Vin Diesel Confirms Fast and Furious to Conclude with a Trilogy, Not Two Movies

Rev up your engines, Fast and Furious fans, as star and producer Vin Diesel drops an exciting bombshell during the movie’s red carpet event in Rome. In a surprising twist, it seems Universal Pictures has made a strategic decision to transform Fast X into a gripping trilogy, extending the adrenaline-fueled saga beyond the initially planned two movies.

During the event, Diesel shared the studio’s proposition, recalling their request to expand the Fast X narrative into a trilogy. “Going into making this movie, the studio asked if this could be a two-parter. After the studio saw Part 1, they said, ‘Could you make Fast X: The Finale a trilogy?'” Diesel revealed, leaving the audience in awe. Co-star Michelle Rodriguez chimed in, emphasizing the significance of three acts in any compelling story.

As Diesel trailed off, he playfully expressed concern, stating, “I’m gonna get in trouble here.” However, let’s not forget that Diesel’s revelation is more likely a calculated move to generate additional excitement and buzz surrounding the Fast series. After all, what better way to heighten anticipation than by expanding the epic finale to a thrilling trilogy?

Fast X embarked on its production journey in April 2022 but encountered unexpected speed bumps when director Justin Lin, a long-time collaborator of the franchise, departed the project abruptly. Stepping in to keep the Fast momentum alive is Louis Leterrier, known for his work on The Incredible Hulk and Netflix’s live-action Lupin.

The star-studded cast of Fast X includes Diesel, Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Sung Kang. Joining this high-octane ensemble are newcomers Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), and Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad), along with the legendary Rita Moreno (West Side Story) portraying Dom’s grandmother.

Prepare yourselves for an adrenaline-pumping trilogy that will take the Fast and Furious franchise to new heights. Stay tuned for more updates as the final installment hurtles towards the big screen, promising to deliver breathtaking action, heart-pounding thrills, and the exhilarating conclusion fans have been eagerly awaiting.

Share This:

No Price Reduction for Nintendo Switch This Year, but $70 Games Have Yet to Become the Norm

Nintendo enthusiasts, brace yourselves for the latest update regarding the price of the beloved Nintendo Switch console. The company has officially confirmed that there will be no price reduction for the Nintendo Switch before April 2024. Additionally, discussions surrounding the standard price point of $70 for Switch games have emerged. In a recent investor Q&A, Nintendo shed light on these topics, providing insight into their future plans.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged that certain material costs have indeed decreased since the Switch’s initial launch in 2017. However, he emphasized that “overall costs remain high.” Factors such as inflation and foreign exchange rates pose additional challenges for the company. Furukawa highlighted the time required for raw material price reductions to reflect in manufacturing costs, leading to the decision of no hardware price reduction during this fiscal year. While there are no immediate plans for price hikes, the weakening yen and persistently high procurement costs demand cautious monitoring of the situation.

Console prices typically witness gradual declines over time as component costs decrease and strategic pricing initiatives come into play. However, the Nintendo Switch has maintained its launch price of $300 since its introduction. The system has achieved remarkable success, selling over 125 million units to date. Nevertheless, sales have shown signs of slowing down as the console enters its seventh year on the market.

In comparison, the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 console prices have generally remained stable worldwide since their respective launches in 2020. Notably, the PS5 experienced a price increase in select regions due to the “global economic environment.”

On the horizon, reports suggest that Nintendo is diligently working on a new console, with promising developments. However, the company has unequivocally stated that no new hardware will be unveiled before April 2024, at the earliest.

In other news, during the earnings briefing, Furukawa addressed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as Nintendo’s first game to debut at the $70 price point, representing a $10 increase from the traditional price of a Switch game. The executive reiterated Nintendo’s stance, emphasizing that pricing decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Furukawa acknowledged that rising development costs, driven by enhanced content and advanced technology requirements for online play, demand thorough consideration when determining the pricing of future titles.

As Nintendo continues to navigate the ever-evolving gaming landscape, rest assured that pricing strategies and hardware developments will be handled with utmost care. Stay tuned for further updates as Nintendo continues to captivate gamers worldwide with their innovative offerings.

