Month: April 2025

Meta has recently laid off employees from its virtual reality studios, including those behind popular games like Supernatural and Asgard’s Wrath. These layoffs are expected to slow down the release of new workouts for the fitness game Supernatural. This marks the second round of layoffs for Meta in 2025, following a significant reduction of 3,600 jobs earlier this year.

The layoffs are part of broader trends in the gaming industry, where job cuts have become increasingly common. Major companies like Microsoft, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, BioWare, and Eidos Montreal have also enacted layoffs this year. Meta has chosen to downsize its staff in its acquired VR studios, particularly Within Unlimited, Inc. and Sanzaru Games, which are responsible for the aforementioned games.

A spokesperson from Meta confirmed the layoffs, stating that teams within Oculus Studios are undergoing shifts in structure and roles. The impact of these layoffs is evident in the development of Supernatural. The VR fitness game recently acknowledged the loss of team members and noted that it may take longer to release new workouts as a result of the need to “work more efficiently.”

However, players can expect the addition of multiple intensity options in upcoming workouts, which may mitigate the impact of reduced frequency. Earlier in February of 2025, Meta undertook significant job cuts, citing performance-based reasons for the layoffs. Although the company has offered the recently laid-off employees the option to apply for alternative roles within Meta, it remains uncertain how many will be able to return to the organization.

Along with these layoffs, Meta has previously acquired several VR studios, bringing titles like Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4 VR into its portfolio. However, plans for a VR version of GTA: San Andreas have been put on hold following its acquisition by Rockstar Games.

Subnautica 2 marks a significant departure from its predecessor by omitting iconic vehicles such as the Cyclops submarine. Instead, the game promises a fresh experience focused on new gameplay mechanics and concepts currently under development, including genetic modification and a large new vehicle. Design Lead Anthony Gallegos confirmed that familiar creatures and vehicles from previous titles will not return, as Subnautica 2 is set on a different planet with a unique and mysterious ecosystem. The original Subnautica captivated players with its open-world exploration and survival mechanics, where they navigated terrifying depths to gather materials for survival.

Players relied on vehicles like the small Seamoth, the durable Prawn Suit, and the well-known Cyclops, which served as floating bases. However, none of these will be featured in the new installment. Instead, players can expect a new type of massive vehicle that has yet to be detailed. Innovation is at the forefront of Subnautica 2’s development, as the team aims to provide a distinct experience while retaining core elements from prior games.

For instance, the introduction of genetic modification allows players to adapt alien creatures for new abilities. Recently, a developer vlog offered insights into new environments and building mechanics, reinforcing that the game will not include familiar creatures, instead presenting a rich new ecosystem. Subnautica 2 encourages exploration in solo or multiplayer modes for up to three friends, prompting players to uncover the mysteries of a treacherous world. Crafting plays a vital role in survival, with customizable bases and advanced tools aiding player adaptation.

The aquatic environment showcases diverse biomes teeming with life, all while players work to understand the balance of this alien world. The project is undertaken by Unknown Worlds, a remote studio with a history dating back to the Half-Life mod Natural Selection. As an Early Access title, Subnautica 2 promises active development, allowing players to engage with evolving content and help shape its future.

Asmongold has achieved the remarkable distinction of being the most-watched streamer in North America on Twitch in 2025. With an impressive 26.22 million watch hours recorded in the first quarter, he has outperformed notable competitors like KaiCenat and TimTheTatman. His ongoing success is evident as he recently monetized his alternate account, earning nearly six figures in just a matter of days. Known primarily for his gameplay in World of Warcraft and his often controversial online presence, Asmongold has been a fixture in the streaming community since 2009, making a transition to Twitch in 2011.

Although he has moved away from primarily streaming World of Warcraft, his ability to adapt and thrive on the platform remains undeniable. In recent discussions, Pokimane disclosed that a Twitch employee exploited their position, falsely claiming a relationship with her to scam viewers. This incident highlights the risks and controversies that sometimes permeate the Twitch environment. Meanwhile, Asmongold’s ascent continues, with Streamscharts reporting his takeover of the streaming landscape in early 2025.

