Up to 32% Off Razer Gaming Accessories | Amazon

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Mark a spot on the map, grab some guns, and get ready to (hopefully) be the last team standing when Apex Legends comes out for free on Switch later this week.

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Two key visuals have been released, showcasing the visual style for the adaptation's ending.

The post Ilya Kuvshinov to Work on The World Ends With You Anime Ending appeared first on Siliconera.

Mobile game giant Zynga has pledged $100,000 from its Social Impact Fund in a new partnership with Girls Who Code (GWC), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and tutoring girls and young women in computer sciences, with an aim to close the gender gap in technological industries.

"Zynga is honored to team up with Girls Who Code to help forge a more inclusive industry in tech and games by expanding opportunities for girls and women across the globe," said Zynga's Chief Legal Officer Phuong Phillips. "Through their virtual workshops, school clubs, mentorship programs, networking and more, we are hoping to build the next generation of women in STEAM to help them to prepare and thrive in the tech workforce."

The support from Zynga will go towards the operation of computing clubs across the United States, Canada, the UK, and India. These free-to-attend events offer training and education for girls and young women interested in coding, design, and other computing-based roles. The clubs offer tutelage and information from a professional body of mentors, helping to train and inspire students while providing access to technology and resources unavailable to those from low-income communities.

"We know that passionate, diverse, ambitious young women are the key to transforming our workplace and our world," said Dr. Tarika Barrett, Girls Who Code's incoming CEO. "We’re excited to partner with Zynga this International Women’s Day to send a loud signal to young women everywhere that they belong in technology and that they have support in their journey from school into the workforce. Zynga and Girls Who Code share a vision of a more fair and equitable workforce, where women of all backgrounds rise to the top."

Welcome to Morning Music, Kotaku’s ongoing hangout for folks who love video games and the cool-ass sounds they make. Instead of highlighting a single soundtrack today, I wanna tell you about my visit to a virtual music festival this weekend, where I found lots of great tracks.

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MAR10 Sale | Walmart
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2020 was a quiet year for the still-happening PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Rust, but big plans are in motion this year. Double Eleven put out a new trailer for Rust: Console Edition today, thanked fans for their ongoing support, and sent out the first batch of closed beta keys. No release date, though.

[Update: Double Eleven is now aiming for a Spring 2021 release for Rust: Console Edition, and the studio shared a handful of new screenshots. The closed beta will stick around for "the next few weeks."]

A special black box themed coaster is also available to purchase.

The post Nier Automata Merchandise Includes Pod and YoRHa Shot Glasses appeared first on Siliconera.

Wait, there's a Dynasty Warriors movie? And it has crazy fantasy action just like the Koei Tecmo game series? Yes! But you may have even vaguely heard about it already.

For a while now the Dynasty Warriors film, crafted in China, has seen multiple delays, but it looks like it's going to finally come out very soon. As analyst Daniel Ahmad reports, it's due out on April 30 of this year in China, with an additional release in Hong Kong. There is no confirmation of a western release at this time.

The new trailer, which debuted this morning, showcases a few fan favorite characters, as well as plenty of action and a little drama. The costumes are completely on point, as is the "1 versus 100" action sequence later in the clip.

Whether all of that will come together for a good, or even enjoyable viewing experience is yet to be seen. But the trailer did pique my interest!

Dynasty Warriors [YouTube via Daniel Ahmad]

Super Mario LEGO Starter Course | $48 | Amazon

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Microsoft's $7.5bn deal to acquire ZeniMax has been approved in the US and EU.

The acquisition required approval from the European Commission as well as the United States Securities and Exchange Commission before it could be completed.

As we reported in February, Microsoft created a new subsidiary called Vault to merge with ZeniMax as part of its proposed takeover of the company.

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Xbox console testing has begun for the new Chromium version of Edge, Microsoft's updated internet browser.

This browser has had positive reviews on PC, and should provide support for Chromium-powered services such as Google Stadia - though we'll wait to see how it runs first (thanks, The Verge).

Microsoft could also explore this method of browser-based game streaming to bring its own xCloud service to Xbox consoles. In-browser testing has already begun to get the xCloud catalogue on Apple iPhones.

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A fugitive armed robber was arrested after popping out to buy the latest Call of Duty.

