Parents are being encouraged to monitor and set time limits for children's online and gaming activity as many schools remain shuttered.

Hong Kong's protesters are aching to take to the streets again. In the meantime, they are taking to their screens.

Game theory helps calculate the probabilities of an outcome in adversarial situations, and we use several games as models – but now there’s one that can cover many situations

Check out new books charting the state of our planet, see a movie thriller with a quantum physics twist, and launch your own robot uprising against humankind

Wondering what to read, watch and see this year? Here's our cracking cultural calendar of the most interesting non-fiction, films, games, events and sci-fi in 2020

This week, watch a sci-fi film set in an infinitely recursive suburbia, read about the woman who cracked star chemistry and catch great new games

Japan's Nintendo Co Ltd said on Thursday its fourth-quarter profit soared 200% due to surging demand for its Switch games console, and that title Animal Crossing: New Horizons shifted a record 13.4 million units in its first six weeks.

Could President Trump refuse to pay back the $1.1 trln the U.S. owes to China? While markets would hate the idea, it’s theoretically possible thanks to broad powers designed for times of emergency. John Foley explains how this dangerous weapon could be used if push came to shove.

Powerful family clans. Mysterious sex lives. Constant warfare. There is more to these fascinating fungi than their distinctive flavour

Senior international Olympics official John Coates said on Saturday the delayed Tokyo Olympics could end up being the greatest Games ever, coming next year as the world emerges from COVID-19 crisis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, which is caused by small airway disease (bronchiolitis) and alveolar destruction (emphysema) [1]. Patients primarily suffering from severe emphysema are often limited in exercise capacity due to the consequences of hyperinflation [2].

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:

• Facebook
• Mixer
• Twitch
• Twitter
• YouTube (4K stream)

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/

Microsoft has announced many new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass for console and Windows PC in May. The list of games includes DayZ, Final Fantasy IX, and Fractured Minds, Endless 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/

Paris Games Week 2020 organizer SELL announced it has cancelled this years event due to concerns over the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The event was set to run from October 23 to 27. 

Read the message from SELL below:

Dear players,

It is with great emotion that we have made the difficult decision to cancel Paris Games Week, initially scheduled from 23rd to 27th October and which would have marked our 10th anniversary.

The current context and the necessary anticipation of both the technical and logistical complexities of an event such as Paris Games Week have led us to cancel this edition.

This year should have been special, with a line-up full of new releases, and an anniversary edition which we were thrilled to celebrate with you.

We are going to work with all the industry players to enable us all to live our passion. We are already preparing next year’s edition and are looking forward to seeing you again.

Our Very Best Regards,

The Paris Games Week Team

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/443416/paris-games-week-2020-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic/

Bloober Team has announced psychological horror game, The Medium, for Xbox Series X and Windows PC via Steam. It will launch this holiday season and be available on Xbox Game Pass.

"Every one of our games has a central theme that drives its creative and technological design," said Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babieno.

"In The Medium, we focus on perspective and perception. When you change your point of view, you discover that things are more complicated and nuanced than you initially thought. The Medium is our most ambitious game ever and we can’t wait to show you how we’re translating this vision into a psychological horror."

View the reveal trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

Become a medium living in two different worlds: the real one and the spirit one. Haunted by the vision of a child’s murder, you travel to an abandoned hotel resort, which many years ago became the stage of an unthinkable tragedy. There you begin your search for difficult answers.

As a medium with access to both worlds, you have a wider perspective and can see more clearly that there’s no one simple truth to what others perceive. Nothing is what it seems, everything has another side.

The Medium features a “dual” soundtrack by Bloober Team’s Arkadiusz Reikowski and legendary composer Akira Yamaoka of Silent Hill fame.

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/443420/psychological-horror-game-the-medium-announced-for-xbox-series-x-and-pc/

ebb software has released a new trailer for the Xbox Series X version of the atmospheric first-person horror adventure, Scorn. The game is in development for the Xbox Series X and Windows PC via Steam and Windows Store.

