The Geek Generation Network

AcornBandit [Twitter]

The Lost Adventures & Team Avatar Tales

https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/8b72d118-9826-481c-a5bc-4a0246cd31a3/stream.mp3

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1199653921-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2022-01-19.mp3

Microsoft is acquiring Activision Blizzard

Microsoft has announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard for a price of $68.7 billion. The deal would make the combined entity the third-largest game company by revenue and would put titles like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush under their umbrella. Part of the deal includes plans by Microsoft to add Activision Blizzard games to Game Pass.

The buyout is expected to close no later than June 2023 if regulators and Activision Blizzard shareholders greenlight the move. The board of directors for both companies have already approved the deal.

Microsoft didn’t say how many Activision Blizzard games would be Xbox-exclusive on consoles, or Windows-exclusive on computers.

The Cuphead Show to premiere on Netflix on February 18th

Netflix has revealed that The Cuphead Show will premiere on February 18th, along with debuting a brand-new trailer. Fans of the game will quickly recognize the 1930’s-influenced art style and the cast of characters for the 12-episode series.

The show is described as a character-driven comedy series following the unique misadventures of the lovable, impulsive scamp Cuphead and his cautious but easily-swayed brother Mugman.

The voice cast includes acting veterans Tru Valentino and Frank Todaro as Cuphead and Mugman, with Wayne Brady in the role of King Dice.

Star Trek shows get premiere dates and renewals

Paramount+ has revealed new season premiere dates and additional season pickup orders across the service’s Star Trek Universe series.

Star Trek: Discovery has been renewed for a fifth season. Season 4 will return with new episodes on Thursday, February 10th.

Season two of Star Trek: Picard will premiere on Thursday, March 3rd and a third season in currently in production.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been renewed for a second season ahead of its first season debut, which will premiere on Thursday, May 5th.

Star Trek: Lower Decks will return in Summer 2022 with a 10-episode third season, and has also been renewed for a fourth season.

Star Trek: Prodigy will conclude the first half of its first season on February 3rd, with the second half of season one available starting later in 2022.

Amazon’s Lord of the Rings show gets a title

Amazon has revealed the title of its upcoming Lord of the Rings Series. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere on the streamer this September 2nd.

Showrunners J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay said in a statement, “This is a title that we imagine could live on the spine of a book next to J.R.R. Tolkien’s other classics. The Rings of Power unites all the major stories of Middle-earth’s Second Age: the forging of the rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the epic tale of Numenor and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Until now, audiences have only seen onscreen the story of the One Ring – but before there was one, there were many… and we’re excited to share the epic story of them all.”

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will change art styles in each dimension

In an interview with Collider, Chris Miller and Phil Lord discussed the visual changes that we’ll be seeing in Across the Spider-Verse.

Miller said, “The idea that we’d be going to different dimensions really opened up an opportunity artistically to have each world have its own art style, and to be able to push the folks at ImageWorks to develop a way to have each dimension feel like it was drawn by a different artist’s hand. Seeing the development of that stuff is breathtaking, and really, it’s the reason we keep doing it, because it’s so hard to get it right.”

Lord added that their goal is always to push animation in directions it hasn’t gone yet on every project.

The CW developing Justice U for David Ramsey

Justice U is a new series in development for The CW’s Arrowverse, with David Ramsey’s John Diggle set to lead the pack.

In the new series, after years of fighting alongside masked heroes, Diggle embarks on a new mission to recruit five young meta humans to live undercover as freshmen at a prestigious university. There he will oversee their education and train them to become the heroes of tomorrow.

In addition to starring in the series, if it is picked up to pilot, Ramsey will also direct.

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1196727235-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2022-01-14.mp3

Bandai Namco is making a My Hero Academia battle royale

Bandai Namco has revealed that they’re making a new free-to-play battle royale game titled My Hero Academia: Ultra Rumble, based on the popular manga and anime.

The game, which will support up to 24 players in a single match, doesn’t have a release date yet, but it will come to PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Bandai Namco plans to hold a closed beta sometime in the future.

Mike Judge teases new Beavis and Butt-Head movie

Mike Judge has announced via Twitter that Beavis and Butt-Head will be returning with a brand-new movie and more on Paramount+. The creator of the comedic duo also shared a few sketches of the pair as older men, while confirming that although there’s no exact release date yet, it’ll be coming sometime this year.

