Riot Games revealed latest Champion Roadmap for League of Legends

Riot Games has finally revealed its latest Champion Roadmap for League of Legends, sharing teasers of all the upcoming characters; including a “romantic” new jungler coming in Season 11.

With Yone, Lillia, Sett, and now Samira joining the League of Legends roster in 2020. Riot devs are already looking forward to the next batch of champions they plan on adding in the coming season.

Riot Games has already revealed major changes coming in Season 11, with a massive item overhaul expected to arrive in the preseason. And they have now revealed teasers for each of the champions expected to arrive before and during the next season.

League of Legends 11 Champion Roadmap

In Riot’s blog post on September 24, League of Legends dev Reav3 explained that, after Yone’s addition to the game, they were keen on introducing more characters as champions that may have already appeared or been mentioned in the lore of Runeterra.

Reav3 followed up hinting that one of the champions to be introduced would see yet another familiar character; explaining that they are “going to bring another character players have been longing for to the Rift next year.”

For this champion roadmap, Riot revealed that they still had a mid-lane Mage, who is expected to be confirmed as the mysterious character Seraphine, and a new Support champ, to add in 2020.

League of Legends
Seraphine is expected to be the “mid-lane mage” that Riot has been teasing.

New League of Legends Support champion

The new support character has been described as a “heavily-armored runaway criminal;” in the champion roadmap, leaving any enemies and their gear “twisted and shattered.”

While this new champion’s playstyle is currently unknown, Riot hinted that they may have some mobile abilities in their kit. Adding that the “criminal’s been known to mount a quick retreat when cornered;” although we will have to wait to see how that will translate in-game.

This fugitive is currently scheduled to be final champion released in 2020; although champion release dates are always subject to change.

New League of Legends Jungler teased for Season 11

Following the addition of Lillia in the Spirit Blossom event, it looks like Riot has yet another jungle skirmisher in the works. And they are expected to be the first champion released in early 2021.

“You may just find yourself falling for our romantic new jungle skirmisher, who will be twisting hearts and possessing minds early next year.” Riot Games teased, before sharing an image of a ring that ties in with the new champ.

League of Legends fans will likely have to wait for more information about the 2021 Jungler. But Riot seems to have plenty of champions lined up to keep fans entertained until then.

Dr. Mundo VGU Preview

After Riot announced that Mundo would be the next champion to receive a VGU. Following Fiddlesticks’ and Volibear’s rework, they have now provided an update on the Madman of Zaun.

The dev team shared that they are “going to keep Mundo’s gameplay pretty similar” overall but they plan on making him a difficult champion to lock down, by adding some form of CC immunity to his kit.

Riot also shared some concept art for the old champion’s rework, revealing a modern take on Mundo and giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from the VGU.

It is worth noting that as with many of these teasers, the Riot devs can still make changes before the champions are finally set live in-game.


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Pandemic offers Tokyo Game Show a chance for reinvention

Pandemic offers Tokyo Game Show a chance for reinvention

Once a premier industry event, Tokyo Game Show has been increasingly overshadowed by global competitors in recent years. But as the pandemic forces it online, some see a chance for reinvention.

The exhibition, which opens online from Wednesday, showcases Japanese video games and is still regularly thronged by enthusiastic gamers; attracting over 250,000 people a year since 2013.

But its star has faded in the industry, with most of Japan’s top developers choosing to debut new offerings elsewhere.

“Tokyo Game Show has been on a downward trend in the last 10 to 15 years;” said Serkan Toto, an analyst at Kantan Games in Tokyo.

Part of that is the result of a decline in the dominance of Japanese gaming companies, he told AFP.

TGS began in 1996 and was an unmissable industry event in the early 2000s. But it has seen its leader position increasingly eroded by competition from E3, held in Los Angeles in June, and Gamescom, in Cologne in August.

With the growing importance of the American and European gaming markets, Gamescom now attracts more visitors than its rivals and is the favoured place for new product reveals.

“The weird thing about Tokyo Game Show is it feels like it’s getting bigger for the number of people attending every year. But breaking news and stuff, that’s on an inverse curve,” said Brian Ashcraft, who writes for specialist site Kotaku and has covered TGS for 15 years.