View the Xbox Series X trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

Scorn is set in a nightmarish universe of odd forms and somber tapestry. It is designed around the idea of "being thrown into the world". Isolated and lost inside this dream-like world, you will explore different interconnected regions in a non-linear fashion. Every location contains its own theme, puzzles and characters that are integral in creating a cohesive world.

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/443422/horror-adventure-game-scorn-xbox-series-x-trailer-released/

Ubisoft has released the first look gameplay trailer for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The gameplay is "representative of Xbox Series X gameplay."

"As developers, we’re always excited to work with new hardware because it gives us a greater ability to express our creative vision," said Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director Ashraf Ismail. "Assassin’s Creed has always been committed to exploring new technologies and leveraging new consoles’ abilities to deliver the most immersive experience possible. We are excited to be collaborating closely with Microsoft to bring Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to the Xbox Series X."

View the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla gameplay trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla.

Key Features:

• Write Your Viking Saga – Advanced RPG mechanics allow you to shape the growth of your character and influence the world around you. With every choice you make, from political alliances and combat strategy to dialogue and gear progression, you will carve your own path to glory.
• Visceral Combat System – Dual-wield powerful weapons such as axes, swords, and even shields to relive the ruthless fighting style of the Viking warriors. Brutally decapitate your foes, vanquish them from afar, or stealthily assassinate targets with your hidden blade. Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of deadly enemies ever found in an Assassin’s Creed game.
• A Dark Age Open World – Sail from the harsh and mysterious shores of Norway to the beautiful but forbidding kingdoms of England and beyond. Immerse yourself in the Viking way of life through fishing, hunting, drinking games, and more.
• Lead Epic Raids – Launch massive assaults against Saxon troops and fortresses throughout England. Lead your clan in surprise attacks from your longship and pillage enemy territories to bring riches and resources back to your people.
• Grow Your Settlement – Construct and upgrade buildings that allow for deep customization, including a barracks, blacksmith, tattoo parlor, and more. Recruit new members to your clan and personalize your Viking experience.
• Mercenary Vikings – Create and customize a unique Viking raider within your clan and share it online with friends to use during their own raids.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will launch for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Google Stadia in Holiday 2020. The game will support Smart Delivery on the Xbox. This means if you purchase the game on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X, you will automatically gain access to the other version of the 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/443428/assassins-creed-valhalla-gets-xbox-series-x-first-look-gameplay-trailer/

After lots and lots of #hype in the form of a livestream digital painting reveal that was the precursor to a proper trailer which was also just a precursor to what we were assured would be a first look at actual gameplay, folks were a bit let down by the not very gameplay-looking new video for […]

This anime-style action game about fighting off the creatively-named “others” was one of the many trailers we peeped during Xbox’s big reveal real yesterday. Bandai Namco have announced that Scarlet Nexus is actually coming to PC as well, so we’ll get to do a bit of monster butt-kickin’ too. Is that an evil bouquet of […]

As any good Guardian knows, Destiny 2 isn’t just a jargon-filled sci-fi loot ’em up. It’s just as much, if not more so, a far-future fashion show. But in a game about constantly trading out new gear, keeping a fresh look has always felt a little contentious. This week, Bungie revealed that Year 4 will […]

Stuck for things to play this weekend? After offering their exhaustive JRPG lineup at a pittance last week, Square Enix have this week gutted the price of their Eidos Anthology bundle on Steam as part of their “Stay Home & Play” campaign – offering 54 PC classics, contemporary bangers and bizarre curiosities for just under […]

Ancestors is the latest attempt to gamify millions of years of evolution but doesn't have the excitement gene, says Jacob Aron

Psychologist Pete Etchells explores what the scientific research has to say about game violence and addiction and busts some myths

Strange as it may sound, Animal Crossing: New Horizons feels like where Breath of the Wild should have ended up gameplay-wise.

Whether they feature office bumbling, demon slaying, or parcel delivering, these games couldn’t have come at a better time.

Ubisoft debuted some in-engine footage of the latest Assassin's Creed game during the Inside Xbox stream

During Inside Xbox's special stream today, Systemic Reaction gave us our first taste of next-gen dino hunting glory

The new Nightlife reactive skin is now live ahead of the Fortnite Party Royale event which starts later today.

