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Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier -- some caveats may apply

David J. Climenhaga

Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier.

When you add in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he's also Canada’s least popular first minister.

I'm not going to belabour this point, but Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier.

Actually, I am going to belabour the point. I'm just not going to provide a lot of smarty pants analysis. That's because while we can speculate, it's too soon to say why Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier, or what that might mean.

Unfortunately, there are caveats. Far too many.

As far as we can tell, Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier. Maybe there's a less popular premier in Atlantic Canada, because the Campaign Research Inc. poll that indicates how unpopular Kenney is doesn't include the Maritimes or Newfoundland.

But who can imagine any Atlantic premier being less popular than Kenney? So I'm just going to keep on saying Kenney is Canada's least popular premier until somebody proves otherwise.

How unpopular is Kenney? Well, Kenney has both the lowest approval rating of any first minister about which the Toronto-based pollster asked questions in its monthly omnibus poll and the highest disapproval rating of any premier on the list.

Mind you, another caveat, the Alberta sample appears to be pretty small, tiny even, a mere 181 souls out of the 2,007 who responded to the firm's online panel on May 1 and 2. And, in this province, who knows why people might disapprove of the guy?

Still, even with all those qualifiers, it's nice to be able to say that Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier, and considerably less popular than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to boot!

The poll was published yesterday under the heading COVID-19/Coronavirus Study, so you might have missed it. The bit about Jason Kenney being Canada's most unpopular premier is buried rather deep, starting down on page 36 of the explanatory slide show. It's one of those online panel thingies, so all of the usual negative caveats about that apply too.

Just the same, according to Campaign Research, Canada's three most popular premiers are Quebec's Francois Legault with an 83-per-cent approval rating and 13 per cent disapproving, Saskatchewan's Scott Moe (80 per cent/16 per cent), and British Columbia's John Horgan (73 per cent/13 per cent). Ontario's Doug Ford was fourth (76 per cent/17 per cent).

I suppose because they're a Toronto pollster, Campaign research threw in Toronto Mayor John Tory (75 per cent/17 per cent). In fairness, though, Toronto's population is more than twice those of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and a bit larger than both combined, so fair's fair.

Plus Campaign Research added the prime minister (65 per cent/29 per cent).

Canada's second-least popular premier, according to this, was Manitoba's Brian Pallister (51 per cent/37 per cent).

And then came Kenney, in a distant last place with an approval rating of 44 per cent, and a disapproval rating of 48 per cent, the only leader on the list with a higher disapproval rating than approval rating.

Have I read too much into this? Almost certainly.

But who cares? It's just nice to be able to say … Jason Kenney is Canada's least popular premier.

David Climenhaga, author of the Alberta Diary blog, is a journalist, author, journalism teacher, poet and trade union communicator who has worked in senior writing and editing positions at The Globe and Mail and the Calgary Herald. This post also appears on his blog, AlbertaPolitics.ca.

Image: Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta/Flickr




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Donald Trump can't mask his message to Indian country: 'Live and let die'

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Diné/Navajo people hard, inflicting the highest per capita infection rate in the country after New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Navajo Nation is the largest reservation in the country, larger than West Virginia, straddling Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Half of the over 300,000 enrolled members reside on the reservation. Navajo President Jonathan Nez has issued some of the strongest stay-at-home measures in the country, including a weekday evening curfew and a complete, stay-at-home curfew for the entire weekend. Nearby Gallup, New Mexico, with a large Diné population, has enacted a complete lockdown, with the National Guard prohibiting entry.

As of May 5, despite these efforts, there were 2,559 confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation and 79 deaths. Among the victims, 28-year-old Valentina Blackhorse, a beloved champion of Navajo culture and a community leader. She left behind her partner, Robby Jones, and their one-year-old daughter, Poet.

"She really loved her family -- her parents, her sisters, her nieces and nephews. She loved her elderly. She loved children," Jones said Tuesday on the Democracy Now! news hour. "She was a kind and hardworking lady, and she was warmhearted. She would do anything for her family."

Jones is a detention officer with the Navajo Department of Corrections, and contracted COVID-19 at work. "When she was taking care of me, I guess she contracted it," he said. "She started showing symptoms -- shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste and smell. By the time I started feeling better … that's when she started feeling sick."

Valentina Blackhorse tested positive for COVID-19 on April 22. She died the next day. She had won numerous pageants, being named Miss Western Navajo and Miss Diné College, among others, and hoped to run for office in the Navajo Nation government one day.

Dr. Michelle Tom, a member of the Navajo Nation, is a family physician in Winslow, Arizona, just across the Navajo reservation line. She spoke about Valentina's death on Democracy Now!: "It's a reflection of what we're going through as a people, and it correlates with what this virus can do to our young and someone who was very motivated, loved our culture, spread our rich and strong culture, and our language. That's what we're trying to fight for," she said, adding, "She was going to lead our next generation. It was a hard loss for our community."

The Navajo Nation, along with the nearby Hopi, Pueblo, Zuni and Gila River Indigenous communities, have endured despite centuries of genocide, oppression and systemic racism and poverty. The novel coronavirus pandemic is afflicting them disproportionately, as it has African American and Latinx populations across the U.S. Access to water is challenging on the Navajo reservation.

"That's from a long state of histories with treaties and our relationship with the [federal] government," Dr. Michelle Tom explained. "Our infrastructure for water has never been at the capacity where we can provide water for everyone on the reservation. So, you're telling people to wash your hands for 20 seconds, and yet people are trying just to get water just to drink and to cook with."

President Donald Trump made a rare trip Tuesday, visiting an Arizona N95 mask factory, where he ignored factory rules by not wearing a mask. Guns 'N Roses blared from a factory sound system, playing the song Live and Let Die. It's not clear if it was a coincidental music choice or not.

Trump also met with elected officials, including Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer. The Navajo Nation joined a lawsuit filed by numerous native tribes against Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, for his abject failure in disbursing $8 billion promised to Native American tribes in the CARES Act.

"The amount of money that’s being sent to 'Indian country,' as we call it, is the largest amount in the history of the U.S. And you deserve it. And you've been through a lot," Trump said to VP Lizer. "The Navajo Nation will soon receive over $600 million. That's a lot. Should I renegotiate that? Can we renegotiate that?" (Laughter.)

