GYGO: To the Gates of Valhalla

Howdy, gamers, and happy… it’s Wednesday, right? I thought I was just about done with Animal Crossing, but I finally unlocked terraforming and have used my new and godly powers to add paths, a cafe, a gym, a pedestrian mall, a different cafe, and a small concert stage (though the only instrument I have right now is a marimba). What have you been up to, in Animal Crossing or otherwise? Let us know over on our Twitter! Now, here’s what happened in games this week.

Ubisoft Revealed the Next Assassin’s Creed Title

On Wednesday, April 29, Ubisoft hosted an eight-hour livestream that revealed the next Assassin’s Creed setting. The stream, which featured artist BossLogic working on a Viking-themed piece from beginning to completion, also revealed the game’s title: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Ubisoft released the first cinematic trailer on April 30, giving players a closer look at protagonist Eivor, who, as in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, can be played as male or female—though this time, both genders are canon. According to lead producer Julien Laferrière, players will also have the opportunity to expand a home settlement, which in turn will shape the game’s narrative. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will release late in 2020 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and Google Stadia.

Diplo Headlined Fortnite’s Latest Concert Event

While social distancing guidelines remain in effect all over the world, more people than ever are using video games as a way to hang out and catch up with friends. Last week, Fortnite introduced a “Party Royale” mode, a no-guns-allowed island where players can hang out with one another. On Friday, May 1, Fortnite used the Party Royale island to host a Diplo concert. This follows rapper Travis Scott’s successful Fortnite debut, which gained an audience of 12 million.

Sony Knows Who Leaked The Last of Us Spoilers

If you ventured onto Twitter a couple of weekends ago, you may have seen The Last of Us trending, and we mentioned last week that Youtube videos featuring apparent spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2 were uploaded to the site. Initial rumors suggested an employee leaked the details to protest abhorrent working conditions at Naughty Dog, the studio behind the game. However, Jason Schreier reported that hackers—not disgruntled employees—exploited a security vulnerability to access Naughty Dog’s servers. A Sony representative confirmed to Polygon that the leakers were not affiliated with Naughty Dog or Sony.

ICYMI

• Nier developers revealed more information about what players can expect from the recently-announced Nier Replicant remaster.
• XSEED Games announced the English localization of STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town will allow same-sex marriage.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art released its entire digital collection to Animal Crossing players.
• Due to the ongoing pandemic, GDC Summer will be a digital event this year.
• Fighting game tournament EVO will also be held online this year.
• Lastly, Animal Crossing players continue to amaze me with their creativity.

Madison Butler

Madison Butler is Sidequest’s self-proclaimed jock editor. She co-founded the blog Critsumption and once got really into powerlifting via Fitness Boxing for the Nintendo Switch. She tweets at @_maddilo.