Epic Games has issued a warning ahead of the Party Royale event, but it might not be the only problem facing players this evening.

Fortnite Party Royale event starts soon. Here's everything you need to know including start times for Deadmau5, Dillon Francis and Steve Aoki - PLUS how to claim the many live event rewards available from Epic Games as they celebrate 350 million players.

RPGamer’s hosts battle through various ailments to bring you this week’s show. Jon gets ready for National StreetPass day, Anna gets stops Activision Blizzard from...

Mikel and Chris narrow down the important parts of RPGamer’s newest Linux distribution. Obviously, Steam will be bundled in. Getting the GUI to launch will...

Some things are better late than never. Adriaan, Glenn, Alex, Sam, and Chris talk Games of the Year. At least, that’s the idea, but I...

Natural doctrines come along so infrequently that you’d think we’d notice when one was cresting over the horizon. The record keepers come, gathering magic in...

It’s time for the latest Game of the Year podcast on the internet. That just means are picks are aged for better taste. Download it...

Adriaan, Glenn and Sam join Chris to talk about the best and worst of 2015. Many battles are fought. Many victories won. But only one...

It’s that time again. Where we get together and discuss the best games of the last year. Then things get weird. Mike is wrong, Sam...

Armadas of sheep, ragequitting farmers, warring ogres, and super powered raccoons are unleashed upon the world this holiday season. Will the heroes of RPGamer be...

This week’s cast discusses multiple Dragon Quests, a Dragon Quest mod for a non-Dragon Quest game, squishy things that aren’t Dragon Quest slimes, and many delays for games coming out…in Japan?

It's time for way too many people to get on a Skype call and debate the following. How much is Wheels is wrong? What decade will the Final Fantasy VII remake will come out? And most importantly, what did we do to deserve Metal Max Xeno and The Witch and the Hundred Knight 2?

Chris got kicked off his own show this week to make room for a panel full to bursting with #JRPGJuly updates! Some are playing new games, some are playing old games, but let’s face it - everyone will be playing Fire Emblem next week.

Alex, Johnathan, and Chris run through the past two weeks of news, bemoan the lack of time to play games, and then commit to not trying to play anything new. Ring Fit Adventure wins RPG of the year. But seriously, why isn't Shining Force II on that thing?

Woop woop! Explicit alert! This get a bit unclean as we try to figure out our Game of the Year picks for 2019. We find out just what you can get done with slave labor. We learn the true martial power of haircuts. And we finally realize Anna Marie shouldn't be allowed to keep animals.

Tips and game suggestions for gaming first-timers and veterans alike

Epic Games is finally settling its feud — kind of — with Google and putting Fortnite onto the Google Play Store, but the studio sounds pretty pissed about it. When Fortnite launched on mobile in 2018, Epic Games very notably sidestepped the Google Play Store and pushed users to download the title directly from their […]

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions into isolation, video games are seeing a surge in usage as people seek entertainment and social interaction. When we surveyed gaming-focused VCs in October, Andreessen Horowitz partner Jonathan Lai predicted that “next-generation games will be bigger than anything we’ve seen yet,” eventually reaching “Facebook scale.” This month, […]

During these long, mundane physically-distant days, stretching on into an uncertain future like an ever-lengthening beigeish corridor, it’s impossible not to miss hanging out with friends. Especially the kind of hanging out where you’re not really doing anything in particular, not talking about any one thing—just kind of being. As we continue to stay physically […]

While Jackbox clearly owes a great deal of its current popularity to the shelter-in-place policies, they've also been honing their craft for years. It's worth looking at what makes them work.

Modern Games is a new studio working to create games that combine physical and digital play. The company was founded by husband-and-wife team Justin and Amanda Kifer — serial entrepreneurs who previously launched companies including Citizen Local (acquired by MyLife in 2011) and Fidgetly, a fidget spinner company that also created a motion controller for […]

2020 and 2021 will be one of the periodic transitional eras in gaming as Sony and Microsoft debut their shiny new consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. To ease the process (and spur adoption of the next generation), EA may make its upcoming titles free to “upgrade” to your chosen console. On an […]