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Former Pokémon lawyer reveals the wildest leaker he had to deal with
Pesky water types...
Don McGowan worked as chief legal officer for The Pokémon Company for over ten years. Since leaving the company, he’s made various comments on video game specific legal cases, offering some interesting insight into how these things are handled behind the scenes.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, McGowan offered up even more insight, mostly into his more recent position as general counsel for Bungie. Of course, his time at Pokémon came up as well, which led to the story of what he considers the “wildest” leaker he ever dealt with. The leaker in question was “some kid” who found a way to share new Pokémon images early via the trading card game. Read the full story below:
Back when I was at Pokémon, some kid figured out how to extract the images from the card game. He found an icon from the developer and said ‘Holy s—-, I found a new Pokémon.’ This kid included his email, and because of the way Pokémon did account creation, when we got the child’s account, we got the parent information, which included a phone number.
So I called his mom and said, ‘Listen, I wanted to tell you some things that Andrew is doing on the computer.’ She says, ‘So you’re saying he hacked your game.’ And I hear in the background: ‘I didn’t hack anything!’ I start describing it more technically. She says, ‘Is this a problem?’ I say, ‘Hacking software, that’s a federal crime, but I don’t want that to be the conversation. Why don’t we make it a conversation about the good and bad things he can do with a computer?’
The kid was live-tweeting it. The tweets were this:
- Pokémon just called my house.
- What the hell is a general counsel?
- I now know what I did was wrong, and I’ll never do it again.
Which was fantastic. Absolutely baked my legend in at Pokémon for like five years.
Click here to read the full interview, which contains more details on how McGowan and other video game publishers handle leaks and legal matters.
Hogwarts Legacy has received a new update on the Nintendo Switch. While there are no major new features associated with this update, it does address some bugs that arose within the previous update’s new content. See the full patch notes below.
Localization
- Fixed incorrect Arabic translations of circular taped glasses pop-up reward screen.
Photo Mode
- Fixed instance where collision would be missing around the stone bridge on the way to Hogsmeade.
- Fixed instance where collision would be missing on several mountains around the coastal region.
- Fixed instance where collision would be missing on several mountains around Hogwarts’ south region.
- Fixed instance where collision would be missing on several mountains around Hogwarts north region.
- Fixed instance where the HIDE NPCs option would not work with Poacher Animagus enemies during their transformation.
Talent Reset
- Fixed instance where incorrect currency amounts would be displayed in the Talents Tab.
- Gameplay
- Fixed multiple instances where map pointer for treasures would be misplaced when drinking the Felix Felicis potion.
- Fixed instance where Felix Felicis potion would use the same tool slot as the broom and could not be equipped while the broom is usable.
Avatar
- Fixed instance where Female Avatar fifth complexion would appear indistinct from another option in the character creator.
Stability
- Fixed instance where the game would crash when opening Photo Mode right after interacting with the Ancient Magic Door.
Meet Mario's bosses and baddies in this Play Nintendo promo
Not bad meaning good, but bad meaning bad
Play Nintendo has shared a new YouTube video introducing viewers to some of the bosses and baddies from the Mario universe. Play Nintendo is the family friendly channel Nintendo runs especially for younger viewers. This new video features over ten minutes of footage from various Mario games on Switch. Highlighted villains include Bowser Jr., King Boo, and the Sour Bunch. Check out all the evil up above!
Taking over kingdoms, haunting hotels, calling curtains on a theatre? Jordan usually loves to cheer on the heroes of the Mario Universe, but today… well it’s all about the baddies. From ghosts to dastardly actors, it’s time to meet the characters that will stop at nothing to distract and annoy Mario and friends.
Nintendo mobile games Fire Emblem Heroes and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp have both received a content update. Check out the full details for each game below via perfectly-nintendo.com.
Fire Emblem Heroes
- [Summoning] A new Summoning Focus Revival is now live: Summer’s Dream. It features the following Special Heroes: Ogma (Blade on Leave), Freyja (Fleeting Summer), Freyr (Estival Dreams), and Caeda (Sea-Blossom Pair) (available until July 20th)
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
- [Events] The latest Fishing Tourney, Shadow Lights, is now live (available until July 19th, with trophy pick-up available until July 20th)
- [Store] A new Pack is now available in the Store: Fishing Tourney Support Pack (available until July 19th)
- [Crafting] The following is now available via Crafting: Summer Breeze Collection (available until July 31st)
Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School first trailer and screenshots
Back to school time
Publisher Compile Heart has shared the debut trailer for Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School. This is the fourth entry in the Madou Monogatari RPG series, which takes place at a school for sorcery.
