Previously known for his writing, producing and directing work on such hit shows as Spartacus: Blood And Sand and Netflix's Daredevil, Steven S. DeKnight made his movie debut at the helm of the giant robot sequel, Pacific Rim Uprising. And if he has his way, one of his future film projects will be similarly larger than life.

Over on Twitter, DeKnight has expressed his desire to make a videogame adaptation of the action-fantasy franchise, God Of War - a series previously drenched in Greek myth, but recently underwent a reboot of sorts with a more mature 2018 game that took in Norse legend.

The common factor is the war god of the series' title: Kratos, a beefy man who's low on dialgue and high on baroque violence and dismemberment. As it turns out, DeKnight has the perfect actor in mind for this role, too: the perfectly imposing Dave Bautista, currently known for his role as Drax in the Marvel franchise.

Admittedly, a lot of this comes from a Twitter conversation, but DeKnight has also, he says, had more official talks with Sony about a potential God Of War movie - and both parties agreed that the adaptation would have to be full-blooded and R-rated.

"It's funny," DeKnight told ComicBook.com, "because when I sat down with the Sony PlayStation people, one of the first things we both said is R-rated because I always use the original Conan the Barbarian as my touchstone, that it needs to be R-rated. I don't think there's a way to tell that story and make it PG, nor should it be. And thankfully because of Deadpool, people are much more willing to try that R-rated there with genre work now, again. So, yeah, without a doubt R-rated. I mean not on as far as Spartacus, that was more NC-17, but definitely R-rated."

At the same outlet, DeKnight also reiterated his desire to have Bautista in the lead role:

"I think the latest game was just so beautiful and phenomenal. I would love to tackle God Of War movie or I would love to see somebody put that up on the big screen. Somebody asked me, 'Well, who would you have to have Kratos?' And immediately for me: Dave Batista would be the man. I think he can do anything. You can do drama, real emotion, humor, action. What would I like to see from a movie like that? A bit of a tricky question because there hasn't really been 100% success of translating a video game to a movie. It's a very, very tricky process."

So there you have it: if Sony does go ahead with the idea of making a God Of War movie, then consider DeKnight interest in heading it up. And yeah, we have to say, Bautista would make a really good Kratos.

Crackdown 3 is one of the Xbox One's big upcoming flagship titles. It's a game many fans of the original didn't think would happen after the tepid response and sales of Crackdown 2. But Microsoft Studios surprised everyone at E3 2014 by announcing that a third game was in development. 

It's been a long time since that announcement. Several delays later, we're still waiting to hear about a solid release date for this action-adventure game that boasts fully destructible environments and tons of explosions. 

Here's everything else we know:

Crackdown 3 Release Date

Crackdown 3 has been delayed to 2019, according to a report from Kotaku.  

The game is coming to XBO and PC, and will be part of the Play Anywhere program, which allows players to buy one copy of the game for both Xbox One and Windows 10 play. 

Crackdown 3 Trailer

Here's the E3 2017 trailer for Crackdown 3:

At Gamescom 2015, Microsoft unveiled the first gameplay footage of the game, showing us that the franchise hasn't changed too much. The same arcade-y feel of the original is still very much a part of this installment. 

Of note is the destructible environments. Crackdown 3 is boasting more chaos and destruction than we've ever seen in a game. Perhaps only Battlefield can't top the explosions we just saw on the Gamescom stage. 

Check out the trailer:

IGN also posted 17 minutes of gameplay onto their YouTube channel. The footage has some commentary from Crackdown creator Dave Jones. Here it is:

Crackdown 3 was first unveiled at E3 2014. It was just known as Crackdown then. Here's the reveal trailer:

It's always great to see new franchises debut on the big stage of E3, and that's especially true when the game looks as good as Days Gone. The game comes from Syphon Filter developer Sony Bend.

The action-adventure game takes place in the Pacific Northwest and tells the story of a bounty hunter named Deacon St. John, who must survive on a planet that's been wiped of humanity after a global disaster brings about the end of the world as we know it. Now millions have been transformed into "Freakers," zombie-like creatures that would like nothing more than to feed on Deacon's corpse. As the bounty hunter, you'll have to fight massive hordes of Freakers in order to survive.

Here's everything else we know:

Days Gone News

There's a new story trailer for Days Gone that Sony revealed alongside the game's release date. Take a look at this intense preview that makes it clear the world of Days Gone wants you dead in the worst way. 

Days Gone Release Date

Days Gone will be released on February 22, 2019. 

Days Gone Trailers

The latest trailer for Days Gone expands upon our first look at the game by diving a bit deeper into the narrative that at the heart of this particular apocalypse. While Days Gone was initially compared to The Last of Us, this latest trailer actually suggests the game is spiritually closer to the Uncharted franchise. In any case, we're incredibly excited to see more of its blend of action, horror, survival, and story. 

Check out the reveal trailer below:

This game definitely seems to have a The Last of Us post-apocalyptic vibe to it. The world showcased in the demo appears to be as beautiful as it is chaotic, while the main character's narration suggests that there will be a strong emphasis on the story of why it is that people choose to keep surviving in this cruel land. 

You can watch the E3 2016 gameplay demo here:

In case there aren't enough shooters in your life, here's another. 

Actually, Generation Zero is a somewhat interesting entry into the kill 'em all genre. It takes place in an alternate version of 1980's Sweeden which is a lot like the '80s version of Sweeden that we - or at least people who lived in Sweeden at that time - remember. The biggest difference is that this version of that world is populated by murderous robots. 

As such, it's up to you and up to three friends to band together and try to kill all of the robots before they kill you. Yes, it's that song and dance again. 

Aside from the game's world - which looks to be trying to invoke a Stranger Things-vibe - the most fascinating thing about this game are the implications from developer Avalanche (makers of the Just Cause series) that victory in this game requires more than just some spray and pray. The studio states that you will need to utilize guerrilla tactics in order to take down the many robots that roam the countryside. We see a hint of this in the trailer as the squad faces off against a giant robot in a field and use their various weapons and skills to take it down. 

Besides, there's currently a Left 4 Dead-sized hole in the co-op shooter market that really hasn't been filled since Valve's phenomenal series went AWOL. There are plenty of co-op shooter options out there, but few of them scratch the same itch that Left 4 Dead's picture perfect arcade gameplay satisfied. Could this game's fun setting and seemingly advanced gameplay fill the void?

We'll know for sure when Generation Zero releases for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in 2019. 

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has reason to believe that the next generation of consoles might be the last traditional generation of console releases.

"I think we will see another generation, but there is a good chance that step-by-step we will see less and less hardware,” said Guillemot in an interview with Variety. "With time, I think streaming will become more accessible to many players and make it not necessary to have big hardware at home...There will be one more console generation and then after that, we will be streaming, all of us."

Guillemot has long been one of the industry figures who believe that the era of traditional video game console hardware is coming to an end. He's previously stated that he thinks the generation of hardware after the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U will be the last. In lieu of classic console design, he believes that we'll have devices designed to optimize cloud-based video game streaming. 

Interestingly, Guillemot sees the success of the Nintendo Switch as proof of his beliefs. He says that the "Nintendo Switch is the only platform delivering console-quality games that can be taken anytime, anywhere," and that it has "much more to offer in terms of unique experiences." 

Not everyone believes that traditional consoles will go away quite so soon, but there is evidence that the winds of change are blowing. We've already spoken about how Microsoft's future in gaming might revolve almost entirely around Xbox Game Pass or a similar service. While Xbox's Phil Spencer says that he'd like to see hardware continue to evolve, you also have to remember that they originally intended for the Xbox One to revolve almost entirely around digital game delivery. 

In any case, we'd certainly be surprised if the console generation after the next didn't greatly emphasize the benefits of cloud-based gaming, even if they don't entirely abandon the conventions of modern consoles. 

