BioWare has confirmed that it will share Dragon Age: The Veilguard's release date this month.

For 10 years, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next game in the Dragon Age series. In June, we received the first official look at The Veilguard with an exciting extended gameplay demo and BioWare was able to confirm that the game will be launching in "Fall 2024" PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.

The studio has been reluctant to share any additional looks in the form of teaser trailers ever since the game's big unveiling. However, the developer has now confirmed that players can expect brand-new details this August, which includes a release date and a roadmap.

"We’ll have more to share next month – including a new roadmap, more looks at the game, and our official release date," BioWare said in a new blog post following its panel at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC).

BioWare publisher EA also narrowed down the game's release window in its latest financial results calendar. Although initially missing from the line-up, EA now lists Dragon Age: The Veilguard with a Q3 launch window. 

This means that players can expect the game to launch this fall, after October 1, and could potentially launch either that same month, November, or December. 

BioWare hasn't confirmed if The Veilguard will receive any post-launch downloadable content (DLC) at this time, however, at the mention of a roadmap, it's likely an announcement of one or more playable expansion packs could drop at a later date, just like the previous Dragon Age entries. 

A roadmap typically includes other updates aside from DLC, such as additional features that may be implemented into the game down the road, for instance a photo mode or more quality-of-life improvements. We'll just have to wait and see.

You might also like...

• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard preview: an emphasis on moment-to-moment action and a strong lineup of companions
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard has 140,000 lines of dialogue

Bungie has announced another round of layoffs, affecting 220 employees.

The news broke in a new blog post from Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, who wrote that due to "rising costs of development and industry shifts", as well as "enduring economic conditions", the Destiny 2 studio has made the decision to make substantial changes to its cost structure and "focus development efforts entirely on Destiny and Marathon. "

This decision means that 220 development roles have been eliminated, representation 17% of Bungie's workforce, affecting every level of the company, including executive and senior leader roles.  This comes less than one year after the studio cut an unknown number of jobs.

"Today is a difficult and painful day, especially for our departing colleagues, all of which have made important and valuable contributions to Bungie," Parsons said. "Our goal is to support them with the utmost care and respect. For everyone affected by this job reduction, we will be offering a generous exit package, including severance, bonus and health coverage."

Later, Parsons said that this will be a "challenging time" for Bungie and confirms that it still has over 850 team members building Destiny and Marathon.

In addition, Parsons explained that Bungie will be deepening its integration with Sony Interactive Entertainment - who bought the studio in February 2022 - by moving 155 employees - roughly 12% of the workforce - over to the publisher over the next few quarters.

"SIE has worked tirelessly with us to identify roles for as many of our people as possible, enabling us together to save a great deal of talent that would otherwise have been affected by the reduction in force," the CEO explained.

Parsons also took this time to announced that Bungie will be moving one of its projects - a brand-new action game set in a sci-fi fantasy universe - to PlayStation Studios to form a new studio.

The layoffs come less than two months after the launch of Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion, which has proved to be the game's most successful downloadable content (DLC) to date.

Parsons acknowledged this, saying, "I realise all of this is hard news, especially following the success we have seen with The Final Shape. But as we've navigated the broader economic realities over the last year, and after exhausting all other mitigation options, this has become a necessary decision to refocus our studio and our business with more realistic goals and viable financials."

The post continues, with Parsons explaining that for the past five years, Bungie has worked to release games across "three enduring, global franchises" and to realize this, has set up "several incubation projects, each seeded with senior development leaders from our existing teams."

However, this model has "stretched our talent too thin, too quickly", and has "forced our studio support structures to scale to a larger level than we could realistically support, given our two primary products in development – Destiny and Marathon. "

"We were overly ambitious, our financial safety margins were subsequently exceeded, and we began running in the red," Parsons added. "After this new trajectory became clear, we knew we had to change our course and speed, and we did everything we could to avoid today's outcome. Even with exhaustive efforts undertaken across our leadership and product teams to resolve our financial challenges, these steps were simply not enough."

You might also like...

• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Ghost of Tsushima was the "biggest reference" for Star Wars Outlaws, says director
• Elden Ring's latest patch makes big changes to Spirit Ashes and summons

Shinji Mikami, renowned creator of series such as Resident Evil and The Evil Within, recently sat down with Grasshopper Manufacture's Goichi Suda (aka 'Suda51') to discuss the upcoming release of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered.

