Month: May 2025

Nintendo has launched a new update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, designated as patch 2.0.7, which primarily enhances multiplayer compatibility. This release arrives just as interest grows around Nintendo’s upcoming next-generation console.

Fans are pleasantly surprised by this unexpected update, given that it follows nearly three years after the last one. While it does not address long-standing issues, it demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to maintaining the game’s relevance.

As Nintendo prepares to introduce the new Switch, several titles have been confirmed for upgrades. However, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is not included on that list.

Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the game will perform adequately on the new console or may receive additional updates once it launches. The new patch aims to improve the connectivity and loading times between the original Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Switch 2, facilitating a smoother multiplayer experience.

A post from Nintendo’s Support Team confirmed that the 2.0.7 patch focuses specifically on enhancing compatibility for multiplayer gameplay, particularly in terms of synchronizing visits to other players’ islands across the two consoles. It’s important to note that the last update, released in November 2022, mainly targeted gameplay issues rather than compatibility.

Despite the disappointment among some fans that this patch does not address lingering concerns or introduce new content, the excitement surrounding the update is palpable. Many players are expressing gratitude for the attention the game is receiving, reflecting a desire for continued support.

Furthermore, Takuhiro Dohta, a developer for the Switch 2, has guaranteed that players will be able to transfer their island data from the original console to the new model. However, using the system transfer method means the original Switch will lose access to that data.

Diablo Immortal’s anniversary is here, bringing exciting events and rewards for players. Among the highlights are the Trial of True Evils event and Battle Pass 40: Last Light’s Keepers. Players can also claim a 5-Star Blood Floe Legendary Gem gift and purchase the new Lineage of Beasts Cosmetic Set. This anniversary celebration marks the game’s third year since its launch in 2022, developed by Blizzard in partnership with NetEase.

Set between Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, it has made notable transgressions in adapting the series for mobile gameplay. Although Diablo Immortal may not reach the heights of other titles like Diablo 2: Resurrected or Diablo 4: Vessel Of Hatred, it succeeds in providing a mobile-friendly experience, initially designed for touch controls but later expanding to support controllers and PC users. Recently, Game Rant spoke with Ryan Quinn, the senior narrative designer, about the upcoming year-long Epoch of Madness and the new content on the horizon. In a detailed blog post, Blizzard outlined the plans for the anniversary celebrations, titled Threefold Rebirth.

This announcement follows the May 2025 update, which introduced rewarding events and addressed issues with AFK players. The anniversary will feature four key events: the Trial of True Evils from June 1 to June 19, the Infernal Trials from June 4 to July 2, the Set Gear Reforging between June 1 and June 19, and The Prince’s Trail from June 12 to June 23. In addition to these events, players can look forward to balance updates, returning events, and bug fixes. Earlier this month, the game also launched its Berserk crossover event, introducing collaboration skins and unique armor sets, which resonated well with the community.

To cap off a busy year, Blizzard’s roadmap for 2025 promises even more content with expansions like Prince of Freedom and Flesh Harvest, providing new quests, gear, and updates throughout the year.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is set to introduce win streak bonuses for the Ultra Ball and Master Ball ranks. This change aims to enhance the competitive experience by prioritizing skill over time invested in grinding. Historically, progression in these ranks has been slow, with estimates suggesting that climbing from Ultra Ball to Master Ball could require over 300 wins. The upcoming adjustments seem to be a response to feedback from players seeking a more streamlined journey through the ranked system.

Since the introduction of ranked matches in March, many players have aimed to break into the top 10,000. While the rewards for ranked gameplay are appreciated, the community has voiced concerns about the excessive time and effort needed to reach the highest tiers. Casual players often find it nearly impossible to ascend beyond the Great Ball rank, regardless of their skill level. To address this, Pokemon TCG Pocket will now implement a consecutive win bonus for both Ultra Ball and Master Ball ranks, mimicking existing bonuses for the lower tiers.

Although specific details are yet to be disclosed, players could earn up to 12 extra points per match for achieving a 5-win streak. These changes are expected to take effect after the Extradimensional Crisis season ends, likely coinciding with the next set release in late June. In addition to the win streak bonus, mid-season rank drops will be eliminated for the top two tiers. This means players will retain their ranks throughout the season, while end-of-season drops will continue to apply.

Rank advancements offer players unique emblems that reflect their status, further incentivizing participation in ranked matches. With these modifications, Pokemon TCG Pocket appears to emphasize performance and skill, giving dedicated players a fairer chance to climb the competitive ladder based on merit rather than mere playtime. Fans eagerly await these updates, hoping they will enhance the overall ranked experience.

Schedule 1 has achieved remarkable success since its early access launch in March, selling 8 million copies and generating $125 million in revenue on Steam. The indie crime simulator game became a phenomenon in the gaming community, notably selling 4.7 million copies in April alone, making it the top-selling game on Steam for that month.

This achievement is particularly impressive given that Schedule 1 is developed solely by one individual, highlighting the dedication and talent behind the project. Despite its success, the game has faced challenges, including a copyright infringement accusation.