Multilingual presentations

TGS has increasingly focused on the domestic market, offering most of its content in Japanese only.

Tokyo Game Show

“In the last couple of years, it has become increasingly clear that the TGS has been looking inwards rather than being an international show,” said Toto.

Held each September before the holiday shopping season, “TGS allows visitors to try out games” that have been announced elsewhere, said Yasuyuki Yamaji, secretary general of the Cesa association that runs TGS.

“People also come for the atmosphere, to see eSports competition, do cosplay (dressing up as characters), or have a fun time with their family,” he told AFP.

The pandemic makes most of that impossible, but TGS organisers are hoping that taking the show online may grow their audience, both in Japan and abroad.

Ordinarily, “70 to 80 percent of visitors come from Tokyo and surrounding areas”, Yamaji said.

But online, “limitations on space, distance and time disappear”.

The schedule for this year’s show runs late into the night in Japan. Offering those in faraway timezones the chance to watch eSports battles and game demonstrations.

Several presentations will also be offered in English and Chinese, along with Japanese; and some games will be available for online play, though regional availability restrictions may pose challenges.

Tokyo Game Show: Format changes

Still, some of this year’s biggest releases are not being presented at TGS.

Tokyo Game Show

Microsof, which made just 0.25 percent of its Xbox One sales in Japan; will be at TGS but won’t be presenting its new console.

And Sony, which unveiled its new PlayStation 5 online last week, is skipping TGS altogether this year.

Nintendo, whose games and Switch console dominated the Japanese market in 2019, has rarely had a presence at TGS.

Organisers say this year’s event may inspire permanent format changes.

“We would like to be able to do a hybrid physical event that retains the advantages of an online TGS, like presentations at a distance,” said Yamaji.

Whether attracting a broader international audience will convince industry players that TGS is once again a place to launch new products remains to be seen.

But at least, the pandemic is creating an opening for innovations in a format that has changed in recent years.

Yamaji noted half this year’s exhibitors are non-Japanese, making for a “more global TGS”.

“I think next year it will be interesting because it’ll be like, ‘what is really important’?” Ashcraft said.

“What can they show digitally? What can they do in person? I think this year will give them a good barometer for that.”


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6 iOS 14 features to try as soon as you install Apple’s update on your iPhone

After installing iOS 14 on your iPhone ($699 at Amazon), you may ask yourself, where do I even begin? Well, you’re in for a treat. Apple’s update contains a bevy of new features that will change the way you use your phone — for the better. In many ways, this is Apple’s most involved visual face lift in years.

From an Android-like app drawer to iMessage improvements and widgets for your home screen, there’s a lot to start using right away.

If you haven’t updated yet, take some time to get your iPhone ready before you install the iOS update. Below you’ll find six of my favorite features and how to get started with them on iOS 14.

1. iOS 14: Tag someone in a text conversation

Apple’s updates to its Messages app primarily focused on group iMessage conversations.

What: You can now tag someone in a conversation when you want to get their attention (useful for large groups), and directly reply to a message, creating a thread within your conversation. That should get you a timely response.

How: Tagging someone in a group convo should be as simple as typing the @ symbol followed by their name when in the chat. An in-line reply is done by long-pressing on a message and selecting Reply.

2. Pin a conversation to the top of messages

What: Pinning a conversation to the top of your Messages app means you don’t have to scroll through the long list of contacts and group conversations to find your favorite contacts. This is especially useful if you have a go-to group, like a family chat or friend chat you talk in every day, or if you’re planning a longer-term event like a group watch party.

How: You can pin a contact or conversation to the top of your conversation list by swiping to the right across any thread.

IOS14 Features

3. iOS 14: Apple now has its own Translate app

What: Instead of having to use Google’s Translate app on your iPhone, iOS 14 has a baked-in Translate app that will allow you to convert text and even hold conversations with someone who only speaks a different language. You can translate English, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Portuguese and Russian.

How: You have two options once you open the app. You can type the word or phrase you want translated, or tap on the icon of a microphone at the bottom of the screen to use voice-to-text. Once you’re done, the app will translate what you said into your language of choice. This is especially useful if you’re asking someone a quick question or want to hear the pronunciation as well.