As reported by VGC, Mikami expressed interest in Suda developing a follow-up to one of his studio's most beloved games. "I've realized that I want to stay as hands-on as possible when it comes to game creation," says Mikami when asked about plans for future projects during the Grasshopper Direct presentation. "And I'd love to see Suda make a sequel to Killer7."

Suda, appearing taken aback by Mikami's comment, replies: "Seriously?!" He follows up by saying: "Someday we may just see a Killer7 sequel, or a 'complete edition'... I'd rather make a complete edition first."

Humorously, Mikami chides that a complete edition of the original game would be "kinda lame," after Suda suggests ideas for a sequel title in "Killer11" and "Killer 7: Beyond."

Nobutaka Ichiki, project manager on Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, chimes in, stating that in the original Killer7, one of the playable characters - Coyote Smith - had lots of cut dialogue. Mikami then admits: "Fans would probably love a complete edition. That could actually be doable."

Killer7 launched on the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 all the way back in 2005 (with a surprise Steam release landing in 2018). It was immediately notable - and divisive - for its striking cel-shaded art style and peculiar gameplay which had its seven playable characters - the Smiths - follow pre-determined on-rails paths through stages instead of being able to fully explore them.

Despite its quirks, it's maintained a healthy following over the years thanks to its captivating story, incredible style and exceptional music and sound design. Next year will be Killer7's 20th anniversary, too, so I don't think there'll be a better time than then to release a complete edition on modern consoles and PC.

You might also like...

• Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks aren't "as important as people think" says GTA: San Andreas dev
• The Sky Cipher Xbox Wireless Controller is real and you can pre-order it now
• Hoyoverse fans won't want to miss this latest limited edition PC case

Microsoft has officially revealed a new special edition Xbox Wireless Controller. Named Sky Cipher, this translucent blue variant can be pre-ordered right now.

Announced via a recent Xbox Wire news post, the Sky Cipher Xbox Wireless Controller features a striking translucent blue shell that shows off the inner parts of the gamepad. Every other aspect of the controller, including its buttons, grips and analog sticks, are also varying shades of blue.

The controller is available to pre-order now for $69.99 / £64.99 and at the Xbox online store as well as participating retailers. However, there doesn't appear to be an official release date for the gamepad as of yet.

Today's reveal of the Sky Cipher Xbox Wireless Controller lines up with a leak from French outlet Dealabs who accurately claimed the gamepad would feature a translucent design, similar to the Forza Horizon 5 edition from some years ago. In its leak, Dealabs suggested the controller would "most likely" launch on August 13, so buyers may only have a couple of weeks to wait should they choose to pre-order now.

Interestingly, the Sky Cipher Xbox Wireless Controller will also debut revised packaging for official Xbox gamepads. 

"Sky Cipher introduces a new packaging design for Xbox controllers that embodies our commitment to reducing product carbon footprint," the Xbox Wire post reads. "Single-use plastics have been removed from the packaging and the traditional paper manual has been replaced with a QR code for a digital quick start guide. Additionally, the packaging is now 22% smaller and 21% lighter, further reducing its environmental footprint."

You might also like...

• Hoyoverse fans won't want to miss this latest limited edition PC case
• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble teases all-new content later this year with its DLC roadmap
• Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks aren't "as important as people think" says GTA: San Andreas dev

Great news, monkey ballers, as Sega has announced that Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is set to receive even more downloadable content and free updates after its current season pass has ended.

The news was confirmed via the official Super Monkey Ball X / Twitter account, which posted an image teasing upcoming season pass content and what players can expect later in the year. It also confirms that a new, free multiplayer stage is available now, alongside Tails, Knuckles and Amy as playable characters via the season pass.

Then, in September, a new multiplayer mode will release as part of a free update. That'll be joined by season pass content in two new playable characters: Crazy Taxi's Axel and Jet Set Radio's Beat. That's alongside a Sega-themed costume pack which lets you dress your monkeys as Akira (Virtua Fighter), Gilius Thunderhead (Golden Axe), Nights (Nights into Dreams), Goro Majima (Yakuza / Like a Dragon) and Shadow the Hedgehog.