The new trailer is just over three minutes long and shows off the game’s locations, characters, and battle system. In addition to the trailer, there are some new screenshots for you to take a look at below. Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School will be available in Japan on November 28th, 2024.
Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School the official title of the latest entry in the Madou Monogatari series. It will launch on November 28 in japan.
With former Compile developers returning, Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School is an RPG featuring the untouched worldview and familiar characters of the Madou Monogatari series, in all of its nostalgic glory. After several decades, lease look forward to a new chapter in the Madou Monogatari series.
An ancient school of sorcery. Where students study true magic and cultivate their ambitions. Fia, a girl who aims to be a great sorcerer, leaves her hometown and enrolls in an ancient school of sorcery once attended by her grandmother in order to study sorcery. Surrounded by strict but humorous instructors, and chaotic but amusing classmates, Fia will study sorcery and develop her abilities.
Next round of characters revealed for Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2
There sure are a lot of brothers
D3Publisher Inc previously announced that EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2, the second installment in the voxel-spinoff of the popular third-person shooter series, EARTH DEFENSE FORCE, will release on Sept. 26, 2024 worldwide. If you don’t feel like waiting, you can get an English subtitled version of the game now from the Japanese Switch eShop. Either way, the fresh trailer above will give you a glimpse at some more characters waiting for you in the game.
EDF: WB2 builds upon its predecessor by introducing elements from Earth Defense Force 6 including the Wing Diver Shooter class, more than 100 unique characters, and over 100 missions!
EDF: WB2 tells the story of what happened to the voxel (cube) Earth after the events of the first installment. Brothers from across the world reunite to face an unprecedented threat brought about by an all-new enemy that threatens to tear the Earth apart all over again. To restore peace to the voxel Earth, the EDF has been dispatched for an emergency mission the likes of which no one has ever seen before! Featuring a unique voxel art style, epic 4-player team battles, and filled with more love for the EDF series than ever before, players must stand together to save the world once more. EDF move out!
New Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake footage and screenshots revealed
An adventure for the ages
Earlier today, we got our best look yet at the upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake thanks to a 30 minute gameplay video shared by Famitsu. Now, more and more of the game is being shared with the public by publisher Square Enix and others.
First, Square Enix has gone ahead and shared a whole batch of new screenshots from the game, along with some new blurbs detailing the updated gameplay and mechanics. In addition, a few Japanese outlets have begun sharing their own hands-on gameplay videos. It’s a lot to digest, but if you’re dying to get your hands on the game, you’ll no doubt want to check it all out below.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake releases on Switch on November 14th, 2024.
About
36 years after its initial release in 1988, the legend is set to return in HD-2D. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is scheduled to arrive Thursday, November 14, 2024 as a simultaneous worldwide release, and will be available to purchase for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XǀS, Steam, and Microsoft Store on Windows. This updated version of the classic game features new scenes that add greater depth to the world, as well as voiced cutscenes and an orchestral soundtrack.
What is “HD-2D”?
HD-2D is a unique visual style developed by Square Enix, Inc.’s very own Team Asano that combines pixel art with 3D graphics. Pixel sprites blend seamlessly with 3D backgrounds, and brought to life with sumptuously detailed video effects for a contemporary visual experience that’s reminiscent of classic gaming.
The Story and Its Hero
The quaint kingdom of Aliahan, home of the great hero Ortega and you, his child and the story’s protagonist. On your sixteenth birthday, you receive an order from the king: to do what your late father could not and defeat the Archfiend Baramos. Thus begins your journey to save the world. What surprises does fate have in store for you?
The Protagonist (You)
You are the child of Ortega, Aliahan’s celebrated hero. On the morning of your sixteenth birthday, you set out on the same fateful path as your father once did to defeat the Archfiend Baramos.
A World of Adventure
On your journey, you and your allies will explore all corners of a vast world. What mysteries await in the towns, castles, caves and towers they will discover? Perhaps the locals can provide a clue or two on how to solve some of the world’s problems.
Spells and Abilities Pave the Way to Victory
When exploring the world and its dungeons, monsters are never far away. Tense, turn-based battles proceed in classic Dragon Quest fashion, with you dishing out the orders to your party members. Attack with your trusty weapons, or employ a multitude of spells and abilities, each with their own unique effects, to take down foes in style. Defeating monsters rewards you with experience points which level up your party, and gold coins which allow you to purchase more powerful equipment.