To hold an ongoing conversation, turn the phone to landscape mode and tap on the same mic icon — you don’t have to press and hold.

IOS14 Features

4. A more organized home screen with App Library

Ever wished that your iPhone had an app drawer like Android? Well, now it does. It’s called App Library.

What: App Library is a new screen that lives just to the right of your last home screen. It autoarranges all the apps on your phone in folders based on app category. The purpose of this feature is to make it easy for you to find all the apps installed on your iPhone. It goes hand in hand with another new home screen feature that lets you hide pages of apps that you infrequently use.

How: Use App Library when you want to open an app that isn’t displayed on one of your home screens. To get to it, swipe from right to left to go past the final home screen. Either use the automatically organized folders to find the app icon you want, or use the search bar at the top of the screen to find the app by name if you’re not sure where it’s located. Alternatively, at the top of the App Library screen you’ll find two folders: Suggestions and Recently Added. Both will automatically update and adjust which apps are in either folder based on how often you use an app and what you’ve recently installed.

Here’s more information on how to hide home screen pages to make the App Library easier to access.

IOS14 Features

5. Widgets have a new look and a new home

You no longer have to be envious of your Android-using friends — the iPhone can now have widgets on the home screen. That’s right.

What: Instead of Widgets being limited to the Today View that lives off to the left side of your home screen, you can now add widgets directly to your display, with multiple sizes as an option. There’s even a Smart Stack widget that will show you information from multiple apps when it thinks you need it. For example, it can show you the weather widget followed by your calendar widget when you wake up in the morning.

How: You can view your widgets in Today View the way you always have, off to the left side of your main home screen, or you can drag and drop a widget from the Today View to your home screen. Alternatively, when editing your app layout, you can tap on the plus sign in the top-left corner of the screen, bring up the widget gallery and see which widgets you can add to your device.

6. Picture in Picture is a convenience tool you’ll love

The iPad ($284 at Back Market) has been able to play a video in picture-in-picture mode for a few years now, and Picture in Picture is finally coming to the iPhone.

What: Picture in Picture creates a thumbnail image of a video that continues to play even when you’re on another app or screen. It’ll appear when you want to switch gears to use a different part of the phone but you don’t want to stop the video.

How: Whenever you’re watching a video in a supported app, like Twitch, and swipe to go back to the home screen, the video will continue to play, just in a smaller window. You can drag PiP around the screen, adjust its size by pinching and zooming and even temporarily hide it off the edge of the screen. When you’re done, just tap the X to close the video. Oh, and let’s not forget — Picture in Picture also works with FaceTime video calls and these other apps. Huzzah!

 

Monster Hunter Rise revives a classic game formula on Nintendo Switch

Believe it or not, there hasn’t been a Monster Hunter game designed from the ground up for the Nintendo Switch. Monster Hunter Generations was really an enhanced 3DS title. That’s all se to change, however, as Capcom has announced both Monster Hunter Rise and Stories 2 for the Switch.

Monster Hunter Rise

The Rise is the flagship title of the two. And brings back the classic creature-slaying action from before the Monster Hunter: World era with a few modern twists, including a seamless environment. You’re protecting Kamura Village against a monster incursion. And you have new tools to travel the mountainous landscape (hence the “Rise” of the title) quickly. A Wirebug lets you quickly grapple to the top of cliffs and buildings. While a companion Palamute dog lets you ride on its back in addition to helping out during combat.

Monster Hunter Rise will be available on the Switch on March 26, 2021.

Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a decidedly different game. Capcom bills it as a “story-driven” role-playing game where you become a Monster Rider who can form “deeper connections” with the beasts. There aren’t many details available for the game just yet. But you’ll have to contend with an entire species seemingly dying out.

The Stories sequel will be released for the Switch sometime in summer 2021, with more details coming before then.

Monster Hunter Rise and Stories 2 could be welcome additions if you’re fond of fantasy action and RPGs on the Switch. Particularly if you’re a fan of the franchise. At the same time, they reflect confidence in Nintendo’s platform years into its life. Capcom is releasing major Switch-only games even as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are grabbing many gamers’ attention.


