Month: May 2025

Mario Kart World is set to be released in just a few weeks, but the gaming community is also focused on the anticipated delays of Grand Theft Auto 6, now slated for 2026. Even with this postponement, former Rockstar animator Mike York has not shied away from sharing his insights on both titles. Having contributed to the development of Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, York recently analyzed the second trailer for GTA 6 on his YouTube channel and provided some candid opinions.

York expressed admiration for GTA 6’s impressive level of detail, specifically highlighting its exceptional lighting. He suggested that this commitment to visual fidelity might be one of the reasons the game’s release has been pushed back to May 2026. In his discussion, he drew a contrast between the scale and complexity of GTA 6 and the upcoming Mario Kart World, underlining that the two games serve very different experiences.

He remarked, “You’ve got Mario Kart for $90 – you think Mario Kart competes with a game like this as far as how much stuff they’ve got to put into a game?”

His comments have sparked conversations among fans regarding the different approaches and scopes of these two franchises. While Mario Kart World aims for accessible entertainment with its simplicity and fun, York contends that GTA 6 represents a profound leap in gaming complexity and narrative depth. As the release dates approach, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how both titles perform and what they bring to the gaming landscape.

Twitch has recently introduced a new feature called Treasure Train, aimed at providing users with discounts on Tier 1 gift subscription bundles. This feature, which offers a 35% discount on bundles of five or more subscriptions, is designed to enhance the gifting experience for users. However, it’s important to note that Treasure Trains cannot be combined with other offers.

Launched on May 8, the Treasure Train is an experimental feature that begins providing discounts only after reaching Level 5. Twitch is actively seeking feedback from both creators and users regarding this new functionality. Alongside the Treasure Train launch, Twitch announced another significant change scheduled for May 19, where it will delete older Highlights or Uploads from channels surpassing a 100-hour content limit.

This policy will not affect Recent Broadcasts (VODs) or Clips, and creators wishing to preserve their Highlights or Uploads can download them before the deadline. In addition to the Treasure Train, a new variation of the Hype Train event will occasionally replace the standard model at least once per hour. Creators can choose to opt out of the Treasure Train feature through the Creator Dashboard.

The Treasure Train discount specifically applies to bundled purchases of Tier 1 subscriptions, with individual subscriptions priced at $5.99 each. With the applied 35% discount, the total price for five subscriptions, initially $29.95, can drop to around $19.46. However, users should remember that these discounts cannot be combined with other promotions.

As Twitch continues to work toward enabling all content creators to benefit from Subscriptions and Bits, it remains uncertain how widely the Treasure Train will be adopted. Twitch encourages ongoing feedback during the rollout to refine this new addition. With features like Treasure Train and the Diablo 4 Twitch Drops campaign, users have more avenues to support their favorite creators.

Fortnite is anticipated to make its comeback on iOS devices by the week’s end, marking the end of a protracted legal battle that has kept the game off Apple devices for nearly five years. One crucial aspect that remains uncertain is whether Epic Games will provide any compensation to affected players for their prolonged loss of access.

In 2020, Epic Games sought to change how players purchased in-game currency directly, aiming to circumvent the hefty 30 percent markup on iOS. This decision led to Apple removing Fortnite from its App Store, resulting in a lengthy court dispute.

Recently, however, the situation has changed, with the court ruling abolishing the fees associated with in-game purchases. Tim Sweeney, the founder of Epic Games, hinted on May 1 that players could see Fortnite available again on iOS within the week, although the exact date was not disclosed.

This announcement generated excitement within the community, as many gamers had lost access to the game, relying solely on iOS as their platform. Epic Games has also been working to rectify a previous issue involving an exclusive emote by issuing refunds and offering free items.

As of now, they have officially submitted Fortnite to Apple for review, with hopes that approval will come through shortly. There is optimism that players could gain access to Fortnite any day now.

While Epic has not clarified whether it will compensate players for the long disruption, some speculate this could be a possibility given past actions in the European Union, where Epic awarded a free skin to returning players. Players should stay alert for mobile quests and potential cosmetic giveaways.

Overall, the return of Fortnite on iOS comes at an opportune time, coinciding with the release of a new season that allows players to experience the Galactic Battle Pass and obtain new items. With features such as Battle Royale, Zero Build modes, and numerous creator-made games, Fortnite continues to offer a diverse and enjoyable experience across multiple platforms.

Nintendo has recently announced an impressive lineup of 23 games currently in development for its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2. Among the most eagerly awaited titles are Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, which promise to deliver exciting gaming experiences.

The new system will also include enhanced versions of popular games from the original Switch. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, and with many fans already having pre-ordered the device, excitement continues to build.

