Rune: An Incredible Week For Gamers- Issue #42

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Rune
August 22, 2024

Issue #42

Rune: An Incredible Week For Gamers

Aug 21, 2024 • 10 minutes

In a flurry of gaming news, Black Myth: Wukong has made a spectacular debut, surpassing 2 million players on launch day, while Borderlands 4 has been officially announced for a 2025 release. Strategy fans can look forward to Civilization 7, set to launch in February 2025, and Starfield: Shattered Space is gearing up for its debut next month. Meanwhile, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has confirmed its release date, heading to PS5 this December. Additionally, the new game Mafia: The Old Country promises a gritty look into 1900s Sicily, with more details slated for December. The gaming landscape is shaping up for an exciting few years ahead.

Gaming News

Black Myth: Wukong Surpasses 2 Million Players on Launch Day

Game Science's latest title, Black Myth: Wukong, has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing a staggering 2.2 million players on Steam just after its release. This impressive feat not only places it as the most played game on the platform, surpassing giants like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, but also ranks it second in all-time concurrent player counts on Steam. As the number one single-player game currently on the platform, Black Myth: Wukong has proven to be an instant hit, bolstered by strong reviews and a rapidly growing player base.

Borderlands 4 Announced for 2025 Release

Borderlands 4 has been officially revealed at Gamescom 2024, set to launch next year. The game picks up where Borderlands 3 left off, with a trailer featuring Lilith's iconic Phoenix symbol. Players will take on the role of a Vault Hunter in search of a mysterious "secret alien treasure," according to the game's Steam page.

Meanwhile, the recently released Borderlands movie is struggling, receiving harsh reviews and disappointing box office numbers, overshadowed even by the re-release of Coraline. With Borderlands 4 on the horizon, fans are hopeful it can redeem the franchise after a rocky few years.

Civilization 7 Launches February 2025

Firaxis Games has officially announced that Sid Meier's Civilization 7 will launch on February 11, 2025. The announcement, made during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, was accompanied by the first look at gameplay. A more detailed 20-minute gameplay showcase is scheduled for later tonight.

Earlier leaks revealed that the Deluxe Edition, priced at $99.99, will offer five days of early access, allowing players to start on February 6. In a welcome update, Firaxis also confirmed that Civ 7 will not require the 2K launcher on Steam, following the removal of this requirement from Civ 6.

Starfield: Shattered Space Expansion Launches Next Month

During Gamescom Opening Night Live, Bethesda revealed that Starfield's first expansion, Shattered Space, will launch on September 30. This highly anticipated expansion focuses on House Va'ruun, the secretive faction known for worshiping the Great Serpent, and will take players to their mysterious homeworld's capital city, Dazra. Fans have long speculated about its location, with theories pointing to the Serpentis system.

Alongside this, Starfield is also receiving an update today introducing the REV-8, a driveable land vehicle capable of jumping, shooting, and mining resources. Looking ahead, Bethesda has hinted at a second expansion, possibly titled "Starborn," following the release of Shattered Space.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Release Date Announced, Coming to PS5

During Gamescom Opening Night Live, Xbox and MachineGames finally announced that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will launch on December 9, 2024, with a PS5 release confirmed for Spring 2025. This long-awaited game, narrated by Troy Baker, showcases first-person puzzles and combat, promising a faithful Indiana Jones experience. The announcement also teased post-launch DLC, "The Order of Giants," and classic outfits from The Last Crusade and The Temple of Doom. While some fans still debate the shift to first-person, MachineGames' expertise with the Wolfenstein series leaves room for optimism.

Mafia: The Old Country Announced, More Details Coming in December

2K Games and Hangar 13 have unveiled Mafia: The Old Country, a gripping mob tale set in 1900s Sicily. Announced as the closer for Gamescom's Opening Night Live, this upcoming installment promises to explore the brutal origins of organized crime. While details remain sparse, more information is expected in December, with a release slated for late 2025. The game is described as a "deep, linear narrative" that channels the spirit of classic mob movies, offering a focused, immersive experience. Mafia: The Old Country will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Dune: Awakening Set for Early 2025 PC Release

Dune: Awakening, the highly anticipated MMO, is set to launch on PC in early 2025, with a console release to follow. The latest trailer, revealed during Gamescom's Opening Night Live, offers a closer look at the game's combat, character creation, and the iconic sandworms that players will encounter. Set in an alternate Dune universe where Paul Atreides was never born, the game introduces a survival-focused experience that demands players navigate harsh desert environments and deadly threats. While riding sandworms won't be available at launch, future updates promise to expand on Fremen culture, adding depth to this immersive world.

Monster Hunter Wilds Unveils a Terrifying New Foe

Monster Hunter Wilds continues to build anticipation with a new trailer revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live. The highlight? A nightmarish spider monster that's sure to haunt players' dreams. Set for release in 2025, the game showcases its expansive open world, dynamic weather mechanics, and introduces more of the fan-favorite blacksmith, Gemma. Capcom, riding high on recent successes with Resident Evil and Street Fighter, looks set to deliver another hit with Monster Hunter Wilds. The latest footage cements its place as one of next year's most anticipated titles.

Dying Light: The Beast Reveals Kyle Crane's Return

Techland has announced Dying Light: The Beast at Gamescom Opening Night Live, marking the return of original protagonist Kyle Crane, once again voiced by Roger Craig Smith. Initially planned as an expansion, the project expanded into a standalone title set in the new location of Castor Woods. In this installment, Crane has transformed into a powerful beast, seeking revenge after being subjected to experiments. Dying Light: The Beast builds on the series’ signature elements, including intense parkour and a gripping day-night cycle. The game will be available for free to those who own the Dying Light 2 Ultimate Edition.

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