiom Verge speedrunning community; it was made primarily by volunteers while Happ focused on the upcoming game.
So what does the randomizer actually do? It switches up the order in which you receive various items and upgrades, allowing experienced players to challenge themselves. According to Happ’s post, “Essentially, the Randomizer Mode randomizes (thus the name) the items you get as you progress through the game, but in a very sophisticated way. The Randomizer is smart enough to know that in certain areas you need weapons with certain characteristics to progress.”
In other words, it doesn’t just give you weapons in a haphazard random order. Because of the way the game is structured, you need access to weapons with specific properties (like shooting through walls, or destroying certain barriers) at certain points, or else your progress would be blocked. That’s what the randomizer mode is smart enough to figure out, ensuring that you can still move forward while also adding a layer of unpredictability to your playthrough.
If that sounds interesting, you should read the full post to get a more complete idea of how the mode works, and what the additional options are. The randomizer is available now (in beta) for the Steam and Epic Games Store versions of Axiom Verge, and will come to consoles as a free update once the team gets “all of the kinks worked out.”
Axiom Verge 2 is releasing sometime in the first half of 2021, so while you wait, you can check out this randomizer to re-familiarize yourself with Axiom Verge's strange, haunting sci-fi world.
The PlayStation 5 has been nigh impossible to come by, and it’s left many gamers in an emotional state. Each announcement of a new restock fills us with hope only to have that light extinguished in a matter of minutes or even seconds thanks to how quickly the systems get snatched up (thanks in no small part to scalper bots). One Twitch streamer expresses that heartache in perhaps the purest form possible: through the power of song.
According toKotaku, that streamer is one Claudio Sanchez, a musician and frontman of progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria. Prior to his Twitch stream, Sanchez, who does own a PS5, performed a quick, impromptu song about PS5 shortages using the console's menu music as the backup melody. The result is a mournful ditty that is both lovely and hilarious, and perfectly captures the frustration all of us have experienced trying to procure the elusive console. If I were an online storefront, I’d license the song and have it automatically play the moment stock sells out again. But that's just me.
Click here to watch embedded mediaSanchez tells Kotaku that this song is the latest of small performances based on the games (or in this case, hardware) he’s playing at the time. If you want to support more of Sanchez’s work or just watch him play games, take a look at his Twitch channel.
PlayStation 5 heartbreak comes in many forms, whether that be the abrupt cancellation of those cool custom black versions or the always crappy “I got a cinder block instead of a console” trick. For better or worse, now we have Claudio's haunting melody to accompany our disappointment whenever a online cart fails to check out in time. Feel free to talk, or sing, about your failed attempts to land a PS5 in the comments below.
[Source: Kotaku]
Outriders is just a few months away and to celebrate, Square Enix and People Can Fly have shared a new trailer showing off how the shooter performs on PC. The studio also shared a few of the ways the team is ensuring the game works the way it is intended on PC and what sort of options players can look forward to at launch.
Outriders is a shooter with heavy RPG elements that has offered some impressive looksinto the upcoming title thus far. Mass Effect meets Borderlands with a heavy Bulletstorm influence, People Can Fly's new game offers a lot for those looking to squad up and take on the dangerous world of Enoch. It's expansive and filled with action that is explored more in the video below, specifically for how well the title aims to run on PC.
Click here to watch embedded mediaAt launch, Outriders will offer key remapping and advanced graphic options for players to choose from, as well as support for most first-party controllers on PC. Interface and subtitle support will also be provided, supporting 13 languages for players around the world.
Outriders will also offer a customizable HUD, which the team talked a little about earlier last year, in addition to ultrawide screen support up to 3440 x 1440 and adjustable Field of View.
Dynamic Resolution Scaling will also be offered in order to tweak settings for performance purposes, in addition to the power of NVIDIA DLSS that utilizes an AI to help increase overall performance through NVIDIA GeForce.
There will also be cross-save capabilities as well, but only within specific ecosystems. Square Enix has confirmed that this feature will not work between different platforms. That means that cross-save would work between PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, but not PlayStation 5 to Xbox Series X.
As for the game itself, Outriders has seen a slight delay from its original February launch; now the game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on April 1. You can learn more about the upcoming shooter with our previous coverage here.
Resident Evil Village was first revealed last June as a new-gen title, but despite it coming sometime in 2021, we still haven't seen significant gameplay or learned too many details about the title. That all changes next week, as publisher Capcom has announced the Resident Evil Showcase, which will take place one week from today. Not only will we receive the first real look at gameplay plus a new trailer for Resident Evil Village, but Capcom is also promising additional Resident Evil news on top of anything related to Village.
The event will feature producers from the Resident Evil series and will provide a guided tour of Resident Evil Village, hopefully giving us more insight into the direction the game is going. To this point, all the information we've received on the title has come from teaser trailers, interviews, and, oddly enough, a PlayStation 5 promotional video featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka. The event is hosted by Brittney Brombacher, co-founder and co-host of What's Good Games. You can see the teaser for the Resident Evil Showcase starring Brombacher below.
Click here to watch embedded mediaThe most recent mainline entry in the series, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, changed the formula in drastic ways, most notably adopting a first-person view, with a stronger emphasis on grotesque horror after Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 shifted more towards the action-packed third-person shooter style of gameplay. Since the release of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Capcom has released critically acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. Speculation, fan demand, and a leak from Capcom has led people to believe that the publisher could be poised to announce a remake of the beloved Resident Evil 4, but there is no evidence to suggest if this will occur during this streaming event. Since the announcement simply says, "more Resident Evil news," it's also possible that this event could see additional information surrounding the announced Resident Evil reboot film or the upcoming Netflix series.
The Resident Evil Showcase is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 21 (one week from today) at 2 p.m. Pacific / 5 p.m. Eastern. Stay locked right here on our website for ways you can watch along with the Game Informer staff, or catch up with us after the fact for all the news and analysis coming out of the event.
[Source: Resident Evil on Twitter]
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is an upcoming 2D action RPG set within the destroyed Kingdom of End. Escorted by the spirit of a brave knight, the game's protagonist Lily uncovers the mysteries of her destroyed kingdom, during which she'll explore ruined churches, castles, submerged forests, and shadowy underground environments.
Join Jeff Cork, Dan Tack, and Alex Van Aken for a brand new episode of New Gameplay Today, wherein they conquer the game's first boss fight. You won't have to wait much longer if you're interested in playing Binary Haze Interactive's 2D Metroidvania, as Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights releases in Steam Early Access on January 21.
