Month: June 2025

In a recent update, Fortnite made significant changes to some of its gameplay mechanics, notably nerfing the environmental damage of the Bass Boost Hero Item. This change comes as Chapter 6 Season 3 brings iconic superheroes, including Superman and Robin, to the colorful island, enriching the gaming experience for fans of both Fortnite and superhero lore.

Epic Games has shown a firm stance against cheating in the game, recently suing a player suspected of creating and distributing cheat software that provides unfair advantages, such as wallhacks and auto-aim capabilities. This lawsuit also targets five associates involved in selling the software via various platforms.

Epic has emphasized that the proliferation of cheating software undermines the game’s integrity, potentially driving away players and impacting its financial sustainability. In addition to the legal action against cheaters, Epic Games announced changes to weapon dynamics in Chapter 6 Season 3.

For instance, the Outlaw Shotgun received a boost in damage and an extended fall-off range, while the Bass Boost Hero Item saw a major reduction in its structural damage potential, dropping from 2,000 to 250. Other adjustments include a decrease in the energy blast duration—from five seconds to four—and a 50% reduction in explosion radius.

Reactions to the nerf have been mixed. Some players feel that the adjustment is overly harsh, arguing that it has diminished the item’s effectiveness against builds.

Conversely, others welcome the change, viewing the Bass Boost as an annoying element in a game that relies heavily on building mechanics. Fortnite continues to evolve with each update, and while some alterations stir debate among players, the commitment to maintaining balance and fair play remains a priority for Epic Games.

The launch of MindsEye, a new game from Build a Rocket Boy directed by Leslie Benzies, has been fraught with challenges. Initially generating excitement due to its resemblance to the Grand Theft Auto series, the game has faced numerous issues since its release, leading to concerns even before players had their hands on it. The anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 likely fueled interest in MindsEye, but the reality has fallen short of expectations.

One major problem arose when streamers, selected to showcase the game during sponsored streams, encountered significant technical difficulties. Streamer CohnCarnage was caught off guard when he received orders to pause his stream moments after starting. This unexpected interruption left him perplexed, as he noted it was a first-time occurrence for him.

Streams like his, rather than generating enthusiasm, have highlighted the challenges facing the game. While some streams ran smoothly, they still featured gameplay marred by glitches and bugs. For instance, DarkViperAU continued his sponsored stream despite the technical issues, which included a humorous mishap where he failed a mission after trying to take a shortcut.

His struggle to keep a straight face while promoting the game only underscored its flawed state. Meanwhile, ExtraEmily’s experience was equally chaotic, as her character’s car became stuck, caught fire, and ultimately exploded, resulting in yet another game over. The mishaps have drawn attention to the game’s problematic launch.

It’s apparent that the developers aimed to avoid showcasing MindsEye in its current flawed state, but the fallout from CohnCarnage’s canceled stream has only amplified scrutiny. With players already seeking refunds and leaving scathing reviews, the future of MindsEye remains uncertain as developers work to address these issues.

Konami has announced an exciting new multiplayer mode named “Fox Hunt” for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This mode will take the place of the traditional Metal Gear Online that fans have come to expect from past installments. Although Fox Hunt shares the same world as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the gameplay introduces a radically different experience, as confirmed by one of the developers.

The team aims to elevate classic elements such as camouflage and the concept of hide-and-seek in this new multiplayer setting. Director Yu Sahara expressed that the distinctive gameplay is designed to create a unique online experience, focusing on “the back-and-forth tension of staying hidden or searching out the enemy.” More details about Fox Hunt will be shared in the future, as the developers continue working tirelessly to roll out this mode in time for the game’s launch on August 28.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is shaping up to be a faithful remake of the beloved 2004 stealth action title. It will feature modern graphics, immersive 3D audio, and other improvements while retaining original gameplay mechanics, voice-overs, and special features like the Snake vs. Monkey mode. Additionally, players on Xbox Series X|S can enjoy a variant named Snake vs. Bomberman, where Hudson Soft’s character replaces the Pipo Monkeys from Sony’s Ape Escape.

