Daily Archives: June 20, 2025

Entertainment, Games, Gaming, Movies, News

Report: Death Stranding will also have an animated film too

When Hideo Kojima isn’t redefining what a video game can be, he’s busy stretching the boundaries of narrative across film and television. The latest chapter in his cross-media saga is an adult-targeted animated feature set in the world of Death Stranding. Slated as an original story rather than a retelling of Sam Porter Bridges’ journey, this project promises fresh perspectives on the fractured, soul-stirring universe that Kojima first unveiled in 2019.

Unlike the planned live-action adaptation (in collaboration with A24), this animation will forge its own path. Aaron Guzikowski—the mind behind HBO’s Raised by Wolves and Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners—is penning the screenplay. Guzikowski’s track record for atmospheric, emotionally resonant storytelling makes him an inspired choice to explore the game’s themes of connection, isolation and existential dread in a purely cinematic medium.

Powered by Line Mileage

The film is a co-production between Kojima Productions and LA’s Line Mileage, an outfit with roots in game-to-animation work (they’ve lent their skills to projects like Castlevania). Line Mileage co-founder Daniel Dominguez raved about Death Stranding’s “emotional rush” and “intellectual pleasure,” likening it to Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. That tonal ambition hints at a mature, contemplative piece—likely heavy on mood and atmosphere.

Reports indicate the animation will chase the same gritty, R-rated sensibility as titles like Predator: Killer of Killers or the John Wick prequel. Expect stylized violence and psychological tension to amplify the world’s inherent eeriness: a post-apocalyptic Earth where invisible threats bind souls together even as they tear society apart.

Original Story, Infinite Possibilities

By opting for a new storyline, Kojima and Guzikowski can:

  • Introduce characters untouched by the games’ narrative constraints
  • Explore uncharted regions of the Death Stranding map (both physical and metaphysical)
  • Dive deeper into the phenomenon of “stranding” as metaphor—what it means to be emotionally cut off, yet yearning for connection

Given Kojima’s fascination with life, death and the space between, we might see side tales about bridge-builders striving to reconnect humanity—or perhaps a darker vignette showing the cost of those efforts.

Parallel to the animated feature, A24 is moving forward with a live-action Death Stranding film. While Line Mileage shapes the animation, A24—renowned for Everything Everywhere All at Once and Hereditary—partners with Michael Sarnoski (director of A Quiet Place: Day One) to bring Sam’s world into physical form. Two simultaneous adaptations will let fans experience Kojima’s vision through distinct lenses: one grounded in cinematic realism, the other liberated by stylized animation.

Riding the Wave into Death Stranding 2

With Death Stranding 2: On The Beach arriving on June 26 exclusively for PS5, the timing is electric. The game reignites interest in the universe, priming audiences for both films. Kojima’s refusal to silo his creations means these projects will likely inform each other—imagery or themes teased in one medium may echo in another, creating a transmedia tapestry for hardcore fans to unravel.

What This Means for Kojima’s Legacy

Kojima has long aspired to be more than “just” a game director. His ventures into TV (The Man Who Sold the World), manga and now dual film adaptations form a multi-layered narrative ecosystem. By weaving threads across interactive and passive media, he’s building a world where the audience isn’t just playing—they’re witnessing, interpreting and connecting across formats.

Exact release dates for the animated film remain unannounced. But with Guzikowski’s creative firepower and Line Mileage’s animation chops, we can anticipate a late-2026 or 2027 premiere. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Kojima’s interviews—he’s known to drop cryptic clues in passing, and every stray comment could hint at character cameos, thematic focus or even musical collaborators.

For Death Stranding devotees, this is more than a movie news cycle; it’s an invitation to rediscover the chiral network that binds us all. Whether you’re drawn to ghostly silhouettes in the mist or crackling radio chatter between delivery runs, the animated film promises new jolts of wonder—and perhaps a few tears—along the way.

