Upcoming PS Plus Complimentary Games for Next Month Include Elder Scrolls and Monster Hunter

### Boycott Microsoft: An Appeal from Indie Developer Dan DiIorio of *Luck Be a Landlord*

In a significant move within the gaming realm, Dan DiIorio, the mind behind the indie slot machine game *Luck Be a Landlord*, has called on fans to avoid buying the game on Xbox. This plea arises from his disapproval of Microsoft’s backing of Israel amidst the ongoing strife in Palestine. DiIorio has voiced his support for the Palestinian cause and is advocating for a Microsoft boycott.

On December 18th, DiIorio shared a message from the investigative gaming platform *People Make Games*, which underscored the ongoing boycott against Xbox due to its participation in the Israel-Palestine dispute. Subsequently, he made a personal appeal, urging fans explicitly, “Please do not buy *Luck Be a Landlord* on Xbox.” He committed to donating $10,000 to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, with the intention of counterbalancing any income generated for Microsoft from his game.

Initially launched on PC in 2023, *Luck Be a Landlord* is a roguelike slot machine title that enables players to handle their finances and pay rent through an upgradeable slot machine mechanism. After its successful release on PC, it was adapted for consoles, including Xbox, earlier this year.

In his correspondence with *Kotaku*, DiIorio encouraged supporters to think about donating to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, irrespective of their intentions to buy the game on Xbox. He also proposed that Xbox Game Pass subscribers consider terminating their memberships in light of the current geopolitical circumstances.

DiIorio’s position is not unique; he is part of a rising movement within the indie game development sphere aiming to separate themselves from Microsoft regarding the Israel-Palestine issue. Earlier in April, the creators of *Tenderfoot Tactics* took their game off the Xbox store as a sign of solidarity with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) initiative against Israel. They issued a public statement expressing their hope that Microsoft would listen to the united voices of workers and consumers demanding an end to business relations with the Israeli military.

The appeal for a boycott has ignited conversations not only on social media but also throughout the wider gaming community, as developers and fans alike grapple with the intricacies of political activism in gaming. This ongoing situation stands as a powerful reminder of how the gaming industry overlaps with global concerns, urging developers and consumers to take a position amid challenges.

As the boycott movement evolves and continues to influence companies like Microsoft, it is yet to be determined how this will impact the availability and sales of titles like *Luck Be a Landlord* on platforms embroiled in these political discussions.

## The Future of Tomb Raider: New Adventures and Remakes Unveiled

During the previous week’s Game Awards, Crystal Dynamics shared thrilling updates for enthusiasts of the legendary *Tomb Raider* series, revealing two forthcoming games. The first is named *Tomb Raider Catalyst*, which will advance the journeys of the cherished character, Lara Croft. The second announcement was regarding a remake of the original *Tomb Raider* game, now titled *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis*. Both titles will be published by Amazon Game Studios, a strategic alliance aimed at elevating Lara Croft into a multimedia icon with several projects unified under a single vision.

### Tomb Raider Under Amazon

In a recent Q&A session, Scot Amos, studio head at Crystal Dynamics, along with game director Will Kerslake, talked about Amazon’s involvement in these upcoming ventures. The *Tomb Raider* franchise has a history of cross-media interpretations, particularly highlighted by the successful Angelina Jolie films. However, the partnership with Amazon aims to create an interconnected universe merging the live-action series with the two new games. Although precise links between *Catalyst* and the upcoming series have not yet been established, the desire to interweave these stories is apparent.

Amos commended the collaboration with Amazon, saying, “From the outset, they’ve grasped the concept of this vision we have for this cross-media franchise.” He stressed the cooperative essence of their relationship, comparing it to talking into a “mirror,” indicating a harmonious alignment of creative insights. Daily meetings and on-site visits from Amazon are crucial for ensuring that development efforts remain synchronized.

Kerslake also underscored the advantages of having a partnership that emphasizes quality and innovation, creating a nurturing environment for the development team to excel.

### Navigating the Past to Shape the Future

As the highly anticipated *Tomb Raider Catalyst* nears its intended release in 2027, it will signify nearly nine years since the last mainline release, *Shadow of the Tomb Raider*, which received mixed reviews but garnered notable sales figures. In the meantime, the franchise has experienced numerous re-releases and remastered versions of classic installments. The launch of *Legacy of Atlantis* prior to *Catalyst* will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the franchise, with Crystal Dynamics ensuring that both projects are managed by separate teams to enhance development.

