All posts by GeeZusGG

Games, Gaming, News

What you can expect in Summer for Tekken 8

EVO Japan 2025 has wrapped up, leaving the fighting game community buzzing with excitement—and, in some cases, frustration. Tekken 8, one of the biggest titles at the event, had its fair share of announcements, including new content, balance updates, and a controversial DLC reveal. Let’s break down everything that went down at Tokyo Big Sight.

Fahkumram Returns as DLC

One of the biggest reveals was the return of Fahkumram, the Muay Thai powerhouse who first appeared in Tekken 7. While some fans were excited to see him back, others were disappointed, feeling that Bandai Namco could have introduced a fresh character instead. His teaser trailer showed him dropping onto the battlefield, breaking free from his restraints, and declaring his opponent his next victim.

New Content Roadmap

Bandai Namco outlined its Season 2 roadmap, which includes:

  • Balance Update (May 13, 2025) – Adjustments to character strengths and weaknesses.
  • Ghost Showdown Mode – A new feature in the Tekken Lounge.
  • Karate Kid: Legends Crossover (June 3, 2025) – Free cosmetics inspired by the upcoming Karate Kid movie, including a hoodie and themed billboards.
  • Pac-Man Collaboration (Summer 2025) – A new stage called Pac-Pixels and various Pac-Man-themed cosmetics.

Despite these additions, the community’s reaction was lukewarm. Many players expressed disappointment, feeling that the updates lacked meaningful gameplay improvements.

Competitive Scene: Knee Dominates

On the tournament side, legendary South Korean player Knee once again proved his dominance, winning the Tekken 8 championship at EVO Japan 2025. Using Bryan, he defeated Mulgold in a thrilling 3-2 grand final match. His victory secured him 800 points for the Tekken World Tour 2025 and a spot in the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025.+

Community Reactions

The Tekken 8 community has been vocal about its concerns. While some players appreciate the new content, others feel that Bandai Namco is focusing too much on cosmetics and collaborations rather than addressing core gameplay issues. The Season 2 update had already caused problems, requiring an emergency patch, and many fear that future updates may not be enough to fix the game’s balance.

With EVO Japan 2025 setting the stage for the Tekken World Tour, all eyes are now on upcoming tournaments and potential future updates. Will Bandai Namco listen to player feedback and make meaningful changes? Or will the community’s frustration continue to grow? Only time will tell.

Games, Gaming, News

SEGA reminded us about what’s next for Virtua Fighter

Fighting game fans were in for a surprise at EVO Japan 2025, as SEGA officially announced the next installment in the Virtua Fighter series: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. The reveal took place at Tokyo Big Sight, where SEGA hosted a dedicated booth featuring gameplay demonstrations, tournaments, and exclusive merchandise.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, making it the first proper Virtua Fighter game to arrive on a Nintendo platform in 32 years. The game will feature rollback netcode and crossplay support, ensuring a seamless online experience for players across different platforms.

The Legacy of Virtua Fighter

Virtua Fighter debuted in 1993, pioneering 3D fighting games with its realistic physics and deep combat mechanics. Developed by Yu Suzuki and his team at SEGA-AM2, the franchise set new standards for the genre, influencing titles like Tekken and Dead or Alive. Over the years, Virtua Fighter has maintained a dedicated fanbase, despite SEGA’s sporadic support for the series.

The last major entry, Virtua Fighter 5, was released in 2006, followed by updates such as Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown and the Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown remaster in 2021. However, fans have long awaited a true revival, and SEGA has finally answered their calls.

What to Expect from Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.

SEGA’s Seiji Aoki, the franchise’s director, expressed excitement about bringing Virtua Fighter back to the forefront of fighting games. He emphasized that Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is more than just a port—it will include new content, enhanced visuals, and refined mechanics.

Key features include:

  • Rollback Netcode: Ensuring smooth online matches.
  • Crossplay Support: Allowing players across different platforms to compete.
  • Expanded Content: SEGA has hinted at additional modes and characters, with more details to be revealed in future updates.

Virtua Fighter’s Return to Nintendo

One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is Virtua Fighter’s arrival on Nintendo Switch 2. Despite SEGA’s long history with Nintendo, Virtua Fighter has never had a proper presence on the platform. This move signals SEGA’s recognition of the growing fighting game community on Nintendo consoles, following the success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Dragon Ball FighterZ.