There was no laughter back on the Navajo Nation. "Today, the federal government announced that they intend to release a portion of funds appropriated by Congress over one month ago to tribes to help fight COVID-19, but I'll believe it when I see it," President Jonathan Nez, who himself tested positive for the virus, replied. "We couldn't sit around and wait for those dollars, so we've had boots on the ground in nearly 20 communities giving out food, water, firewood, protective masks and other supplies … We lost many of our beloved relatives and family members to this virus, but our teachings also tell us to move forward. We will and we are."

Amy Goodman is the host of Democracy Now!, a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 1,300 stations. She is the co-author, with Denis Moynihan, of The Silenced Majority, a New York Times bestseller. This column originally appeared on Democracy Now!

Image: Shealah Craighead/The White House/Flickr

May 7, 2020




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Jason Kenney calls Elizabeth May, Yves-François Blanchet 'un-Canadian,' accuses them of 'blaming the victim'

David J. Climenhaga

Now that Premier Jason Kenney has declared it "un-Canadian" to say oil is dead, I wonder if it's OK to admit Alberta's fossil fuel industry is on the ropes?

Probably. Kenney said as much himself in a remarkable rant yesterday directed at the parliamentary leader of the Bloc Québécois and the former leader of the Green Party of Canada.

But if you don't want to be accused of un-Canadian activities, you'd better make it clear none of these troubles are the fault of anything that's ever been done by any Alberta government, except perhaps the NDP's, and especially not by the United Conservative Party Kenney leads.

There is acceptable speech in Alberta, you see, and it doesn't include saying that oil is done like dinner, which is probably not true just yet, but is nevertheless a position that can be argued in respectable company almost anywhere else in the world, including a number of countries known for producing what Kenney rather sophomorically calls "dictator oil."

As has become his practice lately, Kenney took over Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw's daily COVID-19 briefing in Edmonton yesterday afternoon for the sustained blast of gaslighting he directed at Yves-François Blanchet and Elizabeth May.

Blanchet had dared to suggest at a news conference Wednesday that oil "is never coming back" (uttered en francais, bien sûr) and that Ottawa's bailout package should really be directed at "something which is more green." May, for her part, opined at the same event that "oil is dead."

Specifically, the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands told the media: "My heart bleeds for people who believe the sector is going to come back. It's not. Oil is dead and for people in the sector, it's very important there be just transition funds." This may be wrong, but outside Alberta I doubt it sounds like a stab in the back or a curb-stomping.

Nevertheless, that is what sent Kenney over the edge, in a calculated sort of way, responding to a set-up question provided by Calgary Sun political columnist Rick Bell, who can be counted on to get the first question at one of Hinshaw's frequently hijacked news conferences.

"I just think it's deeply regrettable that we would see national political leaders piling on Albertans and energy workers at a time of great trial for us," Kenney said piously, opening what appeared to be a carefully rehearsed answer. "This is the opposite of leadership. Leaders should be seeking to bring us together, not to divide us."

This is a bit of an irony, of course, coming from a premier who has been ginning up an Alberta separatist threat for months while denying the oil industry had anywhere to go but up, but let's just take it as a lesson in gaslighting 101.

In his remarks, Kenney trotted out benefits he said have been conferred on Quebec by Alberta's oil industry, noted the province's equalization complaints, blamed "predatory actions" by OPEC countries that "want to dominate the world with dictator oil," reminded Quebeckers they like to drive cars and go on airplane trips, and totted up the medical equipment recently sent by Alberta to other provinces.

Having said it in English, he said it over again in French.

Tsk-tsking and shaking his head, Kenney declared, "I would say to Mr. Blanchet and Madam May: Please stop kickin' us while we're down!"

"These attacks on our natural resource industries are unwarranted, they are divisive, they're, I believe, in a way, un-Canadian at a time like this. It's like blaming the victim!" (Italics added for emphasis. And, yes, Kenney really said that.)

Premier Kenney also took particular umbrage at Blanchet's remark that Quebec receives a string of insults from Alberta -- although anyone who has paid attention to political discourse in this province for the last half century would have trouble refuting the claim.

After the news conference, backup was provided in columns filed by Bell and his Postmedia colleague Don Braid.

Bell pronounced Blanchet and May to be "the Bobbsey Twins of B.S." and the "deluded duo," and accused them of choosing "to kick Alberta when we're down" and indulging "in a little curb-stomping."

Braid, the Dinger's bookend of acceptable oilpatch opinion, charged them with "the foulest kind of cheap shot," to wit, saying "Alberta's oil and gas industry should be left prostrate in the dust with no help from the federal government."

Well, there you have it: the debased state of political discourse in Alberta in the plague year 2020. It's not reassuring.

David Climenhaga, author of the Alberta Diary blog, is a journalist, author, journalism teacher, poet and trade union communicator who has worked in senior writing and editing positions at The Globe and Mail and the Calgary Herald. This post also appears on his blog, AlbertaPolitics.ca.

Image: Screenshot of Government of Alberta video/YouTube




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After the COVID-19 pandemic, older generations should reflect on the need for climate action

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a cornucopia of reflections about what is to be learned from it. One of the issues around which this has been the case is climate change.

There are a few ways in which climate change is linked to reflections on the pandemic. One of these links is seeing the pandemic and where there has been relative success in dealing with it as a good case study in the value of scientific advice over politics. The wish is that as a result science might regain a more secure foothold in the debate around climate change. This is generally coupled with a reflection on the extent to which the pandemic might have been even better prepared for and dealt with had early generic warnings about the likelihood of a pandemic been heeded, and also if warnings about the actual pandemic had been acted on earlier than they were at the beginning of 2020. The hope is that this lesson in the consequences of not heeding warnings will rub off on the climate change debate, if not on the most committed climate change deniers.

Another link between the pandemic and climate change is one less reflected on, although I did see at least one article on it, and that is the whole issue of inter-generational ethics that arises. The lock downs associated with COVID-19 tended to be justified on two grounds: One was containing the spread in such a way as to prevent health-care systems from being overwhelmed, and the other had to do with containing the spread of the virus for the sake of the those who were most likely to die from it, namely the elderly, an argument certainly borne out by the statistics even if it is the case that some younger people seem, for reasons yet to be determined, very vulnerable.