Laura Donnelly joins the cast of Marvel’s Halloween special

Laura Donnelly has joined the cast of Marvel’s Halloween special for Disney+. She joins the previously announced Gael Garcia Bernal, who is rumored to be playing Werewolf by Night.

While Donnelly’s role has also not been confirmed, Deadline is speculating that if Bernal is playing Werewolf by Night, she could potentially be playing Nina Price, who becomes Vampire by Night. Price is the niece of one of Marvel’s incarnations of Werewolf by Night, and a vampire/werewolf hybrid. She carried the lycan gene and was changed further after being bitten by a vampire.

Pixar’s Turning Red will now premiere on Disney+

Turning Red, Pixar’s latest feature film, will premiere exclusively on Disney+. Disney had planned to debut the movie in theaters, but likely due to the recent pandemic surge in cases, that won’t happen. The release date will remain the same, with the film set to debut on March 11th as originally planned.

Turning Red tells the story of Mei Lee, a teen who finds out she turns into a red panda when she gets too excited. Naturally, all sorts of hijinks ensue as a result.

Superman and Lois showrunner confirms that Doomsday is coming

Spoiler warning if you haven’t seen the Season 2 premiere of Superman and Lois.

Toward the end of the Season 2 opener of the CW drama Superman and Lois, Smallville is rocked by an earthquake originating from the mines. While Clark is too busy with other matters to investigate, we see that the tremors were caused by a gloved fist punching up through the ground deep below.

Superman and Lois showrunner Todd Helbing has confirmed that the scene is indeed setting up the arrival of Doomsday, one of Superman’s deadliest foes. Helbing add, “That is our homage to a classic Doomsday cover. In episode 2, you’re going to see him a little bit more. In episode 3, you’ll get the full reveal.”

As to how the show will be approaching the character, Helbing said, “There’s so much lore and mythology in the Superman universe that we feel it’s our obligation to tell a unique story. We take inspirations from the comics as much as possible, and then we try to twist it. We did the same thing here.”

AcornBandit [Twitter]

Katara and the Pirate’s Silver

https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/459fa87e-e10b-4390-95de-675ea4e19c73/stream.mp3

Book Three Cover Art by Mirggles!

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1193470828-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2022-01-10.mp3

Sony reveals details about PlayStation VR2

Sony has revealed some new details about its next-gen VR headset at CES 2022, along with providing its logical name: PlayStation VR2.

The new headset will be compatible with the PS5 and the new VR2 Sense controllers. It has a display resolution of 2000 x 2040 pixel per eye, a 110-degree field of view, and is capable of 90 to 120Hz frame rates while supporting 4K HDR.

It also features inside-out tracking, which means it has multiple embedded cameras to track the movements of your head and controllers. A new sensory feature for the device called “headset feedback” can make games and experiences even more immersive by using a built-in motor with vibrations to simulate in-game events. For example, it can mimic the feel of a character’s elevated pulse rate while they’re hiding from a threat or the feel of objects passing close to a character’s head. The headset can also detect the motion of your eyes, allowing you to interact with the game environment like you’d interact with the real world.

Sony didn’t reveal a release date, but did announce one of the first games arriving on the platform. Horizon Call of the Mountain will be a VR experience in the Horizon universe that is being built exclusively for the PSVR2 and featuring an entirely new protagonist.

New Battlestar Galactica film and show will exist in a shared universe

Simon Kinberg has provided an update on his Battlestar Galactica movie for Universal.

In an interview with Collider, Kinberg confirmed that a second draft of the script has been finished, though they’re still a ways off from filming, but are actively in the process of seeking out a director to attach to the project.

When asked about whether or not the upcoming film is related to the new series Sam Esmail is developing for Peacock, Kinberg said, “In terms of the situation with Sam and the show, I can’t say too much about it other than there is synergy between the two enterprises and constant communication between us. We’ve become close and been having a really good time together and there will be, for lack of a better phrase and it’s an overused phrase, a shared universe.”

Morbius pushed back to Spring release

Sony is yet again delaying the Jared Leto-led film Morbius. Most recently set to release on January 28th, the movie will now open in theaters on April 1st.

