Cyberpunk 2077 Now Features Warning About Performance On Xbox Store
The story that is surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 sure is something else, and it's doubtful it's the story that CD Projekt RED had hoped would be told one week after the game's official launch. From stories of the developers themselves being enraged at management for the rollout, to everything about refunds, to the game being literally delisted on the PlayStation Store, it is like nothing we've ever seen before. While the game remains up on the Xbox side, even this now has a warning.
Shortly after the game was pulled from PSN, there was wonder if the same would happen on Xbox. CD Projekt RED revealed they had not been in talks with Microsoft to pull the Xbox version shortly after. That remains true, but a warning has now been put on the game on the Xbox store listing, which reads, "Users may experience performance issues when playing this game on Xbox One consoles until this game is updated."
This means the game will seemingly remain up for purchase, at least for now, unlike the PlayStation version which is no longer purchasable. General reports show the game largely runs okay on the Series X/S (though all versions have various glitches, bugs, and crashes, no matter where it's being played). The main issues come from trying to play the game on Xbox One systems, especially the base models.
Cyberpunk 2077 Developers Are Reportedly Upset At Management For Game's Botched Launch
For a game finally releasing after being hyped up for an entire console generation and selling as well as it did, one would think it'd be nothing but victory laps, but that hasn't been the case for Cyberpunk 2077. While those playing on good PCs and next gen consoles have been fine, relatively speaking, those on previous gen machines have found nothing but trouble. It's kicked off quite the movement for refunds, with CD Projekt themselves trying to plug the holes by offering refunds, and Sony has delisted the game entirely from PSN. It's been an incredible saga, the likes of which we've never seen, and it's apparently not just consumers heated at CD Projekt RED.
In a new report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, he paints the developers of the title in something of a revolt. At a board meeting, it's alleged that staff fired off angry, tense and blunt questions and comments toward management. One employee is quoted as asking why management saw fit to say the game was "complete and playable" in January of this year when that clearly was not the case. In the end, it seems the general consensus was that the game needed more development time and the deadlines set were unrealistic.
We have to treat this as rumor due to the nature of the reporting, but Schreier is, of course, one of the most renowned names in games reporting and has been one of the most consistent reporters on the studio and its conditions. It also doesn't take much need for faith to see that clearly something did not go well with the game's development, and there has even been a financial blowback when stock in CD Projekt dropped rapidly and seeming to cost its founders a lot of money in the process. The story is an ongoing, developing one, and we'll keep you updated as it progresses.
While a lot of focus this year was on the launch of new generation consoles, there was still some great stuff that came out in the sunset years of the previous generation. One such title was Ghost of Tsushima, a game that ended up being a massive success for the company. It even got what is essentially a pull blown multiplayer expansion with Legends. Now the mode is also getting some new costumes to tip the straw hat to their fellow first party titles.
As you can see on the official Twitter below, for a limited time you can unlock costumes based on four other best-selling Sony properties: God of War, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Bloodborne and Shadow of the Colossus. Now, as you can probably also see, the actual references themselves are not quite as obvious as they appear as a lot of these promotions tend to be. You have to think about these a bit to really get how they are drawing from those titles, especially that Bloodborne one which took me a good minute.
Ghost of Tsushima and its Legends expansion is available now on PlayStation 4. The game is also playable on PS5 with enhancements, which you can read more about through here.
From now until January 15, 2021, unlock these #GhostOfTsushima: Legends outfits inspired by iconic PlayStation characters from God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, Shadow of the Colossus and Bloodborne! Complete any Story or Survival mission with each class to unlock all four outfits! pic.twitter.com/xVhQGlAeMc
— Ghost of Tsushima Sucker Punch Productions (@SuckerPunchProd) December 18, 2020
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection Gets First Gameplay Demo
As is often the case with The Game Awards, we got some pleasant surprise announcements this year. One of those, at least for me, was Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection, a reboot of Capcom's classic platformer title. We did get a nifty reveal trailer that gave us an idea of what to expect, but now we've gotten a gameplay demo for a closer look.
