Today’s Gaming News Roundup
I still remember the endless hours I spent exploring Zebes in Metroid Prime, lost in each beautifully crafted world. Now, with news of Metroid Prime 4, I’m wondering how it’ll stack up against all the exciting updates from Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Baldur’s Gate. Plus, who would’ve thought generative AI could play a role in crafting these immersive universes? Let’s check out all the details!
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Cut Content Shows Its Chatty Companions Were Originally Even More Chattier
Nintendo’s got something brewing with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. They’ve got over 30 minutes of extra dialogue recorded for companion characters that aren’t in the game yet. This content suggests a deeper narrative layer was considered during development. But for now, it’s tucked away, waiting to see if it’ll make the final cut.
So, what does this mean for Metroid fans? Well, it could signal future DLC or updates that enrich the storyline. Nintendo’s known for keeping players on their toes.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2026 updates: everything we learned from Nintendo
Nintendo just dropped some juicy details about the 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It’s set to launch in January 2025. This update will bring new seasonal events and characters.
There’ll also be fresh customization options for your island. Plus, it’s all compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Ready to look back on island life?
Baldur’s Gate, Divinity Dev Reveals How It Uses Generative AI
Larian, the brains behind Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity, is incorporating generative AI into its game development. But it’s not what you might expect. According to Larian’s head honcho, Swen Vincke, the team uses AI for brainstorming new game ideas, crafting concept art, and even for creating placeholder text. They’ve also found it handy for jazzing up PowerPoint presentations.
Despite this tech-forward approach, Vincke assured Bloomberg that everyone at Larian is on board with their AI use. However, there has been some resistance within the team. Interestingly, Vincke confirmed that the upcoming Divinity game will be AI-free when it comes to content creation.
Samsung Drops Its microSD Card Below $0.13 per GB for Holidays, the Cheapest Nintendo Switch Storage Upgrade
Samsung’s slashing prices for the holidays. Their microSD card now costs less than $0.13 per GB. It’s the cheapest storage upgrade for your Nintendo Switch.
The deal was highlighted in a Kotaku post. Looking to boost your console’s capacity? Now’s the time.
Divinity will be a turn-based RPG and see Larian “unleashed”, declares CEO Swen Vincke, replacing the D&D system with one “made for a video game”
Larian Studios is diving back into its roots with its next big project, Divinity. CEO Swen Vincke revealed that the upcoming game will be a turn-based RPG, describing it as “us unleashed.” This announcement has fans excited about what new adventures await in the Divinity universe. Larian has a history of delivering engaging RPG experiences, and this new addition promises to keep that tradition alive.
Why is this exciting? For starters, Larian’s previous successes, like Divinity: Original Sin II, have set a high bar. Their commitment to the RPG genre suggests another deeply immersive experience is on the horizon.
‘It’s not a clone of D:OS2’: 6 big takeaways from our interview with Larian after the reveal of Divinity
Larian Studios is aiming high with their upcoming project, even more ambitious than Baldur’s Gate 3. The studio’s next game promises to expand on its signature turn-based combat, as seen in Divinity: Original Sin 2. This means players can expect even deeper gameplay and possibly a richer narrative experience. As for development, the game is still in its early stages, with a release window not set until at least 2025.
This ambitious undertaking suggests Larian is pushing boundaries in RPG design. With Baldur’s Gate 3 setting a high bar, fans can anticipate new mechanics and a more immersive world. The developers are tight-lipped on specifics, but the promise of something “more ambitious” hints at innovations that could redefine expectations of RPGs.
Tomb Raider Devs Explain Series Timeline, Lara Croft’s New Voice, And Links Between Catalyst And Legacy Of Atlantis
Last week, the Game Awards thrilled fans with two Tomb Raider announcements: “Tomb Raider: Catalyst,” a new game entry, and “Legacy of Atlantis,” a remake of the 1996 original. The exciting reveal prompted questions about how these fit into Lara Croft’s timeline. Thankfully, GamesRadar+ got the scoop from game director Will Kerslake. He informed us that “Tomb Raider: Catalyst” is set years after “Tomb Raider: Underworld,” showcasing a more experienced Lara.
This places the reboot trilogy, comprising “Tomb Raider” (2013), “Rise of the Tomb Raider,” and “Shadow of the Tomb Raider”, prior to the events of the original game. This timeline aligns with the franchise’s vision update from 2021, where Kerslake aimed to unify Lara’s adventures from Core Design and Crystal Dynamics. Fans can look forward to stories that build upon this vast legacy.
Larian talks Divinity, their next RPG after Baldur’s Gate 3: “it’s almost as though it’s the first in the series”
Larian’s new Divinity game is a turn-based CRPG that builds on Baldur’s Gate 3. It follows events from Divinity: Original Sin 2. Swen Vincke, studio CEO, confirmed this reboot-like approach in an interview with RPS.
The announcement came via a bloody and bawdy trailer at the Game Awards last week. This game promises more freedom and runs on a new engine. It’s designed for both Divinity fans and Baldur’s Gate 3 players.
Dead Island 3 is aiming to release the hordes in 2028, with early production of key bits “moving at pace”
Dambuster Studios is eyeing early 2028 for the release of Dead Island 3. The developers are holding back their horde of zombies for a few more years. These plans come straight from their financial documents.
The details were finalized by the end of March this year. Dambuster Studios intends to use the additional development time to enhance gameplay mechanics and introduce new features to set Dead Island 3 apart from its predecessors.
What do you hope to see in the Metroid Prime narrative?
Hot take: Metroid Prime 4 and Animal Crossing’s updates will overshadow the buzz around Divinity’s AI advancements. Who else thinks the nostalgia and community features will steal the gaming spotlight? Let’s chat about it in the comments section!