Bloober Team knows a thing or two about weaving an incredible horror tale, and that streak continues with the upcoming psychological thriller, The Medium. To celebrate the upcoming launch of this titillating horror adventure, the studio behind the title just revealed a new live-action trailer that offers an eerie new look at the mystery behind it all.
The Medium is much more than just another scary experience. It's a game that flirts with psychological warfare, meant to tease the player into a dualistic experience that thrives on uncertainty and a convoluted sense of reality. The live-action trailer goes beyond that, showing off even more disturbing elements to the world that The Medium has to offer:
Click here to watch embedded media“The Medium is a game with a very strong narrative backbone. The most important thing for me was to understand what the essence of this story is, who its heroes are and its tone,” said Writer & Creative Producer, Tomasz Bagiński. “The task was to lean as hard as possible on the emotional side of the story while trying to keep as many of the twists as possible a secret. The script is supposed to build a certain mood rather than reveal a story.”
Bagiński is an academy award-nominated filmmaker, as well as a Bafta winner, and a phenomenal storyteller. He has also worked on other gaming staples like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher series in addition to previous work with Ubisoft and Microsoft.
“The Medium is our biggest and most ambitious project to date,” said Piotr Babieno, CEO, Bloober Team. “When we thought who could write a live-action trailer for the game, Tomasz Bagiński quickly became the most natural choice. After all, his Oscar-nominated The Cathedral was also inspired by the art of Zdzisław Beksiński, just like the spirit world in our game. I’m personally very happy that we could create something together.”
The Medium, according to Bloober, is the studio's most ambitious project yet and will force players to attempt survival in not one reality, but two simultaneously. With a soundtrack co-composed by Silent Hill's Akira Yamaoka, this chilling adventure could be the next big thing in horror if it lives up to its promise.
As for the journey itself, the story follows Marianne, a character that is plagued by terrifying visions that blend two realities. There's the reality we know and see every day, and then there is the reality that belongs to spirits and very dangerous things that go bump in the night. As her visions progress, Marianne will travel to a Krakov, Poland hotel that is the home to a horrifying tragedy and it is there that she must unravel the mystery that plagues her.
The Medium officially makes its psychological debut on January 28 on Xbox Series X/S and PC through the Epic Games Store, Steam, and the Microsoft Store.
Nintendo confirmed that a new Pokémon Snap was on the way back in June of last year and now we've got a new trailer showing off the photography-driven adventure alongside a confirmed release date.
New Pokémon Snap will arrive on Nintendo Switch on April 30 and will bring back the fun-loving photo-taking game in full force. Hopeful trainers will be able to take to the Lental region and explore to their ecological heart's content, faithfully building up their impressive Pokémon Photodexes while observing these adorable little pocket monsters in their natural habitat.
Click here to watch embedded media“New Pokémon Snap presents a fun twist on a Pokémon adventure, with enchanting gameplay that lets players see some of their favorite Pokémon in a different light,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This new game is a fun addition to the strong lineup of Pokémon titles available on Nintendo Switch, and we can’t wait to see everyone’s pictures when New Pokémon Snap launches on April 30.”
Pokémon can be found all over the place in the wild, each thriving in their homes waiting to be discovered. Players will be able to harness their inner photographer as they capture the beauty between these creatures during playful moments and those more territorial times. Nintendo also teases that there are quite a few hidden surprises throughout the Lental reason, including secluded areas just waiting to be explored.
Exploring an entire region can seem like a daunting task, but don't worry; Professor Mirror is there to guide all trainers through their discoveries, instructing them how to take the perfect snapshot. From learning how to pose the pocket monsters in just the right way to learning how to frame a picture just right, New Pokémon Snap has everything fans need to craft their own perfect experience with the re-imagining of a beloved favorite.
New Pokémon Snap officially arrives on Nintendo Switch on April 30. Are you excited to dive back into this photography-filled world? What has you the most hype? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below and tell us what you think!
The Cyberpunk 2077 launch was riddled with issues beyond simple glitches. From the intentional misleading nature of hiding console versions of the game from reviewers to downright game-breaking bugs and a whole slew of marketing issues, the once-sterling reputation of CD Projekt Red took a massive hit following release. Following the delisting of the game from the PlayStation Store and refunds galore, the co-founder of CDPR just shared a new video detailing what the road to launch looked like, what went wrong with last-gen console copies, and what the team is doing to make it right.
In addition to the video below, a few key questions were answered alongside an infographic showing off the roadmap going forward. From the gap between PC and console versions of the game to what the studio is currently doing to be proactive about fixes, here is the latest update about the state of the game and where CD Projekt Red stands pending an investigation notice that went public earlier this month.
Click here to watch embedded mediaA big question following launch (and the reason behind the storefront delisting) is what happened to the last-gen console version of the game? While the company previously told investors that the last-gen versions were almost treated as an afterthought, the latest Q&A paints the picture that the studio thought it was in good shape.
"Cyberpunk 2077 is huge in scope, it features a multitude of custom objects, interacting systems and mechanics," explained CD Projekt Red in its latest post. "In the game, everything is not stretched out over flat terrain where we can make things less taxing hardware-wise, but condensed in one big city and in a relatively loading-free environment. We made it even more difficult for ourselves by first wanting to make the game look epic on PCs and then adjusting it to consoles — especially old-gens. That was our core assumption. And things did not look super difficult at first, while we knew the hardware gap, ultimately, time has proven that we've underestimated the task."
When asked if the team tested older versions of the game to make sure it ran as promised, CDPR claimed that the internal testing done did not show most of the errors seen at launch, saying "As we got closer to launch, we saw significant improvements each and every day, and we really believed we'd deliver in the final day zero update."
The day-zero update was no small patch, but it wasn't enough to fix many of the issues reported with many citing PlayStation 4 versions specifically as almost unplayable at launch.
But what about reviews? When review codes went out, the embargo restrictions were intense. Some of those restrictions, that have previously gone public, stated that no organic gameplay footage could be shared pre-launch and codes were restricted solely to the PC version. When asked why the review process was handled in such a controlling manner, the response claimed that readiness was behind the decision to keep it PC-only:
We started sending out PC review keys to start the review process in the first week of December. Come December 10th, launch day, we had a really good start with PC reviews, and while it’s not perfect, this is a version of the game we were, and still are, very proud of. When it comes to the review process for consoles, at the same time PC codes were sent out we were still working hard to improve the quality of the game on old-gen consoles. Every extra day that we worked on the day zero update brought visible improvement — that’s why we started sending console codes for reviews on the 8th December, which was later than we had planned.The game released December 10, with some being able to play it on December 9, but the console codes sent out were massively restricted. Game Informer did not receive a console code until post-launch, and many of the usual outlets that provide reviews were left waiting until post-launch.