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Hogwarts Legacy release date, characters, story and trailer

Hogwarts Legacy is a new Harry Potter open world game releasing next year across all major platforms, Warner Bros. announced on Wednesday as part of Sony’s PlayStation 5 price reveal live stream event. The game, developed by Disney Infinity developer Avalanche Software, is set in the 1800s at the iconic Hogwarts from the book series, but given its time period it will not involve playing as the series’ titular character. Instead, the trailer gives the impression that players will create their own character and engage in all manner of wizard and witch-related activities.

In a press release, Warner Bros. describes the game as an “open-world, single-player, action role-playing video game set in the 1800s wizarding world,” where “players will experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before, as they live the unwritten and embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world.” The release says players will “grow their magical abilities by mastering spells, brewing potions and taming fantastic beasts,” adding that the game will include familiar locations like the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village.

Hogwarts Legacy

Does Hogwarts Legacy have a release date?

During the Sept. 16 presentation, Sony announced that the PlayStation 5 will release on Nov. 12, 2020 for the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Parts of Europe, including the U.K., will see it a week later. However, Hogwarts Legacy will not be a launch title for the system. 

The Hogwarts Legacy reveal trailer listed the launch window as 2021, while the 2018 leaks imply it’s been in development for several years already. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier said to expect the game in the later part of the year. So, it may be several months before players can don those distinctive Hogwarts robes and enter the iconic school.

Schreier additionally reported that developers are concerned that the backlash against J.K. Rowling due to controversial comments made by the author might affect the game’s financial outlook. It seems Rowling has not had much direct involvement with Hogwarts Legacy, which could influence the decisions of potential buyers.

Which characters are in Hogwarts Legacy?

In an open-world Harry Potter RPG; it seems almost certain you’ll get to pick your house and explore the setting as a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. The Sorting Hat even makes a brief appearance in the reveal trailer. Essentially, Hogwarts Legacy promises to deliver what so many fans have wished for: a chance to live and play in the Wizarding World as a central part of the action. 

Don’t expect to see too many familiar faces. Hogwarts Legacy, after all, takes place over a century before the events of Harry Potter. The headmaster will be different, as will the teachers. Hagrid, Tom Riddle, and Newt Scamander didn’t exist at that time. Still, many of the magical creatures and locations certainly did. And some ghosts, such as Nearly Headless Nick, may be roaming about the castle.

“We are always asking ourselves how we can draw from the rich library of characters, creatures, and themes — and imagine how those details would influence the school more than a century before Harry Potter’s arrival,” said head of story Adrian Ropp in a blog post.

Hogwarts Legacy

What is the story of Hogwarts Legacy?

According to the official Hogwarts Legacy website, the game will involve a “journey through familiar and new locations as you explore and discover fantastic beasts, customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents, and become the wizard you want to be.”

Players take on the role of a 19th century student who holds the key to a dangerous secret. After arriving at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, players discover they have the unique ability to master Ancient Magic. Apparently, they’ll then be given the choice to protect that secret for the good of the Wizarding World; or take a darker road. 

Hogwarts Legacy allows players to make friends and obtain companions, battle enemies in combat, and take on missions that feature difficult choices. They will decide the future during a quest to discover a long hidden truth, which is where the “legacy” part of the title comes in to play.

Is there a trailer?

According to the detailed Harry Potter lore created by Rowling, the Hogwarts Express did not start operation until about 1830.  That means the opening of the reveal trailer, which features a flying carriage full of suitcases and an owl, could be representative of one method students used to reach Hogwarts before that locomotive centralized transportation to the school from King’s Cross station. 

The environments are certainly similar to those used in the Harry Potter movies, but don’t appear exactly the same. So it seems Avalanche is putting its own mark on the spaces fans have come to know from the films. You can spot new and familiar creatures in the trailer, along with a Dark wizard wearing a skeletal mask. You even get a hint of how your classes are going to work as you learn to ride a broomstick; meet magical beings, and create new potions.

The reveal trailer makes it clear that Hogwarts Legacy players are in for a fun and occasionally harrowing experience.


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