EA’s Frostbite Engine Receives New Logo and Rebrand

Obsidian Entertainment's beloved isometric RPG Pillars of Eternity just received an unexpected update, nine whole years after its initial release, and I have a sneaking suspicion that two other big games are responsible.

The controversial The Coffin of Andy and Leyley has attracted a lot of attention thanks to its story which is both disturbing and steeped in dark humor. It is being released in chapters, with the first two out already. A recent progress report on Steam lets fans know what’s happening with the game’s development.

The popular tabletop series Villainous is getting a revamp this year, with new, smaller boxes to help you get into the game for cheaper. It’s also releasing a new version of its’ beginner-friendly box, Villainous: Introduction To Evil.

Physical calendars can seem surplus to requirements these days. With smartphones providing access to digitally synchronized schedules that update automatically, it's hard to see the need for a physical one you pin up on the wall. Some may argue they're a relic of a bygone age; something that should not have been forgotten, but were lost.

Along with announcing 13 million players for Starfield to date, Bethesda Game Studios revealed its post-launch plans for the title heading into 2024. It already confirmed “all-new ways” to travel and city maps, and starting in February, it will target updates roughly every six weeks. They will add new features and content with quality-of-life improvements.

If Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth featuring vast amounts of side content and new cities not in the original game isn’t enough, there are also several mini-games to engage in. These include a new collectible card game, Queen’s Blood, and piano playing. Speaking to Game Informer, director Naoki Hamaguchi offered some new details on the two.

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth features new combat mechanics like Synergy Abilities and over-the-top classic elements like Summons, with director Naoki Hamaguchi promising new and returning Summons. After they were revealed at The Game Awards 2023, Titan, Phoenix and Bahamut Arisen have received new details and images.

 As the year draws to a close, it’s time for 2024 roadmaps. The latest to release one is Lost Ark, with part 1 of the new roadmap updating us all on what to expect through sometime in the spring. Expect more of the big battles, harder and more challenging raid content, new character classes, the second anniversary, and much more.

Today, the ABK Workers Alliance published a statement opposing a recent return-to-office mandate that is impacting hundreds of Activision quality assurance (QA) workers. While the company has been allowing hybrid work situations up to this point, the group says that on November 30, QA workers in Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo working primarily on Call of Duty were told they must fully return to office five days per week beginning in late January. Activision is offering severance to those who depart from the company as a result of this mandate.

Electronic Arts today announced a rebranding for Frostbite, its internal game development engine. It's the first new logo for the tech in nearly a decade.

With astress test planned for early 2024, and Early Access in February, the Nightingale team is reflecting on recent changes and happenings in its latest devblog.

It seems that adventurers are not done exploring The Land of the Morning Light, as Black Desert announced a new region for the area, as well as a new class and more during this weekend's Calpheon Ball.