This marks the seventh time that Morbius has been delayed since the original planned release all the way back in July of 2020. While no specific reason was given, it’s possible that the newest delay is a result of the omicron surge, or simply that Sony wants to allow the focus to remain on Spider-Man: No Way Home until it completes its run.

Scott Pilgrim animated series in development at Netflix

Scott Pilgrim, the hit graphic novel series that was adapted into film by Edgar Wright, is now in development as an anime series for Netflix.

Bryan Lee O’Malley, the artist and creator of the novels, is writing and executive producing with BenDavid Grabinski. The two will showrun if it moves forward with a series order.

Bringing the graphic novels to anime form seems appropriate, as some of O’Malley’s biggest influences were various manga.

Ed Brubaker joins Batman: Caped Crusader creative team

Acclaimed comics author Ed Brubaker has joined the creative team behind Batman: Caped Crusader, the animated series in the works at HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

Brubaker is running the writers room along with Bruce Timm and acting as his right hand for the show, which will have a 10-episode first season.

Brubaker, who also co-created the Winter Soldier for Marvel, said of the show’s producers, “Their vision for the show, with a slightly more pulpy take on the character, and a new way of looking at the world of Gotham, set in the past but viewed through a modern lens really sold me, and so far every part of it has been a blast to work on. I can’t wait until the rest of the world can see what we’ve been building the last few months in the writers room. All I can say is, it’s not what anyone is expecting… but in a good way.”

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1187334409-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2021-12-30.mp3

LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog set arrives in January

LEGO has revealed that its Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone set will be available both online and in LEGO stores on January 1st 2022, for $70.

The 1,125-piece recreation of the game’s best-known area includes grassy green hills, checkered terrain, and a loop. You’ll also get a minifig for Sonic, as well as a brick-built Dr. Eggman and Eggmobile, Moto Bug, and Crabmeat. An interactive Technic lever can launch Sonic into the air, while the level also includes power-ups like golden rings, super speed, shield boxes, and even the Chaos Emeralds.

Sonic’s new LEGO set was created as part of the LEGO Ideas program, in which fans and amateur builders submit their own design ideas for new sets, with this one amassing enough votes to be considered and eventually produced.

Remedy releases details on its co-op shooter Vanguard

Remedy Entertainment is working with Tencent on a free-to-play co-op shooter currently codenamed Vanguard.

The PVE title will bring Remedy’s narrative expertise and action gameplay into an immersive multiplayer experience. The game is still in the proof-of-concept stage, so it’ll be a while before we get a look at any footage.

Remedy’s CEO stated, “Vanguard marks Remedy’s first entry into Games-as-a-Service business model, executed by our top tier team of free-to-play experts. We are building something new and exciting for the co-operative multiplayer space, on top of Remedy’s strengths. Vanguard is a global opportunity, and Tencent can support Remedy internationally, and lead the operations in Asia and the mobile markets.”

While no planned release date is available this early in the process, the game is being targeted for release on PC and consoles.

PlayStation Plus and Xbox Gold free games for January 2022

Here are the free games for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Gold members for January.

Starting on January 4th, PlayStation Plus members will get access to the action RPG Persona 5 Strikers for PS4. For both PS4 and PS5, members will get the off-road racer Dirt 5, along with the co-op first-person shooter Deep Rock Galactic.

Xbox Gold members can battle through hordes of vigilante robots in NeuroVoider, recover what was lost and rebuild everything in Aground, hop into the vertical shooter Radiant Silvergun, and revisit a classic with a new twist in Space Invaders Infinity Gene.

Marvel’s Eternals originally had a bleaker ending

Spoiler warning if you haven’t yet seen Marvel’s Eternals.

In a recent interview with Empire, Eternals director Chloe Zhao revealed that the movie originally had a much bleaker ending, as she’s used to films that are more cold and melancholy, but it didn’t go down well with audiences.

When asked how bleak, Zhao responded, “It used to end with everybody back on the ship, minds erased and just going on to another planet, like The Twilight Zone. I remember when it goes to black, everyone was like, ‘I don’t know what to do.’ And also, it’s the MCU, and you want to be excited for what’s next.”

Eternals will be available for streaming on Disney Plus on January 12th, 2022.