Share This:

Amnesia: The Bunker Release Date Pushed Back by Two Weeks

Excitement tinged with anticipation fills the air as fans eagerly await the release of Amnesia: The Bunker. However, in a recent announcement, Frictional Games revealed that the highly anticipated game’s release date has been pushed back to June 6. This decision was made to ensure that rare crashes, which posed challenges in identification and replication, are thoroughly resolved, guaranteeing a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

In a heartfelt video shared by creative lead Fredrik Olsson, he shed light on the game’s ongoing certification process, which demands additional time for addressing the elusive crashes before the game can be unleashed upon eager players. Olsson emphasized Frictional Games’ commitment to work-life balance, explaining that instead of burdening the development team with overtime or weekend work, the decision to delay the release was made to prioritize their well-being.

Rest assured, despite the delay, Amnesia: The Bunker continues to progress impressively in terms of gameplay mechanics, artistry, animation, and atmospheric design. The dedicated development team is ready to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience once the final touches are perfected. In the meantime, fans can find solace in the upcoming release of a demo for Amnesia: The Bunker on May 22, exclusively available on Steam. However, it remains uncertain whether the demo will extend to PlayStation and Xbox platforms.

While this delay may disappoint those eagerly anticipating the game’s May release, rest assured that Frictional Games is steadfastly committed to ensuring the utmost quality and stability of Amnesia: The Bunker. Mark your calendars for the new release date in June, as the haunting and immersive world of Amnesia awaits, promising an unforgettable journey into the depths of fear and suspense. Stay tuned for further updates as the countdown to the highly anticipated release continues.

Share This:

Hogwarts Legacy for Nintendo Switch Faces Delay, New Release Date Set for November

Attention, witches and wizards! Prepare for a slight detour on your magical journey as Hogwarts Legacy for Nintendo Switch encounters a delay. Originally slated for a July release, the enchanting game has now been rescheduled for November 14, 2023, promising an even more immersive and extraordinary experience.

In a recent social media announcement, the developer emphasized their unwavering commitment to delivering the very best gameplay adventure. While no specific reasons were provided for the delay, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated fans for their understanding and patience throughout this process. Hogwarts Legacy first captivated audiences in February with its captivating release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, swiftly amassing a staggering 15 million copies sold and generating a remarkable $1 billion in revenue. The game’s recent launch on PS4 and Xbox One on May 5 marked another milestone. Now, the upcoming release on the beloved Nintendo Switch will complete the spellbinding journey this November.

With eager anticipation building, many wonder how Hogwarts Legacy will adapt to the relatively less powerful Nintendo Switch console. Will any adjustments be made to ensure a seamless experience? While no gameplay footage or official details have been unveiled thus far, fans eagerly await news on how this extraordinary adventure will unfold on their handheld device. In addition to Hogwarts Legacy, another thrilling Harry Potter game, Quidditch Champions, is currently in development, promising even more magical excitement. But that’s not all – WB Discovery has announced ambitious plans for a 10-year Harry Potter live-action TV series, fueling the imaginations of fans around the globe.

Hogwarts Legacy, meticulously crafted by Avalanche Software, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, has not been without its fair share of controversy. Due to transphobic remarks made by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, the game has been embroiled in debates and discussions. Despite her lack of personal involvement in its development, Rowling stands to benefit from its success, further fueling the complexities surrounding this highly anticipated release.

So, dear wizards and witches, mark your calendars for the new release date in November, and prepare to immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of Hogwarts Legacy on the Nintendo Switch. The magical adventure awaits, promising an experience beyond your wildest dreams. Stay tuned for updates, as the journey continues with each step into this captivating realm of wizardry.

Share This:

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Release Day Draws Massive Crowds and Long Queues

The wait is finally over! Today, on May 12, 2023, Nintendo unleashes its latest masterpiece, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild has arrived, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement. Whether you choose to purchase the game digitally or embark on an adventure-filled wait in line, the choice is yours.

Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo’s grandest exclusive for the Switch, takes players on a breathtaking journey through a vast open world. Building upon the success of its predecessor, Kingdom introduces never-before-seen realms above the clouds and below the ground, offering a whole new level of exploration. And Link, our legendary hero, possesses newfound abilities, such as the power to fuse objects together, enabling the creation of gliders, boats, and other useful tools. The anticipation is palpable, fueling the immense demand and resulting in the formation of colossal queues across the nation.

