Harley: Well I can tell you what Steven smells like. MINT.

Rick: Is that what that smell is? It's giving me a headache.

Steven: Guys, I haven't had that many mints!

Harley: STEVEN, THERE ARE THREE EMPTY MINT TINS AT YOUR FEET.

Steven: *mouth full of mints* m-ke it 5.

Rick: Steven stop! That is a comical amount of mints!

Steven: M-ke it -ix!

Harley: Steven you're worrying us!

EU Fires back at FTC, new PlayStation hardware in testing, and Call of Duty may come to PS Plus!

🕹️ The Console War Rages On

The EU clarifies its stance on Microsoft's Zenimax Acquisition and the ongoing acquisition of Activision-Blizzard-King - The European Commission has come to Microsoft's aid in the Activision Blizzard takeover case. US Federal Trading Commission (FTC) mistakenly believed Microsoft made 'commitments' to EU regulators not to release Xbox-exclusive content following its takeover of ZeniMax Media. In a new report published by MLex, the EU states that Microsoft never made any such commitments. The deal was approved because it "would not raise competition concerns". This means that even if Xbox made Bethesda's titles exclusive, it wouldn't significantly impact as rivals wouldn't be denied access to an "essential input". The European Commission says it has no comment on whether it agrees that Microsoft didn't stay true to its assurances to the EU on ZeniMax. Microsoft has told U.K. regulators that it makes sense for a Starfield to go exclusive and for a CoD not to. FTC is saying that if Microsoft told the EU it didn't need to go exclusive, then perhaps it'll do the same again with CoD. (Source)

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores to arrive exclusively on PlayStation 5 - The new DLC expansion for Horizon Forbidden West, subtitled "Burning Shores", will arrive on PlayStation 5 exclusively on the 19th of April, 2023. (Source)

New PlayStation 5 hardware currently being tested - According to Insider-Gaming, the PlayStation 5 is set to get a unique overhaul in the middle of FY 2023, with the new console launching around September 2023. This new console will completely replace the A, B, and C chassis that have been in production since the console's launch. It's understood that this new PlayStation 5 console will be sold on its own or in a bundle with the detachable disc drive. (Source)

Sonic Frontiers has sold over 2.5 million units - SEGA tweeted on their official Twitter account indicating that Sonic Frontiers has sold over 2.5 million copies. They continued by indicating that more free content will come to the game in 2023. (Source)

Microsoft has offered to include Call of Duty in PlayStation Plus - Microsoft has offered Sony the right to include Call of Duty within its PS Plus subscription service. This is in addition to a deal that would also keep Call on PlayStation, Nintendo and Steam platforms for at least the next ten years. The move could boost subscriptions as a business model, which fits with Microsoft's strategy to grow this business area. (Source)

Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection gets a release date - In a new trailer for the collection, the game was revealed to launch on the 14th of April, 2023. The game will also feature extended online play, trading, and PVP. (Source)

✨ Going to Events Spiritually

PlayStation Plus gets new games for December. The lineup includes Far Cry, Judgement, Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, Yakuza 6: Song of Life, Mortal Shell, Middle Earth and more.

🎮 Where's My Controller?

Duelyst 2 came out this week. I was disappointed when the original was shut down. Duelyst 2 is a tactical turn-based card game on a grid. I gather that this sequel is a fan-made resurrection, so I will have to see how it is managed going forward. I enjoy this game, and you should check it out on Steam.

I've also been playing Marvel Snap. It is a fun game, but ranking up to get new cards feels like a slog. Actual PVP is set to be released sometime in the future. Right now, you are matched up against persons with similar ranks, and you grind levels to get to max rank. There aren't any ladders, so to speak.

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Forward to a friend and let them know where they can subscribe (hint: it's here).

Thad: What do you smell like?

J: I can answer for myself. Lavender. I smell like Lavender

Uzi: Yeah. Well I can tell you what N smells like. Mint.

V: Eh. Is that what that smell is? It's been giving me a headache.

N: Guys, I haven't had that many mints!

Uzi: N there are 3 empty mint tins on the floor around you!

N with mints in his mouth: Make it 5

V: N STOP! THAT'S A COMICAL AMOUNT OF MINTS!

N with even more mints in his mouth: And make it 6.

Uzi: N YOU'RE WORRYING US!