HBO's The Last of Us is coming back for a second season, and the role of Jesse will be played by Beef star Young Mazino. He recently discussed how he landed the part and his experience playing the games. Speaking to Variety, Mazino said he played The Last of Us: Part II before he stepped into a meeting with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to help prepare. 

"I played the video game before the meeting and we had a long talk about their process and what they were looking for. I guess Beef kind of pushed me the rest of the way," he said.

Young Mazino had never played #TheLastofUs until recently, before he met with series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to discuss joining the show. He had previously watched the cutscenes on YouTube edited together like a movie. https://t.co/Ch9mWMwWkV pic.twitter.com/ScRQhtaafj

— Variety (@Variety) January 15, 2024

The Last of Us Season 2 adapts at least some of the events of The Last of Us: Part II, which is why Mazino played that game to get up to speed. Before that, though, he watched cutscenes from the first game stitched together to get an idea for the story leading up to The Last of Us: Part II.

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The Split Pad Pro and Split Pad Compact are two of our favorite Switch controllers. Offering larger grips than the standard Joy-Con, conventional D-pads, bigger sticks, and additional buttons--all while retaining the console's ability to be docked--they're great options for players who often find themselves gaming away from their TV. The two devices come in a variety of designs--and the Pikachu and Sonic variants are currently seeing rare discounts. The Sonic the Hedgehog-themed Split Pad Pro and Compact editions, in particular, are more often out of stock than on sale.

Hori Split Pad Compact (Pikachu & Mimikyu) $49 (was $60)

As you'd expect, the Split Pad Compact is slightly more portable than the Split Pad Pro. It's still a full-sized controller with programmable rear buttons and turbo functionality, though its slimmed-down profile makes it easier to slip into a backpack or purse. This design features Pikachu and Mimikyu along with a muted yellow and blue color palette. It has two programmable back buttons.

See at Amazon Hori Split Pad Compact (Sonic the Hedgehog) $54 (was $60)

This is the same as the controller above, though it features Sonic, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles on the front of the controllers. A 10% discount may not seem like much, but this is the lowest price we've ever seen for this version of the Split Pad Compact.

See at Amazon Hori Split Pad Pro (Sonic) $55 (was $60)

The Split Pad Pro is bulkier than the two Compact models above, making it the perfect option for gamers with larger hands. Features include assignable rear triggers, turbo functionality, and face buttons that are responsive and clicky. It also boasts a sleek, Sonic-inspired design, with stylized blues and whites streaking across its front. This is the lowest price ever for the gamepad--so check it out soon if you're interested, as it doesn't go on sale often.

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While Hori has long been the leader of Joy-Con alternatives with the Compact and Pro, the newly released Nitro Deck has quickly become a popular alternative. The U-shaped device is built with Hall Effect thumbsticks to prevent drift, passthrough charging, and the ability to customize its performance with a companion smartphone app. It's discounted to just $50 (down from $60), so be sure to give it a look.

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The launch of The Last Of Us Part II Remastered is just a few days away, but developer Naughty Dog is giving players a taste of what's to come via a new trailer that puts all of the remaster's unique features on full display.

"This remaster runs natively on the PlayStation 5 console, taking full advantage of the powerful hardware, and the revolutionary DualSense wireless controller," game director Matthew Gallant (who previously directed The Last Of Us Part I) says in the trailer. Gallant calls the remaster "the best way to experience Ellie and Abby's incredible story."

But high-quality graphics are far from the only thing players have to look forward to. The Last Of Us Part II Remastered also includes "lost levels"--parts of the game that were previously left on the cutting room floor but will be playable for the first time once the remastered version of the game launches.

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Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been delayed again, as the game will now be released on September 5, 2024. Originally scheduled to launch in the first quarter of the year, developer GSC Game World says that the "challenging" development process led to the studio's decision to delay the game by several months so that several technical issues can be addressed.

