Gaming Roundup: Highlights from 10/30/23 – 11/05/23

Article Key Points

Silent Hill: Ascension disappoints with microtransactions, angering fans who criticize its community choice model.

Bungie faces mass layoffs as The Final Shape is delayed.

Lies of P confirms DLC and sequel plans, building on the potential hinted at in the post-credits scene.

In this week's roundup of games industry news, we take a look at some of the most notable headlines from the past week. Silent Hill: Ascension disappoints due to its heavy focus on microtransactions, Bungie lays off a significant number of employees, and a sequel to Lies of P is subtly confirmed with a hint at planned DLC for the original game. BlizzCon 2023 reveals the next three expansions for World of Warcraft, a new detail about IOI's 007 game has emerged, and Five Nights at Freddy's continues to be successful at the box office. Stay tuned for more updates.

Bungie Struck with Mass Layoffs

Lies of P DLC Confirmed Alongside Sequel Announcement

Another Major Studio, Bungie, Hit by Layoffs Amid Delay of The Final Shape

The post-credits scene of Lies of P had previously hinted at potential future content within the game's universe, which has now been further explained as downloadable content (DLC) for Lies of P. Additionally, a complete sequel is currently being developed.

Diablo 4, World of Warcraft Expansions Announced at BlizzCon 2023

Silent Hill 2 Might Not Be the Only Remake in the Works

World of Warcraft recently announced three exciting new expansions, whereas Diablo 4 unveiled its highly anticipated Vessel of Hatred expansion at BlizzCon 2023. This expansion brings forth a remarkable addition in the form of a completely fresh class.

With Konami hinting at the possibility of more remakes after Silent Hill 2, it's clear that there are numerous titles within the franchise that could benefit from a similar revitalization.

Elden Ring DLC Development Going Smoothly

No word has been shared yet on a release date, but it appears that Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is still coming along well in the meantime.

Features

Silent Hill: Ascension, released on Halloween, initially appeared as a playful immersive simulation. However, it has now gained recognition for its exploitative use of microtransactions, leading to widespread criticism from fans.

Movies & TV

The FNAF movie cleverly incorporates the intricate lore of the IP into its unique storyline, captivating loyal fans who have been following the franchise since its humble beginnings while also captivating newcomers and leaving them wanting more.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: 6 Easter Eggs You Missed

Guides

In LOTR: Return to Moria, there are numerous captivating survival aspects, and amongst them, the renowned Mithril Ore finds its roots in the source material that inspired the game. Discovering the ways to obtain Mithril Ore in LOTR: Return to Moria.

Game Rant Exclusives

The Invincible, in an interview with Starward Industries' narrative designer Magdalena Kucenty, aims to achieve the same level of interactivity as player choice, which is a perpetually popular mechanic in modern gaming.

The Invincible: How Player Choice Impacts the Story

Silent Hill

The Silent Hill series is famous for its original trilogy of survival horror games. These first three games were remarkable due to their immersive atmosphere and compelling narratives, often presented through the use of symbolism and metaphors. Exciting news for fans, as Bloober Team is now set to remake Silent Hill 2, potentially revitalizing the franchise.

Editor's P/S

In the realm of gaming, this week has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both exciting announcements and disheartening news. On the one hand, the confirmation of DLC and a sequel for Lies of P has fueled anticipation among fans, while the thrilling expansions unveiled at BlizzCon 2023, including the next three for World of Warcraft and the highly anticipated Vessel of Hatred for Diablo 4, have generated immense excitement.

On the other hand, the news of mass layoffs at Bungie, amidst the delay of The Final Shape, has cast a shadow over the industry. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that game developers face, even within established and successful studios. The disappointment surrounding Silent Hill: Ascension due to its heavy reliance on microtransactions has also left fans feeling frustrated and critical, highlighting the growing concerns over monetization practices in the gaming industry.