In its latest financial report, Nintendo emphasized the importance of a strong game library in making the console successful. The information revealed in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, including pricing and the release date, also highlighted a mix of first-party exclusives and third-party games set to arrive in 2025 and beyond.

Key first-party titles include a launch lineup featuring Mario Kart World and a tech demo called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Following this, Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for release on July 17, with Drag x Drive launching later in the summer.

2025 will see the arrival of Kirby Air Riders, although a specific date hasn’t been provided yet. Aside from first-party games, several Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions of popular titles are also expected.

Notable among these are The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, both available on launch day. Following that, titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land will be released throughout the summer.

Third-party titles contributing to the launch lineup include Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Street Fighter 6, among others. With the goal of selling 15 million units in the fiscal year, Nintendo is likely to announce even more titles in the months leading up to the Switch 2’s release.

In the latest update to the FAQ for Mafia: The Old Country, developers have clarified an important aspect of the game’s structure. Contrary to what some fans may have anticipated, the game will not be an open-world experience. Instead, the emphasis will be on delivering a narrative-driven experience that focuses on storytelling and character development.

This shift in direction marks a significant change from previous entries in the franchise, which often featured expansive environments for players to explore. By honing in on a more guided narrative, The Old Country aims to immerse players in its storyline, allowing for a deeper connection to the characters and their journeys. For those eager to experience this new chapter in the Mafia series, the game is currently available for pre-order with a retail price set at $49.99.

Fans of the series can look forward to exploring this fresh approach when The Old Country is released. The decision to focus on a narrative-driven format reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry, where many developers are prioritizing storytelling over vast open-world mechanics. This strategic choice may resonate well with players who value story above all else, promising an engaging experience that centers on the unfolding of the plot.

Overall, The Old Country seems poised to offer a distinctive take on the Mafia franchise. As the release date approaches, players can anticipate a rich narrative intertwined with the traditional themes that the series is known for. With this new direction, the game is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the Mafia legacy.

Nintendo has addressed fan concerns by denying that generative AI was used in the development of Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated racing game for the upcoming Switch 2 console. The game has sparked controversy, not only due to its $80 price tag but also because of suspicions regarding AI-generated imagery showcased during a Nintendo presentation.

Mario Kart World was officially revealed during a Switch 2 Direct event in April, following early hardware footage that hinted at a new entry in the beloved franchise. The announcement highlighted exciting new features, including additional characters, courses, and gameplay modes like Freeroam and Knockout Tour.

This has generated significant excitement among fans, especially as it serves as the launch title for the new console. However, some fans grew concerned after a subsequent Nintendo Treehouse livestream revealed what they believed to be AI-generated imagery.

Attention was drawn to background details, such as distorted posters and an impractical building design, rather than any elements directly related to character or vehicle design. In response to inquiries from the media, a Nintendo spokesperson clarified that these allegations are unfounded and reaffirmed that no generative AI was involved in the game’s creation.

Despite Nintendo’s denial regarding AI usage, Mario Kart World still faces criticism over its features and pricing. Fans are particularly unhappy with the lack of an option to disable course hazards, although players can manage the appearance of items on the track.

Additionally, the $80 price point has drawn criticism, especially as recent triple-A Nintendo titles have typically been priced lower than competitors. Nevertheless, Nintendo believes the game’s expansive open-world elements and enhanced graphics justify the higher cost.

For budget-conscious players, a bundle with the console offers a $30 discount.

Diablo 4 recently partnered with Cantrip Candles to celebrate Mother’s Day by launching a limited edition of candles for fans. While the physical candles sold out quickly, players can still visit the collaboration website to create a random scent for free. The available scents range from pleasant aromas like vanilla and oak to bizarre choices such as maggots, crushed eyes, and vomit. This collaboration, called Mother’s Judgment, allowed players to receive mystery candles from Lilith, the Mother of Sanctuary.

Although the physical candles are no longer available, players can experience the essence of these candles digitally through randomly generated scents labeled as Mother’s Blessings or Mother’s Wrath. Some scents evoke a sense of beauty, like blood roses and ash, while others may remind players of darker themes like black death and decay. The collaboration between Diablo 4 and Cantrip Candles surprised fans, as it was anticipated that the partnership would feature standard products. Instead, the unique giveaway drew attention for its humorous and creative approach.

Only 666 of the physical candles were available, leading to a rapid sellout. However, players who missed out can still generate an array of scents on the Mother’s Judgment website at their leisure, allowing for limitless exploration of what Lilith might have gifted. According to the confirmation page, the Mother’s Judgment candles will be shipped within two to four weeks. Fans should stay tuned to social media for updates as others begin to light their candles, revealing what scents were chosen.

Meanwhile, gamers can also enjoy the ongoing Diablo 4 x Berserk crossover, which features transmog sets and exclusive items alongside the new content from Season 8, Belial’s Return. With plenty to engage with, there’s no shortage of excitement in Diablo 4 while fans await their special candles.

Doom: The Dark Ages is facing criticism from fans due to its physical versions reportedly containing minimal data. Gamers who opt for the physical release will still need to download the majority of the game on the first day, leading to frustration among players. This situation means that many fans are unable to dive straight into the action, instead spending a significant amount of time waiting for downloads to complete.

The expectation for a seamless gaming experience is a standard that many players hold. When purchasing a physical copy, they anticipate being able to play immediately after installation. However, the reality of Doom: The Dark Ages seems to contradict this expectation, leaving gamers feeling disappointed.

The need for substantial day-one downloads takes away from the excitement of a new release, turning it into a tedious setup process. This trend of physical versions lacking complete data is becoming a growing concern within the gaming community. As technology evolves, players expect more from their purchases.

Subsequently, issues like delayed gameplay can impact their overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the game. While downloadable content is convenient, many fans prefer a more traditional experience as part of their gaming culture. Overall, the situation surrounding Doom: The Dark Ages emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by game developers in balancing physical and digital releases.

Fans hope that future titles will prioritize delivering a complete experience right from the start, allowing them to fully enjoy the immersive worlds that games like Doom are known for.

The developers of Overwatch 2 have established a union to provide better protection against unexpected layoffs and inequitable wages. This movement reflects a growing trend of unionization within the global gaming industry, with Blizzard’s Team 4 being one of the latest to join this wave. The formation of the union was motivated by past controversies surrounding Blizzard and significant layoffs at Microsoft.

The newly formed Overwatch Gamemakers Guild comprises nearly 200 developers, including artists, engineers, and designers who work on Overwatch 2. The guild has allied with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), aiming to enhance job security and address various workplace issues that players and developers face. Unions are collectives of workers who unite to advocate for better pay, work conditions, and rights against employers.

While unions have a long history, they are a relatively new phenomenon in the video game industry, with the United Videogame Workers emerging as a noteworthy example in recent years. Blizzard has also announced an Overwatch 2 collaboration with Street Fighter 6, introducing exciting new content for fans of both franchises. The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild represents a significant step for Team 4, as it includes a comprehensive range of non-executive developers.

Although the union may not provide complete assurance against layoffs, it offers a platform for developers to advocate for themselves. The move towards unionization was influenced by issues such as harassment allegations against a prominent executive and growing concerns about pay disparities and return-to-office policies. Most critically, the massive layoffs at Blizzard in early 2024 were a catalyst, prompting developers to recognize the need for collective action.

The establishment of the Overwatch 2 union follows closely on the heels of the World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild formed by over 500 employees in July 2024. With this new union, Team 4 is now tasked with negotiating its first contract, a challenging process that could shape the future of labor relations within the gaming industry. As Sadie Boyd articulated, “Our industry is at such a turning point…

I know that will light some fires.”

A player of Oblivion Remastered recently faced a daunting challenge at the Kvatch gate after neglecting the main quest until reaching level 15. It is generally recommended for players to engage with Kvatch early in the game because the enemy scaling mechanics can make the experience significantly more difficult later on. This situation sheds light on one of the notable features of both Oblivion and its remastered version: aggressive enemy scaling. Exploring a vast open world is a celebrated aspect of Bethesda’s RPGs, and many fans encourage new players to immerse themselves in exploration rather than hastily completing the main quest.

This is particularly true for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and its remaster, which debuted on April 22. However, not all players are satisfied with every update; some have expressed discontent over adjustments made to the claymore. In a bid to explore and enjoy Cyrodiil at their leisure, Reddit user MaximumCashew0 leveled up to 15 before addressing the main quest. Unfortunately, this decision backfired when they approached Kvatch, where they were met with an overwhelming number of enemies, including various Atronachs and Daedroths.

The player documented their experience, revealing that they were defeated within seconds of reaching the Kvatch gate. Many players resonated with MaximumCashew0’s struggle, describing it as a stark difficulty increase compared to earlier gameplay. They emphasized the importance of tackling the Kvatch quest sooner rather than later. Originally, Bethesda implemented enemy scaling in 2005 to keep the game accessible at all levels; however, this has led to unexpected spikes in difficulty during significant story moments.

While rushing through the main quest is one way to avoid these difficulties, it does not align with the deliberate exploration that defines Oblivion’s open-world experience. Players looking for relief from enemy scaling might consider using community mods available for the PC version of the game, which can help balance enemy encounters more effectively.