Damien has over a decade of professional writing experience under his belt, as well as a repulsively hairy belly. Rumours that he turned down a role in The Hobbit to work on Nintendo Life are, to the best of our knowledge, completely and utterly unfounded.

Call of Duty®: WWII is Now Available on Steam!

Call of Duty® returns to its roots with Call of Duty®: WWII – a breathtaking experience that redefines World War II for a new gaming generation. Land in Normandy on D-Day and battle across Europe through iconic locations in history’s most monumental war. Experience classic Call of Duty combat, the bonds of camaraderie, and the unforgiving nature of war against a global power throwing the world into tyranny.

Call of Duty® Returns to its Roots and Brings an Epic, World War II Experience to New Generation of Gamers

Definitive World War II Game Delivers a Gripping, Personal Story, Boots-on-the-Ground Multiplayer Combat, Terrifying Nazi Zombies Co-Operative Gameplay

New Season of Call of Duty World League Gets Underway

Annual Race to Prestige Fundraiser Livestream Brings the Squad Back Together to Benefit Call of Duty® Endowment

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Call of Duty®: WWII is available now digitally and at global retailers worldwide. The most anticipated multi-platform game of this holiday according to Nielsen Game Rank™, marks Call of Duty®‘s return to where the franchise first began, World War II. The new title takes players to the frontlines of the greatest military conflict ever known, through a personal story of heroism and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood, in the fight to save the world from tyranny.

Activision’s Call of Duty: WWII also delivers a boots-on-the-ground multiplayer experience with new community-engaging features as well as a terrifying cooperative mode, Nazi Zombies.

“Call of Duty: WWII is the right game at the right time for our fans. Returning the franchise to its gritty, boots-on-the-ground, military roots was a big opportunity and a big responsibility. We were determined to deliver an unforgettable World War II experience, and I think we have,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision. “Our teams at Sledgehammer and Raven not only captured the epic scale and authentic atmosphere of the most brutal war ever fought, they also brought a hell of a lot of innovations—from a whole new way to play multiplayer with War Mode, to a new social space with Headquarters, to a jump-out-of-your-chair-scary Nazi Zombies mode. Whether you’re a long-time player, or totally new to the franchise, this is the game that will bring all of our fans together.”

“Call of Duty: WWII has been incredibly personal for us, with members of the Sledgehammer Games team and cast directly connected to World War II veterans. From the start, we committed ourselves to recreating the setting and locations, as well as years of research to make sure we captured the spirit and tone that players will experience,” said Glen Schofield, Co-Founder and Studio Head of Sledgehammer Games.

“Being a part of taking Call of Duty fans back to World War II has been an unforgettable privilege for all of us,” added Michael Condrey, Co-Founder and Studio Head of Sledgehammer Games. “The stories of sacrifice, comradery, and selflessness demonstrated by the men and women of The Greatest Generation inspired each of us to do the very best work of our careers. We kept these humble heroes at the forefront of developing the game and we proudly share it with the Call of Duty community in their honor.”

Call of Duty: WWII is loaded with an incredible amount of content, and delivers a variety of new ways for all players to connect, compete, and engage as a community across the unique modes of play. The Call of Duty: WWII story campaign immerses players into an intense journey filled with gripping action and epic battles. Players follow the story of Ronald “Red” Daniels, a member of the US 1^st Infantry Division, who joins British forces and the French Resistance, and battle across the beaches of Normandy, to the liberation of Paris and ultimately into Germany.

Call of Duty®: WWII multiplayer is a fast-paced, grounded, and action-packed mode set in some of the most iconic locations in World War II’s European theater with an arsenal of iconic weapons and equipment to suit different play styles and innovative ways to experience the mode, including:

• War Mode: Developed in partnership with Raven Software, allows players to compete against each other as Allies and Axis forces in team-driven, objective missions.
• Divisions: Redefines create-a-class system for how players develop their WWII Multiplayer Careers by enlisting in five iconic divisions, including the first to the fight Airborne Division, sharpshooting Mountain Division, the versatile Infantry Division, heavily-equipped Armored Division, and the Expeditionary Division armed with incendiary rounds and shotguns.
• Headquarters: An evolving, shared social space for players to connect with fans and friends.