—Whether you’re traversing the overworld or exploring a dungeon, monsters will attack without warning. In this game, you can adjust the speed of battle to your liking.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Coming Soon
As if the excitement wasn‘t enough already, an HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest I & II is scheduled for release in 2025. The original games released in number order, surprising players as the truth of the story was revealed. Fans can anticipate discovering brand-new surprises if they play Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake in that order. There’s much to look forward to!
The Erdrick Trilogy
Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line, and Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation—the first three games in this long-running series—are connected both in their stories and the worlds in which they take place. They have come to be known collectively as “The Erdrick Trilogy”—Erdrick being the name passed down to each new incarnation of legendary hero.
Forgotten Memories Remastered Edition has been submitted to the Switch eShop
Remember all over again
Developer Psychose Interactive has announced that they’ve submitted survival horror game Forgotten Memories Remastered Edition for testing and release on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Previously available only on Google Play and Apple’s app store, this would be the game’s debut on home consoles. As the name indicates, it’s a remastered version of the original, with improved graphics and audio, among other updated features.
Psychose stated that they’re aiming to release the game on Switch and mobile devices simultaneously. We don’t have a final release date yet, as they’re still waiting for Nintendo’s team to test and approve the game. Hopefully it doesn’t take too much longer. Stay tuned, and see below for more info.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND PREPARE FOR THE HORROR OF FORGOTTEN MEMORIES.
In Forgotten Memories, you take on the role of Rose Hawkins, a determined police detective who finds herself caught in a web of enigmatic events while investigating a strange case. As Rose wakes up in an eerie unfamiliar place, she encounters Noah, a mysterious and striking woman who offers her a deal. This precarious alliance promises to aid Rose in her investigation but at what cost?
OLD SCHOOL SURVIVAL HORROR WITH A MODERN TOUCH
Forgotten Memories is a third person Survival Horror game combining exploration, reflection, puzzles, action and survival where gameplay is centered around fear mechanics. A spiritual successor to the greatest horror games of the ‘90s, Forgotten Memories is a true classic survival horror game redefined for modern audiences.
A GREAT GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE
Forgotten Memories combines deep psychological narratives, beautifully rendered environments, and smooth gameplay action into a fantastic horror experience you will never forget. Enjoy incredible voice acting with Guy Cihi and David Schaufele (as James Sunderland and Eddie Dombrowski in Silent Hill 2) among others.
FEATURES OVERVIEW
- Climatic horror experience with a deep narrative
- Talented voice acting from diverse mediums
- High-resolution and smooth graphics (HDR, dynamic lighting & shadows, multiple shading models & post-processing)
- Classic survival horror mechanics
- Challenging but adaptable gameplay with multiple levels of gameplay difficulty
- Highly replayable gameplay with unlockables, achievements and rankings
- Smooth, accurate touch and gamepad controls
- Full premium game without in-game mechanical purchases. We don’t sell any weapons, ammunition, or anything that will impact the game experience. You will be on your own 😉
REMASTER FEATURES
- New optimized renderer with latest BRDF and BSDF lighting models
- New graphic options, improved game resolution, new lighting effects, new post-processes and new particles FXs
- Improved textures and character models
- Audio, music and videos remastered
- New voices and audio recorded
- New save system with checkpoints
- Improved gameplay systems
- New combats, interactions and spawns
- Improved behavior, navigation and animation controllers for player and enemies
- Improved overall difficulty
- New Insane mode, new achievements
- Improved localization and UI.
Another wave of user icons inspired by Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is now available for Nintendo Switch Online members. This is the third wave of icons for the game, and new ones will appear every week throughout the month of July.
This wave includes new icons featuring Luigi, Polterpup, Boo, E. Gadd, and various other characters and backgrounds from the Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD remake. As per usual, the character icons themselves are 10 Platinum Points, while the borders and backgrounds are 5 Platinum Points a piece. The current wave will be available until July 17th, 2024.
Hakuchikudo offering limited edition Nintendo themed fans
True fans only
The Japanese gift store Hakuchikudo has partnered with Nintendo to produce a limited edition set of Nintendo themed fans. There are two fans in total, each featuring the same design of characters walking in a line: Link, Isabelle, Villager, Inkling, and Mario.
One version of the fan is multicolored, while the other is a more formal black and white. However, both have a red checkered pattern that is visible when the fan is closed. These are limited edition fans, so it’s hard to say exactly how long they’ll be available for.
Click here to visit the official Hakuchikudo store online, and see more images of the fans below.
