Category Archives: Games

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Hollow Knight Silksong is alive despite long silence

The Hollow Knight Silksong community has been buzzing with excitement and speculation recently, thanks to a cryptic social media post by William Pellen, co-director at Team Cherry. Pellen changed his profile picture to a slice of chocolate cake and posted a mysterious message hinting at something big coming soon. This coincided with the announcement of Nintendo’s Switch 2, leading fans to believe that Silksong might be revealed at the event.

However, Matthew Griffin, Team Cherry’s Marketing and PR director, stepped in to clarify the situation. Griffin confirmed that the cake photo had no deeper meaning and wasn’t part of any alternate reality game (ARG). He reassured fans that Silksong is still in development, progressing well, and will eventually be released.

The excitement around the cake photo and the Switch 2 announcement highlights the passionate dedication of the Hollow Knight community, which has been eagerly awaiting Silksong since its announcement in 2019. Despite the long wait, Griffin’s update provides some much-needed reassurance that the game is still on track.

Silksong is being developed by a small team at Team Cherry, and they’ve been relatively quiet about its progress. This has led to increased speculation and rumors each year. While there’s no official release date yet, Griffin’s recent update confirms that the game is real and will eventually be released.

The game itself is highly anticipated, with fans looking forward to exploring new areas and facing new challenges as the Hornet, a character introduced in the original Hollow Knight. The development team has promised over 150 new enemies and a new difficulty setting called Silk Soul mode, which will change the game after the first playthrough.

Despite the lack of official news, the community remains hopeful that Silksong will make an appearance at the upcoming Nintendo Direct event for the Switch 2.

Until then, fans will continue to speculate and eagerly await any updates from Team Cherry.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo did it again with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD!

I guess that it takes long for Nintendo to be extremely careful as fan are as observers as ever, but due diligence seems to be annoying and with this, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remastered version of the original game developed by Retro Studios for the Wii and later ported to the 3DS.

The remaster was handled by Forever Entertainment, but when the credits rolled, the original Retro Studios team members were not individually credited

Instead of listing the names of the original developers, the credits simply stated: “Based on the work of the original development staff.” This has caused significant backlash from fans and former Retro Studios staff.

After this made enough sound, Nintendo issued a statement to Eurogamer, saying:

“We believe in giving proper credit for anyone involved in making or contributing to a game’s creation, and value the contributions that all staff make during the development process.”

However, they did not provide a detailed explanation for why the original team’s names were excluded.

This was brought to the general attention as actually, isn’t the first time Retro Studios has faced this issue. In early 2023, the developers behind Metroid Prime Remastered were also left out of the credits, leading to similar frustrations. Senior gameplay engineer Zoid Kirsch expressed his disappointment on social media, calling it “a travesty.”

And it baffles that Nintendo didn’t expect many fans and former Retro Studios staff have voiced their disappointment and frustration over the omission. They feel that the original team’s contributions are not being properly recognized.

Despite the backlash, Nintendo has maintained its stance on condensing the credits for an entire development team into one sentence. This decision has sparked a debate about how remastered games should credit their original creators.

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo scores a 1st ever arrest for Switch Modding

A 58-year-old man named Fumihiro Otobe from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was arrested for selling modified Nintendo Switch consoles loaded with pirated games. This is the first arrest of its kind in Japan.

Otobe modified second-hand Switch consoles by soldering hardware components to their circuit boards, enabling them to play pirated games. As reported by NTV News and translated by Automaton, he sold these modified consoles for approximately ¥28,000 (around $180) each, with 27 pirated games pre-installed.

Upon his arrest, police found four modified consoles in his possession.

In a public statement, Fumihiro Otobe said:

I was curious to know whether people would think I was great if I sold modified consoles.

This significant development marks a turning point in Japan’s legal approach to video game console modifications, which have long been contentious due to concerns about piracy and copyright infringement.

For Nintendo, this is the first arrest of its kind in Japan. The arrest highlights increasing efforts by authorities to crack down on such activities and protect intellectual property rights, acknowledging that modded consoles are not legally sold in major retail stores worldwide.

Nintendo’s efforts are aimed at protecting the integrity of its intellectual property and ensuring that game developers and publishers can continue to innovate and create new games. The company cooperates with law enforcement worldwide to pursue legal actions against those involved in piracy.

Editorial, Featured, Games, Gaming, GeeZus

Video Games in 2025 – not a spoiler but expectations

The year 2025 beckons with the promise of extraordinary gaming experiences, a year poised to redefine interactive entertainment with video games. From long-awaited sequels that reignite cherished franchises to ambitious new IPs pushing the boundaries of creativity, this year promises to be a landmark period for gamers worldwide. The anticipation is palpable, a collective breath held in eager expectation as developers unveil their masterpieces and players prepare to embark on unforgettable journeys.