Regarding the future of the game, CD Projekt Red promises that fixes the bugs reported is its top priority with several major hot fixes having already been deployed. When I revisited the game following some of the improvements made to make it safer for those with epileptic tendencies, I saw a massive difference between that moment and when we first played for review purposes. Still, there is more work to be done, work that the company recognizes and is actively working on.
The latest update also reaffirms that Cyberpunk 2077 free DLC plans are still intact. That being said, DLC has been bumped as a lower priority item on the task list while there are still issues needing to be addressed.
While this is good news and great for those hopeful to play the Cyberpunk adventure when it is more polished, there is an obvious concern: What about the team? Many of the developers challenged investors openly, asking for accountability for poor communication with the community and the part their pressure played in the work culture surrounding this title.
With numerous reports of grueling working conditions surrounding the culture of CD Projekt Red on the heels of a promise from leadership to not push its team to their limit as with the release of The Witcher, the amount of post-launch work has raised a concerns over what this means for the devs themselves. What actions are CDPR leadership taking to ensure the health and safety to those working to make these changes? How is the current leadership ensuring that quality changes are implemented and kept going into the future? These are important questions and questions that will hopefully be addressed so the developers that love what they do, that are proud of their work in Night City, can openly be exuberant in the latest game to come from the Polish studio.
[Source: CD Projekt Red]
It's a new week, which means another reset for Destiny 2: Beyond Light. With each reset comes new changes and progression towards upcoming seasons and fresh content. It also usually comes with some kind of nerf for Warlocks, but this week we've got something even more exciting: new quest areas to explore.
With Season of the Hunt, Guardians were tasked with a few new exotic quests, including reforging Hawkmoon and revisiting old locations. Following the most recent reset this Tuesday, some players have noticed that two new hidden areas have suddenly become discoverable which could be connected to Hawkmoon's continuation or something else entirely.
The first area was found and posted on Reddit, as seen in the video below, where a door opened up following the conclusion of the Crow mission. In the video, a ship can be seen with new dialogue and a tease of more quest possibilities:
Click here to watch embedded mediaAnother area was discovered shortly after, also posted on Reddit, that will challenge players to explore a secret Trostland tunnel. "I noticed that the black warp barrier was removed from the mysterious tunnel connecting the Trostland to the new Reservoir," notes redditor LukVuko. "I also noticed that the fireplace in the Trostland produced hitmarkers when shot, and had the idea of shooting it with a fully-charged Hawkmoon. To my surprise, the wall blew apart, opening up this tunnel! It ends at a closed door, please look around and see if you can find any quest triggers or something!"
They then added that a charged bullet isn't a necessity, but equipping Hawkmoon is required:
Click here to watch embedded mediaSome commenters replied saying that this could be a continuation of the Hawkmoon questline, while others are speculating that it could be a new exotic entirely.
The first area found is interesting because the ship is flawless in shape, something that surprised Guardians exploring the suddenly opened location. One common consensus that fans are coming to is that this could be due to some sort of blessing from the Traveler, but we won't know until whatever these areas unlock is fully available. Given that the ship can bug out while exploring this area, it's clear that this particular location isn't meant to be open to the public yet, but if it's showing up now? That means whatever secret is being hidden could be revealed soon.
Shoutout to my Destiny 2 clan 'The Asian Federation' for the keen-eyed spot!
What do you think about the hidden areas found within the latest reset for Destiny 2: Beyond Light? What are your thoughts on the most recent season thus far now that the Dawning event is concluded? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s next big updates arrive tomorrow. The spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is getting its long-awaited Classic Mode as well as a big crossover event with Kingdom: Two Crowns.
Classic Mode is geared towards old-school Castlevania fans by adding an 16 bit-inspired UI and five levels of vintage-style gameplay, including new boss battles. Meanwhile, The Kingdom: Two Crowns crossover adds the Dead Lands, a new area to the castle that comes straight from the kingdom-building simulator. Before Miriam does that, though, she’ll have to find the crown first. These updates come free of charge to Bloodstained players and arrive as part of Update Version 1.20, which are slated to hit the game January 14 at 10 a.m. PT.
Per the game’s roadmap, Bloodstained's next two updates are slated for Q1 and Q2 of this year and will feature additional modes, another crossover, and a new playable character.Past updates have added a boss revenge mode, chroma wheel, and the Bloodless playable character. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next. By that, I mean I want a full-blown sequel, which could be a possibility given how well the first game sold (over a million copies as of June 2020).
In case you couldn’t tell, we enjoyed Bloodstained quite a bit. The game successfully captured the best elements of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (not a surprise given Bloodstained is helmed by SOTN mastermind, Koji Igarashi), while adding a bevy of cool wrinkles to make it stand on its own. Check out our review of the gamehere. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS and Android.
Editor's note: we have updated the piece the reflect Bloodstained's new post-launch roadmap.
Skystone Games is a new publisher that was founded by industry veterans David Brevik and Bill Wang. To spearhead the company's goals going into 2021, Skystone has revealed two new games coming down the pipeline, which include a competitive shooter and a new tower defense adventure.
The first game revealed under the Skystone Games umbrella is Boundary, a competitive shooter from the team at Surgical Scalpels. But what is Boundary? According to Skystone, this game is "set in an alternate near-future timeline where the Space Force is more than a Netflix TV show, Boundary explores space combat like never before. Taking the best of first-person shooter mechanics, adding in Zero-G movement, Surgical Scalpels creates a new visceral experience for fans of competitive shooters. The battle over the remains of space stations or solar arrays on maps that literally defy gravity."
Click here to watch embedded mediaThis shooter aims to offer a completely new take on the competitive FPS genre while offering a customizable means for customization, gravity-defying maps, and a world stunningly built using Unreal Engine 4.
The Last Friend is a new tower defense-inspired game that blends a brawler experience to bring the two genres into one cohesive game. And there are dogs. Lots of dogs.
When the world goes into the apocalypse, there is nothing better than best friends as company… especially when it’s an army of loyal canine companions. The Last Friend brings in an army of super-powered dogs to help players drive back the violent mutants and gangs of the apocalypse in a fun, fast-paced hybrid of Tower Defense and Beat-Em-Up.And yes, you can pet the dogs.
These two games join the already established lineup that includes Undying, Spacelines from the Far Out, and Underworld Dreams. The five revealed titles will be launching on console and PC throughout 2021.