Sniper Elite development team Rebellion has revealed the latest supernatural addition to the series. Strange Brigade will take players to the "remote corners of the British Empire" where they will the need to combat various supernatural forces with the help of firearms, explosives, and good ole' melee attacks. 

Much like the Nazi Zombie Army series, Strange Brigade is a 1-4 player shooter experience that emphasizes co-op gameplay. Basically, you should be thinking of Left 4 Deadwhen imagining the kind of chaotic gameplay this title will surely offer. 

Strange Brigade distinguishes itself from the co-op shooter pack with its serial adventure inspired universe that seems to take more cues from the Universal monster movies than George Romero. The brief reveal trailer for the game reveals what appears to be ancient Egyptian mythological monsters, cave-dwelling creatures, and other guardians of legend who look a tad bit more formidable than the average member of the walking dead.

Here's everything else you need to know:

Strange Brigade News

It's been a little while since we've seen footage of Strange Brigade, but the game's latest trailer shows that the co-op shooter is progressing nicely and is still loaded with '30s serial adventure style. 

Strange Brigade Release Date

Strange Brigade will launch on August 28, 2018. The game is coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One. 

Strange Brigade Trailer

Check out the new story trailer below:

Here is the first trailer for Strange Brigade:

And here are 14 minutes of gameplay:

It's the most wonderful time of the year: E3 2018 has arrived and with it come all of the announcements and moments that could potentially change gaming history. What makes this year so interesting is the fact that we already know quite a few of the games that will be at the show, whether it be through leaks or pre-show announcements. 

With so many games already confirmed for the show, we have to wonder what kind of surprises are still in store for fans tuning into the press conferences. Because I can't help but dream, I've put together a list of surprise announcements I hope will be at the show this year:

Halo 6 Confirmed

It's a foregone conclusion that 343 Industries is working on Halo 6. Whether it's ready to be shown to the public is another story. It's been almost three years since Halo 5 hit shelves and a lot has changed since then. Loot shooters, battle royale games, and more open-ended experiences are the order of the day, and it's difficult to imagine these new gaming trends haven't affected the game's development. 343 could take another year to adjust to the changing shooter landscape before formally announcing Halo 6.

While it's reasonable to assume that the next Halo will look and play like something closer to Destiny or The Division, we don't actually know much about the most obvious sequel in gaming. One thing we do know is that 343 has listened to fan feedback since the release of Halo 5 regarding the return split-screen cooperative play and multiplayer as well as a larger focus on Master Chief. Expect these two things to return when Halo 6 is inevitably revealed. 

New James Bond 007 from Rare

Yeah, this is pretty outlandish, but we all have a right to dream. The James Bond 007 license has been dormant since Activision ditched Bond in 2013 after several maligned titles. Other studios have expressed interest in making Bond games, notably Telltale, makers of the excellent The Walking Dead, Batman, Game of Thrones, and Guardians of the Galaxy episodic adventures. Nothing has ever come of that despite rumors over the years. Bond continues to float through cyberspace, waiting for a worthy publisher to pull him out of obsolescence. 

That company could very well be Microsoft, which has been hurting for Xbox exclusive for the past few years. Just look at its 2018 slate: neither Sea of Thieves or State of Decay 2 have exactly lit the world on fire and there's no word on whether we'll actually get Crackdown 3 -- the Xbox One's big exclusive -- this year. Things are looking tough for the Xbox One, which is why Microsoft might be looking to get fans pumped for 2019 with not just a Halo 6 reveal but also new Bond game. 

Forget the fact that the Xbox One doesn't have much to show on the first-party front. Microsoft just so happens to own the studio behind the best Bond game ever made, Rare's GoldenEye 007. No, Microsoft's Rare is nowhere near the studio it used to be when it worked with Nintendo on the N64's first-person shooter blockbuster, but who says it can't rise to greatness again? With a new movie on the way in 2019, there's no better time than the present to bring Bond back from the dead. 

A Stephen King Survival RPG

And you thought a new Rare James Bond game was outlandish! 2017 was without a doubt the year of Stephen King at the movies. It, Gerald's Game, 1922, and...well, The Dark Tower came out, too. It especially capitalized on the '80s nostalgia that took the world by storm, thanks to Stranger Things, which totally borrows from King's work in the first place, becoming a massive success. This year, King's putting out two new books, a novel called The Outsider, which is out now, and a novella titled "Elevation." There's also a little show coming to Hulu called Castle Rock that will bring different aspects of the King universe to one haunted town. That's a lot of King. 

Missing from the generous King offerings is a video game. You can depend on more King books and movies, but where is Stephen King: The Game? Since It became the highest grossing horror film ever, with over $700 million at the global box office, quite a few production companies have been begging for that spooky King goodness. Universal is making a Tommyknockers movie for heaven's sake and NOBODY's ever asked for a Tommyknockers movie. So why shouldn't it also be time for a King video game?

A big AAA publisher would have to be crazy enough to bank on a new and unproven horror franchise, which isn't a very easy ask when it comes to appealing to the most consumers possible, but the King name would undoubtedly give any game a boost. What would a King game look like? While survival horror has sort of gone the way of the dinosaur unless you're Resident Evilor Outlast, the survival RPG genre has really come to life. 

I'd love to play a survival RPG based on the 1975 novel 'Salem's Lot that's all about staving off the threat of vampirism as long as you possibly can while the rest of your neighbors turn into creatures of the night. How about it, Microsoft, you REALLY need a new franchise!

Rocksteady Unveils Superman Game

Rocksteady's Batman Arkham series is oft-regarded as the finest superhero game franchise ever made. At the very least, Rocksteady is one of the studios responsible for bringing a bit of respectability to the licensed game business. Perhaps no other studio -- besides LucasArts -- has ever put so much passion into adapting a licensed product as Rocksteady. That's why Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment would have to be crazy not to set the studio on another superhero project. 

We've heard the rumors for quite some time that Rocksteady is working on a Superman game. It's not really that hard to believe considering that the only superhero more famous than Batman is the Man of Steel. There are rumblings that Rocksteady will finally make the big reveal at this year's E3. 

Fans hoping for a continuation of the Batman story -- after all, Arkham Knightended with a cliffhanger -- might want to keep an eye out for WB Games Montreal's upcoming DC project, which may very well be the next Batman game. 

New Resident Evil Game from Capcom

It might be too soon to release another main Resident Evil installment after RE7's massive success last year, but Capcom will likely want to strike while the iron's hot. Expect some kind of Resident Evil presence at the show, whether it be a new entry in the Revelations series, which has been running parallel to the main entries for the past few years, or something else entirely.

Last year, RE7 exec producer Jun Takeuchi teased that Capcom was already thinking about "various plans for the next game." While I still think it's too early for Resident Evil 8 to be officially revealed, the studio might think otherwise. Either way, expect something Resident Evil at E3 2018...

Resident Evil 2 Remake Rises from the Dead

...Like the Resident Evil 2 remake that was announced all the way back in 2015. The Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield zombie adventure is being rebuilt from the ground up with all of the modern touches expected from a current-gen game...and that's about ALL we know about the remake. Capcom recently updated the domain registry for ResidentEvil2.com, which could mean that the studio is preparing for the big unveiling at this year's E3. The reveal would definitely be a crowd-pleaser and could keep Resident Evil 8's seat warm while the sequel is still in development. 

Square Enix Reveals New Avengers Game

Square Enix first announced its partnership with Marvel in early 2017, just months after Sony revealed its Spider-Man game. The first game on the docket is the untitled Avengers Project, which is being developed by Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal of Tomb Raider and Deus Ex fame, respectively. We don't know much about The Avengers Projectat the moment, but there are rumors that the game could be a reboot of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, the beloved action RPG from 2006.

Whatever the case, the fact that Square Enix has put some major firepower behind the development of this Marvel game means that we should expect something big. With not much on Square Enix's North America's plate besides Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it makes sense that the publisher would be making a lot of room for its first Marvel game. Expect the big reveal during Square Enix's E3 conference on Monday. 

