Niantic announced that its upcoming augmented reality game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, will launch this Friday, June 21. In a press conference outside Universal Studio’s Wizarding World in Florida, Niantic said it would hold Wizards Unite events similar to its Pokémon GO Fests. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is set in J.K. Rowling’s fictional universe where players help protect the wizarding world from exposure to muggles. Players will use their smartphones to capture magical creatures running loose, hunt potion ingredients, and use portkeys to travel to popular locations in the wizarding world.
Games
Reddit Deciphered Harry Potter Wizards Unite Letter
Redditors have deciphered the Harry Potter: Wizards Unite letter, bits and pieces of which appeared in the official trailers.
League of Legends Coming to iOS, Unlikely in 2019
Popular game League of Legends is coming to iOS and Android, but it’s unlikely it will appear in 2019.
One of the sources said Tencent and Riot have been working on a mobile version of “League of Legends” for more than a year, although a separate source said it was unlikely to be launched in 2019.
The sources declined to be identified as details of the project were confidential. A spokesman for Tencent declined to comment. Representatives for Riot did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
AR Game Minecraft Earth Launches This Summer
This summer Microsoft will be launching an augmented reality game called Minecraft Earth. And it wants to be bigger than Pokémon Go.
Microsoft says it will kick off a closed beta of Minecraft Earth this summer on iOS and Android. Naturally, there are going to be limited slots, and you’ll also have to be 18 or older to sign up. And while the plan is to get Minecraft Earth completely global, it’s going to start off with a gradual rollout in select locations. You can also expect it to support all the languages in the original game, at least.
I never got into Minecraft, but I look forward to trying this game out.
Valve’s Steam Link app is Available on iOS
Valve’s Steam Link is back on the App Store, this time maybe for good. The Android app launched in May 2018, but when Valve submitted it to the App Store, Apple rejected it, citing business conflicts. The Steam Link app brings desktop gaming to your iPhone or iPad. Just pair an MFI or Steam controller to your device, connect to a computer running Steam on the same local network, and start playing your existing Steam games. Requirements: iPhone or iPad using iOS 10 or higher Computer running Steam – Windows, Mac, or Linux. * iOS device must be on the same local network as the computer running Steam. For best performance: Connect your computer using Ethernet to your 5Ghz WiFi router Connect your iOS device to the 5GHz band of your WiFi network. * Keep your iOS device within a reasonable range of your router. App Store: Free
New Pokémon Game Rumble Rush Heading to iOS
A new Pokémon game called Rumble Rush is heading to iOS soon. It first launched in Australia and will make its way to other countries.
Apex Legends Coming to iPhone
Popular game Apex Legends is coming to iPhone. The Verge reported on EA Games announcing its desire to bring the game to mobile during its earnings call Tuesday.
According to EA, the Respawn-developed battle royale game is “easily the fastest-growing franchise we’ve ever had.” What might be surprising, though, is that EA said it’s looking to bring the game from PC and console to mobile platforms. “We are in advanced negotiations to bring Apex Legends to China and to mobile,” the company said during today’s call….There’s no word on when this might happen for Apex, nor what form the mobile iteration will take. But it appears that EA is trying hard to keep the game’s early momentum going. “We are hugely excited about the future of Apex Legends,” the company said today.
Here are Some of the Games Included in Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is the company’s new gaming subscription service. It will feature games from indie developers and bigger studios alike.
Pre-Register for Call of Duty Mobile on iOS
Activision is bringing Call of Duty: Mobile to iOS and Android. It will launch later this year as a free download.
The game will include classic Call of Duty multiplayer modes such as Team Death Match and Free-For-All, and fan-favorite maps like Nuketown.
There is no pre-order app on iOS but you can do it on this website.
Apple Security Tool Unveiled at RSA Conference 2019
The RSA Conference is a series of computer security conferences. This year, security researcher Patrick Wardle announced a new tool for Macs called GamePlan.