‘Death Stranding’ Set For Animated Feature Adaptation With Aaron Guzikowski On Board As Writer
Hideo Kojima’s ‘Death Stranding’ Set For Animated Feature Adaptation With Aaron Guzikowski On Board As Writer
Source/Via

Business, Featured, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Xbox

Xbox & AMD celebrates 20 years of partnership looking to the future of gaming

Twenty years ago, Microsoft and AMD embarked on a journey that would redefine console gaming. From the GPU breakthroughs in the Xbox 360 era to the semi-custom chips powering Xbox Series X|S, their partnership has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and efficiency. Today, as they mark two decades of collaboration, both companies are laying out a roadmap for an even broader ecosystem—one that spans living-room consoles, portable handhelds, Windows PCs, and the cloud.

Lisa Su, AMD’s Chair and CEO, captured the spirit of their relationship: “Building on two decades of partnership, innovation, and trust, we will extend our console work to design a full roadmap of gaming-optimized chips combining the power of Ryzen and Radeon for consoles, handhelds, PCs, and cloud.”[1] That lineage began in the mid-2000s, when AMD (then including ATI) first supplied graphics silicon for Xbox platforms, and has blossomed across three console generations.

Powering the Next Generation

On June 19, 2025, Xbox President Sarah Bond unveiled a strategic, multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across an entire portfolio of devices:

  • Home consoles (the yet-to-be-named next-gen Xbox)
  • Handhelds (Xbox-branded portable systems)
  • Windows gaming PCs (ensuring Windows remains “the number one platform for gaming”)
  • Cloud infrastructure (Azure-hosted Xbox streaming services)
  • Accessories (controllers, headsets, and more)
    “Together with AMD, we are advancing the state of the art in gaming silicon,” Bond said, “delivering deeper visual quality and immersive gameplay—enhanced with the power of AI—while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games.”

A Portfolio Approach to Xbox

Rather than viewing Xbox as a single box under the TV, Microsoft is embracing an ecosystem model. In a video presentation, Bond highlighted:

  • Console in the living room
  • Portable gaming via upcoming handhelds
  • PC gaming experiences optimized for Xbox technologies
  • Cloud-only experiences (“This is also an Xbox, by itself.”)

Backwards compatibility remains central: every new device will play your existing Xbox library, whether it’s a decade-old classic or this year’s blockbuster.

According to reporting by Tom’s Hardware, this renewed pact covers multiple future console generations and portable devices:

  • Semi-custom SoCs combining AMD’s latest Zen CPU cores and RDNA GPU architectures
  • Maintained x86-based CPU design to ensure seamless backward compatibility
  • Enhanced AI features baked into silicon for smarter NPCs, dynamic physics, and real-time upscaling
  • Expected launch cadence mirroring past cycles—if Xbox Next follows the Scarlett timeline, look for a holiday 2026 release[2]

Bond’s promise: higher performance “while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games” alludes to a transition that gamers can make without leaving their collections behind.

The surprise of the announcement wasn’t just a new box under the TV, but Xbox-branded handhelds co-engineered with AMD. Although ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have already previewed the concept, Microsoft’s direct involvement signals a full-throttle push into portable gaming, leveraging AMD’s low-power RDNA designs and custom Ryzen cores to rival—and surpass—the Steam Deck and its imitators.

With this agreement, Xbox and AMD have set the stage for:

  • Unified development (one SDK for console, PC, handheld, and cloud)
  • Seamless cross-device saves and achievements
  • AI-accelerated graphics features (DLSS-style upscaling, real-time lighting, smarter world simulation)
  • Expanded Game Pass integration on Windows and portable hardware

As we approach the 20th anniversary, expect more deep dives from both companies—technical previews of the new silicon, developer showcases at Xbox Developer_Direct events, and early hardware teardowns that reveal the next leap in gamer-centric silicon design.

Games, Gaming, News

Borderlands 4 – What to expect including prices and requirements

Borderlands 4 is gearing up to be one of the year’s biggest looter-shooters—and Gearbox has finally peeled back the curtain on the essentials. From how much vault hunters will pay, to the fallout over Randy Pitchford’s “real fan” comment, and the hardware you’ll need to run it, here’s the lowdown on everything officially confirmed.