He reached the top of the viewership rankings with a significant lead, as KaiCenat garnered 22.10 million hours and TimTheTatman totaled 20.21 million hours. Notably, KaiCenat managed to secure second place while streaming the fewest hours, just 274, compared to Asmongold’s 567 hours and TimTheTatman’s 1,002 hours. Asmongold’s milestones keep accumulating; in March, he set a record for the most hours watched on Twitch, amassing 5 million hours within just two weeks. By the end of 2024, he monetized his alt account, adding to his earnings at an astonishing rate.

Despite the challenges Twitch faces in the ever-changing streaming landscape, Asmongold’s popularity and profitability remain steadfast as the competition heats up among platforms like YouTube and Kick.

Marvel Rivals is set to enhance the offensive capabilities of Strategists in its upcoming mid-season update. As the game enters its second season, players can expect minor tweaks to certain heroes, including Groot and Captain America.

The developers are also adjusting performance rating calculations to promote a fairer gaming experience. Launched on April 11, Season 2 draws inspiration from the Hellfire Gala, the annual celebration of mutants.

This season introduced new gameplay dynamics, hero and Team-Up balancing, and the addition of a Krakoa-themed map. Emma Frost made her entrance as the new Vanguard, while several characters, including Doctor Strange and Peni Parker, received new skins.

Additionally, players now have the option to customize skins for characters like Winter Soldier, Luna Snow, Magik, and Psylocke. With the season nearly halfway through, the developers at NetEase are preparing to roll out another update in response to community feedback.

Specifically, they have promised enhancements to certain Strategists, which will broaden the strategies players can utilize. Minor adjustments to heroes are on the way, including reduced survivability for Groot and Captain America, along with a slight decrease in the damage range of Spider-Man’s Amazing Combo.

Moreover, Doctor Strange will require less energy to utilize his ultimate ability. The mid-season update will also feature adjustments to Team-Up abilities, with a minor buff for Winter Soldier’s Tainted Voltage and Team-Up skill mentioned.

Furthermore, Ultron is confirmed as the next character to join Marvel Rivals. Beyond these updates, performance rating calculations will undergo changes to ensure that all characters, regardless of their role, have equitable chances for improved ratings, addressing observed disparities among Duelists, Vanguards, and Strategists in Season 2.

EA and Full Circle’s reboot of Skate is set to enter early access in 2025, with the notable omission of an offline mode. The game will take place in the evolving city of San Vansterdam, designed as an always-online sandbox where changes will occur over time.

Players interested in getting a closer look at this environment can join the Skate Insiders program and experience parts of San Vansterdam later this year. First revealed in 2020, the excitement for the Skate reboot grew significantly as it arrives almost a decade after Skate 3, which launched in 2010.

Initial playtests began in 2022, with EA expanding access to various platforms, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Despite the anticipation, fans must continue waiting for the early access release.

According to EA’s first “The Grind” blog post, Skate will not feature an offline mode. Instead, the developers envision a “living, breathing massively multiplayer skateboarding sandbox” that depends on a continuous network connection, mirroring the playtest experience.

Players should expect to see dynamic changes in the city through live events and ongoing in-game activities. Skate’s early access is touted as the “Day One” phase of this live experience, with new features and enhancements planned after launch.

The game will introduce microtransactions upon release, a matter that has stirred debate among players. EA assures that spending on the in-game currency, San Van Bucks, will contribute to ongoing development while striving for a fair system.

Testing is actively underway for both PC and PlayStation formats, focusing on player feedback regarding microtransactions and overall user experience. Any San Van Bucks accumulated during the playtest will transfer to the early access version.

As June approaches, EA plans to distribute a significant number of playtest invitations, providing fans the chance to engage with the game’s features before the official launch. More information regarding early access will be shared in the upcoming months.