Movie Games S.A., the publisher of Drug Deal Simulator, claimed that Schedule 1 borrowed elements from their title, including aspects of the plot, gameplay mechanics, and user interface. While the investigation into these claims is ongoing, the community rallied around developer TVGS, known as Tyler, expressing their support through reviews that criticized Drug Deal Simulator on Steam.

A report from Alinea Analytics noted Schedule 1’s outstanding sales performance in April, emphasizing the stark contrast with other titles. For instance, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a critically acclaimed triple-A game, managed to sell 3 million copies in three months, while Schedule 1 achieved 8 million in just two months.

However, it’s important to note that TVGS will not receive the full $125 million, as a portion will be deducted by Steam and taxes, although it’s estimated that the developer will still earn over $50 million. Tyler has not let the success go to waste, as he continues to deliver updates to the game, including new features and gameplay improvements.

The most recent update, still in beta, aims to enhance player experience by replacing inconvenient employee beds with lockers. However, some fans are still awaiting Schedule 1’s return to Steam in Australia after its brief removal, which was clarified by TVGS as a temporary situation pending a necessary age rating.

Apple has made headlines recently by acquiring RAC7, the developer behind the popular game Sneaky Sasquatch. This acquisition marks Apple’s first venture into purchasing a game developer and signifies a noteworthy shift in the company’s approach to gaming. It’s rumored that Apple plans to unveil a new gaming hub app to replace the existing Game Center during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025.

This new app aims to consolidate gaming experiences across various Apple devices, including the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. For years, Apple devices were not specifically tailored for gamers. The design of Mac hardware prioritized battery life, thermal efficiency, and creative workflows, leaving gaming on the back burner.

While casual games thrived on the iOS App Store, there was little room for console-quality titles, partly due to Apple’s software ecosystem which presents several challenges for developers. The need for continuous app maintenance in response to frequent iOS updates has made it difficult for such games to succeed on the platform. However, in recent years, Apple has made strides towards prioritizing both gamers and developers.

The anticipated gaming hub is expected to provide an interface for users to browse the game section of the iOS App Store, while also promoting Apple’s subscription service, Apple Arcade. This app is set to replace Game Center, which originally launched in 2010 as a standalone application but was later moved to the Settings section in 2016. As the gaming landscape evolves, Apple’s focus on gaming appears to be gaining momentum.

Aside from Apple Arcade and the recent acquisition of RAC7, the tech giant introduced the Game Porting Toolkit in 2023, facilitating the adaptation of Windows games for Mac. These developments suggest a growing commitment to enhancing the gaming experience on Apple platforms, with notable titles like Resident Evil 4 and Assassin’s Creed Mirage making their way to iOS and macOS.

Sandfall Interactive has announced that it is developing a new game following the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Producer François Meurisse has indicated that the upcoming project will be “challenging” and come with heightened expectations. Director Guillaume Broche has already conceptualized some “great ideas” for the next title.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG set in a dark fantasy Belle Époque environment, received critical acclaim soon after its release in April 2025. The game achieved a remarkable score of 92% on OpenCritic and sold 500,000 units within the first 24 hours. Its impact was so significant that even French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged its success.

Interestingly, the game reached 3.3 million sales in just 33 weeks, a fitting tribute to its thematic focus on expeditions. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Meurisse confirmed that another game is indeed in the works, but he remained tight-lipped regarding specifics. He did mention that the team learned valuable lessons while developing Expedition 33, which would facilitate a more efficient approach for their next project.

The producer noted that the team has “grown up” over the development period, evolving their skills significantly since the company’s inception five years ago. Despite their triumph, fans of Expedition 33 did note a few missed opportunities. However, Meurisse expressed confidence, citing that the team consists of many members who came together to create a memorable game.

In addition to gearing up for the next title, Broche has taken the time to advise other developers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and enjoyment in game design, as well as the need for effective teamwork throughout the development process.

Pokemon enthusiasts frequently craft realistic models of their beloved creatures, showcasing their creativity and dedication. One notable example is a lifelike Meganium model created by a fan known as indigo_kid777. While this intricate depiction of the final form of Chikorita has captivated many in the vast Pokemon community, it has elicited mixed reactions on platforms like Reddit. Fans express a range of emotions toward the hyper-realistic Meganium model, with some finding its life-like features somewhat unsettling.

Unlike the stylized versions of Pokemon seen in games and media, indigo_kid777’s rendition presents Meganium in a tangible manner, incorporating sophisticated textures and details. The model stands on a circular base, highlighted by a delicate gold pattern. One of its most striking traits is the realistic body texture, featuring skin folds reminiscent of real animals. The upward-curving neck suggests a poised Pokemon, ready to make a sound, and the flower petals around Meganium’s neck exhibit lifelike botanical textures.

Despite the mixed feedback, many fans regard this as a standout attempt at creating a realistic Pokemon model. Some even whimsically wondered if it could serve as a reference for a potential live-action film adaptation. As the project remains a work in progress, anticipation grows for how the final paint job and finishing details will enhance the figure. Indigo_kid777 is well-known in the community for producing similar projects that capture audience interest.

