Breath of Fire IV Joins the GOG Preservation Program

More than two decades after its original release, Breath of Fire IV has returned to PC as part of the GOG Preservation Program. This initiative, spearheaded by GOG, aims to restore and maintain classic games, ensuring they remain accessible to modern audiences without the constraints of DRM or outdated compatibility issues.

The Legacy of Breath of Fire IV

Originally launched in 2000 (and 2003 for Europe and Japan), Breath of Fire IV is a beloved JRPG from Capcom that continues the franchise’s tradition of turn-based combat, deep storytelling, and a rich fantasy world. The game follows Ryu, a mysterious warrior with the ability to transform into a dragon, and Princess Nina, who embarks on a quest to find her missing sister, Elena. Their journey takes them across two continents, embroiled in political intrigue and ancient conflicts.

Despite its cult status, the original PC port of Breath of Fire IV was notoriously flawed, suffering from low-resolution graphics and compatibility issues. However, thanks to GOG’s restoration efforts, the game has been modernized with bug fixes, improved rendering options, restored environmental sounds, and full controller support. While some players note that upscaling still requires tweaking, the new version is widely regarded as the best way to experience the game on PC today.

The GOG Preservation Program: Keeping Classics Alive

The GOG Preservation Program is dedicated to reviving classic games, ensuring they remain playable on modern systems while maintaining their original charm. Unlike other digital platforms, GOG prioritizes DRM-free gaming, meaning players can own and play their games without restrictions.

Breath of Fire IV was selected for preservation after more than 23,000 votes from fans on the GOG Dreamlist, a community-driven initiative where players nominate titles they want to see restored. This underscores the game’s enduring popularity and the demand for classic JRPGs in today’s gaming landscape.

For fans of retro gaming, the inclusion of Breath of Fire IV in the GOG Preservation Program is a significant milestone. It not only revives a beloved classic but also highlights the importance of preserving gaming history. With modern gaming often dominated by live-service models and digital-only releases, initiatives like GOG’s ensure that older titles remain accessible for future generations.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of Capcom’s most cherished RPGs in its best possible form. You can find Breath of Fire IV on GOG and immerse yourself in its epic tale of dragons, war, and destiny.

Developer: Unknown
Price: 9.99

The great of retro gaming in both PC and portable just in a distance of a Gameboy Color

Windows 3.1 on a Game Boy Color? That’s a nostalgia-packed twist! While it’s not an actual port of Windows 3.1, developer Ruben Retro has crafted GBS WINDOWS for Game Boy, a software that mimics elements of the classic operating system.

This creation isn’t a direct Windows 3.1 emulator but rather a GB Studio-made software designed to resemble the old OS. It includes a replica of the BIOS screen, a command prompt, and even lets users launch familiar applications like Paint, Minesweeper, and a media app.

Unlike typical software emulation, GBS WINDOWS for Game Boy comes on a physical cartridge that works with Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance. If you still have a Game Boy Printer, you can even print your creations from Paint—talk about a throwback!

Availability & Pricing

The cartridge was listed for €40 (around $45), but unfortunately, it’s sold out at the moment. However, interested buyers can sign up for restock notifications.

This project is a fascinating blend of gaming and computing nostalgia, proving that retro tech still has a place in today’s world.

Via Windows Central

EA Sports Shakes Up the Football Gaming Landscape with Major Announcements

EA Sports has officially unveiled its plans for Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, and the gaming community is buzzing with excitement—and a bit of controversy. The announcement, made on NFL Draft Day, confirmed that both titles will launch this summer, but with a significant shift: neither game will be available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This marks a pivotal moment in EA Sports’ transition away from previous-generation consoles, fully embracing the power of modern hardware.

For years, EA Sports has maintained support for older consoles, ensuring that players who hadn’t upgraded could still enjoy their annual football fix. However, with Madden NFL 26, the franchise is making a clean break, focusing exclusively on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the upcoming Switch 2. This decision aligns with the industry’s broader trend of prioritizing current-gen hardware to deliver higher fidelity graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and deeper immersion.