Amos assured fans that the remake will not impede *Catalyst*, noting that both projects are advancing independently yet cohesively under a unified leadership to preserve the integrity of the *Tomb Raider* lore.

The collaboration with Amazon, initiated through the Fellowship Entertainment subsidiary of the Embracer Group, provides dedicated resources for both titles, cultivating an environment where both teams can prosper without resource competition.

### A New Era for Lara Croft

*Catalyst* is poised to be a crucial title for the franchise, as it progresses the narrative instead of revisiting Lara’s history for the umpteenth time. Crystal Dynamics has crafted the game to be welcoming for newcomers, suggesting a fresh beginning for players. Featuring a new voice actor, Alix Wilton Regan, *Catalyst* indicates a new evolution in Lara Croft’s character, while still honoring the beloved essence of Lara as fans recognize her.

Despite recent tumult at Crystal Dynamics, including layoffs after its acquisition by the Embracer Group, optimism persists that the upcoming games will herald a triumphant resurgence for Lara Croft and the *Tomb Raider* series. As the franchise embarks on this new path, it weaves together legacy and innovation, preparing for a future that promises to engage both long-term fans and new audiences alike.

**Marvel Studios Unveils Theatrical Comeback of *Avengers: Endgame* in 2026**

Marvel Studios has announced that the 2019 hit *Avengers: Endgame* is set to return to cinemas in September 2026. This news was shared through a post on X, hinting at the re-release with a nostalgic video montage featuring memorable scenes from the movie. The video captures the thrill of its initial launch, highlighting excited audience responses as they hear iconic lines such as Anthony Mackie’s “on your left” and Chris Evans’ commanding “Avengers, assemble.”

The resurgence of *Endgame* arrives at a moment when numerous fans appear to be reflecting on the cultural significance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the shared experience of watching films in theaters. Six years after its premiere, the film is regarded as a crucial milestone in the MCU, concluding an epic saga that began in 2008.

### Upcoming Release: *Avengers: Doomsday*

This theatrical comeback is strategically planned to generate buzz for the upcoming film, *Avengers: Doomsday*, slated for release in December 2026. *Doomsday*, part of the ongoing “Multiverse Saga,” is anticipated to delve deeper into themes of time travel and alternate realities, similar to previous entries like *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* and *Spider-Man: No Way Home*.

Significantly, *Doomsday* will see Robert Downey Jr. returning to a major role as Doctor Doom, marking his comeback to the MCU after portraying Iron Man in the original *Avengers* films. The film is expected to feature a large ensemble cast, incorporating characters from earlier Marvel movies, which has sparked speculation about various teams joining forces against a shared villain.

### Diverse Character Lineup

The character lineup for *Doomsday* will include well-known figures from previous Marvel projects, with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and notable actors from earlier franchises such as Patrick Stewart and Rebecca Romijn from the X-Men series, alongside Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby from the *Fantastic Four* reboot. This inclusion of a diverse cast highlights the multiverse strategy Marvel has embraced, promising an intricate web of interactions and narratives.

### Nostalgia and Cultural Impact

The choice to re-release *Endgame* can be seen as an effort for Marvel to reignite the allure and excitement that defined its prior films. It also serves as a reminder of the lengthy investment audiences have made in these characters and narratives. The success of *Endgame* stemmed partly from the collective experience of watching it with others, generating spontaneous reactions that have become legendary moments in cinematic lore.

Since *Endgame*, however, some Marvel films have faced challenges in recapturing that same enthusiasm, receiving mixed reviews for titles like *Eternals*, *Captain America: Brave New World*, and *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*. Reintroducing *Endgame* to theaters acts as a bridge to reconnect former fans and potentially attract new audiences who may have overlooked its initial release.

### Conclusion

Marvel’s decision to return *Avengers: Endgame* to theaters reflects both a yearning for the past and a tactical strategy to heighten interest in the forthcoming *Avengers: Doomsday*. As audiences gear up to relive the exciting moments of *Endgame*, anticipation grows for how its legacy will shape the next phase of the MCU. Tapping into nostalgia is indeed a formidable strategy, and Marvel seeks to leverage this sentiment as it navigates the evolving landscape of post-pandemic cinema.