‘Splatoon,’ ‘Zelda,’ ‘Yakuza’ releases, leaks, and trailers
‘Splatoon 3’ records massive sales in Japan
The newest entry in Nintendo’s third-person shooter franchise, “Splatoon 3” recorded a massive 3.45 million units sold in Japan after only three days of sales — this number includes both physical and digital sales. This set the domestic record for most video games units sold in the first three days in Japan. Other reports reveal 13.3 million units have been sold worldwide. Following the announcement, Nintendo stock share jumped five percent.
Launching on Sept. 9, “Splatoon 3” was anticipated to be one of Nintendo’s top-selling games of the year. Comparing the number of units sold in the first three days in Japan to other franchises, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” was the previous record holder at 2.68 million units sold, “Pokémon Black/White” right behind at 2.64 million units, and “Final Fantasy VIII” right behind at 2.54 million units.
New ‘Legend of Zelda’ game receives trailer, name
During the Nintendo Direct on Sept. 13, Nintendo revealed the title of the newest entry in one of its longest franchises: “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.” New footage of the game accompanied the title reveal as well. The game is set to launch May 12, 2023.
“Tears of the Kingdom” is the sequel to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” which launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Based on the trailers of the game so far, “Tears of the Kingdom” appears to be a true successor to “Breath of the Wild” that also contains heavy inspiration from “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword,” especially given the scene where Link, the protagonist of the series, jumps from an island floating in the sky.
Though there was some initial confusion around whether “tears” was pronounced like the ripping action or like crying, Nintendo has confirmed it is like crying.
Next game in former ‘Yakuza’ series revealed
“Like a Dragon: Inshin!” was revealed during the PlayStation State of Play on Sept. 13. The game is the next entry in the series formerly known as “Yakuza,” which will be known as “Like a Dragon” going forward.
Launching Feb. 21, 2023, “Inshin” is described as “set uniquely in 1860s Kyo, a fictionalized version of Kyoto,” that will feature “familiar faces to tell this epic historical tale.” The game will include Kazuma Kiryu, a protagonist from other entries in the franchise. Notably, “Inshin” will not contain an English dub.
Alleged leaks of ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ surface
On Sept. 18, a user by the name of “teapotuberhacker” uploaded what they claim to be clips from the upcoming game “Grand Theft Auto VI” (“GTAVI”) on an online forum for the franchise, GTAForums. Their message stated, “Hi, Here are 90 footage/clips from GTA 6. Its possible i could leak more data soon, GTA 5 and 6 source code and assets, GTA 6 testing build.”
While “GTAVI” was officially confirmed by Rockstar earlier this year, not much information has been released about the game. However, the footage that was uploaded appears to confirm a rumor that “GTAVI” will have a male and female protagonist and take place in Vice City, a location previously established in the franchise.
‘God of War: Ragnarök’ gets story trailer
The PlayStation State of Play on Sept. 13 concluded with the story trailer for “God of War: Ragnarök,” the ninth entry in the “God of War” franchise and the final installment in the series’ Norse saga. “Ragnarök” will be released for PlayStation 4/5 on Nov. 9, 2022. The game was originally announced in Sept. 2020 and scheduled for release in 2021, but was since delayed to later this year.