While Skystone Games is still in its infancy, the company has taken the last six months to truly push its growth boundaries with the goal to offer a diverse array of gaming experiences to players around the world.
“It is our goal that Skystone Games will become a premiere developer-first publishing studio for many years to come,” said CEO Bill Wang. “We believe in the independence, ingenuity, and passion of today’s game development studios, and we cannot wait to show everyone the kind of surprises we have in store for 2021 and beyond.”
“When Bill and David came to our team intending to provide creative guidance and global publishing services in a way that empowers developers and shares the rewards of their hard work, we were ecstatic to get involved,” said Sam Englebardt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Galaxy Interactive. “We believe in Skystone’s vision and can’t wait to see what everyone thinks of the games they’re making.”
You can learn more about Skystone Games and where its mission statement through the official website right here. You can also register for the upcoming Boundary beta hereas well to get ready for a new shooter experience.
Bethesdateased Gate of Oblivion, the upcoming expansion to The Elder Scrolls Online during last month's Game Awards with a full reveal promised for January 21. According toEurogamer, though, the publisher has pushed back that reveal by a few days to avoid brushing up too close against Inauguration Day in the U.S.
For our international readers, January 20 marks the day that President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into office. Following the attacks on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, however, threats of similar armed uprisings during the inauguration have surfaced. In light of these events, Bethesda says it’s “playing it safe” by moving Gates of Oblivion’s big reveal from January 21 to January 26 at 5 p.m. EST/10 p.m. GMT. It’s worth noting that ZeniMax, Bethesda’s parent company, is headquartered in north Washington D.C. and, according to Bethesda, most of its employees live or work near the Capitol.
Due to Inauguration Day in the United States falling on Jan. 20, we are moving our Global Reveal Event for Gates of Oblivion from Thursday, Jan. 21 to Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 5pm EST/10pm GMT. Thank you for your support and we will see you soon! Details here: https://t.co/hXtzmeCpNe pic.twitter.com/qcy7NIHVmS
— The Elder Scrolls Online (@TESOnline) January 13, 2021
We don’t know much about what the upcoming expansion entails other than the (obvious) return of Oblivion Gates as well as big bad Mehrunes Dagon. The Gate of Oblivion global event will be streamed live on Bethesda’s Twitch channel and will feature a roundtable of developers and special guests including ZeniMax Online Studios Director Matt Firor and Bethesda Senior VP of Marketing and Communications Pete Hines. Viewers can expect to receive Twitch Drops throughout the event as well as the Viridescent Dragon Frog pet for free. A post-show delving deeper into the announcements will air immediately after the event concludes.
All in all this is a good move for Bethesda. Better to be safe than sorry. In the meantime, the studio is hard at work publishing the new Indiana Jones title from Wolfenstein developer, Machine Games. For more Elder Scrolls goodness, check out these hotElders Scrolls VI rumors as well as our recent episode of Replay of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
[Source: Eurogamer]
Last year, Sony unveiled a new Harry Potter game called Hogwarts Legacy during its PlayStation 5 showcase. The open-world action RPG was originally slated for a 2021 launch, but the studios attached to this magical adventure have announced the decision to push back the release until 2022.
The announcement of the delay debuted on the game's official Twitter account, saying, "We would like to thank fans from around the world for the tremendous reaction to the announcement of Hogwarts Legacy from our Portkey Games label. Creating the best possible experience for all of the Wizarding World and gaming fans is paramount to us, so we are giving the game the time it needs."
— Hogwarts Legacy (@HogwartsLegacy) January 13, 2021
Developed by Avalanche Software, and published under Warner Bros. Interactive's Portkey Games label, Hogwarts Legacy is an extended way to experience a franchise that is beloved by many. The open-world adventure is set during the 1800s in the Harry Potter universe, allowing players to get their Quidditch playing on while crafting potions, learning magic, and even undergoing the iconic Sorting Hat initiation.
While we know that the game has been pushed back until 2022, we don't have any specific release window at this time. What we do know, however, is that Hogwarts Legacy is still slated to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Given the extended timeline before launch, it is possible that Warner Bros. may decide to pivot away from a last-gen release given that it could be up to two years after the launch of a new generation of consoles.
Bandai Namco is rolling out the red carpet for Little Nightmares II in a big way ahead of its February 11 launch. The publisher has unveiled a bunch of branded goodies and events centered around its release, including hardware giveaways, a comic, and more.
First and foremost is a new trailer that reinforces the fact that Little Nightmares II is still a creepy experience despite having a co-op partner along for the entire ride. If watching that gets you pumped to play, then you’ll be pleased to know that a free demo of the game's Wilderness level is now available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC. Pre-orders for the game have also opened on the Nintendo eShop.
Click here to watch embedded mediaNewcomers on Steam have a chance to win the original Little Nightmares by signing up their emails on the game’s website. The giveaway begins today and ends January 17. Bandai Namco isn’t done giving out freebies yet. The publisher is also giving away a Little Nightmares II branded Switch featuring a customized dock and Joy-Cons. The contest begins today as well and wraps up when the game launches next month. You can enter by visiting this link.
Finally, if playing Little Nightmares II proves too spooky, you can both read the adventure in the Little Nightmares interactive comic, the first two episodes of which are live now on the App Store and Google Play. Fans who want to show their Little Nightmares II fandom can check out the game’s new line of apparel. Rain jacket not included, unfortunately.
Little Nightmares II is the follow-up to the well-received 2017 horror platformer. Players control returning protagonist Six who teams up with new playable character Mono to escape a nightmarish world. So far the game looks every bit as fun and unsettling as the original, and we’re excited to see how the full release turns out. Until then, you can watch us play a slice of the game in this episode ofNew Gameplay Today.
The Pokémon Company International is celebrating 25 yearsof the beloved franchise in a big way with a newly announced collaboration with pop singer Katy Perry. The global music celebration called P25 Music will feature Perry alongside other rising artists to ring in those "gotta catch 'em all" festivities.
To celebrate 25 years of Pokémon, the company is teaming up with Universal Music Group for Brands to help make the 25th-anniversary party one to remember. This is the largest event to date for the franchise, according to the Pokémon Company, and will include "some of the biggest names in music." Perry's role in the celebratory event will also extend beyond headlining, she will also be working as a "premier collaborator" throughout the entire year.
“Pokémon has been a constant in my life from playing the original video games on my Game Boy to trading Pokémon TCG cards at lunch to the adventures of catching Pokémon on the street with Pokémon Go. I’ve even visited the Pokémon Café in Japan while on tour! It is an honor to be chosen to help celebrate a franchise that has given me so much joy in the last 25 years, and to be able to watch it evolve in the ways it’s provided that kind of electric joy for the kids in my life and around the world,” said Katy Perry in a press release about the Pokémon music event.
