February 2023

Sony has unveiled its financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2022 – which is its Q3 for FY2022 – with God of War Ragnarok driving a very strong quarter for PlayStation.

Sony saw a healthy increase in sales compared to the same period the year before, which it attributed to "significant increases" in its Game & Network Services segment.

For Q3, that segment saw its sales soar 53% compared to the previous year, which it attributed to increased hardware and first-party sales, with God of War Ragnarok having launched within that period.

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Unit 2 Games has announced that its free-to-play game creation and sharing tool Crayta will shut down on March 3.

Back in 2020, the title launched on Google Stadia, and in March 2021, it joined the Epic Game Store.

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Sony has announced that on May 9, the PlayStation Plus Collection will be closed.

As reported by Edge Magazine's Chris Schilling, the firm notes that the games will no longer be accessible as a benefit.

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GitHub founder Chris Wanstrath has launched Null Games, a new video games publisher.

The company intends to use Wanstrath's career experience to create a "more sustainable" game development environment.

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The Swedish Games Industry's newest report estimates that the country's games sector will be short 25,000 developers in 2031.

The Talent, Education, and the Art of Making Games report explains that the forecast is based on factors such as educational and recruiting opportunities.

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Sony Santa Monica has announced that God of War Ragnarok has sold 11 million units.

The action title hit the sales milestone three months after its launch.

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Epic Games and Iron Galaxy have announced that Rumbleverse will be shut down on February 28.

The free-to-play battle royale title initially launched on multiple platforms on August 2022.

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Porting successful PC and console games to mobile has become common practice.

Vampire Survivors is the latest example in a long line of PC hits triumphantly making the jump to smart devices. Poncle's title was downloaded one million times in just a week when it launched in December.

Soon after, the studio revealed that it had planned to port Vampire Survivors to mobile sooner, but couldn't find a business partner who agreed with its monetisation approach, so eventually decided to do it all in-house.

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There’s more to DC than the Justice League, and these collected works will help get you up to speed

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‘Everything is synced like a music video’

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WarioWare, Inc. is an absurdist masterpiece that deconstructs gaming itself

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Lee voices The Last of Us’ clickers in the original video game and HBO show

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The Legend of Vox Machina cast and crew team up to tell the tale

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The month is shorter, but the streaming options aren’t

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Bloaters don’t fuck around

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Spoilers: It’s everywhere and everything

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FEDRA, Fireflies, Hunters — we break it down for you

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We don’t live in a society just because we live in a society

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Five Spy x Family Nendoroid and Nendoroid Doll figure announcements came up at WonHobby 36, with Good Smile Company announcing ones for the Forger family members Loid, Yor, and Anya and Damien Desmond. The dolls will be of the Forgers, with Yor getting two variants. Damien will only be available as a Nendoroid.

First, here's a closer look at Damien. He's wearing his school uniform. He's also the furthest along in development, as he appeared as a painted prototype. There are already Nendoroids of the Forger family members.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
SPY x FAMILY
Nendoroid Damian Desmond

Web Gallery: https://t.co/HdFJwVFQ6F#SpyXFamily #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/AMYmwbWwmF

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Good Smile Company is working on a Tales of Arise Shion Pop Up Parade figure. The company announced it at WonHobby 36. Only preliminary concept art appeared. It noted that she'll be wearing more formal attire, rather than one of her outfits from the game.

Here's the reveal that the Shion figure is in the works. As this is a concept, the final pose might not exactly resemble the art.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Arts Shanghai
Tales of Arise
POP UP PARADE Shion

Web Gallery: https://t.co/h0un7GLLYm#TalesofArise #PopUpParade #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/xXoXBCGMfn

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Two new Persona 5 Royal figure announcements were among the Good Smile Company WonHobby 36 reveals, with a Joker Nendoroid Doll and Kasumi "Violet" Yoshizawa Nendoroid confirmed. Both are in an early stage. As such, there are no prototypes. Rather, only art appeared alongside the announcements.

First, here's the Persona 5 Royal Joker Nendoroid Doll reveal. As a reminder, a Nendoroid Doll is slightly larger than a normal Nendoroid, is jointed, and comes with fabric clothing you can remove and change. The concept art notes Joker will be in his Phantom Thief attire.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Persona5 Royal
Nendoroid Doll Joker

Web Gallery: https://t.co/Intocd8pxG#Persona5 #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/zJo7fiU19s

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

At WonHobby 36, Good Smile Company showed an in-progress picture of a Guilty Gear Strive's Bridget Pop Up Parade figure prototype and announced a Nendoroid of the character. The figure is further along, as it appeared in a painted state. Only concept art of the Nendoroid showed up.

