Tag Archives: Games

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Is Death Stranding 2 closer that we think?!

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has been making waves in the gaming community, and for good reason! Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this highly anticipated sequel is set to release on PlayStation 5 in 2025.

The conversation today started with the reveal that the game has recently been rated in South Korea, suggesting that its release might be closer than we think. The rating details include excessive violence, vulgar language, and drug use, which are common elements in Hideo Kojima’s games.

Also Hideo Kojima on social media with a tease:

All this included in the mix of noises that claims about Sony will announce Death Stranding 2 during their upcoming State of Play event on February 12, 2025. This event is expected to showcase new gameplay footage and provide more information about the game’s story and mechanics.

As of January 2025, Death Stranding 2 has entered the crunch phase of development. Hideo Kojima mentioned that the project was about 30-40% complete back in October 20242.

The game is being developed exclusively (timed maybe?) for the PlayStation 5, promising to take full advantage of the console’s advanced hardware capabilities.

The sequel will continue the story of Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world to reconnect isolated cities. New characters, including Tomorrow (Elle Fanning) and Rainy (Shioli Kutsuna), will join the cast, adding fresh dynamics to the narrative.

While specific details about the gameplay are still under wraps, it’s expected that Death Stranding 2 will build on the traversal and connection mechanics of the original game. Players will likely face new challenges and explore expanded areas in their quest to deliver packages and rebuild infrastructure4.

Business, Gaming, News

Take-Two Interactive doubles down on Grand Theft Auto VI release on earnings report

Take-Two Interactive, one of the leading names in the gaming industry, recently announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. The company reported net bookings of $1.37 billion, a 3% increase compared to the previous year. This performance was within the company’s projected guidance range, and Take-Two reaffirmed its full-year net bookings outlook of $5.55 billion to $5.65 billion.

The earnings report highlighted the strong performance of several core franchises, including NBA 2K25, Grand Theft Auto Online, and Red Dead Redemption 2. The company’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expressed confidence in the upcoming release schedule, which includes highly anticipated titles such as Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, Mafia: The Old Country, and Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6).

GTA 6 Release Update

During the earnings call, Zelnick provided an update on the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. The game is still on track for a Fall 2025 release, although Zelnick mentioned the possibility of a slight “slippage”. He emphasized that while the company feels confident about the release date, they are cautious about making absolute guarantees2.

The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, as GTA 6 is expected to be a major blockbuster. The company has not yet revealed the exact release date, but they assured investors that more information will be provided in due course.

In addition to GTA 6, Take-Two also announced the release of Borderlands 4 sometime in 2025. The company’s robust pipeline includes other titles such as Project ETHOS and CSR 3, further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the gaming industry.

Take-Two Interactive’s Q3 2025 earnings report paints a promising picture for the company’s future. With strong financial performance and an exciting lineup of upcoming releases, the company is poised for continued growth. The anticipation surrounding GTA 6 is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the high expectations of gamers worldwide.

Events, Games, Gaming, News

Capcom started the 2025 engines with Capcom Spotlight & Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase

On February 4, 2025, Capcom held a highly anticipated event featuring two back-to-back showcases: the Capcom Spotlight and the Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase. This event was a treasure trove of exciting updates and reveals for some of Capcom’s most beloved franchises.

Capcom Spotlight: A 20-Minute Powerhouse

The Capcom Spotlight kicked off at 2:00 PM PST (5:00 PM ET) and lasted for approximately 20 minutes.

During this segment, Capcom unveiled updates on several upcoming titles:

  • Onimusha: Way of the Sword: This long-awaited revival of Capcom’s cult-classic hack-and-slash adventure series received an extended gameplay preview. Fans were thrilled to see more of this beloved franchise.
  • Capcom Fighting Collection 2: This compilation features classic fighting games like Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, Project Justice, Power Stone 1 and 2, and Rival Schools, now upgraded with quality-of-life features and online multiplayer with rollback netcode.
  • Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection: Arcade Classics: This compilation includes titles from Capcom’s beloved Marvel Vs. Capcom franchise, such as Marvel Vs. Capcom Clash of Superheroes, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 New Age of Heroes, and X-Men Vs. Street Fighter. An Xbox port for this title was also announced.

Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase: A 15-Minute Extravaganza

Following the Capcom Spotlight, the Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase began at 2:20 PM PST (5:20 PM ET) and lasted for 15 minutes. This segment was dedicated entirely to the latest and most anticipated entry in Capcom’s best-selling Monster Hunter series.

  • New Gameplay Information: The showcase revealed new gameplay mechanics and features, giving fans a deeper insight into what to expect from Monster Hunter Wilds.
  • Second Open Beta Test: More details were provided about the upcoming second Open Beta Test, including dates and new features.
  • New Cinematic Trailer: A stunning new cinematic trailer was unveiled, showcasing new and returning monsters for players to hunt. The trailer introduced a new region called Acantilado del Témpano and a new monster, Hirabami.
  • Character Creation and Customization: The showcase highlighted the extensive character creation and customization options available in the game, including the ability to personalize Felyne companions, mounts, and camps.
  • Editions and Pre-Orders: Capcom announced three editions of Monster Hunter Wilds: the Standard Edition, the Deluxe Edition, and the Premium Deluxe Edition, each offering different bonuses and pre-order perks.

The Capcom Spotlight and Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase were a resounding success, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025. With its rich content and exciting updates, Capcom continues to solidify its position as a leading force in the gaming industry.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation, Xbox

Microsoft Announces Age of Mythology: Retold for PS5

Microsoft has officially announced the release of Age of Mythology: Retold for PlayStation 5. The game, developed by World’s Edge, Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, CaptureAge, and Virtuos, is set to launch on March 4, 2025.

This announcement comes alongside the release of a new downloadable content (DLC) expansion titled “Immortal Pillars”.

Age of Mythology: Retold is a remaster of the beloved 2002 game, Age of Mythology, and combines the best elements of the original with modern real-time strategy design and visuals. Here are some key features:

  • Call Upon the Gods: Players can choose gods from the Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean pantheons. They can summon powerful lightning storms, earth-shattering quakes, and even the famed Nidhogg dragon.
  • Unleash the Monsters: Command diverse units inspired by world mythologies, including Centaurs, Trolls, Mummies, and more.
  • Epic Mythological Universe: Embark on multiple campaigns spanning 50 missions across a vast, mythical world. Players can besiege the mighty walls of Troy, battle Giants in the frozen wastes of Midgard, and discover the mysteries of Osiris in the shifting sands of Egypt.
  • Limitless Adventure: Experience the game solo or with friends, challenging advanced AI across countless, randomly generated maps.

Age of Mythology: Retold was first revealed on October 25, 2022, and launched for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on September 4, 2024. The game is also available via Game Pass. The decision to bring the game to PS5 marks a significant step in expanding the game’s reach and allowing players across different platforms to enjoy the experience together.

The game’s backstory delves into a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Players take on the role of a hero or even a god, securing their domain and commanding legendary monsters while calling upon the power of the gods to crush their enemies.

Pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 version are available now. The standard edition is priced at $29.99, while the Premium Edition is priced at $49.99. The Premium Edition includes five days of early access starting February 27, the new exclusive “Gods Pack: Freyr,” the “Legacy Deity Portraits Pack,” the first expansion “Immortal Pillars,” and a second expansion to be announced.

With its rich mythological universe and enhanced gameplay, Age of Mythology: Retold promises to be an epic and innovative experience for both old and new players. Whether you’re a fan of the original game or new to the series, this remaster offers endless strategic battles and a fresh twist on the beloved franchise

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Electronic Arts Acquires TRACAB Technologies: A Game-Changer for EA Sports

Electronic Arts (EA) has recently announced its agreement to acquire TRACAB Technologies, a leader in advanced sports optical tracking and analysis solutions. This acquisition is set to revolutionize EA Sports’ approach to creating immersive and realistic sports experiences.

What is TRACAB Technologies?

TRACAB Technologies specializes in real-time data capture and analysis using advanced optical tracking technology. Their systems can track almost everything happening on the field or pitch at 60Hz per second, generating 600 million data points per game. This includes 65 unique data points per player and referee, capturing live skeleton data from 21 joints on each body on the pitch.

https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/eacom/videos/2025/02/ea-sports-realism-technology-article-sc2-16x9.mp4?_=1

Why is this Acquisition Significant?

  1. Enhanced Realism and Immersion: By integrating TRACAB’s technology, EA Sports aims to create lifelike animations and simulations that closely mimic real-world sports action. This will significantly enhance the realism and immersion of their games.
  2. Advanced AI and Machine Learning: TRACAB’s technology will enable EA Sports to harness advanced AI and machine learning models, powered by real-world volumetric data. This will lead to incredible advancements in gameplay and animation capabilities.
  3. Beyond Games: EA Sports envisions the EA SPORTS App as the leading interactive sports platform in the world. TRACAB’s technology will support this vision by providing near real-time insights for media broadcast teams, referees, players, coaches, and fans.
  4. Global Expansion: Currently available in Spain, the EA SPORTS App plans to expand globally, offering fans new opportunities to create highlights and predictive simulations.

The acquisition is expected to close in EA’s first fiscal quarter of FY26. With TRACAB’s cutting-edge technology and expertise, EA Sports is poised to accelerate groundbreaking new features in their games and the EA SPORTS App. This will not only enhance the gaming experience but also create more dynamic and engaging sports experiences for fans worldwide.

The acquisition of TRACAB Technologies marks an exciting new chapter for EA Sports. By leveraging TRACAB’s advanced tracking technology, EA Sports is set to push the boundaries of sports simulations, creating living, breathing simulations of sport that will captivate and engage fans like never before.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Battlefield Labs will help EA shape the next Battlefield main game

The Battlefield franchise has long been synonymous with large-scale, intense warfare and groundbreaking multiplayer experiences. With the announcement of Battlefield Labs, Electronic Arts (EA) is taking a bold step towards ensuring that the next entry in the series, tentatively titled Battlefield 6, will be the best yet.

Battlefield Labs is a new community testing program designed to involve fans in the development process of the upcoming Battlefield game. This initiative allows players to test various aspects of the game, including combat mechanics, modes, maps, and more.

By gathering feedback from the community, EA aims to catch any major issues early on and refine the game to meet player expectations.

Why is Battlefield Labs Important?

The last few Battlefield games, particularly Battlefield 2042, faced significant criticism due to technical issues and gameplay problems. Battlefield Labs is EA’s response to these challenges, providing a platform for extensive playtesting and community engagement. This approach is expected to help the developers avoid the pitfalls of previous installments and deliver a polished, well-received game.

Signing up for Battlefield Labs is straightforward. Players need to visit the Battlefield Labs website, log in with their EA account, and click on the “Sign Up Now” button. However, spots are limited, and the initial testing phase is restricted to players in Europe and North America. Participants will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before gaining access to the pre-alpha build of the game.

The testing will begin with core gameplay mechanics such as combat and destruction. This will be followed by testing weapon, vehicle, and gadget balancing, as well as specific maps and gameplay modes. The goal is to test almost everything, although not all features will be complete at this stage. The feedback from these tests will be invaluable in shaping the final product.

The Future of Battlefield

Battlefield Labs is part of a broader strategy by EA to revitalize the franchise. The newly formed Battlefield Studios brings together developers from DICE, Criterion, Motive, and Ripple Effect to create a truly ambitious game. The return of the single-player campaign, a departure from the multiplayer-only approach of Battlefield 2042, is one of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming game.

Battlefield Labs represents a significant shift in how EA is developing the Battlefield series. By involving the community in the testing process, EA hopes to create a game that not only meets but exceeds player expectations. With the collective expertise of Battlefield Studios and the valuable feedback from Battlefield Labs, the next entry in the series has the potential to be a groundbreaking success.

Business, Games, Gaming

The behind-the-scenes of the surprising restructuring at BioWare

BioWare has been working over the past few months to move employees to other teams at Electronic Arts (EA) that had open roles. Initially, dozens of BioWare employees were told they would temporarily be allocated to other EA projects following the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

However, EA has now informed these employees that the transfers are permanent.

Jason Schreier’s recent article for Bloomberg reports that BioWare has undergone significant restructuring, reducing its workforce to under 100 employees. This change follows the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and as the studio focuses on the next Mass Effect game. Many employees have been permanently transferred to other Electronic Arts projects, a move that hasn’t been well-received by all.

The decision was influenced by the financial update that Electronic Arts reported to its investors previous to their earning release, that titles like the latest Dragon Age, fell short on holidays sales’ expectations.

Reportedly, the restructuring has not been well-received by all employees. Several employees are reportedly unhappy with the permanent transfers and the overall reduction in staff and while it some point of view, it is better than just being layoff, the main thing is on how thing went from temporary to permanent.

And added to the mix that if BioWare needs more staff, the previous staff needs to reapply to job listing and not ask a direct transfer.

And meanwhile, BioWare plans to staff back up once the next Mass Effect game gets further into production. The studio is currently focusing on this highly anticipated project, which is expected to be a major release but according to Schreier’s sources, the development is barely at the midpoint between preproduction and full production.

Which raises the question… how a understaffed gaming studio can handle a big AAA game development and expects not repeat the mistakes and haste decision?

I will purposely bring as a notorious example, Anthem, a great game but with poorly post-launch support and some other details that can be discussed in a future editorial and/or YouTube video.

BioWare, once known for ambitious role-playing games like Dragon Age and the original Mass Effect trilogy, has faced challenges with recent projects. The studio’s last two major releases, Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, were met with mixed reviews and criticism from both fans and critics.

Games, Gaming, News, PC

The Sims Legacy Collection 1 & 2 is yet another blast from the gaming past

The Sims and The Sims 2 have officially made their return, much to the delight of fans worldwide. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved life simulation series, EA has re-released both games in special Legacy Collections on platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the EA app.

The The Sims Legacy Collection includes the original The Sims game along with several expansion packs and stuff packs. Here’s what you can expect:

  • The Sims: The base game that started it all.
  • Livin’ Large: Adds new objects, characters, and gameplay elements.
  • House Party: Introduces party-related items and activities.
  • Hot Date: Focuses on romantic interactions and new locations.
  • Vacation: Adds vacation destinations and related items.
  • Unleashed: Brings pets into the game.
  • Superstar: Adds fame and celebrity elements.
  • Makin’ Magic: Introduces magic and spellcasting.
  • Throwback Fit Kit: A bonus pack from The Sims 4, adding retro-themed clothing.

The The Sims 2 Legacy Collection includes the sequel The Sims 2 along with its numerous expansions and stuff packs. Here’s what’s included:

  • The Sims 2: The base game that expanded on the original’s success.
  • University: Adds a university campus and related gameplay elements.
  • Nightlife: Focuses on nightlife and social interactions.
  • Open for Business: Introduces business and commerce elements.
  • Pets: Adds pets and pet-related gameplay.
  • Bon Voyage: Adds vacation destinations.
  • Seasons: Introduces weather and seasonal changes.
  • FreeTime: Adds hobbies and leisure activities.
  • Apartment Life: Adds apartment buildings and related gameplay.
  • Holiday Party Pack: Adds holiday-themed items.
  • Family Fun Stuff: Adds family-related items.
  • Glamour Life Stuff: Adds glamorous items.
  • Happy Holiday Stuff: Adds holiday-themed items.
  • Celebration! Stuff: Adds celebration-themed items.
  • H&M Fashion Stuff: Adds fashion items from H&M.
  • Teen Style Stuff: Adds teen fashion items.
  • Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff: Adds kitchen and bathroom items.
  • Mansion & Garden Stuff: Adds mansion and garden items.
  • Grunge Revival Kit: A bonus pack from The Sims 4, adding grunge-themed clothing.
    (For those who remembers, IKEA expansion is absent as probably either EA could not get into an licensing agreement for decoration designs or maybe is not interested on sharing profits to IKEA)

The The Sims Legacy Collection is priced at $20, while the The Sims 2 Legacy Collection is priced at $30. For those who want both, there’s a 25th Birthday Bundle available for $40, saving you $8. These collections are available on Windows 10 and 11, and you can transfer old save files and mods from the original games.

While these collections aren’t remasters, they offer a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s with all the expansions and stuff packs included. The games have been updated to run on modern systems, but don’t expect major visual or gameplay improvements. It’s all about reliving the magic and simplicity of the original games.

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Season 5 will be the “good-bye” from MultiVersus

Depending on how you see it, this will come either a surprise or something to be on the expectations and is that WB Games confirmed that MultiVersus servers will be shutdown on May 30, 2025, officializing Season 5 as the final public season.

This decision marks the end of an era for a game that brought together beloved characters from various Warner Bros. franchises in an exciting crossover brawler, at least in online mode that is.

Honestly, MultiVersus started with a lot of promise. Its open beta period saw a surge in popularity, with fans eagerly anticipating its official launch4. However, despite the initial excitement, the game struggled to maintain its player base. The official launch in May 2024 was met with mixed reviews, and the game’s performance fell short of expectations.

Warner Bros. Discovery reported significant financial losses due to underperforming releases, including MultiVersus. The game’s disappointing performance led to a $100 million writedown, contributing to a total of $300 million in losses for the company’s games sector.

This financial strain played a major role in the decision to discontinue support for MultiVersus.

Season 5, which begins on February 4, 2025, will be the game’s last content update. The season will introduce two new playable characters, Aquaman and Lola Bunny, adding a final burst of excitement for fans. Players will have the opportunity to unlock these characters through gameplay, with Aquaman available via the battle pass and Lola Bunny as a daily login reward.

After May 30, 2025, MultiVersus will no longer be playable online. However, players will still be able to enjoy the game offline via local gameplay mode, either solo against AI opponents or with up to three friends1. To access this mode, players must log in during Season 5 to create a local save file.

Additionally, the game will be delisted from digital storefronts such as the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

We have an important update to share regarding MultiVersus. After careful consideration, our next Season will serve as the final seasonal content update for the game. MultiVersus Season 5 will begin on February 4, 2025, and run through May 30, 2025, adding two new playable characters to the roster – DC’s Aquaman and Looney Tunes’ Lola Bunny. All new Season 5 content, including Aquaman and Lola Bunny, will be earnable through gameplay. Both new characters will be accessible when Season 5 begins on February 4 at 9 a.m. PST – Aquaman via the Battle Pass as the first tier reward and Lola as the daily calendar login reward.​

All online features will continue to be available until Season 5 concludes on May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. At that point, there will be an option to play MultiVersusoffline via the local gameplay mode, either solo against A.I. opponents or with up to three friends. To do this, you’ll need to install/download the latest version of the game and log in during Season 5, any time between February 4 at 9 a.m. PST and May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. After logging in, a local save file will be automatically created connected to your PlayStation Network, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store account, allowing you to enjoy the game offline with all earned and purchased content moving forward.​

As of today, January 31, real money transactions will no longer be available for MultiVersus, which means you can no longer purchase Gleamium, but you can still use remaining Gleamium or character tokens to access in-game content until Season 5 ends on May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. Additionally, when Season 5 finishes, the game will no longer be available to download via the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store.​

Most importantly, we want to thank every player and person who has ever played or supported MultiVersus. All of us on the Player First Games and Warner Bros. Games teams have poured our heart and soul into this game. We will be forever grateful for the incredible support of the MultiVersus community throughout this journey.​

We hope that you all enjoy the final Season of MultiVersus. For more information, please visit our Season 5 FAQ or follow our social/community channels. ​

–The MultiVersus Team​

While it’s sad to see MultiVersus come to an end, its journey has been a testament to the power of community and collaboration. The game may have faced challenges, but it brought joy to many fans and created memorable experiences, despite WB Games’ mismanagement.

Games, Gaming, Playstation

Microsoft Announces Forza Horizon 5 for PS5: Literally New Horizon getting explored

In a surprising move and a new teaching of NEVER SAY NEVER, Microsoft has announced that Forza Horizon 5, the beloved open-world racing game, is coming to PlayStation 5 this Spring. Developed by Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, with Panic Button handling the port, this marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy as it embraces a multi-platform approach.

Forza Horizon 5 has been a flagship title for Xbox and PC since its release in 2021, offering players an expansive open-world experience set in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico. With the announcement of its PS5 port, PlayStation users will finally get to experience the thrill of the Horizon Festival.

The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 will be feature-complete, including all previously released DLC packs such as the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions. Players can look forward to the same content as the Xbox and PC versions, with nearly 900 cars and over 40 thematic game updates.

One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is the inclusion of cross-play functionality. Players on PS5, Xbox, and PC will be able to join the same multiplayer sessions, ensuring that no one misses out on the best road trips and convoys4. Additionally, a new free content update called Horizon Realms will be introduced, featuring a curated collection of community favorite Evolving Worlds.

The developers at Playground Games are thrilled to see the Forza Horizon 5 community grow with new players on PS5. They are eager to see the creativity and skill that new creators, builders, and racers will bring to the vibrant community. This move is expected to attract a wave of new players to the game, enriching the experience for everyone.

Looking Ahead

While no specific release date has been confirmed beyond the Spring 2025 window, fans can already wishlist the game on the PlayStation Store to stay informed about updates and release times. This announcement sets a precedent for more Xbox titles potentially making their way to PlayStation, making 2025 an exciting year for gamers across platforms.