In this week's games industry news, Nintendo has a surprise console announcement, alongside some interesting tidbits on future Ubisoft and Rockstar Games projects. Game Rant has compiled some of the biggest gaming news stories from this past week together into a concise post for fans and enthusiasts to stay up to date on the most important events in the industry per week. Highlighting the most relevant stories, this list is not inherently and totally objective, and will not contain every news story this week. Rather, this is intended for gaming fans who want a quick rundown on the largest/most impactful stories that occurred in the last week in games.
Recapping this week's gaming news, Nintendo announced a new variant for the Nintendo Switch with an improved screen, but not quite the Switch "Pro." A leak by Tom Henderson provides some new hints about Grand Theft Auto 6, hints that were corroborated by several games industry personnel as well. Ubisoft confirms work beginning on a project known as Assassin's Creed Infinity, turning its flagship franchise into a live service structure. Xbox Live may potentially be phased out in the near future, according to a rumor. All that and more in this week's roundup of the biggest games industry news this week.
Nintendo Announces An OLED Model Variant of Nintendo Switch
Finally clearing up the slew of rumors surrounding a new console release, Nintendo surprised announced the Nintendo Switch OLED model this week. Rather than the Switch "Pro" rumors that were going around, this new model adds modest improvements to the hardware. As the name suggests, this updated Switch contains a 7-inch higher fidelity screen made with OLED technology, along with some other modest improvements.
Things like an integrated ethernet port, a wider and sturdier kickstand for portable use with adjustable angles, as well as higher 64 GB storage capacity are included in the new model. Some have posited that the Nintendo Switch "Pro" is still a possibility, and could come at some point next year, but the OLED model means not any time soon.
Grand Theft Auto 6 May Be Live Service, According to Corroborated Leaks
As for rumors that haven't been all that cleared up, some recent Grand Theft Auto 6 rumors were recently corroborated by several members of the games industry. Most GTA 6 rumors typically come and go, with varying degrees of credibility. However, this recent leak from Tom Henderson has since been corroborated by insiders like Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, as well as VGC reporter Andy Robinson.
Grand Theft Auto 6's latest rumor is that Rockstar Games is planning a live service approach, more accurately that the Vice City setting will have an "evolving map" that's constantly updating over time. Additionally, the game's release window isn't likely until 2024 or 2025, according to Henderson.
Ubisoft Announces Assassin's Creed Infinity, New Live Service Model
After a leak and report prior by Bloomberg, Ubisoft has confirmed its plans for Assassin's Creed Infinity, a live service project for its flagship franchise. Rather than split development every other year on a full title, Assassin's Creed may take a similar approach to Grand Theft Auto 6. The Infinity project details a "cross-studio, collaborative structure" meant to iterate on an existing platform with new stories, settings, and more.
There were no additional details provided at this time specifically about the game, however in an official blog post, Ubisoft did detail the teams and personnel working on the project. As this project is officially announced, Ubisoft continues to see controversy for several personnel involved in the sexual assault and harassment allegations, some of whom are allegedly still working at the company to this day.
Microsoft May Phase Out Xbox Live Gold In the Future
While previous rumors had allegedly hinted at the discontinuation of Xbox Live, Microsoft was quick to confirm that Xbox Live Gold services would remain in service as they exist today. Now it seems another report indicates that Microsoft eventually intends to discontinue its long-running, premium multiplayer service in the future. According to GamesBeat reporter Jeff Grubb, Microsoft likely still has plans to end a premium Xbox Live Gold subscription at some point, but did not specify when.
U.S. Department of Justice Investigating Overwatch League
According to a Dot Esports report, the United States Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Blizzard and the Overwatch League. Top Overwatch teams and organizations had a soft salary cap of $1.6 million, meaning teams and organizations would have to pay any excess paid salary back to the league based on a luxury tax. Teams and organizations would end up spending double beyond that threshold, potentially costing them thousands. The DOJ's investigation is not criminal in nature.
Sealed Copy of Legend of Zelda Sells for Incredible Amount at Auction
Similar to a previous retro Super Mario Bros. auction earlier this year, another record-breaking auction was held for a classic Nintendo game. This week, a sealed copy of the 1987 release of The Legend of Zelda sold at auction for $870,000, breaking yet another record of sale for Heritage Auctions. Much like the previous Mario game, this copy of The Legend of Zelda in particular was sealed and professionally graded for its condition and quality.