New Onimusha Game Announced

Back in 2016, Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono revealed that the company was discussing ways to continue the samurai action-adventure series. Just this year, Capcom filed Onimusha trademarks in several countries, which could mean nothing at all -- or it could mean the studio is ready to return to Japan's Sengoku period. Either way, we've heard little about Onimusha since the last game in 2006, which would make this a huge surprise announcement by Capcom. 

It's no secret that the studio has been flying high in the last two years, dropping both Resident Evil 7 and Monster Hunter: World to critical acclaim. Later this year, Capcom is releasing Mega Man 11 as well as a Mega Man X remastered collection, and the studio has said it's interested in reviving even more of its franchises down the line. Who's to say Onimusha isn't next?

Metroid Prime 4 Returns

Metroid Prime 4was first announced at E3 2017 and you could hear the roar of the crowd in deep space. This long-awaited sequel is being developed by Bandai Namco Studios Singapore in conjunction with Nintendo as opposed to original developer Retro Studios, which is rumored to be working on a Star Fox racing title. While we know the game is coming, we don't know much else about it. Nintendo could use a portion of its Direct E3 presentation to formally unveil the game. 

Respawn's Star Wars Game Unveiled by EA

EA's approach to the Star Wars license has been somewhat contentious among fans. The Battlefront 2 microtransaction fiasco and the shuttering of Visceral Games have left fans wondering if EA is the right company for their beloved franchise. But with at least two more Star Wars games on the docket at EA, it doesn't seem that license is going anywhere for the time being. 

While we've heard that it may not arrive until 2020 at the earliest, Respawn's untitled third-person action-adventure Star Wars game is next in line. Considering that Visceral's game was also an action-adventure game, you have to wonder how Respawn's approach is different. Could it be that it's incorporating a more "live services" approach to the content as opposed to the linear epic that Visceral had in mind? 

We also know that EA Vancouver has risen from Visceral's ashes and is developing an online multiplayer experience. How it will differ from Battlefront and what Respawn is working on remains to be seen. The point is that there's an opportunity for EA to flip the narrative to something positive at this year's show. The publisher should give us a look behind the curtain. 

New Castlevania from Konami

It used to be a given that a new Castlevania game was always in the works at Konami, but those days have come and gone. As the publisher has scaled down its AAA publishing division, beloved franchises like Castlevania and Silent Hill have fallen by the way side. The last game in the Castlevania series, the poorly received Lords of Shadow 2, came out in 2014 and we've not heard a peep about the franchise since. 

Thanks to the excellent Netflix animated series, there's the possibility that Konami could be looking at ways to bring back the franchise. The company knows that there's a demand for a new Castlevania game, especially after the Kickstarter success of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, the side-scrolling spiritual successor headed up by Castlevania veteran Koji Igarashi, so why not give the fans what they want?

In April, Konami announced a new mobile Castlevania title for iOS, which would be unremarkable in any other circumstance, but is huge news due to the series' absence. Could this mean that Konami is considering a full return to Dracula's castle? A new Castlevania game reveal would certainly blow the roof off of a press conference. Sounds like something Sony would do...

Xbox Game Pass for PC

Microsoft has been experimenting with its on-demand subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, for the past year. For $9.99, you get unlimited access to more than 100 titles, and unlike streaming services like PS Now, Game Pass is simply an a la carte download service that lets you pick the game you want and zap it to your hard drive. It also gives players instant access to all new first-party Xbox games, such as Sea of Thieves and State of Decay 2. So new games and plenty of classics for $9.99. It's a deal that no other service can currently match. 

That's why we think Xbox Game Pass might actually be Microsoft's future in gaming. While the company isn't doing so well in terms of hardware, it could absolutely capitalize on the digital subscription side by releasing Game Pass on more than one platform, namely PC. Giving PC gamers access to the Xbox's library of games (most of which are already compatible with PC anyway) would instantly turn Game Pass into one of Steam's top competitors.

Microsoft could very well be ready to make the Game Pass push to PC at E3 2018. And we're absolutely here for it. 

A New Zelda Game

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild broke several records for Nintendo last year and helped put the Switch on the map. It was also one of our top games of 2017. Breath of the Wild has enjoyed much critical praise and financial success, which is why Nintendo's absolutely fast-tracking a new Zelda game. In fact, a recent job listing confirmed that the Big N is already at work on the next installment.

What the next Zelda will look like is anyone's guess. While logic tells us that Nintendo won't be looking to stray too far from Breath of the Wild's award-winning design, the company isn't really known for making the obvious choices. It's what makes Nintendo such an innovative company (as well as such a frustrating one). If the Big N is looking to change things up, we'd gladly accept a new top-down Zelda adventure or even the return of Toon Link. Especially the return of Toon Link. 

New F-Zero for Switch

Fans have been asking for a new F-Zero racing game for years, but Nintendo doesn't seem all that interested in making one. In fact, the company is so not interested that it hasn't released a new installment since 2004's F-Zero Climax for the Game Boy Advance. It's so not interested that it's reportedly making a Star Fox racing game instead. But there's always hope that Nintendo could surprise its fans with a new F-Zero. With the Switch's emphasis on handheld play and motion controls, it seems like now is the time. It's wishful thinking but it doesn't cost to dream!

N64 Mini

Nintendo has dropped two retro consoles in the last two years, the NES Classic Edition and the SNES Classic Edition. Logic tells us that, since both consoles have sold extremely well, we're bound to get more. The Nintendo 64 is, of course, next in line as far as chronology goes. With The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time turning 20 this year, 2018 might be the perfect time to bring the game back as part of a shiny new retro console. But please, Nintendo, build more units this time. Fans clearly want to buy them. 

Doom 2 Coming in Spring 2019

A few weeks ago, I would've guaranteed that a sequel to 2016's Doom revival would be one of Bethesda's big E3 announcements. I'm not so sure about that anymore. Bethesda already has what's turning out to be a pretty full slate at this year's show, including the newly-announced Rage 2 and Fallout 76. Add to that some time with Quake Champions, Elder Scrolls Online, and the rumored Prey expansion and there doesn't seem to be that much room left for Doom 2 at all.  

Bethesda tends to announce games that are only a few months out from being released, which means that Rage 2 and Fallout 76 may be taking the coveted Fall 2018 slots. But if the publisher wants to show fans what's coming up in the first half of 2019, Doom 2 might be exactly the game to do it with. 

New Mortal Kombat Game Announced

It's been three years since Mortal Kombat X hit shelves, just about the right amount of time for NetherRealm Studios to work on a sequel. Rumors have persisted that the developer is working on Mortal Kombat 11and I have no reason to argue otherwise. The only reason NetherRealm wouldn't announce a new Mortal Kombat game is because Injustice 2 came out just last year. The studio might not be ready to move on just yet.

There's another possibility, of course: what if NetherRealm is working on a new Mortal Kombat/DC Comics crossover? Now THAT would be a welcome, gore-filled surprise! 

Bloodborne 2 Revealed by From Software

FromSoftware teased a new project at the 2017 Game Awards with a short, very vague teaser. We've not heard anything from the Dark Souls and Bloodborne developer since, but rumors have persisted that the studio's new game is the PlayStation-exclusive Bloodborne 2. The rumors aren't hard to believe, considering that FromSoftware has found great success with its signature brand of action RPG gameplay.

A new entry in the fast-paced Bloodborne series would be a fine addition to the PlayStation 4's slate and a proper closer to this console generation for Sony. Whatever FromSoftware is working on, whether it's Bloodborne 2 or a Tenchu revival or a Kuon remake, we'll probably hear about it at E3 2018.