Lastly, the post teases content that has yet to be fully announced. In 'late 2024,' Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is set to receive new multiplayer stages and modes, and once again these will be free additions. Most eye-catchingly of all, however, is the announcement of additional characters that will be coming to the game.

Sega is remaining tight-lipped on who these characters are for now - and how many there will be. But it's possible that a second season pass could be on its way, given the Nintendo Switch exclusive's surprise popularity. If I was in charge, I'd continue digging into that Dreamcast era by getting Ulala from Space Channel 5 in there. Or, go full bonkers and take the Daytona USA Hornet car out of retirement.

You might also like...

• Modern Warfare 3 players are less likely to play the game when there's no skill-based matchmaking
• Elden Ring's latest patch makes big changes to Spirit Ashes and summons
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard has 140,000 lines of dialogue

A new study which shows that Call of Duty players are less likely to play if there is no skill-based matchmaking.

The study, which was published online and spotted by GamesIndustry.biz, details an experiment conducted by the publisher earlier this year without the knowledge of Modern Warfare 3 players and tested the North American player base.

According to the paper, Activision ran a "Deprioritise Skill Test" in the game for 50% of its player base were it loosened the constraints on skill in matchmaking, while the remaining half received normal matchmaking. 

Activision explained that it found that the players affected in the Deprioritise Skill Test were less likely to continue playing the game. The results show that the player rate dropped for 90% of players, while players who quit rose to 80%.

In addition, 10% of the highest skilled players reportedly returned, but in comparison fewer players did the same. The publisher explained that over time, like interest, this will have "meaningful impact" on the player population.

"This is a concern for all players, including the top 10%, as if this pattern is allowed to continue, players will exit the game in increased numbers," it explained. "Eventually a top 10% player will become a top 20% player, and eventually a top 30% player, until only the very best players remain playing the game."

It continued, saying the original top players will become increasingly more likely not return to the game. 

"Ultimately, this will result in a worse experience for all players, as there will be fewer and fewer players available to play with," Activision added.

"Also, this test only deprioritised skill in the matching rules. If it were completely removed, we would expect to see the player population erode rapidly in the span of a few months, resulting in a negative outcome for all our players."

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was recently added to Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate after weeks of rumors. It will also be joined by Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as a day one Game Pass release when it launches on October 25.

You might also like...

• The cheapest Xbox game deals in July 2024
• Best Xbox Game Pass games to play in 2024
• Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks aren't "as important as people think" says GTA: San Andreas dev

A former Grand Theft Auto developer has said the past Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks are unimportant and only happen due to Rockstar's secrecy.

Speaking in a recent interview with San In Play (via GamesRadar) Grand Theft Auto 3 and GTA: San Andreas developer Obbe Vermeij was asked to comment on the GTA 6 leaks that occurred in September 2022. 

According to Vermeij, he was aware of the video that was shared online, but he didn't follow the news closely at the time simply because "the leaks are usually not as important as people think."

"It's just because there are millions of people waiting for any news, and Rockstar doesn't give them any news," Vermeij explained. 

The developer continues, saying that he understands why studios keep quiet about projects: "because whenever a big company says anything, whether it's Rockstar or EA or Ubisoft of whatever, it gets analyzed and it often gets run negatively. It turns into a negative thing."

He added: "From their point of view, their best bet is just to be quiet. That's what they're doing. It's a shame it's gone that way, but it's not just their fault."

Following the game's official reveal in December 2023, which confirmed long-time rumors that the game will feature two playable protagonists, Lucia and Jason, publisher Take-Two Interactive said that it is "highly-confident" in the game's fall 2025 release date. 

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, but there's no word on a potential PC release just yet.

Although we've only received a single cinematic trailer, we do know that the next major title in the GTA series will be set in the state of Leonida, which will see players returning to Vice City, which Rockstar describes as "the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet".

You might also like...

• Upcoming games 2024 for console and PC
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard has 140,000 lines of dialogue
• Elden Ring's latest patch makes big changes to Spirit Ashes and summons

FromSoftware has released a new Elden Ring patch, addressing a number of balance issues across the board.

Version 1.13 is now live across all platforms and features some huge changes, aimed mainly at weapons, spells, and summons. In particular, the majority of the available Spirit Ashes have all been nerfed, and will now no longer stagger as easily, while some have received a boost in health or attack power.

