EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ASSASSIN’S CREED IV BLACK FLAG

We’ve got nine full minutes of gameplay showing off every new and exciting feature under the blazing sun of the West Indies!

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is gearing up for launch, and in anticipation of this momentous event, we’ve created a brand new trailer to deliver all the details you’ll need to stride confidently in the daunting shoes of Captain Edward Kenway! With compelling characters, an expansive world, and an infinite amount of pirate activities to engage in, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is the largest and most immersive Assassin’s game in the franchise.

Get to know Captain Edward Kenway and his host of fearsome pirate allies, like Charles Vane, Anne Bonny, Calico Jack and Blackbeard. Take on pirate hunter Woodes Rogers whose ruthlessness is surpassed only by his infamy as the bane of outlaw sailors.

Board the Jackdaw and meet Adéwalé, your talented Quartermaster. He’ll ensure the Jackdaw sails true and even guide you in upgrading the ship, adding additional cannons, swivel guns, fire barrels and even the ability to rain hell from the sky with explosive mortars. Board any ship you please and press its crew into service, use it to repair the Jackdaw or gift it to one of your crew and put them to work earning you money and goods as part of the Kenway fleet.

Explore over fifty exotic locations from dense jungle and island plantations to hidden cenotes and grand cities. Immerse yourself in the gameplay elements that have made Assassin’s Creed a world class adventure series. From stealthy assassinations to all out brutal melee combat, you’ll be able to experience the Golden Age of Pirates on your terms.

And there’s even more as you drink, dive and harpoon your way through the lush Caribbean landscape!

Armed with all of this knowledge, you’re finally ready to set sail with Captain Edward Kenway…

Join us under the Black Flag of Assassin’s Creed IV!

CALL OF DUTY®: GHOSTS INTEL – LAUNCH COUNTDOWN DOUBLE XP WEEK

To celebrate the upcoming launch of Call of Duty®: Ghosts on November 5th, we’re turning on Double XP for both Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty®: Black Ops II during the entire week of Friday, October 25th 2013 (10am/PDT) through Friday, November 1st  2013 (10am/PDT).

If that alone isn’t incentive enough to polish off those final prestige levels, we’re offering exclusive in-game backgrounds in Call of Duty®: Ghosts for those that have played the previous two games. You can pick a background to showcase for each of your soldiers, so other players will see your veteran status.

There are six backgrounds in total that unlock based on previous accomplishments. Have you played Modern Warfare 3 or Black Ops II multiplayer? That’s two backgrounds. Have you prestiged at least once in Modern Warfare 3 or Black Ops II multiplayer? Another two backgrounds.

For our most dedicated players, however, we’d like to share the following:

This is the background you get in Call of Duty®: Ghosts for hitting 10th prestige in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 3.

This is the background you get in Call of Duty®: Ghosts for hitting max prestige in Call of Duty®: Black Ops II.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start tearing through prestige levels.

Call of Duty®: Ghosts is available for current-gen systems and Windows PC November 5th, 2013. Pre-order now  and get all the latest news by following the Call of Duty®: Ghosts Facebook page  and Twitter (@CallofDuty  and@InfinityWard).

Grand Theft Auto Online Update

Get ready to drop some sea shells with all new vehicles, weaponry and a load of new Jobs that are coming in November with the Beach Bum Pack.

Thank you to everyone for joining in GTA Online throughout this first month of its release, for all of your awesome Online Snapmatic pics and Crew videos that we’ve spotted, for your patience and understanding as we’ve been working through the initial teething issues of launching an online experience like this, and for your excellent feedback to the official GTAOnline@rockstargames.com email address. Please keep it coming as it is really helping us plan for the future of the game. Here’s a quick update for all Grand Theft Auto Online players worldwide on what’s in store in the immediate future.

 

THE GTA$ STIMULUS PACKAGE

We know many of you are anxiously waiting for us to show you the GTA$ Stimulus Package money we announced a couple weeks back. As mentioned in that post, we of course want to ensure that game progress loss issues are sufficiently sorted before distributing the GTA$ to everyone. We have a few more tweaks and fixes to make in a new title update that will hit sometime next week and then we will distribute the cash.

 

THE BEACH BUM PACK

Coming in early November will be the first add-on content update, the Beach Bum Pack which will bring all-new beach themed vehicles and new weaponry that you’ll be able to use in both GTA Online and Story Mode. Plus new customization options for your GTA Online character including new tats, hairstyles and more. We’ll also be adding lots of brand new action-packed Jobs to play with Gang Attacks, Survivals, Last Team Standings, Parachutes, Deathmatches and Races that will have you bloodying up the waters and coastlines of the finest beach resorts across Los Santos and Blaine County.