And so it was that multitudes of young people have had to put their lives and dreams on hold in order to safeguard the lives of many who are much older than them.  Young people have mostly willingly and without complaint acceded to the moral imperative and practical wisdom of sacrificing things like their personal, educational, athletic, travel, financial and/or employment hopes for the greater good, specifically for the older generation in their society. 

Other groups, like frontline health-care workers, and those newly classified as working in essential jobs, like grocery store workers, have also been asked to make a disproportionate sacrifice. But that is for another article on how their real value has been revealed -- and how that value should be recognized in the post-pandemic world (better wages for one thing). 

Unfortunately, the link between the demands on the young in the pandemic containment strategy and the debate on climate change manifests itself in observing, so far, the unwillingness of populations, and their governments, to demand a reverse moral imperative from older citizens when it comes to sacrifices they might make for the sake of younger and future generations. What are older citizens prepared to sacrifice to safeguard the quality of the lives younger citizens will lead in the coming decades, by substantially reducing our carbon footprint, and seriously dealing with other environmental challenges?

One could argue that, in the case of Canadians, the population has done its part by electing a majority of MPs committed to action on climate change, only to be let down by a government that wants to have its cake and eat it too on climate change by imposing a carbon tax and buying a pipeline. Nevertheless, as we emerge on the other side of the pandemic, hopefully sooner rather than later, it seems to me that there will be a new opportunity for moral reflection on what the generations owe each other. Of course right-wing politicians are always claiming to be worried about passing on fiscal debt to the next generation. But passing on an environmental deficit is a much more real and  serious issue. Part of the moral logic of pandemic containment has been asking one generation to sacrifice for another. It seems only fair then that the political debate about climate change should at some point soon become much more focused on what the older generation can do for the younger generation. Demanding real action from their political leaders, even if it means locking down or at the very least winding down lifestyles that have become ingrained would be a good start. And for those who can afford it, showing a willingness to pay higher taxes to build the infrastructure of a sustainable and livable future would also be in order.     

Bill Blaikie, former MP and MLA, writes on Canadian politics, political parties and Parliament.

Image: John Englart/Flickr

May 8, 2020




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The Last of Us Part II New Trailer Drops Tomorrow, May 6

Developer Naughty Dog announced via Twitter a new trailer for the upcoming PlayStation 4 exclusive, The Last of Us Part II, will be released tomorrow, May 6 at 7am PT / 10am ET.

05.06.20. 7:00am PT. pic.twitter.com/zSrS3SOZ6U

— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) May 5, 2020

Here is an overview of the game:

Five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors. When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure. As she hunts those responsible one by one, she is confronted with the devastating physical and emotional repercussions of her actions.

Key Features:

  • A Complex and Emotional Story – Experience the escalating moral conflicts created by Ellie’s relentless pursuit of vengeance. The cycle of violence left in her wake will challenge your notions of right versus wrong, good versus evil, and hero versus villain.

    A Beautiful Yet Dangerous World – Set out on Ellie’s journey, taking her from the peaceful mountains and forests of Jackson to the lush, overgrown ruins of greater Seattle. Encounter new survivor groups, unfamiliar and treacherous environments, and terrifying evolutions of the infected. Brought to life by the latest iteration of the Naughty Dog engine, the deadly characters and world are more realistic and meticulously detailed than ever before.

  • Tense and Desperate Action-Survival Gameplay – New and evolved gameplay systems deliver upon the life-or-death stakes of Ellie’s journey through the hostile world. Feel her desperate struggle for survival through improved features such as high-intensity melee combat, fluid movement, and dynamic stealth. A broad variety 

The Last of Us Part II will launch for the PlayStation 4 on June 19.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443393/the-last-of-us-part-ii-new-trailer-drops-tomorrow-may-6/




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Xbox Series X News Planned for Every Month of 2020, Starts With Inside Xbox Gameplay Reveals on May 7

Microsoft has announced it will share new information on the Xbox Series X every month in 2020 starting with the May 7th episode of Inside Xbox, which will showcase gameplay from third-party partners. Microsoft is calling it "Xbox 20/20." The event starts at 8am PT / 11am ET. 

"These monthly moments will take place throughout the rest of the year and will be a way for us to engage, connect and celebrate with you about what’s in store for the next generation of gaming, including what’s next for Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Studios, Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud," said Microsoft. "Every month will bring something different. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for more details."

The company did reveal the July event will be focused on upcoming first-party games from Xbox Game Studios. 

"A number of our studio teams are looking forward to sharing first looks at new gameplay, insights from development teams being optimized for Xbox Series X, and brand-new game announcements," said Microsoft.  "We cannot wait to share this initial look at what some of those teams are working on."

A new teaser video of the May 7 Inside Xbox event has been posted online and the closed captions reveals it is the "New Xbox Sound." It is possible it is the new bootup screen for the Xbox Series X. View the video below:

The Inside Xbox event for May 7 can be watched from multiple streaming sites:

Read more information below:

This is a momentous year for Xbox, with our next-gen console paving the way for all our games and services to come together in even better ways. Here’s what 2020 looks like, just to start:

  • Our goal remains to launch Xbox Series X and Halo Infinite this Holiday
  • All 15 Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work on next-generation games for Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass
  • The best development teams around the world are working hard to have their games ready to play on Xbox Series X this holiday
  • For PC players, we plan to support the community by making all our major releases at launch available with Xbox Game Pass for PC, including Halo Infinite, Wasteland 3, Minecraft Dungeons and of course, Microsoft Flight Simulator.
  • We have new updates and titles lined up for Xbox Game Pass for console and PC
  • We’re expanding Project xCloud into new countries and on new devices—and later this year Project xCloud and Xbox Game Pass will come together, enabling you and your friends to play together in more ways.

It’s a lot – and that’s saying something in 2020, a year which could be summed up as “a lot.” With all this in mind, we set out to create new touchpoints to celebrate gaming and share what’s next with our global community.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443394/xbox-series-x-news-planned-for-every-month-of-2020-starts-with-inside-xbox-gameplay-reveals-on-may-7/




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Halo 2: Anniversary for Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PC Launches May 12

Publisher Microsoft and developer 343 Industries announced Halo 2: Anniversary will launch for the Windows PC version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection via Steam and Microsoft Store on Tuesday, May 12.

Earth will never be the same.