"Throughout the frankly challenging development process, we understood the time was of the team's main essence," GSC wrote in a post. "Seeing the scope of polishing and understanding that we can't push your patience too much, we were absolutely dedicated to releasing the game in Q1 2024, and we worked extra hard to meet the release window. That, however, doesn't change the fact that at the beginning of this year, we still witnessed the certain amount of technical imperfections that hold Stalker 2 below the expected standards for the final experience our fans are waiting for.

https://t.co/8h8ZK5J2fF
Dear stalkers,
Last year, during Gamescom 2023, we finally had the chance to meet in person. We gathered around the campfire with you to share something valuable that we have been creating for you for all these years — a small part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:…

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) January 16, 2024

Stalker 2: Shadow of Chornobyl has been subject to several delays, primarily due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the country where GSC Game World was primarily based. It relocated to Prague in 2022. The conflict has severely impacted several members of the studio, and the developer has also been cyber-attacked by Russian hackers. Through all of the setbacks, GSC Game World has remained resolute in its efforts to deliver the long-awaited sequel to the original game set in the radioactive wasteland of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant disaster.

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Daisy Ridley is coming back to play Rey once again in a new Star Wars film, and she's now said that this movie will take the sci-fi series to potentially new places. But it remains to be seen exactly what that means.

Speaking to AlloCine, Ridley said she was happy to sign on to appear in her fourth Star Wars movie after learning what the story would be. Of course, Ridley is not divulging what this is, but it was enough to draw her back.

"Once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew that it was something that I really wanted to do I think it's a really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world," she said. "It's a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction."

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One of the best things about Cyberpunk 2077 is how the game immerses you in its dark sci-fi world. Neon-soaked streets, roving cyborg cops, and a great selection of radio stations really sell the Night City lifestyle, and right now, you can bring some of that magic into the real world. The first two volumes of Cyberpunk 2077's various radio stations are up for preorder at Amazon, and if you're a fan of old-school formats, these could be must-have items.

Cyberpunk 2077 Radio Volumes 1 and 2

• Cyberpunk 2077 Radio Vol. 1 -- $30
• Cyberpunk 2077 Radio Vol. 2 -- $30
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners original soundtrack -- $29.50 ($31)

These freshly pressed vinyl discs sport an attractive finish. If you're not planning to dust off your dad's record player--or buy a budget-friendly modern record player that looks like your dad's old record player--you can still display them on your walls as works of modern art. Priced at $30 each ahead of their April 26 release, the first vinyl has 11 tracks from various artists across both sides and the second record has nine tracks in total. Each vinyl has a bright yellow finish and comes with a free MP3 version of the albums to listen to on your devices.

For more Cyberpunk goodness, you can also preorder the Edgerunners vinyl record ahead of its March 1 release. The Netflix anime series was a big hit when it debuted thanks to its original story, eye-popping animation, and soundtrack that tugged at the heartstrings.

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Square Enix has confirmed it used AI tools in its upcoming Splatoon-like shooter, Foamstars.

In a new interview, VGC asked Foamstars producer Kosuke Okatani if the game used AI for any parts of it. Okatani confirmed that the game used the generative AI tool, Midjourney, to generate in-game album art cover icons for its music tracks. However, Okatani clarified that the large majority of Foamstars was developed normally and that AI-generated assets only made up of 0.01% of the total content.

“All of the core elements in Foamstars--the core gameplay, and the things that make the game enjoyable--those are all made by hand,” he Okatani explained. “However, we did want to experiment with AI as well."

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Superman Legacy is being made with "so much love" and aims to have a "sense of humor," according to Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane in the upcoming superhero film.

She told Variety that she's "really enjoyed" collaborating with writer-director James Gunn thus far, going on to note that the production team is made up of all the right people for the job.

"Every single person involved in this production is such a perfect nerd for Superman. We all grew up watching the movies. Some of us were reading the comics. So I feel like it's being made with so much love. And I think this Superman will have a sense of humor," she said.

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At long last, the original anime adaptation of Berserk is finally back in print and is getting a fresh Blu-ray release on March 26. While other--and incredibly terrible--Berserk series are available on Blu-ray, the 1997 anime has long been considered to be the best of the bunch for its well-realized dark fantasy setting, unflinching brutality, and emotionally devastating moments. Available at Crunchyroll, the preorder for this Blu-ray release has been discounted from $60 to $45 and comes with plenty of cool extras.

Berserk - The Complete 1997 TV Series - Blu-ray

Alongside all 25 episodes presented in high-definition, you can watch the series in either the original Japanese dub or the infamous English version. All extras from previous releases have been included, and the entire package is contained in a cover adorned with some eye-catching art. In case you've missed the manga or the anime, Berserk tells the tale of wandering swordsman Guts and his quest for revenge against the enigmatic Griffith, a godlike being.