The Future of Virtua Fighter

With Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., SEGA is reaffirming its commitment to the franchise. The game’s presence at EVO Japan 2025, alongside tournaments and community events, highlights SEGA’s dedication to revitalizing Virtua Fighter for both veteran players and newcomers.

As the fighting game community eagerly awaits more details, one thing is clear: Virtua Fighter is back, and it’s ready to reclaim its throne

eSport, Events, Gaming, News

EVO 2025 had it’s 2025 jumpstart with EVO Japan 2025

EVO Japan 2025 has wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of intense battles, shocking upsets, and exciting announcements for the fighting game community. Held at Tokyo’s Big Sight East Exhibition Halls, this year’s event saw thousands of competitors from around the world vying for glory across multiple titles. Let’s dive into the biggest moments from the tournament, including the winners, key matches, and major news.

Tournament Winners and Standout Performances

Street Fighter 6

Dominican powerhouse MenaRD defended his title successfully, becoming the back-to-back EVO Japan Street Fighter 6 champion. His journey to victory was anything but easy, facing fierce competition from Japan’s Ryukichi, whom he defeated in a thrilling 3-2 upper bracket final before sealing the championship with a 3-1 win in the grand finals. MenaRD’s victory speech included a challenge to legendary player Daigo Umehara, setting the stage for a potential showdown later this year.

Tekken 8

Tekken legend Knee added another trophy to his collection, securing his fourth EVO title with a dominant performance using Bryan Fury. His final match against Mulgold was a nail-biter, with Mulgold clawing his way back through the losers’ bracket for a rematch, only to fall 3-2 against Knee’s relentless offense.

Guilty Gear -Strive-

In a stunning display of loyalty and skill, Daru_I-No took home his first EVO title, playing his namesake character I-No. His reverse sweep in the finals cemented his place among the top Guilty Gear players in the world.

The King of Fighters XV

Taiwanese veteran Lin “ET” Chia-hung successfully defended his King of Fighters XV title, securing his second consecutive championship with a 3-1 victory over Japanese competitor mok. His dominance in the bracket was undeniable, maintaining an undefeated record against mok throughout the tournament.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Though not a main event, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves had a special side bracket, where Xiaohai emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Fenritti. His performance showcased the depth of talent in SNK’s latest fighting game.

Major Announcements and Game Updates

Beyond the competition, EVO Japan 2025 was packed with exciting reveals:

  • Tekken 8 announced new characters and major updates, keeping fans hyped for upcoming content.
  • Guilty Gear Strive revealed Unika’s release date, adding another fighter to its roster.
  • Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising showcased new gameplay footage and a release date for Galleon, expanding its universe.
  • Street Fighter 6 surprised fans with a collaboration with Overwatch, bringing unique crossover content to the game.

Looking Ahead to EVO 2025

EVO Japan 2025 marks the beginning of the fighting game community’s summer circuit, leading up to EVO 2025 in Las Vegas later this year. With new champions rising and legendary players defending their titles, the road to the next major tournament is already shaping up to be an exciting one.

Games, Gaming, Nintendo

Nintendo updated its EULA ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 launch and debates didn’t wait

Nintendo has recently updated its End User License Agreement (EULA), and the gaming community is buzzing with reactions. The changes, which took effect in May 2025, introduce a significant shift in how disputes between users and Nintendo can be resolved. Specifically, the new EULA prevents users from filing class-action lawsuits against the company, instead requiring arbitration on an individual basis.

What Changed in Nintendo’s EULA?

The most controversial update is found in Section 16, which explicitly states that users waive their right to sue Nintendo in court, participate in a class-action lawsuit, or have a trial by jury. Instead, disputes must be resolved through arbitration, a legal process that typically favors corporations over consumers due to its private nature and limited appeal options.

Nintendo does offer an opt-out clause, allowing users to reject the arbitration requirement by sending a written notice to Nintendo within 30 days of agreeing to the EULA. However, many gamers feel this is an inadequate safeguard.

The response from the gaming community has been overwhelmingly negative. Many players see this move as an attempt by Nintendo to shield itself from future lawsuits, particularly regarding hardware issues like the infamous Joy-Con drift.

On gaming forums, users have expressed frustration, with some calling the update “scummy” and others questioning its legality. Some players believe the clause won’t hold up in court, especially in countries where consumer rights laws prevent companies from enforcing such agreements.

Others speculate that Nintendo is preemptively protecting itself from potential lawsuits related to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and its new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Given the backlash Nintendo faced over Joy-Con drift in the past, this change seems like a strategic legal maneuver.

