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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.

Events, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater & Silent Hill f were not the only thing Konami needed to talk

Konami’s legacy of groundbreaking titles takes center stage once again. The Press Start livestream was a short yet power-packed showcase, lasting just under 40 minutes, that thrilled fans with extended looks and behind‑the‑scenes insights into some of the company’s most anticipated games. Rather than dusting off old secrets, Konami went bold, offering fans closer glimpses at the evolution of both iconic franchises and hidden gems in their stable. This event wasn’t simply a recap; it was a rejuvenation—a promise that Konami continues to innovate while staying faithful to the spirit of its storied properties .

Spotlight on the Heavy Hitters: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Silent Hill F

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Silent Hill F were the crown jewels of this year’s showcase. The former, a reinvention of the classic Snake Eater experience, is set to launch on August 28, 2025, while Silent Hill F—designed to revive the chilling ambience of survival horror—will hit shelves on September 25, 2025. Both titles are destined for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, assuring gamers across all platforms that Konami’s commitment is as wide-reaching as it is passionate.

For Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the extended look provided during the live stream was more than a teaser: it was a masterclass in evolution. Fans noted some mixed responses to the new animations, sparking debates across online communities. Yet, beyond the aesthetic tweaks lies a deep narrative evolution that promises to honor the original while daring to redefine what stealth action can be in the modern era. Conversely, Silent Hill F’s segment teased a game paced deliberately to evoke dread in a manner both familiar and startlingly new—the kind of offering that will satisfy long-time fans and newcomers alike .

The Suikoden Renaissance: Suikoden Star Leap

Another captivating announcement came from the realm of JRPGs. As part of Konami’s ongoing resurgence of its classic franchises, the new Suikoden title—Suikoden Star Leap—has been confirmed for PC. Originally hinting at a mobile gacha experience, Star Leap reassures fans that it won’t be confined to handheld devices. This free-to-play strategy RPG is set in the beloved Suikoden universe, inviting players on a quest to rally up to 108 allies as they traverse an expansive, lore-rich map. Positioned canonically between the first and fifth games, Star Leap links the past to the future, leveraging recent remasters and even an anime adaptation announcement of earlier Suikoden titles to reaffirm its cultural relevance .

The pivot to Steam availability is particularly exciting—it suggests that while modern gaming trends may push microtransactions, there will be ample opportunity to experience the full, immersive narrative without needing to part with your hard-earned cash. This balancing act between free-to-play mechanics and satisfying, non-invasive gameplay is one of the most intriguing aspects of Star Leap, and it’s sure to provoke both optimism and healthy debate among gamers.

Behind the Curtain: Insights from Konami’s Creative Minds

What set this showcase apart was not only what was announced but also how it was presented. Throughout the livestream, Konami’s creative leads offered exclusive commentary on development processes, design philosophies, and even the technical challenges faced when remastering classics or reinventing legendary franchises from scratch. The willingness to expose a bit of the creative soul behind these projects allowed fans to connect with the material on a more personal level—a reminder that game development is as much an art form as it is a technical achievement.

This transparent narrative, combined with enticing visual demos, has set a new benchmark for corporate storytelling in gaming. It’s not just about the flashy graphics or release dates; it’s about trusting a brand with a revered past to guide you into its bold new future.

While KONAMI PRESS START 6.12.2025 delivered a concentrated burst of news, it’s clear that this is only the beginning. The event has raised the bar for future announcements and given fans plenty to chew on—be it debates over animation quality in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater or the monetization strategies of Suikoden Star Leap.

In the coming months, expect even deeper dives into development diaries, post-launch adjustments based on community feedback, and perhaps further surprises up Konami’s sleeve. Whether you’re a hardcore JRPG fan, a survival horror aficionado, or someone who cherishes the stealth-action genre, this event proves that Konami is rewriting the rules while dutifully preserving the cherished elements of its storied history.

Konami’s Press Start event was a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation—a call to every gamer to look forward with anticipation while honoring the legacy of games past. As we count down to release dates and watch debates flood online forums, one thing is certain: the future of gaming stands on the shoulders of giants, and tonight, Konami reaffirmed its place among them.

For lovers of in-depth game development stories, industry shifts, and legacy titles reimagined, this event is also a springboard for questions: How will new mechanics redefine classic genres? What new storytelling techniques can we expect? And most importantly, how will these innovations resonate with a rapidly evolving audience? The conversation is just beginning, and there’s a rich dialogue waiting to unfold in every forum and stream chat throughout the coming months.

