Respawn Entertainment is the first game studio to ever win an Oscar after a short documentary on World War 2 won Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the Academy Awards this weekend. “Colette” was the  documentary, and it was produced by Respawn and Oculus and distributed for free by The Guardian.

The documentary follows one of the last surviving members of the French resistance as she returns to Germany for the first time in 74 years to visit the concentration camp where her brother was killed. It was one of several live-action shorts created for Medal of Honor: Above And Beyond. Vince Zampella, Respawn’s CEO, was a co-producer.

It’s a huge accomplishment. Many film companies are never nominated for an Oscar, let along win one. That Respawn managed to produce a short that won one just a decade after the studio was founded is incredibly impressive. Naturally, they’re pretty excited about it. If you haven’t seen the documentary, you can check it out in the link below:

We're over the moon about Colette's Best Documentary (Short Subject) #Oscars win tonight! From Vince, Peter, and all of us at Respawn, we are humbled and honored. Thank you.

And if you haven't seen the film, you can watch it for free here: https://t.co/CxwNGWMOXv

— Respawn (@Respawn) April 26, 2021

You’d expect a VR-exclusive AAA production to have a large file size, but Respawn Entertainment and EA’s upcoming Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is perhaps taking that a bit too far. The game’s minimum system requirements have been revealed (via Polygon), and it’s been confirmed that the first person shooter will require over 340 GB of storage space for installation. Once installation is complete, the game will take up 170 GB of space in your memory.

Other requirements are about what you’d expect, however (and not exactly on the low side). You’ll require an Intel i7 9700K processor (or its AMD equivalent), along with an Nvidia GTX 2080, and a 16 GB DDR4 RAM. There’s no word yet on what the recommended specifications are, however.

Yesterday, we also got a look at some gameplay clips from the shooter, alongside more details on what you can expect from its single player campaign and other modes. Read more on that through here.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is out for PC on December 11.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Intel i7 9700K (or comparable AMD)
• 16 GB DDR4 RAM
• Nvidia GTX 2080 or higher
• 340+ GB of space to unpack/install; 170 GB once installed; SSD or NVMe recommended

The Medal of Honor franchise is one of many legacy EA properties that haven’t enjoyed the best of times these last few years, but it looks like it’s line for a solid comeback soon. The Respawn-developed VR exclusive Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond launches very soon, and ahead of its release, Oculus Studio has shared some new information on the game.

Over on Reddit, a thread was recently published detailing some of the modes players can expect in the VR first person shooter, along with various clips showing each of them off. In addition to clips from the single player campaign, also highlighted were the main menu area of the game, small arcade-like objective-driven challenges, the quartermaster area with its firing range, the museum where you can check out easter eggs and cutscenes from all the missions in the game, and the score-driven survival mode. 

In a comment, it was also confirmed that the game’s single player campaign will be roughly 10-12 hours long (at least that’s what Respawn Entertainment are aiming for), but with the survival mode and other content added on top – not to mention the multiplayer component – that number will likely go a lot higher.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond will launch for PC on December 11.

It’s been many years now since the last Medal of Honor title. Now EA and Respawn Entertainment are looking to revive it with the VR title, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. It will once again see you in the midst of World War 2, and we have seen quite a lot of the game’s single player campaign. It will also have a multiplayer aspect, too, which got highlighted today.

The new video from the developer shows several aspects of the game’s multiplayer, disconnected floating arms and all. It will have five modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Blast Radius, Mad Bomber and Domination. It looks to have a surprising amount of depth and the multiplayer scene for VR isn’t too big as of now, so it’s no doubt a welcome addition to look out for.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is set to release on PC December 11th and will have support for Steam VR, meaning it’ll have support for most major PC VR headsets such as Oculus, HTC Vive and Valve Index.

In addition to Above and Beyond’s single-player campaign, you can master the distinctive handling of a host of WWII weapons and test yourself against opponents in five multiplayer modes on sites across Europe.