 

THE CONTENT CREATOR

We are also working to bring you the debut of the first part of the GTA Online Content Creator this fall – giving players the ability to craft, publish, rate and play custom-made Deathmatch and Race Jobs. We’ll be keeping our eye open for exceptional ones that we’ll be stamping as ‘Rockstar Verified’ and will be featuring them here at the Newswire and as part of forthcoming GTA Online Social Club Events. Both the Content Creator and the Beach Bum Pack are free.

 

SOCIAL CLUB EVENT WEEKENDS

Starting in November will be the first Grand Theft Auto Online Social Club Event weekends which will bring special rewards and bonuses ranging from limited-edition in-game Event Crate Drops to in-game discount specials and even a special new GTA Online live-stream show hosted by Rockstar at the Social Club Events page and Rockstar Games Twitch page – plus prize pack giveaways of hard to find GTAV gear and more.

 

Stay tuned as we hope to have more information with more details and specific timings on these content updates as well as on GTA Online Heists and the new GTA Online Capture the Flag mode to share with you next week. We will also have initial details on more additional content coming for both Story Mode and GTA Online in the next few weeks.

GTA Fan Vids: Epic Chase Sequences Plus Timelapses, Mythbusting and More

There's been some awesome fan-created GTAV vids shared over the past few weeks including the continuing epic 5-star chase sequences of the masterful Clayman90 on YouTube, some romantic looks at the scenery of Los Santos & Blaine County, and much more. Check a few of them out below in case you haven't seen them and do share in comments any other great GTAV clips you may have caught...


"Grand Theft Auto in Detail (Part One)" by GermanScientistTV

Longtime and avid Social Club member, German Scientist, has hooked up a pair of compilation videos showing off some of the specific details he likes most in GTAV. Part One above shows him experimenting with everything from wheel-less donuts in an Imponte to launchable boats and rebounding bollards and crash cushions on highways. Part Two from last week goes into further detail on animations, physics and flammables.
Speaking of which, also check out IGN's new "GTAV: 41 Tiny Mind-Blowing Things" clip for their litany of little things that caught their eye.
 

"GTAV “5 Stars” Police Chase" by Clayman90

Clayman90 on YouTube's car chase sequences have already become the stuff of legend, with his exceptional and masterful sequences having racked up millions of views over the past few weeks. Check out the original one above that started it all showing off masterful use of Franklin’s special driving ability and incredible accuracy in tossing C4 on to oncoming and stationary enemy vehicles alike – all the while evading police pursuit for minutes on end at 5-stars. And also don't miss some of the sequel clips he's done since including eluding a police pursuit in a shiny chromed-out Adder all the way up Mount Chiliadand even a watery chase through the canals of Los Santos on a jetski.
 

"Timelapse" by DespicableChannel

In the tradition of stunning GTA open world timelapse videos (see this 2009 GTAIV one by DigitalFoundry), the guys from DespicableChannel have captured the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Santos to the more serene landscapes of Blaine County. Definitely check out their channel for more timelapse video and other clips they've been posting playing GTA Online missions like "Top Fun II" and getting into random hijinks Online with their Crew.



"GTAV Theme Song Cover" by SquidPhysics

You may recall this talented musician we featured over the summer for his impressive one-man band rendtions of Grand Theft Auto theme songs - and now he brings it full circle with the GTAV theme song laid down across keys, brass, strings and even foley - all whilst rocking the Los Santos snapback for good measure.

"Other Places: San Andreas (Grand Theft Auto V)" by ultrabrilliant

Writer Andy Kelly’s Other Places YouTube series of interactive videogame environments shows us a montage of scenery from his first week of holiday across Los Santos & Blaine County.
 

Also check out:

• DefendTheHouse (featured here a couple weeks ago) are back with their continuing GTAV Mythbusters series. Episode Two covers detachable cable cars and fatal character stalkings whileEpisode Three shows the awesome power of fighter jet blow-back and prompted an addendum revisit testing of whether motorcycle helmets do indeed make you safer. Episode Four looks at collateral damage from suicide bullets, mid-air vehicle entry and the effects of water pressure on sticky bombs. 
• The guys from TrueMOBSTER have been making some impressive live-action short-subject film renditions of envisioned Grand Theft Auto gameplay for a bit now – their latest entry "GTA Online Multiplayer Gameplay – Real Life" takes on GTA Online with an IRL fantasy of the TrueMOBSTER Crew getting into some Team Deathmatch and GTA Race action on foot and most impressively, on the open seas.
   