Halo 2: Anniversary arrives on PC as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on May 12! https://t.co/y5NHDTiQ1E pic.twitter.com/HVzgxIuY8V

— Halo (@Halo) May 5, 2020

Here is an overview of the game:

Halo 2: Anniversary comes to PC as the next installment in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Now optimized for PC, experience the impeccably remastered edition of the original Halo 2 game. Following the destruction of Halo, humankind experiences a short-lived victory. Eager for revenge, the Covenant launches a surprise attack on Earth, but they find themselves ill-prepared to defeat the UNSC’s home fleet and are forced to flee into slipspace. When the Master Chief pursues his overzealous enemies, they discover yet another Halo ring, uncovering long-buried secrets, including an unlikely ally, that will dramatically alter the course of the Human-Covenant Conflict forever.

Key Features:

  • PC Settings/Optimizations: Halo 2: Anniversary is now optimized for PC and looking better than ever at up to 4k UHD and at 60+ FPS.* Other PC native settings include customizable mouse and keyboard support, ultrawide support, FOV customization, and more.
  • Campaign: Experience the next chapter in the Halo saga and fight your way through 15 unforgettable missions. Play as both Spartan-117, the Master Chief, and for the first time, the Covenant Elite, known as the Arbiter, and experience the Human-Covenant Conflict in a whole new way.
  • Anniversary Edition/Update: Toggle between the remastered graphics in the Anniversary edition and the graphics from the original Halo 2 campaign. In the Anniversary edition, view Blur Studio’s spectacularly remastered cutscenes from the original Halo 2 game.
  • Multiplayer: Continue your Halo adventure with 7 remastered multiplayer maps from Halo 2: Anniversary and 25 multiplayer maps from the original Halo 2, featuring a completely updated progression system.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443396/halo-2-anniversary-for-halo-the-master-chief-collection-for-pc-launches-may-12/




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PGA Tour 2K21 Announced, More Information Coming May 14

Publisher 2K Games and The Golf Club developer HB Studios have announced PGA Tour 2K21 and released a teaser trailer for the game. 

Platforms and a release date were not announced, however, more information on the game will be released on May 14. Visit the official website here.

View the teaser trailer below:

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443403/pga-tour-2k21-announced-more-information-coming-may-14/




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Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Expansion Announced, Adds 3 New Characters and New Story

Publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and developer NetherRealms Studios have announced a new expansion for Mortal Kombat 11 called Aftermath. It will release on May 26.

The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expansion adds a new cinematic story, three characters and three new skins for $39.99. The three new characters are Fujin, Sheeva, and RoboCop).

A $59.99 Mortal Kombat: Aftermath Kollection has also been announced. It includes the base game, Kombat Pack DLC and the Aftermath expansion. 

View the announcement trailer for the expansion and RoboCop reveal trailer below:

Here is an overview of the expansion:

Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is a new expansion for the hit videogame, Mortal Kombat 11, the best-selling title in franchise history that was named Fighting Game of the Year at the 2019 D.I.C.E. Awards. Developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expands the critically acclaimed story campaign with an all-new, cinematic narrative centered around trust and deceit, while also adding new playable characters in returning Mortal Kombat fighters, Fujin and Sheeva, and guest character, RoboCop, who is making his series debut.

Key Features:

  • Franchise-First Story Expansion – The critically acclaimed story campaign continues with an all-new cinematic narrative that picks up directly where Mortal Kombat 11 left off. Fire God Liu Kang, the new keeper of time and protector of Earthrealm, must now enlist the help of unlikely allies and familiar foes to forge a new history as the fate of two worlds hang in the balance.
  • Exciting New Characters Join the Roster – New playable characters join the fight with the triumphant return of Fujin, the God of Wind who serves as Earthrealm’s protector alongside his brother Raiden, and Sheeva, the fourarmed, half-human and half-dragon queen of the ancient Shokan race. RoboCop, the iconic, highly advanced cybernetic police officer, makes his first appearance in the franchise, continuing the pedigree of popular Mortal Kombat guest fighters. RoboCop in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath features the voice and likeness of actor Peter Weller, who portrayed the popular character in both the original RoboCop (1987) film and RoboCop 2 (1990) sequel. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will also include three new character skin packs to be released over time.
  • Fan-Favorite Stages, Stage Fatalities & Friendships Return – In conjunction with the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath release, all Mortal Kombat 11 owners will have access to a free content update featuring new Stages, including the return of the Klassic Dead Pool and Soul Chamber arenas; Stage Fatalities, the fan-favorite finishing moves that use the environment to destroy opponents; and the popular Friendships feature, allowing players to take down their adversaries with a hint of kindness.
  • New Players Can Join the Fight with Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection – Offers the perfect opportunity for new players to join the fight, featuring all characters, story content, game modes and pre-order bonuses in one ultimate package. This compilation includes Mortal Kombat 11 along with all content from Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath and the previously released Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack, containing six playable characters—Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Sindel, Terminator T-800, The Joker and Spawn – plus 25 additional character skins. The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection can be pre-ordered for $59.99 (SRP) with digital pre-orders offering immediate access to Mortal Kombat 11 and the Kombat Pack upon purchase. The physical version will be available this June in the Americas only.
  • Upgrade Options for Current Mortal Kombat 11 Owners – Those who have already purchased Mortal Kombat 11 can pre-order the Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath expansion for $39.99 (SRP) or the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath + Kombat Pack Bundle for $49.99 (SRP).
  • Pre-order for Exclusive Content – All preorders* receive the Eternal Klash Skin Pack at launch, featuring three new character skin variants – “Unbound Rage” Scorpion inspired by Mortal Kombat (2011), “Son of Arctika” Sub-Zero inspired by Mortal Kombat: Deception and “Kori Power” Frost, a Klassic version of the Lin Kuie warrior.
  • Best-In-Class, Brutal Kombat  Mortal Kombat 11 is the latest installment in the critically acclaimed franchise, providing a deeper and more personalized experience than ever before. The best-selling title is packed to the brim with multiple features and modes for all players, including the Story mode, Custom Character Variation System, Towers of Time, Kombat League, The Krypt and the signature roster returning and franchise-first fighters, all equipped with powerful Krushing Blows and unique Fatalities that display devastatingly brutal cinematic visuals.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443404/mortal-kombat-11-aftermath-expansion-announced-adds-3-new-characters-and-new-story/




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Xbox Game Pass Adds DayZ, Final Fantasy IX And More in May

Microsoft has announced many new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass for console and Windows PC in May. The list of games includes DayZFinal Fantasy IX, and Fractured MindsEndless Legend and the previously announced Red Dead Redemption 2 for console and Halo 2: Anniversary for Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PC.

