Month: May 2025

Codemasters has recently announced layoffs following the loss of its World Rally Championship (WRC) license, marking its second round of workforce reductions in under two years. The exact number of positions that will be cut has not yet been disclosed, but Electronic Arts (EA), Codemasters’ parent company, is reportedly planning to eliminate around 400 roles across its divisions by summer 2025. As part of this downsizing, Codemasters plans to lay off certain employees in the near future.

The studio, known for its F1 and Grid franchises, confirmed to VGC that the loss of the WRC license would lead to job reductions. While specific details remain limited, a representative indicated that the company has started assessing potential role reductions. However, not all reductions may result in layoffs, as Codemasters is also seeking to find alternative positions for affected employees across EA’s corporate structure.

This situation at Codemasters reflects a broader trend within EA, which has seen several of its subsidiaries, including Respawn Entertainment, also take steps to downsize. Respawn recently canceled two games and laid off numerous staff, and reports indicate that EA plans to cut hundreds more roles beyond those affected at Respawn. The difficulties faced by EA stem in part from disappointing performances of high-profile projects.

Notably, Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the soccer sim FC 25 did not meet sales expectations, leading to a significant drop in EA shares, although they have since rebounded following news of upcoming layoffs. With the cessation of WRC support and the halt of related projects, Codemasters faces a pivotal moment, focusing its efforts on its remaining sports license in Formula One. As one studio representative remarked, “Every great journey eventually finds its finish line.”

The latest content update for World of Warcraft, Patch 11.1.7, introduces exciting features including a new campaign questline, the Battle for Azeroth Timewalking, and various quality-of-life improvements. Players can explore three initial scenarios: Xal’atath, Ethereals, and the Lich King, with the possibility of additional scenarios being added later.

One of the standout features is Lorewalking, which allows players to engage with special questing activities that highlight the stories of pivotal characters and events from the game’s extensive 20-year lore. This new feature not only elevates the leveling experience but also provides exclusive rewards while informing players about key plot developments.

In addition to Lorewalking, Patch 11.1.7—dubbed Legacy of Arathor—brings a new campaign questline set in the Arathi Highlands and introduces accessibility options, such as the Combat Assistant and Single-Button Assistant, enhancing the gaming experience for all players. A recent hotfix has also buffed the Nightfall scenario and its relevant activities and rewards.

Lorewalking is tailored for players level 10 and above, offering a mix of existing and new quests that incorporate curated storytelling elements. Although players cannot undertake other quests while engaged in Lorewalking, they can exit the campaign at any time and reconnect with Lorewalker Cho in major cities like Orgrimmar, Stormwind, or Dornogal.

The launch scenarios include Xal’atath, where players delve into her complex story, the Ethereal questline that revisits the notable appearances of this unique race, and the Lich King scenario, which allows fans to relive the significant moments of Arthas Menethil’s saga. Currently available for testing on the Public Test Realm (PTR), Lorewalking has already revealed hints of a potential fourth scenario related to the Blood Elves and the Sunwell.

Although no specific launch date for Patch 11.1.7 has been announced, it is anticipated to release around June 17, in line with Blizzard’s typical update schedule. Fans can look forward to an official confirmation soon.

Fortnite enthusiasts are urging Epic Games to introduce a lightsaber Pickaxe skin in light of the game’s latest collaboration with Star Wars. Fans have proposed several creative ideas to set this pickaxe apart from the traditional lightsaber weapon. Suggestions include different color variations and even introducing a “toy” lightsaber version. This collaboration has unveiled exciting new content, including the premiere of the animated series “Tales of the Underworld” and a variety of new skins and weapons.

Over its nearly eight-year history, Fortnite has successfully executed various crossovers, integrating elements from anime, comic books, and major film franchises. Each collaboration has expanded the game’s offerings, showcasing iconic characters from beloved series like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Arcane. Now, with the latest integration of the Star Wars universe, players are particularly eager for the inclusion of a lightsaber as a pickaxe. The recent Star Wars crossover is touted as Fortnite’s most ambitious yet, introducing new game modes, skins, and engaging features.