Importantly, the classic Metal Gear Online from Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence will not be returning. Instead, Fox Hunt aims to redefine multiplayer in the Metal Gear franchise. With pre-orders available for both the Standard and Digital Deluxe editions, fans can look forward to exclusive content surrounding the game’s release.

Steam has recently introduced new accessibility features aimed at improving the experience for players with specific needs. As a leading platform for digital PC gaming, Steam continuously enhances its offerings to benefit both gamers and developers.

A notable improvement made in early 2025 was the separation of installation and download progress into distinct bars, allowing gamers to track updates more effectively. The latest updates, however, focus on helping players discover games that are compatible with their accessibility requirements.

The community has raised concerns about the challenges faced when navigating the platform for suitable games, prompting requests for improvements. Steam’s new features address these issues directly by enabling players to filter game search results based on various accessibility options available in each title.

These options can encompass adjustable text sizes, color-blind friendly palettes, and enhanced audio features, making games more playable for individuals with vision or hearing impairments. Currently, Steam has implemented tags for a range of accessibility features, including:

– Gameplay options like adjustable difficulty and save-anytime functionality.

– Visual enhancements such as adjustable text size and subtitle options. – Audio controls including custom volume settings and narrated game menus.

– Input flexibility with options for keyboard-only, mouse-only, or touch-only gameplay. While more than 5,000 applications have begun incorporating these accessibility tags, the total number of games released in 2023 exceeds 14,000, highlighting the need for broader participation from developers.

While the addition of these tags isn’t mandatory, Steam highly recommends that developers include them, and they may do so retroactively for existing titles. Ultimately, these changes hold the potential to enrich the gaming experience for all users.

By embracing accessibility features, developers can expand their audience and ensure that gaming is an inclusive medium that everyone can enjoy.

Andrew Bosworth, the CTO of Meta, has responded to the extensive reports from gamers and developers regarding notable bugs following the v77 Meta Quest update. This update rolled out several weeks ago, and frustrations have been mounting among users over its performance.

Back in May, Bosworth had already addressed complaints about modifications made to Meta Quest headsets, particularly concerning limited FPS rates in Battery Saver mode. He expressed appreciation for the community’s feedback and promised that issues would be resolved while enhancing the quality control process for future releases.

However, developers are now expressing dissatisfaction, claiming that the current issues indicate a decline in quality. Recent insights from leakers suggest that the Meta Quest 4’s release is further off than anticipated.

Nonetheless, there may be new developments on the horizon. Following the v77 update, users and developers have reported various problems, including audio issues in passthrough mode, general audio crackling, and freezes in MediaCodec.

Guy Godin, the developer of Virtual Desktop, publicly called out Bosworth on Twitter for ignoring pre-release PTC reports and criticized the decision to proceed with the flawed rollout. During an AMA, Bosworth acknowledged the community’s frustration directed toward him and Meta, admitting that developers had legitimate reasons to be upset.

He revealed that some problems had been noted in PTC but the company decided to release the update, asserting that these issues did not affect a significant number of users. He conveyed his commitment to addressing the bugs and improving quality control, noting that some fixes were complicated by the need for firmware updates from Qualcomm due to the chipset used in Meta Quest 3.

For now, Meta Quest users must wait for an update to resolve these issues. Meta aims not to alienate developers who create content for its platform, as ongoing frustrations could deter future contributions.

Fortunately, the problems arising from the v77 update are not as critical as those witnessed during the problematic December 2024 update, which rendered some devices unusable.

NIS America has exciting news for fans of the Disgaea franchise. They have announced the release of Disgaea 7 Complete, which will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. This enhanced version of the beloved Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is set to arrive in Fall 2025, much to the delight of RPG enthusiasts. Originally developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Disgaea 7 was first unveiled in 2022 and became available in 2023 for various platforms, including PC and PlayStation 4 and 5, in addition to the initial Nintendo Switch release.