Their previous work includes a model of Chikorita. It’s worth noting that while Meganium is often viewed as less popular compared to aggressive starter evolutions like Typhlosion and Feraligatr, its associations with healing and serenity provide a unique charm. Ultimately, the Pokemon franchise continues to thrive as a cultural phenomenon, engaging fans across various media.

The concept for Elden Ring Nightreign first emerged during the development of Dark Souls 3, when director Junya Ishizaki began to envision what would eventually become this new title. Ishizaki expressed his desire to helm more projects in the same vein as Nightreign, as he found inspiration from his earlier works.

Dark Souls, a hallmark of FromSoftware, laid the groundwork for creating a new genre known as Soulslike. Since the release of Dark Souls 3 in 2016, many in the gaming industry have drawn from its successes, which paved the way for titles like Elden Ring.

Despite the latter evolving into its own narrative and universe, there remain striking parallels between it and the Dark Souls series. With Nightreign, the franchise is branching out to offer a standalone RPG that promises a cooperative, roguelike experience inspired by Elden Ring’s rich lore and world.

Just days before Nightreign’s release, the team at FromSoftware unveiled the Revenant class for the new co-op action RPG. In an interview with GamesRadar+, Ishizaki discussed how the initial idea for Nightreign had lingered since his tenure as a combat and level designer for Dark Souls 3.

Although fragmented at first, he noted that it wasn’t until Elden Ring was fully in production that he could give clearer form to his concepts. Ishizaki also shared that the expansive open world of Elden Ring, filled with diverse enemies and player options, served as fertile ground for the evolution of his ideas.

He became aware of the potential for development once he recognized the variety and challenge each unique enemy brought to gameplay. Ultimately, he only learned he would direct Nightreign when Hidetaka Miyazaki offered him the position, and he looks forward to directing future projects.

Elden Ring Nightreign is set to release on May 30, with significant contributions from the experiences gained during the creation of Dark Souls 3.

Shuhei Yoshida, the former head of PlayStation, has raised concerns about the potential negative impact of gaming subscription services on smaller studios. While he acknowledges the advantages of these services, he warns that they might overshadow indie developers, making it harder for them to gain visibility.

Recently, Yoshida expressed his excitement for the game “Baby Steps,” naming it his most anticipated title for 2025. In a discussion at Gamescom LATAM, Yoshida highlighted a significant issue with the subscription model: reliance on major first-party titles to attract users may hinder smaller studios from breaking into the market.

He stated, “If the only way for people to play games is through subscriptions, that’s really dangerous.” This reliance could dictate the types of games that get created based on the priorities of the subscription service providers.

Although Yoshida appreciates the value that PlayStation Plus brings by offering older titles that may have been missed by gamers, he also commends Microsoft for its successful implementation of Xbox Game Pass and its focus on backward compatibility. Yoshida’s passion for indie games is well-known, and his worries reflect a broader concern for the industry’s creative diversity.

He recently predicted success for upcoming indie titles, underscoring the importance of giving space for innovative, smaller games alongside blockbuster releases. As the gaming landscape evolves, Yoshida believes that both ambitious indie projects and major AAA titles need room to flourish for the industry to progress meaningfully.

Amidst major PlayStation releases scheduled for 2025, like “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” Yoshida’s excitement for “Baby Steps” stands out. The game promises to deliver a unique humorous experience, focusing on coordinating movement through challenging terrain.

This title, along with others, points to the ongoing evolution of gaming as a medium for creativity and innovation.

Front Mission 3: Remake is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch on June 26 at a retail price of $34.99. This updated version of the classic PlayStation 1 tactical role-playing game is expected to be available on other platforms in the future, although Forever Entertainment has yet to confirm any specific details regarding additional ports. The Front Mission franchise, which began under Square in 1995, has its roots in turn-based mecha-themed gaming.

The series started with the original game on the SNES, which was later ported to various systems like the WonderSwan Color, PS1, and Nintendo DS. Front Mission 2 and 3 were exclusive to the PlayStation 1. In February 2022, Forever Entertainment announced Front Mission 1st: Remake, which was released in November of the same year.

Following that, the sequel, Front Mission 2: Remake, was launched in 2023. With the upcoming Front Mission 3: Remake, which was previously announced, fans can expect a revamped experience. This version will include significant enhancements such as improved graphics and animations, along with a reorchestrated soundtrack.

A new Quick Combat mode will allow players to engage in battles independently from the main storyline, which consists of two interwoven narratives. The game will also introduce new customizable camouflage options while maintaining the challenging gameplay that Front Mission 3 is known for. While Forever Entertainment typically offers pre-orders for its games, it remains unclear whether this will be the case for Front Mission 3: Remake.

The launch date announcement trailer credits MegaPixel Studio, a Polish developer, as a collaborator on the project. Given the patterns observed in past releases, additional platform possibilities for this remake are anticipated, suggesting that players might see it on more systems in the near future.