Month: May 2025

In 2024, Pokemon GO Fest introduced a unique opportunity for couples to propose during the event, and it’s back at the upcoming Pokemon GO Fest in Paris. This special engagement feature allows romantic partners to apply for a chance to have a proposal captured by a professional photographer in one of the most iconic cities in the world. To participate, couples must attend the event in person and submit their relationship story via email. Since its inception, Pokemon GO Fest has seen couples seize the chance to propose, with five proposals successfully made at the 2024 Madrid event.

With Pokemon GO Fest returning to Paris, couples once again have the opportunity to create a memorable moment in a picturesque setting. The Pokemon GO team has announced that the fest in Paris will take place from June 13-15, and chosen couples will enjoy an exclusive venue for their proposals. Additionally, they will receive a special surprise gift, reminiscent of previous events, where participants have had meet-and-greets with popular characters like Pikachu and Eevee. For those interested in joining this engaging experience, there are a few steps to follow.

Couples must purchase tickets for the festival, priced at approximately €27, which is about $30 USD. To apply for the proposal opportunity, couples need to email Pokemon GO detailing their relationship and engagement plans. If selected, they can bring their engagement ring, while the event organizers handle the rest. Historically, only a limited number of couples have been chosen, with ten couples selected at last year’s event.

For many Pokemon fans, the game has become a meaningful part of their romantic relationships. Whether enjoying a walk together or connecting through shared interests, Pokemon GO has a way of bringing couples closer, making this engagement opportunity highly appealing to trainers seeking love.

Razer has launched the Clio, a unique head cushion speaker designed to provide both comfort and high-quality surround sound. Priced at $230, the Clio features THX spatial audio, offers up to 14 hours of usage, and boasts wireless connectivity.

This innovative product reflects Razer’s ongoing commitment to push boundaries in gaming technology, following its notable introductions like the Zephyr mask and Project Arielle chair. The Clio speaker can function independently or complement an existing audio setup.

It’s designed to serve as a comfortable headrest, ideal for those seeking to enhance their audio experience without the discomfort often associated with traditional headphones. With appearances reminiscent of a standard cushion, it also features two adjustable wings that can fold in toward the user, providing a more immersive listening experience similar to that found in business-class airline seating.

In terms of technical specifications, the Razer Clio utilizes THX spatial audio and is equipped with dual 43mm full-range drivers. Users have the flexibility to use it as a complete headphone alternative or as part of a surround sound system, where it can act as a rear speaker when paired with front-facing speakers for 5.1 surround sound.

The device supports Razer HyperSpeed, enabling low-latency wireless connections, as well as Bluetooth compatibility with PCs, Android, and iOS devices. Overall, the Clio promises approximately 14 hours of use and can be conveniently recharged via USB-C. With orders available upon publication of this article, shipments are expected to commence on May 16.

Razer continues to stand out in the evolving market for PC peripherals and furniture, exemplified by its recent reveal of the Project Arielle chair, designed with seasonal comfort features, which remains a concept for now.

The latest update to Half-Life 2 RTX has made significant enhancements to lighting and visuals, addressing earlier criticisms from the community. With improvements to water effects, the antlion model, and stability, the update provides a richer visual experience while maintaining the essence of the original game. The Orbifold team has worked diligently to refine the project, which is distinct from Valve’s original work.

Half-Life 2 RTX, developed by Orbifold Studios—known for their notable modifications like Half-Life 2 VR—intends to overhaul the game visually. The latest patch, following the initial demo released earlier this year, introduces improved lighting, which enhances the iconic atmosphere of levels such as Ravenholm. Players had previously voiced concerns about the demo’s failure to accurately replicate the unique aesthetic of Half-Life 2, and these updates aim to rectify that.

This third major update further fine-tunes the appearance of water and fog, resolves several known crashes, and optimizes the antlion model, all while enhancing the overall lighting. Flickering issues with light have been addressed, providing a smoother and more stable gaming experience. The integration of a newer version of the RTX Remix runtime is also expected to enhance gameplay stability.

The community’s feedback has driven many of these changes, particularly regarding Ravenholm, where lighting plays a crucial role in creating an eerie atmosphere. The initial demo’s overly bright portrayal disappointed players, but the update now aligns closely with the game’s original tone. Players can now enjoy a visually impressive Ravenholm that resonates more with their nostalgic memories of Half-Life 2.

Overall, these updates herald a promising evolution of Half-Life 2 RTX, showcasing the dedication of the Orbifold team to deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience true to the beloved classic.

The release date for Death Stranding 2 was established “quite a while ago,” with a target set for no later than 2024. Hideo Kojima, the director behind the title, indicated that the timing of its launch was primarily determined by the publisher, Sony. As is customary, it was important for Death Stranding 2 to avoid coinciding with any other significant releases from the same publisher.