The patch notes explain that that the update has increased the attack power and damage negation of summoned spirits, however, this excludes the Mimic Tear when the Revered Spirit Ash Blessing is at [5] or more and when upgraded to +8 or higher.

It also looks like the developer has adjusted the placement of NPC summon signs in certain boss fight arenas, and to make things less overwhelming during intense battles, it has changed the default selection of the "OK / CANCEL" prompt to a default position of "OK" that shows up when trying to summon Torrent after it the Spectral Steed has died.

Earlier this month, FromSoftware said that it was aware that some Latin American translation staff were not credited in the end credits of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and confirmed it would be adding them "as soon as possible in an upcoming patch".

It looks like the credits are still missing with the latest patch, but the developer did note that the "issue will be corrected in the next update." You can read the full patch notes below.

Elden Ring - Patch Notes Version 1.13

PvP-exclusive balance adjustments:

Equipment

• Increased poise damage of normal attacks for the following weapon types:
  Light Great Swords / Backhand Blades / Hand-to-Hand Arts / Beast Claws
• Increased poise damage of dual wield attacks for the following weapon types:
  Straight Swords / Thrusting Swords / Curved Swords / Katanas / Spears / Whips / Fists / Claws
• Increased poise damage of the Claws of Night throwing attacks.
• Decreased the backstep invulnerability window when the Fine Crucible Feather Talisman or the Talisman of All Crucibles are equipped.

Skills

Savage Lion's Claw

• The second hit of the follow-up attack is now easier to land.
• Decreased damage animation of the first attack against other players.

Raging Beast

• Decreased invulnerability window against other players' attacks.

Blind Spot

• Decreased invulnerability window against other players' attacks.

Palm Blast

• Decreased poise amount generated when charging this skill.

Spell and Incantations

Miriam's Vanishing

• Decreased invulnerability window against other players' attacks.

Knight's Lightning Spear

• Increased attack power of the initial lightning spear.
• Decreased attack power of the spears launched after the first one.
• Decreased poise damage of all spears generated by this spell.

General balance adjustments

• Increased damage animation of the Light Greatsword charge attacks against enemies (other than players).
• Increased the stats & status of the following NPCs that can be summoned in some areas:
  • Needle Knight Leda / Pureblood Knight Ansbach / Thiollier
• Increased the attack power and damage negation of summoned spirits, excluding the Mimic Tear, when the Revered Spirit Ash Blessing is at [5] or more.
• Increased the attack power and damage negation of summoned spirits, excluding the Mimic Tear, when upgraded to “+8” or higher.

Armament

Increased attack power scaling when upgrading the following armaments: Repeating Crossbow / Spread Crossbow / Rabbath's Cannon

Shield of Night

• Increased damage negation when blocking physical attacks.

Euporia

• Increased Holy damage when the weapon has its luster restored.
• Decreased the number of attacks required to restore the weapon’s luster.
• Increased the duration of the luster restoration effect.

Golden Lion Shield

• Increase guard strength.

Golem Fist

• Added a damage hitbox to the hand portion of the ranged fist attack.

Smithscript Greathammer

• Increased poise damage of the swing portion of throwing attacks (the projectile is unchanged).

Spread Crossbow

• Decreased the generated status buildup when used with Bolts that have status effects.

Ailment Talisman

• After the onset of a status ailment, the status build up (or duration) of said ailment will now also be reduced immediately by a certain amount.

Clarifying Horn Charm / Clarifying Horn Charm +1 / Clarifying Horn Charm +2

• Increased Focus resistance.

Skill

Savage Lion's Claw

• Increased attack power and poise damage of the first attack.

Swift Slash

• Reduced movement distance when using this skill
• Extended recovery time.

Overhead Stance

• Increased attack power against enemies (other than players).

Aspects of the Crucible: Wings

• Increased attack power.
• Increased directional control, as well as amount of poised generated when using this skill.

Lightspeed Slash

• The additional light attacks are now affected by the attack power and ability scaling of the weapon.

Rancor Slash

• Increased attack power of the vengeful spirits.
• Increased stamina damage against guarding enemies.

Revenger's Blade

• Increased directional control for follow up attacks after a strong attack.

Horn Calling

• Increased attack power against enemies (other than players).

Horn Calling: Storm

• Increased attack power against enemies (other than players).

Weed Cutter

• Increased the speed of attacks.