Charge into history when Above and Beyond launches Dec 11. pic.twitter.com/RO3z21h5Cm

— Medal of Honor (@medalofhonor) December 2, 2020

Cyberpunk 2077

After numerous delays, Night City Wire episodes and seemingly insurmountable hype, Cyberpunk 2077 is definitely, assuredly, 99.9 percent for sure releasing this month. We hope. There’s a lot to look forward to, whether it’s choosing one of three Life Paths and pursuing the story or simply cruising around Night City, completing Scanner Hustles and interacting with the citizenry. There’s an extensive arsenal of weaponry, cyberware and daemons to experiment with, not to mention an entire world of Braindance to get lost in, all while conversing with Johnny Silverhand played by Keanu Reeves. Cyberpunk 2077 releases for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Google Stadia on December 10^th. Hopefully.

Call of the Sea

Out of the Blue’s first person adventure title arrives next month, following the tale of Nora as she travels to a strange island in the South Pacific to locate her missing husband. Inspired by the works of Lovecraft, Call of the Sea focuses more on a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere as opposed to horror. Players explore locations, solve puzzles and take in the sights while piecing together the truth. Releasing on December 8^th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC, Call of the Sea will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.

Chronos: Before The Ashes

Before one was traveling to different dimensions and dodge-rolling with firearms, there was the labyrinth. Set before Remnant: From the Ashes, Chronos: Before the Ashes sees players venturing into said labyrinth and defeating the evils within. The twist is that dying results in expulsion, which means returning a year later. Thus do players begin their journey as a spry, Souls-like adventurer before having to rely on their wits and magic to survive as they mature over the years. Chronos: Before the Ashes is out on December 1^st for Xbox One, PS4, PC, Google Stadia and Nintendo Switch.

Empire of Sin

Travel back in time to the Prohibition era, where syndicates and mob bosses battled it out for reign over Chicago. As a strategy title, Empire of Sin is all about recruiting gang members and expanding an empire, dipping into all kinds of illegal activities while evading the law. Other gangs will want a piece of you though, and when negotiations and deception fail, a turn-based strategy combat system lets you deal threats. With numerous perks and traits for characters, resource management and gang warfare, Empire of Sin looks to be a nice change of pace for publisher Paradox Interactive. It’s out on December 1^st for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Twin Mirror

Developed by a separate team at the Life is Strange studio, Twin Mirror is ultimately a tale of mystery and duality. It sees Sam, an investigative journalist, returning to his hometown in Basswood, West Virginia. Things aren’t what they seem though, and the player will interact with various towns-folk, deciding who to trust, while dealing with The Double, Sam’s “inner voice.” That also means investigating different events and piecing together clues with the unique “Mind Palace” while questioning the truth. Twin Mirror is out on December 1^st for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond

In the midst of new IPs, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is a familiar sight for long-time fans. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, it’s a VR title for Oculus Rift and Steam VR that sees players venturing through Europe at the height of World War 2. Afterwards, it may be worth watching interviews with veterans who experienced the conflict and learning more. Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond could be a dark horse when it launches on December 11^th.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

In the midst of more “serious” offerings like Watch Dogs: Legion and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising is much less heavy material for Ubisoft. It sees a Greek soldier named Fenyx washing ashore off the Golden Isle and battling the titan Typhon to rescue the Pantheon. While exploring the lush, colorful world and battling mythical foes, players will also deal with Prometheus and Zeus as narrators, each offering their own take on events and humorously clashing. Immortals Fenyx Rising is out on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Google Stadia, PC and Switch on December 3^rd.

Haven

A co-op RPG about two lovers exploring a strange world isn’t quite what you’d expect from the team behind the twitch-based Furi. Nevertheless, The Game Bakers’ Haven has looked appealing since day one, focusing on the struggles of Yu and Kay as they scavenge for parts, battle the local wildlife and cook meals. Will their quest for freedom and love ultimately win out? We’ll find out when Haven launches December 3^rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Switch.

MXGP 2020

With many of the big-name racers out of the way this year, MXGP 2020 looks to round things out in its usual fashion. Sporting bikes and riders from more than 110 brands, while offering a track editor and dedicated servers for online play, the title is certainly looking to improve on past experiences. If previous games are any indication, it could end up being another solid racing title. Releasing on December 16^th, MXGP 2020 is coming to previous and current gen consoles along with PC.