What Does This Mean for Gamers?

For now, Nintendo users must decide whether to accept the new terms or opt out within the 30-day window. While arbitration can sometimes lead to quicker resolutions, it also limits consumer power by preventing collective legal action.

This update raises broader concerns about corporate accountability in gaming. As more companies adopt similar legal strategies, gamers may need to pay closer attention to the fine print before agreeing to new terms.

Sources:

Games, Gaming, News

Bam Margera Return to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is official

The skateboarding world just got a major dose of nostalgia with the announcement that Bam Margera is officially returning to the upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 remake. For fans of the franchise, Margera’s inclusion is more than just a roster update—it’s a celebration of skate culture, rebellion, and the golden era of extreme sports gaming.

Margera first appeared in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, quickly becoming a fan favorite with his unique style and wild personality. His presence continued in THPS 4, where he not only skated but also handed out missions, adding an extra layer of fun to the game. Over the years, his involvement in the series cemented his status as one of the most recognizable figures in skateboarding video games.

However, when THPS 3+4 was announced earlier this year, fans noticed something troubling—Margera was missing from the initial playable lineup. Speculation ran wild, with many assuming his absence was due to past legal and personal struggles. But thanks to Tony Hawk himself, Margera was brought back into the game, proving that his legacy in the franchise is too significant to ignore.

Margera’s return wasn’t just a simple addition—it was a last-minute decision that required Activision to fly him out for body scanning and motion capture. According to reports, Hawk personally insisted that Margera be included, making sure his longtime friend and fellow skater had a place in the remake.

In a recent interview, Margera expressed his excitement about being back in the game, stating that his passion for skateboarding has returned. After years of personal struggles, he’s found himself back on the board, skating alongside Hawk once again. His inclusion in THPS 3+4 isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about redemption and rekindling his love for the sport.

What to Expect from Bam Margera in THPS 3+4

Margera will be available as a secret skater, meaning players will have to unlock him rather than having him available from the start. This adds an extra layer of excitement, making his presence feel like a reward for dedicated fans.

The game itself promises to be a faithful recreation of the original classics, with modern improvements that enhance gameplay while keeping the spirit of the originals intact. From tight controls to new levels like Water Park, THPS 3+4 is shaping up to be a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Bam Margera’s return to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is more than just a character addition—it’s a statement. It’s a reminder of the era when skateboarding was at its peak in pop culture, when rebellious energy fueled the sport, and when video games captured the essence of skating in a way that few others could.

With the game set to release on July 11, 2025, fans won’t have to wait long to relive the glory days of THPS. Whether you’re grinding rails, pulling off insane combos, or just enjoying the legendary soundtrack, one thing is certain—Bam is back, and skateboarding is better for it.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

A new Palworld patch was an undesired effect from Nintendo

Palworld, the monster-collecting survival game that took the gaming world by storm, is undergoing yet another transformation. Pocketpair, the studio behind the game, has announced a significant change in response to its ongoing legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The latest update, Patch v0.5.5, removes the ability to glide using Pals, replacing it with a standard glider item.

This decision follows previous adjustments made in Patch v0.3.11, which eliminated the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres—a mechanic that bore a striking resemblance to Pokémon’s Poké Balls. While many expected the lawsuit to focus on character designs, Nintendo’s legal action has instead targeted gameplay mechanics, citing patent infringements related to creature-catching and traversal systems.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the continued support of our fans over the past few months. We apologize for not being able to share as much information as we would like, but we trust our fans understand how difficult it is to be fully transparent while litigation is ongoing.

Currently, we remain involved in prolonged legal proceedings regarding alleged patent infringement. We continue to dispute these claims and assert the invalidity of the patents in question. However, we have had to make certain compromises in order to avoid disruptions to the development and distribution of Palworld.

On November 30th, 2024, we released Patch v0.3.11 for Palworld. This patch removed the ability to summon Pals by throwing Pal Spheres and instead changed it to a static summon next to the player. Several other game mechanics were also changed with this patch. As many have speculated, these changes were indeed a result of the ongoing litigation. Everyone here at Pocketpair was disappointed that this adjustment had to be made, and we fully understand that many players feel the same frustration. Unfortunately, as the alternative would have led to an even greater deterioration of the gameplay experience for players, it was determined that this change was necessary.

Furthermore, we regret to inform our players that with the implementation of Patch v0.5.5, we must make yet another compromise. From this patch onward, gliding will be performed using a glider rather than with Pals. Pals in the player’s team will still provide passive buffs to gliding, but players will now need to have a glider in their inventory in order to glide.