La Quimera, the debut sci-fi first-person shooter from Reburn, a newly rebranded studio once known for its work on the Metro series, has encountered an unexpected delay on its launch day. Originally scheduled for release on April 25, the game’s launch was postponed due to “unforeseen challenges,” including complications arising from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

As of now, no new release date has been announced. La Quimera was only recently unveiled, generating excitement among FPS enthusiasts with its futuristic setting in a fictional Latin America in 2064, striking graphics, unique art style, and fast-paced gameplay.

Reburn had conducted a closed beta just two weeks prior to the planned launch, suggesting that the developers were on track for a timely release. However, the last-minute delay has left fans disappointed.

CEO Dmytro Lymar addressed the reasons behind the postponement, stating that logistical hurdles in the final stages of development, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, played a significant role in the decision. Lymar emphasized the studio’s commitment to swiftly resolving the challenges they face while navigating a complex situation in their home country.

Interestingly, some reviews of La Quimera published shortly before the delay pointed to several shortcomings, with criticisms regarding the game’s short playtime, which consists of just three missions lasting about five hours, an uninspiring storyline, subpar voice acting, and numerous bugs. With the game’s current Metacritic rating sitting at 4/10 based on two reviews, it seems likely that these negative assessments may have prompted Reburn to postpone the release.

While no timeline has been provided for La Quimera’s launch, Reburn has assured players that updates will be shared through its social media channels. The studio may utilize this additional time to refine the game, potentially adding new missions or game modes and addressing the narrative critiques, which were partly penned by acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn.

Sunderfolk is a unique video game set to make waves in 2025, combining the essence of tabletop and board game mechanics with the strengths of digital gameplay. It captures the joy of gathering with friends and family around a game table while cleverly minimizing the drawbacks of both formats. Game Rant Advance is your resource for exploring everything this innovative game has to offer. This turn-based tactical RPG allows players to use their mobile devices as controllers, creating an interactive couch co-op experience.

Up to four players can dive into the magical and perilous world of the Sunderlands. To play, one must download the complimentary mobile app available for both iOS and Android. In Sunderfolk, players can choose from six distinct classes: Arcanist, Bard, Berserker, Pyromancer, Ranger, and Rogue. Together, they will engage in strategic combat without a fixed player turn order, granting flexibility and responsiveness to the dynamic battlefield conditions.

As enemies continually appear, players must work together to craft the best strategies for each mission. Between quests, players return to the village of Arden to enhance the community. By upgrading local vendors, forming relationships with other Sunderfolk, and acquiring new Skills, Weapons, and Trinkets, players will bolster their characters. The primary objective is to safeguard Arden and its Brightshard by countering the threats posed by shadowstone corruption and the dangers lurking in the Sunderlands.

The game emphasizes a cooperative experience where friends can easily learn and engage thanks to the mobile app’s user-friendly interface. With reimagined traditional RPG classes and tactical combat inspired by board games, Sunderfolk provides a fresh twist on cooperative adventures. Players will have the chance to rebuild and protect Arden, making every mission impactful both in-game and within the community.

EA Sports College Football 26 is set to launch on July 10, 2025, with an exciting early access period beginning on July 7 for those who purchase the Deluxe Edition. This latest installment is expected to feature several improvements and new elements that fans felt were lacking in College Football 25, with additional details slated for release in May. The College Football series has a rich history, originating in 1993 with Bill Walsh College Football for various platforms, which included only 24 collegiate teams.

The name Bill Walsh was dropped after the first two games, but the franchise continued to grow, releasing 21 titles until 2013. EA’s return last summer with College Football 25 after a 12-year hiatus indicated the company’s dedication to the collegiate football scene. In addition to College Football 26, EA Sports has announced Madden NFL 26, which will be available in August 2025.

Players interested in acquiring both titles can do so through the EA Sports MVP Bundle available for preorder at $149.99 until April 29. The bundle includes early access, in-game points, and exclusive items for both College Football and Madden NFL. Pre-order bonuses are substantial for both Deluxe Editions.