If you’ve seen (or made!) any other great GTA or Rockstar related vids, share them with the Social Club community in comments below and we may feature them in an upcoming roundup here at the Newswire.

NEXT-GEN UPGRADE FAQ

Call of Duty®: Ghosts is committed to making this console transition as seamless and easy as possible for our fans. We know there are still a lot of questions about the transition, so we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. We will continue to update you as additional information becomes available, so be sure to check back for more. If you have questions, please leave us a comment.

General

What happens to my stats when I upgrade to a next-generation console?

When you upgrade to a next-generation console within the same console family (e.g., from Xbox 360 to Xbox One, or from PS3™ to PS4™), your Multiplayer stats and progress will move with you; so there is no need to re-start leveling up your squad from the beginning.

All you need is your Call of Duty account, which over 20 million of you already have, through registering for Call of Duty ELITE. Your Call of Duty account will also grant access to the Call of Duty App.

If you don’t have a Call of Duty account, you will be able to register in-game in Call of Duty: Ghosts, or you can register for free online right now to be ready. Click here to register for a Call of Duty account.

What happens to my Free Fall Bonus Map when I upgrade to a next-generation console?

Just like your stats, when you upgrade to a next-generation console within the same console family (e.g., from Xbox 360 to Xbox One, or from PS3™ to PS4™), your Free Fall Bonus Map will move with you if redeemed by May 31, 2014.

After I upgrade to a new console, what happens to my stats if I play on a friend’s console or on an older platform?

Link your Call of Duty account to your Xbox Live gamertag or PSN ID and any time you play, while signed in with that Xbox Live gamertag or PSN ID, your progress will be retained.  Whether you play on your console, or sign in on your friend’s console, within the same console family, your progress will be retained. Your progress will also follow your linked Xbox Live gamertag or PSN ID when you and your friends upgrade to next-gen console (all within the same console family only). There is no cost for for this benefit.

Xbox

How does the Xbox next-generation upgrade program work?

Microsoft offers the Xbox 360 + Xbox One Digital Combo, a disc-less dual-license that provides the Xbox 360 digital version of Call of Duty: Ghosts, as well as the Xbox One digital version of Call of Duty: Ghosts – linked and unlocked via a user’s Xbox Live gamertag. The Xbox 360 + Xbox One Digital Combo will be available at participating retailers for a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Alternatively, via the Xbox Live Market place, players can also purchase an Xbox 360 digital version of Call of Duty: Ghosts for a suggested retail price of $59.99. And when ready to upgrade to Xbox One, players can purchase a digital Xbox One version of Call of Duty: Ghosts for a suggested retail price of just $10 until March 31, 2014.  This also applies to Call of Duty: Ghosts Digital Hardened Edition purchases.

If I play on Xbox 360, what other retailer next-generation upgrade options are available?

To-date several retail options have been announced for Xbox 360 players to transition to the Xbox One version of Call of Duty: Ghosts.

GamesStop (US)

GameStop Power Up Rewards members will be eligible to trade in their Xbox 360 copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts and get the Xbox One version for just $9.99. Visit http://www.gamestop.com/nextgenoffer for more details on this option. Offer valid until December 31, 2013 or while supplies last.

GameStop (Various European Markets)

Trade in your copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts on Xbox 360 and purchase the Xbox One version for a significantly reduced upgrade fee. Offer valid until December 31, 2013 or while supplies last. Go in-store for more details.

Amazon (US)

Until December 31, 2013 or while supplies last, trade in your copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts on Xbox 360 and get a $25 bonus credit toward your Xbox One version in addition to your trade-in value of at least $25. These special trade-in values are good for a limited time as quantities are limited. Click here for more information on how Amazon’s program works.

Best Buy (US)

Players who buy the Xbox 360 version of Call of Duty: Ghosts will receive a $10 coupon via e-mail valid towards the purchase of the Xbox One version of Call of Duty: Ghosts. Then, when ready to upgrade, players can exchange their Xbox 360 copy of the game for a minimum value of $40, which combined with the $10 coupon will allow them to get the Xbox One version for $9.99. Offer valid until December 31st, 2013. More information on this program can be found here.

GAME (UK)

GAME will be giving Xbox 360 players approximately £40 in trade in value when you upgrade to Call of Duty: Ghosts on Xbox One. Offer ends December 24th, 2013. Go to GAME for complete details and step-by-step instructions.

EB Games (Canada)

In Canada, EB Games allows you to enjoy playing the Xbox 360 version of Call of Duty: Ghosts now and trade up to the new Xbox One version of Call of Duty: Ghosts for just $9.99. Visit http://www.ebgames.ca/collection/play-now-upgrade-later for more details on this option.