Here is the list of games coming soon to Xbox Game Pass for Console:

DayZ (ID@Xbox) – May 7
An unforgiving, authentic, open world game where each one of 60 players on a server follows a single goal: Survive as long as they can, by any means necessary. There are no superficial tips, waypoints, or help given to you. Every decision matters with no saves and no extra lives where mistakes can be lethal. Your choices and decisions will create a gameplay experience that’s completely unique.

Red Dead Redemption 2 – May 7
America, 1899. Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are outlaws on the run. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal, and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him. Includes access to Red Dead Online (Xbox Live Gold required).

Final Fantasy IX – May 14
Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe have kidnapped Princess Garnet, the heir of Alexandria. To their surprise, however, the princess herself yearned to escape the castle. Through a series of unusual circumstances, she and her personal guard, Steiner, fall in with Zidane and set out on an incredible journey in this classic entry in the heralded Final Fantasy series.

Fractured Minds (ID@Xbox)  May 19
Fractured Minds is an immersive artistic short game, exploring anxiety and mental health issues. Embark on a journey through the human psyche to experience the everyday challenges associated with these conditions.

Here is the list of games coming soon to Xbox Game Pass for PC:

Endless Legend
Jump in to this 4X strategy game as you lead one of eight unique civilizations, each with their own unique gameplay and story. Food must be grown, industries built, science and magic advanced, and wealth collected. Your planet holds a history of unexplained apocalypse, and the winter you just survived was the worst on record. You have a city, a loyal populace, and a few troops; your power and magic should be sufficient to keep them alive. But beyond that, nothing is certain… Where will you go, what will you find, and how will you react?

Final Fantasy IX
Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe have a plan to kidnap Princess Garnet, the heir of Alexandria. To their surprise, the princess herself beats them to the punch and orchestrates her own escape with their unwitting help, granting her the freedom she yearned for beyond the castle walls. Through a series of unusual circumstances, she and her personal guard, Steiner, fall in with Zidane and his crew, and set out on an incredible journey in this classic Final Fantasy adventure.

Halo Master Chief Collection: Halo 2
Halo 2: Anniversary comes to PC as the next installment in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Following the destruction of the first Halo ring, Master Chief returns to Earth to prevent the Covenant invasion, leading to a battle with long-hidden secrets that will dramatically alter the course of the Human-Covenant Conflict forever.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443405/xbox-game-pass-adds-dayz-final-fantasy-ix-and-more-in-may/




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Strikers 1945 II Launches May 29 on Steam

City Connection announced it will release the 1997 shoot ’em up, Strikers 1945 II, for Windows PC via Steam on May 29. It will support English and Japanese language options.

Full Article



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Sci-Fi Action Platformer Dark Light Launches May 8 for Steam Early Access, Later for Switch

Developer Mirari & Co. announced the science-fiction action platformer Dark Light for Windows PC via Steam Early Access on May 8 and later for the Nintendo Switch when the game leaves Steam Early Access. 

Mirari & Co. is looking to release the game within one year of the Steam Early Access release, however, it depends "on how we are taking players suggestions and advice to shaping the game."

View the latest trailer of the game below:

Here is an overview of the game:

Dark Light is a science-fiction action-platformer with unique gameplay. Explore an apocalyptic cyberpunk world full of supernatural beings. Encounter and defeat creatures of darkness invisible to the naked eye, detected only with the light source from your drone. Experience the horror and feel their presence as they surround you.

As a Dark Hunter you were dropped into a wreaked world. To survive, you need to equip yourself, fight your way through, and collect ‘shards’ from killing supernatural creatures to reinforce your energy. Through survival, you will explore the mysterious dark zones of the apocalypse world.

Key Features:

  • Cinematic quality graphic, detailed characters and environment design, and vivid animation with lush visual effect.
  • A variety of range, melee, and throwable weapons; unique items; and multiple ways to upgrade weapons, special equipment, and the player to shape your own character skills.
  • Non-linear map structure for you to choose your own path to explore the dark zones. Encounter horrifying supernatural enemies, fearsome bosses, and friendly NPCs, and fight with invisible creatures that can only be seen in a special light source.
  • Detect invisible enemies and reveal hidden paths with the special light source from your drone.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443411/sci-fi-action-platformer-dark-light-launches-may-8-for-steam-early-access-later-for-switch/




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Those Who Remain Delayed to May 28 for PS4, Xbox One And Steam

Publisher Wired Productions and developer Camel 101 have delayed psychological horror game, Those Who Remain, from May 15 to May 28 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam. 

View the official release date trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont.

Whispers of disappearances carry through the town as a burgeoning, uneasy and irrational fear begins to spread and darkness comes to be an unwelcome reflection to Those Who Remain.

Some mistakes should never happen, not when your life is complete – and yet they do. Edward had the good life, a beautiful wife and the perfect little girl, yet finds himself several whiskeys down and driving through the night of Dormont to end his secret affair – in a bid to fix his mistakes.

As Edward pulls into the Golden Oak Motel, he is unaware just how much this night will change his life…

Key Features:

The horrors and darkness that thrive in the corner of every eye are torn loose…

Those Who Remain places you in an up-close, psychological horror story set in the sleepy town of Dormont – a town in a spiralling split from the fabric of reality, warped by darkness and the deeds of the Citizens who reside.

Confront the uncomfortable horrors reflected by the darkness and survive the night of Dormont as Edward is confronted with a test of his sanity, morality and the shadows of evil that lurks below.