Players can now experience the exclusive debut of the “Tales of the Underworld” series directly within the game, allowing them to watch the first two episodes. The event also introduced the “Galactic Battle” game mode, featuring a unique boss fight against Darth Vader. Despite these exciting additions, fans still hope for the addition of a lightsaber pickaxe. Many players have taken to Reddit to express their desire for this iconic weapon to be included as a pickaxe option.

Some users highlighted previous Star Wars-centric pickaxes and lamented the absence of a lightsaber variation. The latest collaboration saw the introduction of the “Death Smasher,” depicted as a mini Death Star, although lightsabers remain exclusive to weaponry within the game. The call for a lightsaber pickaxe resonated strongly among fans, who provided alternative suggestions for its design, such as toy versions or even scaled-up LEGO adaptations. The current Star Wars collaboration has also positively impacted other games within the Fortnite family, with LEGO Fortnite receiving updates and Rocket League implementing new Star Wars-themed content.

This collaboration appears to be a resounding success among fans of the franchise.

A passionate fan of New Horizons has created an impressive recreation of key story moments from Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom within the latest Animal Crossing game. The creator, referencing their project as “so much work,” expressed a desire to continue remaking more scenes from the acclaimed Zelda title.

This endeavor highlights both the dedication of the fan and the remarkable design flexibility that Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers its players. Recreating scenes from popular media is a beloved activity among Animal Crossing enthusiasts, who enjoy the creative freedom to shape their virtual environments.

This trend is exemplified by previous projects, such as recreations of memorable moments from Twin Peaks in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Updates from Nintendo indicate that transferring an island from the Switch to the upcoming Switch 2 will be a straightforward process, encouraging more players to take on creative projects.

In line with this, the dedicated fan, who has launched a YouTube channel named ACV-TotK, has shared a video lasting over seven minutes that details several significant story moments from Tears of the Kingdom. The video focuses on the early segments of the game, beginning with Link and Zelda’s exploration of the mysterious ruins beneath Hyrule Castle.

Although the fan had to get inventive to depict zombie Ganondorf—since Animal Crossing lacks a visual counterpart—the overall work remains authentic, unmistakably capturing the essence of the Zelda series. Additionally, the fan video succinctly recounts Link’s adventures on Great Sky Island at the start of Tears of the Kingdom.

By merging footage from both games with the iconic music and sound effects from TOTK, the creator has crafted an engaging tribute. Reflecting on their achievement, the fan, known as “PumpkIntestines11111” on Reddit, noted the amount of effort involved but did not disclose production time.

This recreation is yet another testament to the extensive customization options in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. As the franchise shifts towards allowing greater map editing and terraforming, it has achieved a significant milestone, selling an impressive 47 million units by the end of 2024.

This success suggests that future titles may continue to embrace and expand on the design possibilities introduced in New Horizons.

In WoW Classic’s Season of Discovery Phase 8, players can cleverly avoid falling damage in the Scarlet Enclave raid by landing on haystacks. This innovative feature pays homage to the well-known leap-of-faith mechanic seen in the Assassin’s Creed series. As players jump into the Scarlet Enclave raid, they will find that if they hit a haystack upon landing, they take no damage—a fun nod to fans of stealth gaming.

The Season of Discovery represents an ongoing experiment by Blizzard to introduce new elements into World of Warcraft Classic. This includes the addition of class-altering Rune Engravings, new quests, and entirely original instances. Phase 8 is especially noteworthy as it comprises content that was never part of the original Vanilla WoW, introducing the challenging Scarlet Enclave raid located in the Tyr’s Hand region.

The Scarlet Enclave raid is quickly becoming known among Classic fans as one of the toughest raids ever released. Since its launch on April 10, players have faced significant challenges due to high boss damage, complex mechanics, and unfamiliar encounters. While many raid groups have managed to clear it, the difficult nature of the raid pushes players to demonstrate their resourcefulness.

