Tag: Activision - Page 5
Poll Does Sony Need to Take Action After Microsoft's Activision Buyout?
Holding out for a hero
Microsoft's jaw-dropping acquisition of Activision Blizzard earlier this week has fundamentally changed the gaming landscape as we know it. The reported $68 billion buyout shows just how ridiculously deep Microsoft's pockets are — and that financial bulk is something that Sony simply cannot compete with. It leaves the...
"Sony is an important part of our industry"
Will Activision games continue to release on PlayStation consoles once Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision goes through? That's the question on everyone's minds right now, and the team in green itself likely doesn't even know for sure just yet either. However, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil...
News Sony Responds to Activision Blizzard Buyout, Expects Games to Still Come to PS5, PS4
Wants contracts to be abided by
Sony has this morning issued a statement in response to Microsoft's $69 billion dollar deal to purchase Activision. In a quote shared with The Wall Street Journal via a Sony spokesperson, the firm said: "We expect that Microsoft will abide by contractual agreements and continue to ensure Activision games are...
News Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Leaving Role Once Microsoft Buyout Is Done, Says Report
WSJ sources claim
Activision boss Bobby Kotick will leave his role as CEO once Microsoft has completed its $70 billion buyout of the Call of Duty company, the Wall Street Journal claims. Sources close to the acquisition plans indicate he will leave the firm after the deal closes, which is expected to take place at some point next
Poll Would You Still Buy PlayStation Consoles Without Activision Blizzard Games?
The call of duty
In a move that will shake the gaming industry to its core, Microsoft is on course to buy Activision Blizzard for a reported figure of $68 billion. This means that incredibly popular properties such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch, would be owned by Microsoft. You could argue that those last two franchises...
News Will Call of Duty and Other Activision Blizzard Games Come to PS5, PS4?
Outlook not so good
Update #2: Xbox bigwig Phil Spencer has made the following statement to Bloomberg: “I’ll just say to players out there who are playing Activision Blizzard games on Sony’s platform: it’s not our intent to pull communities away from that platform and we remained committed to that.” Make of that what you will. Update #1:
News PlayStation's Call of Duty Marketing Deal Almost Certainly Ending
Say goodbye to those small bonuses
Sony's marketing deal with Call of Duty, which promotes the latest game alongside PlayStation 5 and PS4 consoles and gives owners digital goodies on the platforms, will almost certainly come to an end as a result of Microsoft's $70 billion purchase of the company. Sony has been a key partner for the series since...
News Xbox Now Owns Legendary PlayStation Series Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon
Woah
A curious consequence of Microsoft’s earth-shattering $70 billion buyout of Activision is that Xbox now owns legendary PlayStation franchises Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon. Sony made these games in collaboration with Universal Interactive back in the 90s, but that company was acquired by Vivendi which later merged with Activision to...
News Speedrunner Beats Sekiro in Just Two Hours... Blindfolded
AGDQ highlight
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is difficult enough on its own, so imagine setting yourself the task of completing the entire game in just two hours. Oh, and you're blindfolded the entire time. That's the challenge streamer Mitchriz set himself during the annual Awesome Games Done Quick event this past weekend, and the resulting run is...
News Attack on Titan Marks Final Season with Call of Duty Items
Wait, what?
Who had a crossover between Call of Duty and anime show Attack on Titan on their 2022 gaming bingo card? Well, you might have if you were paying attention to a few leaks last year, but this really is the real deal now. To mark the very last season of the popular series, certain items will be made available for purchase in Call of Duty:...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard, Warzone's Season One Battle Pass Is Here
All the usual goodies
It’s a big day for Call of Duty, with Battle Royale title Warzone receiving its all-new Pacific update, and Vanguard landing its first Battle Pass. The trailer above introduces you to everything you can expect from Season One, including the usual mixture of blueprints, skins, and firearms. New arrivals include the Cooper...
News Warzone QA Testers Staging Walkout Over Sudden Layoffs
Previously promised pay rises
The majority of QA testers at Call of Duty: Warzone developer Raven Software will today stage a walkout in protest of sudden layoffs that have hit the studio. Previously promised wage increases as part of a new payment structure, Activision let go of "valuable members of the team" one after another. The protest...
News Warzone Pacific Map Launch Delayed by One Week
Vanguard content pushed back too
Activision has delayed the launch of Call of Duty: Vanguard Season One back to 8th December 2021, pushing back new maps, modes, and weapons for the World War II shooter by six days. This means the new Caldera map for Warzone has suffered the same fate, with 24 hours of early access for Vanguard owners now slated to...