Meanwhile, College Football 26 is set to continue the revival of EA’s beloved college football series, which returned last year after a decade-long hiatus. The game promises an expanded career mode, allowing players to take their athlete from high school to college and eventually the NFL. This seamless progression between the two games is a major selling point, reinforcing EA’s vision of a connected football universe.

Why Leave Previous-Gen Behind?

The exclusion of PS4 and Xbox One is a bold move, but not entirely unexpected. These consoles, launched in 2013, are now over a decade old, and their hardware limitations have increasingly hindered developers from pushing the boundaries of gaming technology. By focusing on current-gen platforms, EA Sports can leverage advanced physics engines, enhanced AI, and more detailed player animations, creating a more authentic football experience.

Additionally, the shift allows EA to streamline development, ensuring that both Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26 take full advantage of next-gen capabilities without being constrained by outdated hardware.

Release Dates and Pre-Order Details

Gamers eager to dive into the action won’t have to wait long. College Football 26 is set to launch on July 10, 2025, with early access available on July 7 for those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition. Madden NFL 26 will follow shortly after, arriving on August 14, 2025, with early access beginning August 11.

For players looking to grab both games, EA is offering an MVP Bundle, which includes exclusive in-game content and early access perks. This bundle is designed to cater to die-hard football fans who want the full EA Sports football experience.

EA Sports’ decision to leave behind previous-generation consoles is a clear signal that the gaming industry is moving forward. While some players may be disappointed, the shift promises better graphics, smoother gameplay, and deeper immersion. With Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, EA is betting big on the future of football gaming—and it looks like they’re ready to deliver.

Jason Citron Steps Down as CEO of Discord

After nearly a decade at the helm of one of the internet’s most beloved communication platforms, Jason Citron, co-founder and CEO of Discord, has announced his decision to step down. This marks a significant transition for the company, which has evolved from a niche gaming chat app into a cultural phenomenon with over 200 million monthly active users.

Starting April 28th, leadership will officially shift to Humam Sakhnini, a seasoned executive known for his tenure at Activision Blizzard and King. While Citron is stepping away from day-to-day operations, he will remain on Discord’s board and serve as an advisor, ensuring that the company’s original vision and community-first ethos remain intact.

The Legacy of Jason Citron

Citron’s journey with Discord began in 2015, when he and co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy sought to create a better way for gamers to communicate online. What started as a simple fix for unreliable voice chat quickly grew into something much bigger—a digital home for communities, creators, and businesses alike.

Under Citron’s leadership, Discord expanded beyond gaming, becoming a hub for study groups, fan clubs, developers, artists, and even political activists. The company’s workforce has also grown significantly, with around 870 employees today.

Citron’s departure comes amid growing speculation that Discord is preparing for an IPO. Reports suggest that the company has met with investment bankers to discuss a potential initial public offering (IPO) as soon as this year.

While Discord has not officially confirmed these rumors, the hiring of a high-profile executive like Sakhnini has fueled speculation. In a recent interview, Citron addressed the IPO chatter with cautious optimism, stating: “We don’t have anything to announce, but as you can imagine, hiring someone like Humam is a step in that direction.”

What’s Next for Discord?

With Sakhnini at the helm, Discord is poised for its next phase of growth. His experience in scaling entertainment businesses and monetizing digital platforms could signal new revenue strategies for Discord, including potential advertising models and premium features.

As the company navigates this transition, one thing remains clear: Discord’s impact on online communication is undeniable. Whether it moves forward with an IPO or continues to operate as a private entity, its influence on gaming, tech, and broader digital culture is set to grow even further.

LG Smart TV are the New Xbox – Literally

Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming continues to expand its reach, and its latest move brings the cloud-based service directly to LG Smart TVs and monitors running webOS24 or later. This development allows users to play Xbox games without needing an actual Xbox console, unlocking new possibilities for casual and hardcore gamers alike.