Click here to watch embedded media“In Katy Perry, we see a kindred spirit to Pokémon, whose world is bright, fun and uplifting,” added Colin Palmer, vice president of marketing at The Pokémon Company International, in that same press release. “Katy is a wonderful ambassador to help us celebrate 25 years of Pokémon, and we can’t wait for music fans everywhere to experience the exciting collaborations we have planned.”
More details about the ongoing music event will be dropping throughout 2021 alongside the promise of even more exciting reveals on the way.
“We are honored to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon and the significant cultural impact this beloved franchise continues to have around the world. Working together, we have developed dynamic year-round programming involving artists from across UMG’s labels — because what better way to create a global celebration than through the power of music,” concluded LJ Gutierrez, General Manager, UMGB.
In previous years, we've seen Pokémon Day announcements for new games as well as fun, integrative ways to join the fandom through things like Snapchat filters and special Pokémon Go events. While we don't have details about what could possibly be revealed outside of what we already know (like a new Pokémon Snap), more announcements will be flowing in steadily throughout the year as part of this special 25-year event.
While much of the world is still dealing with isolation due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and Stay At Home orders, the power of music should not be discounted. Pairing the delight of music with the love of the adorable Pokémon franchise is a recipe for an awesome way to come together as a community.
To learn more about the year-long Pokémon celebration, you can check out the official Pokémon website here for more fan-driven activities and new announcements about what's next for the franchise.
News broke this morning that Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment are teaming up with Lucasfilm to create a new Star Wars experience for players to fall in love with. The reveal also means the end of the exclusivity deal that EA has currently regarding the Star Wars IP, leaving some fans wondering what that means for the future of games like Fallen Order and any other potential projects that were planned.
Lucasfilm Games took to the Star Wars blog following the big announcement to shed some light on what else the company is working on, while also confirming that its relationship with EA is "stronger than ever" with several new games currently in the works under the Electronic Arts umbrella.
“We’re really proud of the games we have created with EA,” says Lucasfilm Games VP Douglas Reilly. “We will continue working with them and our relationship has never been stronger. While we may not have a lot of details to share at the moment, we’ve got a number of projects underway with the talented teams at EA.”
This is good news for fans of the most recent release of Star Wars: Squadrons as well as Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. While a sequel for Fallen Order has only been reported, not officially confirmed, the single-player adventure starring Cal Kestis blew right through sales expectations following launch, which paves the way for a continuationshould EA and Lucasfilm Games choose to do so.
Star Wars 1313, the once anticipated but canceled EA Star Wars game, is also something that we'll never see; the coding for the title itself has sparsed to the wind and outdated, but that doesn't mean that EA can't support another Star Wars single-player adventure that offers an immersive way to experience a beloved franchise. Lucasfilm Games didn't confirm what projects are currently in the works with EA following the Ubisoft reveal outside of confirming that there are several planned, but it is nice to see that other talented studios can now shoot their shot regarding everyone's favorite galaxy far, far away.
Missed the initial announcement regarding the upcoming Star Wars Ubisoft title with Massive Entertainment? You can catch up with our previous coverage here. Feel free to also sound off with your thoughts on the latest Star Wars happenings in the comment section below!
[Source: Star Wars]
Today, Ubisoft announced a partnership with the newly established Lucasfilm Games to create a narrative-focused, open-world Star Wars adventure. This has been a particularly busy week for Lucasfilm Games as the new Star Wars banner was first revealed on Monday. Yesterday, Bethesda and Machine Entertainment unveiled an upcoming Indiana Jones game, and now Star Wars fans can excitedly wonder what Ubisoft has in store for the iconic brand.
“The vast Star Wars lore is an incredible source of inspiration for our teams,” says Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot in a press release. “This is the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm Games, and we are pleased to be working hand-in-hand to build upon the incredible legacy of Lucasfilm to create a game that we know Star Wars fans will love.”
The creators of The Division franchise, Massive Entertainment, are set to helm the project. And the addition of the team’s in-house Snowdrop engine is slated to play a large role in the new game’s development. However, whether the new Star Wars project will share The Division’s online multiplayer elements remains unclear. “Ubisoft have a unique talent for crafting immersive worlds, so we’re thrilled to work with them on this project,” says Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games. “Together we share a vision for the type of original stories we want to tell with our players in this expansive galaxy. They have the creativity, experience, and community understanding to bring awe-inspiring authenticity, depth and innovation to this new Star Wars game.”
In 2013, Electronic Arts signed a 10-year deal with Disney for Star Wars exclusivity. But now that Lucasfilm Games has been announced alongside these other partnerships, it seems safe to assume that Disney will not be renewing its agreement with EA in 2023. Nevertheless, EA affirmed its commitment to creating engaging Star Wars experiences in the coming years.
In a statement to Game Informer, an EA representative tells us, “We are proud of our long-standing collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, which will continue for years to come. Our talented teams have created some of the most successful games in the history of the Star Wars franchise, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars: Battlefront, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, and Star Wars: Squadrons. We love Star Wars and look forward to creating more exciting Star Wars experiences for players to enjoy.”
As for Ubisoft’s upcoming game, the release date is unknown, though it will likely be after EA’s Star Wars exclusivity agreement ends in 2023. Extra details on the open world, central storyline, and gameplay loop have also not been revealed. Nevertheless, Massive Entertainment’s creative director, Julian Gerighty assures that, “This is a lore that we love, and we want to do it justice with a game and story that bring both lifelong and new fans on an immersive and outstanding journey that will stay with them for years.”
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition is available this week, brought back to life by Ubisoft after the original version (which released in 2010) was delisted from digital storefronts several years back. In its absence, a kind of mythology has risen up around this 2D brawler, with fans remembering it fondly and proclaiming its place among the genre’s best. Some of that mystique may be related to the game’s delisting (sometimes people simply want what they can’t have), but after playing through the complete edition, I am reminded that all of the praise is anything but empty.
Most importantly, you don’t need to be a Scott Pilgrim fan to appreciate this game, or know anything about its world. Seeing the characters and story represented is fun if you’re familiar, but that tie-in is really a peripheral part of what makes this game noteworthy. That’s because, whether you’re talking about the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel or the Scott Pilgrim vs. The Worldmovie from director Edgar Wright, this universe is steeped in video game references and sensibilities, and those take center stage for this adaptation.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMost of the nods and Easter eggs in the game are callbacks to video game stuff, rather than anything tied to the Scott Pilgrim universe. You can expect a parade of references to things like The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. In short, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game may be a licensed product, but it is approachable for all people regardless.
