TGO Daily | October 25 | CD Projekt Nabs Molasses Flood
✏️ From the Author
It was a pretty big weekend in the world of video games, and you love to see it! Gaming is so cool.
I’ve been playing Remedy’s Control over the past week, and I’m having a tremendous time with it! I tried it once on console and it never clicked, but as soon as I was on PC it all came together. It’s probably a combination of having a more intimate environment for a very atmospheric game, with the ability to shoot with a mouse instead of a controller. Definitely check it out!
— Adrian
📰 In The News
1. CD Projekt acquires The Molasses Flood
The Molasses Flood, developers of hit indies The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow, have been acquired by CD Projekt. Based in Boston, the studio was founded in 2014 by a team of folks from the dissolved Irrational Games (Bioshock Infinite). The acquisition fee was not disclosed.
“So what does this mean? We get to build a completely new game in the universe of an existing CD PROJEKT IP, we get to hire a lot more folks, and we get to keep making games based on the same principles that have always guided us: making games with heart built on rich gameplay systems.”
So they’re likely working on a Witcher or Cyberpunk game, while still maintaining their identity as a studio. It would be very interesting to see one of those collide with a survival or base-building focus, which is what their previous titles are centered on.
💭Adrian’s Thoughts: This is another great win for indies, following the news of Spry Fox and Epic Games last week. I still haven’t had the chance to play either of the games from Molasses Flood, but I’ve heard great things. Also, it’s interesting to see CD Projekt branching out — this is the first notable acquisition, and I wonder how it will play into their business strategy moving forward.
2. Doom Eternal 6.66 update adds Horde Mode
Id Software’s Doom Eternal is introducing the “6.66 update” on October 26th — bringing with it some new game modes and content.
The flagship feature is the introduction of “Horde Mode.” As shown in a recent developer livestream, the player is challenged with mowing down waves of enemies for as long as they can, with various challenges thrown into the mix. Considering the Doom reboots are known for their satisfying combat, the mode has potential.
The update will also introduce “Battlemode 2.0,” a seasoning of new content for the existing 2v1 multiplayer mode. So far, all we know is that it will have a new arena and new streak-based rewards.
Flashback: Horde Mode has been added in place of the previously announced “Invasion” mode, which would allow other players to join your single-player campaign as demons. They attributed the change to COVID and player feedback.
3. GTA: The Trilogy gets first trailer and release date
The previously announced Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definite Edition has gotten its first trailer, with an announced release date of November 11th. The titles are being handled by Grove Street Games (who previously did the mobile ports) in Unreal Engine.
Graphically, the games have a unique (and perhaps unexpected) look. There have been clear improvements to the environments and lighting, making them look far more realistic. On the other hand, the character models have remained quite cartoon-ish, and there seems to be a shiny veneer on everything. It’s unique, at least.
There’s a few more details about the release than previously known, per Rockstar’s press release. They’re bringing updated controls (lock-in aiming, targeting, Switch-specific additions, etc.), a new mini-map with waypoints, and new achievements. Visually, they’ve rebuilt the lighting system, improved shadows & reflections, improved textures, and an increased draw distance.
Finally, they revealed that San Andreas alone will be available through the Xbox Game Pass, while GTA III will be available through PlayStation Now. No word on Vice City heading to a subscription service.
4. PUBG: New State
During its recent media showcase, Krafton (formerly known as Bluehole) shared some more information about the upcoming release of PUBG: New State. Primarily, that it will be releasing on November 11th, free-to-play on iOS and Android.
It will be a futuristic take on PUBG, set in the year 2051, and will launch with four maps and new features. The foundations of the franchise will still be in place though — it’s still a battle royale.
New State is a major launch for them — it’s the first new title in the franchise since the original released in 2017. Over 50 million people have pre-registered. It’s also the first mobile game handled by the original development team (PUBG Mobile was mostly developed by Tencent).
PUBG is being set up for explosive growth, above what they’ve already achieved. Bloomberg reported that they’re planning to release another PC & console game by next year, and they’ve already announced a horror-themed game set in the PUBG universe called The Callisto Protocol.
💡 Worth A Look
Truck Simulator games now officially support multiplayer mods
Payday 3 will be set in New York, with the original crew from the first game
📅 Game Releases!
October 26: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy • NASCAR 21: Ignition
October 28: Age of Empires IV • Riders Republic • Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars
October 29: Mario Party Superstars
November 1: Unpacking
November 4: Just Dance 2022
November 5: Call of Duty: Vanguard • Let’s Build A Zoo • Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise
🔥 Thank You!
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