The highly anticipated sequel, officially announced in December 2022, secured a firm release date of June 26, 2025. Kojima highlighted the strategic choice of this date, as it would foster engagement while steering clear of the competition. In a recent episode of the Japanese-language KOJI10 podcast, Kojima elaborated that the release date was not solely his decision.

As a PlayStation exclusive, Death Stranding 2 was cautiously positioned in relation to Sony’s other major titles anticipated to launch in 2025. According to Kojima, the timing was solidified “quite a while back.” While he did not provide specific details, it appears Kojima Productions and Sony worked on the timing of the game’s arrival prior to September 2024.

During a developer panel at the Tokyo Games Show, he mentioned “unforeseen circumstances” as a reason for not disclosing the release date sooner. The date was ultimately confirmed in early March 2025, right before pre-orders began. Kojima acknowledged that while the holiday season is typically the most profitable for video games, this period was not an option for Death Stranding 2, especially after Ghost of Yotei was announced for an early October 2025 release.

Although the game will launch as a PS5 exclusive, it is anticipated that it will later be available on PC.

Limited Run Games has announced the release of the Gex Trilogy, set for June 16. This collection will be available in physical editions, with pre-orders starting on May 9. The Gex Trilogy features several enhancements, including support for widescreen resolution and improved analog controls.

The trilogy includes three distinct physical editions: Standard, Classic, and Tail Time, each offering unique bonuses for collectors and fans alike. This marks a significant comeback for the Gex franchise, which has been inactive since the late 90s. New fans will finally get to experience the humorous escapades of Gex, the witty lizard, and enjoy the nostalgic references that characterized the original games.

Prior to the remastered release, the Gex series had been dormant for over two decades. Despite this gap, the new version retains the series’ trademark humor and quirky charm, continuing to deliver the entertaining one-liners for which it is known. The Standard Edition, priced at $39.99, includes the three games: Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, along with a game disc/cartridge, case, cover, booklet, and a Steam key for PC.

The Classic Edition, available for $74.99, expands upon the Standard contents by adding a Steelbook®, a double-sided poster, a soundtrack selection CD, and a retro-style box. For devoted fans, the Tail Time Edition is priced at $199.99 and offers a comprehensive package, featuring exclusive design work by renowned Final Fantasy illustrator Yoshitaka Amano. As the gaming industry witnesses a revival of 90s mascots, Gex is set to reclaim its place in the spotlight.

The remastered trilogy, complete with upgrades, will undoubtedly appeal to both nostalgic players and newcomers ready to embrace the quirky humor of the beloved gecko.

Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game director, has revealed that he has a concept for a third installment in the Death Stranding series. This announcement comes as Kojima Productions prepares for the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the sequel to the acclaimed 2019 original. Scheduled for launch on June 24, Death Stranding 2 is set 11 months after its predecessor and will see players once again stepping into the shoes of Sam Bridges, who now resides in Mexico with his bridge-baby, Lou. With just over a month until the game’s debut, Kojima has started discussing the future of the franchise.

A limited edition PS5 DualSense controller themed around Death Stranding 2 is also set to launch soon. Despite the imminent release of the second game, Kojima already has ambitious ideas for what will come next. In a recent Q&A, he shared insights about a potential Death Stranding 3, highlighting that the new Plate Gate mechanic introduced in the sequel could serve as a significant feature for expanding the series. This mechanic will enable players to link North America to Australia for fast travel, inspiring Kojima to suggest that the usage of this concept could lead to “endless sequels.”

Though the potential for a third game is exhilarating, Kojima urges fans to manage their expectations. He has clarified that while he possesses a concept for Death Stranding 3, he does not intend to direct it himself. Instead, he plans to hand over the reins to another team, primarily to focus on his current projects. After Death Stranding 2, his studio will work on a new title, OD, co-written with horror director Jordan Peele.

Following this, Kojima will return to his tactical espionage roots with a project titled Physint, which will be released as both a video game and a feature film. As Kojima continues to evolve the landscape of gaming, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Death Stranding franchise after the launch of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The journey for Sam and his companions will undoubtedly be an inspiring exploration of human connection in a world filled with challenges and adversaries.

Mike York, a former animator for Rockstar, has expressed his admiration for the emerging Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), highlighting its remarkable detail and realism in comparison to other games. He believes that titles like Mario Kart World, which is set to launch on June 5 for $80, cannot match the depth and value that GTA 6 is expected to offer.

Although Mario Kart World is just weeks away from release, interest in GTA 6 remains high, even with its delay until May 2026. York, who has worked on significant projects such as GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, recently analyzed GTA 6’s second trailer.

He praised the game’s intricate detailing, particularly the advanced lighting effects, and suggested that such features might have contributed to the delay in its launch. Drawing a comparison between GTA 6 and Mario Kart World, York stated in a YouTube video that the latter’s $90 price tag doesn’t hold up against the richness of GTA 6’s gameplay experience.

He asserted, “No other game has the detail and the amount of realism” that GTA 6 can boast, indicating that its eventual price will be justified by the extensive content. As for the cost of GTA 6, it remains unknown following its delay.