Gearbox has laid out three main ways you can grab Borderlands 4 at launch:

  • Standard Edition – $69.99
    Includes only the base game. This is the go-to if you just want to jump into Pandora and leave DLC decisions for later.
  • Deluxe Edition – $100
    Base game + Pre-order “Gilded Glory Pack” (skins & drone cosmetics) + Bounty Pack Bundle, which contains four post-launch DLC packs (unique areas, missions, bosses, gear, vault cards, cosmetics, vehicles).
  • Super Deluxe Edition – $130
    Everything in Deluxe, plus the “Vault Hunter Pack”—two new playable Vault Hunters, two story expansions (with new regions, side missions, gear, and cosmetics), and an extra cosmetic bundle. [3]
  • Collector’s Edition – $150
    Gear-focused box of swag (statues, artbook, etc.) Does not include the game itself. Perfect if you already pre-ordered digitally but want the physical goodies.

Note: There will be both free and paid DLC post-launch, but only the paid packs are bundled in these higher editions.

The Randy Pitchford Price Drama

Late May 2025 saw Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford stir up the community over price expectations:

  1. $80 Rumor Ignites
    A fan speculated that Borderlands 4 might hit $80. Pitchford replied on X (formerly Twitter) that “if you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen,” adding “it’s not my call” on pricing. [4]
  2. Backlash and Clarification
    The “real fan” line was widely criticized as tone-deaf. Pitchford later tweeted that “nobody likes being taken for granted and it was not my intent,” but stood by the game’s value.
  3. Final Word on Price
    Publisher 2K then confirmed the standard edition would land at $69.99—$10 less than the feared $80—while reiterating the $100 and $130 tiers for Deluxe and Super Deluxe. [4]

This saga highlights the fine line between transparent dev-talk and community trust—especially when price points are rising industry-wide.

3. Official PC Requirements

Gearbox has published minimum and recommended specs on Steam. Make sure your rig measures up:

RequirementMinimumRecommended
OSWindows 10 (64-bit)Windows 10 (64-bit)
CPUIntel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700XIntel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
GPUNvidia RTX 2070 / AMD RX 5700 XTNvidia RTX 3080 / AMD RX 6800 XT
VRAM8 GB12 GB
System RAM16 GB32 GB
Storage100 GB SSD100 GB SSD

Although these are listed as “minimum,” Gearbox suggests there may be some wiggle room—e.g., if you have a four-core CPU with SMT or a slightly older GPU, you might still get by with lower settings.

  • Release Date: September 12, 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S; Switch 2 date TBD).
  • Pre-order Bonuses: Early bird Gilded Glory Pack (skins + ECHO-4 drone).
  • Crossplay & Progression: Confirmed PC–console crossplay, but cross-progression details are pending.
  • Post-Launch Roadmap: Gearbox teased free seasonal events alongside paid DLC drops—expect a detailed roadmap at the Summer Game Fest showcase.

Gearbox has answered the loudest questions—price, required hardware, and even faced down CEO mic-drops. If you’ve been holding off, now’s the time to decide how deep you want to dive into the vaults on day one.

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News, PC

Nexus Mod has been sold and founder retires

When a platform becomes synonymous with an entire hobby, its sale marks more than a business transaction—it signals a cultural shift. On June 16, 2025, Nexus Mods, the undisputed king of PC game mod repositories, announced that its founder, Robin “Dark0ne” Scott, has sold the site after steering it for nearly a quarter-century. What began as a one-man bedroom project to support The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind has grown into a global community hub, and now it embarks on a new chapter under fresh leadership.

From Bedroom Fan Site to Global Modding Powerhouse

In 2001, armed with a 56k modem and a passion for the upcoming release of Morrowind, Scott launched a simple fansite in his bedroom. He never intended to build an empire—his sole aim was ensuring modders had a safe, reliable place to share creations that might otherwise vanish with the next shuttered fansite or indifferent publisher[4].

By 2007, the site rebranded publicly as “Nexus Mods,” reflecting its evolution into a centralized repository. Over the next two decades, it ballooned to host over 716,500 mods spanning 3,768 games, becoming the default destination for texture overhauls, quest expansions, and community-driven total conversions alike[5].

