Hello everyone.
I wanted to pop in here with a note on how N4G is handling the Coronavirus (COVID-19) news as it relates to gaming and the industry.
As this news is affecting everything around us, it is important to ensure that the news our users are getting related to this topic is accurate and not rash or irrational. It's an important topic that should not be burdened by rumors or the opinions of journalists. It needs to be treated carefully and respectfully.
Because of this, we will not be allowing rumors, opinion pieces, or the like about the Coronavirus for gaming events, the industry, or related topics. We will instead be focusing on official and specific sources for the topic.
For example, the current rumors about E3 being canceled due to a tweet from Devolver, as well as Jason's anonymous insider information from earlier, is a telling sign that it could happen. But we will not be posting about it or allowing opinion pieces about it until ESA or the official E3 site posts news of this. At this time, their site still lists what considerations they and the LA Convention Center are taking, not that it is canceled nor have they made any public announcement otherwise.
This news is important and we can take the time to make sure the information is as accurate as it can be for an event that is months away let alone hardware that is even further away from being released. It doesn't deserve to be treated as standard rumor mill material. It deserves the respect, attention, and assurance that the news being presented is exact and non-reactionary.
I understand some of you will disagree, but this is how it will be handled here regardless of how other sites choose to report on everything related to the current pandemic. At least be comforted that so many other places are discussing it the way you may want, but we feel it inappropriate to promote anything but facts on this matter.
Thank you for your understanding in this,
Christopher
The review embargo for Hellblade 2 appears to lift on the same date as the launch of the game, just an hour before it's available.
Reviews dont usually spoil its usually the players that get it early spoils it
Like all other games being reviewed before launch day ?
This game will disappoint many players. Ninja Theory’s last game
A well written review normally won't spoil anything though.
Come on, we all know it's usually not a good sign when the review embargo lifts on launch day. Doesn't mean to say the game is going to be bad or anything, but it does often point to a lack of confidence.
That's not a good sign.
Review codes have been sent out as of 8 hours ago (according to Tom Henderson on X) so at least they aren't withholding those... But you'd think with confidence they'd want positive reviews to get buzz going online the weekend before release.
... But if they're expecting mid reviews, yeah sure lift that embargo when most people are asleep.
MS might be withholding review codes from more critical reviewers to inflate the launch window Metascore. Just like they did with Starfield.
Zero marketing and embargo lifts when the game launches?
No confidence from team Xbox.
Digital Foundry : Bethesda's Starfield was generally a well-regarded RPG, but the game's 30fps target on consoles was the subject of some controversy. The game's massive scope arguably justified that 30fps refresh rate, with only high-end PCs capable of hitting 60fps and higher, but now Bethesda has changed course and opened the floodgates on Xbox Series X consoles following significant optimisation work. Players can now independently select performance and visuals modes at arbitrary frame-rates. How exactly do these new combinations fare, and is 60fps really a possibility after it was explicitly ruled out before?
An inside look at Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's ambitious open world Japan where your every move is affected by weather, season, and lighting systems.
I feel kind of strange. You are enacting a new policy, and I'm not displeased by it.
Maybe the world truly is ending.
I won't lie, I'm surprised to see anyone handling this COVID-19 stuff rationally.
Thanks for opting to be different and not feed into the ongoing rumor mill and overreacting.
You’re doing a good job, Christopher.
I agree.
Warm it up, Chris.