News PlayStation's Jim Ryan Admonishes Activision in Internal Email to Employees
Amid ongoing allegations against juggernaut publisher
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan has reportedly criticised Activision in an internal email to employees, according to Bloomberg. The correspondence, read by journalist Jason Schreier, calls out the Call of Duty publisher for its inadequate response to allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment,
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Multiplayer Is Free for the Next Four Days
Very early free trial available
Sledgehammer Games will be offering an uncharacteristically early free trial of Call of Duty: Vanguard multiplayer for the next four days, coinciding with the release of classic map Shipment. Available to download from tomorrow and then playable until 22nd November 2021, you'll be granted access to the full online...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Reportedly Has Series' Worst UK Launch in 14 Years
But still UK's second biggest game launch of 2021
While Call of Duty: Vanguard enjoyed the UK's second-biggest game launch of 2021 earlier in the month, only second to FIFA 22, the latest entry is reportedly off to the worst start sales-wise for 14 years. 2007's revolutionary game Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on PlayStation 3 is the only one to...
Poll Did You Buy Call of Duty: Vanguard?
On the front lines
Another year, another Call of Duty — but the juggernaut franchise is in a slightly strange spot these days. Alongside its annual releases, Call of Duty now exists as a permanent and ever-growing gaming fixture thanks to Warzone and its immensely popular battle royale gameplay. We're left wondering where games like the newly...
Review Call of Duty: Vanguard (PS5) - More Safe But Solid FPS Action
There's no Stalin this train
If Activision could pick and choose when the Call of Duty series is hot or not, this would be the year where it goes all guns blazing. The publisher faces more competition than usual as Battlefield 2042 and Halo Infinite go toe to toe with its premier FPS, tussling for both mindshare and your time. Consumers are spoilt...
Round Up Call of Duty: Vanguard Reviews Praise Fun WWII FPS
Run for the trenches
Call of Duty: Vanguard is out for PlayStation 5 and PS4 today, taking the popular FPS franchise back to World War II. It feels like this latest entry hasn't been quite as anticipated as much as usual, but what's important is the quality of the final product. Some outlets were treated to early review copies and have been allowed...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard's PS5, PS4 Trophies Unlikely to Demand Blitz Spirit
Platinum medals all around
Call of Duty: Vanguard looks like it’ll be a fairly straightforward Platinum on the PlayStation 5 and PS4, which is something of a rarity for the first-person franchise. Activision has really scaled down the requirements for this year’s game, prompting you to complete some mission specific objectives during the single...
News Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 Delayed, Seemingly to 2023
Blizzard blockbusters pushed back
Activision Blizzard, the mega-publisher behind some of gaming's most popular franchises, has just delayed two key releases. In the company's latest quarterly financial report, it's stated that Diablo IV and Overwatch 2 have been pushed back. These two games are Blizzard's most hotly anticipated titles, and both...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard's PS5, PS4 Perks Are a Bit Embarrassing
This is what a marketing deal gets you
Remember when platform holders used to sign meaningful marketing arrangements? We lived through the entire PlayStation 3 generation, so we recall having to wait for Call of Duty map packs and Grand Theft Auto V expansions. In this era of cross-platform play, however, manufacturers are still desperately trying...
News New Warzone Map Caldera Launches 2nd December, Adds Planes
Vanguard owners get 24 hours early access
The launch of Call of Duty: Vanguard next week (!) sees the series return to World War 2, which obviously has huge implications for the currently modern-day Battle Royale title Call of Duty: Warzone. However, we've known for a while the new release would introduce a new Warzone map set in the Pacific, and...
News Call of Duty Promises Vanguard File Size Will Be Significantly Smaller on PS5
War on waste
Call of Duty publisher Activision knows. It’s seen all of the complaints on social media about the series’ absurd hard drive footprint, and surprisingly it’s put out a Twitter post acknowledging it. The franchise’s official account notes that “Call of Duty: Vanguard’s install size at launch will be significantly below...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies Has a Familiar Feel in Reveal Trailer
To the tune of Billie Eilish
The Zombies modes in Call of Duty titles are more important than ever right now, so much so that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War creator Treyarch has been asked to set some time aside to be the sole developer of the undead offering in next month's Call of Duty: Vanguard. Today's trailer reveals what the team has been...