Nexus Mods distinguishes itself not just by its vast download library, but by the ecosystem it provides:

  • Vortex Mod Manager: A one-stop application for installing, updating, and managing mods across hundreds of titles.
  • Forums & Social Hubs: Spaces where mod authors troubleshoot installation quirks, collaborate on joint projects, and nurture friendships forged over shared technical headaches.
  • Update Infrastructure: Automated version control and dependency tracking that keep sprawling mod setups from collapsing into chaos.

These pillars have cemented Nexus Mods as not merely a hosting site, but a thriving social and technical infrastructure for PC gaming enthusiasts.

The Toll of Being “On Call” for 24 Years

Behind every mod upload, forum thread, and software patch lay Scott’s relentless vigilance. In a heartfelt blog post, he described how the constant responsibility—being “on call” every day—became a source of profound anxiety and health problems. Fixing server outages at 2 AM, mediating heated community debates, and overseeing feature rollouts all added up to burnout that began affecting both his well-being and his staff[3][1].

Scott wrote, “The stress of being responsible for the behemoth I created has taken its toll … I firmly believe that the best thing for the future of Nexus Mods is for me to step aside and bring in new leadership to steer the business forward with renewed energy”.

Details of the new ownership remain murky. Scott revealed that individuals named Victor, Marinus, and Nikolai will guide Nexus Mods into its next phase, but he stopped short of naming their company. Community sleuths on ResetEra have linked the trio to a Danish growth-focused gaming outfit called Chosen, though neither party has officially confirmed the connection.

Despite this opacity, Scott insists the core principles won’t waver: Nexus Mods will stay “community-first and mod-author focused.” He’s leaving the platform in the hands of a 40-strong team—many of whom have devoted nearly a decade to the site—and plans to remain a lurking presence in the forums whenever nostalgia pulls him back.

What Lies Ahead for Nexus Mods?

With fresh leadership, the questions on everyone’s mind are:

  • Will monetization strategies shift? (Chosen’s founders have dabbled in in-app purchases, sparking cautious debate among users[5].)
  • How will site stability and feature development evolve?
  • Can the new team maintain the delicate balance between user freedom and sustainable operations?

For now, the interface hasn’t budged, the upload queues hum on, and the community continues trading load orders as if nothing has changed.

Nexus Mods began as a bedroom experiment and matured into a foundational pillar of PC gaming culture. Its sale marks the close of one chapter and the dawn of another—where a new generation of stewards must honor the site’s roots while navigating the commercial realities of today’s gaming ecosystem. As “Dark0ne” steps back, modders and players worldwide will watch closely, hopeful that the spirit of sharing and creativity that defined the platform for 24 years will thrive for another 24 and beyond.

An Update From Dark0ne
After almost 24 years of running Nexus Mods, the time has come for me to step back from the day-to-day management of the site. This isn’t a decision I’ve made lightly – far from it – but one I think i…
Source/Via

Games, Gaming, News

We could already have Grand Theft Auto VI ages ago according to a leaked rumor

In the world of gaming, few titles carry the weight and anticipation of Grand Theft Auto VI. With Rockstar Games’ legacy of genre-defining open-world experiences, expectations are sky-high. But according to recent rumors, the road to GTA VI has been anything but smooth—allegedly involving not one, not two, but three full story reboots. Let’s dive into the details of this fascinating development saga.

Once again, I am bending the “no rumors” rule because I find the revelation interesting and have the logical explanation about why development has taken so ridiculously long and not because “the newest peak of perfection” that Rockstar Games have been teasing for years.

The First Vision: A Noir Thriller with Three Protagonists

The earliest rumored version of GTA VI was reportedly a gritty detective story, described as “worthy of a thriller,” featuring three protagonists. This narrative was in development until late 2016 and was said to explore darker, more mature themes than previous entries. However, publisher Take-Two Interactive allegedly found the tone too bleak and ultimately vetoed the project.