Microsoft has officially launched Xbox Cloud Gaming on select LG Smart TVs, allowing users to stream Xbox games without needing a console. The rollout includes 2022 OLED TVs, select 2023 LG Smart TVs, and newer models, as well as smart monitors running webOS24 or later versions.

If your LG Smart TV falls within this list, you can now stream Xbox games effortlessly, provided you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

What You Need to Play

To jump into Xbox Cloud Gaming on your LG Smart TV, you’ll need:

  1. An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription – This gives access to hundreds of cloud-compatible games.
  2. A Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller – Supported controllers include:
    • Xbox Wireless Controller
    • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
    • Xbox Adaptive Controller
    • PS5 DualSense controller

Once everything is set up, simply open the Xbox app on your LG Smart TV, sign in, and start playing!

Microsoft’s expansion into LG Smart TVs is part of its broader “This is an Xbox” campaign, aiming to highlight how Xbox gaming is no longer limited to traditional consoles. Players can now enjoy cloud gaming on devices like smart TVs, handheld gaming systems, and even web browsers, removing barriers to entry for next-generation gaming.

Additionally, the company has now opened up “stream your own game” functionality to all Game Pass Ultimate users, allowing them to stream select games from their own libraries instead of relying solely on Game Pass titles. This also means Xbox One users can play Xbox Series X/S games through cloud streaming, enhancing accessibility and cross-generation gaming.

Microsoft’s efforts in expanding cloud gaming suggest a future where physical consoles might become optional rather than essential. As TVs, monitors, and other smart devices integrate cloud gaming features, gaming might become more fluid, accessible, and device-agnostic than ever before.

With LG joining the cloud gaming revolution, we might see even more brands and platforms adopting Xbox Cloud Gaming, further pushing the boundaries of modern gaming convenience.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – A Legendary Return

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, originally released in 2006, was a groundbreaking RPG that set new standards for open-world exploration, storytelling, and player freedom. Now, nearly two decades later, Bethesda Game Studios has officially launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, bringing the beloved classic into the modern era with stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and a host of quality-of-life improvements.

The Legacy of Oblivion

Oblivion was a defining moment in gaming history. It introduced players to the vast and immersive world of Cyrodiil, where they could forge their own path as warriors, mages, thieves, or diplomats. The game’s Radiant AI system allowed NPCs to live dynamic lives, making the world feel alive in a way few games had achieved before. The gripping main quest, which saw players battling against the forces of Mehrunes Dagon and his Oblivion gates, remains one of the most memorable narratives in RPG history.

The Remaster – What’s New?

Bethesda, in collaboration with remaster specialists Virtuos, has meticulously rebuilt Oblivion using Unreal Engine 5, delivering breathtaking landscapes, enhanced character models, and improved animations. Here’s what players can expect:

  • 4K resolution and 60 FPS performance
  • Revamped textures, lighting effects, and weather systems
  • Improved enemy scaling and combat mechanics
  • Enhanced accessibility features
  • Updated UI for persuasion, clairvoyance, and other mechanics
  • Expanded autosave functionality
  • Refined first-person and third-person camera perspectives

Additionally, the remaster includes the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions, ensuring players experience the full breadth of Oblivion’s legendary content.

Bethesda has embraced the nostalgia of long-time fans while ensuring that new players can experience Oblivion in its best possible form. The remaster retains the core gameplay that made the original so beloved while modernizing its visuals and mechanics to meet today’s standards.

For those who remember stepping out of the Imperial City’s sewers for the first time, seeing Cyrodiil in its remastered glory is nothing short of magical. The mist-covered mountains, shimmering lakes, and towering cities have been meticulously recreated, making every moment of exploration feel fresh and awe-inspiring.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam and the Xbox App), cloud gaming, and PlayStation 5. It’s also included day one with Game Pass, allowing subscribers to dive into Cyrodiil without additional cost.