The landscape of video games releases at 2025 is already shaping up to be a vibrant tapestry of diverse gaming experiences. Confirmed releases offer a tantalizing glimpse into the year’s potential.

Confirmed Releases:

The year will undoubtedly kick off with a bang, as several highly anticipated titles are confirmed to grace our consoles.

  • Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, slated for a March 2025 release, transports players to the captivating backdrop of 16th-century Japan. This installment in the beloved franchise promises a thrilling blend of stealth, action, and historical intrigue, immersing players in a period of profound social and political upheaval. Players will embody a skilled assassin navigating the intricate web of Japanese society, experiencing the beauty and danger of this era firsthand.
  • Monster Hunter Wilds, scheduled for a Q3 2025 release, marks a significant evolution for Capcom’s iconic hunting series. By introducing a vast open world, the developers aim to enhance the sense of exploration and freedom, allowing players to traverse breathtaking landscapes while encountering and conquering a diverse array of formidable monsters. This shift promises to redefine the core gameplay experience, offering a greater sense of agency and immersion.
  • South of Midnight, anticipated for a Q4 2025 release, is a narrative-driven adventure game that promises a unique and haunting experience. With a focus on a captivating Southern Gothic atmosphere, this title aims to deliver a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant story that will stay with players long after the credits roll.

Rumored Releases (High Probability):

While not yet officially confirmed, several highly anticipated titles are rumored to grace 2025 with their presence.

  • Grand Theft Auto VI, the long-awaited successor to one of the most influential video game franchises of all time, continues to be shrouded in secrecy. However, persistent rumors suggest a late 2025 release window, fueling immense speculation and excitement among fans.
  • Starfield (next expansion), Bethesda’s ambitious space RPG’s next expansion, is expected to launch late this year, assuming Bethesda’s clarification that the first expansion, Shattered Space, was made with new assets and not recycling the game’s original assets and expect the same thing for the next expansion. While it was not confirmed officially, it is rumored that the next expansion will comply on offering players the opportunity to explore a vast and awe-inspiring galaxy. With countless quests to undertake and a deep character customization system, Starfield promises to be a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
  • The Elder Scrolls VI, though still in the early stages of development, has already captured the imagination of countless gamers. While a release date remains elusive, the mere possibility of a new Elder Scrolls adventure is enough to generate immense excitement and anticipation within the gaming community.

Doubtful Releases (But Still Possible):

Several highly anticipated titles face uncertain release timelines, leaving their 2025 fate shrouded in doubt:

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania, has been in development for an extended period. While fans eagerly anticipate its release, the developers have remained tight-lipped regarding a definitive launch date, leaving the possibility of a 2025 release uncertain.
  • Perfect Dark (remake): Despite a Rare original game, back in 2020 it was confirmed that the other Xbox Game Studios, The Initiative was co-developing a Perfect Dark remake along with Embracer Groups’s Crystal Dynamics. Reportedly since then, Perfect Dark reboot development has faced significant hurdles and after being a The Initiative’s original involvement, Crystal Dynamics was brought into co-develop the game. Since no more details has surfaced and maybe people are in the expectations for some 2025, but I highly doubt a 2025 release.

Wild Cards:

The gaming industry is renowned for its unpredictable nature. Throughout the year, we can anticipate unannounced titles making their debut, potentially shifting the landscape of anticipated releases and surprising even the most seasoned of gamers.

Pretty much, the norm is that gaming studios and independent developers often unveil entirely new game concepts and franchises throughout the year. These surprise announcements can generate immense excitement and shift the focus of anticipation within the gaming community.

Along with the classic franchises can be revived through reboots and remasters, offering fresh perspectives on beloved games and introducing them to new audiences. These unexpected announcements can reignite nostalgia and generate significant buzz.

As challenging as the past year has been, for the gaming industry as much unfortunate, gaming acquisitions and mergers within the gaming industry can have a profound impact on the competitive landscape and the types of games being developed and honestly there is a chance that we might hear some news regarding of this aspect of the industry and hopefully, it can be converted as job cuts avoidance, but recent acquisitions proved that it is not necessarily avoid job cuts due redundance or instant duplicate workplaces due mergers.

Finally, and also an unfortunate thing to say it is unavoidable are unexpected challenges faced by development studios, such as unforeseen technical difficulties or internal issues, can lead to delays or even the cancellation of highly anticipated projects.

These “Wild Cards” add an element of unpredictability and excitement to the 2025 video game release landscape. They highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

A Note of Caution:

It is crucial to remember that release dates are subject to change, and development cycles can be unpredictable. Unforeseen circumstances can lead to delays, and even the most promising titles may face unforeseen challenges. Therefore, it is essential to manage expectations and approach these anticipated releases with a degree of flexibility.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

PlayStation Live Services future in question?