News Unlock Call of Duty: Vanguard Guns in Warzone Starting Today
Test the M1 Garand and STG
Activision has sprung a pleasant surprise on Call of Duty: Warzone players: two Call of Duty: Vanguard guns have been added to the Season Six Battle Pass, meaning you can test them in the Battle Royale shooter three weeks early. The M1 Garand and STG are now free unlocks on the Battle Pass at certain tiers along with 20...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard's PS5, PS4 Story Trailer Will Get Your Pulse Racing
Aim down sights
Call of Duty: Vanguard, for this author at least, feels like it’s flying under the radar – but make no mistake, it’ll be one of the biggest games of the year. And this story trailer, focusing on the first-person shooter’s obligatory single player campaign, certainly gets the juices flowing. It introduces the game’s cast of...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Beta Extended to Wednesday
Play for two more days
Sledgehammer Games is providing potential Call of Duty: Vanguard buyers even more time to test out the World War II FPS as the open beta has been extended by two days. Originally scheduled to conclude later today, the pre-launch test will now finish at 6pm BST / 10am PT on Wednesday. Anyone on PlayStation 5 or PS4 can download...
Guide Call of Duty: Vanguard PS5, PS4 Beta Test - Dates, Times, and How to Play
Everything you need to know about the Vanguard beta
What are the dates and times for the Call of Duty: Vanguard beta test on PlayStation 5 and PS4? How do you gain access to the Call of Duty: Vanguard beta? We've already had an alpha test for this year's entry in the Activision series, but now it's time to sample a bigger chunk of multiplayer with...
News Crash Bandicoot Wumpa Fruit Piñatas Hint at New Game Reveal for 25th Anniversary
Wumpa League?
Something appears to be going down in the world of Crash Bandicoot. You may recall a while back that a mysterious new teaser image was discovered within Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, showing a wumpa fruit surrounded by orange and blue swirls. Fans have come to expect this to represent a PvP game called Wumpa League, but not much...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Has Designed Multiplayer to Take Liberties
Won't be so realistic this time
Sledgehammer Games has shared the first slice of multiplayer gameplay for Call of Duty: Vanguard during a YouTube livestream, focusing on the more traditional modes rather than the game's new take on online warfare: Champion Hill. The trailer touches on the title's marketing points (20 maps, destructible environments)...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Multiplayer Reveal Coming Tomorrow
Info on maps, modes, weapons, and more
It was always unlikely to be there in the first place, but here's another game you can add to the "unlikely to appear at the PlayStation Showcase" list: Call of Duty: Vanguard. The game's multiplayer reveal is scheduled for tomorrow at 6pm BST / 10am PT / 1pm ET, taking place on YouTube. Details on the "maps,...
Guide Call of Duty: Vanguard PS5, PS4 Alpha Test - Dates, Times, and How to Play
When does the Call of Duty: Vanguard alpha start?
What are the dates and times for the Call of Duty: Vanguard alpha on PlayStation 5 and PS4? How do you access the alpha test for Call of Duty: Vanguard? The next entry in Activision's ever-popular FPS franchise is coming our way, but before the full game launch in November, you'll be able to take...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Debuts Nearly 10 Minutes of Campaign Footage
Laura Bailey plays Polina
Call of Duty: Vanguard has stuck to its promise of premiering the first look at the game's campaign during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021, and well, it looks like a Call of Duty campaign. That's no bad thing, however. Footage proves that mantling is back from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as well as new indicators and a...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Alpha Brings Champion Hill Mode to PS5, PS4
Available 27th-29th August
The first round of pre-release tests for Call of Duty: Vanguard begin next weekend with an alpha available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PS4. Starting on Friday 27th August 2021 through until Sunday, it brings the new Champion Hill mode to everyone. A PS Plus subscription will not be needed to download and play the...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Campaign Reveal Coming Next Week
Full level playthrough
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2021 is the place to be if you are interested in an FPS campaign releasing this holiday season because Call of Duty: Vanguard will premier the first look at a single player level during the show. Joined by voice actress Laura Bailey and members of the Sledgehammer Games team, host Geoff Keighley...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Invades World War II on 5th November
Campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies
Call of Duty: Vanguard takes the FPS series back to World War II on 5th November 2021 for PlayStation 5 and PS4, it's been confirmed. Following an in-game event inside Call of Duty: Warzone, the announcement trailer embedded above played for those participating. The game will include a campaign, multiplayer, and...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Announced, Full Reveal This Thursday
Will take place inside Warzone
Update: Activision has now confirmed the existence of Call of Duty: Vanguard with a teaser trailer that gathers together the short videos sent to community members this past weekend. The full reveal will take place inside Battle Royale game Call of Duty: Warzone this Thursday at 6:30pm BST / 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST...