New Left 4 Dead Announced

The company recently revealed that it's finally jumping back into game development. On top of the upcoming card game, Artifact, Valve is also working on a few VR titles as well as at least one proper single-player game. There's no mention of a multiplayer title, but we all know nothing is ever what it seems behind the curtain at Valve.

I just can't imagine a reality where Valve is looking at games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Strange Brigade, and Earthfall and not wondering whether fans are ready for the return of Left 4 Dead. After all, the game still has a sizable fanbase on PC. The time just seems right. Online multiplayer experiences are more popular than ever and a cooperative shooter like Left 4 Dead is a perfect choice if Valve is looking to capitalize on the trend.

Marvel announced in January 2017 that it has signed a multi-year, multi-game deal with publisher Square Enix to develop titles based on the popular superhero universe. The first title in the works is an Avengers game. 

According to Marvel, the game will feature a completely new and original story, and will introduce a universe gamers can play in for years to come. The project will be jam-packed with characters, environments, and iconic moments that will thrill Marvelites.

Check out the trailer below:

We can gather a few story details from the trailer. The game seems to take place at a time when superheroes are persecuted by the public and the Avengers are all but broken. The setting looks very bleak, indeed. From the looks of it, Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor will appear in the game in some form. It's unclear who is narrating, though. 

It also looks like Marvel will continue the trend of hiring top-notch talent for games based on their most popular characters. "The Avengers project," as it's being referred to at the moment by Marvel, is being developed by Crystal Dynamics (Tomb Raider), with help from Eidos Montreal (Deus Ex). Shaun Escayg, former Naughty Dog creative director, and Stephen Barry, a 27 year games vet from EA and Visceral Games, have also joined the project in leadership roles at Crystal Dynamics.

That's one hell of a team-up. It's too early to call, but based on the teams working on this game, this could be an action-adventure superhero game with a nice helping of RPG elements.

More details on the Avengers project and other games will be announced in 2018.

J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot production company is teaming up with Chinese media company Tencent to launch a new video game studio. 

According to Bad Robot COO Brian Weinstein, the new studio will be titled Bad Robot Games (makes sense). While Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is apparently involved in the deal as a minority investor, Bad Robot Games is largely being referred to as a collaboration between Bad Robot and Tencent. 

Unsurprisingly, none of the parties involved in the deal are ready to start sharing details regarding what kind of games Bad Robot Games intends to develop. However, we do know that artists, designers, and writers from Bad Robot will be involved in the creation of future Bad Robot Games projects. Said projects will reportedly include mobile, console, and PC titles that will range from indie to large-scale. 

Dave Baronoff, who has helmed Bad Robot's current games and interactive content division since 2006, has been named the studio head of Bad Robot Games. Baronoff has previously worked on interactive entertainment related to such Bad Robot properties as the Cloverfield series and is currently helping the Bad Robot interactive entertainment team assist Epic Games with the production of a game called SPYJINX. Assisting Baronoff will be Bad Robot Games creative director Tim Keenan; creator of the 2016 indie game, Duskers.

“I’m a massive games fan, and increasingly envious of the amazing tools developers get to work with, and the worlds they get to play in," said J.J. Abrams. "Dave’s creativity, deep passion and skillful leadership will be incredibly valuable as we harness our partner Tencent’s expertise, experience and reach to bring our games to audiences around the world.”

This is certainly another big acquisition for Tencent who have previously acquired a controlling interest in League of Legends developer Riot Games and also own a minority stake in Fortnite developer, Epic Games. 

It’s easy enough to describe E3 to someone who doesn’t usually follow the gaming industry. You say, “It’s kind of like a summer blockbuster film premiere, keynote convention, and the Oscars all rolled up into one.” If that doesn’t do it, you say, “It’s something I really like watching, and I don’t judge you for the stupid things you watch even though you own Supernatural season eleven on DVD and no other season of Supernatural.” That usually does the trick.

Besides, the truth is that the best thing about E3 can’t be conveniently summarized with comparisons. No, the best thing about E3 are those individual moments. A big game reveal, a shockingly bad celebrity appearance, a bombshell console announcement... These are the things that ensure we will all be glued to our computers waiting for the latest E3 updates.

So what are the definitive moments in E3 history? Which occurrences, both good and bad, summarize everything that is E3? 

Here's our list of 15 definitive moments:

15. Microsoft’s Painfully Long Kinect Reveal (E3 2010)

You can’t talk defining E3 moments without including at least one botched peripheral reveal, but which botched peripheral reveal to choose? Joe McHale awkwardly suffering through a game of Ubisoft’s Battle Tag? Sony almost sinking their brand with the infamous Wonderbook? Wii Music...Wii Music?

In the end, this honor goes to the Kinect reveal for the simple fact that Microsoft chose to devote so much of their 2010 E3 stage time to showing off a device which clearly wasn’t ready for primetime. It’s one thing that the Kinect often didn’t work properly during the presentation - that’s fairly standard for E3 failures - but the moment that a parade of unenthusiastic participants bombarded the stage to participate in awkward white water rafting, fake popcorn eating, and extended yoga sessions, Microsoft ensured that everyone in attendance was not going to buy a Kinect out of sheer spite.

14. Gabe Newell Appears During Sony’s E3 Conference (E3 2010)

The word “surreal” has joined the likes of “epic” in the category of “Words that the people of the internet have collectively watered down.” Whereas surreal used to be used to describe a situation so out of the ordinary that it’s almost dreamlike, now surreal can be used to describe seeing someone eating a Whopper at McDonald's.

So far as truly surreal E3 moments go, however, Gabe Newell’s 2010 appearance has to be near the top of the list. At a time when Valve was considered to be one of the most clandestine game studios in the world, the god of the PC master race himself took the stage at a Sony press conference of all things to announce that Portal 2 was coming to the PlayStation 3. While the sight of Gabe at E3 on a competitor’s stage was odd enough, this moment has only become even more surreal as time wears on and Valve slowly shuffles away from the whole game development thing.

13. Bethesda Hosts the Perfect Press Conference (E3 2015)

While non-console manufacturers getting their own E3 conference wasn’t entirely unheard of by the time that Bethesda took the stage at E3 2015, it was a bit unusual for all but the industry’s most powerful corporations to get their own stage time at the biggest event of the year. Sure, Bethesda was a fairly beloved game developer, but an entire E3 press conference devoted to the studio? How was that going to work?

Bethesda showed everyone exactly how it was going to work by pulling off what could arguably be described as the perfect E3 press conference. It began with shockingly good footage of Doom, continued with the much-anticipated debut of Dishonored 2, and concluded with a Fallout 4 reveal that was made all the more shocking by the announcement that the game would be available in a matter of mere months. Bethesda’s 2015 presentation set a new gold standard for game-focused conferences and proved that the right studio could steal the show from anyone.

12. Reggie Fils-Aime Introduces Himself to the Gaming World (E3 2004)

It’s not that there hadn’t been memorable Nintendo E3 moments before 2004, but rather that many of the studio’s most memorable E3 moments earned that distinction for all the wrong reasons. Nintendo had long struggled to properly present themselves within the constraints of the E3 format while Sony and Microsoft were well on their way to mastering the subtle art of the E3 press conference.

Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now

That all changed the very moment that Reggie Fils-Aime kicked off Nintendo’s E3 2004 press conference by saying, “My name is Reggie. I’m about kicking ass, I’m about taking names, and we’re about making games.” Fils-Aime gave Nintendo an undeniably charismatic on-stage presence that none of their previous E3 conferences had benefited from. While many of Reggie’s quips would go on to become internet memes (most notably, “My body is ready”) there is no denying that he became the centerpiece for one of the greatest E3 presentations any major studio has ever given.

11. Kevin Butler Delivers the Only Funny Presentation in E3 History (E3 2010)

For a brief period of time, the world got to enjoy the genius that was the Kevin Butler marketing campaign. For those who don’t remember, Kevin Butler was a fictional PlayStation executive who starred in a series of commercials that featured him answering various questions from PlayStation fans. They were genuinely funny and clever adverts that broke the mold of awkward video game commercials in a big way.