The Second Attempt: A Chaotic Duo

The second iteration shifted gears dramatically. This version centered on two characters: a policewoman and a drug smuggler’s underling—described as being “as crazy as Trevor from GTA V.” This dynamic pairing promised a volatile and unpredictable storyline. Despite 18 months of development, this version too was scrapped, reportedly for failing to meet internal expectations.

The Third Pitch: Redemption and Descent

The third and final rumored reboot retained the dual-protagonist structure but swapped the policewoman for a new character: an African-American former soldier, recently released from prison and drawn into the criminal underworld. This version was said to be canceled in March 2019, marking the third major narrative overhaul.

One of the most striking claims tied to these reboots is their alleged role in the departure of Dan Houser, Rockstar’s co-founder and longtime creative lead. The repeated cancellations and mounting pressure may have contributed to his decision to step down from his role as Vice President of Creative.

While these rumors remain unconfirmed and should be taken with a grain of salt, they offer a compelling glimpse into the high-stakes world of AAA game development. If true, they help explain the unusually long development cycle and the intense secrecy surrounding GTA VI.

Rockstar has since revealed a new direction for the game, including a Latina protagonist named Lucia and a setting inspired by modern-day Vice City. Whether this final vision lives up to the hype remains to be seen—but if the rumors are any indication, it’s a version that survived a gauntlet of creative reinvention.

GTA 6’s Story Was Rejected Three Times, Causing Dan Houser to Step Down, It’s Claimed
An interesting leak has revealed that Rockstar worked on and canceled three versions of GTA 6, causing Dan Houser to leave the company.
Source/Via
Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, PC

Yet another big week for Stellar Blade

Stellar Blade exploded onto the scene as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in April 2024, winning hearts with fluid, Souls-like combat and jaw-dropping visuals. Just over a year later, its leap to PC has rewritten expectations for single-player action games—and Shift Up isn’t done yet. Below we break down the PC launch’s jaw-dropping numbers, the community’s response, the confirmed sequel roadmap, and the swirling rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 edition.

When Stellar Blade debuted on PS5, it immediately topped pre-order charts in more than 60 countries. Critics and players alike praised its lightning-fast combos, striking art direction, and moody sci-fi worldbuilding—earning a 9.2 user score on Metacritic and winning eight categories in the PlayStation Blog’s Game of the Year awards (over 1.6 million votes cast).

A Record-Shattering PC Launch

On June 11, Stellar Blade landed on Steam and promptly sold over 1 million copies within its first three days—a first for any Sony-published single-player title on PC. It soared into Steam’s global Top 10 bestsellers for June, reached a peak concurrent player count north of 190,000, and has maintained an “Overwhelmingly Positive” review rate above 94 %[1][3][4]. Rate-boosting technical bells and whistles—including NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling/frame generation, high-res textures, uncapped frame rates, and ultrawide support—have let high-end rigs and Steam Deck alike run smoothly even during the toughest boss fights.

Analyst Daniel Ahmad notes that a majority of PC sales stem from China, where a freshly added Chinese dub and regionally adjusted pricing (roughly $38 vs. $60 in the US) have unlocked mass appeal. This surge continues a broader trend of Asian PC gamers embracing premium single-player blockbusters.

Shift Up marked the PC launch with a cross-IP event featuring its own Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, delivering a NIKKE-themed map, skins, minigame, boss fight, and more. Meanwhile, modders have embraced Stellar Blade wholeheartedly—so much so that director Kim Hyung-tae has publicly challenged them to create deeper gameplay expansions beyond the hundreds of cosmetic and “adult” mods already circulating.

Looking Ahead: Sequel Development

Buoyed by over 3 million copies sold across PS5 and PC, Shift Up has confirmed a sequel targeting release on or before 2027. The team acknowledges the original’s narrative was pared down—many cutscenes and deeper story beats (like Eve’s outfit changes) were axed for budgetary reasons—and promises Stellar Blade 2 will feature a richer, more serious storyline backed by a fuller cutscene roster now that resources have opened up.