Preorder at Crunchyroll

Set in a world of swords, sorcery, and gruesome monsters, Berserk is a captivating tale of fate and destiny, heartbreak and betrayal. Created by the late Kentaro Miura and spanning decades of chapters, Berserk is often hailed as one of the anime series of all time thanks to its dark story and stunning animation. It's a show that you definitely don't want your kids to see, and while it does make some changes to the saga, it's still a faithful adaptation.

If you're looking for even more Berserk, don't miss out on a chance to grab some of the excellent deluxe editions, beautifully oversized hardcover copies that gives the manga the premium treatment it deserves.

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Something is clearly wrong with Superman, Batman, and friends in the Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launch trailer. The weird purple eyes give it away. But don't worry, because Task Force X is "out on good behavior" to save the day in the co-op game, which is set to release February 2.

The new video for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League--seen below--shows Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark facing off against the iconic DC superheroes. At one point, The Flash asks the group whether they actually "think they can stop us." Captain Boomerang clearly believes they can, as he's shown shooting at the Scarlet Speedster afterward in the launch trailer.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be the first game from developer Rocksteady since Batman: Arkham VR in 2016 and Batman: Arkham Knight in 2015. The upcoming title was delayed to this year back in April 2023. At one point, Suicide Squad was even planned to release in 2022 before getting pushed back.

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Apple and Disney have announced a partnership to bring content to the Apple Vision Pro headset, including 3D movies and the entire Disney+ catalog.

People who buy the $3,500 headset and have a Disney+ membership can stream every piece of content on Disney+ to the "spatial computer" device. Additionally, there are four "Disney+ environments" featuring unique animations and sounds that users can tap into. These aim to make your living room "feel alive," and these environments also have nods to iconic Disney franchises.

A first look at the Disney+ app on Apple Vision Pro

These environments include (descriptions written by Disney):

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Giancarlo Esposito, who played Gus Fring on Breaking Bad and the prequel series Better Call Saul, has said he wants to pitch a show called "The Rise of Gus." This would be a prequel series that reveals more of the drug kingpin's past, he told Variety recently.

"I think eventually there should be, and there might be" a spinoff focused on Fring, Esposito said. "I have a lot of premises I like to push. If I was talking to Vince Gilligan right now, I would tell him, 'The Rise of Gus.'"

Gilligan is currently making a sci-fi show for Apple, and Esposito said he understands Gilligan is busy with this project for the time being. But later on, Esposito said he hopes Gilligan circles back with Esposito and agrees to make another Breaking Bad show.

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A Halo battle royale game has been rumored for a while, and now it has been seemingly canceled, despite having never been officially revealed.

On the XboxEra podcast, insider Shpeshal_Nick was discussing insider and YouTuber Colt Eastwood's claims that the Halo battle royal game was canceled. Nick and his fellow co-host Jon Clarke say they have independently corroborated those claims.

The rumored game was known as Project Tatanka and it seemed like developer Certain Affinity was handling it. Back in 2022, the studio said that 343 Industries entrusted it with further evolving Halo Infinite. Last year, it was reported that Certain Affinity's game started out as a battle royale but has since shifted "in different directions."

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The next batch of new Game Pass titles has been announced, and joining a few previously confirmed titles, fans can expect action, remakes, and fantasy this month. Available today is Those Who Remain, a first-person psychological-thriller where you'll explore the town of Dormont and the horrors lurking in the streets.

On January 18 you can add Turnip Boy Robs a Bank and F1 23 to your library. Not content with just committing tax evasion, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank sees the titular character team up with the Pickled Gang to plan and execute the heist of the century. F1 23 brings the speed and precision of ridiculously quick racing to your home, giving you the chance to earn championship gold in this recreation of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship.

On January 19, the Pokemon-like Palworld arrives and throws you into a world full of gun-toting monsters. There are over 100 "Pals" to discover and enslave in this day-one release, as you'll need a factory full of press-ganged critters to keep your armories well-stocked. Go Mecha Ball debuts on January 25, is a twin-stick shooter roguelike shooter, and January 30 closes out the month with the top-down arena-shooter Brotato.

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Microsoft has announced the latest wave of removals from the Xbox Game Pass catalog, and thankfully for fans of the subscription service, only one more game is getting axed this month.

On January 31, Microsoft will remove Hitman: World of Assassination from the Game Pass catalog across cloud, console, and PC. That is the one and only game getting dumped from the library at the end of the month. This is something of a rarity.