Romina's Purification

• Increased poise value when using this skill.

Red Bear Hunt

• Increased attack power.
• Increased poise value when using this skill.

Rancor Shot

• Decreased status buildup generation when used with Arrows that have status effects.

Repeating Fire

• Adjusted attack power to compensate for increase in weapon damage

Feeble Lord's Frenzied Flame

• Reduced Frenzy status effect buildup against enemies.

Revenge of the Night

• Increased poise damage and attack power when this skill is used immediately after guarding against an enemy attack.

Spell

Glintblade Trio

• Increased attack power.

Blades of Stone

• Adjusted attack power of the first, second and third charge attacks.
• Increased attack power of the non-charged attack.
• Increased attack power of the first hit of the charged attack, and reduced attack power of the second and third hits.
• Increased attack range and attack speed.

Glintstone Nail(s)

• Increased attack power and improved enemy tracking.

Impenetrable Thorns

• All generated Impenetrable Thorns will now track enemies.
• Decreased attack power and poise damage.
• Decreased the Hemorrhage status buildup and stamina damage against guarding enemies.

Rings of Spectral Light

• Increased attack power and Frostbite status buildup.

Vortex of Putrescence

• Increased attack power and Frostbite status buildup.

Incantation

Minor Erdtree

• Increased HP recovery amount.

Land of Shadow

• Improved enemy tracking.

Spira

• Increased attack speed.

Watchful Spirit

• Improved enemy tracking.

Divine Beast Tornado

• Increased attack power.
• Enemies hit by the tornado will now be launched upwards.
• The tornado will be less likely to disappear due to collision with the terrain.

Rain of Fire

• Increased attack power.
• Reduced the interval between each hit.

Roar of Rugalea

• Increased poise damage and attack power.

Furious Blade of Ansbach

• Increased attack power.

Rotten Butterflies

• Increased Scarlet Rot status buildup.
• Reduced the interval between damage ticks.
• Increased attack range.

Ash

• Wandering Noble: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Noble Sorcerer: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Nomad Ashes: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Putrid Corse: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Skeletal Militiaman: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Skeletal Bandit: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Albinauric: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Winged Misbegotten: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Demi-Human: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Clayman: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Oracle Envoys: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Man-Fly: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Lone Wolf Ashes: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Rotten Stray Ashes: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Giant Rat Ashes: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Warhawk: Increased HP, physical attack power and Fire attack power. Increased Stance status.
• Land Squirt: Increased HP. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Spirit jellyfish: Increased HP, physical attack power and poison status ailment buildup on enemies. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Spider Scorpion: Increased physical attack power, poison status ailment buildup on enemies and damage negation except for strike and fire attributes. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Fingercreeper: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Fanged Imp: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Bigmouth Imp: Increased HP and Fire attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Gravebird: Increased HP and magic attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Soldjar of Fortune: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Archers: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Greatshield Soldiers: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Page: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Vulgar Militia: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Marionette Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Avionette Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Kaiden Mercenary: Increased HP and physical attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Mad Pumpkin Head: Increased physical attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Fire Monks: Increased HP and Fire attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Ancestral Follower: Increased physical attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Horned Warrior: Increased HP and damage negation except for pierce attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Azula Beastman: Increased HP and lightning attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Man-Serpent: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Crystalian: Will no longer stagger as easily. Increased physical attack power.
• Kindred of Rot: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Bloodfiend Hexer's: Increased hemorrhage status ailment buildup on enemies. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Glintstone sorcerer: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Twinsage Sorcerer: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Inquisitor: Increased HP. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Godrick Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Raya Lucaria Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Leyndell Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Radahn Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Haligtree Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Mausoleum Soldier: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Messmer Soldier: Increased Hp and physical attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Stormhawk Deenh: Increased HP and physical attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily. Increased duration of effect to increase the attack power given to allies.
• Banished Knight Oleg: Increased physical attack power and damage negation against physical attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Banished Knight Engval: Increased physical attack power and damage negation against physical attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Bloodhound Knight Floh: Increased HP, physical attack power and damage negation against physical attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Black Knight Captain Huw: Increased physical attack power and damage negation against physical attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Black Knight Commander Andreas: Increased damage negation and guard boost against Holy and Physical attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Fire Knight Hilde: Increased Fire attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Fire Knight Queelign: Increased Vigor and Faith.
• Swordhand of Night Jolán: Increased Vigor and Dexterity.
• Jolán and Anna: Increased Vigor and Dexterity.
• Battlemage Hugues: Increased physical attack power and magic attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Latenna the Albinauric: Increased HP, physical attack power, and magic attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Perfumer Tricia: Increased HP. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Depraved Perfumer Carmaan: Increased fire attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Omenkiller Rollo: Increased HP, physical attack power, and Fire attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Blackflame Monk Amon: Increased HP and Fire attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Curseblade Meera: Increased HP and physical attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh: Increased HP, physical attack power, and magic attack power. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff: Increased Lightning attack power and damage negation against Physical, Lightning, and Holy Attack affinities. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Redmane Knight Ogha: Increased physical attack power and damage negation against Physical and Fire attack affinities. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Lhutel the Headless: Increased physical attack power and damage negation against physical attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Cleanrot Knight Finlay: Increased physical attack power and damage negation against Physical, Magic, and Holy Attack affinities. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Black Knife Tiche: Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Divine Bird Warrior Ornis: Increased HP and damage negation against Physical attacks except Pierce attacks. Will no longer stagger as easily.
• Ancient Dragon Florissax: Increased Arcane. Increased damage negation against all affinities. Increased Skills and Incantations usage rate. Increased the speed and poise values during some attacks.
• Finger Maiden Therolina Puppet: Increased Vigor and Faith.
• Jarwight Puppet: Increased Vigor.
• Dolores the Sleeping Arrow Puppet: Increased Vigor.
• Nepheli Loux Puppet: Increased Vigor and Strength.
• Dung Eater Puppet: Increased Vigor.
• Nightmaiden & Swordstress: Increased HP and physical attack power.

