It has actually been a couple weeks since out last update, so there is a ton to cover. Microsoft has continued to make this one of the strangest console launches in history and there have been a lot of game updates and reveals in the last couple weeks. Grab a drink and let's get going.

Microsoft's Confusing Console Launch

It has been a very eventful couple of weeks for Microsoft in regards to the Xbox Series X launch. After the lackluster reveal of Halo Infinite there were grumblings that the game could be delayed beyond this year and miss the Series X launch. The question that inevitably followed that argument was, 'what game is going to sell the new console for Microsoft?' Well, I guess we will get to find out this November. In the last couple weeks Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Series X will be released in November 2020 and that Halo Infinite will not be there, in fact, it has been delayed until an unspecified date in 2021.

Not long after the delay announcement reports appeared online of a leaked Xbox Series X controller in it's retail packaging that details the controller will work on the Xbox Series X and Series S! The Series S is the much rumored 'cheaper next-gen Xbox' that is expected to launch alongside the Series X this fall. So far, Microsoft has said nothing publicly about the Series S but at this point it appears to be the worst kept secret in gaming.

And finally, while you won't be playing Halo Infinite on your new Xbox Series X (or S) this Christmas you will be getting an updated Dashboard UI, which Microsoft displayed for the first time in a video this week. You can check out the video below and get acquainted with the new interface to hold you over until you can get your hands on it this November.

Sony is still playing it close to the vest

While we have learned a lot of Xbox series X info, some intentionally and some not, Sony has continued to kept its new console under wraps. We are still unsure of the launch lineup, unsure of the price, and unsure of the launch date ( although my money is on November 19th ). What we did get this week is a first look at an ad for the PS5, focusing not on games but on the new interactive elements of its controller. Check out the ad below and decide if Haptic Feedback, Active Triggers and 3D Audio are going to be enough for you to jump into the next-gen with Sony this year.

Nintendo Gives Indies Some Love

Not to be left out of the conversation, Nintendo debuted an Indie World Direct video this week that highlighted several upcoming games from all over the world. You can check out the video below for all the details on ports to the Switch of Hades, Subnautica, Torchlight 3, Manifold Garden, and the Apple Arcade darling Grindstone. There are also several new game announcements that run the gambit of game genres and themes. It was a really interesting lineup of games and while we all love indie games, I think it is beyond time for Nintendo to give us an update on their first party lineup for the rest of the year. There is literally nothing other than Pikmin 3 Deluxe on the slate from Nintendo for the Holiday season, and I can't understand why they are keeping everything so quiet.
Check out the Indie World Direct below, I'm sure you will find a game or two that will grab your interest.

Cyberpunk 2077 Steals the Show Again

The last big announcement for this week was the second Episode of CD Projekt Red's Night City Wire. In another meaty video the developers or Cyberpunk showed off the different 'life paths' you can choose at the start of your adventure and how they will change the experience throughout the game. In the video below you will get a look at the three Life Paths available, Nomad, Corpo, and Street Kid as well as a rundown of the different styles of weapons on offer.
There is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be 'the game' of the second half of 2020 and I can't wait to get my hands on it. At this point I am assuming that the game will launch alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series S this November and will have some level of next-gen enhancements to make it a de-facto Launch title for Next-gen. Hopefully we will get some info on that in an upcoming episode of Night City Wire.

F5 News - Update for Blackjack Masters and New Game Development

Here at F5 we recently released the Seasonal Tournaments update for Blackjack Masters and it has been great to see players from all over the world compete with each other to see who is the best Blackjack player. We are now working on a new update that will introduce prize chests for winning tournaments as well as smaller chests for completing all of the available daily missions. Hopefully that will be ready in the next week or two.
We have also begun work on an entirely new title that we are very excited about. We are getting back to our roots as a studio and working on a new action RPG! This is a game that I have wanted to dive into for several years now and it has been great to start making things happen on this project. It is still very early but we have a clear design in mind and are working on the technology so hopefully we will be able to start sharing more info with you in the coming months.

Thanks for reading! If there is anything that you would like us to cover in our weekly round-ups let us know on our Twitter account and we'll try to make it happen. Have a great weekend.