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1185448864-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2021-12-27.mp3

Michael Keaton joins the cast of Batgirl

While it’s well known that Michael Keaton will be reprising the role of Batman for the upcoming DC movie The Flash, it’s now confirmed that Keaton won’t be stopping there, as the actor is now also set to appear as Bruce Wayne for the upcoming Batgirl movie.

Leslie Grace, who will star as Barbara Gordon in the film, confirmed the news via Twitter. Batgirl hasn’t yet received an HBO Max release date by Warner Bros. and DC, but is expected to arrive sometime in 2022.

HBO Max is developing a Legion of Super-Heroes animated series

HBO Max is developing a Legion of Super-Heroes animated series, with comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis attached. Unlike the prior Legion cartoon from 2006, this series is being aimed toward a more adult audience.

After making the announcement via his newsletter, Bendis did warn fans that it may be quite a while before this new series is ready to premiere, saying, “It’s very early goings but I can tell you this will be an adaptation of the Legion of Super-Heroes that Ryan Sook and I have been working on the last few years. And just like that series, it will harken back to so many classics while at the same time doing what Legion does: pushing all the ideas of superheroes forward in every direction.”

Cuphead DLC will finally arrive in June 2022

After multiple delays, the long-awaited final chapter for Cuphead finally has a release date of June 30, 2022. Titled The Delicious Last Course, the DLC will take place on a new island, Inkwell Isle. The introduction of this new island brings along with it additional levels, bosses, items, and another playable character in the form of Ms. Chalice.

The DLC was first announced back in 2018 with an originally planned release window sometime the following year. Despite this being the final planned DLC for the game, an animated Netflix series called The Cuphead Show is currently in the works.

Wilmer Valderrama will star in a new Zorro series for Disney+

Wilmer Valderrama is set to produce and star in a new series for Disney+ featuring the iconic hero Zorro. The project will be a reimagining of the classic ‘50s Disney TV show and set in the hero’s original setting and time period of 19th century California under Mexican rule.

Valderrama said in a statement: “Growing up, Zorro was the one character that made me, as a Latino, feel like I could be a hero. As an adult and a storyteller, I have a responsibility in the stories that I help bring to life. To partner with Gary Marsh and Disney to bring Zorro back into the family after 60 years and be a part of the legacy for other children to know they too can be the heroes of their own stories is a dream come true.”

AcornBandit [Twitter]

Secret Podcast #1

https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/de4d4b61-fbd9-4561-bc99-4787b7fc947f/stream.mp3

Book Three Cover Art by Mirggles!

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1180856794-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2021-12-20.mp3

Sony and Marvel actively developing Spider-Man 4

In a new interview with The New York Times, Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Sony producer Amy Pascal confirmed that development on a potential Spider-Man 4 has already begun.

While Pascal previously announced that another Spider-Man trilogy was on the way, those statements have been reported to be premature. However, at least a 4th movie is looking more and more likely.

Feige said, “Amy and I and Disney and Sony are talking about – yes, we’re actively beginning to develop where the story heads next. Which I only say outright because I don’t want fans to go through any separation trauma like what happened after Far From Home. That will not be occurring this time.”

The separation trauma Feige refers to was the previous end of the partnership between Sony and Marvel that was eventually renewed. It looks as though the two studios don’t plan on ending that partnership anytime soon.

DC’s Blue Beetle movie shifts premiere plans from HBO Max to theaters

Warner Bros. and DC Films’ Blue Beetle movie is shifting its premiere plans. While originally being developed for HBO Max, the film will now get a theatrical release on August 18th, 2023.

Blue Beetle will star Cobra Kai’s Xolo Mariduena as the Jaime Reyes version of the hero, who gains superpowers when he encounters alien armor. It was one of a number of DC films being developed for streaming, which include Batgirl, Zatanna, Static Shock, and Black Canary. The move suggests that the studio has gained more confidence in Blue Beetle’s ability to perform well at the box office.

Splinter Cell remake in development

Ubisoft has greenlit the development of a Splinter Cell remake. Led by Ubisoft Toronto, the game will be rebuilt from the ground up using their Snowdrop engine to deliver new-generation visuals and gameplay, and the dynamic lighting and shadows the series is known for.

Unlike Ubisoft’s signature open-world spaces, you’ll play in small, linear environments. The company wants to meet present-day gameplay expectations, but is also aware that the original Splinter Cell was appealing because it rewarded stealth players who demonstrated patience and planning.