Override 2: Super Mech League

Big mech battles are back with Override 2: Super Mech League. It features 20 robots with all kinds of over-the-top abilities and customization for players to mess around with. A new Career Mode allows for earning influence for one’s Club and taking on all challenges. Local and online multiplayer for up to four players also returns with modes like Free for All, Xenoswarm, King of the Hill and more. Battle it out on December 22^nd when Override 2 launches on Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

It’s been a busy day for Oculus VR with the Oculus Quest 2 being announced. Respawn Entertainment’s Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond was part of today’s Facebook Connect, receiving a release date for December 11th. However, it was also confirmed to be launching on Steam VR as well.

Previously, the first person shooter was confirmed for Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest. With Steam VR support, HTC Vive and Valve Index users can enjoy it as well. An Oculus representative further confirmed on Reddit that Steam users wouldn’t require a Facebook login. However, “This also means that Steam users and Rift users can not send each other direct invites, but they can find each other in public matchmaking.”

Thus far, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond has been shaping up quite well with the three act campaign taking players on a tour of Europe as they battle the Nazis. Multiplayer will also be included though Respawn has yet to reveal details or gameplay footage for the same. Stay tuned in the meantime and check out the story trailer for here.

Electronic Arts had another high-profile reveal for Gamescom Opening Night Live – Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. Unlike previous titles, it’s a VR title coming exclusive to Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S this holiday season. Check out the latest story trailer below.

The narrative focuses on the OSS during World War 2 as they infiltrate and sabotage the Nazi war effort. The story follows a three act structure – the first is about working with the French Resistance and preparation. The second act documents the journey to Berlin and D-Day. Finally, players will have to stop the Nazis’ secret war program in the third act.

Along with a single-player campaign, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond will also have a full suite of multiplayer modes. There will also be a gallery where players can listen to first-hand accounts of those present during famous events. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months, especially when it comes to the release date.

Of the many big games that will be featuring at Gamescom Opening Night Live, Respawn’s Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is probably the least expected. The Oculus Rift exclusive was revealed back in September 2019 and very few updates have been released since. However, not only is it out this holiday season but its story trailer will premiere this Thursday.

As per Geoff Keighley on Twitter, the game looks “really good” and praised both Respawn and studio head Vince Zampella. The story returns to World War 2 and sees the player as an Allied OSS agent that must infiltrate the Nazi regime to dismantle it from within. That means working with the French Resistance, battling across Europe and much more.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond will have a “full” narrative campaign along with multiplayer support. An interesting addition is the story gallery where players can hear stories from various World War 2 veterans and survivors who experienced historic events in person. Stay tuned for more details on the title in the coming days.

Tune in to #gamescom2020 #OpeningNightLive on Thursday for world premiere story trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond.

Coming to @OculusGaming this Holiday.

I've seen the trailer, game looks really good – more @Respawn magic from @VinceZampella @phirschmann and team. pic.twitter.com/nQ4Rw9kg5a

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 25, 2020

DOOM Eternal

More ripping, more tearing and more demons to slaughter – id Software’s DOOM Eternal is everything we’d hoped for and more. The forces of Hell have overtaken Earth and it’s up to the Doom Slayer to kill them all. With new weapons like the Crucible Blade, new weapon mods and upgrades (including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower), and heaps of new mechanics, DOOM Eternal is looking fantastic. It releases on March 20^th for PS4, Xbox One, PC and Stadia.

Warcraft 3: Reforged

The classic RTS returns with heavily revamped visuals and cutscenes, new features and several balance changes. Warcraft 3: Reforged offers the base game along with The Frozen Throne, packing in tons of heroes and faction units, some redone campaign maps and numerous user-created games. While the jury is out on how some of the balancing will work, seeing Arthas’s betrayal in glorious 4K will be quite the experience. Warcraft 3: Reforged releases on January 28^th for PC.