In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced the cancellation of two more live service games, one of which was a highly anticipated God of War title. The affected projects were being developed by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, two of Sony’s well-regarded studios.

As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment past CEO Jim Ryan’s legacy, one of his last main task was having Sony announcing an ambitious plans to launch over 10 new live service games by 2026.

However, the company’s recent decisions indicate a significant shift in strategy. The cancellations follow the mixed results of their live service experiments, with notable successes like Helldivers 2 and notable failures like Concord.

BREAKING: PlayStation has canceled two more live-service games, from subsidiaries Bend and Bluepoint, Bloomberg has learned.Fans have long wondered what Bluepoint has been working on for the last couple of years. I can report it was a live-service God of War game. www.bloomberg.com/news/article…

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) 2025-01-16T23:09:48.705Z

The two cancelled projects were part of a larger initiative to expand Sony’s portfolio of live service games. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, Bluepoint Games was working on a live service game set in the God of War universe. This news came as a shock to fans who had speculated about Bluepoint’s new projects since their well-received PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls.

Bend Studio, known for their work on Days Gone, was reportedly developing a new IP with multiplayer elements that built upon the open-world systems of their previous game. Unfortunately, neither project will see the light of day.

In response to the cancellations, a Sony spokesperson emphasized that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games would be closed down. The company is working closely with both studios to determine their next steps. Sony’s CEO Hermen Hulst had previously indicated a renewed focus on single-player games, which seems to align with the recent cancellations.

Needless to say that the cancellations have raised concerns among PlayStation fans about the future of Sony’s software lineup. With several live service projects scrapped, there is speculation that Sony may be shifting its focus back to single-player experiences. While this may disappoint fans of live service games, it could also mean exciting new single-player titles from Sony’s talented studios.

Sony’s decision to cancel these live service games marks a significant moment in the company’s gaming strategy. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony adapts and what new projects they will bring to the market.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation, Xbox

LUNAR Remastered Collection for nostalgia & new fans

GungHo Online Entertainment America has just announced the release of the LUNAR Remastered Collection, bringing two beloved JRPG classics back to life for a new generation of gamers. The collection, featuring LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, will be available both physically and digitally on April 18, 2025.

Originally developed by GAME ARTS for the original Playstation, these games have captivated fans with their romantic storytelling and breathtaking soundtrack. The remastered edition not only preserves the heart of the original games but also introduces modern enhancements such as wide-screen support, high-definition pixel and animated art, and quality-of-life updates like customizable battle and strategy setting.

The collection will be available on PlayStation 4 (compatible with PlayStation 5), Xbox One (compatible with Xbox Series X|S), Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Digital editions are priced at $49.99 USD / €49.99 EUR, while physical editions will be available for $54.99 USD in North America and €54.99 EUR in Europe. The physical editions will feature reversible covers with new key arts illustrated by Toshiyuki Kubooka.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the LUNAR saga, this remastered collection promises to captivate you with its timeless charm and enhanced features. Dive back into the enchanting worlds of LUNAR and experience the magic all over again!

Games, Gaming, News

First Look at The Blood of Dawnwalker with a trailer

Interest on the new studio called Rebel Wolves from Warsaw, Poland went high after last year’s Bandai Namco announcement that they were going to be the publisher for their first game and also, because the studio was founded by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz who served at CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 Game Director and head of production/secondary game director for Cyberpunk 2077.

The result is The Blood of Dawnwalker.

“The Blood of Dawnwalker” is an upcoming single-player, open-world dark fantasy action-RPG set in 14th-century medieval Europe and follows the story of Coen, a young man turned into a Dawnwalker, who must navigate the line between the world of day and the realm of night.

The game’s first trailer, released on January 13, 2025, showcases the game’s cinematic and gameplay elements. The trailer reveals the dark and brutal world of Vale Sangora, where vampires seize the opportunity to rise from the shadows and claim power. Players will have to use Coen’s vampiric strength and human resolve to save his loved ones and face various foes, including humans, monsters, and the ticking clock.

Rebel Wolves team also includes Bartłomiej Gaweł, who was The Witcher 3’s art director, as well as writer Jakub Szamałek (The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Thronebreaker), design director Daniel Sadowski (The Witcher), animation director Tamara Zawada (The Witcher 3), CFO Michał Boryka, studio head Robert Murzynowski and Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz as creative director.

The game will is being made with Unreal Engine 5 and will have a full gameplay reveal at summer (probably at Summer Game Fest 2025) and it is slated to be released on Playstation 5, Xbox Series S & X and PC.