Bug Fixes

• Changed the default selection of the OK / CANCEL prompt that shows up when using the “Spectral Steed Whistle” while the spectral steed is dead. The default selection position is now OK.
• Adjusted the placement of NPC summon signs in certain boss fight areas.
• Changed the NPC summon signs in certain boss fights to allow the user to summon NPCs simply by pressing the action button once.
• Fixed a bug where the damage of some normal attacks of the Dark Moon Greatsword were lower than intended.
• Fixed the physical attack attribute menu display of the “Warpick” weapon.
• Fixed a bug where some attacks of the “Swift Spear” weapon were different than expected in terms of power, damage motion and hitbox generation timing.
• Fixed a bug that prevented the “Twinblade Talisman” from affecting the Perfume Bottles weapon type when equipped and used in the left hand.
• Fixed a bug where the physical attack attributes of some attacks of the Thrusting Shields weapon type were different than expected.
• Fixed a bug that allowed the use of Arrows / Great Arrows / Bolts / Great Bolts that should not be usable for the following weapon types:
  Light Bows / Long Bows / Greatbows / Crossbows / Ballistas
• Fixed a bug where the effect of increasing the power of the Incantation “Light of Miquella” of the “Circlet of Light” helmet was not applied correctly.
• Fixed a bug that caused FP consumption when using the "Unending Dance" Skill while not meeting the ability requirements of the weapon "Dancing Blade of Ranah".
• Fixed a bug where the physical attack attribute of some attacks of the “Deadly Dance” Skill was different than expected.
• Fixed a bug where the physical attack attribute of the “Scattershot Throw” Skill of the “Claws of Night” weapon was different than expected.
• Fixed a bug where the following Skills did not change correctly when performed with or without FP.
• Dynastic Sickleplay / Raging Beast / Repeating Crossbow Fire
  • Fixed a bug where a different Rage Art was sometimes performed when following up with a strong attack after using the “Raging Beast” and “Dynasty Sickleplay” Skills.
• Fixed a bug that caused certain Skills to perform differently than expected under certain circumstances.
• Fixed a bug that prevented some Spells / Incantations that can be used in the air from being used in the air under some conditions.
• Fixed a bug that caused the "Golden Arcs" Incantation to generate attacks slower when cast with the left hand.
• Fixed a bug where the “Rain of Fire” Incantation sometimes did not hit enemies.
• Fixed a bug where the “Furious Blade of Ansbach” Incantation did not apply Hemorrhage status build up.
• Fixed a bug where under some circumstances, the move distance when casting some Spells / Incantations was different than expected.
• Fixed a bug that sometimes interrupted the cast of the “Roar of Rugalea” Incantation.
• Fixed a bug where the “Cherishing Fingers” magic attack sometimes did not hit.
• Fixed a bug in the behavior of the Mimic Tear spirit when casting Spells, Incantations and Skills.
• Fixed a bug where  NPCs could be summoned when the maximum number of cooperative multiplayer members had been reached.
• Fixed a bug that caused some items to display different icons than expected.
• Fixed a bug where exiting the game or going through a loading screen immediately after defeating “Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers” could make the dropped items unobtainable.
• Fixed a bug that prevented the player from performing Critical hits on some enemies.
• Fixed a bug in which some attacks on certain enemies were interpreted differently than expected.
• Fixed a bug that prevented rune gains when defeating some enemies.
• Fixed a bug that prevented some enemies from working properly under certain circumstances.
• Fixed a bug where the Multiplayer area borders were different than intended in some areas.
• Fixed a bug where the player would spawn in a different place than intended when invading another player’s world
• Fixed a bug in the map menu that caused some NPC icons in the Realm of Shadow to not display properly.
• Fixed a bug in the design of the map of Realm of Shadow and the “Map Fragment” icon.
• Fixed a bug where some cutscenes were not displayed correctly under certain circumstances.
• Fixed a bug where some sound effects did not play correctly.
• Fixed a bug where some effects were not displayed correctly.
• Several performance improvements and other bug fixes.