For those seeking the ultimate experience, the Deluxe Edition offers exclusive quests, weapons, armor sets, and a digital artbook and soundtrack app.

OpTic Gaming hosted and won the HCS Arlington Major 2025

OpTic Gaming has finally broken their streak of second-place finishes, securing a major trophy in the Halo Championship Series (HCS) at the Arlington Major. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, which had been chasing a win for 18 months since their last major triumph at the Fort Worth Major in September 2023.

The Arlington Major was not without its challenges. A major power outage disrupted the event, but OpTic Gaming persevered, showcasing resilience and determination. After a less-than-perfect pool stage, the team found themselves in the lower bracket during the final stage. However, they rallied and embarked on an impressive run, defeating formidable opponents such as TSM, Infamous, Team Nemesis, Spacestation, FaZe Clan, and Shopify Rebellion.

Highlights from the Event

  • Lower Bracket Comeback: OpTic Gaming’s journey through the lower bracket was nothing short of spectacular. Their 3-0 elimination of Spacestation, a long-time rival, was a highlight of the tournament.
  • Grand Finals: The team faced Shopify Rebellion in the grand finals, delivering a performance that secured their victory and the trophy.
  • Prize and Qualification: OpTic Gaming walked away with a $100,000 prize and an earned qualification spot for the Dallas Open, the next major event in the 2025 HCS season.

This win is just the beginning of the 2025 HCS season. Teams will now prepare for the Dallas Open in May, followed by the Salt Lake City Major in August, and the FaZe-hosted Major in September. All roads lead to the Halo World Championship, where the best teams will compete for ultimate glory.

OpTic Gaming’s victory at the Arlington Major is a testament to their hard work and dedication. After months of near misses, this win is a well-deserved moment of triumph for the team and their fans. The future looks bright for OpTic Gaming as they continue their journey in the HCS.

Here is the roadmap and what’s left of the Halo Championship Series 2025 season:

Response to the Palworld lawsuit by Pocketpair revealed!

Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, has taken a bold stance in its legal battle against Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The lawsuit, filed in Japan, accuses Palworld of infringing on patents related to monster-catching gameplay mechanics. Pocket Pair, however, has mounted a defense by citing prior works that utilized similar mechanics, arguing that Nintendo’s patents should not have been granted.

Revealed by Gamesfray, Pokectpair filed back in February its defense that went for two months under the radar and the TLDR is that Nintendo is conveniently pointing finger just for the mere selective pointing.

Pocket Pair’s defense hinges on the concept of “prior art,” which refers to previously existing works that demonstrate the mechanics in question were not novel at the time of Nintendo’s patent applications. The developer has listed several games and mods, including Rune Factory 5, Titanfall 2, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Far Cry 5, Tomb Raider, and Final Fantasy XIV, as examples of prior art.

They argue that these titles already featured mechanics like releasing monsters or capture items, throwable objects, and targeting systems.

Additionally, Pocket Pair has pointed to its own game, Craftopia, as evidence that similar mechanics were already in use before Palworld. The developer also referenced mods like Pocket Souls for Dark Souls 3 and Nukamon for Fallout, as well as games like Monster Hunter 4G and Octopath Traveler, to bolster its case.

As you recall, the lawsuit was filed last year by Nintendo and instead of going of the aesthetic likeness that some Pals have with Pokémon creatures, had the Japanese veteran going for specific legal term with patents which some of the were granted in middle of the lawsuit’s run, specifically patents: 7,545,1917,493,117, and 7,528,390. These patents cover various game mechanics, including the use and activation of “rideable characters” and the process of aiming and throwing a captured item at a character to capture it in a virtual space.

Evidently, U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is the American equivalent and consolidated patent of the previous three.

In a first mode, an aiming direction in a virtual space is determined based on a second operation input, and a player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, an item that affects a field character disposed on a field in the virtual space, based on a third operation input. In a second mode, the aiming direction is determined, based on the second operation input, and the player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, a fighting character that fights, based on the third operation input.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are each seeking 5 million yen, plus late payment fees.