Microsoft Store (US)

Buy Call of Duty: Ghosts on Xbox 360 and you can trade-in later for the Xbox One version for only $9.99. The offer is valid at Microsoft Store locations until December 31st, 2013. Visit Microsoft.com for more details.

The above programs are available for a limited time only and are offered directly by the participating retailers; contact the applicable retailers for specific requirements.  All prices, terms, and conditions are set by the retailer.

How does the Xbox next-generation upgrade program work for Hardened Edition or Prestige Edition? Will I have to return my SteelBookTM?

In order to upgrade, you can leverage some of the retail options listed above. Some retailers will accept the disc without the SteelBookTM. Please see individual retailer websites for details.

When I buy the Hardened Edition or Prestige Edition on Xbox 360, will the Season Pass and digital content that comes with it, transfer to Xbox One when I upgrade?

Yes, when you buy the Call of Duty: Ghosts Xbox 360 Hardened Edition, Digital Hardened Edition, or Prestige Edition, you will receive access to download the equivalent Xbox One Season Pass and digital content on Xbox One, FREE of charge.  You simply need to upgrade your game and Season Pass to the Xbox One version by May 31, 2014, and your content will then be available for download and play on your Xbox One (using the same Xbox Live account).

When I buy the Season Pass on Xbox 360, will I have access to the digital content on Xbox One when I upgrade?

When you buy the Call of Duty: Ghosts Xbox 360 Season Pass in the Xbox Live Marketplace, you will automatically receive access to download the equivalent Xbox One Season Pass on Xbox One, FREE of charge.  You simply need to upgrade your game and Season Pass to the Xbox One version in the Xbox Live Marketplace by May 31, 2014and your content will then be available for download and play on your Xbox One (using the same Xbox Live account).

When I upgrade from digital download for Xbox 360 to digital download for Xbox One, will my digital Xbox 360 game license be deactivated?

No, Xbox 360 game license will not be deactivated. Both game licenses will be retained.

PlayStation

How does Sony’s PlayStation next-gen upgrade program work?

For a limited time, when gamers buy the disc or digital version of Call of Duty: Ghosts for PlayStation®3 (including Hardened and Prestige Editions), they can download a PlayStation®4 digital copy of the same game from the PlayStation® Store for a $9.99.  This offer expires March 31, 2014.  Seehttp://us.playstation.com/digitalupgrade for more information.

Alternatively, via the PlayStation Store or Sony Entertainment Network Store, players can also purchase a PS3 digital version of Call of Duty: Ghosts for a suggested retail price of $59.99.  And when ready to upgrade to PS4, players can purchase a digital PS4 version of Call of Duty: Ghosts for a suggested retail price of just $9.99 until March 31, 2014.  This also applies to Call of Duty: Ghosts Digital Hardened Edition purchases.

If I play on PS3, what other retailer next-generation upgrade options are available?

GameStop (Various European Markets)

Trade in your copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts on PS3 and purchase the PS4 version for a significantly reduced upgrade fee. Offer valid until December 31st, 2013 or while supply lasts. Go in-store for more details.

GAME (UK)

GAME will be giving PS3 players approximately £40 in trade in value when you upgrade to Call of Duty: Ghosts on PS4™. Offer ends December 24th, 2013. Go to GAME for complete details and step-by-step instructions.

The above programs are available for a limited time only and are offered directly by the participating retailers; contact the applicable retailers for specific requirements.  All prices, terms, and conditions are set by the retailer.

When I buy the Hardened Edition or Prestige Edition on PS3, will the Season Pass and digital content that comes with it, transfer to PS4 when I upgrade?

Yes, when you buy the Call of Duty: Ghosts PS3 Hardened Edition or Prestige Edition, your Season Pass DLC and digital content will go with you to PS4 for no additional charge.  You simply need to activate your PS3 Season Pass no later than March 31, 2014, and purchase and activate your PS4 console by March 31, 2014 and your content will then be available on your PS4 (using the same PSN account).

When I buy the Season Pass on PS3, will I have access to the digital content on PS4 when I upgrade?

When you buy the Call of Duty: Ghosts PS3 Season Pass, that Season Pass DLC will go with you to PS4 for no additional charge.  You simply need to buy and activate your PS3 Season Pass no later than March 31, 2014, and purchase and activate your PS4™ console by March 31, 2014 and your content will then be available on your PS4 (using the same PSN account).

When I upgrade from digital download for PS3 to digital download for PS4, will my digital PS3 game license be deactivated?

No, PS3 game license will not be deactivated. Both game licenses will be retained.