…GamePlan, a tool that watches for potentially suspicious events on Macs and flags them for humans to investigate. The general concept sounds similar to other defense platforms, and it hooks into detection mechanisms—has a USB stick been inserted into a machine? has someone generated a screen capture? is a program accessing a webcam?—Apple already offers in macOS. But GamePlan, cleverly written with Apple’s GameplayKit framework, collects all of this data in a centralized stream and uses the videogame logic engine to process it.
I use a couple of Mr. Wardle’s security tools. I look forward to downloading GamePlan.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Will Bring Generation 8
Nintendo announced the arrival of Pokemon Sword and Shield that will come to the Nintendo Switch later this year. It brings with it the eighth generation of Pokemon. We saw a sneak peak of three starter Pokemon: Grookey, a chimp full of boundless curiosity; Scorbunny, a rabbit bursting with energy; and Sobble, a timid water lizard.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be set in Galar, an expansive region with many environments—idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains. The people and Pokémon live together in this region, and they’ve worked together to develop the industries here.
I recently bought a Switch and I’m currently playing Pokemon Let’s Go: Eevee. I haven’t kept up with the previous generations but I look forward to getting this game.
Civilization 6: Gathering Storm Won't Be Coming to iOS
In Polygon‘s review of Civilization 6: Gathering Storm, it sounds like the expansion pack won’t be coming to iOS. I find this incredibly sad because I love the game and I was looking forward to Gathering Storm. The iPad version also doesn’t include the Rise and Fall update which came out last year.
So I’m going to just say that if you’re looking for a better, more advanced, more complicated Civ 6, then Gathering Storm is just fine. But if you’re looking for value, if you don’t want to feel like you’re being gouged and punished for being a fan, I’m inclined to suggest you wait for a price cut.
Technobabylon is a Cyberpunk Game Full of Adventure
Technobabylon is a cyberpunk game that I recently came across. I haven’t played it yet but it’s downloading as I type, due to its large, 1.4GB file size. In the city of Newton, 2087, genetic engineering is the norm, the addictive Trance has replaced almost any need for human interaction, and an omnipresent AI named Central powers the city. CEL agents Charlie Regis and Max Lao are investigating a serial Mindjacker who is tapping into the neural wiring of seemingly ordinary citizens, stealing their knowledge and leaving them dead. An agoraphobic net addict named Latha Sesame might be the next target. But when Charlie’s past comes back to haunt him, he and his partner find themselves on opposite sides of the law, with Latha’s fate in the crossfire. App Store: US$4.99
Support for MFi Controllers Comes to Fortnite
Fortnite’s latest update adds support for MFi controllers, making it a bit easier to play. Another feature includes a chiller grenade.
Bluetooth controller support has arrived in mobile on supported devices! Drop in and earn a Victory in a whole new way.
I don’t play Fortnite but game controllers make it easier to play action games, instead of relying on touchscreen controls.
Alien Blackout Game Launches Today
The terror of Alien is brought to life in Alien Blackout. Try to stay alive while trapped aboard a crippled Weyland-Yutani space station carrying a deadly Xenomorph as it tirelessly hunts you and the crew. Outsmart the perfect hunter by making perilous choices. Players must rely on the damaged controls of the space station or risk sacrificing crew members to avoid deadly contact, permanently altering the outcome of the game. Survive seven fear-inducing levels by remotely guiding Amanda Ripley’s crew through increasingly challenging tasks using only the station’s emergency systems. The uncertainty and unpredictability of both the alien and her crew can impose total defeat for Amanda and the entire station. Alien Blackout is a unique fear-inducing horror mobile game experience that will test the inner nerves of both Alien and horror fans alike, where life can end in an instant. App Store: US$4.99
CES - Kwikset Shows New Aura and Halo Smart Locks
LAS VEGAS – Kwikset is showing three new smart locks, the Aura using Bluetooth, and their first Wi-Fi product, the Halo.
Test Your Knowledge With Quiz Pursuit Trivia App
With millions of unique quiz questions and thousands of topics, QuizPursuit is one of the best trivia games out there. With this fun and engaging quiz game, you can enhance your knowledge, while having a fun trivia game experience. And with the Levels feature you can boast to your friends about your expertise in your chosen topics of interest. Play this quiz game by yourself or invite and challenge friends for a fun round of trivia. No matter what your topic of interest is, we’ve got you covered. Choose from thousands of interesting topics, including sports, entertainment, science, and general trivia. The more questions that you answer on a particular topic, the higher the levels you reach. What’s more is that you win nuggets to advance through levels. You can use these nuggets to wager with your friends in challenges. You can double your wagered nuggets by winning the challenges. App Store: Free
Heads Up Gamers: Civilization VI Expansions Packs are Free
Aspyr is giving gamers a fantastic deal for the holidays. The Civilization VI expansion packs will be free for the rest of December. There will only be a free pack every 48 hours though. This is only for the iOS app. Here’s the schedule:
- Dec. 20-22: Poland Civilization & Scenario Pack (usually US$4.99)
- Dec. 22-24: Vikings Scenario Pack (usually US$4.99)
- Dec. 24-26: Australia Civilization & Scenario Pack (usually US$4.99)
- Dec. 26-28: Persia and Macedon Civilization & Scenario Pack (usually US$8.99)
- Dec. 28-30: Nubia Civilization & Scenario Pack (usually US$4.99)
- Dec. 30 – Jan. 1: Khmer and Indonesia Civilization & Scenario Pack (usually US$8.99)
Stephen Fry Voices Einstein in Human Heroes Game
Stephen Fry voices Einstein in a game that launched on iOS recently. Einstein on Time is the first in a children’s educational app series—Human Heroes—centered on history’s greatest minds. From the philosophers of ancient Greece, to the giants of science, renowned artists, composers, mathematicians, authors and architects – these inspirational characters are brought back to life in a futuristic theatrical setting to perform a captivating live-show experience covering their life and their famous discoveries. In addition to the educational value of the subjects covered in each individual app, the series aims to develop a deep-lasting bond between the user and these intellectual champions so that they become life-long role models for children. Created by edtech startup KalamTech and in collaboration with education experts, the app blends computer generated animations, latest gamification techniques and interactive storytelling to bring a fresh kind of learning experience to the next generation. App Store: US$3.99
Gone Home Game Will Launch on iOS on December 11 (Update)
The Gone Home game, the BAFTA award-winning first-person adventure exploration game from the Fullbright Company launches today, allowing even more players to experience the groundbreaking title. Published by Annapurna Interactive, the game retails for US$4.99 in the App Store. Gone Home previously launched on Nintendo Switch earlier this year in celebration of its 5th Anniversary, and is also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Mac, Linux and PC. Critically acclaimed for its compelling narrative, Gone Home invites players to interrogate every detail of a seemingly normal house to discover the story of the people who live there, revealing the events of one family’s lives by investigating all they’ve left behind. App Store: US$4.99
App Sale: The Ocmo Game is Currently Free
Ocmo is an award winning ninja rope platformer that challenges even hardcore gamers. Fluid movement, physics based gameplay and tight controls create unique sense of freedom and flow. Survive the 80 dangerous levels including secrets and boss fights. Set new records and share speedrunning videos. Swing with tentacles through the levels using momentum to your advantage. Eat rabbits and discover the world. You are the monster of the forest. Features: Lots of dying, ragdoll rabbits, physics-based eating, unique and precise controls, hard to master, well crafted and diverse level design, loads of depth, designed for speedrunning, online leaderboards, beautiful world with a small but dark story to discover, and more. App Store: Ocmo – Free (usually US$4.99)
Pokémon GO Apple Health Integration is Here
Pokemon on GO’s integration with Apple Health is live. Players can now have the game track all their movements, not just those that happen when it’s open
Pokémon GO Apple Health Integration Finally Here
It will let you earn candy and hatch eggs even when the Pokémon Go app isn’t running.
Minecraft on Apple TV was Dropped and Nobody Noticed
Minecraft on Apple TV was discontinued on September 24th, but don’t feel bad for not noticing because no one else did, either.