Events, Games, Gaming, News, PC

Yes, Apple did talk something about gaming with macOS & iOS at WWDC 25

Apple dedicated less than ten minutes of its two-hour WWDC keynote to gaming, yet the slide-deck was jam-packed with tectonic shifts: a Steam-style Games hub, a Metal overhaul that reads like “DLSS for Apple Silicon,” and a toolkit that promises day-and-date AAA ports on the Mac. Below is the blow-by-blow, plus a little connective tissue explaining why each move matters (and what still isn’t solved).

1. The New “Games” App – Apple’s Long-Overdue Home Base

One icon, three operating systems, zero friction.

PlatformsTabsKiller Detail
iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS TahoeHome • Arcade • Play Together • Library • SearchSingle achievements feed and cross-device cloud saves

Apple finally retires the half-baked Game Center UI in favor of Games.app, a first-party launcher that automatically surfaces every title you’ve ever downloaded—paid, free-to-play, or Apple Arcade—complete with leaderboards, achievements, in-app events, and friend activity in one timeline. Think of it as Xbox Game Pass meets Steam Library, minus the store clutter.

Why this matters

  1. Discoverability: Small studios no longer fight for a slot on the front page of the App Store; Apple can algorithmically push seasonal events or DLC inside the overlay.
  2. Parity: A shared UX across iPhone, Mac, and iPad makes cross-buy expectations explicit—good pressure on publishers to honor one purchase everywhere.
  3. Social glue: A built-in “Play Together” tab schedules drop-in multiplayer sessions. Discord integration hasn’t been announced, but the door is now wide open.

2. Game Overlay – Console-Style HUD Without a Quit-to-Home

Swipe up with three fingers (or press ⌥ + G on Mac) and an Xbox-like overlay appears: performance graphs, battery endurance, AirPods latency read-out, and a one-tap screen-record toggle that dumps straight to the Photos app.

Quality-of-life win: Players stay immersed; streamers capture footage without third-party hacks.

3. Cross-Device Save Sync – True “Pause on Mac, Resume on iPhone”

GameKit now exposes an API that syncs checkpoint, inventory, and cloud shaders in real time across Apple ID. Implementation is trivial for Unity/Unreal devs because Apple rolled it into the same API call that previously pushed leaderboard data.

4. Metal 4 – The Carbon-Fiber Chassis Under It All

Apple’s graphics API graduates to a new major version and quietly turns Apple Silicon GPUs into machine-learning accelerators on demand.

Metal 4 FeatureWhat It DoesWhy You Should Care
Native TensorsML ops baked into the shader languageRay-traced denoisers and DLSS-style upscaling run on-chip
Explicit PSO CompilationPipeline State Objects can be built ahead-of-timeFaster load screens, stutter-free asset streaming
Scalable Resource HeapsMemory management finally mirrors DX12/VulkanBig-open-world games hit 60 fps on M-class chips

MetalFX 2.0: Frame Interpolation & Denoising

Apple’s answer to NVIDIA DLSS combines temporal upscaling with AI-generated in-between frames, effectively tripling rendered frame-rate in compatible titles. During the on-stage demo, Resident Evil Village jumped from 60 → 150 fps on an M3 Max MacBook Pro.

5. Game Porting Toolkit 3 – One-Click PC ➜ Mac?

Year-three of Apple’s Wine-based bridge adds:

  • DirectX 12 full shader model, including ray-tracing calls
  • Remote Mac build/debug from Visual Studio on Windows
  • Auto-translation of HLSL to Metal via an updated shader converter

Capcom, Larian, and FromSoftware were name-checked as early adopters; Baldur’s Gate 3 arrives “this fall,” feature-parity with Patch 9.

6. Controller & XR Input Explosion

• PlayStation VR2 Sense officially supported on Vision Pro for six-degrees-of-freedom shooters and haptic spellcasting.
• On-screen touch controller API lets mobile devs drop console-grade UI with zero custom draw-calls.
• Standardized HID vibration curves ensure identical haptics across DualSense, Xbox Series pads, and Backbone One.

Translation: Vision Pro is no longer a gaze-only headset; expect rhythm games and VR sword-fighters to show up fast.

7. First-Wave Games & Partnerships

Apple didn’t unveil hardware, but three key publishing beats slipped into press releases:

TitleNotable HookETA
Hades II (Mac/iOS)Save sync across devices; 120 fps MetalFX modeEarly Access now, full release Winter 2025
Death Stranding 2First Apple Silicon build; DualSense adaptive-trigger supportQ4 ’25
Monster Hunter WildsVision Pro “theater mode” + gyro aimingSim-ship with PC/PS5 2026

8. What Apple Still Has to Solve

  1. Anti-Cheat & Mods – No mention of kernel-level solutions; competitive shooters remain AWOL.
  2. Storefront Fragmentation – Games.app is discovery; purchases still route through the App Store, complicating DLC on Mac where Steam reigns.
  3. GPU Headroom – MetalFX helps, but ray-tracing on integrated GPUs is still compute-bound. A discrete Apple GPU (a la “M-Ultra RTX”) would finish the story.

Takeaways for Players

• Your iPhone 15 is about to feel like a Switch—library, progress, and settings everywhere.
• Expect a wave of “Optimized for MetalFX” stickers this holiday; check patch notes before double-dipping.
• If you own Vision Pro, watch for PS VR2 game ports; the controller hurdle is officially gone.

Takeaways for Developers

• Metal 4’s tensor ops mean you can ship one AI model for both graphics & gameplay.
• Porting Toolkit 3 finally removes the “Mac build machine” requirement; test on a cloud Mac, push to App Store in hours.
• Early adoption of Game Overlay APIs wins you guaranteed editorial placement inside Games.app launch window.

What’s Next?

Rumors point to an M4-class iPad Pro with active cooling aimed squarely at handheld PC gamers, plus a potential Games-app section for tvOS this fall. Keep an eye on the iOS 26 public beta in July; Apple usually holds a second “Developer Tech Talks” week where the Metal engineers show unedited frame-time graphs—gold for indie studios trying to hit 120 fps.

eSport, Events, Gaming, News

LA Thieves close the last Major Call Of Duty League tournament with a second win in a row

The LA Thieves have once again proven their dominance in the Call of Duty League (CDL), securing victory at the final Major IV of the 2025 season at DreamHack Dallas. This win cements their place as the top seed heading into the CDL Championship Weekend, set to take place in Kitchener, Canada next month.

The journey to the championship was anything but easy. Early in the tournament, the Miami Heretics sent the Thieves into the lower bracket, setting the stage for an intense comeback. The Thieves fought their way back, eliminating Toronto Ultra and OpTic Texas, before getting their revenge against Miami in a decisive 3-0 victory.

In the Grand Finals, the Thieves faced off against Atlanta FaZe, a team known for its resilience and skill. The match was a rollercoaster, with the Thieves taking an early 2-0 lead, only for FaZe to mount a comeback and even the series at 2-2. However, the Thieves regained control, dominating the final two maps to secure a 4-2 series win.

Key Moments & Rivalries

One of the most talked-about moments of the tournament was the heated rivalry between Scrap and SupeR, two of the most outspoken players in the CDL. Their intense exchanges throughout the event added an extra layer of drama, culminating in a fiery showdown when the Thieves eliminated Miami.

Looking Ahead to CDL Champs

With this victory, the LA Thieves enter Championship Weekend with 540 CDL Points, ahead of second-place Atlanta FaZe with 505 points. The top eight teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize, and given the Thieves’ momentum, they are undoubtedly the favorites heading into the final showdown.

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

HCS Dallas Open: OpTic Gaming’s second win in a row for the HCS Opens at 2025

The Halo Championship Series (HCS) continues to be a battleground for the best Halo players in the world, and the HCS Dallas Open was no exception. OpTic Gaming emerged victorious, solidifying their dominance in the competitive Halo scene. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing strategic gameplay, precise shooting, and unmatched teamwork.

OpTic Gaming’s Victory at HCS Dallas Open

OpTic Gaming’s journey to the top was marked by intense matches against formidable opponents. Their ability to adapt to different playstyles and execute flawless strategies set them apart. Some key highlights from their performance include:

  • Clutch Plays: OpTic Gaming’s players delivered incredible moments, turning the tide of matches with well-timed power weapon grabs and coordinated team pushes.
  • Strategic Map Control: Their ability to dominate key areas of the map ensured they maintained control over objectives and dictated the pace of the game.
  • Individual Brilliance: Players like Lucid and Trippy showcased their mechanical skills, landing crucial kills and making game-changing plays.

Basically, the tournament was a comfortable one for OpTic Gaming as they beat Shopify Rebellion and TSM without a single map loss and FaZe Clan where the ones to beat in the grand final.

With a successful force of a reset after scoring of 4-1 and a laser-focus gameplay, they manage to have a perfect 4-0 after reset and nailing the HCS Open Dallas 2025 Trophy.

Next stop for HCS is HCS Major Salt Lake City 2025 at August 1st’s weekend and preceded respectively by HCS Open & Qualifier between Jun and July

Events, Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

The battleground for Mid-rage GPUs by Nvidia and AMD at Computex 2025

Computex 2025 has been a battleground for the latest mid-range graphics cards, with NVIDIA unveiling the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti, while AMD countered with the Radeon RX 9060 XT. Both companies are vying for dominance in the competitive mid-range segment, offering improved performance, AI-driven enhancements, and aggressive pricing.

NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 & RTX 5060 Ti: The Green Team’s Mid-Range Push

NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 comes in at an attractive $299 price point, targeting gamers who want solid 1080p and 1440p performance without breaking the bank. The RTX 5060 Ti, on the other hand, offers higher clock speeds and improved AI acceleration, with 8GB and 16GB GDDR7 memory options priced at $379 and $429, respectively.

Key features of the RTX 5060 series include:

  • DLSS 4 for AI-enhanced upscaling and frame generation.
  • Ray tracing improvements with optimized cores.
  • PCIe 5.0 support for faster data transfer.
  • Lower power consumption compared to previous generations.

While NVIDIA’s DLSS 4 continues to be a major selling point, early benchmarks suggest that the RTX 5060 Ti struggles at higher resolutions, especially when compared to AMD’s latest offering.

AMD’s Radeon RX 9060 XT: A Strong Challenger

AMD’s RX 9060 XT is positioned as a direct competitor to the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti, boasting RDNA 4 architecture and FSR 4 enhancements. Available in 8GB and 16GB configurations, the RX 9060 XT starts at $299, with the 16GB version priced at $349.

AMD’s key advantages:

  • FSR 4 Redstone introduces Neural Radiance Caching and ML-assisted frame generation.
  • Higher clock speeds at 3.13 GHz, outperforming the RTX 5060 Ti in raw processing power.
  • PCIe 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1a support for future-proofing.
  • Better performance-per-dollar, with AMD claiming a 15% advantage over the RTX 5060 Ti.

AMD’s RX 9060 XT is designed to maximize 1440p gaming, with FSR 4 promising smoother frame rates and enhanced ray tracing capabilities. The 16GB version is reportedly 6% faster than the RTX 5060 Ti, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers.

While NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti has faced stock shortages, AMD’s RX 9060 XT is expected to have a more stable supply, potentially giving Team Red an edge in availability. Both GPUs will be available from major board partners, including ASUS, Gigabyte, PowerColor, and Sapphire.

With FSR 4 expanding to over 60 titles by launch, AMD is making a strong case for its AI-driven enhancements, while NVIDIA continues to push DLSS 4 as the gold standard for upscaling.

Computex 2025 has set the stage for an intense mid-range GPU showdown. NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 series brings DLSS 4 and ray tracing improvements, but AMD’s RX 9060 XT counters with FSR 4, higher clock speeds, and better pricing. With early benchmarks favoring AMD’s offering, gamers will have a tough choice between Team Green’s AI-driven performance and Team Red’s raw power and affordability.

Which GPU will reign supreme? Only time—and real-world testing—will tell.

Events, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Razer Blade 14 (2025): A Compact Powerhouse Unveiled at Computex

Computex 2025 has brought a wave of exciting announcements, and among them, Razer has officially unveiled the Razer Blade 14 (2025)—a gaming laptop that blends cutting-edge AI capabilities with a sleek, lightweight design. This latest iteration of Razer’s smallest gaming laptop is more than just a spec bump; it’s a complete overhaul that takes inspiration from the redesigned Blade 16 while introducing new features tailored for gamers and creators alike.

A Redesigned Chassis for Maximum Portability

Razer has adapted the Blade 16’s redesigned chassis to fit the Blade 14, making it thinner (15.7mm) and lighter (1.63kg) than ever before. The laptop retains Razer’s signature CNC-milled aluminum body, now available in black and silver, though a pink variant has yet to be announced. Despite its compact size, Razer has managed to integrate six speakers for an immersive audio experience and a microSD card slot, catering to content creators.

At the heart of the Blade 14 is AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, a 10-core powerhouse designed to handle gaming, productivity, and AI-driven tasks with ease. Paired with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5060 or 5070 GPUs, this laptop is built for high-performance gaming while maintaining efficiency. The AI enhancements extend beyond raw power—this Blade 14 is a full Copilot+ PC, meaning it supports the latest AI-driven features in Windows 11.

A Stunning OLED Display

One of the most significant upgrades is the 2.8K OLED display, replacing last year’s QHD+ 240Hz IPS LCD panel. While the refresh rate has been reduced to 120Hz, the OLED technology offers a faster response time (0.2ms), deeper blacks, and richer colors, making it a compelling choice for both gamers and creatives.