Nazi Zombies is an all-new, cooperative zombies mode that thrusts players into a dark and terrifying, new and unique storyline set within a mythical and mystical World War II universe. Players embark on a chilling journey through a snowy Bavarian village in Germany, which holds a twisted secret to an unimaginable and monstrous power.

With the launch of Call of Duty: WWII, the Call of Duty World League (CWL) prepares for its biggest season yet with $4.2 million in total prize money on the line, the largest in Call of Duty esports history. Players can participate online in CWL Ladders at launch via the in-game MLG GameBattles mode on PlayStation 4 and earn CWL Pro Points, which determines seeding for online and offline leagues and events. Teams can also participate in-person at CWL Global Open LAN tournaments beginning with the CWL Dallas Open on December 8-10. Learn more at callofduty.com/cwl.

In conjunction with the release of Call of Duty: WWII, the Call of Duty™ Endowment is getting the squad back together for the annual Race to Prestige. Kicking-off on Thursday, November 2, at 10:00 am Pacific, personalities iiJERiiCHOii, GoldGloveTV, TmarTn, Hutch, and VernNotice will play and livestream action-packed Call of Duty: WWII Multiplayer directly from Sledgehammer Games around the clock through Sunday, November 5. Viewers can tune into the broadcast, streaming live from Sledgehammer Games and featuring special guests and members of the development team, at twitch.tv/therace.

Call of Duty: WWII is rated M for Mature and is now available for PlayStation®4, Xbox One X and, Xbox One. For PC fans, the game is also now available on Steam. Call of Duty: WWII comes in the following editions:

• Base Edition and Digital Base Edition – Suggested Retail Price, SRP $59.99.
• Digital Deluxe Edition – Season Pass** and more, SRP $99.99.
• Pro Edition – Season Pass**, collectible Steelbook™ and more, SRP $99.99

Check local retailers for availability of all Call of Duty: WWII Editions. Season Pass content is available first on PlayStation®4.

**Season Pass purchasers receive 2018 Call of Duty: WWII Season Pass content. Season Pass content is not final, is subject to change, and may not include all downloadable content available for the game. Season Pass content may not be available in all countries, and pricing and release dates may vary by platform. Season Pass content should be downloaded from the in-game store only; do not purchase separately, or you will be charged again. Season Pass content may be sold separately.

The title is published by Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), and developed by Sledgehammer Games with additional development support from Raven Software. For the latest intel, check out: www.callofduty.com, www.youtube.com/callofduty, or follow @CallofDuty and @SHGames on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Activision maintains operations throughout the world. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com, or by following @Activision.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected features and dates of the Call of Duty World League, including the CWL Dallas Open, and the dates and features of the Call of Duty™ Endowment Race to Prestige, are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

© 2017 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, and CALL OF DUTY WWII are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. MLG is a trademark of Major League Gaming Corp.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171103005167/en/

Activision Publishing, Inc.
Alan Johnson
Manager, Public Relations
310.255.2757
alan.johnson@activision.com

Source: Activision Publishing, Inc.

News Provided by Acquire Media

Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection is Now Available on Steam and is 10% off!*

In a world where magic and technology exist side by side, vampire princess Alwen must reclaim her ancestral castle and her magic alongside her unlikely ally, treasure hunter Ragna Valentine. They may make for an odd pair, but when they combine their talents, the sky’s the limit!

*Offer ends November 7 at 10AM Pacific Time

Nintendo turns Black Friday into Legendary Friday

With Black Friday quickly approaching, Nintendo is offering a variety of products to make holiday shopping a little bit easier and a lot more fun for everyone. These deals include two items that will make it easier for people of all ages and interests to get in on the fun and adventure of The Legend of Zelda series this holiday season.