The Switch 2 Question: Rumor vs. Reality

Rumors surfaced in mid-June that Shift Up quietly secured Nintendo Switch 2 developer kits and has begun platform-specific optimization for the console’s lower power profile. Korean outlet PlayForum claims initial work is underway on a Switch 2 port, part of a broader multiplatform strategy to expand beyond PlayStation[16]. However, in direct comments to PlayForum, a Shift Up representative stressed that “nothing has been confirmed regarding the development of the Nintendo Switch 2” edition, leaving fans to weigh hope against official silence.

Stellar Blade’s PC launch isn’t just a win for Shift Up and Sony—it’s proof there’s untapped hunger for premium single-player experiences on PC and (possibly) beyond. Between record sales, an energized mod community, a confirmed sequel, and the tantalizing prospect of a Switch 2 port, Stellar Blade stands poised to become one of the decade’s most intriguing new IPs. Whether you’re gearing up for Eve’s next adventure in 2027 or simply diving into the heightened PC experience now, Stellar Blade’s saga is far from over.

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News

CEO 2025 defined the first half of 2025 for the FGC world

CEO 2025 returned to Orlando, Florida (hosted at the Rosen Shingle Creek) from June 13–15, marking its 15th annual iteration. The event filled more than 200,000 square feet with world-class competition, drawing over 4,000 competitors across 19 official games and a host of side tournaments. Its lineup not only featured the established circuit titles but also shined a spotlight on community-run brackets and indie-friendly events. With a multi-channel streaming setup (11 Twitch channels streamed the games live), the organizers ensured that fans around the world had uninterrupted access to every match and schedule update.

Detailed Tournament Results and Announcements

Super Smash Bros. Melee

One of the most talked-about moments was the Super Smash Bros. Melee bracket, headlined by none other than Hungrybox. Despite an early hiccup that forced him to switch controllers mid-game, Hungrybox established a remarkable 7–1 record to secure the championship. His journey was filled with dramatic highs—intense rallies against top pros like Wizzrobe—and emotional expressions of triumph reminiscent of his Evo victories. His win not only added another prestigious title to his resume (following a recent Genesis X2 victory) but also resonated deeply with fans, making for one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.

Results

  1. Onin (Steve)
  2. MU|ApolloKage (Snake)
  3. SR|Kola (Roy, Cloud)
  4. Ploopy (Mr. Game & Watch)
  5. HyperKirby (Roy)

Street Fighter 6

As an official Capcom Pro Tour event, Street Fighter 6 saw a massive turnout with nearly 840 entrants. The tournament not only served as a qualifier for the Capcom Cup but also featured the debut of the new game patch (including the long-awaited introduction of Elena and a special Switch 2 launch). Top-tier competitors clashed in high-stakes matches, with the bracket reflecting both the evolving metagame and fresh strategic approaches from players adapting to the update. Each win in the tournament pushed competitors closer to earning an invite to the Esports World Cup, making every match a critical battle.

Results

  1. DRX|Leshar (Mai, Terry, Ed)
  2. Falcons|NL (Akuma)
  3. FLY|Punk (Cammy, Ryu)
  4. KSG|Zhen (M. Bison, Dee Jay)
  5. FAV|Ryukichi (Ken)

Tekken 8

Tekken 8’s tournament was billed as a Master Tier event on the Tekken World Tour, drawing approximately 650 players who fought for one of four qualification spots. The matches were fierce and strategically complex, with players like Falcons|Atif and DNF|Ulsan delivering standout performances. The tournament results not only determined the advancement of the top eight but also signaled important shifts in player lineups and game strategies heading into the global finals.

Results

  1. Falcons|Atif (Anna, Dragunov)
  2. DNF|Ulsan (Lars, Dragunov, Reina)
  3. TM|Arslan Ash (Nina, Zafina, Anna)
  4. VIT|JeonDDing (Eddy)
  5. DNF|Meo-IL (JACK-8, Victor)

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

In the Fatal Fury segment, competitors vied in what was also a qualifying event for the SNK World Championship. The bracket—featuring over 460 skilled players—boasted a dramatic series of matches where the “Lone Wolves” eventually emerged victorious in an intense night of competition. The title’s evolution, complete with significant meta changes, demanded that players adapt quickly, and those who could, claimed their valuable spots for the next level of international play.