Once you start playing, you find more than the basic punch-and-kick mechanics of old-school brawlers. Your repertoire starts simple, but new layers are folded in as you progress to keep the action fresh, which is ultimately what makes this game such a standout. Encounters are an entertaining mix of straightforward brawling and various environmental variables. Maybe a crowd of screaming band groupies are about to trample you. Maybe you need to punch a stationary car to pieces. Maybe you are swarmed by ninjas, and swords are everywhere just waiting to be used. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game injects variety with amusing one-off segments and a plethora of weapons you can use to whack your enemies into submission, but it doesn’t rely solely on the novelty of using what you find around you.
Your characters also grow and improve, giving you another satisfying avenue for progress. The game takes lessons from some of the legends in the genre, including Streets of Rage, River City Ransom, and Castle Crashers. You level up, earn money, improve your stats, learn new moves, uncover secrets, and clash with epic bosses. You get the ability to grab, throw, and stomp, along with a handful of super-powerful techniques that really help you tear through a screen full of goons. The playable heroes (seven in total) are all different enough to reward ushering each one through the game, but not so different that you feel like you’re starting back at square one. And, of course, this is all best experienced as part of a four-player co-op group brawling together (though it works as a single-player game, too).
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Another thing that blows me away (even today) about Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is the presentation. From the fantastic chiptune soundtrack from Anamanaguchi to Paul Robertson’s pixel art, the whole package perfectly captures a retro aesthetic without feeling dated or archaic. It an experience that transports you back to the glory days of arcades, but from the comfort of your own home – and without that weird arcade smell.
I’m not formally reviewing this complete edition, because apart from being functional on modern consoles, it doesn’t feel significantly different from the original. But it was a great game then, and it remains a great game now. Yes, it’s a bummer that this fantastic brawler was unavailable to players for a while. But that time away seems to have allowed the game’s legend to grow, and this old-school throwback deserves its shot to find an audience again.
On August 10, 2010, Ubisoft released what Game Informer called "the best modern brawler since Castle Crashers." Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game dazzled fans with a magical blend of gorgeous pixel art, challenging-yet-engaging combat, and one of the best video game soundtracks of that year.
The game ascended to cult status and bucked the trend of studios releasing disappointing movie tie-in games. But despite its success and passionate fanbase, something odd happened. Four years after its initial release, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game disappeared from digital storefronts and became unplayable on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Flash forward to 2021, and Ubisoft is finally answering fan's prayers and rereleasing the cult classic, including DLC and other post-launch updates. Are the upgrades noticeable enough for fans who've already played the classic 2D-brawler to jump back in? Does the game still hold up 11 years after its original release? Join Jeff Cork, Joe Juba, Marcus Stewart, and me as we dive into the game's online co-op and answer those questions and more on this episode of New Gameplay Today.
Can't wait to start beating up evil exes in the name of love? Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition releases on January 14 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, and PC (and is also playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S via backwards compatibility). Fans in the mood for something a bit more tangible are also in luck, as Limited Run Games has announced it will be releasing physical copies for Sony and Nintendo systems.
In the meantime, you can fill that gaping 16-bit hole in your heart by checking out why we think Ubisoft Montreal's game stands the test of time as one of the best 2D-brawlers to ever be released.
Can't get enough Dark Souls? Dying for news on Elden Ring? Looking for Souls-style action on the Switch? Well, action RPG Hellpoint is on its way to the Nintendo platform soon, scheduled to release on February 25. TinyBuild has revealed a new trailer to showcase some gameplay for the release, which you can check out below.
Click here to watch embedded mediaHellpoint contains tons of bosses to slay, secrets to explore, areas to uncover, and weapons to master. In fact, the game features certain areas and scenarios that can only happen when the "stars align" so to speak, as the heavens themselves conspire to create scenarios that unleash horrible demonic challenges. Of course, those challenges come with their own share of rewards as well, so you may find yourself fiending for some of the more difficult fights. Aesthetically, it blends dark, futuristic fantasy tropes with a bit of horror, as if Dark Souls, Event Horizon, and Warhammer 40,000 had an evil baby.
Along the way, you discover checkpoints, level up, customize your character and hopefully find a few weapons that resonate with your playstyle. These weapons include a giant stone pillar, which can be really fun to smash things with. Ranged options are also available if you're looking to keep the gigantic foes at bay from a safe distance. A massive hub area unlocked early in the game provides a special place to upgrade your weapons and armor and plan your path through the derelict space station. and Some light puzzles offer additional exploration opportunities, and you might even be able to sequence break your way to all sorts of areas in the game early if you're willing to probe each zone carefully.
It's entirely possible to miss special areas and encounters as you go through the game, so it's a good idea to investigate areas carefully, and pay attention to the positioning of the space station in orbit to make sure you're ready to handle any special enemies or bosses that are timed to the dangerous black hole events.
The dark and deadly Hellpoint arrives on the Switch on February 25.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV has been available on PlayStation since last October, but now it's coming to the Nintendo Switch! That's right, you can take all of your favorite heroes on the go this April. NIS America revealed the new platform launch date today with a tweet and a trailer.
Heroes must unite! Trails of Cold Steel IV is coming to Nintendo Switch on April 9, 2021! #TrailsofColdSteelIV pic.twitter.com/K1FfRFzmE6
— NISAmerica (@NISAmerica) January 12, 2021
Trails of Cold Steel IV continues to follow the story and saga of Rean, adding to the tale that the franchise has been working on since Trails in the Sky. It's also the final entry in the Cold Steel saga and brings some resolution to some of the ever-expanding story threads and beats. Trails of Cold Steel IV boasts more characters than any other entry in the series, including numerous familiar faces.
Looking to see a few of the characters you might meet on your journey? Check out some of the cast here. Game Informer's Kimberly Wallace conducted an interview with Nihon Falcom president and producer Toshihiro Kondo last year that's absolutely worth a read if you're thinking about diving into the story-rich world of Trails of Cold Steel, IV or otherwise. Read Kim's entire interview here.