While actor Jerry Lambert’s appearance at E3 2010 as the one and only Kevin Butler could have been an utter disaster, it instead turned out to be one of the few attempts at a funny E3 presentation that was actually funny. Actually, it might be the only comedic E3 presentation to not completely bomb. Butler quips that “Gaming is having a ridiculously huge TV in a tiny one bedroom apartment” and is “Staying up until 3 am to earn a trophy that isn’t real...but is” still live in infamy.

10. Jamie Kennedy Seals His Fate As the Worst E3 Celebrity Presenter Ever (E3 2007)

On the complete opposite end of the Kevin Butler presentation, we have Mr. Jamie Kennedy. Now, some of you fortunate souls may have never heard of Kennedy. If that is the case, just know that Kennedy was a self-stylized comedian who specialized in mocking other people. For instance, if he noticed you were a larger individual, he may remark about your excess fat and proceed to make a 50-year-old observation about how this may affect your daily life. He presumably made millions of dollars doing this.

Kennedy’s arguable career low point may be the moment that he drunkenly took the stage at Activision’s E3 2007 conference and proceeded to put on a miniature comedy spectacle that only those with an abnormal tolerance for awkward comedy will ever be able to watch in full. It was bad enough that Kennedy wasn’t funny (“Neversoft...wasn’t that the first name for Viagra?”), but when he resorted to insulting the audience and industry, he ensured that he would become the gold standard for awkward E3 celebrity presenters.

9. The Final Fantasy VII Remake Genuinely Surprises Millions (E3 2015)

At a certain point, video game wishes turn into inside jokes. The most obvious example of this phenomenon is certainly Half-Life 3, but there are many games which fans dream of and talk about for so long that they eventually become memes. For years, Final Fantasy VII remake was such a game. Square Enix had used footage of such a title as part of a tech demo, but fans long stopped believing the studio would actually make it.

That is until E3 2015 when Final Fantasy fans across the world were suddenly looking at a very real remake of Final Fantasy VII. This is a deceivingly simple moment in the history of E3 that is amplified by just how rare it is for a game like Final Fantasy VII to actually appear at E3. While the remake still isn’t out yet - which is rarely a great sign - the moment of the reveal itself really summarizes why E3 is sometimes a very special event

8. Half-Life 2 Exceeds Impossible Expectations (E3 2003)

In 2003, Half-Life 2 was about as mythical to the average gamer as Half-Life 3is now. Most people knew that Valve was going to release a new Half-Life, but few felt that there was any chance of the sequel surpassing the standard the original had set. Half-Life was one of the most revolutionary games ever made. To convince everyone that Half-Life 2 was going to be just as special, Valve would have needed to put together quite the presentation.

So, that’s what they did. The first Half-Life 2 footage showcased things that gamers simply had never seen before. True physics based combat, the innovative gravity gun, A.I. that felt dynamic, and seamless cinematic storytelling all highlighted a roughly 20-minute video that left gamers feeling like they’d just seen the exciting future of the industry play out before their eyes. It’s everything you hope a major game reveal will be.

7. A Single Battle Nearly Determines the Xbox One/PlayStation 4 Console War (E3 2013)

At E3 2013, Microsoft and Sony were scheduled to reveal their respective next gen consoles. Microsoft, who was coming off the wildly successful Xbox 360, kicked off the festivities with an Xbox One presentation that many have since described as the company’s biggest failure. The initial Xbox One design was not only expensive and reliant on the controversial Kinect but required users to always be online, wasn’t backward compatible, and may or may not have allowed people to play used games. It was a spectacular PR disaster.

Sony followed that up with a PS4 reveal that was simply sublime. Not only was the PlayStation 4 cheaper than the Xbox One, but Sony even modified its planned conference in ways that allowed them to take plenty of shots at Microsoft’s failed Xbox One reveal. It was a presentation designed to please the masses and it succeeded in every way possible. While many E3s feature console war battles, few battles have ever ended up dictating the success of individual consoles quite the way that this one did.

6. For Better and Worse, the Halo 2 Reveal Sets a New Standard (E3 2003)

You had to be around for Haloto truly appreciate what Halo meant. Halo not only gave millions a reason to buy the Xbox, it showed those same gamers that consoles could offer up a first-person shooter experience largely free from compromise. It was a unique title that became a true phenomenon in a matter of weeks. Needless to say, the hype surrounding an eventual sequel was at a fevered pitch by the time E3 2003 rolled around.

The Halo 2 reveal represents the good and bad of E3 game reveals. The good is obviously the moment of the reveal itself. The first footage of Halo 2 received an audible “pop” of applause typically reserved for major moments during championship games. It was a wave of relief and anticipation just gushing out at full force. On the bad side of things is what happened after the incredible footage aired. Bungie later admitted that they could not replicate the footage that they showed at E3 and had to basically rebuild Halo 2 from scratch. The success of the Halo 2 reveal and the unreasonable hype it generated has come to be all too typical.

5. The Zelda: Twilight Princess Trailer Caps off Nintendo’s Greatest E3 Presentation (E3 2004)

It’s easy to make fun of Nintendo. Fun, too. For instance, one could say something like, “Why did Nintendo cross the road? Because it was the least efficient way possible of getting to where they were going.” For as many, many mistakes as Nintendo has made at E3 over the years, the company’s 2004 presentation stands as the company’s one perfect presentation. Not only did it feature the aforementioned Reggie Fils-Aime introduction, but it introduced gamers to the Nintendo DS (arguably the greatest handheld gaming device ever made) and even offered up the first public reference to the console that would become the Nintendo Wii.

However, the best was certainly saved for last. At a time when many Zelda fans were still upset that Nintendo had abandoned a more mature style of Zelda game in favor of Wind Waker’s Saturday morning cartoon visuals, Nintendo came along and debuted the decidedly mature and dark first trailer for Twilight Princess. The reveal was topped off by Shigeru Miyamoto gracing the stage with shield and sword gleefully in hand. It was the kind of moment that only Nintendo could deliver.

4. Killzone 2’s First Footage Kicks Off 12+ Years of Trailer Controversy (E3 2005)

In many ways, E3 is about hope. Those that watch it are certainly hoping they will see great games revealed for the first time, but they also hope that E3 will show them something entirely unexpected. Not a game or a console necessarily, but rather a brief glimpse into an unimaginable future. In 2005, Sony offered that window into the future when they revealed the first trailer for Killzone 2. To say that Killzone 2 looked better than any other game on the market at that time would be a drastic understatement. Killzone 2 looked like it was hand delivered from 10 years into the future.

Actually, that’s not too far off. Right after the Killzone 2 footage stopped rolling, speculation concerning the authenticity of the footage began. The conversation that followed included phrases like “in-engine footage” that have now become all too commonplace in a world where doctored trailers are perfectly normal. For better or worse, the Killzone 2 footage was a true innovator.

3. Sony Almost Kills the PlayStation Brand with One Awful Presentation (E3 2006)

We’ve picked on Microsoft’s bad E3 presentations a couple of times throughout this list - with good reason, mind you - but in the interest of complete fairness, let’s talk about why no company’s E3 presentation will ever be quite as disastrous as Sony’s E3 2006 spectacular. Sony’s 2006 E3 conference revolved around the formal reveal of the PlayStation 3. Given that the PlayStation 2 was far and away the world’s most popular console, the reveal of the PlayStation 3 should have been a simple way for Sony to retain their market dominance.

Instead, they seemingly went out of their way to sink the PlayStation name. It began humbly enough with the reveal of the PlayStation 3’s gaudy $599 price point (for the top tier model) and continued when the Genji development team promised to show us a game based on authentic Japanese history before revealing footage of players attacking a giant enemy crab’s glowing weak point for massive damage. This is also the conference that gave us the “Riiiiiiddddgggee Racer!” meme, the world’s dullest tech footage, and the promise of a gimmick-free console that was immediately undone by the introduction of three or four major console gimmicks.