In the heart of New York City, this was the awe-inspiring footage of a line that stretched for blocks outside the iconic Nintendo Store. Even before the official release, a similar line had formed on Thursday night, as fans eagerly awaited the stroke of midnight. What draws people to these lengthy queues? The answer lies not only in the insatiable desire to own the highly acclaimed game but also in the exclusive Zelda-themed pins generously bestowed upon lucky customers by the Nintendo Store. Furthermore, the NYC location offers exclusive Tears of the Kingdom merchandise, adding an extra layer of allure to the dedicated fans.

However, the phenomenon of long lines extends beyond the realm of the official Nintendo Store. Gamers around the country have documented their hours-long odyssey outside GameStops and various retail outlets, eagerly anticipating the physical copy of Tears of the Kingdom. While digital and online purchases provide a more convenient alternative, there’s an undeniable charm to joining the tangible queue, adding a touch of nostalgia and creating a memorable experience. Although I confess my preference for the convenience of Amazon and digital purchases, I can empathize with the unique thrill that comes from waiting in line for a highly anticipated game.

If you find yourself in the midst of a line, eagerly waiting to purchase the new Zelda sequel, we invite you to share your exhilaration in the comments below. Join the ranks of passionate fans who embrace the excitement, the camaraderie, and the unparalleled joy that comes with embarking on a new gaming adventure.

Share This:

Hollywood Writers’ Strike Halts The Last of Us Season 2 Production

As the Hollywood writers’ strike enters its second week, fans of HBO’s hit series The Last Of Us are in for a disappointment. The highly anticipated Season 2, which was scheduled to start filming in early 2024, has hit the breaks, according to Variety. The production team was in the midst of casting for the upcoming season when work came to a sudden halt.

Variety’s report reveals that the reason behind the delay is the absence of scripts for the second season. Surprisingly, the casting team had resorted to having actors read lines directly from The Last of Us Part II, the renowned PlayStation sequel that serves as the foundation for the new season’s storyline.

The show’s writer and showrunner, Craig Mazin, stands united with his fellow members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in their pursuit of better pay. Negotiations with prominent companies like Warner Bros. and Netflix fell through earlier this month, leading to the ongoing strike. Neil Druckmann, the director of the games and co-creator of the HBO adaptation, is also not involved in the show’s current production, as confirmed by Variety.

At the heart of the labor dispute lies the issue of writers’ streaming royalties. While streaming platforms amass enormous profits, many talented writers struggle to make ends meet. Even when their shows are picked up by major streaming platforms, financial stability remains elusive. The first season of The Last Of Us garnered immense success on HBO Max, amassing an astonishing 32 million viewers per episode across cable and streaming platforms.

The strike’s impact extends beyond The Last Of Us, as other popular shows such as Netflix’s Stranger Things and Disney’s Star Wars series, Andor, have also come to a standstill. However, amidst the disruption, there are a few notable exceptions. Warner Bros. confidently asserts that scripts for the second season of HBO’s House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, are already completed. Nevertheless, industry professionals remind us that show writing continues throughout the filming process.

As the strike persists, fans of The Last Of Us must wait with bated breath for the resumption of production on Season 2. The union of writers and the entertainment industry juggernauts wage a battle over fair compensation, highlighting the often unbalanced dynamics within the streaming landscape. Only time will tell when the strike will reach a resolution and the captivating story of The Last Of Us will continue to unfold on our screens.

Share This:

Unprecedented Success of Mario Movie Earns Praise from Disney, Signaling Promising Prospects

In a groundbreaking triumph, The Super Mario Movie Bros. has shattered box office records, surpassing the billion-dollar mark worldwide and claiming the title of the most successful video game movie in history, as acclaimed by Rotten Tomatoes. Such a remarkable achievement has even caught the attention of Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, who commends the film’s unprecedented accomplishment.

During a recent quarterly earnings call, Iger took a moment to extend his congratulations to Universal Pictures, a rival studio, for their resounding victory with The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In a symbolic gesture of unity, Iger highlighted the film’s triumph as evidence that audiences worldwide have an insatiable appetite for animated films, exuberantly pouring their support and financial backing into these meticulously crafted cinematic experiences.

Addressing the call participants, Iger began, “Good afternoon everyone. Allow me to digress for a moment to congratulate Universal for the tremendous success of Super Mario Bros… It certainly proves people love to be entertained in theaters around the world, and it gives us reason to be optimistic about the movie business.” While Disney continues to thrive in the box office realm, thanks to Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which enjoyed a surpassing opening weekend compared to the Mario movie, the animation department at Disney has faced some recent challenges. Pixar’s Toy Story spin-off, Lightyear, and Disney’s original sci-fi animation, Strange World, achieved modest global earnings of $200 million and $100 million, respectively, last summer and fall, as reported by CNBC. Meanwhile, Universal Pictures, through Illumination, raked in an astounding $940 million and $500 million for their Despicable Me spin-off, Minions: Rise of Gru, and the captivating Shrek spin-off spectacle, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Clearly, the potential for box office success is abundant, but Disney’s recent animated features have struggled to captivate audiences as effectively.