  • Darkness Has Eyes -Navigate and survive the encroaching darkness and stay in the protection of the light by any means[br]
  • Worlds Torn Asunder – Pave your way ahead by moving between Dormont and its dark otherworldly counterpart to further solve the mysteries held within the dark
  • Conscience of Choice – Choose to help any surviving citizens of Dormont you encounter or leave them to the darkness. Innocence cannot always be assumed, and the township of Dormont hides a cursed trove of secrets
  • Savor your Sanity – Keep your sanity in check as you delve deeper into the darkness of Dormont – expected rules of the real world have been torn apart
  • Follow your Path – Your decisions and choices will determine the fate of Edward, through multiple different branching outcomes

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443413/those-who-remain-delayed-to-may-28-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-steam/




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Kholat Launches May 14 for Switch

IMGN.PRO announced Kholat will launch for the Nintendo Switch via the eShop on May 14. The game first launched for Windows PC via Steam in June 2015, for the PS4 in March 2016 and for the Xbox One in June 2017. 

View the Nintendo Switch announcement trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

Narrated by one of the most popular British actors, Sean Bean and powered by Unreal Engine 4, Kholat is an exploration adventure game with elements of horror, inspired by a true event known as the Dyatlov Pass incident – a mysterious death of nine Russian hikers, which led to countless, unconfirmed hypotheses. The player will plunge directly into the boundless scenery of the inhospitable Ural Mountains with the task to find out what really happened. In the course of events, you may come across more speculations than expected…

The game has won “GameConnection Europe 2015” awards for “Best Story / Storytelling” and “Best Desktop / Downloadable” game.

Dyatlov Pass incident was a real story that happened in winter of 1959. Nine hikers went for a trip to the northern part of Ural Mountains, which ended fatally. Bodies of expedition’s crew were found scattered on slope of Kholat Syakhl.

Russian investigators closed the case stating that “a compelling unknown force” had caused the deaths.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443414/kholat-launches-may-14-for-switch/




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Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 Confirmed for Xbox Series X

It was confirmed at the Inside Xbox event today Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 will be getting a next generation release on the Xbox Series X. It was already confirmed the game will release on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.

View the latest trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

Enter the World of Darkness and rise through vampire society. Experience Seattle - a city full of alluring, dangerous, characters and factions. You are dead now but stronger, quicker, more alluring and with potential for so much more. Choose to be brutal and unflinching or cultured and seductive. Use charm, cunning, terror and sheer will to rise through vampire society. What monster will you be?

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443424/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-confirmed-for-xbox-series-x/




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Rumor: Mass Effect Trilogy HD Remaster to Launch by March 31, 2021

Electronic Arts in their fiscal year Q4 2020 results said they plan to release 14 titles in the 2021 fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2021. Electronic Arts labeled one of the game as "an HD remake of an EA game."

VentureBeat is reporting this HD remake is an HD remaster of the Mass Effect Trilogy.

"We are planning to launch 14 new titles to players this fiscal year," said EA CEO Andrew Wilson. "hat includes four new EA Sports titles — FIFA, Madden, NHL, and one more unannounced sports game — all of which deliver on the mix of creativity, authenticity, and quality that sets EA Sports apart.

"Our FY21 plans also include four more games drawing on the breadth of our IP, from Command & Conquer Remastered to unannounced games for our console and PC players. We’ll have more games from indie developers launching this year through EA Partners, and two new mobile titles leveraging top IP that we’ll bring to players worldwide."

Read EA's full lineup for the 2021 fiscal year below:

  1. Burnout Paradise Remastered (Nintendo Switch)
  2. Command & Conquer Remastered (PC)
  3. Medal of Honor VR
  4. FIFA 21
  5. Madden NFL 21
  6. NHL 21
  7. Unannounced sports game
  8. An HD remake of an EA game
  9. EA Partner game
  10. EA Partner game
  11. EA Partner game
  12. EA Partner game
  13. EA Mobile game
  14. EA Mobile game

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443409/rumor-mass-effect-trilogy-hd-remaster-to-launch-by-march-31-2021/




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Switch Shipments Reach 55.77 Million Units as of March 31, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Sells 12 Million

Nintendo has released its latest hardware and software figures for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS through March 31, 2020. Shipments figures for the Nintendo Switch reached 55.77 million units, while the Nintendo 3DS hit 75.77 million units shipped. As for lifetime software 356.24 million Switch games have been shipped and 383.11 million 3DS games. 

For the quarter Nintendo shipped 3.28 million Switch units and 45.59 million Switch games, as well as 0.07 million 3DS units and 0.89 million 3DS games. 

Nintendo forecasts it will ship 19 million Switch units in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.

Here are the top 10 best-selling Switch first-party titles:

  1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 24.77 million
  2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 18.84 million
  3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 17.41 million
  4. Super Mario Odyssey – 17.41 million
  5. Pokemon Sword / Pokemon Shield – 17.37 million
  6. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! – 11.97 million
  7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – 11.77 million (first 11 days) / 13.41 million (first six weeks)
  8. Splatoon 2 – 10.13 million
  9. Super Mario Party – 10.10 million
  10. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – 6.60 million
Nintendo also shared the sales figures of more games:
  • Luigi’s Mansion 3 – 6.33 million
  • Super Mario Maker 2 – 5.48 million
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – 4.38 million
  • Fire Emblem: Three Houses – 2.87 million
  • Ring Fit Adventure – 2.73 million
  • Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX – 1.26 million
  • Astral Chain – 1.08 million
  • Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order – 1.08 million

Nintendo in a separate report revealed sell-in figures for the Nintendo switch. For the 2020 fiscal year Nintendo sold 21.03 million Switch consoles, which is a 24 percent increase over the 16.95 million sold the previous year. Software sales for the fiscal year jumped 42.3 percent to 168.72 million games sold. 

Nintendo also revealed sell-through sales in three major regions for the 2020 fiscal year. In North America sales for the Switch were 7.67 million units, a 20 percent increase. In Europe, sales increased 19 percent to 5.37 million units, and in Japan sales jumped 33 percent to 5.06 million units.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443417/switch-shipments-reach-5577-million-units-as-of-march-31-animal-crossing-new-horizons-sells-12-million/




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Final Fantasy VII Remake Tops the US PlayStation Store Downloads in April 2020

Sony has released the US PlayStation Store downloads charts for March 2020. Final Fantasy VII Remake topped the PS4 charts, Beat Saber topped the PlayStation VR charts, and Call of Duty: Warzone topped the Free-to-Play Games chart. Fortnite – The Iris Pack topped the DLC and Expansions chart.