Results

  1. KSG|Xiaohai (Billy, Hotaru)
  2. Saishunkan|Nemo (Billy)
  3. IGZIST|KojiKOG (Billy)
  4. Falcons|E.T. (Hokutomaru)
  5. Reject|Laggia (Hotaru)

Mortal Kombat 1

At Mortal Kombat 1, recognized as a Kombatant Tier event on the Mortal Kombat Pro Kompetition circuit, players competed for two crucial qualification chances. With high-energy battles punctuating the tournament, every round was a test of both strategy and raw fighting talent. The tournament further cemented CEO 2025’s role as a gateway to the global stage for serious competitors in one of the most iconic fighting game franchises.

Results

  1. STG|Onlinecale213 (Kung Lao, Homelander, T-1000)
  2. 2G|SnakeDoe (Havik)
  3. PAR|Rewind (Reiko, Ermac)
  4. Grr (Geras)
  5. Rez|Dyloch (General Shao)

Additional Titles and Community Engagement

Beyond the marquee qualifiers, CEO 2025 also hosted tournaments for titles such as Guilty Gear Strive, Brawlhalla, and several legacy games like Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. The Brawlhalla Mid-Season Championship, in particular, introduced innovative gameplay elements (like the new Chakram weapon), which not only refreshed the competitive dynamics but also stirred excitement among returning fans.

On the side, community-run brackets spanned titles including Killer Instinct, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Vampire Savior—further underlining CEO 2025’s commitment to embracing the diversity of the fighting game community. In addition, the Jebailey World 24-hour arcade experience kept the event buzzing with indie games and tabletop activities, ensuring that every moment was filled with entertainment

Guilty Gear Strive — Results

  1. Kshuewhatdamoo (Johnny)
  2. TSM|Leffen (Happy Chaos)
  3. FLY|NitroNY (Leo, Giovanna, Jack-O)
  4. PAR|Jack (Happy Chaos)
  5. TNS|MFCR (Leo)

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising — Results

  1. PAR|Zane (Grimnir)
  2. ONi|BlueSkyGuyBSG (Vaseraga)
  3. PAR|BEPaw (Ferry, Metera)
  4. GGC|Real Ice (Zeta)
  5. CHJ|CharCharRealSmooth (Vira)

Super Smash Bros. Melee — Results

  1. Liquid|Hungrybox (Jigglypuff)
  2. Envy|Wizzrobe (Captain Falcon)
  3. Spiral|MOF (Ice Climbers)
  4. DTL|Wevans (Samus)
  5. JChu (Pikachu)

Brawlhalla — Results

  1. Iores (Dusk)
  2. LGN|BalloonBoy (Vivi)
  3. SiB|Wess (Tezca, Red Raptor)
  4. Acno? (Diana, Ragnir)
  5. Kingdom|Kyna (Teros)

Under Night In-Birth 2 [Sys:celes] — Results

  1. BBB|Defiant (Hyde, Akatsuki, Londrekia)
  2. PAR|BigBlack (Byakuya)
  3. PCF|!ssei (Hyde)
  4. LAGr|Argen (Waldstein)
  5. Malarky (Nanase, Wagner)

Rivals of Aether 2 — Results

  1. SC|Sophilo (Zetterburn)
  2. CakeAssault (Forsburn, Fleet)
  3. Ant (Ranno)
  4. LG|Marlon (Orcane)
  5. Elkiies (Maypul)

Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike — Results

  1. TMG|MOV (Chun-Li)
  2. FrankieBFG (Ken)
  3. Arlieth (Makoto)
  4. Justin Wong (Chun-Li)
  5. ONIC|NYChrisG (Ken, Chun-Li, Yang, Sean)

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 — Results

  1. TNS|LiberalTerminator (Nova, Spencer, Dr. Doom)
  2. MASH|Escalante (Magneto, Morrigan, Dr. Doom)
  3. FLY|RayRay (Magneto, Dr. Doom, Sentinel)
  4. ONIC|NYChrisG (Morrigan, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  5. Mothman (M.O.D.O.K., Morrigan, Phoenix)