To Iger’s credit, even the Mario franchise creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, expressed surprise at Illumination’s phenomenal box office triumph with The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In an interview with the Japanese press, Miyamoto confessed, “I did have expectations that this movie would perform well. However, I was taken aback by the level of success it ultimately achieved upon its release. Achieving such remarkable heights for a film requires a stroke of luck. While some foreign critics may have offered less favorable reviews, I believe it contributed to the movie’s notoriety and generated considerable buzz.”

The Super Mario Bros. Movie continues to captivate audiences worldwide, rewriting the record books and leaving an indelible mark on the annals of cinema history.

Share This:

Activision CEO Expresses Enthusiasm for AI Integration, Hints at Potential Inclusion in Upcoming Guitar Hero Reboot

In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, one trend after another captures the spotlight as the harbinger of the future. From NFTs in 2021 to the metaverse last year, the current buzz revolves around the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Major players in the gaming industry are eagerly embracing the potential of AI-generated graphics and narratives, anticipating substantial growth in their businesses. This week, Electronic Arts (EA) CEO, Andrew Wilson, boldly proclaimed gaming as one of the primary beneficiaries of AI. Notably, Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, recently expressed his belief that AI could be as transformative for society as the original Macintosh, even hinting at the possibility of incorporating AI in a future iteration of the beloved Guitar Hero franchise.

During a recent company-wide meeting, Kotick, a seasoned veteran with over 30 years of experience in leading the Call of Duty publisher, was asked about the role he envisions for AI at Activision Blizzard and within the broader landscape of video games. This question has become increasingly prevalent, as AI-generated narratives become a focal point amidst the Hollywood writers’ strike and as Google unveils groundbreaking AI tools with the potential to revolutionize internet navigation.

Drawing upon his familiarity with OpenAI and the origins of modern AI technologies, Kotick shared his profound insights: “I’ve known Sam Weltman and the talented individuals at OpenAI for quite some time. What people may not realize is that many of today’s AI advancements, including ChatGPT, originated from the concept of conquering games like Warcraft, Dota, Starcraft, Go, and Chess. These large-scale language learning models, which now power AI technologies, had their humble beginnings in the world of gaming.”

Continuing with his reflections, Kotick expressed his conviction about the far-reaching impact of AI on society, reminiscent of the awe he felt upon witnessing the first Macintosh. He emphasized the positive influence that AI can have on game development, enabling previously unattainable feats. Kotick illustrated his point by referencing the potential of a revamped Guitar Hero, stating, “I have always envisioned a new Guitar Hero product, but without the integration of AI and the processing power available in phones, computers, and game consoles, realizing this vision has remained elusive. Now, with AI becoming a practical and applicable reality, we stand at the cusp of an extraordinary era in game development. Over the next five to seven years, the impact will be nothing short of extraordinary.”

The specific details of Kotick’s AI-inspired vision for a Guitar Hero revival remain undisclosed. The acclaimed rhythm-based franchise enjoyed years of success until it succumbed to the pressures of relentless release schedules and an excess of peripherals. Perhaps the reincarnated Guitar Hero will empower players to generate their own songs inspired by popular artists’ styles and voices or enable them to jam alongside iconic musicians in real-time. The possibilities are intriguing, yet they also present challenges in terms of licensing.

Kotick further expressed his belief that AI tools will enhance accessibility and improve players’ learning experiences within games. He acknowledged that games like Call of Duty, with their vast complexity, often prevent players from fully exploring their potential. AI can bridge this gap, making games more approachable and facilitating a deeper understanding of their intricacies.

While executives extol the promises of AI advancements, concerns surrounding creativity, ownership, and privacy loom large among players and developers. Blizzard fans recently engaged in a minor controversy following the discovery of a patent related to machine learning image generation, which some misinterpreted as an indication of the studio’s intention to utilize AI for art creation. Hearthstone design manager Brenden Sewell and Blizzard president Mike Ybarra swiftly

Share This: