After launching in November, Pokémon Sword and Shield could now be deep in post game mode for many players. But if they're looking for something more to do in Galar, they can catch up on Sword and Shield updates in this week's gaming news roundup, along with news on other Pokémon titles. Players can also find updates on game studio closures and partnerships, new details on The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, a retrospective on video game adaptations in film and TV, and learn how the gaming community has shown support for Australia while in the grips of an ongoing crisis.
Highlights From This Week's Gaming News
Tate Multimedia Supports Australian Wildfire Victims
All sales of Tate Multimedia's Kao the Kangaroo: Round 2 will go to relief for the Australian wildfires. Other game developers and streamers have provided additional support.
Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC Coming in 2020
The first Pokémon Direct of the new year announced The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, upcoming expansion packs for Pokémon Sword and Shield. Scheduled for release later this year, they feature new locations, new Pokémon, and more.
Pokémon GO Finally Receives Trade Evolution and New Pokemon Added
Pokémon from the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White have joined Pokémon GO. The popular mobile game also now features Trade Evolution, a major mechanic from the main series. Within Pokémon GO, Trade Evolution works by lowering Candy costs for evolution after trading certain Pokémon like Haunter and Kadabra.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX Coming in March
The latest Pokémon Direct kicked off with an announcement for Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, a remake combining Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team, the two versions of the first title in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. It’s scheduled to launch on the Nintendo Switch in March, and it already has a demo available. Unlike the original games, Rescue Team DX will feature "water-color inspired" art.
Humble Winter Sale 2020 Starts the Year With Awesome Savings
GRIS, Hatoful Boyfriend, Overcooked, Resident Evil 2 Remake and more are discounted during Humble Bundle's Winter Sale this year.
GOG New Year's Resolutions Sale 2020 Has Darn Good DRM-Free Deals
Find deals on Star Wars and Warhammer during GOG New Year's Resolutions Sale.
Fantasy Flight Interactive Closing Down For Good
Fantasy Flight Interactive, founded by Asmodee in 2017 as a way to create digital versions of the company's tabletop games, is shutting down after producing one game, The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card Game. However, the studio promises continued support for the Tolkien-based title. Tim Gerritsen, Studio Head of Fantasy Flight Interactive, also stated on his LinkedIn page that he's trying to find new roles for his team.
My Arcade Super Retro Champ is Two 16-Bit Consoles in One
Gather your old Sega and Nintendo cartridges for manufacturer My Arcade's upcoming Super Retro Champ console, scheduled for release later this year. The hybrid console will be able to play both Sega and Nintendo games.
Onion Soup Interactive Donating 100% of Nippon Marathon Profits to Australia This Week
For one week, indie developer Onion Soup Interactive donated profits from the sales of their wacky Nippon Marathon to help animals during Australian wildfires.
Dell Reveal New Alienware Concept UFO Handheld PC; Nintendo Switch-Inspired Design
During CES 2020, Dell's Alienware presented a new handheld gaming PC with a design reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch.
The Lord Of The Rings: Gollum New Information Surfaces
More information about Daedalic Entertainment's upcoming The Lord of the Rings: Gollum was shared in the latest issue of Edge magazine in an interview with developers. They discussed new details such as Gollum's design moving away from the film version.
Platinum Games Tencent Partnership Announced
Platinum Games, developer of titles like NieR: Automata and Bayonetta, has partnered with Tencent. According to Platinum Games, this new partnership will not affect the company's independence.
EA Announce International Apex Legends Global Series
Apex Legends continues to make strides toward esports. Electronic Arts and Respawn Entertainment have announced the International Apex Legends Global Series, the game's first international multi-tournament program.
Features and Reviews of the Week
The 2010s: Notable Video Game TV and Movie Adaptations
At the launch of a new year, TechRaptor looks back at 15 of the most noteworthy video game adaptations of the past decade, ranging from Detective Pikachu to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
2019 TechRaptor Awards - Game of the Year
Between the likes of Control, Death Stranding, Devil May Cry 5, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, The Outer Worlds and more, which one is TechRaptor’s pick for Game of 2019?
What’s the final verdict on a game that mashes up genres and isn’t a Super Smash Bros. title?
Did you see other news in gaming this week that deserves attention? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.