First, here's how the Bridget figure looks so far. She's wielding her yo-yo in it.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Max Factory
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
POP UP PARADE Bridget

Web Gallery: https://t.co/3qhZ8V9t6G#GuiltyGearStrive #PopUpParade #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/AXzJpLw1xu

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Next, here's the announcement for the Guilty Gear Strive Bridget Nendoroid. Roger is shown in the art, but it's uncertain if the bear will be included.

There won't only be the Monika Nendoroid anymore, as Good Smile Company showed off painted prototypes of the Doki Doki Literature Club Monika Pop Up Parade figure and Natsuki Nendoroid at WonHobby 36. Both seem like pre-orders could appear rather soon, as each one is completely painted.

First, here's how the Monika Doki Doki Literature Club Pop Up Parade figure looks so far. She's holding a pen and features a cheerful expression.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Doki Doki Literature Club!
POP UP PARADE Monika

Web Gallery: https://t.co/g7aHqkPSyu#DokiDokiLiteratureClub #DDLC #PopUpParade #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/MVYJOT1A80

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Licensed Tamagotchis are a shockingly big deal, with many featuring characters from anime series. So much so that even back in 1998, Bandai released a classic model based on Doraemon. Now that there’s a resurgence in the virtual pet’s popularity, as well as a Nano model that is easy to customize and Smart option with TamaSma Cards to add new characters, we’re seeing a lot more of them. Even overseas, they’re appearing. So, to help people keep track or perhaps even find a new digital companion, here’s the full list of models available so far.

Tamagotchi Nano Models That Let You Raise Anime Characters

Okay, these are the straightforward ones. Tamagotchi Nano models are small, in black-and-white, and are simple ones that only involve feeding, games, and occasionally checking in to ward off bad guys. I’ll note in the list if you can get them outside Japan.

Three new Tsukihime remake announcements appeared at WonHobby 36, with an Arcueid Brunestud figma, Akiha Tohno Nendoroid, and Ciel scale figure showing up. There are no release windows for any of them. However, as only Akiha appeared as a painted prototype, it will most likely be the first of the three to appear.

First, here's a closer look at Akiha. None of the Nendoroid's accessories were shown.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
TSUKIHIME -A piece of blue glass moon-
Nendoroid Akiha Tohno

Web Gallery: https://t.co/HX7F6JgYNm#tsukihime #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/elk7qF1AS7

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Next, here's the Arcueid figma's unpainted prototype. A Pop Up Parade figure and Nendoroid are also on the way.

As part of its many WonHobby 36 figure announcements, Good Smile Company announced Nendoroids of the Ouran High School Host Club characters Haruhi Fujioka, Tamaki Suoh, and Kyoya Ootori. Of the three, Tamaki is the furthest along in development. His unpainted prototype was the only one of the trio's to appear. All three will wear the official Ouran uniform.

First, here's a look at how this version of Tamaki from Ouran will look.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

ORANGE ROUGE
Ouran High School Host Club
Nendoroid Tamaki Suoh

Web Gallery: https://t.co/bgep9dAqCL#OuranHighSchoolHostClub #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/8gI7QNRNzt

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Next, here's the figure for Haruhi from Ouran. She's also wearing her normal men's uniform.

The Kirie Goshima Uzumaki Nendoroid appeared among the Good Smile Company WonHobby 36 announcements, and the Junji Ito figure will be a greyscale one. This means the character and her outfit appear entirely in shades of grey and black. There's no release window for her yet. However, as this is a painted prototype, that does mean it is more likely pre-orders could open in the next few weeks or months.

Here's a closer look at the Kirie Uzumaki Nendoroid. The figure is wearing a uniform and carrying her school bag. Her hair also features the trademark spirals seen throughout the horror story.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Uzumaki
Nendoroid Kirie Goshima

Web Gallery: https://t.co/sBXAk8MzRg#uzumaki #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/md6moPQmls

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

There was both an Evangelion Rei Ayanami figure announcement and a model kit reveal at WonHobby 36. Good Smile Company showed off prototypes of both. The figure is of Rei Ayanami back when she was used as a model for the Kate Tokyo makeup commercial for a new lipstick. The model is a part of a continuing line of Evangelion heroines in their plugsuits.

