Here’s one that doesn’t make a ton of sense to me. Sony apparently released a download for Grand Theft Auto V so pre-order players could get a jump on the game when it releases September 17th. That part makes sense, it’s been a part of PC gaming for years. What doesn’t make sense to me is: 1) Why did it have plot spoiler information accessible; 2) Why did people downloading it start digging into the code to find this information? Sony has since pulled the download, meaning those prying into the code have ruined it for everyone else. Some of the information gleaned was the entire track listing for the game’s music. Which probably isn’t a big deal, but it’s an asset Rockstar still wanted under wraps. Sony apologized to Rockstar and any fans who have accidentally seen what can be considered spoilers. Certainly this was a mistake by Sony and they should be held accountable if any real damage has been caused. Personally, I’m setting my sights on the people who think they need to dig through the code for these things and release it. They’re violating terms of service and they’re disrespecting the creative process. Why? Obviously I’m not going to give the information away here, but if you want the track list and the spoiler assets I’m sure you can find it somewhere.
Blizzard announced the first Diablo III PC expansion at Gamescom last week. “Reaper of Souls” will introduce Malthael as the main antagonist. Additions to the core gameplay will include a new level cap (70), improved loot drops, loot customizing and adjustments to the paragon leveling system. When asked about a console release of the new content, they were not ready to announce anything officially, but there was strong indication it is happening. The delay will probably be similar to the delay seen between the main game’s PC and console releases.
PSN is holding an Indie Game Sale this week to coincide with PAX Prime. There are some good prices on some good games. Naturally, PS+ members get even better discounts, up to 75% off. The sale will begin with today’s store update.
- Game – Original Price / Sale Price / Plus Price
- Penny-Arcade Adventures On the Rainslick Precipice of Darkness Ep 1 & 2 – $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
- Closure – $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
- Retro City Rampage (PS3 and PS Vita, Cross-Buy) – $14.99 / $4.99 / $3.74
- Dragon Fantasy Book I (PS3 and PS Vita, Cross-Buy) – $9.99 / $4.99 / $2.50
- Limbo (PS3 and PS Vita, Cross-Buy) – $14.99 / $7.49 / $5.99
- Tokyo Jungle – $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
- Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov’s Revenge (PS3 and PS Vita, Cross-Buy) – $9.99 / $4.99 / $2.50
- Journey – $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
- Skullgirls – $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
- Retro/Grade – $9.99 / $4.99 / $2.50
- Dyad – $14.99 / $7.49 / $3.75
Gearbox Software has a Game of the Year edition of Borderlands 2 incoming. This looks like a typical GotY edition, including the game and all previously released DLC (Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate’s Booty, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, Mr Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, Creature Slaughter Dome, Psycho Pack, the Mechromancer Pack, and the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack). There are at least three more DLCs planned for the game (Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2, the Digistruct Peak Challenge, or TK Baha’s Bloody Harvest). It’s unclear for now if those will be included as well. The packaging reportedly advertises over $100 in free content. No date has been announced, but if the packaging art work is already leaked then it’s likely coming soon, probably just before Black Friday.
Sony’s confirmation of the PS4 releasing November 15th has put the scope on Microsoft. When will we see the XBox One release? I suspected they would try to beat Sony to market and an alleged internal Wal-Mart memo discussing the midnight release seems to confirm this. If this leaked memo is correct, the XBox One will be coming November 8th, beating Sony by just one week. Treat this as rumor for now and keep an eye on Big Shiny Robot! as we will report the confirmed release date as soon as it drops.
Speaking of XBox, the latest firmware update is out now and it has delivered on terminating Microsoft Points. The XBox Marketplace now operates in your local currency.
That’s it for this week’s early edition. Later this week is PAX Prime. So you can probably expect some news on indie games in Friday’s edition. Then again, PAX has grown more popular with AAA developers as well so we may see some news on that front as well.