Category: Games

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.

Killing Floor 3 is set to launch on July 24, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, following a brief delay from its initially planned release on March 25. This long-awaited entry in the post-apocalyptic series marks the return of Tripwire Interactive after nine years and comes as a fresh addition to the survival horror genre. The development team has been diligently improving the game based on feedback received during beta testing. In this installment, players will navigate a dystopian future as part of the Nightfall group, striving to fend off hordes of bioengineered zombies known as Zeds to ensure humanity’s survival.

Killing Floor 3 offers versatility with both a single-player mode and a six-player co-op mode. In February 2025, the game underwent a closed beta, which allowed the developers to assess its performance prior to release. Unfortunately, the launch was pushed back to July 2025 to allow more time for enhancements based on beta feedback. Game Rant recently interviewed Bill Munk, the lead combat designer for Killing Floor 3, discussing the progression of gameplay elements such as the evolution of the Zeds.

With the announcement of the new release date, pre-orders for various editions of the game, including Standard, Deluxe, and Elite Nightfall versions, have resumed at retailers. The additional development time was leveraged to refine and polish the game, a sentiment echoed by the studio’s creative director, Bryan Wynia, who emphasizes the team’s commitment to post-launch support by introducing new features and content. As development approaches completion, it is expected that many issues highlighted during the beta testing, such as game stability and user interface concerns, will be addressed. With a confirmed release date, Tripwire Interactive aims to ensure a successful debut for Killing Floor 3, particularly given the sustained engagement that Killing Floor 2 has seen over the last decade.

Fans are eager to see how the extra time in development has improved the game ahead of its launch.

Yuji Horii, co-creator of the iconic SNES RPG Chrono Trigger, has recently expressed his initial thoughts about a potential remake of this beloved title. His comments emerged after a panel he attended at a convention in Naples, where he noted the rising number of fan requests regarding the game. As the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger approaches in 2025, anticipation for a remake has been rekindled among the gaming community. Originally launched in 1995, Chrono Trigger is celebrated for its innovative time-travel narrative and engaging gameplay.

The project was developed by a renowned team that included Horii, Hironobu Sakaguchi from the Final Fantasy series, and the late Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Players journey through various historical periods, controlling characters like Crono, Marle, and Lucca in their quest to prevent a global catastrophe. The game garnered acclaim for its turn-based combat system, diverse endings, and memorable soundtrack, primarily composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, with contributions from Nobuo Uematsu. Although speculation regarding a remake had circulated online due to translation misunderstandings, Horii’s recent comments have sparked hope among fans.

He mentioned being open to the idea of a remake, particularly in light of successful HD-2D revivals of other titles by Square Enix, such as the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. While official confirmation from Square Enix is still pending, Horii’s willingness to consider a new iteration of Chrono Trigger resonates with fans eager for a modernized experience. As celebrations for the 30th anniversary loom, the potential for a remake remains an exciting prospect for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Meanwhile, Horii continues to oversee upcoming releases, such as the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, highlighting his commitment to bringing classic titles into contemporary gaming.

Steam users have expressed a desire for an “Update All” button for game updates. This feature would allow players to quickly set all of their games to download updates simultaneously, streamlining the entire process.

Currently, users are faced with the tedious task of either waiting for Steam to automatically download updates—based on its own schedule—or manually clicking through each game to initiate updates individually. The call for this quality of life improvement has sparked discussions within the Steam community, especially since a significant change in the update process was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At that time, Steam announced that it would spread out game downloads to alleviate pressure on its servers, a decision that has not been reversed since. As a result, updates for games played recently are prioritized, while those for games that have not been opened in a while can be delayed for days.

While Steam remains the leading platform for PC gaming, with various competitors having since exited the market, there is still a recognition that the platform is not without its flaws. Users, like Redditor lemonvrc, have highlighted the inconvenience of the current update system.

For gamers who frequently enjoy multiple titles, the absence of an easy way to queue updates presents a notable frustration. Despite user requests, it appears unlikely that Steam will introduce an “Update All” feature in the near future.

If every user were able to update all their games at once, it could potentially place excessive strain on Steam’s already robust infrastructure. Although many years have passed since the height of the pandemic, Valve seems content with maintaining the adjustments made during that period, leaving many players longing for a simpler update process.

World of Warcraft has officially unveiled Legion Remix, an exciting update that reintroduces beloved content from the original Legion expansion, complemented by fresh features. Among its highlights are the return of iconic Mythic+ dungeons and a new challenge called the Shattered Timeline. While a release date is still pending, players can anticipate its launch either later this year or in early 2026. Hints about this Remix event have been surfacing for a while.

Game director Ion Hazzikostas playfully referenced the roadmap for 2025, suggesting the event’s existence, while WoW executive producer Holly Longdale confirmed that Legion would return “in a new way.” This excitement has only fueled anticipation among the community. During the Evolving Azeroth panel at PAX East, associate game director Jeremy Feasel confirmed that Legion Remix is indeed on its way. The majority of original Legion content will be available, along with several new features that promise to enhance the gaming experience.

Among these, the Shattered Timeline aims to create a unique environment inspired by the high-difficulty World Tiers found in Diablo 4. Here, players will face challenges in a Legion setting where “everything went worse,” introducing new trials and radical experiments that deviate from traditional gameplay. Moreover, Mythic+ dungeons are set to return, allowing players to push their keys to unprecedented difficulty levels with enhanced stats and abilities. Currently, the highest Mythic+ dungeon time is 34, but Legion Remix has the potential to significantly exceed this benchmark.

While specific details remain sparse, Feasel assured fans that more information would be shared soon. The timing of the event is still unclear, yet the indications from World of Warcraft’s roadmap suggest it may arrive by the end of the year. Considering the timeline of previous events, a winter release seems plausible for World of Warcraft: Legion Remix.

The Borderlands franchise has treated its fans to a new SHiFT code, which grants an impressive 75 Golden Keys and 20 Diamond Keys for use in various games within the series. This is particularly exciting for players replaying old titles or catching up on games they missed, especially with the anticipated release of Borderlands 4 on the horizon. Borderlands 4 is scheduled to launch in September, dispelling rumors that its release was delayed for another title in the Take-Two lineup, Grand Theft Auto. This makes now a perfect time for fans to dive back into the beloved looter shooter series as it celebrates 15 years of gameplay.

A recent livestream at PAX East unveiled details about Borderlands 4, revealing that Mayhem Modifiers will not be part of the new installment. However, fans received the SHiFT code SFXJT-S3XS3-3T3JT-33BTJ-R33JJ, which allows them to unlock numerous keys. Golden Keys have been a staple in the series for years, but Diamond Keys, exclusive to Borderlands 3, are particularly valuable as they unlock entire rooms filled with loot, including at least one item of Legendary quality. As anticipation for Borderlands 4 builds, players can expect more opportunities to earn Golden Keys.

The upcoming game already features a Golden Key reward and a free weapon skin for players upon launch. For those worried about missing out on codes, it is a common practice for the franchise to release Golden Key codes leading up to a new title. Amid mixed opinions regarding the user interface in Borderlands 4, the community remains enthusiastic for the new chapter. The next installment promises new vault hunters, the planet Kairos, a villain known as the Timekeeper, and significant changes to weapon mechanics and drop rates, adding to the excitement for the future of the series.

Honkai: Star Rail version 3.3 is set to launch on May 21, bringing new playable characters Hyacine and Cipher into the game. This update will introduce an array of new content, including events, gameplay areas, relics, light cones, and various upgrades for players to immerse themselves in. The official announcement was made on May 9 during a livestream, confirming that this major update follows almost two months after version 3.2’s release.

In version 3.2, two new five-star units, Castorice and Anaxa, were added, enriching the game’s character roster. Players had access to reruns for popular characters such as Fugue and Acheron, alongside new areas, Trailblazer missions, and the formidable Pollux boss, Deathwing Husk, Ferry of Souls. This latest update is highly anticipated, as it reveals exciting new features for Honkai: Star Rail.

