This week in rumors
The rumor mill showed no signs of slowing as games industry veterans flooded the streets of San Francisco for this years Game Developer Conference. And if rumors are to be believed, Microsoft has some exciting tech in store for virtual reality buffs.
Elsewhere, tipsters say Titanfall wont be a Microsoft-exclusive series for very long, an EA hack threatens to have leaked Apple IDs and passwords, two Assassins Creed games are leaked and alleged insiders offer new details on Mirrors Edge 2. All that and more in this weeks rumor roundup.
Titanfall 2 signed for multi-platform release
The Rumor: A reputable source has told GameSpot that EA has allegedly secured publishing rights to Titanfall 2--a sequel that, according to separate sources speaking to Polygon, will not be exclusive to Xbox One. In response to both reports, EA said, We do not comment on rumor or speculation. Right now all our focus is on supporting all the fans worldwide enjoying Titanfall."
Our Take: When asked in October last year if Respawn Entertainment will make games for PS4, boss Vince Zampella said, "Of course we will, just not the first Titanfall." Note, he said not the first Titanfall. EA chief financial officer has also been quoted saying, "We'll find I'm sure that there will be future Titanfalls at some point that may be on multiple product platforms." The writings on the wall, we reckon.
Microsoft has VR in development, too
The Rumor: Sony and Oculus arent the only ones cooking up virtual reality headsets, according to Wall Street Journal, which reports that Microsoft also has VR devices in the works for Xbox One. Citing sources familiar with the firms plans, the VR headset will work in conjunction with the new Kinect sensor for accurate head tracking, as Sonys does with the PlayStation Camera.
Our Take: With a lot of buzz surrounding VR at the moment, Sonys Project Morpheus (pictured) reveal earlier this week was a success. Theres a chance that VR could become an important part of gaming in the future, and were certain Microsoft will not allow its competitors to leave it behind.
PSN TV show to be based on Powers comic series
The Rumor: The Wall Street Journal reports that Sony is developing a PSN TV show based on based on Powers, a comic series created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oemin. The Sony Pictures Television-produced show will apparently feature ton one-hour episodes and will be available exclusively via the US PlayStation Store.
Our Take: This rumor has been backed up by a report from Deadline, who says that the show has been in developer for a significant length of time. Sony is expected to release PSN-exlcusive TV content after PlayStation CEO Andrew House confirmed last year, Work is already under way to develop original TV-style programming content.
EA server hacked for user data theft
The Rumor: Unconfirmed reports claim that a hacker broke into an Electronic Arts server to steal user credentials. Internet Security firm Netcraft says the site was used to phish for Apple ID usernames and passwords. Necraft claims the servers were running outdated software with security holes that allowed the hackers to break in.
Our Take: Nothing has been officially confirmed, but EA has admitted that it took "immediate steps to disable any attempts to misuse EA domains, when approached on the matter. If you have any concerns, its always a good idea to change your internet passwords, and not use the same password for multiple services.
Amazon pins DriveClub for September 30 release
The Rumor: The US arm of online retailer Amazon has re-listed delayed PS4 racer, DriveClub, for release on Tuesday September 30, 2014. The firm has also reportedly begun informing customers that they will receive their copies of the game anytime between Friday October 3 and Tuesday October 7, based on a new release date from Sony.
Our Take: Reports earlier this month claimed that the official DriveClub Twitter feed had posted--then swiftly deleted--a release date of 9.4.14. Being made by a UK developer, it was assumed this pointed to an April 9 release as per the UK dating format (DD/MM/YYYY). With that date looking most unlikely, perhaps the alleged leak was referring to September 4. This would, after all, back up Amazons listing.
Two Assassins Creed games are coming this year
The Rumor: Earlier this week a major leak outed Assassins Creed Unity, a new next-gen entry in the Ubisoft series due out later this year. Ubisoft has since officially announced the game. But, the very same leak also claimed that Unity was one of two AC games coming this year, the other one an Xbox 360 and PS3 game called (or at least codenamed) Assassins Creed Comet.
Our Take: Ubisoft made no mention of Comet in its Unity announcement which, should the game actually exist, leads us to suspect that its simply not in as solid a state as its next-gen counterpart. Comet is also reportedly targeting a 2014 release, so we expect Ubisoft may have another announcement due in the coming months.
Leaked Mirrors Edge 2 details tip always online component
The Rumor: Allegedly leaked Mirrors Edge 2 details claim that the game will feature a persistent, always online component, offering dynamic drop-in/drop-out multiplayer, much like PS3 game Journey. The full reboot will also feature new enemies, a huge open city, improved combat and more. The report also claims that last years official teaser footage represented entirely real-time, in-game visuals.
Our Take: EA has issued a no comment, but were nevertheless encouraged by the notion that Mirrors Edge 2 will indeed look as spectacular as the teaser trailer EA released at E3 last year. Hell, if it will look even almost as good itll be a feast for the eyes. Itll be interesting to see where DICE will take the long dormant series.
Whats your take?
Is Microsoft under threat of being left behind by Sony and Oculus VR innovations, or is VR just another fad? Are you PS4 owners willing to wait for a Titanfall sequel or is the temptation to grab Microsofts console now proving too great? Who wants to see more of Mirrors Edge 2? Sound off in the comments below.
Want more? Hollander Cooper discusses the beautiful irony in SimCity and Diablo 3's Auction House going offline this week, while Ben Barret reveals 10 great gaming feeds you should be watching on Twitch.