We understand that this will be disappointing for many, just as it is for us, but we hope our fans understand that these changes are necessary in order to prevent further disruptions to the development of Palworld.

We also want to extend our apologies to our fans for the discomfort and concern this ongoing litigation has caused.

We remain committed to developing Palworld and delivering exciting new content to our fans.
On behalf of everyone at Pocketpair and Team Palworld, thank you again for your continued support.

For players, this change alters one of Palworld’s most unique traversal mechanics. Previously, players could summon certain Pals to glide across landscapes, adding a dynamic and immersive element to exploration. Now, gliding will require a separate glider item, though Pals will still provide passive buffs to enhance the experience.

Pocketpair acknowledged that this adjustment would be disappointing for many fans but emphasized that it was necessary to “prevent further disruptions to the development of Palworld”. The studio has been transparent about its legal struggles, stating that these compromises are essential to ensuring the game’s continued availability and growth.

Nintendo’s lawsuit against Pocketpair, filed in September 2024, has sparked broader discussions about the use of patents in the gaming industry. While Nintendo argues that Palworld infringes on multiple patents, critics worry that such legal battles could set a precedent for larger companies using litigation to stifle competition.

Despite these challenges, Pocketpair remains committed to developing and expanding Palworld. The studio has reassured players that more updates and content are on the way, even as it navigates legal hurdles.

What’s Next for Palworld?

While the removal of Pal gliding is a setback, Pocketpair’s willingness to adapt suggests that Palworld will continue to evolve. The studio’s new publishing division, Pocketpair Publishing, aims to support indie developers, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to the gaming community.

As the legal battle unfolds, players can expect further adjustments to Palworld’s mechanics. Whether these changes will satisfy Nintendo’s legal claims remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Pocketpair is determined to keep Palworld alive and thriving.

Business, Gaming, News, Xbox

The FTC loses appeal to be granted a injunction against Microsoft & ABK but, is a Game Over?

After nearly two years of legal battles, regulatory hurdles, and intense scrutiny, Microsoft has emerged victorious in its fight to acquire Activision Blizzard. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had been one of the most vocal opponents of the deal, recently lost its appeal against an injunction that sought to block the acquisition. This marks the definitive end of the FTC’s legal challenge and clears the path for Microsoft to fully integrate Activision Blizzard into its gaming empire.

Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard was announced in January 2022, sending shockwaves through the gaming industry. The deal promised to bring some of the most iconic gaming franchises—such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo—under Microsoft’s umbrella. However, regulators worldwide raised concerns about potential anti-competitive practices, particularly regarding Microsoft’s control over cloud gaming, subscription services, and console exclusivity.

The FTC was one of the most aggressive challengers to the deal. It argued that Microsoft’s ownership of Activision Blizzard could lead to unfair market advantages, such as making Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox or degrading its quality on rival platforms like PlayStation. The agency sought a preliminary injunction to halt the acquisition while it pursued further legal action.

The Legal Struggle: Microsoft vs. The FTC

In July 2023, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley of the Northern District of California ruled against the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction, stating that the agency had failed to prove that the merger would substantially lessen competition. The FTC then appealed the decision to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, hoping to overturn the ruling and extend the temporary restraining order preventing Microsoft from closing the deal.

However, the appellate court unanimously ruled in favor of Microsoft, affirming that the district court had applied the correct legal standards in its decision. The judges found that the FTC had not sufficiently demonstrated that Microsoft would foreclose competition in the console, subscription, or cloud gaming markets. They also noted that Activision Blizzard had historically resisted putting its games on subscription services, meaning that Microsoft’s acquisition would actually introduce new content to that market rather than restrict it.

The Fallout: What This Means for Gaming

With the FTC’s appeal denied, Microsoft is now free to finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in the U.S. The company had already secured approvals from regulators in the European Union, Japan, and Brazil, leaving the FTC and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as the last major obstacles. While the CMA initially blocked the deal, Microsoft later reached an agreement with the UK regulator, allowing the acquisition to proceed.

Interestingly, Microsoft’s post-acquisition strategy has defied expectations. Instead of making Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox, the company has embraced a multiplatform approach, bringing its games to PlayStation and even Nintendo consoles. This shift suggests that Microsoft is prioritizing broader accessibility and revenue generation over exclusivity.