While we haven't reviewed Trails of Cold Steel IV, the series has enchanted us before. "The Trails of Cold Steel franchise continues to impress me. Whether it’s in the depth added to its fantastic turn-based battle system or the intriguing revelations tucked into its sprawling storyline, Nihon Falcom keeps taking the series in exciting directions," says Kimberly Wallace of Trails of Cold Steel III. "The way the developer has built up a massive world and its political tensions is fascinating, referencing events that happened way back in the Trails in the Sky arc. Seeing how all this history and lore unfolds has been an exciting part of the journey. Fans are constantly treated to callbacks and character reunions that feel like rewards for the long investment. " You can read the entire review for Trails of Cold Steel III right here.
DC Universe Online is celebrating 10 years of its incredible MMORPG experience by gifting players with a few in-game freebies. Earlier this week, Dimensional Ink Games revealed how the studio is giving back to the gamers that have enjoyed the DC Universe experience, starting with an offer of over $50 worth of free loot from now until the end of the month.
What can players expect from the 10 year anniversary celebration? For starters, all players can look forward to a free Character Advance to CR290, a Paradox Gazer combat pet, a new Restored Shim'Tar Regalia-inspired new gear suit, a couple of new 10th anniversary emblems, and two new firework trinkets.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMembers will also receive a few additional freebies to celebrate the game's anniversary, including the following:
To make sure to get all of the Members-specific drops, simply log in before the end of January to unlock the special Member Appreciation Gift Box. Not a member yet? Also included in the anniversary celebration is a special discount on becoming a Member with a 20% discount to join up. You can learn more about the membership incentives right herethrough the DCUO website.
DC Universe Online first made its debut in 2011 and since then, the community surrounding the comics-inspired adventure has continued to evolve with its players and their love of the game. With over 69,143,146 characters created, DCUO has continuously evolved smartly after going free-to-play.
Take a peek at some other interesting tidbits surrounding the game as the studio celebrates 10 years of the MMORPG experience:
“I’m thrilled to be part of the team and celebrate this incredible milestone for DC Universe Online,” Jack Emmert, CEO of Dimensional Ink, said in a statement. “After reading DC comic books for 45 years, it’s a dream come true to be able to play in DC’s rich multiverse. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years will bring!”
While the game celebrates a huge milestone, there is still more yet to come. It will be interesting to see where the studio takes this online social title next!
Are you a fan of DC Universe Online? Share with us some of your favorite memories in the comment section below!
Valorant Episode 2 Act 1 launches today, and with it arrives the dimension-hopping agent named Yoru. On top of adding another duelist to the game's character roster, Valorant brings changes to staple agents like Brimstone and Omen; but regardless of which character you enjoy playing, you can of course look forward to new battle pass cosmetics to invest your time into.
Starting at 2:30 P.M. CT, join Alex Van Aken, Shawn Thomas (Team Liquid), Richard Wood (Firesprite Games), and friends as they check out Valorant's new agent in this episode of New Gameplay Today Live. If you can't get enough of our live shows, remember to subscribe on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook to get notified when we go live each week!
Blizzard announced a new free-for-all map, Kanezaka, will hit Overwatch’s deathmatch mode today. As wepreviously reported, the new map takes place outside the walls of Hanamura castle, giving players a chance to explore and compete within the surrounding village for the first time. To celebrate the occasion, players (especially those who favor Hanzo) can earn limited-time rewards from now until January 25.
The rewards in question include six unique sprays as well as the Kyogisha epic skin for Hanzo. Racking up victories in Quick Play, Competitive, or Arcade, nets you these goodies, and here’s how many you’ll need to get each one:
3 wins - Pagoda player icon
6 wins - Yōkai spray
9 wins - 1 New Epic Skin: Kyogisha Hanzo
If watching someone else play Overwatch is more your thing, you can earn additional rewards by checking out any Twitch streamer playing the game to earn six Kanezaka Challenge Sprays. The number of sprays earned depends on the number of hours watched, so be sure to have those streams running in the background while you’re engaged with work or some other adult obligation to snag some easy rewards.
2 hours watched - 1 new spray
4 hours watched - 2 new sprays
6 hours watched - 3 new sprays
Kanezaka looks like a blast, and also features a fair amount of Easter Eggs and environmental hints that Blizzard says will pay off in Overwatch 2. Be sure to keep an eye out as you’re racking up wins and earning skins (see what I did there?). Speaking of Overwatch 2, now that Kanezaka is out in the wild, we hope to hear more about it whenBlizzConline occurs February 19 and 20. To learn more about Overwatch 2 as well as what Blizzard has in the pipeline in general (such as Diablo IV), check out ourcoverage hub from our Blizzard issue ofGame Informer.
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Is a Full Throttle movie happening? No. Is there a full script for it anyway? Yup. Warcraftdirector Duncan Jones decided to use his in-quarantine time during the COVID-19 pandemic to draft an entire script for a non-existent Full Throttle film. The script's faithfulness to the game is making it easy to envision an adapted movie.
The top of the script sets the tone of why this project even came to be, labeled "draft — COVID! Does anything matter!?" While some of us were catching up on our gaming backlogs, Jones wrote an entire movie. Balance.
It blew my mind!
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2021
I LOVED that game. I mean, REALLY loved that game.
So the next time I had one of those freezes, I started writing this-
A fan script for the LucasArts classic, FULL THROTTLE.
Enjoy.https://t.co/U179UWdeZ1
The director took to Twitter to share the script in its entirety while also taking a moment to share the video inspiration behind his script, a re-imagined Full Throttle 2020 creative endeavor helmed by Red Knuckles.
Full Throttle first burst onto the gaming scene back in 1995. Developers Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman (then at LucasArts) crafted an expertly fine-tuned narrative perfect for those craving a motorcycle-driven adventure. With every month seemingly confirming a new videogame movie or television adaptation, this script — while casually made — isn't half bad when gauging the potential for a Full Throttle film.
Interested in checking the script out for yourself? You can read it, in full, right here.
What are your thoughts on Duncan's take on the Full Throttle game in a movie script format? Sound off in the comment section below and tell us what you'd envision for your dream movie adaptation!
Mundaun is a striking horror adventure game announced last summer from Hidden Fields, a one-man studio run by developer Michel Ziegler. A press release bills the game as “a lovingly hand penciled horror tale," since it sports eye-catching pencil-sketched art that gives the survival horror adventure a uniquely creepy vibe.
Ziegler began making Mundaun as a passion project in 2014. The game’s story follows a young man named Curdin who travels to Mundaun, a real-life village in the Swiss Alps (a region Ziegler spent many childhood summers visiting) to learn the fate of his grandfather, who died under mysterious circumstances. During his stay, he discovers that Mundaun is haunted by a sinister force, and Curdin must unravel the town’s secrets to figure out what’s happening.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMundaun’s horror is inspired by local folklore. Instead of fighting enemies head-on, gameplay seems to largely consist of puzzle-solving while also avoiding dangerous enemies, whose presence feeds into the game’s fear system. Similar to games such as Amnesia, the fear system causes players to become disoriented when placed in terrifying situations – something Ziegler describes as a “cause and effect” feature. Since the game is survival horror, expect to collect and juggle an inventory of items as you explore deeper into the village.