First, here's the Rei Ayanami ~Red Rouge~ figure prototype. It's already showing up painted, which could mean pre-orders for it may appear soon. She's wearing a casual outfit, as well as the red lipstick from the ad.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Rebuild of Evangelion
Rei Ayanami ~Red Rouge~

Web Gallery: https://t.co/OPhfhrFzIS#evangelion #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/ALeTYKyAR1

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

More Makoto Shinkai movie characters are getting turned into figures. Good Smile Company announced three more at WonHobby 36 from Suzume. An unpainted prototype of a Suzume Iwato Pop Up Parade figure appeared, as did a reveal of Nendoroids of both Suzume and Sota Munakata.

First, here’s the unpainted prototype figure. It is technically a figure of both Suzume and Sota, since she’s carrying the “chair” in it.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Suzume
POP UP PARADE Suzume Iwato

Web Gallery: https://t.co/gHGlJ8EB5F#Suzume #PopUpParade #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/AjOF3a4Tyk

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Next, here's the announcement of the Suzume and Sota Nendoroids. There's no concept art for either of them yet. Only the official movie art appeared in the tweet.

Two more Sonic the Hedgehog figures are on the way, as Tails and Knuckles Nendoroids are in development. Good Smile Company announced both as part of its WonHobby 36 reveals. The Tails one is further along. It appeared as an unpainted prototype at the event. As for the Knuckles one, only a preliminary announcement appeared.

First, here's a look at the Tails Nendoroid.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Sonic the Hedgehog
Nendoroid Tails

Web Gallery: https://t.co/P9wKzNnab4#SonictheHedgehog #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/z7cH58deNB

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Next, here's the announcement stating Good Smile Company is working on a Nendoroid of Knuckles too.

People can get a closer look at the Danganronpa 2 Mikan Tsumiki Pop Up Parade figure. Good Smile Company showed off a painted prototype of it at WonHobby 36. This marks the first appearance of it since the company revealed it was in development back at WonHobby G 2022 Autumn. At that time, it only featured a piece of art announcing she was being made into a figure.

Here's how Mikan is turning out. At the time it was announced in 2022, only standard character art was used. This is the first time we have an idea of her pose. She is wearing the same sort of nurse uniform as she does in Danganronpa 2. This is a nod to her being the Ultimate Nurse. While she doesn't seem clumsy in the pose, she does have bandages on her arm and leg.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
Danganronpa 1•2 Reload
POP UP PARADE Mikan Tsumiki

Web Gallery: https://t.co/NWh9yoh5x8#Danganronpa #PopUpParade #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/CeULPHTgC7

Good Smile Company has another Street Fighter Chun-Li figure in the works, and this one looks like she's thinking. An unpainted prototype showed up at WonHobby 36. It features her wearing her standard qipao, like she does in many entries in the series. She's sitting on the edge of a piece of wreckage.

Here's a closer look at this Chun-Li Street Fighter figure. While it is unpainted, her eyes are finished. It is a scale figure, though the exact size wasn't specified in the announcement.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Max Factory
Street Fighter Series
Chun-Li

Web Gallery: https://t.co/8GUq0ZP1mU#StreetFighter #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/HPsAnEhDwl

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Good Smile Company is working on two more Vshojo figures, and as its WonHobby 36 Nendoroid announcements included ones of Kson and Amemiya Nazuna. Both of the Vtubers are fairly recent additions to the Vshojo roster. They joined the company in July 2022. As their figures are early in development, only concept art appeared.

First, here’s a look at the upcoming Vshojo Kson figure. She was an independent Vtuber before she joined the company.

#WonHobby36 Figure Update!

Good Smile Company
VShojo
Nendoroid kson

Web Gallery: https://t.co/dbpexyHGUz#VShojo #nendoroid #goodsmile pic.twitter.com/fJtlCJaHRV

— GoodSmile_US (@GoodSmile_US) February 12, 2023

Next, here’s how the Amemiya Nazuna Vshojo Nendoroid might end up looking. She was “new” before joining the group.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania may have received a plethora of mixed reviews, but that hasn’t prevented the movie from taking a solid haul from the weekend box office.

The third Ant-Man movie is expected to make over $104 million domestically for the three-day weekend and over $118 million domestically for the entire four-day President’s Day weekend. Also worth mentioning is that the global opening weekend for the film is estimated to be $240 million.

While the opening weekend box office result here may not be as significant as other recent MCU movies — especially when compared to Black Panther 2, which made $181 million domestically in its first weekend, and Doctor Strange 2, which made $187 million in its domestic opening — this is the Ant-Man franchise’s best opening to date. The first Ant-Man movie started with roughly $57 million domestically, while Ant-Man and the Wasp began with a $75 million domestic open.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania having the franchise’s best opening weekend is impressive, with the MCU’s official introduction to Kang within the film likely being a major drawing factor. Likewise, it being the end to the initial Ant Man trilogy was a decent draw for fans of the hero and his storyline.