West Midlands Police published the video, below, showing 36-year-old Clint Butler kicking one officer in the groin before being restrained.

Butler said he ventured into town - breaking lockdown rules in the process - to buy Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. He told officers: "I've come to get the new Call of Duty because I can't sit around in lockdown."

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This 1:1 statue is a recreation of Rei as shown in the Neon Genesis Evangelion 3.0 film.

The post Life-Sized Neon Genesis Evangelion Rei Ayanami Statue Available for Pre-Order appeared first on Siliconera.

任天堂のキャラクターとその世界をテーマにしたユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパンの新エリア『スーパー・ニンテンドー・ワールド™ 』のオープンが2021年3月18日（木）に決定しました。

After repeated delays, Super Nintendo World will open on March 18 at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

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Comiket 99 isn't canceled, just delayed.

The post Comiket 99 Postponed and Pushed Back to Winter 2021 appeared first on Siliconera.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot launched at the beginning of 2020, and it's been steadily getting a few major updates here and there. It even got a new card game mode! But now things are winding down a bit with what is seemingly the last DLC, which will once again feature Trunks; just like the Xenoverse 2 add-on due out this month.

It's called "Trunks: The Warrior of Hope," and will feature a time-bending storyline that involves the Androids winning the confrontation from the anime arc. To wit, Gohan and Trunks will defend the honor of the Earth against the Androids.

You can get a quick rundown of the setup, which involves the Androids killing several key members of the Dragon Ball cast, with Trunks and Gohan chilling on a mountainside, ready to strike and have their vengeance.

"What if..." Marvel-esque stories are perfect for this show, as there are so many directions Bandai Namco could take it. And it seems like they have carte blanche to draw upon whatever timelines they want, so why not experiment more?

Warrior of Hope is due out in the "summer of 2021" still, and will put a cap on the DLC for Kakarot, unless we hear otherwise.

Over the weekend, a small group of protestors appeared in Tokyo’s Koganei. As My Game News Flash reports, they held posters and passed out fliers, expressing their distaste for the anime Dropout Idol Fruit Tart.

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Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka will at last open to the public on 18th March 2021.

The general opening of the area has been repeatedly delayed due to the effects of the pandemic, and comes almost a year behind schedule.

Nintendo announced the 18th March date this morning via its official Twitter , accompanied by an image showing guests leaping over its landmarks while wearing a selection of face masks.

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From One Piece and Sekiro to Detective Conan and Lupin, these industry veterans have some impressive resumes.

The post New Jujutsu Kaisen Characters Will Be Voiced by Veteran Voice Actors appeared first on Siliconera.

CyGames' visually stunning fighter Granblue Fantasy: Versus is still kickin' ass, and in fact has just announced that next DLC character joining its roster as part of the anime punch-up's second season pass. Locked 'n' loaded, the sharpshooting marksman Eustace will be arriving in-game late next month.

This quite literal "lone wolf" wanders the world as a vigilante, bringing justice to Skydom and visiting harm upon those who seek to inflict pain and punishment on the innocent. A master marksman, Eustace packs heat in the form of his beautifully ornate rifle, "Flamek Thunder," which will no doubt come into play as a part of his Granblue Fantasy: Versus fighting style.

As a weapons master, Eustace is expected to play as a ranged fighter, but we'll know more come April 15, when our wild boy will receive an official gameplay trailer. Additionally, CyGames has also announced a third Battle Pass will be added to Granblue Fantasy: Versus in April, which will offer up numerous exclusive cosmetic items including color variants, weapon skins, avatars, and lobby cards.

With Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time—the fourth and final film in the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy--heading to theaters in Japan, a new Unit-01 statue is going up in Ibaraki Prefecture.

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The second figure set in the series will feature revamped Gashapon figures of Asuka, Rei, and Mari from the new movie.

The post Preorders Begin for New Premium Gasha Portraits Evangelion Figures appeared first on Siliconera.

So you're saying there's a chance Nintendo won't pull a handful of Mario games at the end of the month? Well, there's always a chance! But it doesn't look good.

As a reminder, Nintendo of Japan cleared that notion up very quickly at the start of the month, explaining that yes, they were intending to go through with dropping Mario 3D All-Stars, Mario 35, and the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld. Now, Nintendo of Europe is joining in.