2. Metal Gear Solid 2 Makes Games the Star of E3 (E3 2000)

In its early days, E3 was much more of a traditional trade show. While early E3 conventions featured occasional surprises, big announcements, and all the usual spectacle, the first E3 shows didn’t really emphasize the excitement of individual game reveals. Generally speaking, technology and industry ruled the day.

In many ways, Metal Gear Solid 2 changed that dynamic. The Metal Gear Solid 2 trailer shown at E3 2000 was long (over 19 minutes), traditionally cinematic, and entirely devoid of developer voiceover. It wasn’t quite the kind of trailer you’d expect to precede the release of a major film, but it was certainly different from any game trailer released before it. Even people who didn’t care about Metal Gear Solid walked away from the event talking about this footage. From that point on, developers knew that a single game could dominate E3 headlines.

1. Sony Establishes Two Dynasties with a Single Number (E3 1995)

In some ways, it’s appropriate that the very first E3 would contain the definitive E3 moment. Then again, given how much E3 has evolved over the years, it’s somewhat surprising that no event has ever topped the showstopping occurrence that highlighted 1995’s E3.

It began with the Sega Saturn. Sega took to the humble E3 1995 stage and debuted a sizzle reel of all the great things the Sega Saturn could do and how it would change the world forever. It was your standard E3 highlight reel complete with awkward live action segments. Shortly thereafter, a Sega exec informed those in attendance that they could purchase the Sega Saturn right now for the low price of $399. He then confidently exited the stage at which point the gentleman from Sony took to the platform, said “$299,” and exited. By undercutting the Sega Saturn by $100, Sony sealed the fate of the Sega Saturn in North America. In the process, they kicked off an entirely new era of gaming and established E3 as the one must-watch show every year.

Matt Byrd is a staff writer.

Overkill's The Walking Dead was first revealed in 2014. Starbreeze promised that the game would be an inventive adaptation of the original Walking Dead comics that emphasizes co-op gameplay, storytelling, and robust level design that will supposedly heighten the game's replay value. 

Remarkably, the only real updates we've been treated to since the game was first revealed involve its many delays. The Walking Dead was originally delayed until 2016, was then delayed until 2017, and now is delayed until 2018. In that time, developer Overkill has never really revealed much about the game beyond the vague details which accompanied its release. Even the game's title still sounds like an internal reference. 

Meanwhile, Overkill has continued to update PayDay 2 and have reportedly begun preliminary work on PayDay 3. While the release of the latter game is supposedly still some time away, it's fair to say that they are not solely devoted to completing The Walking Dead.

Perhaps, though, Overkill can surprise us all by delivering a Walking Dead game that manages to surpass the show's declining popularity by reviving the thrill of the source material.

Here's everything else we know about the game:

Overkill The Walking Dead News

The latest trailer for Overkill's The Walking Dead is a highly cinematic affair that showcases Heather; a new playable survivor who runs into a wandering gang trying to scrounge supplies from the same store as Heather. What happens next is more shocking than the eighth entry in a Buzzfeed list. 

Overkill The Walking Dead Release Date

Starbreeze has announced that Overkill's The Walking Dead has been delayed until sometime in the second half of 2018. The publisher confirmed the 2018 delay via their Sweedish website. Oddly, the delay announcement itself is not translatable into English directly through the Starbreeze website. According to third-party translations, however, Starbreeze's decision to delay the game stems from their desire to ensure that the game reaches its full potential. 

Overkill The Walking Dead Trailer

The latest trailer for The Walking Dead showcases the game's newest character, Maya. Maya is one of many whose lives were turned upside down by the events of the zombie apocalypse. Now, she is just desperate to survive. Take a look: 

This next update for Overkill's The Walking Dead comes in the form of a developer diary that breaks down the design of some of the game's levels. 

Here's a trailer introducing Aidan, one of the four playable characters in the game:

And if you want more, here's the original announcement trailer:

Overkill The Walking Dead Story

We also have a synopsis of the game:

Inspired by the rich story universe of Robert Kirkman’s original graphic novels, Overkill’s The Walking Dead is a four-player co-op multiplayer FPS action game set in Washington, D.C., as an outbreak brings the dead back to life. In this test of strategy and endurance, players will band together with up to three friends on a variety of missions and raids, securing supplies and survivors to strengthen their base camp against the threat of both the dead and the living - by any means necessary.

Each playable character has their own special abilities, skill trees, squad roles, play styles and background stories. Now they all share a common objective where survival and teamwork is paramount. The action is close-up and intense: take out enemies carefully with silent melee attacks or go in guns blazing. You need to be able to improvise, as nothing is certain, and a horde of walkers is always around the corner.

Overkill The Walking Dead Screenshots

Until we learn more concrete information about the game, you'll have to judge these concept art shots that Starbreeze released during a livestream back in May 2017 in order to get an idea of how the game is shaping up:

Nobody was quite sure what to make of the reports that a sequel to Rage was in the works. While Rage was a fairly well-received shooter, it didn't set the world on fire or establish much of a fanbase for the franchise. 

Nevertheless, Rage 2 is now official, and we're honestly incredibly intrigued by what we've seen of it. Developed by id Software and Mad Max developer Avalanche Studios, the next Rage game looks to combine open-world wasteland exploration with the trademark quality action that we've come to expect from id Software games. On top of that is a bizarre vision of the end of the world that includes a large number of themed gangs doing battle over what precious resources remain. 

In other words, it sounds like we're going to be getting the unofficial Mad Max game adaptation that we've been dreaming of for years. 

Here's everything that we know about Rage 2: 

Rage 2 News

Id Software boss Tim Willits informed GameStar that Rage 2 will not feature loot boxes or live service elements. 

Actually, Willits joked about the game's novel approach to revenue by stating that players will be able to buy the game and just play it. Bethesda later confirmed to USGamer that the game will not feature loot boxes or live service elements, but there's no word on whether or not the game will feature any post-release DLC content (whether it be free or premium). 

Rage 2 Release Date

There's no release date available for Rage 2, but it seems that the plan is for the game to launch sometime in 2019. Bethesda has promised to reveal more about the title during E3 2018. 

Rage 2 Trailers 

The first gameplay trailer for Rage 2 seemingly confirms the popular belief that this surprising sequel is basically going to be a glorious love letter to the Mad Max franchise. 

Rage 2's first gameplay footage showcases what seems to be the sequel's blend of first-person shooter gameplay, driving, and open-world (or large world) sections. We're informed by an unidentified narrator - who seems to be the game's protagonist, Walker - that Rage 2's world is a post-apocalyptic wasteland that is currently being fought over by various factions. As it doesn't seem any of these factions are big on diplomacy, surviving does entail establishing dominance via violent means. 

What's really interesting, though, is that Avalanche Studios is working on Rage 2 alongside id Software. You may remember Avalanche from their work on Mad Max; the shockingly brilliant open-world game that never really seemed to achieve the level of success it deserved. While there's no mention of how the division of labor between these two parties will work, the smart money is on Avalanche handling some of the game's assumed open-world elements while id tackles the action.

In case you missed it, here is the live-action trailer that officially introduced the world to Rage 2.

Anthem is the new game from BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age. The new IP is a departure from the developer's past work in the RPG genre. In fact, Anthem isn't an RPG at all. It's described as an action-adventure game running on a "live service," similar to Destiny. 

In Anthem, you play as a freelancer in a city protected by a wall from the dangers of the wild. Freelancers use special exo-suits called Javelins. There are two types of suits: Ranger, a balanced suit, and Colossus, which is basically your tank version. 