On the latest edition of Capcom TV, the crew demoed the new game. The game has a very different aesthetic than previous titles, going for a more storybook look with almost puppet-like movements. The gameplay should look familiar though as Arthur goes through the level taking out zombies, hostile birds and some evil plants. The titles were always noted for their difficulty, and it's hard to parse if this will be the case here, but there's definitely a few close calls as its played and Arthur is taken down to his underwear in iconic fashion.
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on February 25th, 2021.
Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Now Offering Refunds For Copies Bought At Retail For Limited Time
When Cyberpunk 2077 released last week, one would think the general reaction would be a positive one, and indeed, the initial response was largely glowing. However, as time went on, it became clear that there was something very technically wrong with the console version. OpenCritic issued a warning for the PS4/Xbox One copy, and those on the base console have reported it being near unplayable (with all versions of the game suffering some degree of glitches and bugs). For the last week, it seems as if its been nothing but issues, as those wanting refunds have been finding mixed results. Sony eventually had enough, delisting the game completely and then offering full refunds, with Microsoft now openly offering full refunds. Now, CD Projekt RED is hearing the cry themselves.
On their official Twitter, they offered an update on the situation. They said they will refund any and all copies that were obtained at retail. That includes both physical and digital copies. You'll need to submit proof of purchase to the email seen below. The only catch here is that you have under December 21st to do so, but it seems if you did buy the game in some form from a retailer and cannot obtain a refund from that store, the developer is covering the bill.
Cyberpunk 2077 is now available for Xbox One, PC and Stadia. As of writing this, the game is no longer available on the PlayStation Store. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Update on Retail Refunds https://t.co/7hAHo19jfa pic.twitter.com/nFMbhvokvl
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) December 18, 2020
Destiny 2 Exotics – The Jade Rabbit, Severance Enclosure, Foetracer
The Dawning started this week for Bungie's Destiny 2 and Xur is currently in the Winding Cove of the EDZ. That means you can give him cookies or pick up whatever Exotics he's selling. Xur will be around until the next weekly reset so act fast.
This week's Exotic gear includes Foetracer (Hunter helm), Severance Enclosure (Titan chest) and Felwinter's Helm (Warlock helm), each for 23 Legendary Shards. Foetracer is an old Exotic that allows for having the radar available while aiming down sights. Felwinter's Helm allows one to inflict weakness on nearby foes with Arc, Solar and Void melee kills. Using finishers or melee killing more powerful enemies increases the effect's length and radius.
Severance Enclosure is somewhat similar with elemental melee final blows unleashing an explosion that damages nearby enemies. Finishers and melee final blows against tougher foes increases the explosion's radius and damage. As for The Jade Rabbit, it's an Exotic scout rifle that where chaining body shots grants bonus damage to the next precision shot and returns ammo. Not the best Primary weapon but good for completing the collection – get it for 29 Legendary Shards.
Cyberpunk 2077 – Microsoft Offering Full Refunds to Xbox One Players
Following its delisting on the PlayStation Store followed by refunds for the PS4 version, CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk 2077 is now eligible for full refunds on Xbox One. Microsoft recently tweeted that it was expanding its existing policy to offer full refunds to those who purchased digitally from the Microsoft Store. It noted that refunds have been granted to the "vast majority" of those who requested one.
"While we know the developers at CD PROJEKT RED have worked hard to ship Cyberpunk 2077 in extremely challenging circumstances, we also realize that some players have been unhappy with the current experience on older consoles," the company said. The platform holder didn't mention anything about delisting the game. This is in line with CD Projekt RED stating that it wasn't in talks to withdraw the Xbox One version.
Cyberpunk 2077 released last week for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Google Stadia after numerous delays and a years-long development cycle. Before launch, it came under scrutiny for the lack of review codes available to outlets. The company has since faced backlash for the state the Xbox One and PS4 versions, which wasn't helped by its initially confusing stance on refunds. For those sticking with the console versions, CD Projekt RED has committed to improving it with updates in the coming months.