The game’s creative director characterized this remake as a solid base for the future of the franchise, meaning that if you aren’t thrilled about the thought of a remake, this could lead to true sequels moving forward.

Mega Man movie in the works at Netflix

IGN is reporting that Mega Man will soon be coming to Netflix in a live-action adaptation of the classic Capcom video game franchise.

The project, which has yet to be confirmed by Netflix, is reportedly still very early in development. IGN is basing their news on the fact that the film’s production company let the information slip about the partnership during a recent website update.

A live-action Mega Man movie for 20th Century Fox was first announced back in 2018 just days after the release of Mega Man 11, so the claims aren’t completely unwarranted.

Gotham Knights series in development for The CW

The CW is looking to expand its DC universe, as three writers from Batwoman are working with the network to develop a Gotham Knights series. However, the project is not a Batwoman spinoff, nor is it linked to the upcoming video game of the same name.

The logline for Gotham Knights reads, “In the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder, his rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city’s most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team of mismatched fugitives will become its next generation of saviors.”

Host: Rob Logan [Twitter] [Twitch]

https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1176682102-the-geek-generation-geek-news-brief-2021-12-13.mp3

Star Trek: Resurgence adventure game coming from former Telltale developers

A new game set in the Star Trek universe and developed by former Telltale Games veterans is coming in 2022.

Star Trek: Resurgence is described as an original story set in the era immediately following the Star Trek: The Next Generation feature films. The third-person, choice-driven adventure game is set aboard a starship known as the USS Resolute and features two playable protagonists, First Officer Jara Rydek and Engineering Crewman Carter Diaz. Through the story, Rydek and Diaz will unravel a sinister mystery involving two alien civilizations on the brink of war. Players will be challenged to make those similar tough choices that iconic Star Trek heroes have been forced to contend with.

Star Trek: Resurgence is set for release in Spring 2022 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC.

Quantic Dream is developing Star Wars Eclipse

Lucasfilm Games and Quantic Dream, the studio behind such hits as Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human, have revealed Star Wars Eclipse, the first video game to be set in the era of The High Republic.

The game will feature an original story and unique new characters, each with their own paths, abilities, and roles to play in the tapestry of events that could alter the carefully balanced peace in an uncharted section of the Outer Rim.

Star Wars Eclipse will be an intricately branching action-adventure that can be experienced in multiple ways, putting the destinies of an array of playable characters in your hands. Your choices will be at the heart of the experience, as every decision can have a dramatic impact on the course of the story. Through these decisions, players will forge their own legend in the golden age of the Jedi.

A Wonder Woman game is coming from the Shadow of Mordor studio

Monolith Productions, the studio responsible for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, is working on a new open-world Wonder Woman game.

It features an original storyline where players will become Diana of Themyscira in the fight to unite her Amazon family and the humans from the modern world.

Simply titled Wonder Woman, the game is being billed as a third-person, open-world, action-adventure game. It will also make use of Shadow of Mordor’s Nemesis System, allowing players to forge deep connections with both enemies and allies as they progress from a heroic fighter into a proven leader.

Alan Wake 2 announced for 2023

Remedy Entertainment has announced that Alan Wake 2 will arrive sometime in 2023 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.

The announcement comes a couple months after Alan Wake was remastered and released across multiple platforms. Sam Lake, the game’s Creative Director, said, “Alan Wake 2 is our big fish. We are diving deeper than ever, into an ocean of darkness. Whereas the first Alan Wake had horror elements in it, it was an action game. Alan Wake 2 is Remedy’s first survival horror game. Our take on the genre. Our opportunity to truly connect the gameplay and the story. It is a deep, layered mystery.”

Among Us VR announced

Among Us is getting the VR treatment, with the game set for release on PlayStation VR, Meta Quest 2, and Steam. No release date has been confirmed.

Among Us VR is a stand-alone version of the game, but is set to play like the original, with players attempting to complete tasks and figure out who among them is the impostor, but from a first-person perspective.

Developer Innersloth had the following to say about the new project: “This new 3D experience will place you and our suspicious spacebeans in the heart of the Skeld, with all the core mechanics of teamwork and betrayal you know and love. The VR edition will continue to support the multiplayer experience too, of course! Now you can really have an emergency meeting together.”