This case raises important questions about the balance between intellectual property protection and creative freedom in the gaming industry. While Pocket Pair’s defense challenges the validity of Nintendo’s patents, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.

Respawn Entertainment shared the first look on the next Star Wars game from EA

Respawn Entertainment, in collaboration with Bit Reactor and EA, has officially unveiled their latest Star Wars game, Star Wars: Zero Company, during the Star Wars Celebration event in Japan on April 19, 2025. This single-player turn-based tactics game is set to release in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Game Overview

Star Wars: Zero Company is set during the twilight of the Clone Wars, offering a gritty and authentic story that explores a fresh perspective within the Star Wars universe. Players will take on the role of Hawks, a former Republic officer who commands an elite squad of operatives from across the galaxy. The squad must overcome their differences to confront an emerging threat that could consume the galaxy.

Gameplay Features

The game emphasizes tactical operations and investigations across the galaxy. Players will have the freedom to create and customize their squad, tailoring appearances, load-outs, and abilities across various character archetypes, including Clone Troopers, astromechs, and even Jedi. Between missions, players will develop a base of operations and gather intelligence through a network of informant

Bit Reactor, known for its expertise in strategy games, is leading the development alongside Respawn Entertainment. The game promises deep turn-based tactical combat with meaningful outcomes from player choices, all presented in an approachable and cinematic style. The collaboration aims to deliver a unique Star Wars story that resonates with fans while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics.

Story Highlights

The narrative focuses on Hawks and his squad, offering a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the Clone Wars. The story draws inspiration from the political intrigue of Andor and the gritty battles of Rogue One, providing a fresh angle on the Star Wars saga.

Xbox capacity of letting you buy games via mobile app is closer than ever

One of the promises that Microsoft claimed during the Preliminary Injunction against the purchase of Activision Blizzard King was to actually developing a mobile store and while it has been a GREAT WHILE about news regarding of this, Xbox is really close to make it a reality.

Microsoft announced that soon, you will be able to buy games and add-on content, join Game Pass, and redeem Perks directly from the Xbox app on mobile along with Xbox Console gameplay streaming.

We’re excited to announce that one of the most requested features from the Xbox community is coming to the Xbox app. Players will soon be able to buy games and add-on content, join Game Pass, and redeem Perks directly from the Xbox app on mobile. Be ready to play on day one by pre-ordering games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 and then set it to pre-install on Xbox consoles from the app. Buy games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and MLB The Show 25. Players will also be able to join Game Pass directly from the Xbox app. Ultimate members can redeem Perks like the Sea of Thieves Seventh Serving Emote directly from the app.

This experience will start to roll out to beta users on iOS and Android and will be available soon for everyone on the Google Play Store on Android devices and the Apple Store.

It is speculated that while the internal store will go live, Microsoft is taking time with the capacity of playing the games with your iOS and Android device while attending the final stretch of the legal standing of Google on opening more its policy about 3rd party stores.

Game you own, game that you can play anywhere

One of the biggest promise that Microsoft had with Xbox Game Pass, mainly Game Pass Ultimate user, is that any game that you truly own because you paid for should be appearing in your Game Pass Cloud library.

In other words, gamer will be able to stream select games they own in addition to the Game Pass catalog on their Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles and Microsoft claims that over 100 games and expect to more games to join the catalog in near future. 

This update aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to enhance accessibility and player-centric experiences, but the mobile store initiative might still be in development or part of future updates.

While it is an incredible feat, it appears that this doesn’t seem to be the promised mobile store that Microsoft discussed during the Activision Blizzard Preliminary Injunction hearings. During those hearings, Microsoft emphasized its plans to create a competitive mobile gaming store to challenge existing platforms.

Finally, in a minor update of Xbox ecosystem for April, expect a new feature on the game hub, where Xbox pulls up “relevant information” about a game, such as player stats, achievements, friends currently playing the game, events, and available add-ons.

From gaming fan to gaming fans

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