Here's everything we know so far:

Anthem Trailer

EA has dropped a new teaser ahead of Anthem's E3 presentation. Check out the tiny bit of footage below:

Here's the first gameplay trailer for Anthem:

Enemies showcased in the trailer include a mixture of wildlife and robots. The game will take place in an open-world environment and will feature cinematic dialogue sections, which isn't a surprise from BioWare.

Also be sure to check out the first teaser trailer for the studio's next game:

Anthem Release Date

Anthem will arrive in 2019. The game is coming to XBO, PS4, and PC. 

Anthem Details

When EA executive vice president Patrick Söderlund hinted during an investor’s call that BioWare was working on a new IP, many fans assumed that they were working on a new PRG. However, that's not the case.

During a recent investor meeting, EA CEO Andrew Wilson referenced BioWare’s next IP by confirming that: “At the end of the fiscal year, our BioWare studio will be delivering an all-new IP.” Interestingly, he had this to say regarding the game itself:

"A clean-sheet design with new concepts, new gameplay mechanics, and new stories set in a unique new universe. This game has the potential to fundamentally disrupt the way people think about an action title, bringing friends together to play in exhilarating new ways. We’re very excited about the future of this new franchise and its ability to attract a large global audience."

The one term that Wilson did not use when describing the game was “RPG.” Given that BioWare and RPG go together like Nintendo and sequels to 30-year-old properties, this comes as quite the shock. BioWare general manager Aaryn Flynn later took to the studio’s blog to expand on Wilson’s comments by stating that the project is designed to “bring players together in exciting new ways” and that their ambition is to "draw upon 20+ years of development knowledge and lessons to create something fun and new for you to enjoy with your friends.”

A non-RPG is certainly a departure from BioWare’s usual development territory, but given that they’ve been evolving their combat systems over the years to be more action-oriented, perhaps this is a natural evolution of the company’s design style.

Wilson also stated that he is able to describe the game as more of an action-adventure title with RPG elements that will operate off of some kind of live service. This seems to indicate some kind of online multiplayer experience. Indeed, it seems that this delay is at least partially due to EA's desire to develop that service a little while longer.

Few people expected Valve's next game to be a collectible card title based on the Dota 2 universe, but that's exactly what we have in Artifact. 

Before you roll your eyes, though, you might want to use them to take a closer look at this game. Artifact isn't like any other CCG out there. Actually, it's kind of like a version of Dota 2 that you play with cards instead of with heroes and teammates. Artifact's implementation of Dota 2staples like lanes of battle, heroes, and in-game markets is made all the more fascinating by the fact that the title also boasts some traditional - albeit hardcore - CCG elements. Of course, that last part shouldn't be a surprise given that the game was at least partially designed by Magic: The Gathering creator, Richard Garfield. It will be fascinating to see what that creative team comes up with. 

Here's everything that we know about Artifact: 

Artifact Release Date

Valve plans on releasing Artifact for Steam sometime before the end of 2018. They're also planning to release a version of the game for mobile devices sometime in 2019. 

Artifact News

PC Gamer has released a full breakdown of how Valve's Artifactcard game will work. It's a lot of information to take in, but here's what you need to know:

Artifact has you build a deck of 40 cards that contains five heroes. The base game will include 280+ cards and 44 heroes. You can't have more than three of any type of non-hero card in your deck. 

Gameplay sees you essentially play across three different boards designed to strategically resemble Dota 2's lanes. Each lane has its own mana pool, heroes, and a tower. Lose that tower, and a much stronger Ancient appears. If you manage to either kill an Ancient or if your opponent loses two towers, you win the game. 

Complicating all of this is the presence of creeps in all lanes that heroes must battle as well as some truly in-depth mechanics that require you to manage the resources of all lanes using the same deck of cards. Fortunately, your resources are bolstered by the ability to earn gold whenever you destroy an opponent's cards and use that gold to buy items from the store that your heroes can equip. Heroes can never be permanently killed, but they can be taken out of action for a round. 

Valve seems to be aware that this multi-lane style of CCG play creates a lot of complications, but they are embracing those complications. It seems like Artifact is mostly going to appeal to veteran CCG players or those that are willing to learn an entirely different style of game. Hearthstone this is not. 

Speaking of Hearthstone, Valve is already planning on separating Artifact from that game by reducing the amount of randomness in matches and by allowing players to trade cards via Steam's marketplace. That last one is a huge deal as it could drastically impact both gameplay and the costs of Artifact in the long run. Indeed, Valve has stated they do not want Artifact to be a pay-to-win experience. 

It all sounds fascinating, and Artifact might end up being extremely appealing to those who demand more complexity from CCG titles. 

Artifact Trailer

Here's the teaser trailer that formally introduced Artifact to the world. 

Star Citizen could very well be the space simulator to end all space simulators - if it ever actually comes out. The game has been in development at Cloud Imperium Games, founded by Wing Commander creator Chris Roberts, since it was successfully crowdfunded in 2012. Boasting an enormous massive multiplayer universe, elements of space trading, first-person shooter combat, Star Citizen is one of the most ambitious video games ever put into development. 

Several delays and an engine change later, the game is still in early Alpha state with no solid release date. Still, we've seen plenty of the game through trailers and gameplay videos.

There is still hope, though. Star Citizen continues to be developed by a large staff of talented creators who seem determined to produce the game that was promised at some point in the future. When, exactly, that future may come is just a matter of debate. 

Here's the latest from Star Citizen:

Star Citizen Release Date

While Star Citizen's roughly playable builds regularly receive some kind of update, there's no word on when the game will be released. It's quite possible that Star Citizen's development team will release an Early Access model for the game that will continuously be updated for the foreseeable future. In any case, we'll be sure to update you as information regarding the game's fully-playable builds becomes available.

Star Citizen Trailer

Slowly but surely, Cloud Imperium is revealing more about Star Citizen's single-player campaign. This new look at Squadron 42 takes us to a dangerous gas cloud called "The Coil." Check out the video below:

And here are two more Squadron 42 trailers. This first one features a new look at Mark Hamill in the game:

And here's over an hour of gameplay:

During the CitizenCon 2947 livestream broadcast, Star Citizen designer Chris Roberts took the stage to present a video that shows off the massive size of the game's worlds. 

The footage specifically focuses on the ArcCorp planet which has been shown before, but never quite like this. Roberts described the planet's vast cityscape as "Blade Runner esque," which certainly does help capture the spirit suggested by the city's spewing flame towers and jam-packed structures. Impressively, Roberts also suggests that everything in the city can be interacted with by the player in some way. There aren't any instances of painted features designed to make the cities look larger than they are. 

Roberts described that particular planet as being similar to Star Wars' Coruscant, but also showcased another planet that seems to have been decimated at one point or at least hasn't been fully terraformed as of yet. 

The team certainly seems to be aiming for a shocking amount of variety in regards to the design of every major planet. That isn't to say that there won't be largely barren planets, but rather that they hope to make each new planet feel like a discovery. 

Get a Free Trial of GameFly on Us!

Thanks to this gameplay video update on Star Citizen's development, we do know that the game's first-person combat is coming along nicely. 

The purpose of this video, besides showing off the kind of stunning visuals millions and millions of crowdfunded dollars will buy you, is to showcase the progress that Star Citizen's Vision Stabilization engine has made. In short, this improved engine allows for developer Cloud Imperium Games to implement tighter and less visually jarring first-person combat. Previously, some of the game's early users had reported that the character motions dictated by these mechanics were far too loose and had a tendency to generate a floaty sensation. 

Currently on version 3.0, the most recent build of Star Citizen arguably stole the show at Gamescom with this nearly 52-minute long gameplay video that takes on the daunting task of trying to explain the almost incomprehensible scale of the game. 