The first is a Link green Nintendo 2DS system with bright orange buttons that comes pre-installed with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D game at a suggested retail price of only $79.99. This is ideal for young people who want to be introduced to one of the best games in The Legend of Zelda series on a durable and accessible portable system. The second is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Explorer’s Edition, a bundle that includes the critically acclaimed and award-winning Nintendo Switch game, a 100-page explorer’s guide and a two-sided map at a suggested retail price of $59.99.* The included guide and map are great for people new to the series, as well as people who haven’t yet had the opportunity to dive into the massive adventure.

But this isn’t all Nintendo is offering on Black Friday. In addition to these legendary deals, many other systems and bundles are currently in stores. These include a Nintendo Switch bundle that comes with the system, a download code for the Super Mario Odyssey game, Mario-themed red Joy-Con controllers and a special carrying case at a suggested retail price of $379.99.

“Between Nintendo Switch, Super NES Classic Edition, all the systems in the Nintendo 3DS family and all of the fun games available for these systems, shoppers will have multiple options for their wish lists this year,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our Black Friday deals are a great value for people looking to pick up gifts for the Nintendo fans in their lives.”

Other systems and bundles that will be available in stores this holiday include:

• For fans of Mario: A white-and-red Nintendo 2DS system pre-loaded with the New Super Mario Bros. 2 game at a suggested retail price of $79.99 (now available).
• For fans of cool hardware: A white-and-orange New Nintendo 2DS XL system at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (now available).
• For fans of Pokémon: A Poké Ball Edition New Nintendo 2DS XL system at a suggested retail price of $159.99 (launches Nov. 3).
• For fans of exploration: A special edition of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 that includes a sound selection CD, a special metal game case and a 220-page hard-bound art book at a suggested retail price of $99.99. A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller themed around Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will be available at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (both launch Dec. 1).

To check out all the offerings from Nintendo this holiday season, visit Nintendo’s holiday gift guide at https://happyholidays.nintendo.com/.

Remember that Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch/ or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

* The Expansion Pass, which is composed of The Master Trials and The Champion’s Ballad DLC, is not included as part of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Explorer’s Edition.

Game Rated:

Many of gaming’s most compelling stories come from those who’ve helped to create our favorite Xbox One games. In our Inside Xbox One X Enhanced series, these creators will share the behind-the-scenes accounts of the work involved in enhancing these epic games for Xbox One X, how they’ve helped chart the course of the world’s most powerful console, and what that means for the future of gaming. Today, we’ll be chatting with Respawn Entertainment’s Drew McCoy, Lead Producer on the action-packed shooter Titanfall 2.

What specifically is your development team doing to enhance Titanfall 2 for Xbox One X?

We have increased the rendering details and dynamic resolution cap of Titanfall 2 on X1X. This means the game will always output a 4K signal, but dynamically alter the resolution based on GPU load to ensure smooth framerates. Additionally, we have brought over from the PC version of Titanfall 2 Dynamic Superscaling for times when even full 2160p doesn’t push the X1X GPU to 100% utilization. Players will benefit from these enhancements whether they are enjoying our single player campaign or playing online. The characters you’ll meet and environments you’ll battle through will be rich with new detail and the epic mayhem of a multiplayer match will run smoothly even with dozens of grunts, Pilots, and Titans going at it in a match of Attrition.

How do these enhancements impact the gaming experience?

Titanfall 2 on X1X is a substantially clearer/sharper image presentation. Players will notice lots of little details in the world and it maintains the fluid 60 fps framerate needed for smooth gameplay more often so you won’t see any frame rate drops even with a bunch of 20 foot Titans battling it out at once.

Why did your development team choose to focus on these enhancement areas?

Gameplay is the focus of any Titanfall game, so hitting our target framerate while maintaining the clearest image possible were the goals. Our games always need to FEEL great so with all enhancements we make sure that Titanfall feel that is unique to us stays true.

How do you expect fans of Titanfall 2 will respond to seeing/playing it on Xbox One X with these enhancements?