Moreover, the haystack mechanism is a captivating reference for fans of Assassin’s Creed. Haystacks have long served as a safe landing spot and a means of evading damage when performing daring leaps in that franchise. Their inclusion in WoW Classic adds an exciting layer of nostalgia for gamers familiar with both titles.

Although Blizzard has yet to officially confirm the future of the Season of Discovery, there is speculation that Phase 8 may mark the end of major content updates. Players will still have the opportunity to continue using their characters, but the fate of the Season itself remains uncertain as it approaches its conclusion.

Elden Ring Nightreign offers an exciting opportunity for players to don the attire of iconic Dark Souls characters such as Solaire, Faraam, and Ringfinger Leonhard. Set to launch on May 30 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, this multiplayer spin-off emphasizes cooperation, where groups of players will engage in battles against formidable enemies while navigating a dynamic environment. Players can purchase costumes at the Small Jar Bazaar using an in-game currency known as Murk.

This bazaar serves as a hub where players can relax, upgrade their gear, and change their looks, thus allowing for a personal touch in their playstyles. The newly released trailer for Nightreign showcases various character cosmetic options inspired by beloved Dark Souls series NPCs, promising fans a nostalgic experience. Nightreign’s gameplay introduces a unique twist to the Elder Ring formula by fostering a persistent multiplayer experience.

Players, who will team up as three Nightfarers, must work together to combat foes, achieve objectives, and prepare for the challenges posed by a nighttime cycle filled with potent bosses. Each run through the land of Limveld will offer a different experience, as the territory and layout will shift, presenting fresh obstacles and choices. The trailer emphasizes that while these costumes will enhance the aesthetic experience, they are purely cosmetic and do not alter gameplay mechanics.

Players will not adopt the original combat styles of the Dark Souls characters they emulate. Online reactions to the trailer have generally been positive, with many players expressing newfound confidence in FromSoftware’s direction for Nightreign. Speculations about how the game will tie into Elden Ring lore have also sparked excitement, as it expands the rich settings of both franchises.

Loading screens in Bethesda games have been a topic of discussion among players for years, particularly in titles like Skyrim. Developer Bruce Nesmith recently shed light on this issue, clarifying that these loading screens are an essential aspect of the game’s design.

He noted that the segmented map layout, often criticized by players, is a necessity for tracking items and handling detailed physics. Attempts to eliminate these loading screens have historically led to significant performance issues, ultimately resulting in a less satisfactory gaming experience.

Skyrim, released in 2011, has gained immense popularity, selling over 60 million copies and securing its place as one of the best-selling games in history. Bruce Nesmith contributed significantly to the development of both Skyrim and its predecessor, Oblivion, before leaving Bethesda shortly before Starfield’s release.

Following the recent remaster of Oblivion, there has been a surge in Skyrim’s player count, with reports indicating an increase of at least 28% this month. This revitalization could be attributed to gamers returning to prevalent titles as they await the highly anticipated release of The Elder Scrolls 6.

In a discussion with VideoGamer, Nesmith emphasized that while fans may long for a seamless exploration experience, loading screens are vital for maintaining item placement and physics consistency within the game. He reassured that it was not a matter of laziness on the developers’ part; rather, the complexity and intricateness of the worlds they aim to create necessitate the existence of loading screens.

Starfield’s developer, Nate Purkeypile, echoed this sentiment, explaining that adding loading screens during Starfield’s development was crucial for optimizing overall game performance. As the gaming community eagerly awaits more information on The Elder Scrolls 6, it remains uncertain whether the upcoming title will address concerns regarding loading screens or continue the tradition established by its predecessors.

The Epic Games Store is currently offering the game Super Space Club for free. This lo-fi arcade shooter, released in 2023, has received a “Positive” overall rating on Steam. Users can claim this game until Thursday, May 8, at 10 a.m. CT. After this date, Super Space Club will be replaced by two new free games: Deadtime Defenders and Touch Type Tale, which will be available from May 8 to May 15. Deadtime Defenders is a single-player, side-scrolling looter-shooter that incorporates role-playing game (RPG) elements and customization.

