Daily Gaming News: August 24, 2020

Microsoft jumps into the fray against Apple

Tech juggernaut Microsoft has decided to leap into battle in the Apple vs. Epic court case, with a new declaration that states Apple’s actions in blocking Epic’s software tools – namely access to Unreal Engine – will not only harm Microsoft, but also other game makers and developers.

New Sega Astro City Mini console comes out in December

If you’ve ever been inside one of the many (well, maybe “many” is a bit generous) arcades in Japan, chances are good that you’ve seen a Sega Astro City machine. Sega is launching a miniature version of the Astro City, code-named Astro City Mini, on December 17 with 36 titles. While only 23 of the titles have been announced, and include classics like Virtua Fighter, Altered Beast, and Shinobi, Sega’s saving the rest for an upcoming Famitsu livestream on September 3.

The Astro City Mini will go on sale for 12,800 yen (currently around ~$120) and will feature an optional control pad for 2,780 yen (~$26), and an arcade kit that includes a base and stool (okay, this looks awesome) for an extra 3,980 yen (~$38).

Source: PlayerPowers

Prepare for Lord of the Rings: Gollum

IGN has the latest scoop on a new Lord of the Rings game that I don’t remember anybody, much less the masses, clamoring for: Lord of the Rings: Gollum. According to game designer Martin Wilkes, “the game mixes stealth with vertical climbing parkour” and will feature branching narrative decisions. It also seems that these choices affect Gollum’s dominant personality (Smeagol or Gollum).

Lord of the Rings: Gollum will be releasing sometime in 2021 on PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5.

Everybody’s leaving Lab Zero Games, maker of Skullgirls

There’s been a mass exodus of sorts at Lab Zero Games, with a number of staff leaving the game company after multiple reports of harassment and abusive behavior by Lab Zero owner Mike “Mike Z” Zaimont. That name might sound familiar, because a couple of months ago the same guy was mentioned in gaming news for a questionable joke involving George Floyd on a Skullgirls livestream and inappropriate messages sent to a Twitch streamer.

Interestingly, the Skullgirls IP is owned by publisher Autumn Games, and the mobile edition is currently developed by Hidden Variable Games. Both companies said in a joint statement that they would cut ties with Mike Zaimont and Lab Zero Games.

I’ve resigned from Lab Zero Games. pic.twitter.com/I0dazMz4XB

— Kinuko (@kinucakes) August 24, 2020

I was trying to wait for lab zero to get more internal resolution on this before I went public, but now that @ClickAgain has started talking about it, I’ll share with you the statement I made in the company slack when I cut ties with lab zero almost two months ago. pic.twitter.com/meV0q8ijmQ

— brandon sheffield (@necrosofty) August 23, 2020

I’m leaving Lab Zero Games.

Short version:
Mike Z creates an unsafe work environment for everyone.
He is the sole owner of Lab Zero Games, and removing him is difficult. He originally agreed to leave, but is unwilling to make a reasonable compromise, so I’m taking my exit now. pic.twitter.com/Uk4GjMt62k

— EU03 (@ClickAgain) August 23, 2020

Hey guys, I’ve resigned from Lab Zero Games. pic.twitter.com/9xlr3X0IHD

— Persona 😎 (@personasama) August 24, 2020

I spent 30 minutes trying to get a video talking about Mike Z and Lab 0. So here’s I a thread, I guess.

— 🐌 Carbunny Bun 🐌 (@carbonbae) August 23, 2020

An official statement from Hidden Variable and Autumn regarding Lab Zero Games and the future of Skullgirls. pic.twitter.com/4qeoN9fgRj

— Skullgirls Mobile (@sgmobile) August 25, 2020

CD PROJEKT “confirms” free DLC for Cyberpunk 2077

In better news, when posed the question on Twitter, CD PROJEKT confirmed that there would be some kind of free DLC available for long-awaited Cyberpunk 2077  in the form of a Kool-Aid Man meme reply: OHHHH YEAHHHHH!