News The Call of Duty: Vanguard Teasing Has Officially Begun
Community member receives video
While publisher Activision hasn't sent out official word of a reveal date just yet, it certainly looks like the announcement of Call of Duty: Vanguard is right around the corner. Community members have this morning been sent clips teasing the upcoming title, with YouTuber MrDalekJD posting what he has received to...
News Call of Duty: Vanguard Key Art Leaks, Reveal Reportedly Next Week
Open beta, Ultimate Edition detailed
Artwork and logos for this year's entry in the Call of Duty franchise — which will be titled Call of Duty: Vanguard — have been leaked online by way of in-game files hidden in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. They all but confirm the World War II setting for the next instalment from Sledgehammer Games,...
News Call of Duty Meets Among Us in New Black Ops Cold War Multiplayer Mode
Double Agent
As part of next week's Season Five update for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, a new mode named Double Agent will be added to the core playlist, and it seemingly plays a lot like Among Us. Ignore the questionable character models for a second and two teams are pitched against each other: one must set bombs throughout the map and kill...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone Reload with a Fifth Season
More content heading to both games
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Call of Duty: Warzone are bolstering their gun magazines on 12th August 2021 as the launch of Season Five deploys new content to both of the online multiplayer behemoths. Activision stopped short of detailing what that actually looks like, but expect new maps for Black Ops Cold...
News Activision Blizzard Lawsuit Accuses Publisher of Harassment within Workplace
Alleges "toxic frat boy workplace culture"
Content Warning: Please note that the following article and the sources linked within detail topics such as discrimination, sexual harassment, and suicide. Activision Blizzard, the publisher of franchises like Call of Duty and Overwatch, is being sued over incidents of discrimination and misconduct in the...
Review Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 - The Best CoD of the Generation
Bop to the BlOps
Republished on Wednesday 30th June 2021: We're bringing this review back from the archives following the announcement of July's PlayStation Plus lineup. The original text follows. Call of Duty had to do something in order to remain relevant. After a slew of yearly releases that failed to really move the needle, Call of Duty: Black...
News Call of Duty: Warzone Update Adds Surprise 120FPS Support on PS5
They said it couldn't be done
Today's Call of Duty: Warzone update adds support for 120 frames-per-second when the Battle Royale title is played via backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5. This is a feature that previously didn't seem to be possible on Sony's current-gen console, as other games like Overwatch and Rocket League skipped...
Rumour Call of Duty: Vanguard Reveal Planned for Warzone, Not E3
Coming to PS5 and PS4
It was sort of obvious this was going to happen, but Video Games Chronicle is reporting Activision will not be formally announcing the next entry in the Call of Duty franchise at E3 2021, instead opting to reveal the game inside Call of Duty: Warzone. What is now being called Call o
News New Tony Hawk Game Coming, Says CKY Drummer
"We're doing the new one coming out"
Remember how we sort of knew Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 was a thing long before its announcement thanks to bands whose music appeared in the game were spilling the beans? Well, the cycle appears to be repeating itself. On an episode of
News Overwatch 2 PvP Now 5 vs. 5, New Maps Revealed
Tank class loses a slot
Blizzard hosted an Overwatch 2 multiplayer reveal livestream overnight, and in it detailed a rather dramatic change coming in the future to the setup of online brawls. Matches will now contain two teams of five instead of the previous six, with the Tank class losing one of its slots when players can pick the character they...
News Call of Duty: Warzone, Black Ops Cold War Reveal 80s Action Heroes Event and New Content
Season Three Reloaded starts 20th May
The fun doesn't stop for Call of Duty players as Activision reveals a plethora of content headed to Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War over the coming days and weeks. First up is the 80s Action Heroes event, which the publisher has been teasing recently. Die Hard hero John McClane and...
News Crash Bandicoot 4 Dev Enlisted for Call of Duty, Er, Duty
It's about time?
Love it or loathe it, Call of Duty is a juggernaut that’s quickly gobbling up all of Activision’s resources in order to sustain itself. You may have read recently about the Call of Duty: Warzone event, which saw the original Verdansk map nuked and replaced with an 80s alternative. That was designed to coincide with a new season...