It also holds a “Positive” rating, similar to Super Space Club. On the other hand, Touch Type Tale, which was launched in 2024, offers a strategic typing experience with modes for both single-player and online PvP. This game has received “Very Positive” reviews, suggesting that the upcoming offerings may be quite appealing to players. The Epic Games Store refreshes its free game offerings weekly, allowing players to build a substantial digital library at no cost.

Currently, mobile users can also enjoy Super Space Club, as the Epic Games Store has expanded to include free mobile games alongside its PC offerings. Looking ahead, there is speculation about additional freebies, including a potentially free Star Wars game that could be announced soon. While it’s not confirmed, there’s a possibility this game might be released on Sunday, May 4. For now, however, players can take advantage of the free games available, including Super Space Club until May 8, followed by Deadtime Defenders and Touch Type Tale later that week.

The original creators of the Nier series are in collaboration on a new project, leading many to speculate that this could be a new installment in the franchise. To commemorate Nier’s 15th anniversary, Square Enix hosted a livestream that hinted at a new online novel, upcoming concerts, and merchandise related to the series. The creative minds behind the spinoff series of Drakengard are reuniting, and there is a palpable excitement that this could lead to the development of a third mainline Nier title.

The first Nier game debuted in 2010, but it was the 2017 sequel, Nier: Automata, that really elevated the series’ popularity. Following that, Nier Replicant was remastered in 2021, helping new fans connect with the game’s origins. Additionally, Nier Reincarnation was launched for mobile the same year but faced an untimely shutdown in 2024.

During Square Enix’s anniversary celebration, fans anticipated thrilling revelations about the franchise’s future. Instead, the livestream unveiled a dedicated website for the anniversary, showcasing information about the new novel titled Undecided Option, concert dates, fresh merchandise, and more. The event culminated in a 20-minute performance celebrating the iconic Nier soundtrack, but left fans eager for more news.

Recent comments by Yoko Taro, the director of Nier: Automata, regarding AI’s effects on the gaming industry, added an extra layer of intrigue. Rumors have emerged that Taro and notable members of the development team, including composer Keiichi Okabe and former PlatinumGames designer Takahisa Taura, are collaborating on an undisclosed project. Since the rights to both Drakengard and Nier are held by Square Enix, the team’s next steps will likely rely on partnerships with the publisher.

The primary challenge will be finding a studio to develop the project. With Taura recently establishing Eel Game Studio, it remains uncertain if this new venture could originate there. The emergence of a CGI teaser is conceivable, though the project may still be years from completion.

In the meantime, fans are hoping for a remaster of the original Drakengard trilogy, which still sits confined to older PlayStation platforms.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is currently the highest-rated game of 2025, captivating players and critics alike since its release. Priced at an affordable $49.99, players have the option to experience the entire game for just $19.99 through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which launched the title on day one. This accessibility has made Clair Obscur an attractive choice for gamers looking for quality content at a budget-friendly price. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this RPG has garnered praise for its remarkable soundtrack, innovative turn-based gameplay, and emotionally engaging storyline.

Set in a world where a mysterious Paintress paints a new number in the sky each year, the narrative revolves around the consequences of her actions—everyone who reaches that age dies. Players join Expedition 33, which embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets behind the Paintress and seek a way to stop her. The storytelling in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is masterfully crafted, enriched by strong voice performances that enhance the overall experience. The game boasts a 92 overall critic rating, affirming its status as one of the best new releases in recent memory.

Despite its quality, some gamers might be hesitant, particularly those new to turn-based RPGs or those on a tight budget. However, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, they can fully immerse themselves in this title for only $19.99. With a playtime of approximately 25-30 hours, or potentially twice that for completionists, gamers have plenty to engage with in Clair Obscur. Moreover, it’s not alone on Game Pass; other critically acclaimed titles, such as Blue Prince and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, have also joined the service.

The year 2025 looks promising for Game Pass, leaving players eager for what lies ahead.