Speculations have circulated suggesting a potential price of $100, which could exceed that of Mario Kart World. With the impressive reception of the latest trailer for GTA 6, there’s little doubt that fans would be willing to pay a premium for the game, but the final price is yet to be revealed.

While gamers eagerly await GTA 6’s 2026 release, Nintendo enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying Mario Kart World this June. Despite the controversy surrounding its $80 price, Nintendo claims that the game will bring significant content to justify the cost, including a diverse character roster and an open-world Free Roam feature.

The success of both titles remains uncertain, and their pricing could play a major role in attracting buyers.

Johnny Somali is facing serious legal trouble, with new charges that could lead to a potential 31-year prison sentence. Among these charges is the creation or sharing of deepfakes, which is classified as a sex crime in South Korea.

In addition to this, he is charged with obstructing business and may face further accusations, including the distribution of North Korean propaganda. The trial process for Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is taking considerable time in South Korea.

The delays are partly due to the continuous addition of new charges. Somali has earned a reputation as a notorious streamer known for causing disturbances, and he has been previously banned from Japan and Israel for similar behaviors.

His recent actions in South Korea have escalated into an official investigation, particularly after he disrespected a memorial dedicated to comfort women. As a result, Somali is currently prohibited from leaving South Korea until the completion of his legal proceedings.

So far, Johnny Somali has pled guilty to one count of obstructing business, but that is not the extent of his legal woes. He now faces another deepfake charge, marking his second instance of this crime.

Legal Mindset, a YouTube channel specializing in legal analysis, indicates that each deepfake charge can carry a prison sentence of up to 10.5 years. If convicted on all counts, Somali’s cumulative time behind bars could reach as high as 31 years.

Somali’s troubling behavior during the trial, such as appearing hungover in court, adds to the likelihood of a harsh sentencing. As more streamers distance themselves from him and additional charges emerge, the outlook for Johnny Somali remains bleak.

Toby Fox has recently confirmed the release times for Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4, adding to the excitement surrounding the game’s launch. Notably, Nintendo Switch users will benefit from a cross-buy deal; if they purchase Chapters 1-4 on the Switch, they will have access to play on the upcoming Switch 2 at no additional cost. PlayStation users can also take advantage of a similar offer, allowing for seamless transitions between the PS4 and PS5 versions after purchase. The announcement comes on the heels of Deltarune’s addition to the Switch 2, following the successful release of its first two chapters in 2021.

The sequel picks up the story of teenager Kris, monster Susie, and Ralsei, the prince of the Dark World, as they embark on a quest to save their universe. The Deltarune reveal was a highlight of Nintendo’s extensive Switch 2 Direct presentation, which also introduced other exciting titles, such as Mario Kart World, an open-world game, and FromSoftware’s new IP, The Duskbloods. Scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, the Switch 2 has already seen overwhelming demand for pre-orders from eager fans. Fox’s confirmation of a cross-buy deal and the specific release times for Chapters 1-4 have intensified the anticipation within the game’s community.

While Chapters 1 and 2 were released free of charge, Chapters 3 and 4 will require payment. Additionally, Deltarune will feature exclusive elements tailored for the Switch 2 experience, promising to make fans feel right at home. Alongside Deltarune, the Switch 2 will introduce several new titles, including Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Donkey Kong Bananza, along with popular third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. This impressive lineup further solidifies the Switch 2’s appeal among gamers.

Infinity Nikki has faced significant backlash from its players due to the recent deduction of Ethereal Stars and Starlit Crystals, which has led some accounts to negative balances. The negative response follows the release of Version 1.5, which introduced numerous game-breaking bugs and other issues, prompting an organized boycott against the game by players. This community action, referred to as the “girlcott,” has primarily emerged as a reaction to the perceived mishandling of the game’s updates and communication from the developers, Infold. The situation escalated after Version 1.5 revealed multiple problems, including a deserted co-op zone, a retcon of the game’s narrative, and a frustrating dye system.

Despite a successful launch in December 2024, the goodwill built by Infold rapidly deteriorated. The developers’ initial efforts to address the backlash included compensating players with additional currency, but the further emergence of issues, combined with censorship of criticism on official platforms, deepened player dissatisfaction. Recent decisions have only intensified the situation. Infold nerfed the Floating ability of the new Crimson Feather outfit and enforced deductions from players who exploited a bug to accumulate extra Ethereal Stars and Starlit Crystals.

Many players who had already used their Ethereal Stars to access content in the game now find themselves at a disadvantage, with their accounts showing negative balances. This frustration has been voiced on platforms like the Infinity Nikki subreddit. It’s important to acknowledge that some elements of Version 1.5, such as Serenity Island, have received positive feedback from fans. This indicates that there is still potential for enjoyable content in the game, but players long for a return to the cozy experiences they once enjoyed.

The community hopes that Infold will reconsider its recent decisions and restore some of the charm that originally drew them to Infinity Nikki.