[Nintendo KYOTO]1718年の創業以来、職人伝承の技を駆使したものづくりを大切にしている白竹堂。古くから伝わる松竹梅の柄を施した「京扇子 白竹」と刷毛柄が粋な「京扇子 唐木」。どちらも閉じると赤い市松模様が浮かび上がります。#NintendoKYOTO 限定で販売中です。 pic.twitter.com/TUXBFhebS4
— Nintendo TOKYO/OSAKA/KYOTO (@N_Officialstore) July 11, 2024
Idea Factory announces 9 R.I.P. Limited Edition + 5 new Switch titles
Something for everybody!
Idea Factory International has announced the 9 R.I.P. Limited Edition contents, as well as 5 new titles, set to release physically and digitally in North America and Europe in 2024 - 2025. Those titles are Battlefield Waltz, Death End ReQuest Code Z, Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos, Temirana - The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights, and Touhou Spell Carnival.
All games are available for pre-order via Idea Factory International’s online store. In addition, there are new trailers for each game, which you should be able to find at IFI’s official site. Read the full details for all of these announcements, plus see their boxarts, below.
9 R.I.P. (2024)
In this town, there is a long-standing rumor about people being spirited away… They also say that people with lots of anxiety or those who are struggling are more likely to get spirited away. You think you’ll be okay…? In the beginning of autumn, during her second year of high school, that’s what Misa Isshiki, was told by her best friend, causing her heart to skip a beat. I’ll be fine, I don’t really believe in any of that stuff anyway. That’s right… She doesn’t believe in that kind of thing… It’s just… Her life had been filled with so much stress, all related to what her future would hold… That’s when an eerie voice reached out to her… Why don’t we take a look and see what you should do with your life! Let’s put you on the right path… And that’s when all the strange things around Misa began to happen…
The Limited Edition includes:
- Hardcover Art Book
- With Short Stories and Walkthrough
- Includes protective cover jacket
- Audio Drama Set
- Magatama Necklace
- Yukimaro’s Fan
- Reversible Cover Sleeve
- Collector’s Box
- Exclusive Trading Card
More details, such as preorder date and price, will be revealed at a later date. Fans can wishlist the 9 R.I.P. Limited Edition at the IFI NA Online Store today!
Battlefield Waltz (2025)
We are excited to announce that the otome title Battlefield Waltz will arrive physically and digitally for the first time in North America and Europe on Nintendo Switch™ in 2025, giving fans the chance to experience this hidden gem officially localized for these regions. Fans can also check out the Announcement Trailer, which introduces the heroine and main love interests.
Meet Lan, The Maiden of the Cursed Sword, as she trains in combat alongside elite warriors and compassionate lovers. Upon facing tragedy, Lan is both blessed and cursed by a new power–the power of the Cursed Sword. She shall now forge new bonds in search of a place to belong. With up to 6 romanceable characters, can love bloom on the battlefield for Lan?
Death End ReQuest Code Z (2025)
Idea Factory International announced at the IFI Summer Festival 2024 event that the new roguelike RPG, Death end re;Quest: Code Z, will be arriving physically and digitally for the PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5 and Nintendo Switch™ in 2025. With character designer, Kei Nanameda, and scenario supervisor, Makoto Kedouin — writer for Corpse Party — back for the third installment of the Death end re;Quest series, where a new protagonist, Sayaka Hiwatari, enters a story of parallel universes where she is unable to decipher who’s a friend or foe. In the new Teaser Trailer, we are introduced to a familiar world where, around every corner and decision made, a death end is near.
Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos (2025)
Idea Factory International announced at their IFI Summer Festival 2024 event that the Neptunia motorcycle combat action game, Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos, will arrive physically and digitally for the PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Nintendo Switch™ in 2025. The western release will include English and Japanese voiceover options, as well as English, French, and Spanish (Spain) subtitle options. In the Announcement Trailer, fans are introduced to Uzume and the Goddesses where they are stuck in a dimension filled with Dogoos! The PlayStation Store pages and the Nintendo eShop page will be available at a later date.
Temirana - The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights (2025)
We are excited to announce that the otome title Temirana: The Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights will arrive physically and digitally in North America and Europe on Nintendo Switch™ in 2025, bringing fans in the West an all-new otome visual novel from director Ayumi Takagi (Hana Yaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku), main scenario writer Uta Amemiya (Charade Maniacs), and character designer Nitaka (Touken Ranbu). Fans can also check out the Announcement Trailer, which introduces the Lucky Princess and the Tragic Knights. Meet Cecilia Farias Temirana, the third princess of Temirana, as she navigates her reputation as part of the royal family alongside her newly recruited royal guard made up of the 5 Tragic Knights. With up to 5 romanceable characters, take part in a world where luck meets tragedy and curses become blessings.