Here is the complete list of charts:

PS4 Games
1 Final Fantasy VII Remake
2 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
3 NBA 2K20
4 Grand Theft Auto V
5 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered
6 Resident Evil 3
7 Minecraft
8 EA Sports FIFA 20
9 Monopoly Plus
10 Marvel’s Spider-Man
11 Madden NFL 20
12 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
13 Uno
14 Predator: Hunting Grounds
15 MLB The Show 20
16 Red Dead Redemption 2
17 Need for Speed Heat
18 Rocket League
19 God of War
20 Kingdom Hearts III
PS VR Games
1 Beat Saber
2 Creed Rise to Glory
3 Job Simulator
4 Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality
5 Arizona Sunshine
6 Superhot VR
7 Vacation Simulator
8 Drunkn Bar Fight
9 Astro Bot Rescue Mission
10 The Room VR: A Dark Matter
Free-to-Play Games
1 Call of Duty: Warzone
2 Fortnite
3 Apex Legends
4 Destiny 2
5 Brawlhalla
6 Dauntless
7 3on3 FreeStyle
8 Warframe
9 Paladins
10 Warface
DLC and Expansions
1 Fortnite – The Iris Pack
2 GTA Online: Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack
3 Fortnite – Bassassin Challenge Pack
4 Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps
5 Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack
6 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – Atlanta FaZe Pack
7 Need for Speed Heat – McLaren F1 Black Market Delivery
8 Call of Duty Black Ops III: Zombies Chronicles
9 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Season Pass
10 Mortal Kombat 11 – Shao Kahn

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443430/final-fantasy-vii-remake-tops-the-us-playstation-store-downloads-in-april-2020/




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GTAV Tops the EU PlayStation Store Downloads in April 2020, Final Fantasy VII Remake Debuts in 4th

Sony has released the Europe PlayStation Store downloads charts for April 2020. Grand Theft Auto V topped the PS4 charts, Blood and Truth topped the PlayStation VR charts, and Call of Duty: Warzone topped the Free-to-Play Games chart. Fortnite – The Iris Pack topped the DLC and Expansions chart.

Final Fantasy VII Remake debuted in fourth on the PS4 charts. Resident Evil 3 debuted in 10th place.

Here is the complete list of charts:

PlayStation 4

  1. Grand Theft Auto V (3)
  2. EA SPORTS FIFA 20 (2)
  3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (1)
  4. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (New)
  5. NBA 2K20 (RE)
  6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered (20)
  7. EA SPORTS UFC 3 (RE)
  8. Minecraft (5)
  9. Marvel’s Spider-Man (RE)
  10. RESIDENT EVIL 3 (New)
  11. MONOPOLY PLUS (RE)
  12. Rocket League (11)
  13. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (10)
  14. Days Gone (RE)
  15. TOM CLANCY’S RAINBOW SIX | SIEGE (RE)
  16. Red Dead Redemption 2 (19)
  17. The Crew 2 (13)
  18. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (RE)
  19. eFootball PES 2020 (RE)
  20. Need for Speed Heat (RE)

PlayStation VR

  1. Blood and Truth (5)
  2. Beat Saber (1)
  3. Creed: Rise to Glory (9)
  4. Job Simulator (2)
  5. RICK AND MORTY: VIRTUAL RICK-ALITY (RE)
  6. ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission (RE)
  7. Until Dawn: Rush of Blood (RE)
  8. BOXVR (RE)
  9. Farpoint (RE)
  10. SUPERHOT VR (4)

DLC

  1. Fortnite – The Iris Pack (1)
  2. Fortnite – Bassassin Challenge Pack (3)
  3. GTA Online: Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack (5)
  4. Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps – Season Pass (RE)
  5. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Season pass (RE)
  6. Fortnite: Save the World – Standard Founder’s Pack (10)
  7. The Division 2 – Warlords of New York – Expansion (2)
  8. Need for Speed Heat – McLaren F1 Black Market Delivery (6)
  9. Modern Warfare – Atlanta FaZe Pack (New)
  10. Assassin’s Creed Origins – The Hidden Ones (RE)

Free-to-Play

  1. Call of Duty: Warzone (1)
  2. Fortnite (2)
  3. Apex Legends (3)
  4. Brawlhalla (5)
  5. DON’T EVEN THINK (New)
  6. eFootball PES 2020 LITE (4)
  7. Destiny 2 (New)
  8. WORLD OF WARSHIPS: LEGENDS (7)
  9. DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 Lite Version (6)
  10. Paladins (9)

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443431/gtav-tops-the-eu-playstation-store-downloads-in-april-2020-final-fantasy-vii-remake-debuts-in-4th/




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Nozomu Matsumoto turns punk lyrics into text-to-speech ambient on Sustainable Hours

A soundtrack to Nile Koetting’s 2016 installation of the same name at Maison Hermès, Tokyo. Following recommendations from the Amazon algorithm, artist Nile Koetting purchased a selection of devices, including a wireless LAN system, a Dyson humidifier, an air purifier, an aroma diffuser, a 5.1ch home theater speaker, a line array speaker system, and a […]

The post Nozomu Matsumoto turns punk lyrics into text-to-speech ambient on <em>Sustainable Hours</em> appeared first on FACT Magazine.




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Klein pays a haunting tribute to Mark Duggan with ‘mark’

A powerful monument to remembrance and reflection. Klein virtually explores London’s quiet streets in the haunting video accompaniment to her track ‘mark’, a beautiful and melancholy standout from her third album, Frozen. Weaving audio collage and plaintive guitar around a stark 10-minute silence, Klein constructs a powerful monument to remembrance and reflection, a tribute to […]

The post Klein pays a haunting tribute to Mark Duggan with ‘mark’ appeared first on FACT Magazine.




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MAGA channels the fury of the Chilean protests on ‘Calma’

All the profits from the track will go to the Brigada Cascos Rojos, an independent aid squad set up to help those affected by the riots. Chilean producer MAGA channels the fury of the civil protests taking place throughout Chile in the moody visual from Juegos Artificiales for their new track, ‘Calma’. “On October 18 […]

The post MAGA channels the fury of the Chilean protests on ‘Calma’ appeared first on FACT Magazine.