Steam-only adjustments

• Fixed a bug where “Anti-aliasing Quality” was unintentionally set to “High” each time the game was restarted.

Correction of end credits

• In update 1.12, an error was included in the credits of the game. This issue will be corrected in the next update.

You might also like...

• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree review: FromSoftware’s most ambitious expansion to date
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard preview

BioWare has revealed that Dragon Age: The Veilguard has more lines of dialogue than Dragon Age: Inquisition.

In a recent interview with GamesRadar, creative director John Elper and creative performance director Ashley Barlow discussed the reason behind The Veilguard's decade-long development, and confirmed that one of the main reasons came down to the overwhelming amount of dialogue included in the game.

"We had other projects going on at BioWare as well. We wanted to make sure we got this one right," Elper said before calling the upcoming role-playing game "the best version" the game "could possibly be."

Barlow goes on explain that she has been working on the game for five years with the main cast and revealed that the game has a staggering 140,000 lines of dialogue. 

To put that into perspective, Dragon Age: Inquisition held the series record of the most lines recorded, with 88,000. 

"It takes a long time to record 700 characters, you know - 80,000 lines or 140,000 lines with all the Rooks. It just takes time to make good," Barlow added.

BioWare recently unveiled the cast behind The Veilguard's seven companions and the four voices behind the playable hero, Rook. The studio also attended San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) where those in attendance were able to meet some of the actors and also see a brand-new glimpse of the game showing "how bonds and connections will unfold through BioWare’s dynamic conversation system."

The Veilguard doesn't have a release date just yet, but BioWare has confirmed it will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC in "Fall 2024". 

We haven't seen much more of the game since its official reveal last month, but we do know that it will take place 10 years after Dragon Age: Inquisition and also feature four difficulty options as "playstyles". 

You might also like...

• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard preview: an emphasis on moment-to-moment action and a strong lineup of companions
• Starborn is seemingly the name of Starfield's second expansion

It looks like Starfield's second expansion is already in the works ahead of the release of Shattered Space.

First spotted by X / Twitter user Timur222 (via VGC) it appears that Bethesda has trademarked the name 'Starborn' with the US Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month on July 12, which will seemingly be the name of the sci-fi role-playing game's second major downloadable content (DLC).

Starfield story spoilers ahead!

For context, the name 'Starborn' directly refers to a group of space travelers who have journeyed through portals between different universes. Although we don't exactly know what the next Starfield expansion will entail, given the name, it's likely that it could center around these beings the player meets at the end of the main story. 

Starfield's first story expansion, Shattered Space, is set for a Fall 2024 release and will feature an "all-new adventure" focused on House Va'ruun.

Fans were treated to the first official trailer last month at the Xbox Games Showcase, where we got a look at new first-person exploration on an abandoned space station and a vibrant new planet, along with a brief description of what to expect from the story. 