Microsoft removed GTA V, Garden Store, MotoGP 22, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable earlier this month. With Hitman: World of Assassination heading out, that's a total of six removals for January 2024.

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The Office might not get a reboot, but the show does appear to be making a comeback of sorts in a different fashion. Sources told Deadline that The Office veteran Greg Daniels is putting together a development room beginning today, January 16, to have his "trusted writers" think about ideas for another version of The Office.

This reported new version of The Office will not be a reboot, but instead could be a show that takes place in a different workplace with new characters. However, the report said this show would exist within the same universe, which would leave open the possibility for characters and events from the NBC series to potentially appear or be referenced in the follow-up.

The Office, which was based on the BBC series from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, took place at the offices of fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania. There is no word yet about what the story or setting could be for a potential sequel series.

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Foamstars, Square Enix's upcoming 4v4 foam-party shooter, now has a confirmed release date of February 6. Not only will the game be launching for PS5 and PS4 consoles in a busy month, but it'll also be available through all tiers of Sony's PlayStation Plus subscription service until March 5, after which the game will cost you $30.

Beyond the news of its upcoming launch, Square Enix has also detailed the first year of seasonal content for the game. Similar to other live-service games, new cosmetics, playable characters, maps, and modes will be added to Foamstars, and each season will have an optional premium pass available for $6. Purchasing the premium season pass instantly unlocks new characters and gives players the chance to earn seasonal cosmetics.

On launch day, Foamstars will kick off with three multiplayer game modes--Smash the Star, Happy Bath Survival, and Rubber Duck Party--and there will be three maps per mode. Finally, Foamstars will also launch with Challenges, and optional missions with big rewards to earn once you're done cleaning up the competition on a map. The game also has a PvE flavor to its game modes in case you're looking for some action outside of the Bath Vegas multiplayer arenas, as Squad Missions will see you face an onslaught of Bubble Beasties in a series of randomized waves.

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Developer 11 Bit Studios has debuted a new gameplay trailer for Frostpunk 2, a sequel set decades after the 2018 city-building game, and has also confirmed that it'll be available day-one through Game Pass. Like the first Frostpunk, Frostpunk 2 is a real-time strategy game set in the middle of a new ice age that has enveloped the globe, wiping out most of humanity save for one metropolis built around a gigantic furnace. 30 years have passed, the last remnants of humanity have survived, and the only real problem is a growing populace testing your administrative abilities.

As the Steward, it'll be up to you to manage the wants and needs of the people, expand the city, and keep the fires burning. The only problem? You can't always please everyone, and some hard choices will need to be made while you prepare yourself to deal with the consequences, like the emergence of new radical factions who'll challenge your authority.

Some of the other new features being introduced in Frostpunk 2 include options to create new districts with different purposes, the introduction of a Council to help manage emerging crises, and an emphasis on diplomacy as you try to keep the more ambitious elements of the city in check.

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A Minecraft movie is in the works starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, and now the director, Jared Hess, has shed more light on what to expect from the video game film. This includes how Hess is aiming to avoid an "ugly Sonic" situation and avoid disappointing children who love the game.

Speaking to the Salt Lake Tribune, Hess said he enjoys the challenge of trying to adapt a video game that doesn't even have much of a story. Minecraft is known for its open-ended sandbox nature, but Hess said he believed at the time he took the job that there is a "fun, ridiculous movie" to be made out of Minecraft. "And there is," he said

Hess also teased that, in addition to Momoa and Black, there are more cast members to be announced. His partner Jerusha said, "There's a funny lady, who has not been announced."

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Ubisoft has described its vision for the future of its rebranded subscription service Ubisoft+ and how it expects to grow it if it can convince consumers to change their mindset toward playing video games. Like movies and music available on streaming services, Ubisoft wants its subscribers to become more comfortable with not owning their games outright.

In an interview with GamesIndustry.Biz, director of subscriptions at Ubisoft Philippe Tremblay explained that getting users to become more comfortable with not owning games was just one of the business paths Ubisoft was pursuing, in addition to more traditional models of ownership.

"The point is not to force users to go down one route or another,” Tremblay said. "We offer purchase, we offer subscription, and it's the gamer's preference that is important here. We are seeing some people who choosing to subscribe now, but it all works. One of the things we saw is that gamers are used to, a little bit like DVD, having and owning their games. That’s the consumer shift that needs to happen. They got comfortable not owning their CD collection or DVD collection. That's a transformation that's been a bit slower to happen [in games]."

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