College Football 26 Deluxe Edition offers early access, 4600 College Football Points, and various packs that enhance gameplay. Meanwhile, Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition includes similar perks such as early access and unique player items. Despite the anticipation for College Football 25’s return, it received mixed reviews due to gameplay issues and missing features, including a popular Mascot Mode and the Road to Glory high-school game.

Enthusiasts of the series will want to tune in to next month’s reveal to see how EA plans to address these concerns in the upcoming installment. Currently, College Football 26 is designated for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no announcements for its availability on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2 or PC.

In FBC: Firebreak, players assume the roles of members of the Firebreak response unit, tasked with cleaning up extraterrestrial threats in the wake of the events of Control. Set within the enigmatic confines of the Oldest House, the game features a range of diverse weapons, enemies, and missions. Remedy Entertainment has announced that this much-anticipated title will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S consoles on June 17th.

This marks a significant shift for the studio renowned for the Alan Wake and original Max Payne series, as FBC: Firebreak is its first foray into multiplayer co-op shooting. While veterans of the Remedyverse will recognize familiar settings, enemies, and possibly several characters, newcomers will experience the paranatural world of the Oldest House for the first time. Players will not embody Jesse Faden, the protagonist of Control, but will instead utilize a variety of unpredictable Altered Items as weapons in this first-person multiplayer shooter.

Remedy Entertainment is set to conclude 2024 with exciting offerings for fans, including Alan Wake 2 alongside FBC: Firebreak. Following its formal announcement late last year, a recent developer update revealed the game’s release date and provided a glimpse into the gameplay. Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PlayStation Plus will gain access to the game on launch day, while the standard edition will be available at $39.99 USD and the Deluxe Edition at $49.99.

PC gamers can choose between purchasing the title on Steam or the Epic Games Store. Set to feature gameplay that includes unique weapons and mechanics, FBC: Firebreak allows player loadouts assembled from an eclectic mix of weapons and paranatural items, including oversized wrenches and explosive garden gnomes. With teams of up to three players, missions will explore both familiar and new areas of the Oldest House, offering a fresh yet connected narrative experience as it bridges the story between Control and its upcoming sequel, which is already in development.

World of Warcraft’s Turbo Boost event aims to enhance player experience by extending gear upgrade tracks, improving drop rates, and offering additional rewards throughout The War Within Season 2. This event will run from May 13 until the launch of Patch 11.2, providing various progression boosts. A newly introduced weekly quest lets players earn Puzzling Cartel Chips that can be used for purchasing raid gear.

Despite these initiatives, some players have expressed disappointment regarding the restrictions on Heroic and Mythic gear within the Turbo Boost event. This comes after Patch 11.1.5 was released on April 22, which saw the introduction of new scenarios and leveling events, marking an important step in the season. Blizzard Entertainment has also acknowledged issues with repeated rewards in World of Warcraft’s Great Vault and is working on a fix.

The Turbo Boost event features notable upgrades. Gear upgrade tracks have been expanded from six to eight levels for both Hero and Myth items. Mythic+ dungeons will see a doubling of drop rates for Warband until Equipped gear.

Additionally, the cap on Crests has been lifted, and Valorstones can now be transferred across characters. Delves will provide bonus rewards, experience for Brann, and enhanced Sparks of Fortune crafted gear through Augmentation Matrices. The new weekly quest allows players to collect Puzzling Cartel Chips by defeating four bosses from the Liberation of Undermine.

Three chips can be exchanged for one piece of raid gear, but obtaining Heroic or Mythic upgrades requires prior victories over associated bosses. Players can earn up to six Puzzling Cartel Chips per character for a potential two gear pieces. While the Turbo Boost event has excited many, its early implementation and the restrictive nature of the gear acquisition system have left some fans questioning the design choices compared to previous expansions.

With ongoing bug issues and concerns about the current content, players are hopeful for continued improvements in future updates to enhance their gaming experience.