BlazBlue: Central Fiction — Results

  1. XCaliburBladez (Carl)
  2. 7C|Don (Relius)
  3. Fuzzama (Hazama)
  4. MTE|Killakobes (Bang)
  5. Quetzagoatl (Susanoo)

Capcom vs. SNK 2 — Results

  1. Coates|Bas (A-Groove: Yamazaki, M. Bison, Blanka)
  2. Justin Wong (C-Groove: Sagat)
  3. EricTurbo (A-Groove: Blanka, Sakura, M. Bison | A-Groove: Iori, Sakura, Blanka)
  4. Silentscope (K- Groove: Chang, Morrigan, Rugal)
  5. CEO|Jebailey (K-Groove: Cammy, Hibiki, Blanka | Others)

Super Street Fighter 2: Turbo — Results

  1. ZombieDamage (Fei Long)
  2. Damdai (O. Ken, O. Ryu, Ryu)
  3. Washed09er (Balrog, Vega)
  4. Silentscope (Cammy)
  5. Zoolander (Dee Jay)

Dragon Ball FighterZ — Results

  1. LegendaryyMuffin (Super Baby 2, Master Roshi, Krillin)
  2. Lucar (Trunks, Videl, Android 16)
  3. GarlicBread (Super Baby 2, Captain Ginyu, Krillin)
  4. PAR|Zane (Goku Black, Fused Zamasu, Beerus)
  5. VIT|CientifiKOF (Blue Gogeta, SS4 Gogeta, Vegito)

Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 — Results

  1. KTP (May)
  2. DC|Mystic (Baiken)
  3. FF|ElvenShadow (Faust)
  4. Yousagi (Johnny)
  5. Foo (Kum)

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R — Results

  1. Hotta (Justice)
  2. FF|ElvenShadow (Faust)
  3. EX Jejsbee (May)
  4. Dummy (Robo-Ky)
  5. TSB|Pandabetic (Faust)

Florida vs. The World 10v10 Exhibition (Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3) — Results

Team Florida

  • NickBad (Captain America, Deadpool, Strider)
  • FLY|Punk (Wolverine, Dr. Doom,. Vergil)
  • Hyorinmaru9th (Chun-Li, Morrigan, Phoenix)
  • KJMasta (Morrigan, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  • Jc6666 (Captain America, Dr. Doom, Dormammu)
  • Ronan Healy (Taskmaster, Dr. Doom, Sentinel)
  • Tjinr (Hulk, Sentinel, Haggar)
  • Flocker (Zero, Vergil, Hawkeye)
  • Syntax (Nova, Spencer, Magneto)
  • LiberalTerminator (Nova, Spencer, Dr. Doom)

Team The World

  • FrankieG (Magneto, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  • DualKevin (Deadpool, Dante, Hawkeye)
  • TA Wolf (Haggar, Spencer, Dr. Doom)
  • iDom (Dante, Dormammu, Dr. Strange)
  • 1nsiide (Wesker, Sentinel, C. Viper)
  • TT|Dylnyan (Zero, Dr. Doom, Dante)
  • Mothman (M.O.D.O.K., Morrigan, Phoenix)
  • Romora (Zero, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  • MASH|Escalante (Magneto, Morrigan, Dr. Doom)
  • FLY|RayRay (Magneto, Dr. Doom, Sentinel)

CEO 2025 proved to be more than just a tournament series—it was an immersive celebration of skill, community, and evolving gaming cultures. The high-caliber results, from Hungrybox’s unforgettable Melee championship to the nail-biting finishes in Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Fatal Fury, and Mortal Kombat 1, have set the stage for the coming global qualifiers and championship events. Moving forward, fans and competitors alike will be keeping a close eye on how these tournaments shape the competitive landscape and influence future game balancing and strategic shifts in the FGC.

If you’re curious to explore bracket specifics—such as the complete rankings in Street Fighter 6 or the top eight breakdown for Tekken 8—or want to discuss how CEO 2025 might impact the esports calendar for the rest of the year, there’s plenty more to dive into. The evolving storylines from this year’s event continue to inspire the community as they look toward new challenges in upcoming tournaments.