Players follow the journey of Fuji, who seeks redemption in the demonic realm of Hinomoto. In this vibrant world filled with diverse creatures, Fuji teams up with Pirilika, a wealthy young woman who persuades him to protect her, leading to an unexpected partnership. Disgaea 7 Complete offers more than just the original game. It will include all seven DLCs previously released and feature new content such as a bonus episode where Fuji, Pirilika, and their companions embark on another adventure.

Completing this episode will unlock Asagi, a new main character, further enriching the game’s experience. Furthermore, the game will introduce enhancements like uncapped stats, freely available infernal weapons, and a challenging encounter with the boss Rakshasa Baal, promising to elevate the gameplay. For those interested in a unique experience, the Disgaea 7 Complete Ewwdo Edition is now available for pre-order at $99.99, featuring a collector’s box, a lucky slumber cat figurine, and a Netherworld support force folding fan, exclusively from the NIS Online Store. Additionally, a Deluxe Edition priced at $69.99 will include a game copy, a mini poster, and a sticker sheet.

The announcement of new titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 is certainly thrilling, and it is equally exciting to see previously launched games find a new home on this cutting-edge console. Since the Switch’s debut in 2017, numerous games have emerged, reflecting the diverse options available to developers and publishers as they expand their catalogs.

Developer HoYoVerse has recently revealed the ability kit details for Skirk, an eagerly awaited 5-Star character in Genshin Impact. Skirk was first mentioned in version 1.1 and officially appeared in version 4.2.

She is set to join the playable character roster in update 5.7. For long-time players, Skirk’s introduction has been highly anticipated.

Initially referenced as Tartaglia’s teacher, she was encountered years later during the Traveler’s journey to Fontaine, where she helped resolve a crisis. Hints and leaks suggest that Skirk has connections to significant hidden histories and may not even originate from the world of Teyvat, positioning her as a potential game-changer in terms of both narrative and gameplay mechanics.

HoYoVerse has released details about her abilities through a character profile on the HoYoLab community site and Reddit. Skirk’s combat abilities include a range of attacks and elemental skills.

Her normal attack, Havoc: Sunder, consists of five consecutive hits, while her charge attack involves hurling a crystal spear at enemies. Her elemental skill can either be tapped for Cryo-infused normal attacks or held to absorb Void Rifts for increased speed and movement over water.

Skirk’s elemental burst, Havoc: Ruin, delivers area-of-effect Cryo damage, which can evolve into Havoc: Extinction when in the right mode, further enhancing her attack capabilities. Characterized as a versatile Cryo sword-wielder, Skirk excels in dealing damage while offering playstyles suitable for both on-field and quick-swap roles.

Her synergy with characters that trigger Cryo reactions and her ability to generate energy through Void Rifts add depth to her gameplay. With her potential to elevate Cryo’s status in the game’s meta, it is no wonder Skirk is highly awaited by fans.

As players venture through Teyvat, they can look forward to exploring its mysteries alongside compelling characters like Skirk.

The upcoming June update for First Berserker: Khazan promises to enhance the gaming experience for both newcomers and veterans by overhauling the difficulty system. Developed by Neople, this solo action RPG places players in the world of Arad, where the protagonist Khazan seeks revenge against those responsible for his downfall. Since its launch on March 27, 2025, the game has received positive feedback, with continuous updates, the most recent being the May patch. The May update introduced two exciting boss rush modes—Great General’s Crucible and Berserker’s Bloodshed—available after completing the main storyline.

Additionally, players can now personalize their characters earlier in the game via the Change Appearance feature. hot on the heels of this update, the development team has revealed the substantial changes set to arrive in June. One of the standout changes is the complete rework of the difficulty system. The existing “Easy” mode will now be rebranded as “Normal,” which will serve as the default setting.

