Today was chock-full of video game news, such as the reveal of a new set of vibrant Xbox controllers that will most certainly catch your eye. Kojima Productions art director Yoji Shinkawa also said the studio’s new game will likely be announced “quite soon,” Microsoft is in the testing stages of removing Xbox Live Gold from free-to-play games, and more. Here’s the video game news you might’ve missed on March 25, 2021.
Kojima Productions Art Director Said Next Game Should Be Announced “Quite Soon”
Kojima Productions shipped Death Stranding in 2019, and if the studio’s art director is to be believed, the team is ramping up to reveal its next game soon. Specifically, during an interview with Al Hub (as relayed by VGC), Kojima Productions art director Yoji Shinkawa said, “Well yeah, I am doing something, for sure, and I could tell you probably that we can announce it quite soon.” In 2020 Kojima said his studio was “in the early planning stages” for the next game, so it could be time to see what the team has been cooking up.
Read More: Kojima Productions likely to announce its next game ‘quite soon’, says art director
Here’s a Closer Look at The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Up until this point, it wasn’t entirely clear what the moment-to-moment gameplay would be like in The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, but thanks to a new trailer, we have a better idea. The new trailer, as shown during the Future Games Show, features quick shots of Gollum walking and sneaking around some of the game’s levels. It also gives us a sense of the tone and atmosphere its developer is going for. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is due out in 2022. Check out the new trailer below.
It mustn't see us!
Help… don’t look at us…
The precious is calling!Wishlist The Lord of the Rings™: Gollum™ on Steam now: https://t.co/xhdxJtVEJi#FutureGamesShow pic.twitter.com/dxeUesFYCG
— The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (@GollumGame) March 25, 2021
These Are the New Xbox Controllers
Microsoft has unveiled the next batch of Xbox controllers, and they look striking, to say the least. Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition are the new controllers, which you can see in the tweet from Microsoft below. The Electric Volt controller will cost $64.99 and will launch on April 27, while the Daystrike Camo Special Edition controller will set you back $69.99 and will be available on May 4.
We’re excited to introduce not one, but two new Xbox Wireless Controllers: Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition. Learn more: https://t.co/rUvbW2LkOb
— Xbox Wire (@XboxWire) March 25, 2021
Axiom Verge 2 Footage Shows Off New Locales and Enemies
As part of the Future Games Show today, we got a new look at Axiom Verge 2. While the new game resembles the original, Axiom Verge 2 has many differences — most notably in the environments you’ll be exploring such as mountains, lakes, deserts, and other outside areas. This is a major difference from the first game, which mostly took place indoors. The trailer also shows off new enemies and the new protagonist, Indra. Axiom Verge 2 will launch for PC and Nintendo Switch this spring.
Xbox Live Gold Requirement Will Be Removed for F2P Games, Microsoft Testing Now
In January 2021, Microsoft announced it will be removing the Xbox Live Gold requirement for free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone. Today, the company announced this feature is being tested for Xbox Insiders, meaning it will likely go live for all users soon. In addition, Looking for Groups and Party Chat will no longer require an XBL Gold membership when the update goes live for everyone. This is a noteworthy improvement, as free-to-play games on competitors’ platforms don’t require a membership to play.
Read More: Xbox Insider Release Notes
