Month: May 2025

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will implement a controversial system using game-key cards, which serve as proof of purchase without containing any actual game data. This innovation has drawn criticism from many in the gaming community, particularly from Stephen Kick, the CEO of Nightdive Studios.

He has openly expressed concerns about the implications of this new approach for game preservation and the future of physical media in gaming. During the initial Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo unveiled these proprietary game-key cards.

Unlike the traditional cartridges of the original Switch, these cards will not enable players to play games directly. Instead, their purpose is only to indicate that a game has been purchased; by inserting a game-key card into the Switch 2, players can download the titles associated with those cards.

This shift has prompted many to view it as a significant flaw in the Switch 2’s release strategy, raising alarms about digital ownership and content accessibility. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Kick described Nintendo’s strategy for game-key cards as “a little disheartening.”

He highlighted concerns that once the Switch 2 eShop shuts down, games linked to these cards will become unavailable. He remarked, “You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously.”

Kick’s commitment to game preservation is evident given Nightdive Studios’ focus on reviving classic titles.

Despite having previously attempted to remaster GoldenEye 007, which did not come to fruition, Nightdive has successfully brought several retro games to the original Switch. While Nintendo aims to clarify its game-key card system with disclaimers on packaging, the overall shift in how the company handles physical media has resulted in discontent among collectors and gamers alike, many of whom view it as a regression from prior practices.

8BitDo has announced a temporary halt on shipments of its popular controllers to the US from China, citing the 145% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration as the reason for this pause. This decision affects specific controllers intended for Switch and Xbox consoles. However, US customers can still purchase items that are currently in the company’s US warehouse. As of now, there is no timeline for when shipments from China will resume.

The ongoing tariffs have significantly impacted not just 8BitDo but various companies across multiple sectors, leading to an overall disruption in the supply chain. In fact, this policy has prompted other businesses, such as Microsoft, to increase the prices of Xbox Series X/S consoles and accessories, with notable price hikes taking effect in May. While 8BitDo ponders the ramifications of tariffs, they have clarified that orders placed through their website from the Chinese warehouse cannot be processed if the delivery address is in the US. Customers looking to purchase popular items like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller will have to look elsewhere, though they can check inventories at third-party retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon.

Interestingly, 8BitDo is not alone in this predicament. On April 9, Square Enix announced similar measures regarding specific merchandise shipments to the US and Canada due to concerns surrounding tariffs. While these disruptions continue to affect the gaming accessories market, those eager to nab 8BitDo products should stay updated as they await the resumption of Chinese shipments. In the meantime, there are options available, including various 8BitDo controllers already in US stores, allowing customers to still enjoy high-quality gaming peripherals.

Phasmophobia has rolled out a new hotfix patch aimed at enhancing gameplay and user interface issues, resulting in a smoother experience for players. This update specifically prevents players from placing equipment on Jackalope nest eggs and allows the Obake ghost to shapeshift during various events. While the patch addresses numerous issues, players may still encounter some lighting glitches, but future updates are expected to deliver significant improvements and new content.

In May 2025, Phasmophobia introduced an update that focuses primarily on fixing bugs reported by players. Though it doesn’t feature extensive new content, this patch ensures the game operates more smoothly while tackling recent player concerns. Phasmophobia immerses players in the role of ghost hunters who investigate haunted locations, gather evidence of paranormal activities, and strive to survive.

Since its early access release in September 2020, the game has achieved considerable success, selling over 20 million copies on PC alone. Its console debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S just ahead of Halloween 2024 further expanded its reach. Kinetic Games provided a hotfix update, version 0.12.1.1, to address issues that arose following the Cursed Hollow event.

Key adjustments included the change regarding Jackalope nest eggs and enhancements to the Obake ghost model for seasonal events. The patch also resolved several gameplay and interface bugs, such as audio issues with the Cursed Hollow leaflet and proper functionality in map voting. Despite these fixes, some challenges remain.

Developers acknowledge potential lighting glitches that may persist while the event is ongoing. Kinetic Games has outlined a roadmap for 2025 and beyond, promising major updates, revised maps, and additional seasonal content. Phasmophobia has recently celebrated a milestone, having sold over 3 million copies across PlayStation, PS VR2, and Xbox Series X/S.

Saber Interactive has announced that Evil Dead: The Game will be delisted from various digital storefronts. While the game is no longer available on Epic Games, PlayStation, or Steam, it is still listed on the Xbox Store. The developer confirmed that the game’s servers will remain operational for players who have already purchased it, providing some reassurance to the community. Evil Dead: The Game was launched in 2022 and quickly garnered attention for its engaging asymmetric survival horror gameplay.

The title, developed by Saber and published by Boss Team Games, features co-op gameplay paired with intense PvP combat and a cast of characters drawn from the beloved Evil Dead franchise created by Sam Raimi. The franchise itself boasts five films and the television series “Ash vs Evil Dead,” cementing its status in horror history. Incorporating the distinctive style of Raimi’s films, the game evokes themes of grotesque decay and isolation against a backdrop of the American South. This aesthetic has placed it among other notable Southern Gothic horror games, including The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Telltale’s The Walking Dead.

As fans of Evil Dead: The Game voiced their concerns over its removal from storefronts, there was a sense of relief that the servers would remain accessible. While the game continues to hold a cherished spot among players, the community is lamenting its delisting, often citing it as one of the top asymmetric horror experiences. In the meantime, the Evil Dead franchise remains vibrant through other projects, including the 16-bit platformer RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead and the popular game Dead by Daylight. Additionally, the cinematic side of the franchise continues to thrive, with Lee Cronin’s 2023 entry, Evil Dead Rise, proving successful and paving the way for a new film, Evil Dead Burn, set for 2026.

Bruce Campbell, a fan-favorite, has even hinted at his desire to return to the franchise, further igniting excitement among devotees.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has made a remarkable entrance into the gaming world, with its launch remaining unaffected by the sudden release of Oblivion Remastered. According to Kepler Interactive, the game’s publisher, they believe that the presence of both titles actually drew more attention to the RPG genre. Kepler observed, “I think it just drew attention to quality RPGs that week and everybody was thinking and talking about the genre.”

In terms of performance, Expedition 33 has outperformed Oblivion in global sales. This turn-based RPG, developed by indie studio Sandfall Interactive, is set in a dark fantasy Belle Époque world where players join a group tasked with defeating a mysterious being known as the Paintress.

Following its launch, the game received its first post-launch update, patch 1.2.2, addressing several issues including inventory glitches and soft-locking bugs. The game artfully builds its narrative through subtle dialogue, avoiding heavy exposition. Though Oblivion Remastered was quietly released just over a week ago, fans had anticipated the news after ongoing leaks and speculation about its development. Such surprise launches typically raise concerns for competing games on the release calendar, including Expedition 33, which came out shortly after.

However, Kepler confirmed that Oblivion’s launch “didn’t seem to harm us at all.” They reiterated that both games’ releases spotlighted the RPG genre, benefiting all involved. Moreover, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not only gaining traction in sales but has recently boasted a higher concurrent player count on Steam than Oblivion Remastered. In an interview, senior portfolio director Matt Handrahan discussed the unique appeal of Expedition 33, noting its blend of Western and Japanese RPG styles, which cater to different gaming audiences. Looking to the future, there are hints that DLC may be in the works, with the team considering additional content if demand exists from players.

Sandfall is eager to explore the other expeditions mentioned in the game’s narrative for potential expansions.