"A mysterious power stirs in the city of Dazra on House Va'ruun's hidden homeworld," it reads. "Investigate a frightening cosmic threat, explore a new planet, and find unique weapons, spacesuits, and gear in this all-new adventure."

Bethesda has previously shared its content roadmap for this year, and has already kept to its plans by releasing significant updates in the form of quality-of-life patches and bug fixes, as well as official Nvidia DLSS support and new ways to travel and customize your ship. 

You might also like...

• Best RPGs 2024 - top role-playing games for PC and consoles
• Dragon Age: The Veilguard preview
• BioWare reveals the cast of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will feature four voice actors for Rook

Sony has announced yet another limited edition DualSense Wireless Controller - this time based on the upcoming Astro Bot game - and it's an incredibly pretty one.

We get a first look at the controller via an official PlayStation Blog post, in which studio head at Team Asobi, Nicolas Doucet, breaks down this limited edition DualSense controller's design and aesthetics. Eagle-eyed fans may also notice the controller is designed after the one featured in that initial Astro Bot reveal trailer.

"The controller’s design features Astro’s signature blue accents on the handles and buttons, carved-in, sci-fi lines as well as the trademark playful pair of eyes on the touch pad," Doucet writes. "It is a true work of art, and we could not be happier with the end-result at Team Asobi." 

The Astro Bot limited edition DualSense controller will have its pre-orders go live on August 9. It's due to release on September 6; the same day as the Astro Bot game itself. Available at PlayStation Direct and "select retailers," it'll cost $79.99 / £69.99. In the US, that's actually $5 cheaper than the recently announced limited edition Concord DualSense Wireless Controller. And in all honestly, we reckon this Astro Bot model looks nicer to boot.

In case you're unaware, Astro Bot is an upcoming PS5-exclusive platformer. Launching on September 6, it - like Astro's Playroom before it - will utilize the various features of the DualSense controller (such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers) to deliver a uniquely immersive experience. 

Whereas Astro's Playroom was a relatively short pre-installed game that comes free with every PS5, Astro Bot appears to be a much larger and more ambitious title with larger worlds, more levels and no shortage of PlayStation-themed cameos. Developer Team Asobi has also said the game will push the DualSense controller to "a new level".

You might also like...

• PS6: when can we expect the PlayStation 6 and what do we want to see?
• Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns expansion announced
• The next expansion pack for The Sims 4 could add new ways to die

Netherrealm Studios has announced the Khaos Reigns expansion for Mortal Kombat 1, which includes a brand new story mode, the introduction of Kombat Pack 2, as well as the return of a fan-favorite feature from series' past.

The four-minute-long trailer for the Khaos Reigns expansions shows off the all-new story mode, which sees a version of Havik from a different (presumably even more messed-up) timeline take center stage as the primary antagonist. Naturally, it's up to the series' roster of limb-chopping warriors to put a stop to his plans.

As ever, Netherrealm's penchant for high graphical fidelity and gratuitous violence is on show here, so Mortal Kombat 1 fans are likely to end up feasting on this new story content when Khaos Reigns launches on September 24, 2024.

In addition to the all-new story, Khaos Reigns will also see the introduction of Kombat Pack 2. Like the first, this will see a total of six characters added to Mortal Kombat 1 as downloadable content. Three of those - Sektor, Cyrax and Noob Saibot - will arrive on the day of release. 

Then there will be three guest characters who have yet to have their release dates announced. They will be Scream's Ghostface, Conan the Barbarian (featuring the likeness of Arnold Schwarzenegger), and Terminator 2: Judgment Day's T-1000 (portrayed by Robert Patrick). The Khaos Reigns bundle will also include the first Kombat Pack which features Quan-Chi, Ermac, Takeda, Omni-Man, Homelander and Peacemaker.

Finally, Khaos Reigns is reintroducing a fan-favorite feature as a free update: Animalities. If you're unaware, these are special Fatality animations that sees your fighter transform into a creature to brutally dismember your opponent at match's end. The trailer shows off a hyena, pufferfish, preying mantis and more, and they're all predictably gruesome.

You might also like...

• The next limited edition DualSense has been revealed and it’s inspired by Concord
• Stalker 2 gets hit with another delay painfully close to its intended September release date
• The next expansion pack for The Sims 4 could add new ways to die