Mundaun’s hand-drawn art stands as its most unique feature. Ziegler creates charcoal sketches of characters and maps them onto 3D models. The result is like watching a twisted sketchbook come to life, and gives Mundaun an unsettling atmosphere. You can watch how Ziegler creates the art in the short behind-the-scenes video below.
Click here to watch embedded mediaMundaun looks fascinating, and thankfully we won’t have to wait too long to see how it shapes up. Hidden Fields announced that the game launches March 16 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
Arcade1Up is a company that lets you bring the arcade action you remember (or maybe only heard about, depending on your age) into the comfort of your own house, and it recently announced several new cabinets to add to your collection. From one of the most beloved co-op beat-'em-ups of the '90s to one-stop shops for some of the most classic arcade publishers around, the lineup Arcade1Up debuted during this year's Consumer Electronics Show is eclectic and enticing.
The lineup begins with the new X-Men arcade cabinet (pictured above), which features the classic side-scrolling 1992 brawler from Konami. This four-player cabinet might not allow you to squeeze six of your closest friends on to one screen like some of the double-wide original cabinets, but what it lacks in width, it makes up for in added features. You can bring in additional players online thanks to the cabinet's WiFi capability, plus it adds two additional Marvel action titles: Captain American and the Avengers, and The Avengers in Galactic Storm. The cabinet also features an X-Men-themed riser to bring the mini hardware to the correct height.
Next up is Dragon's Lair, the 1983 classic made let arcade-goers feel like they were controlling a cartoon. Those who pick up this cabinet get the hand-drawn original, as well as Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp and the science-fiction adventure Space Ace, also from animator Don Bluth. This machine also includes a custom riser, though the art (which is pretty much just the three games' logos) is more understated than that of the X-Men cabinet. If you're more of a Space Ace fan, you can also pick up the same cabinet in a Space Ace variant.
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Rare is remembered by many for its arcade prowess, and Arcade1Up is celebrating that with a new Killer Instinct machine. While the classic fighting game is the centerpiece, the full games list on this cabinet includes Killer Instinct, Killer Instinct 2, Battletoads (arcade version), and Battletoads/Double Dragon. This package also features WiFi play and a matching riser for those who want additional height.
Speaking of classic arcade companies, the Atari Legacy Edition Arcade Cabinet features 12 games in one machine. Those who pick up this special release (which, again, includes a riser), will be able to play Asteroids, Centipede, Major Havoc, Missile Command, Akka Arrh, Crystal Castles, Tempest, Millipede, Gravitar, Liberator, Asteroids Deluxe, and Space Duel.
Arcade1Up has already given fans a Street Fighter II cabinet featuring the various editions of the game, but while this new Capcom cabinet features various Street Fighter II, it's more about celebrating the publisher than anything else. The Capcom Legacy Edition Arcade Cabinet gives you 12 games from Capcom's storied arcade past. This machine includes the original Street Fighter, Street Fighter II: World Warrior, Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Street Fighter II: Turbo, Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers, Super Street Fighter II: Turbo, Darkstalkers, Strider, Commando, Final Fight, Ghosts n Goblins, and 1944. The cabinet itself is themed after Street Fighter II and also features a custom riser.
If you haven't yet gotten your Pac-fill, Arcade1Up is ready to give you all you can handle with the Bandai Namco Legacy Edition cabinet. Much like the Capcom and Atari compilation cabinets, this features a collection of some of Bandai Namco's most classic arcade titles, with a keen emphasis on the Pac-Man and Dig-Dug series. This arcade bundle features Pac-Man, Pac-Land, Pac-Man Plus, Super Pac-Man, Pac & Pal, Pac-Mania, Galaxian, Galaga, Dig Dug, Dig Dug II, Mappy, and Rompers. This bundle also features a custom riser like so many of the others announced at the same time.
If you're more of a sit-down gamer, the Pong 4-Player Pub Table machine lets you gather three of your closest friends to play eight Atari classics. On this machine, which features a clear cover top to protect against spills, you can play Pong, Quadra Pong, Pong Doubles, Warlords, Pong Sports, Circus Atari, Tempest, and Super Breakout. Since this is meant to be played seated, it does not include a customer riser like the rest of the machines on this list.
To this point, Arcade1Up has released a ton of arcade cabinets in all shapes and sizes. In the past, the company has released cabinets dedicated to Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, NBA Jam, Marvel vs. Capcom, and more previously coin-operated classics. However, the machines tend to sell out relatively quickly, though Arcade1Up has sometimes brought them back into stock.
Pre-orders for the new cabinets are not yet open, but if you go to Arcade1Up's website, you can sign up to be notified when they are live.
[Source: Arcade1Up via GameSpot]
Dead Cells was one of 2018’s best games (and ourfavorite roguelike), and it has a big DLC arriving in just a couple of weeks. Fatal Falls launches January 26 for consoles and PC, and injects the already stellar experience with deadly new enemies, additional biomes, and, of course, a fresh arsenal of weaponry.
Two mid-game biomes, The Fractured Shrines and The Undying Shores, are parallels to the Stilt Village, Clock Tower, and Time Keeper zones and serve as alternate paths for those areas. That gives players additional routes to help freshen up the middle section of runs.
Players will combat new enemies like the Myopic Crow and Clumsy Swordsman as well as big bad The Scarecrow (who fans may recognize as a certain gardener). To slay these threats, you’ll need one or all of the seven new weapons: Lightning Rod, Ferryman’s Lantern, Scarecrow Sickles, Iron Staff, Snake Fangs, Serenade, and Cocoon. New power skills come in the form of a flying sword that relentlessly slashes foes as well as scythes that follow players and are attracted to enemies. Players also have 10 new outfits to help them dress for the occasion.
Alongside Fatal Falls’ launch is a new bundle, Dead Cells: The Fatal Seed Bundle. It includes the base game, the 20 free updates, and both paid DLC's. Switch players can pre-order it now and get 33% off. The same discount will apply to other versions of the bundle when Fatal Falls launches on the 26th. That includes 50% off the base game (a nice intro price for newcomers) and 30% off The Bad Seed standalone DLC. These discounts begin January 26 and run into mid-February.
You can read our glowing review of Dead Cells here.
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