We think they’ll love them! Whether they are enjoying the enhanced visuals while traversing the epic single player campaign or in the middle of a chaotic battle in Attrition, they will notice new details that make it feel like they are seeing it with new eyes. And there isn’t any other game that can replicate the smooth and frenetic gameplay of Titanfall 2, and so now playing with more stable framerates at 4K turns it into a sublime experience.

How has the process been to get the game up and running on Xbox One X?

Extremely easy! Being a part of the Xbox One family means it was a matter of hours/days to get a build up and running, as opposed to months/years for an entirely new platform.

What enhancement are you most excited about leveraging for Titanfall 2 on Xbox One X?

We’re pretty excited to be taking advantage of Dynamic Superscaling, which ensures 100% GPU utilization at all times. It is a pretty ingenious feature to allow a game that is so dynamic like Titanfall 2 to always look its best. Players can be sure that no matter what they are doing in the game, the Xbox One X is running on all cylinders to make Titanfall 2 run and look amazing.

What does 4K and HDR mean for your game, games in the future, and development at your studio?

Thinking about 4K/HDR really changes how you approach content creation, but it takes time to really get the most out of everything. We want players to be immersed in the worlds we create and this new layer of fidelity will allows developers to craft spaces that players will get lost in.  I think this first batch of titles is only scratching the surface of what will be possible in the future and I can’t wait to see what everyone does!

Thanks to Drew for taking the time to chat with us about Xbox One X Enhanced. We’ll be bringing you more interviews with more developers in the future, so stay tuned to Xbox Wire!

Team Rocket boss Giovanni – who appeared way back in Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue – will appear in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, it has been revealed today.

Giovanni has assembled a team of bosses from past games in the series, dubbed Team Rainbow Rocket. These include Ghetsis of Team Plasma and Lysandre of Team Flare, amongst others. What this new team of bad guys is up to is anyone’s guess.

That’s not the only new piece of information revealed today. It has also been confirmed that classic Legendary monsters will be included in the game, such as Mewtwo, Ho-Oh and Lugia. By travelling through an Ultra Wormhole you can encounter these famous beasts and catch them, if you’re skilled enough. Every Legendary Pokémon will be up for grabs.

We’ve also got information on the Battle Agency:

The Battle Agency is a new facility in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon where players can easily rent powerful Pokémon for battling. When players don sunglasses and become an agent at this facility, they can take part in Single Battles using rental Pokémon. They’ll have three such Pokémon to command as they try to defeat the three Pokémon in their opponent’s team. The goal: try to win their way to being the best of all the agents!  As players progress through battles, they can receive cool items such as Gold Bottle Caps. The variety of Pokémon that can be rented for these battles increases as players mingle with other players locally or on the internet. By connecting with strong Trainers, players will be able to rent powerful Pokémon to use in battle.

And Totem Stickers:   

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, players will be able to collect stickers called Totem Stickers, which are located all around the Alola region. Players will be able to get huge totem-like Pokémon for their teams based on how many stickers they have collected. The totem-like Pokémon that players can obtain differ based on whether they are playing Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon.

Finally, the QR Scanner will return:   

Players will be able to use the Island Scan to encounter Pokémon that did not appear in Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon, such as Charmander, Grovyle, Greninja and more.

That’s a lot of info to digest – are you even more excited about this game now?

It’s safe to say that Super Mario Odyssey has been a hit so far, both critically and commercially. It’s been clocking up impressive sales in all territories, and now Nintendo of America has confirmed a notable landmark for the US market.

In its first five days on sale Odyssey sold over 1.1 million units in the US, making it the fastest selling US launch in the Super Mario franchise – its early momentum has beaten New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which is impressive when you think back to how hot that game was.

The press release also reiterates that Nintendo is ramping up Switch hardware supplies for the Holiday season, and Reggie Fils-Aime is quoted as saying the following.

The public continues to respond positively to Mario’s latest adventure. We’re also seeing sales momentum for Nintendo Switch thanks to an ever-growing catalog of games from large publishers and indie developers.

Were you one of the early adopters of Super Mario Odyssey on the Switch?