HoYoverse, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail, has also hinted at a new game in the works that is reminiscent of Pokémon. With the version 3.3 update entitled “The Fall at Dawn’s Rise,” Hyacine and Cipher will be available for players to recruit. Their abilities have been detailed as well; Hyacine can enhance allies’ maximum HP, while Cipher inflicts true damage based on talent metrics.

The rerun banners will also feature The Herta and Aglalea, giving players another chance to acquire their light cones. Players can look forward to new relics such as Warrior Goddess of Sun and Thunder, as well as the Wavestrider Captain. The update will also introduce two maps, Amphoreus Cloudedge Bastion Ruins – Eye of Twilight and Fortress of Dome – Eye of Twilight, alongside five new events.

With so much on the horizon, leaks suggest that version 3.4 may bring buffs for Blade and introduce the highly anticipated character Amphoreus Phainon. Honkai: Star Rail invites players on an intergalactic journey filled with mysteries and character development through this free-to-play RPG. With cross-platform play available on PS5, players can easily progress across different systems.

Fans of Borderlands 4 will have the chance to play the game early at the Borderlands Fan Fest on June 21, 2025. This exciting event is taking place in Downtown Los Angeles, and attendees will be among the first to experience the new title nearly three months before its official launch on September 12, 2025. Gearbox Software has emphasized their commitment to enhancing gameplay in Borderlands 4, aiming for a richer and more engaging story and writing compared to its predecessor. The last main entry in the series, Borderlands 3, released in 2019, received mixed reviews.

While its gameplay was hailed as an improvement, criticisms were directed at its narrative and writing quality. Many hope that Borderlands 4 will elevate both the gameplay mechanics and storytelling, setting a new standard for the series. In their announcement, Gearbox also mentioned the release of a new SHiFT code that fans can redeem for a substantial amount of Golden and Diamond Keys across the franchise. As anticipation builds, details about ticket availability for the Fan Fest are forthcoming, urging fans to keep an eye on Borderlands’ social media platforms for updates.

Previous Fan Fest events have offered memorable moments for fans. For instance, last year showcased the first trailer for the Borderlands movie, which was met with disappointment upon release. Given this backdrop, fans are eager for Borderlands 4 to exceed not only the game quality but also the cinematic experience. As the release date approaches, Gearbox has been sharing glimpses of gameplay, fueling excitement and speculation among fans.

While aspects of the user interface have raised questions, features like expanded skill trees have generated positive feedback. Expect more revelations as the launch date nears, providing deeper insights into what Borderlands 4 will bring.

Bam Margera is set to return as a secret skater in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, officially confirming his involvement in the highly anticipated remake. His presence was uncertain due to his personal challenges, but Tony Hawk advocated for his inclusion, ensuring fans of the franchise could enjoy Margera’s gameplay once again.

The remakes of Pro Skater 3 and 4 are poised to build on the successes of their predecessors; the first two entries in the series were remade in 2020 to critical acclaim. With high expectations looming, players are eager for the modern upgrades that the new release promises, including enhanced graphics, expanded levels, and classic gameplay mechanics.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 successfully revitalized the experience of the original games, maintaining the core gameplay that made them loved while integrating a more contemporary engine and new features such as online multiplayer. While there were concerns about Margera’s omission from THPS3+4, especially since he was part of the originals, his eventual confirmation brings relief to fans excited for the launch.

Hints of Margera’s absence had circulated, even prompting him to suggest he would not appear. However, his discussions with Tony Hawk ignited hope, as they expressed the desire for him to be included.

With the announcement made at the THPS Fest on May 8, it was revealed that Margera will indeed be a secret and unlockable character when the game launches on July 11. In addition to his roles in Pro Skater 3 and 4, Margera made several appearances in other installments of the franchise.

Although his legal troubles have cast shadows over his career, Tony Hawk’s support reflects a commitment to preserving the legacy of the series. Early previews of the game’s campaign modes and skate parks have generated positive feedback, showcasing a smooth and visually appealing experience that pays homage to the originals.