Touhou Spell Carnival (2024)
Idea Factory International has announced during their IFI Summer Festival 2024 event that the strategy RPG x bullet hell game, Touhou Spell Carnival (based on Touhou Project), will be launching digitally and physically for the PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Nintendo Switch™ in 2024. The game will be voiced in Japanese and players will have the options for English, French, or Spanish (Spain) subtitles. Check out the official Announcement Trailer featuring Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame as they duke it out in bullet hell madness and explore the Hakurei Shrine. The PlayStation Store pages, and the Nintendo eShop will be available at a later date. Stay tuned! What is Touhou Project? Touhou Project is a bullet hell shoot ‘em up game created by ZUN’s group, Team Shanghai Alice. Set in the isolated land of Gensokyo, various incidents, known as disturbances, arise from different causes. The story follows the main protagonist, Reimu Hakurei, the shrine maiden of Hakurei Shrine, as she and her friends resolve these disturbances.
Did You Know Gaming details every canceled Nintendo 64DD game
What might have been...
The 64DD was a Nintendo 64 accessory that was only ever released in Japan in 1999. When attached to an N64, the DD added features such as additional memory, a real time clock, and the ability to connect to the Internet. Only nine games were ever actually completed for the add-on, including Doshin the Giant, SimCity 64, and an F-Zero X expansion.
Although the 64DD was short lived, there were more games originally planned for it before things went south. In a new video, Did You Know Gaming examines every single 64DD title we know about that was cancelled before release. This list includes games from big franchises like Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, and more.
Many of the canceled 64DD games ended up making their way to other consoles in different forms. You’ll have to watch the video up above for a thorough breakdown of all the canceled titles, plus the history of the 64DD itself.
#DRIVE "Sun Chasers Season" is now live
Catch some rays
Pixel Perfect Dude has announced that #DRIVE players can now enjoy the “Sun Chasers” season. Set in the picturesque seaside of Vinh Vang! Sun Chasers is all about embracing the spirit of summer with camping, beachside cruising, and endless sunny vibes.
#DRIVE is an endless driving video game inspired by road and action movies from the 1970s. As simple as possible, allowing the player to pick a car, pick the place, and just hit the road. Just be aware not to hit anything else.
No matter where we drive, no matter what we drive or how fast we drive. We simply chose to drive. And you?
WHAT’S BEST ABOUT #DRIVE?
- Gorgeous stylized graphics
- Super fun photo mode to share your journeys
- 8 beautiful locations to see and explore
- 90+ unique cars to drive
- Each car with a special coolness addon
- Fun and addictive driving mechanics
Octopath Traveler II devs name their "games that made us"
Designers inspiring designers
Square Enix has released another in-depth interview with some of the lead creators on Octopath Traveler II. Rather than discussing the making of the game itself, this time they asked the devs to talk about some of the most important and influential video games that informed them as gamers and designers.
The interview kicks off by asking what the devs’ first games they can ever remember playing are. As you might expect, many of them answer with JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Character designer Naoki Ikushima however, answers with that perennial Nintendo classic, Super Mario Bros.:
“For me, it would have been Super Mario Brothers.
I was drawn into the world of the game. I loved picture books and being able to play an interactive game inside a world that looked like a picture book itself was a new experience for me.
Although I would die right away because I was useless at it (laughs).”
Octopath Traveler II is available right now on Nintendo Switch. You’ll have to play it for yourself to see if you can spot any lingering influence from Super Mario Bros. or the devs’ other favorite games. Click here to read the full piece for more responses, as well as what the devs are most proud of in Octopath Traveler II.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 toy leak gives first look at Shadow's design
Gun sold separately?
We’re still waiting for our first official look at the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which is scheduled to hit theaters at the end of this year. One thing we do know is that there will be a brand new addition to the cast - Shadow the Hedgehog, as voiced by Keanu Reeves.
As often happens with movies like this, a box set of figures from the toy line has been leaked, giving us our first glimpse at how Shadow will look. (Shadow was seen briefly in a post-credits scene in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but this appears to be an updated design.) He looks a lot like you’d expect him to look if you’re familiar with his video game appearances, but it’s nice to see that they didn’t stray too far from what’s worked in the past!
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is set to open in theaters on December 20th, 2024. See below for more images from this toy set, which also includes figures of Sonic, Knuckles, a Buzz Bomber, and a Drone.