They even have a whole landing page, not just a tweet! The page explains: "The Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary will come to an end on March 31st, 2021. After this date, the following limited-time products and services released in special recognition of the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. will end or be removed from sale."

It notes that you can of course redownload All-Stars if you have it linked to your account, even if it'll be removed from sale; but, as expected, Super Mario Bros. 35 is being completely nuked, even if you have it downloaded, as it's an online-only game. As for the handheld, "The Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. system will continue to be shipped to retailers through approximately March 31st, 2021, and will be available for purchase while supplies last."

The excellent Dragon Ball FighterZ is still going strong, having recently seen its third anniversary with no signs of slowing down just yet. In fact, DBFZ's third season of content continues this week, with the arrival of DLC character Gogeta (SS4). The fearsome fighter will launch on PS4, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch March 12. (Though season pass owners can get in on the action two days early on March 10).

Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta is the fusion of Super Saiyan Goku and Super Saiyan Vegeta. This immensely powerful warrior made an appearance in the Dragon Ball GT anime, when the two friendly rivals fused in order to take down the ridiculously spiky Omega Shenron. The combined might of the Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta fusion was so great that it only lasted mere minutes before the heroes were forced to defuse.

As you can see in the brief trailer below, Gogeta (SS4) is an immensely confident - even arrogant - fighter, which is pretty brazen given that goofy-ass tail. Gogeta (SS4) joins DBFZ's near 40-strong roster, which features a wide variety of Goku and Vegeta variants, alongside a selection of more individual characters such as Frieza, Videl, Cooler, and Android 21.

Hello! This week we're going to be celebrating the intersection of music and games in many of its forms. Kicking things off is Malindy and a piece about the pleasure of making stuff.

A while back now, Google Arts and Culture released Blob Opera, a virtual choir designed by Google's artist in residence, David Li. This virtual choir isn't just something you listen to, it's a toy with the tactile charm of a Google doodle. On screen, you have four blobs that with their round eyes and big mouths remind me of Rayman's best friend Globox. Each of them represents a voice in a choir - bass, tenor, mezzo-soprano and soprano. While I felt the slight of this choir not including a contralto voice, I was soothed by how fun it was to play with. Making music is easy - drag a blob upwards and it stretches like taffy, changing pitch. Drag it forward and it sings a different vowel sound. You can only control one blob at a time, the rest will automatically follow suit. It's a deceptively simple setup, but it allows you to make music with little more than your finger or your mouse. You can even record it and share it with others.

The story behind Blob Opera makes everything about it even better, because it's a genuine feat of technology, rather than a cute toy. Blob Opera is showcase of machine learning - four performers taught a computer music by singing to it, and what you hear when you use the opera yourself is a machine's interpretation of music, and more importantly, how several people are supposed to sound together, rather than just pre-recorded samples by artists that you can play around with.

Square Enix, in collaboration with Domerica and Shin-Ei Animation, has released a third trailer for the upcoming anime adaptation of JRPG The World Ends with You. The new video features the debut of the anime's ending theme "Carpe Diem," as performed by Japanese musician ASCA.

The new anime is a straight re-telling of the narrative from the kinetic 2007 Nintendo DS release. The World Ends with You the animation will follow the story of unruly teen Neku Sakuraba, who wakes within a ghostly side-reality known as The Underground (UG). Palling up with several equally confused teens also lost within this split-dimension, Neku and his new companions must learn of their respective fates and face the challenges that await them within the strange, otherworldly contest known as "Reapers' Game".

The World Ends with You the animation will premiere in Japan on April 9. For those who can't wait, March 14 will see Square Enix host a special pay-per-view "UG Shibuya FES" live stream, which will include an advance screen of the first episode, (complete with English subtitles), interviews with cast and crew members, and the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. For full details on this event, check out the Subarashki Anime website.

So Capcom just unleashed a ton of Monster Hunter news this morning. You ready?

First up is Rise. It's still due out on March 26, but now we know that a second demo is coming on March 12. This one is very similar to the first one, with the four quests from that one to boot; but it'll contain a new "seasoned hunter" challenge against Magnamalo. A new clip also showcased Zinogre and Nargacuga, as well as "Silkbind Attack" mechanics (allowing you to craft/customize new weapon combos). A camera mode was also confirmed.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 also got some love, as co-op multiplayer was teased, as well as the existence of three amiibo: a development we already knew about thanks to a PlayAsia listing leak. The three figures are Ena, Razewing Ratha, and Tsukino, and they are confirmed to be coming west. Sadly, they are GameStop exclusives.