Games, Gaming, News

Mai Shiranui trailer for Street Fighter 6 released

The wait is finally over for fans of the iconic fighting game series as Capcom has released the highly anticipated Mai Shiranui gameplay trailer for Street Fighter 6!

Mai Shiranui, a fan favorite from SNK’s Fatal Fury series, has officially made her way into the Street Fighter universe. Known for her signature whip and lightning-fast kicks, Mai is set to bring her unique fighting style and charm to the game. The newly released trailer showcases her stunning new look and gameplay mechanics, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect when she becomes playable in early 2025.

The trailer reveals Mai’s stage, which is set in Aokigahara, Japan, her stage from Fatal Fury Special. Fans are thrilled to see her signature fire dancing with her trademark fans, a move that has become synonymous with her character.

Players can get Mai via direct purchase of the Season Pass or buying the in-game currency Fighter Coins to directly buy her if you are just for individual character purchase.

Mai Shiranui will be available to purchase begging in February 5, 2025.

With Mai’s release Capcom closes the circle of the Street Fighter 6 Season 2, of course, the expectations is that the roster for Street Fighter 6 continues to expand, adding more depth and variety to the game’s fighting mechanics as Capcom probably is preparing for Year 3 content.

Breaking, Business, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Assassin’s Creed Shadows delayed again while Ubisoft feels lost

While the pressure is on for what’s next for Ubisoft after being challenged in all fronts, including gamers, shareholders and analyst, its management including Yves Guillemot, knows that the gaming world is not oblivious of any of the current situations an possible outcomes.

But things could be escalating as Ubisoft announced that a second delay for its highly-anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, was unavoidable.

Originally set to release on February 14, 2025, the game’s release date has now been pushed to March 20, 20252. This is the second delay for the game, which was initially scheduled to launch in November 2024.

Ubisoft stated that the delay is to allow developers more time to polish the game and incorporate player feedback. The company has been continually checking player feedback from the community and making changes accordingly. The additional time will help create the best conditions for launch by continuing to engage closely with the Assassin’s Creed community.

Ubisoft’s decision to delay the game is also seen as a strategic move to ensure that Assassin’s Creed Shadows becomes a bona-fide hit, potentially attracting more buyers if the company decides to sell.

The game is described as “the biggest entry in the franchise” and is expected to set a new standard for the series.

In the background, this is Ubisoft gaining some time

Before the delay announcement, Ubisoft issued a press release where CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that the company has hired top international management consulting firms to explore strategic and capital options for the company’s future.

This move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at unlocking greater value for Ubisoft’s assets and franchises.

We made good progress on the strategic and execution reviews initiated a few months ago and are confident that this will position Ubisoft for a stronger future. We have taken decisive steps to reshape the Group in order to deliver best-in-class player experiences, enhance operational efficiency and maximize value creation. We also recently appointed leading advisors and are actively exploring various strategic and capitalistic options to unlock the full value potential of our assets. We are convinced that there are several potential paths to generate value from Ubisoft’s assets and franchises.

Additionally, we are all behind our teams’ efforts to create the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed opus of the franchise and made the decision to provide an extra month of development to Shadows in order to better incorporate the player feedback gathered over the past three months that will enable us to fully deliver on the potential of the game and finish the year on a strong note.

Guillemot emphasized that the goal is to pursue various transformational strategic and capitalistic options to extract the best value for stakeholders.

The decision to hire consultants comes amid rumors of a potential sale of the company and it is a normal move when higher ups are unsure what to do next and/or cannot foresee if a new idea will actually be a success or not and how to prepare for either scenarios.

Reportedly, Ubisoft has been in discussions with several potential buyers, including Chinese giant Tencent, which is already a major shareholder. The company is also looking to drive significant cost reductions and adopt a highly selective approach to investments.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Splash Damage pulled the plug of Transformers: Reactivate

Splash Damage’s Transformers: Reactivate has had quite a journey since its original announcement at The Game Awards 2022. The game was revealed with a cinematic trailer set to Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” generating excitement among fans.

It promised a 1-4 player online co-op action game featuring beloved characters like Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave.

However, the development faced numerous challenges over the next two years. Despite initial plans for a closed beta in 2023, updates on the game’s progress were scarce. The studio’s focus shifted to other projects, including an open-world survival game called Project Astrid, developed in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel.

Today, Splash Damage announced the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate.

The studio claims that the decision was not easy and unfortunately, will results in layoffs across the studio as some jobs will become redundant after the cancellation of the project.

Yet, The studio expressed gratitude to the team for their dedication and to Hasbro for their support. They also mentioned that they are now focusing on supporting affected employees and refocusing their efforts on other projects.

Here is the original trailer refereed at the beginning of this article: