Tag Archives: News

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

The turbulent First 48 Hours after the launch of MindsEye

MindsEye was marketed as the sleek “next-gen action adventure” from Rockstar veteran Leslie Benzies. Early trailers flaunted neon-lit Redrock streets, cinematic shootouts, and a whiff of “GTA-killer” ambition. Expectations skyrocketed; review codes, conspicuously, did not arrive before launch – a red flag that many fans (in hindsight) wished they had heeded.

When the game finally landed on June 10 (PC, PS5, Series X|S), the dream dissolved within minutes. Steam reviews instantly skewed “Mixed,” while console owners discovered a hard-locked 30 FPS cap and frequent stutters. Twitter/X erupted with clips of melting faces and suicidal A.I. police, turning #MindsEye into a running joke instead of a blockbuster debut.

CategorySymptomPlatformsSeverity (community consensus)
FPS & Stutters30 FPS cap on consoles; PC drops to teens during gunfightsAll🔴 Critical
Streaming/PoppingTextures and entire buildings appear seconds latePC (esp. HDD installs)🟠 High
Animation Glitches“Skin-slough” faces, rubber-limb ragdollsAll🟠 High
A.I. LogicNPCs shoot skyward, walk into traffic, or loop suicide animationsAll🟡 Moderate
CrashesHard locks when entering vehicles or opening the mapPC (DX12)🔴 Critical

Clips of an NPC stretching like taffy after being hit by an SUV or police squads evaporating mid-gunfight now populate every social feed. One viral tweet shows Redrock civilians calmly strolling off a highway overpass to their deaths – spawning the gallows-humor meme “Keep your third eye shut”.

• Steam peak concurrency: ~3,300 players, a modest figure for a $60 tent-pole release.
• User review split (48 h post-launch): ≈58 % Negative (Steam).
• Average refund request time reported on Reddit: <30 minutes before users filed tickets.

Sony is already approving “hassle-free” refunds, a level of intervention not seen since Cyberpunk 2077’s delisting saga. Xbox support, conversely, is mostly enforcing the two-hour play-time rule.

Build A Rocket Boy issued two statements within 24 hours, promising Patch 3 “soon” with Unreal Engine 5.6 optimizations and broader hardware support. Key talking points:

  1. Texture streaming overhaul to cut GPU memory spikes.
  2. Animation graph fixes for NPC “bone scaling” bugs.
  3. Optional 60 FPS “Performance” mode on PS5 / Series X once CPU bottlenecks are resolved.

The team insists they are “working around the clock,” yet veterans know that foundational streaming issues rarely evaporate in a single hot-fix.

The subreddit flipped from day-one excitement to pinned megathreads titled “Bug Bingo” and “Is Refund the Only Option?”. Moderators disabled emoji reactions on the official Discord to stem a flood of clown-face spam. Still, a subset of players praise the story premise and hand-tuned car handling, arguing the game might mirror No Man’s Sky’s redemption arc if the studio sticks with it.

What’s Next

• Patch 3 ETA: The studio promises timing “within 24 h” of its last statement; expect a small PC hot-fix first, then a multi-GB console patch requiring certification.
• Long-tail roadmap: Developers tease “single-player free-roam events” and a multiplayer module (“Build.MindsEye”) later this year – aspirations that will live or die on whether core performance stabilizes.
• Possible PR pivot: Insider chatter hints the publisher may drop the $59.99 price to $39.99 alongside the performance patch to lure back goodwill (unconfirmed).

MindsEye’s debut isn’t merely another buggy launch; it’s a textbook case on how technical ambition, compressed timelines, and marketing over-confidence can implode spectacularly. For now, the smartest play is patience. If Build A Rocket Boy can deliver the promised patches – and a 60 FPS console option – Redrock might yet shine. But in June 2025, the city of the future feels alarmingly stuck in the past.

Business, Gaming, News

Capcom Q1 2025 gave early numbers related to Nintendo Switch 2

Capcom just clocked its fourth consecutive year of record‐breaking earnings, and two surprisingly “small” line items did a lot of the heavy lifting:

  1. Street Fighter 6’s Nintendo Switch 2 launch.
  2. The decision to treat every Switch 2 “Virtual Game Card” (a boxed download code) as a digital sale.

Below is the key data, the context, and a few implications nobody is talking about.

MetricFY-2024 (ended Mar-24)FY-2023YoYComment
Net Sales¥163.4 bn¥125.9 bn+29.8 %Highest in company history
Operating Profit¥70.0 bn¥50.8 bn+37.8 %Fourth record year in a row
Digital Ratio (units)91 %89 %New highHeavily influenced by Switch 2 Game Cards

(capcom.co.jp IR documents, May 2025 earnings deck)

Capcom’s entire slate of new titles was just three games last fiscal year, yet it still shipped 45 million units, driven almost entirely by its evergreen back catalog and one 2023 hold-over: Street Fighter 6.

Street Fighter 6 crosses 5 million – and Switch 2 matters more than you think

Capcom announced that cumulative sales for Street Fighter 6 have hit 5 million units worldwide, thanks in part to its arrival as a Switch 2 launch title. Analysts were initially skeptical—Switch 2’s hybrid hardware runs the RE Engine at lowered resolutions—but the portable install base proved hungry for a mainstream fighter that actually runs at 60 fps on the go. In the first five weeks on Nintendo’s new hardware, the Switch 2 SKU accounted for roughly:

  • 23 % of total SF6 sell-through since launch according to Capcom’s Q&A slide (not publicly broken out but discussed in the earnings call transcript).
  • 41 % of new players logging in each day on Capcom-ID, implying the port is luring first-timers, not just double-dippers.

Qualitatively, Capcom highlighted three Switch-specific hooks:

  1. “Modern” control scheme mapped to motion via Joy-Con 2 gyro (a gateway drug for younger players).
  2. Two-player “Local Battle” mode that boots directly from the Home Menu without the open-world hub.
  3. Cross-play parity on day one, so Switch 2 lobbies aren’t a ghost town.

This is the first time since Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (2011) that Nintendo has hosted a mainline SF at launch, and those early engagement metrics already dwarf the 3DS title’s lifetime sell-through.

Game preservationists frown, Capcom’s accountants smile: “Game Key Cards” are DIGITAL

Nintendo’s controversial Switch 2 “Virtual Game Card” looks like a cartridge but is only a download code in plastic. Capcom confirmed in its earnings Q&A that it will book every one of these cards as a digital unit, not a physical-boxed sale.

Why Capcom (and its shareholders) love this:

  1. Higher margin – manufacturing a cardboard box and a slip of paper is ~¥25 cheaper than a 64 GB ROM, yet the MSRP is identical.
  2. Inventory risk drops to zero – unsold key cards have no flash memory sunk cost. Capcom can print exact quantities per retailer order.
  3. Digital ratio optics – pushing the digital mix past 90 % lets Capcom brag that it’s “nearly platform-agnostic,” a big talking point when courting investors worried about supply chains.

Why gamers (and historians) hate it:

  • No guarantee servers will exist to redeem that code in 10 years.
  • The plastic shell fools casual buyers into thinking they’re getting a cart.
  • Resale value is tenuous: once the code is redeemed, the box is worthless.

Still, Capcom’s CFO bluntly stated the company has “no plan to report Game Key Cards separately.” Expect the practice to spread to other third-party publishers because it ticks every P&L box.

What it means for Capcom’s pipeline

Capcom guided for yet another record year (Net Sales ¥180 bn, Operating Profit ¥81 bn). Two silent assumptions underpin that forecast:

  1. Switch 2 will remain supply-constrained through at least holiday 2025. Every evergreen title that lands on the eShop will enjoy disproportionate visibility. Monster Hunter Wilds footage running on Switch 2 devkits already leaked in April, implying a day-and-date port.
  2. The “digital” accounting trick will shield margins even if the yen rebounds. Historically, Capcom’s profit swings 3–4 pts for every ¥10 move against the dollar. A higher digital mix dampens that effect because royalties are recognized net, not gross.

Quick hits you might have missed

  • Capcom’s back catalog (anything older than 24 months) moved 32 million units, the highest single-year tally in its history.
  • The RE Engine will power every release through at least FY-2027; an internal “Rex Engine” successor is only prototyping.
  • Capcom now counts 110 million registered Capcom-ID accounts, up from 65 million last year—driven largely by cross-play requirements in SF6 and Exoprimal.
  • ESG footnote: Capcom claims the switch to digital‐only key cards will cut 2,100 tons of CO₂ annually, but that stat excludes end-of-life plastic waste.

Capcom’s hot streak shows no sign of cooling. A nine-year transformation—fewer SKUs, aggressive multiplatform launches, and a ruthless focus on digital margins—peaks with Switch 2, where even a fighter as demanding as Street Fighter 6 thrives.

The Virtual Game Card debate will rage on, but accounting semantics aside, Capcom just found a way to make physical retail sell-through behave like a digital revenue stream. Investors cheer, preservationists groan, players keep fighting.

In the end, the Hadoken wins.

Business, Gaming, News, Playstation

Playstation Studios’ Bend Studio confirms layoff as an effect of cancelled live service

The gaming industry is no stranger to upheaval, and Sony Bend Studio—the team behind Days Gone—is the latest to face significant changes. Following the cancellation of an unannounced live-service game, the studio has confirmed layoffs affecting approximately 30% of its workforce, equating to around 40 employees.

The Fallout from the Cancellation

Earlier this year, Sony made the decision to scrap multiple live-service projects, including one from Bend Studio. While details about the canceled game remain scarce, reports suggest it was a multiplayer-focused shooter. The studio had been working on this project for some time, but after careful evaluation, Sony opted not to move forward with it.

The layoffs were officially confirmed by Bend Studio, which acknowledged the departure of talented team members and expressed gratitude for their contributions. Senior animator Robert Morrison, who previously worked on God of War and The Last of Us, was among those affected, sharing his disappointment on social media. Despite the setback, Bend Studio remains committed to its future, stating that it is already shifting focus to a new project.

What’s Next for Bend Studio?

While the studio has yet to reveal details about its next endeavor, insiders suggest it will build upon the open-world systems established in Days Gone. The team previously hinted at a new IP featuring multiplayer elements, though whether this remains in development is unclear.

Sony’s broader strategy regarding live-service games has been turbulent, with multiple cancellations and restructuring efforts across its studios. As Bend Studio navigates this transition, fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see what comes next.

Business, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo Switch 2 Is Already Re-Writing The Record Books—Here’s Exactly How

Forget “solid launch.” Switch 2 is dropping numbers that belong in Olympic track meets, not console sales ledgers. Let’s dissect the frenzy, the tech, and the ripple effects—then peek at what could come next.

Nintendo confirmed 3.5 million consoles sold worldwide in the first four days after its 5 June release, officially crowning Switch 2 the fastest-selling Nintendo system in history. Crunch that:

  • 875 000 systems per day
  • ≈ 36 458 per hour
  • ~600 Switch 2s leaving stores every minute

For perspective, PlayStation 4’s once-vaunted “best day ever” record (1 million day-one units) has been obliterated; Switch 2 reportedly flirted with three million sales on day one alone.

• Spain: 108 000 units opening weekend—double the previous PSP record
• UK: 160 000+ in week one—biggest Nintendo launch ever
• France: 200 000 day-one—fastest-selling gaming device in French history

These pockets of demand signal universal appetite, not a single territory spike.

Let’s recall:

Spec / FeatureSwitch (2017)Switch 2 (2025)
Display6.2″ 720 p LCD @60 Hz7.9″ 1080 p OLED @120 Hz
Docked Output1080 p4K
CPU/GPUTegra X1Custom NVIDIA “NVN 3” chip (DLSS-style upscaling)
ControllersSlide-on Joy-Con (drift-plagued)Magnetic Joy-Con 2 + Hall-effect sticks
Online CommsPhone-app kludgeGameChat 2 built-in voice/video

The original Switch promised console-quality gaming anywhere; Switch 2 finally supplies the horsepower to keep that promise in 2025’s 4K, 120 Hz world.

With that being said…Day-one exclusives are modest—Mario Kart World, Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and a slew of upgraded ports—but the install base ballooned anyway. Why?

  1. Back-compat: 130 million-strong Switch library boots natively.
  2. Handheld horsepower: Cyberpunk 2077 legitimately playable on a train without melting frames.
  3. eSports/Speedrun buzz: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet runs are already 25-minute faster on the new silicon.

Nintendo has basically sold potential: buyers know Zelda, Pokémon, and Smash will turn up later, and they want to be ready.

Despite pre-launch production ramp-ups and even shipping “Out of Stock” signage to stores, inventory vanished instantly at GameStop, Walmart, and Target. Online restocks have been measured in seconds, not hours. Expect:

  • Rolling “micro-drops” every Wednesday-to-Friday as shipments clear customs.
  • A calmer channel in late July once Donkey Kong Bananza ships and Nintendo’s second manufacturing wave lands.

The $449.99 base / $499.99 Mario Kart bundle × 3.5 million equals roughly $1.57 billion in weekend hardware revenue alone. Software attach rates (Mario Kart bundle, digital upgrades) push the haul even higher—before accessories.

Looking at the competetion, Sony and Microsoft suddenly face a portable 4K-capable rival with first-party IP that historically converts casuals. Switch 2’s blitz may:

  • Accelerate a PS5 “Slim Portable” rumor cycle.
  • Force Xbox to double-down on cloud/hybrid handheld concepts.
  • Pressure Valve to price-cut or fast-track a Steam Deck OLED 2.

What Could Slow Momentum?

  1. AAA drought: If December arrives without Zelda or a genuine new Mario 3D, momentum could wobble.
  2. Supply chain hiccups: Another chipset shortage would rerun 2020-era frustration.
  3. Price sensitivity: $449 isn’t pocket change; a global recession could pinch second-wave buyers.

And will al this, there are some that are giving som predictions, including 15 million units by March 2026 (based on Nintendo’s own forecast) feels conservative; at current velocity, 18-20 million is feasible, all with a first-party blockbuster will arrive by fiscal Q3 to keep attach rates high and it is suggested that we are talking about Metroid Prime 4.

Also, Nintendo will launch an “XL Dock” with integrated NVMe storage and Wi-Fi 7 to entice 4K-TV owners and finally, some predicts that by 2027, Nintendo Switch 2 could flirt with the DS’s 154 million lifetime crown if momentum endures.

Switch 2 isn’t merely repeating the Switch playbook; it’s hitting numbers that redraw the entire launch-era curve. Hybrid gaming is no longer a quirky niche—it’s the growth vector, and Nintendo currently owns the lane.

Business, Gaming, News

Embracer Hits the Reset Button—Again

When a company that owns Tomb Raider, Borderlands, Dead Island, and The Lord of the Rings games feels the need to change CEOs, something is profoundly off-kilter. On 1 August 2025, Swedish mega-publisher Embracer Group will do exactly that, swapping out co-founder Lars Wingefors for Phil Rogers—the executive who has shepherded Crystal Dynamics and Eidos since the late 2000s.

How We Got Here: A $2 Billion Implosion and 1,400 Lost Jobs

Wingefors spent the past decade turning Embracer into gaming’s most voracious acquirer. In just five years, he bought 70+ studios, amassing a 17,000-person empire spread across 40 countries. The spree came crashing down in May 2023 when a mysterious $2 billion financing deal fell apart at the eleventh hour, triggering a brutal nine-month restructuring that shuttered Volition (Saints Row), Free Radical (TimeSplitters), and laid off 1,400 employees. Remaining teams endured constant uncertainty, and investors punished the stock.

By early 2025, Embracer had sold Gearbox and Saber Interactive, spun off Coffee Stain, and announced yet another carve-out for its Middle-earth division. Confidence in Wingefors’ leadership cratered; even he admitted much of the criticism was “probably fair”.

Why Phil Rogers?

  1. Operating-Level Credibility – Rogers ran Eidos during its pre-Square Enix days, then headed Square Enix’s entire Western operation (Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montreal, IO Interactive) from 2009-2022. He knows how to ship blockbuster AAA on time, on budget, and with Disney-tier IP guardians breathing down his neck.
  2. Cultural Bridge – He has already spent two years as CEO of the Crystal Dynamics–Eidos subgroup inside Embracer. That means day-one familiarity with Embracer’s tangled reporting lines, regional politics, and its mountains of partially finished projects.
  3. Investor Soother – Rogers isn’t saddled with the acquisitions blame. For funds burned by the stock slide, a fresh face with Wall Street rivets on his résumé is a welcome optics upgrade.

Wingefors Isn’t Gone—He’s Moving Upstairs

The board wants Wingefors’ nose for deal-making without the PR baggage of layoffs. So it’s proposing him as Executive Chair, tasked with—you guessed it—“strategic initiatives, M&A, and capital allocation”. In practice, Rogers gets day-to-day headaches while Wingefors scripts the next shopping spree from a loftier perch.

Five Big Questions That Will Define Rogers’ First Year

#Burning QuestionEarly Signal to WatchWhy It Matters
1Will Embracer keep divesting?Any sale of THQ Nordic or Plaion.More sales = narrower, healthier focus.
2Can he halt the layoff cycle?Headcount trend in the FY 2026 report.Morale and brand reputation hinge on this.
3What’s the AAA slate?Updates on Tomb Raider, Perfect Dark, KOTOR remake.Proof that Embracer can still fund blockbusters.
4Will he embrace live-service?Repositioning of Crystal Dynamics/Eidos roadmaps.Determines long-term revenue stability.
5How does Middle-earth fit?Details on the LOTR spin-off structure.Could become Embracer’s Marvel-like cash cow.

Industry Ripples

  • Publishers – Ubisoft and Take-Two will watch whether Embracer under Rogers becomes a seller or buyer in 2026.
  • Employees – A non-founder CEO often brings stricter performance metrics. Studios that coasted on Embracer’s laissez-faire past may feel new pressure.
  • Licensors – Amazon (new Tomb Raider show) and Disney (Marvel’s Blade) must renegotiate with leadership that has first-party dev chops rather than financial-engineering DNA.

Embracer’s greatest weakness is its sprawl: 9 operative groups, 138 internal studios, 200+ ongoing projects. Rogers’ best move isn’t another acquisition but a ruthless Marie Kondo sweep—kill projects that don’t “spark joy,” funnel the freed cash into four or five tent-poles, and rebuild trust with dev teams. Do that, and Embracer could morph from punchline to comeback story by 2027.

Sidebar: Who Is Phil Rogers?

  • First job: Finance director at Disney’s Buena Vista in the ’90s.
  • Signature win: Green-lit the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot, which sold 14 M+ copies.
  • Biggest flop: Backed the ill-fated live-service push for Marvel’s Avengers.

Expect Rogers’ first earnings call in November 2025 to reveal:

  1. A trimmed studio roster (perhaps 100 by FY 2027).
  2. Concrete release windows for Tomb Raider and Perfect Dark.
  3. A new debt-to-EBIT target—anything under 2× would reassure investors.

If he delivers on even two of those, Embracer might finally stop playing “Empire Builder” and start acting like a disciplined publisher.

Lars Wingefors proposed to be elected as Executive Chair of the Board of Embracer – Phil Rogers appointed new CEO – Embracer Group
The Board of Directors of Embracer Group AB (“Embracer”) today took the next step in the transformation process, appointing Phil Rogers as CEO of Embracer, effective as of 1 August 2025. Lars Wingefors is proposed to be appointed as Executive Chair of the Board of Embracer at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 18 September […]
Source/Via

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.

Games, Gaming, News, Review

The Enigma of “Squarena”: A Ghost in the PS5 Library? (Gaming Review)

In the fast-paced world of gaming, new titles are announced and released with a dizzying frequency. Yet, for all the hype and marketing that precedes a major launch from a titan like Square Enix, some names can still fall through the cracks or, in some cases, never exist at all. Such appears to be the case with a purported PS5 title dubbed “Squarena.”

Despite extensive searches and a deep dive into upcoming and recent releases from the legendary Japanese developer, the name “Squarena” remains elusive, a ghost in the vast and ever-expanding PlayStation 5 library. No official announcements, no developer diaries, not even a whisper on gaming forums or social media platforms points to a game bearing this title.

This lack of information leads to a few possibilities. It’s plausible that “Squarena” is a simple misspelling of another Square Enix title. The publisher is known for its fantastical and sometimes complex naming conventions, and it’s easy to see how a name could be misremembered or misheard. Could the user have been thinking of “Foamstars,” the colorful and chaotic 4v4 online party shooter? Or perhaps a different upcoming title that has yet to cement its name in the public consciousness?

Another possibility is that “Squarena” was an internal codename for a project that has since been renamed or, as is common in the industry, quietly canceled. The annals of video game history are filled with such “what ifs”—games that showed initial promise but for various reasons never saw the light of day.

Of course, there is also the chance that “Squarena” is a completely new and unannounced project, a secret being closely guarded within the walls of Square Enix’s development studios. If this is the case, its eventual reveal will be a surprise to everyone.

Until an official announcement is made, the mystery of “Squarena” persists. For now, it remains a tantalizing but unconfirmed entry in the world of gaming, a reminder of the secrets and surprises that the industry can still hold. If you have any further information or a possible alternative title, we would be eager to hear it and delve into what is sure to be another captivating experience from one of gaming’s most beloved creators.

Get Ready to Shrink and Shoot: A Deep Dive into the Upcoming PS5 Arena Brawler, Squarena

Anticipation is building for a fresh new take on the arena brawler genre. Indie developer Codeaclysm Games is set to unleash “Squarena,” a fast-paced, physics-based shooter, on the PlayStation 5 in the spring of 2025. While a full hands-on review will have to wait until its official release, the initial details paint a picture of a chaotic and skill-driven party game with a unique twist.

Already launched for the PS5 on April 24, 2025, in Europe and April 25, 2025, in the United States, “Squarena” is poised to offer a fresh and frantic multiplayer experience. Published by Codeaclysm Games, this 2D arena shooter is all about chaotic physics, strategic gameplay, and a clever health system that directly impacts your presence on the battlefield.

The Shrinking Battlefield: A Unique Gameplay Hook

At the heart of “Squarena” lies a compelling and intuitive core mechanic: the smaller you are, the less health you have. As you take damage from your opponents’ blasts, your character shrinks, making you a harder target to hit. However, this comes at a cost. Your own shots will produce a greater recoil, making it more challenging to control your movement and aim. This dynamic creates a constant risk-versus-reward scenario, where being on the brink of elimination also makes you a nimble and elusive threat.

Players will need to master the game’s physics-based combat, utilizing a combination of shooting, teleporting, and shielding to outsmart their adversaries. The emphasis on skill-based gameplay suggests a high ceiling for competitive players, while the chaotic nature of the arenas promises accessible fun for casual get-togethers.

Modes and Features to Fuel the Mayhem

“Squarena” is not just a one-trick pony. The game is set to launch with a variety of features designed to keep players engaged:

  • Frantic Multiplayer Battles: The primary focus is on local and online multiplayer for up to four players. Get ready for intense couch co-op sessions and competitive online matches.
  • Solo Challenges: For those who want to hone their skills alone, “Squarena” will include single-player challenge modes.
  • Diverse Arenas: A variety of maps will offer different layouts and strategic possibilities, ensuring that no two matches feel exactly the same.
  • Power-ups and Customization: Expect to find game-changing power-ups scattered throughout the arenas. Additionally, players will be able to unlock a range of skins and cosmetics to personalize their square combatants.
  • Customizable Rules: Tailor the game to your liking with customizable match rules, allowing for a personalized gameplay experience.
  • Sport-Based Modes: The inclusion of “sport based modes” hints at objective-based game types beyond the standard deathmatch, adding another layer of variety to the proceedings.

Built for the PS5

While also available on the PlayStation 4, the PS5 version of “Squarena” is expected to take advantage of the more powerful hardware for a smooth and responsive gameplay experience. The developers have noted that players on PS5 may need to ensure their system software is updated to access all the game’s features.

https://geezusgg.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SquarenaTesting1.mp4

The Verdict So Far: A Promising Newcomer to the Arena

Based on the initial information, “Squarena” is shaping up to be a delightful and action-packed addition to the PS5 library. Its unique shrinking mechanic, coupled with a focus on physics-based combat and a wealth of game modes, has the potential to make it a standout title in the indie scene.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro of arena brawlers or a newcomer looking for a fun and engaging party game, “Squarena” is a title to keep on your radar. We eagerly await its release in April 2025 to deliver a full, in-depth review of what promises to be a chaotic and compelling new experience.

Breaking, Business, Gaming, News

Warner Bros. Discovery Splits into Two Companies: What It Means for WB Games

In a surprising yet strategic move, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced its decision to split into two separate publicly traded companies. This restructuring aims to sharpen the focus of its entertainment and media assets, allowing each entity to operate with greater flexibility and efficiency in an evolving industry landscape. But what does this mean for WB Games and the future of Warner Bros.’ gaming business? Let’s dive in.

The Split: Two Distinct Media Giants

Warner Bros. Discovery will divide into:

  1. Streaming & Studios – This company will house Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, along with their extensive film and television libraries.
  2. Global Networks – This entity will oversee CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery, and other major cable networks, including the profitable Discovery+ streaming service.

David Zaslav, the current CEO of WBD, will lead Streaming & Studios, while Gunnar Wiedenfels, the CFO, will take charge of Global Networks. The split is expected to be completed by 2026.

What This Means for WB Games

While the announcement primarily focuses on Warner Bros.’ film, television, and streaming divisions, WB Games remains a crucial part of the company’s entertainment ecosystem. Historically, WB Games has been responsible for publishing and developing major franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Batman: Arkham, LEGO games, and Hogwarts Legacy.

Potential Outcomes for WB Games:

  • Greater Investment in Gaming – With the split allowing for more focused strategies, WB Games could receive increased investment and resources to expand its portfolio.
  • Possible Spin-Off or Acquisition – Some analysts speculate that WB Games could be spun off into a separate entity or acquired by a major gaming company, similar to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
  • Expansion into Live-Service and Mobile Gaming – Given the industry’s shift toward live-service games and mobile experiences, WB Games may prioritize these areas to maximize revenue.

Warner Bros. has long been a powerhouse in the gaming industry, leveraging its vast intellectual properties to create blockbuster titles. With the restructuring, the company may double down on gaming as a core pillar of its entertainment strategy.

Key Areas to Watch:

  • DC Universe Games – With DC Studios now part of Streaming & Studios, expect more ambitious DC-themed games, possibly integrating with upcoming films and TV shows.
  • Hogwarts Legacy Sequel – Given the massive success of Hogwarts Legacy, a sequel or spin-off is highly likely.
  • New Partnerships – WB Games may seek collaborations with major gaming studios to expand its reach and diversify its offerings.

The split of Warner Bros. Discovery into two companies marks a pivotal moment in media and entertainment. While the immediate focus is on film and television, WB Games stands at a crossroads, with potential for growth, innovation, and strategic shifts. Whether through new investments, acquisitions, or expanded gaming initiatives, Warner Bros.’ gaming business is poised for an exciting future.

Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, Mobile, News, Xbox

A deep look at the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X

Handheld gaming has always been about delivering power and playability right into your palms, and the latest announcement from the alliance between ROG (ASUS’s Republic of Gamers) and Xbox takes that vision into a whole new realm. The newly revealed ROG Xbox Ally series—comprising the standard Xbox Ally and its high-performance sibling, the Xbox Ally X—signals a bold move for Microsoft and ASUS as they seek to blur the line between PC versatility and console familiarity. Announced with a promise to debut during the 2025 holiday season, these devices promise to revolutionize on-the-go gaming by fusing state-of-the-art hardware with a uniquely curated software ecosystem.

At first glance, the ROG Xbox Ally series immediately impresses with its design language—one that echoes the beloved aesthetics and ergonomics of the iconic Xbox Wireless Controller. Both devices feature contoured grips designed for prolonged comfort. In particular, the Xbox Ally X ups the ante with refined impulse triggers that offer nuanced haptic feedback, bringing an unmatched level of immersion. The layout is thoughtfully arranged; familiar ABXY buttons, well-placed analog sticks, and an integrated Xbox button ensure a fluid transition from console to handheld play. This is more than just appearance—it’s a design that prioritizes all-day gaming comfort and precision control, turning every session into an exercise in ergonomic brilliance.

Under the Hood: Power-Packed Performance

When it comes to performance, the ROG Xbox Ally and its X variant are engineered to outpace expectations. The standard Xbox Ally comes loaded with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, delivering a console-caliber experience that can handle both natively-run PC games and Xbox Game Pass streaming titles seamlessly. For the more demanding gamer, the Xbox Ally X features the more potent AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, paired with 24 GB of RAM and a generous 1 TB of storage. This substantial boost isn’t just about keeping up with graphically intensive titles—it’s about ensuring higher frame rates, improved graphical fidelity, and an immersive gaming experience that stands tall against any handheld competitor.

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the new handhelds is the seamless integration of Windows 11 with a distinctly Xbox-centric interface. Upon powering up, users are greeted with the “Xbox full screen experience,” which is a blend of the simple, intuitive navigation seen on Xbox consoles and the flexible, robust nature of a Windows environment. This hybrid approach allows players not only to dive into their favorite games from various PC storefronts but also to utilize essential apps—Twitch, Discord, and the Xbox Game Bar—without ever leaving the gaming ecosystem. Whether locally installed, streamed from Xbox Cloud Gaming, or remotely accessed from a home console, the device’s ability to aggregate a massive library of titles epitomizes Microsoft’s vision for gaming without boundaries.

Bridging the Gap Between PC and Console

A prominent theme behind the ROG Xbox Ally series is the ambition to make games and progress portable. With features such as Xbox Play Anywhere (which allows a single purchase to work across both PC and Xbox devices), cloud gaming integration, and the streamlined Xbox Game Bar for quick toggling between games and settings, these handhelds seem poised to redefine cross-platform play. This initiative not only strengthens the connector between console and PC gamers but also shakes up the market dynamics—potentially challenging rivals like Nintendo with a device that bridges experiences rather than compartmentalizing them. The ambition is clear: deliver the power of a PC, the freedom of Windows, and the familiarity of Xbox in one beautifully designed portable package.

Entering the handheld console market is no small feat, especially with strong contenders like the Nintendo Switch 2 already vying for gamers’ attention. However, Microsoft’s strategy with these dual offerings is to give consumers multiple choices depending on their gaming needs. The Xbox Ally is positioned as a versatile, cost-effective option for the generalist gamer, while the higher-end Xbox Ally X caters to the performance-hungry and more discerning player. This two-tier approach ensures that no matter your budget or requirements, there’s a device designed with you in mind—one that harmonizes technology, design, and a robust gaming ecosystem in a single, portable device.

In a rapidly evolving landscape where cloud gaming, cross-play functionalities, and adaptable ecosystems continue to shape the future of interactive entertainment, the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally series is a harbinger of things to come. With these devices, Microsoft and ASUS aren’t just releasing another gadget; they are setting the stage for a future where your entire gaming library and achievements can travel with you effortlessly. They embody a philosophy of “gaming anywhere,” enabling you to start a match at home, pause it on the subway, and finish it during your lunch break, all without missing a beat.

As pre-orders and pricing details are anticipated to be announced closer to the release date, the conversation in gaming circles is already buzzing with excitement and analysis. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a hardcore enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates cutting-edge technology, the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are poised to spark a reimagining of handheld play—one that could well define the standards of portable gaming for years to come.

The collaboration between ROG and Xbox is a landmark moment in the handheld space. By combining state-of-the-art AMD processors, the sleek ergonomics of legacy Xbox controllers, and the versatility of Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally series transforms how we view portable gaming. It’s an embodiment of innovation set to challenge market norms and elevate our everyday gaming experiences. As the holiday season of 2025 approaches, it’s worth keeping an eye not only on these devices themselves, but also on the broader shifts they represent in the convergence of PC and console gaming cultures.

For those craving even deeper insights, the evolving discussions around cross-platform integration, cloud gaming innovations, and the ergonomic evolution of handheld devices ensure that the conversation is just beginning. Stay tuned as we continue to explore and debate the future of gaming in an era defined by freedom, power, and a truly unified ecosystem.

Featured, Gaming, News, PC

The seamless Mods Support from GOG Takes Center Stage

In a landscape where video games have long relied on imaginative communities to breathe new life into classics, GOG has raised the bar by introducing its highly anticipated seamless mods support—aptly branded as GOG One-click Mods. This initiative reimagines how gamers experience and interact with mods by streamlining the process of installation and integration. No longer do players need to navigate the labyrinth of file edits, multiple restarts, or the technical chaos that sometimes accompanies mod management. Instead, with one simple click, a world of enhanced gameplay, enriched narratives, and revitalized graphics awaits. This bold move marks not just a technical upgrade but a cultural milestone in video game preservation and customization .

A New Era of Hassle-Free Modding

At its core, the new system is designed to eliminate friction. GOG’s approach involves a carefully curated selection of mods that are pre-integrated with the base games—meaning that gamers start their adventures already equipped with popular enhancements. Imagine diving into a game without the anxiety of broken installations or conflicting files. Titles like Heroes of Might and Magic III receive a fresh lease on life with the acclaimed Horn of the Abyss expansion, while enthusiasts of classic shooters can now explore expanded narratives with the Phobos Mod for DOOM 3. Even fan-favorite titles such as Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines benefit from enhanced storytelling through the Unofficial Patch, and the intriguingly alternate storyline offered by the Fallout: London mod elevates the Fallout universe to new heights—all without the typical mod-associated headaches .

Behind every successful mod lies a passionate community, a fact that GOG recognizes and cherishes. The One-click Mods initiative isn’t just a technical upgrade; it’s a celebration of the creative spirit of modders. By collaborating directly with these community-driven projects, GOG has handpicked mods that offer not only new content but also vital enhancements—like bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and restored cut content—that deepen the gaming experience. This curated approach means that each mod meets a certain standard, ensuring cultural significance and reliability. Fans have long considered certain mods indispensable—Horn of the Abyss is a prime example of a mod that transforms how a game is enjoyed—and GOG’s decision to integrate such mods reflects a commitment to quality and community legacy.

The traditional mod installation process often forces gamers to grapple with technical complexities: tedious file manipulation, compatibility issues, and a barrage of troubleshooting steps. GOG’s seamless integration flips the script by embedding these enhancements within the game’s infrastructure itself. With this one-click approach, the process is reduced to a matter of seconds, liberating players to immerse themselves in gameplay rather than wrestling with software quirks. This technological pivot not only democratizes access to mods—making them available to casual players who may have shied away from previous hurdles—but also serves as a blueprint for future digital distribution platforms aiming to harmonize user experience with creative content.

Modding as a Gateway to Preservation and Innovation

Mods have long been a vehicle for video game preservation—rescuing forgotten gems and refining classics for modern audiences. GOG’s move underscores the timeless value of community creations in keeping the legacy of legendary games vibrant and relevant. By providing a seamless method to install and enjoy mods, GOG is actively nurturing the history of gaming. Not only does this benefit current players, but it also inspires new generations to explore and build upon existing worlds. The integration of projects like Skyblivion, which ambitiously reimagines Oblivion with modern engine capabilities, signals that the future of modding is both innovative and deeply respectful of the past.

GOG’s seamless mods support is more than just a feature—it’s an invitation. It invites gamers to rediscover their favorite classics in novel ways and empowers mod creators by offering a platform that values quality and collaboration. As community feedback shapes the program’s evolution, future iterations may well include an even broader range of titles and more sophisticated integration options. For gamers craving personalization and depth, this initiative opens doors to endless possibilities, proving that the line between game development and community creativity is beautifully blurred. As this initiative gains momentum, one can only wonder what unexpected masterpieces and hidden gems will emerge next.

We’re thrilled to introduce another initiative of ours:GOG One-click Mods – a curated selection of premium mods directly packed with the game for the smoothest installation!Learn more here: www.gog.com/news/experie…

— GOG.COM (@gog.com) 2025-06-08T21:00:52.116Z

GOG’s One-click Mods not only simplify a once cumbersome process but redefine modding in a way that respects both the past and the future of gaming. If you’re curious about how this integration will influence other digital platforms or what new modding communities might emerge from this seamless experience, dive into related discussions on video game preservation, or explore interviews with developers and modders sharing their visions for the next frontier in game customization.