The current “Normal” mode will transition to “Challenge,” aimed at players familiar with the combat mechanics. Two new difficulty levels will also be introduced: “Beginner,” for those seeking a more relaxed entry into the game, and “Hardcore,” designed for experienced players who demand an intense challenge. The Hardcore mode will remove UI elements like enemy health bars and adjust the camera to heighten tension during gameplay. In addition to these difficulty adjustments, the update will include several quality of life improvements, such as a new Skill Preset system, Gear Presets, and enhanced inventory management, which will expand storage from 100 to 500 slots.

Drop rates for crafting materials will also be improved, ensuring a more rewarding experience during gameplay. Lastly, the online demo will be temporarily taken offline, reflecting the significant evolution of the game since its initial launch.

Konami recently held its Press Start livestream event, but fans of the Castlevania franchise were left disappointed when the series was notably absent from the announcements. Nevertheless, an enduring rumor about a potential new game still persists.

Castlevania, known as Akumajo Dracula in Japan, primarily revolves around Count Dracula and the Belmont clan of vampire hunters, first debuting in 1986 on Nintendo’s Famicom Disk System. In contrast, the Silent Hill community had much to celebrate during the livestream.

A brand-new remake of the original 1999 Silent Hill game was revealed, which is currently in development by Bloober Team, known for their work on the Silent Hill 2 Remake. While specific details about the remake were sparse, viewers were treated to a glimpse of its new logo.

Before the Press Start event, excitement brewed among gamers. However, Castlevania fans faced frustration over the franchise’s absence.

Fortunately, journalist Andy Robinson, of VGC, reaffirmed a prior rumor suggesting that a new Castlevania game is still in the pipeline. After he reported on the Silent Hill remake, he was asked about the Castlevania project he had discussed in earlier reports.

Robinson confirmed, “Still coming AFAIK,” indicating that work on a “reimagining” of Castlevania has been ongoing, with support from various external studios. In addition, speculation has emerged about a potential triple-A Castlevania game announcement this year from a different source, although it’s unclear if this is linked to Robinson’s earlier insights.

Robinson emphasized that changes can occur during game development, hinting at a dynamic situation surrounding the project’s status. Fans of the horror and vampire genres frequently debate which Castlevania title reigns supreme, with classics like 1997’s Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, 1993’s Rondo of Blood, and 2003’s Aria of Sorrow often topping lists.

Each of these games contributed uniquely to the series’ rich legacy.

Techland, the developer of Dying Light, has announced its plans to reward owners of Dying Light 2: Ultimate Edition with a complimentary copy of the upcoming title, The Beast. Set to launch on August 22, The Beast will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It is advisable for players to check their edition of Dying Light 2 before pre-ordering this eagerly awaited game.

Initially intended as downloadable content (DLC) for Dying Light 2, The Beast transformed into a standalone entry following an unexpected leak. This change allows fans to see the return of Kyle Crane, the beloved protagonist from the original game. Techland has reassured players that despite the project evolving into what they now call Dying Light 3, those who own Dying Light 2: Ultimate Edition will receive The Beast at no cost.

Techland took swift action after The Beast’s reveal at Gamescom 2024 by delisting the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2. Owners of this premium version will automatically gain access to The Beast when it releases. In a recent Reddit post, the developer confirmed that “all owners of Dying Light 2: Stay Human Ultimate Edition will receive Dying Light: The Beast at no additional cost.” Upon the game’s release, it will appear in players’ libraries automatically.

Additionally, Techland has provided details about pre-order bonuses for The Beast. Owners receiving the game for free will also get the Hero of Harran bundle, which includes various in-game weapons, a patrol vehicle, and an exclusive outfit for Kyle Crane. Players can look forward to accessing these bonuses immediately upon the game’s launch.

Despite the new developments, fans of Dying Light 2 need not worry. Techland’s 2025 roadmap confirms ongoing updates for the current game, including three new events throughout the year and a new update set to be released in the Fall.