Outer Worlds 2 aims to expand on the first game's scope by enhancing gameplay variety, player agency, and humor, with a focus on more diverse factions and creative weaponry, while maintaining the core Obsidian RPG experience. The developers want to make the sequel less 'one-note' by introducing more humor, faction depth, and interactive elements like ad drones and shrinking enemies, set to release on October 29 for multiple platforms.
XDefiant, Ubisoft's free-to-play FPS, features five factions inspired by various Ubisoft franchises, each with unique abilities. The Cleaners from The Division specialize in fire-based offense, DedSec from Watch Dogs focus on support and hacking, Echelon from Splinter Cell excel in stealth, Libertad from Far Cry 6 provide healing support, and Phantoms from Ghost Recon Phantoms offer versatile offensive and defensive capabilities.
XDefiant, a free-to-play arcade shooter from Ubisoft, is now live on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game features five modes, five factions, 14 maps, and 24 weapons with 44 attachments. Players can choose from Arena and Linear game modes, each offering unique objectives. Factions inspired by Ubisoft games provide different abilities and playstyles, while customizable loadouts allow for tailored combat strategies. Ubisoft+ Premium subscribers get exclusive skins and early access to the DedSec faction.
Battlestate Games' studio head, Nikita Buyanov, revealed a plethora of upcoming changes for Escape from Tarkov, including the game's 1.0 release, new factions like RUAF, hideout expansions, anti-cheat improvements, microtransactions limited to clothing and cosmetics, a PMC Karma system, a Prestige system, a new storyline with alternate endings, and plans for DLC and a companion app. Additionally, upcoming changes to hit boxes, armour mechanics, recoil, inertia, crafting, and weapons were highlighted, with the next map, Terminal, serving as a transport hub for cross-map functionality.
Infighting within the GOP poses a threat to Senator Ron Johnson's efforts to pass a bill expanding spy powers, as different factions within the party clash over the legislation in Congress.
Sony and Naughty Dog have canceled The Last of Us Factions, a multiplayer project that had been in development for years. The original idea of expanding the multiplayer mode from The Last of Us Part 1 into a sequel was overshadowed by plans for a sprawling live service game with microtransactions. Some suggest that Naughty Dog could salvage the multiplayer combat elements and create a smaller scale Factions 2, giving players what they originally wanted while not discarding years of work. However, it remains uncertain if this is feasible.
The Conservative Party is experiencing internal turmoil as different factions within the party clash over various issues. These factions include the New Conservatives, the European Research Group, the Common Sense Group, No Turning Back, and the Northern Research Group. While some groups are pressuring Prime Minister Boris Johnson to take a hardline approach on issues like immigration and international obligations, others, such as the One Nation Conservatives, are advocating for a more moderate stance. The party is awaiting the verdict of a "star chamber" of experts before making a final decision on proposed legislation.
Starfield's Crimson Fleet faction offers players the opportunity to engage in piracy-related gameplay. The faction features eight side missions, including tasks such as infiltration, finding a traitor, routine duties, hacking, and more. Completing these missions rewards players with experience points, credits, gear, and the opportunity to progress in the storyline. Players can choose to remain loyal to the United Colonies or join the Crimson Fleet, each with their own set of objectives and outcomes.
The special primary election in Rhode Island's 1st District has become a battleground for factions within the Democratic Party. The three candidates commanding the most attention are Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, former Biden White House aide Gabriel Amo, and former state representative Aaron Regunberg. Matos faced controversy after her campaign filed nomination papers with invalid signatures, while Regunberg drew criticism for his father-in-law starting a super PAC to support his campaign. The race is expected to be close, with Amo benefiting from the endorsement of former congressman Patrick Kennedy. Ultimately, voters will choose the candidate they believe can effectively represent the district and continue the work of Rep. David N. Cicilline.
Starfield, the highly anticipated space adventure game, now has a comprehensive guides hub covering various aspects of the game, including beginner's tips, companions and romances, factions and side quests, combat, ships, and weapons. The hub also includes spoiler guides for the main quest and the finale, as well as information on New Game Plus. Players can expect the hub to expand with more articles in the future.
A special election in Rhode Island to replace Rep. David Cicilline has turned into a proxy war between different factions of the Democratic Party. Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos is backed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, former state legislator Aaron Regunberg has the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Gabe Amo, a Biden White House alum, is supported by the Congressional Black Caucus. The race has been marked by controversies, including a scandal involving Matos' ballot signatures and criticism of Regunberg's father-in-law starting a super PAC on his behalf. The winner of the primary is expected to easily win the safely Democratic seat.
Confusing information has emerged regarding The Last of Us Part III and Factions, with leaks suggesting casting details for Part III that may actually pertain to Factions. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that major filming for Part III will take place this year. It remains unclear whether the next installment will be a single-player or multiplayer game.
Most Republicans are defending former President Donald Trump and denouncing the prosecution after his latest indictment under the Espionage Act. However, the language they use to defend him is revealing of the different factions within the Republican party. Trump's rivals are focusing their defense on the suggestion that the law isn't being fairly applied, while True Trumpers stand by him no matter what charges are leveled against him. The never (and no longer) Trumpers have disapproved of him for a long time and are not defending him in this case.