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Sophie Marschner turns real-world data into a digital topography in Monolith

Generative visuals and eerie sound design based on height maps of glaciers, canyons and estuaries. London-based motion graphic designer Sophie Marschner transforms real-world data into a delicate digital topography in Monolith. By using the height maps of various large-scale landmarks, including glaciers, canyons and estuaries, Marschner maps the outside world into a more intimate, digital […]

The post Sophie Marschner turns real-world data into a digital topography in Monolith appeared first on FACT Magazine.




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Here's a peek at Dwarf Fortress's upcoming non-ASCII maps

As part of its eventual launch on Steam, daunting simulation Dwarf Fortress has been planning a big visual overhaul. “Now with graphics!” Bay 12 proclaim on the store page. In a new little update, they’re giving us a look at what the generated world maps will look like with these non-ASCII pixels—though, yes, you’ll still […]




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Priceless Play — 9 May 2020

I was talking to a friend of mine recently, who told me that quarantine is full of “bad days and medium days.” I think that’s a pretty glass-half-full way of looking at it: aim any higher, and you’ll be disappointed. Shoot for medium, and you might be pleasantly surprised. I hope your quarantine is averaging […]




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The Invisible Man – Movie Review

The Invisible Man – Movie Review Rating: A- (Great) Trailer/Thumbnail Courtesy Universal Pictures The horror genre doesn’t get nearly enough recognition for how it handles certain subject matter. Some can be gratuitous, while others are able to comment on society’s ills in a way that provokes a needed reaction from the audience. Director/writer Leigh Whannell […]

The post The Invisible Man – Movie Review appeared first on The Scene Magazine.




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Traffic stop leads to numerous charges; police seize homemade conducted energy weapon

Two Windsor men face multiple drug, property and weapon charges after police pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation Thursday night. At around 8 p.m., officers from the Windsor police property crimes unit in the area of Tecumseh Road East and Mercer Road saw a black Chrysler 300 commit a traffic violation, police said […]




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Amherstburg man charged in buy and sell robbery

Windsor police are reminding the public to be cautious when meeting strangers to buy and sell items posted online following a robbery in Amherstburg last month. On April 30 at 9:45 p.m., the patrol officers with the Windsor Police Service Amherstburg Detachment attended the area of Sandwich Street North and Alma Street for a report […]




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Aspiring young filmmakers invited to enter Windsor showcase

If you're 13 to 24 years old and love to make movies, you'll want to enter the Windsor Youth Short Film Showcase next week. Organizer Gemma Eva says the project is meant to spotlight local "Gen-Z filmmakers."




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City hall payouts for injuries, damages hit eight-year low in 2019

City of Windsor payouts on personal injury and property damage claims totaled $2.1 million in 2019, the lowest number in eight years. The total — for settlements as well as court decisions — was well below the $3 million budgeted for the hundreds of claims made each year against the city for everything from trip-and-falls, […]




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SIM swapping and poor web security may put millions of people at risk

A review of two-factor authentication methods, which involve websites sending confirmation texts to your phone, has found that millions of people may risk having their online accounts hacked




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Soft finger-like robots can sweat to cool down just like humans

Soft finger-like gripper robots have been engineered to sweat when hot and are able to cool down almost three times more efficiently than humans




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What would our lives be like if Amazon or Tinder ran an entire city?

A sci-fi collection explores extreme corporate futures, such as a Tinder-run city where you can swipe left or right for everything from sex to teachers




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UK plans to regulate the internet won't make much difference at all

The UK government has announced plans to police content on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, but it won't be able to do more than the social networks are already doing




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Don't miss: Emotional veg, antique innovations and spooky maths

This week, hide behind the sofa from mind-altering plants, listen and learn from technologies past and find out how the world is underpinned by numbers




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China is using mass surveillance tech to fight new coronavirus spread

QR codes, tracking apps and drones at toll booths are just some of the tech tools China is deploying to monitor the spread of the new coronavirus




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Can we quit cobalt batteries fast enough to make electric cars viable?

Electric cars depend on cobalt as a key ingredient in their batteries, but a new analysis reveals we may run out by 2030, while car firm Tesla is moving to other types of battery in China




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AI could help make fast-charging, long-lasting electric car batteries

Artificial intelligence is helping optimise the recharging batteries in electric vehicles, balancing speed while maximising lifespan




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Hunt through satellite images of Earth with an AI search engine

An AI search engine takes one-tenth of a second to search more than 2 billion satellite images, identifying natural or built features that look alike, such as forests or military bases




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Robots are taking manufacturing jobs but making firms more productive

Robots are replacing manufacturing workers in France, making companies more productive and reducing employment across the industry




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World’s stinkiest fruit could make super-fast electric chargers

Durian fruits, famous for their bad smell, could be used to make electrodes in ultra-fast chargers for electric cars and gadgets




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The Invisible Man review: How science really can make things invisible

A new movie reimagines H.G. Wells's novel The Invisible Man. We still can't make people invisible, but it is possible to make tiny objects completely disappear




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Flying cars remain science fiction as 24 teams fail to claim $1m prize

Flying car hopefuls were meant to take off at a competition on a NASA airbase, but no team claimed the prize after a string of crashes and no-shows




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Gold-coated fabric that emits own light could be ultimate safety gear

Clothes that light up by themselves could be a high-tech replacement to high-visibility gear worn by cyclists and construction workers




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Liquid metal that floats on water could make transformable robots

A lightweight liquid metal alloy that is less dense than water could be used to make exoskeletons and transformable flexible robots




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US Navy robot submarine would be able to kill without human control

A secret US Navy project known only as CLAWS will equip armed robot submarines with sensors and algorithms enabling them to destroy targets without explicit human control




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Small robots could help look after salmon without stressing them out

Robots are being developed to help with tasks like fixing the sea cages where fish are farmed, and their size seems to be all that affects how the fish react




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To make smartphones sustainable, we need to rethink thermodynamics

The data centres servicing our beloved digital devices gobble huge amounts of electricity. A new way to think about heat and energy could help us meet growing demand without burning through the world's resources




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Radar safety system protects only 7 per cent of UK smart motorways

The UK government has pledged to make smart motorways safer by rolling out a radar detection system within the next three years, but New Scientist can reveal that just 7 per cent of the roads are protected by the measure today




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Artificial leaves made from aluminium could keep windows frost-free

In winter, the veins of leaves don’t get completely covered in frost. Mimicking this effect could be the best way to create ice-resistant surfaces