Stories 2 is out on July 9, and you can check out the deluxe edition below; as well as both new trailers.

Pop quiz, hotshot! When did Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 come out?

If you answered...2016, you are correct! Bandai Namco is showing once again that Dragon Ball games can be a decent investment, time-wise, as they're peddling even more DLC very soon. In addition to a free update, "Legendary Pack 1" will launch as paid DLC on March 18. It'll feature Toppo and Pikkon, as well as a Janemba mascot.

The trailer below will give you a quick overview of what's up, with a decent chunk of footage and story bits. The publisher notes that this pack will include a "new story," and will feature Trunks battling against Fu. There's even a little teaser at the end!

Every so often this one beckons me back like a Siren's song. The free update, which hits on March 16, will help.

As they continue to rake in money hand over fist, the developers behind international sensation Genshin Impact are showing no signs of slowing down. Over the weekend, Mihoyo broadcast an informational video detailing some of the changes players will see with the upcoming ver. 1.4 update. Not only are there quality of life improvements to look forward to, such as the ability to lower the World Level if needed, but there is also a festival to experience provided you've advanced far enough in the game.

Players who've reached an Adventure Level of 20 or more and have completed the Song of the Dragon and Freedom Archon Quest will be able to partake in the Windblume Festival. An ancient tradition in Mondstadt, the festival will feature three mini-games for adventurers that test their gliding, archery, and ballad skills. Succeed in these games and you'll net yourself rewards and Festival Tour Tickets that can be exchanged for exclusive items and level-up materials. Players can also test their might in the Peculiar Wonderland during the festival. This is a series of trials designed to challenge the full gamut of players' abilities.

Of course, it wouldn't be a real update if there wasn't a new character to obsessively try to add to your roster. Rosario "Thorny Benevolence" will be available with the update as a 4-star playable character.

Today Nippon Ichi Software revealed new characters for Warui Oosama to Rippana Yuusha, which translates as “The Evil King and The Great Hero.”

First of all, we learn about the Dragon King who acts as the protagonist’s adoptive father and is also the king of the monsters.

He was once feared by the people as an evil demon king, but has now changed his ways and secretly acts to help humans. He also wants to help the protagonist become a real hero like her real father.

Yu, the protagonist, is the daughter of a hero. Every night she hears from the Dragon King about her father’s deeds and wants to follow on his footsteps.

She doesn’t know that the Dragon King was actually the demon king who fought against her father to begin with.

Next is Konko, member of a clan of snow foxes and a young cub attached to his family with many siblings. He meets Yu while his family is in trouble.

Sakasa is a servant of the Dragon King. She’s very outspoken and often digs herself into a hole due to that. She feels nostalgia for when he was a powerful demon king and she’s good at juggling knives.

Lastly, we meet Flora, the princess of the human kingdom. Her country was once invaded by the armies of the demon king, and she wants to do something to help the people who are still afraid of his possible return.

You can see all the artwork below.

Square Enix has announced that it has taken steps to ban the accounts of over 5000 Final Fantasy XIV players, after the publisher discovered evidence that the owners of said accounts were engaged in real-money trading (RMT) and other "illicit activities" within its online RPG.

The account purge - which took place during the final week of February 2021 - was noted on the official Square Enix website in a very officious statement, also asking the FF XIV community for its help in the identifying and reporting of traders and in-game cheaters.

"Real money trading (RMT) and other illicit activities upset the balance of the game and, as such, are prohibited under the Terms of Service," said the publisher. "Players who discover any confirmed cheats should, under no circumstances, exploit or disseminate such information. Instead, we ask that players file a report by using the in-game command [System Menu] > [Support Desk] > [Contact Us] > [Report Cheating]."

"In addition, any witnessed RMT advertisement can be reported by right clicking the character name in the chat log and selecting the menu [Report] > [Report RMT Activity].
The report will be processed automatically, and if determined to fall under RMT advertising, the reported character's comments will be restricted. We will continue to take stringent disciplinary action against any accounts with confirmed involvement in RMT/illicit activity; players should take care to steer clear of any activity that violates the Terms of Service."