Not to beat the No Man's Sky horse to death, but one of the most impressive things about this demo in comparison to other titles in this genre is how substantial the universe feels. While certain elements of the experience don't feel nearly as important as the presenter hopes they might come across as ("The elevators in this game really move! *clap, clap, clap*), Star Citizen's developers seems to understand that pretty environments and theoretically infinite content will not get you far if there is not a solid core of gameplay at the center of it all. Watching the demo players navigate a character to a new planet, accept a mission, and carry it out isn't mind-blowing on paper. But, in the context of the full scope of this creation, it does show that there's a promising traditional game at the heart of the title. 

We still eagerly await the day that all questions about Star Citizen will be answered by the retail release of the game itself, but, until then, it's nice to know that it's still capable of wowing people. 

The Astronauts, the team behind the exceptional The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, have revealed that their next project is a dark fantasy shooter called Witchfire. 

In Witchfire, players will be able to combat the numerous evils that plague these digital lands with a combination of firearms and magic. It seems like you'll mostly be relying on your guns, but magic will at least be available to you as a power-up option if not a full-fledged combat method. 

What really makes us excited about this game, though, is the fact that Vanishing of Ethan Carter so happened to be one of the most impressive atmospheric games in recent memory. It was criticized for being a walking simulator, but the reveal of Witchfire made it clear that the team behind that gem have taken what they've learned from their work on that game and converted it to a full-on action experience. 

Here's everything that we know about Witchfire: 

Witchfire Release Date

There's currently no release date available for Witchfire at this time.

Witchfire Trailer

The debut trailer for Witchfire showcases the game's dark atmosphere and enticing action. Will this game live up to the promise of is atmosphere, pedigree, and visuals?Take a look:

Platinum Games are developing Bayonetta 3 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. The reveal trailer showcased during the 2017 Game Awards didn't show much more than same vague visual cues and the reveal of the official logo. As such, drawing any substantial information from it - such as its release date or plot details - is especially difficult and somewhat irresponsible at this early date. 

If you still haven't had the honor of being a first-time Bayonetta player, you should first know that Platinum Games' franchise is arguably the best action experience of its kind since the glory days of the Devil May Cry series. The second game in the series was released exclusively for Wii U in 2014. It was one of the most critically acclaimed games of the year and is widely considered to be among the finest action titles ever made. 

Can Platinum do it again? Well, based on their history of meeting and surpassing expectations, we have a pretty good feeling that they'll find a way to live up their promises of delivering a game that raises the bar. 

Here's everything we know about Bayonetta 3:

Bayonetta 3 Release Date

Bayonetta 3 doesn't have a release date at this time. The game is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch.

Bayonetta 3 Trailer

Here's the first trailer for Bayonetta 3:

After years of Nintendo dancing around fans' pleas for a new Metroid game, the studio finally decided to drop a humble reveal for one of the most anticipated games of the last ten years right in the middle of their E3 2017 showcase. What a truly Nintendo way to make such an announcement.  

Since the announcement of this project, Nintendo has confirmed that Retro Studios will not be handling the development of this new Metroid title. Instead, they have stated that the development is being handled by a "talented new development team.”

According to Eurogamer, that studio is none other than Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, which is collaborating with Nintendo on the new game. However, Metroid producer Kensuke Tanabe will be overseeing the development of this new title.

Here's everything else we know about the game:

Metroid Prime 4 Release Date

There is currently no release date for Metroid Prime 4. The game is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch.

Metroid Prime 4 Trailer

On the list of games that could possibly show up at E3 2017, Metroid Prime4 ranked somewhere alongside Half-Life 3. Nevertheless, here is the first preview for Metroid Prime 4.

Unfortunately, the reveal of Metroid Prime 4 doesn't actually tell us anything about the game itself aside from the fact that it is being worked on. However, given that most people had already given up hope that a new Metroid game would ever be released for the Nintendo Switch, we're going to go ahead and name this one of the best announcements of E3 2017. 

During Nintendo Direct announcement back in January 2018, the studio revealed Mario Tennis Aces for Nintendo Switch. 

Mario Tennis Aces will be the first Mario Tennis game since the Game Boy Advance Tennis titles to incorporate a story mode. As anyone who played those games - or the brilliant Switch title Golf Story - knows, these sports story modes tend to be incredibly entertaining detours from the competitive play that are loaded with creative minigames. That seems to be what this new story mode is going for, but it also seems that this particular plot might abandon the tennis academy setting of previous Mario Tennis stories in favor of something a little wackier. 

Thankfully, the story mode is expected to include those wonderful boss battles from previous titles.

Regardless of the story's setting, we're just happy to see it return. We're also quite thrilled to see Nintendo return to Mario Tennis so quickly after 2015's Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash was met with an overwhelmingly negative reaction. Considering that the primary criticisms of that game revolved around its lack of content and innovations, we'd say that the quick reveal of Mario Tennis Ace's story mode suggests that Nintendo is aware of what went wrong and is willing to fix it.

Here's what we know about the game:

Mario Tennis Aces News

The latest trailer for Mario Tennis Aces gives us our best look yet at the game's extensive adventure mode. It seems that the mode will consist of minigames and boss battles that serve to further a story about Luigi being kidnapped by diabolical forces. You know...tennis stuff. 

Mario Tennis Aces Release Date

Mario Tennis Aces will release on June 22. It will be playable exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.

Mario Tennis Aces Trailer

The March 2018 Nintendo Direct arrived with an in-depth look at the new gameplay mechanics in Mario Tennis Aces. Check out all the fun below:

Here's the announcement trailer in case you missed it:

Insomniac's take on Spider-Man isn't just one of the PS4's biggest upcoming exclusive, it's one of the biggest titles in Marvel's new approach to game releases. Spider-Man will not be directly associated with the MCU or a particular film, but will instead tell a unique story of the studio's design. 

Spider-Man will focus on young Peter Parker's battles against a still unconfirmed roster of classic comic book villains. As this game seems to take place relatively early into his superhero career, Parker will need to learn how to balance being the hero that NYC needs with the daily pressures of young adult life. 

From what we've seen of Spider-Man thus far, we're expecting a high-octane superhero experience that doesn't skimp on the cinematic but also gives us the freedom we need to truly feel like we are Spider-Man. Call it a fantasy, but Insomniac looks to deliver on the seemingly impossible by gifting the world with a Spider-Man game that captures every aspect of this incredible character. 

Here's everything we know about Spider-Man:

Spider-Man News

Insomniac has confirmed that you'll be able to wear various iconic Spider-Man outfits in their upcoming game. While we don't know the full roster of outfits Spider-Man can wear, this new trailer confirms that the Iron Spider armor that Spider-Man wears in Infinity War will be in the game. Furthermore, it seems that each Spider-Man suit will be upgradeable with custom powers. 

Spider-Man Release Date

Spider-Man will be out on September 7, 2018. The game is coming exclusively to the PlayStation 4.

Spider-Man Trailer

Check out the announcement trailer!

Game Informer had previously debuted an exclusive story about Insomniac's Spider-Man coming out and have released some new gameplay footage from the title to celebrate the occasion. 

This footage reveals a great deal of Spider-Man's combat system and exploration mechanics. Spider-Man's combat will seemingly utilize a kind of multi-man system featured in titles like the Arkham games, but Spider-Man's gadgets and abilities will allow him to dispatch of the city's baddies with considerably more flair. Navigation is also bolstered by Spider-Man's inherent abilities. We don't get a full feel for how swinging around the city works, but it looks like players will be asked to target where their next navigational web is going. 

Insomniac and Sony also showcased a trailer for Spider-Man at the Paris Games show. This preview focuses on Peter Parker's role in the story and expands the game's little mythology twists more than previous previews have done. 

Another arrived for Insomniac's Spider-Man game at D23 2017. Check it out below:

These trailers were preceded by the huge E3 2017 showing of the game which gave us our first good look at what we can expect from the most high-profile Marvel game in years. 

Finally, have a look at the debut trailer that got the world buzzing about what happens when a great developer like Insomniac works on one of the most beloved comic book characters ever.