Cyberpunk 2077: To ensure that every player can get the experience they expect on Xbox, we will be expanding our existing refund policy to offer full refunds to anyone who purchased Cyberpunk 2077 digitally from the Microsoft Store, until further notice. https://t.co/04TcniwVzy
— Xbox Support (@XboxSupport) December 18, 2020
While we know the developers at CD PROJEKT RED have worked hard to ship Cyberpunk 2077 in extremely challenging circumstances, we also realize that some players have been unhappy with the current experience on older consoles.
— Xbox Support (@XboxSupport) December 18, 2020
To date, we have granted refunds to the vast majority of customers who have requested one. To request an Xbox refund for Cyberpunk 2077, please follow the steps listed on our Xbox refund page here: https://t.co/04TcniwVzy
— Xbox Support (@XboxSupport) December 18, 2020
Control: Ultimate Edition Out on February 2nd 2021 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Remedy Entertainment has released a new teaser trailer for Control: Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Along with showcasing the graphical improvements, it also provided release dates for the digital and physical editions. They're out on February 2nd 2021 for PS5 and March 2nd 2021 respectively.
The new trailer features PS5 gameplay and showcases Performance Mode, which allows the game to run at 60 frames per second, and Graphics Mode, which knocks the frame rate down to 30 FPS but adds ray-tracing. Improvements in material quality, particularly Jesse's jacket, can also been in the latter. Details on resolution for both modes has yet to be revealed.
Control originally released for PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2019 while Control: Ultimate Edition, complete with both expansions, arrived several months ago. The Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions were slated to release this year but faced delays. The Ultimate Edition has also been the subject of controversy with its lack of free next-gen upgrades for those who purchased the base game and its expansions on previous gen. Stay tuned for more details on its graphical settings in the coming months.
Cyberpunk 2077 Developer Not in Talks to Withdraw Xbox One Version
The saga of the console versions for CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk 2077 continues, with Sony recently delisting the PS4 version from the PlayStation Store and offering full refunds. As for whether Microsoft would follow suit and remove the Xbox One version, there are currently no plans for the same. Speaking to Reuters, joint-CEO Adam Kicinski said that, "We are not in such discussions with Microsoft at the moment."
One can still avail of refunds for the Xbox One version, though your mileage may vary. Following Sony's delisting of the title, shares for CD Projekt RED dropped by almost 20 percent. Though they had stabilized this past Tuesday following the last drop, the company's founders still lost more than $1 billion in from their own wealth.
For more details on the console version of Cyberpunk 2077, check out our review here. The PC version has been met more positively though some fans are still troubled over the game's lack of marketed features. CD Projekt RED has confirmed two major updates for the console versions in the coming months with the promise that they will be in a "good, playable, stable" state.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Multiplayer Will Have Free Access Week Until December 24
This year's Call of Duty roared out across two console generations with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. As usual, it topped the charts across various regions to continue the franchise's never-ending sales dominance. Like the previous release, 2019's Modern Warfare, the game's multiplayer is now season-based. You can also get a taste of that for free over the next week.
As announced on the official Twitter, for a limited time you can try out Cold War's multiplayer for free until Christmas Eve. From the 17th to the 21th you can try Team Deathmatch, Domination, 2v2 Gunfight, Raid the Mall Playlist and Nuketown Holiday 24/7 Playlist. From the 21st to the 24th, you it will swap to All Stage 1 Modes & Playlists, Prop Hunt, Combined Arms Hardpoint and Fireteam Dirty Bomb.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC. The free multiplayer trial will last until December 24th.
Now's your chance to experience the next evolution of Black Ops Multiplayer.
Jump into the #BlackOpsColdWar Multiplayer Free Access Week through 12/24. pic.twitter.com/v7c7BMgAsX
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) December 17, 2020