Unfortunately, there is a good chance that the interest in seeing the movie will significantly lower as time progresses, given the mostly mixed to negative reviews across the board.This is in addition to prevalent issues said to be plaguing the MCU, including fatigue from the length of sustained releases in the franchise.

Destiny 2’s next major DLC, Lightfall, is finally less than two weeks away. With that in mind, players only have a short amount of time left to prepare for the upcoming expansion. With so much content available to play through though, one might understandably be unsure of which activities would be most worth their time and effort. So today, let’s discuss the five best ways to prepare for Destiny 2’s Lightfall expansion.

The Bloodborne-esque Lies of P has received a new trailer, and it offers some haunting imagery alongside a new release window for the game.

Shown during IGN Fan Fast 2023, the trailer features an unshown narrator monologuing about his latest achievement. While others may have doubted him, he had the last laugh, accomplishing some long-held goal which led to the current state of the game’s world. He’s in no mood to hear anything from nay-sayers either, and is confident they won’t be able to get in the way of his plot playing out indefinitely.

It’s also safe to say that his plan isn’t a communally beneficial one, as the imagery is anything but encouraging. Odd magics swirl around monstrosities made up of wood, cloth, and other materials, bringing them to life as unnervingly animated creatures that are probably not out to help the unfortunate people they come across. The malevolent shrieks that ring out as they skitter and squelch around is also a pretty dead giveaway.

The trailer wraps up with the reveal that Lies of P will release sometime in August of 2023. A firm release date has not been provided at this time, but will likely be given once the title is closer to a launchable state.

It’s a decent teaser of what the game has in store, and should be of particular interest to those who loved the demented horrors found in Bloodborne. The full trailer can be viewed down below.

We’re still a ways out from the full release of Diablo IV, but eager fans won’t have long to wait before they can get their hands on a build of the game.

During IGN Fan Fest 2023, it was revealed that an open beta will be held for the title in March and that it will be open to anyone with a PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC. The Beta will cover both the prologue and Act 1 of the story, and will take place in the Fractured Peaks zone. Players can engage in everything this section of the game has to offer, but they will only be able to train up their character of choice to level 25.

The Beta will have two phases. The first is an Early Access phase, where anyone who has pre-purchased Diablo IV can dive in before the wider public gains access. This phase will kick off on Mar. 17 and ends on Mar. 19, and can only be accessed through the redemption of a code provided after one pre-orders the title. The second phase, meanwhile, will be held between Mar. 24 and Mar. 26, and is open to everyone regardless of whether or not a pre-purchase was made.

It should be noted, though, that the game’s developers at Blizzard Entertainment have made it clear that bugs, glitches, and performance issues should be expected given the Beta nature of the game. They will be taking note of any and all feedback players have based on their time with the Beta, and hope players will be forthcoming with the information.

The full release of Diablo IV is currently slated for June 6, 2023. For more on the game, check out any of the related articles down below.

It may be hard to believe, but this year marks the beginning of the eighth year of support for Ubisoft’s live-service tac-FPS monster, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. Siege isn’t slowing down any time soon, it seems, as with Operation Commanding Force, Year 8 Season 1 looks to start with a bang from Brazil, introducing a new operator, changes to reloading, and much more.

Let’s kick things off by talking about Brava, the new Operator, who will join the massive playable roster of attackers. Hailing from Brazil, she’s an expert technician with the hacking skills to match and a lively personality compared to some of her peers. She’ll be joining Hibana’s squad of Operators, titled Viperstrike, with enemy electronics falling prey to Brava’s Kludge Drone.

The Kludge Drone is a unique take on the signature drone attackers have at their disposal, as this version is Ubisoft’s idea of an anti-drone rifle shrunken down. Upon deployment, the Kludge Drone controls like your standard drone, but the catch is it can hack enemy equipment with specialized bullets, which then turn against their previous owner. Some examples of hackable devices are Kapkan’s traps, where hacking them will turn them against him and cause massive damage, or hacking Melusi’s Banshee device. As “broken” as that may seem, it can’t hack everything, and what it can’t hack, it’ll destroy instead.

The One Piece TCG has been performing higher than expected with a sellout start and a huge dedicated player base straight out the gates. With the second booster set sailing its way from Japan to western shores, we decided to dig into what will be available to pull and rank them according to their value as collectibles, playable cards, or both. With that in mind, these are our picks for the top 10 cards from One Piece TCG: Paramount War that you need to get ASAP.