Razer has opted for soldered RAM, meaning users won’t be able to upgrade memory post-purchase. However, the DDR5-8000 RAM ensures blazing-fast performance, with configurations available up to 64GB. Storage remains upgradeable, with options reaching 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.

The Blade 14 retains its 72Whr battery, with Razer claiming an additional hour of usage thanks to the more efficient hardware. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two USB 4.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Availability and Pricing

The Razer Blade 14 (2025) is available exclusively through Razer’s store, starting at $2,299.99 for the RTX 5060 variant. While some configurations are already live, availability may vary by region

Razer’s latest Blade 14 is a testament to how compact gaming laptops can continue evolving without sacrificing power. With AI-driven enhancements, a stunning OLED display, and a refined chassis, this laptop is poised to be a favorite among gamers and professionals alike. While the lack of upgradeable RAM may be a downside for some, the overall package makes it one of the most exciting gaming laptops announced at Computex 2025.

The Razer Blade 14 got the AI laptop treatment with less weight, more ports and speakers, and two colors
The Razer Blade 14 (2025) has been announced, bringing a redesign with AMD Ryzen AI, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series, less weight and thickness, and more features.
Source/Via
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.

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

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:

Events, Games, Gaming, News

Annapurna Interactive Showcase 2025: A Comprehensive Recap

The Annapurna Interactive Showcase 2025 was a highly anticipated event, especially after the tumultuous year the company had in 2024. The showcase provided a detailed look at the upcoming indie games and updates from the publisher, reaffirming its commitment to delivering unique and engaging gaming experiences.

Here’s a comprehensive recap of everything announced at the showcase, along with the backstory of the significant developer departure that shook the company last year.

Key Announcements from the Showcase

  1. Wheel World
    • The showcase kicked off with a fresh look at Wheel World, an open-world biking game from developer Messhof. The dev diary provided insights into the origin of the project and its freeform exploration mechanics. While a firm release date wasn’t revealed, the game is scheduled to launch this summer for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
  2. Wanderstop
    • Ivy Road’s debut game, Wanderstop, is set to release on March 11. This cozy tea shop management simulator is created by a team of indie veterans, including Davey Wreden of The Stanley Parable fame. A new trailer was shown, and a free Steam demo is available for players to try out.
  3. Skin Deep
    • Blendo’s latest project, Skin Deep, will launch on April 30. The game stars a former bounty hunter turned pirate-slaying insurance commando. Described as “Die Hard, but with more comedy,” the game features playful action and various ways to take down pirates on a spaceship.
  4. Cocoon Collector’s Edition
    • Geometric Interactive announced a collector’s edition of its debut game, Cocoon, in collaboration with Iam8bit. The edition will include a vinyl soundtrack. Additionally, the team confirmed that they are working on their next game, although no details were revealed.
  5. Lushfoil Photography Sim
    • The hyper-realistic photography game, Lushfoil Photography Sim, finally has a release date set for April 15. A new trailer showcased nine of the game’s world-spanning locations, with a mysterious 10th location being kept secret for now.
  6. Faraway
    • Solo developer Steph Thirion’s puzzle game, Faraway, made a quick appearance during the showcase. Inspired by Tetris, the game is still in development, and no release date was provided.
  7. Sayonara Wild Hearts PS5 Release
    • The cult hit Sayonara Wild Hearts is getting a PS5 release with a brand new mode. This was one of the few surprises in the showcase.

The Backstory: Developer Departure

In September 2024, Annapurna Interactive experienced a significant upheaval when its entire staff resigned following a clash with management. The dispute arose from failed negotiations to spin off the gaming arm into an independent entity. Annapurna Interactive’s president, Nathan Gary, along with other executives and around two dozen staff members, collectively resigned after the company’s owner, Megan Ellison, walked out of the talks.

In a joint statement, Gary and the resigned staff described the decision as “one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make.” The mass resignation left the company in a state of chaos, with partner developers left without a point of contact. Despite the upheaval, Annapurna Interactive reassured its partners that existing contracts would be honored, and efforts were made to replace the departed staff.

The showcase in 2025 was a crucial moment for Annapurna Interactive to demonstrate its resilience and commitment to its projects. The announcements and updates provided a sense of continuity and hope for the future, despite the challenges faced in the previous year.

The Annapurna Interactive Showcase 2025 was a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering innovative and captivating indie games. Despite the significant challenges faced in 2024, the showcase highlighted the exciting projects in the pipeline and reassured fans of the company’s commitment to its vision. From Wheel World to Sayonara Wild Hearts, the future looks bright for Annapurna Interactive and its community of gamers.