The FTC’s loss in court marks the end of a long and contentious battle over Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While the agency had legitimate concerns about market competition, the courts ultimately found that the merger would not substantially harm consumers or rival companies. As Microsoft moves forward with integrating Activision Blizzard, the gaming industry will be watching closely to see how this historic deal reshapes the landscape.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Destiny 2’s Fate Saga: A New Era Begins with Star Wars Collaboration

Bungie has unveiled a thrilling new chapter for Destiny 2, introducing the Fate Saga, a multi-year storyline that promises to reshape the universe of Guardians. Alongside this ambitious expansion roadmap, Bungie has also announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Star Wars, bringing the iconic space western aesthetic into the world of Destiny 2 in a way never seen before.

The Fate Saga: A Multi-Year Journey

The Fate Saga kicks off on July 15, 2025, with the release of The Edge of Fate expansion. This expansion will take players to Kepler, a mysterious new destination filled with dark matter energy, puzzles, and deep exploration. The Nine, enigmatic beings who have long been part of Destiny 2 lore, will play a central role in this expansion, challenging Guardians to uncover secrets that predate even the Traveler.

Following The Edge of Fate, Bungie has mapped out a series of expansions that will continue the Fate Saga:

  • December 2, 2025 – Renegades: A Star Wars-inspired expansion that introduces new characters, weapons, and a lawless frontier.
  • Summer 2026 – Shattered Cycle: Details remain scarce, but Bungie promises a dramatic continuation of the saga.
  • Winter 2026 – The Alchemist: Expected to bring new gameplay mechanics and lore revelations.

Renegades: The Star Wars-Inspired Expansion

Perhaps the most surprising announcement was Renegades, set to launch on December 2, 2025. This expansion fully embraces the Star Wars aesthetic, featuring blaster-style weapons, lightsaber-inspired melee combat, and a setting reminiscent of the galaxy’s outer rim. While Bungie insists that Renegades remains a distinctly Destiny experience, the teaser trailer suggests a crossover event unlike anything seen before.

In addition to the expansion, Bungie is releasing a Dark Side Legends Bundle, which includes Star Wars-themed cosmetics such as armor sets inspired by Sith Lords. This bundle is part of the Year of Prophecy Ultimate Edition, priced at $99.99, which grants access to both expansions, new raids, dungeons, and exclusive rewards.

What This Means for Destiny 2

The Fate Saga signals Bungie’s commitment to evolving Destiny 2 into a richer, more immersive universe. By integrating Star Wars elements, Bungie is tapping into a beloved franchise while maintaining the core identity of Destiny. Whether this collaboration will extend beyond cosmetics and thematic influences remains to be seen, but the initial reveal has already generated immense excitement among players.

With The Edge of Fate launching in July and Renegades following in December, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Destiny 2. Guardians, prepare to wield new powers, explore uncharted territories, and embrace the force—whether light or dark.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Fiscal Year 2025 closed and EA had some good news!

Electronic Arts (EA) has just released its Q4 and FY25 earnings report, and the numbers paint a picture of a company poised for growth, with strong performances across its portfolio and exciting announcements for the future.

Financial Performance: A Strong Finish to FY25

EA reported net bookings of $7.355 billion for FY25, driven by the success of its EA SPORTS franchises, including College Football and FC. The Sims also had a historic Q4, celebrating its 25th anniversary with double-digit growth.

Other key financial highlights include:

  • Net revenue for FY25: $7.463 billion.
  • Net cash provided by operating activities: $549 million for Q4 and $2.079 billion for the fiscal year.
  • EA repurchased 9.8 million shares for $1.375 billion in Q4, totaling 17.6 million shares for $2.5 billion over the fiscal year.

Looking ahead, EA expects FY26 net bookings to range between $7.6 billion and $8 billion, driven by upcoming releases like Battlefield and Skate.

Battlefield: The Next Chapter

EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that the next Battlefield game will be revealed this summer, marking a pivotal step in EA’s next generation of blockbuster entertainment. The game is set to launch by March 2026, and expectations are high for a return to form after previous mixed receptions.

Split Fiction: A Breakout Success

EA’s new co-op game, Split Fiction, has been a standout performer, selling nearly 4 million units since its launch in March. The game’s success has contributed to EA’s strong Q4 results, alongside EA SPORTS FC and The Sims.

EA’s latest earnings report highlights a company in a strong financial position, with a promising slate of upcoming releases. The Battlefield reveal will be a major moment for the franchise, while Split Fiction’s success proves EA’s ability to launch new IPs successfully.