Category: Games

Larian Studios is shifting its focus to new projects following the final update for Baldur’s Gate 3. Studio head Swen Vincke recently provided a glimpse into the development of the studio’s next two titles, hinting at an ambitious direction yet to be fully revealed. While Larian has enjoyed immense success with Baldur’s Gate 3, they are eager to expand their portfolio with these new endeavors.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has proven to be both a critical and commercial triumph, shattering sales records and receiving numerous updates since its launch. The last major update, Patch 8, introduced new features such as Photo Mode and crossplay, marking a significant point in the game’s lifecycle. With this update, Larian has confirmed that they will not produce another Baldur’s Gate title, allowing the team to redirect their resources towards upcoming projects.

In discussing these future plans in an interview with GameSpot, Vincke stated that they are “deep in the trenches” on their next major project, describing it as “crazy ambitious” and complex. While he did not disclose specific details, he emphasized that the game is shaping up well, implying a host of new innovations in gameplay and design. Notably, Larian is working on two titles simultaneously, a decision made possible by the establishment of a new studio in Warsaw to support development.

Vincke acknowledged the organizational challenges this dual approach presents, especially given the intricate nature of Larian’s games, which offer multifaceted player agency. He noted that predicting completion dates remains challenging due to this complexity, reminding fans that Baldur’s Gate 3 originally entered Early Access in October 2020. As Larian moves forward from Baldur’s Gate 3, the future of the franchise is in the hands of Wizards of the Coast, who are tasked with selecting the studio for the next title in the series.

While a sequel to Baldur’s Gate 3 has been confirmed, it appears that a thoughtful approach will be taken, rather than rushing to capitalize on the game’s success.

Development of The Homebrew Channel for the Wii has come to a halt following serious allegations against one of its core dependencies, believed to contain stolen code from Nintendo’s decompiled SDK. This situation poses a significant threat to the Wii homebrew community. The Homebrew Channel serves as an application loader that enables users to run unofficial software, known as “homebrew,” on the Wii without requiring advanced technical skills. This functionality has resulted in remarkable applications, including the ability to run macOS on the console.

Although there were risks associated with piracy, The Homebrew Channel had previously navigated legal challenges without significant trouble—until now. On April 27, The Homebrew Channel’s GitHub repository was archived, with the updated README file detailing the reasons behind this decision. Developers from the hacking collective Fail0verflow accused a key dependency known as libogc, a C library for Wii and GameCube interactions, of copyright infringement. They alleged that the original creator, “shagkur,” had decompiled the Nintendo SDK and repackaged it as their own work.

Fail0verflow claims that they raised concerns with the libogc team, only to be met with hostility and disregard. Given the apparent refusal of the libogc developers to address the alleged copyright issues, Fail0verflow felt compelled to halt development of The Homebrew Channel. They expressed concerns that the community was built on a foundation of “lies and copyright infringement.” The future of the Wii homebrew scene remains uncertain.

While existing capabilities allow users to access homebrew software seamlessly, there is a rising fear that essential tools may become unavailable, either through withdrawal by their creators or legal action from Nintendo. This could complicate the process for newcomers looking to delve into the Wii homebrew experience, especially with Nintendo’s history of targeting unauthorized use of its consoles.

The upcoming Version 2.0 update for Zenless Zone Zero is set to significantly enhance the game’s fast travel system with a complete visual overhaul. The previous slider mechanism will be replaced by a detailed topographic map of New Eridu, which will show the proximity of different locations, providing a clearer navigation experience for players. In addition to the improved map, the Version 2.0 update will introduce a brand-new area known as Waifei Peninsula. This expansion will come with fresh characters and new story content.

Leak information has hinted at an extensive redesign of the fast travel screen, indicating major changes ahead for this action RPG developed by HoYoverse. The update will also bring three new playable characters: Yixuan, Pan Yinhu, and Ju Fufu, with Yixuan rumored to introduce a new Attribute and Specialty. The Waifei Peninsula promises to be a fascinating addition to the game, showcasing Chinese-inspired aesthetics. Key locations within this new district will include the city of Failume Heights and the Suibian Temple, both of which are reported to be larger than previous environments in New Eridu.

The new area will offer a more free-roaming experience compared to existing locations. According to the prominent leaker Mero, the redesigned map system will make navigating Zenless Zone Zero more intuitive. The visual overhaul means that players will no longer scroll through a list of locations but will instead interact with a topographical map featuring familiar areas like Sixth Street and Lumina Square. This update, alongside Version 2.0, is anticipated to launch on June 4.

As HoYoverse continues to develop Zenless Zone Zero, fans can look forward to engaging gameplay elements, including a management-style mini-game at the Suibian Temple and new locations like Aerospace City and Lemnian Hollow. With the recent Version 1.7 update already adding excitement to the game, players have much to anticipate in the upcoming larger update.

Recently, gameplay footage from the alpha version of Battlefield 6 was leaked online, showcasing the game’s extensive destruction elements and the classic Conquest mode. This footage highlights not only the engaging gunplay and gameplay mechanics but also features such as jet combat and distinct classes within the Battlefield Labs framework. The leaks follow recent playtests conducted for members of Battlefield Labs. Since its debut in February, the program has been instrumental for EA as they seek feedback on potential gameplay adjustments while developing Battlefield 6.

An influx of new players joined the program after invites were sent out on April 17 for the latest playtest sessions. The development of Battlefield 6 is currently being handled by an extensive team, the largest in the franchise’s history, which includes DICE, Criterion, EA Motive, and Ripple Effect. As the game undergoes development, the Battlefield Labs initiative allows participants to test and experience various game concepts at an early stage. Despite players being bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), some have shared footage from the alpha test.

Notably, leaks emerged within a week and a half of the last batch of invites. The leaked gameplay footage, shared on Twitter by user @alisaad40002, emphasizes the game’s hallmark “all-out destruction” and revitalizes the series’ classic elements, such as squad-based Conquest modes with high player counts. It features intense action, including aerial dogfights on the “Capstone” map and ground combat. While the footage is still a work-in-progress and not indicative of the final product, it supports DICE’s earlier statements regarding various gameplay changes slated for Battlefield 6.

Adjustments in recoil patterns, movement animations, and gunplay improvements are among the anticipated updates. Furthermore, there are indications that the game may reintroduce the controversial 3D spotting feature and will support 60Hz-optimized servers. Participating in Battlefield Labs provides players with exclusive insight into potential changes before the game’s release, and it seems likely that additional invites will be dispatched soon. Interested players can sign up on the Battlefield Labs platform, which also connects them to the official Battlefield Discord server for further updates.

Leaked character concept art for Star Wars Eclipse has provided fans with a glimpse of the game, showcasing popular alien races, though it offers little insight into the actual game content. There is growing uncertainty about the development progress of Star Wars Eclipse, as Quantic Dream has been unusually quiet, with minimal updates since the game’s announcement.

Star Wars Eclipse was first revealed at the end of 2021 through a captivating cinematic trailer that highlighted various stunning locations set during the High Republic era. As an action-adventure title from the studio behind Detroit: Become Human, initial reactions were overwhelmingly positive, generating significant hype among fans.

However, nearly three and a half years later, this cinematic reveal remains the primary material available for fans, raising questions about the game’s current direction. Recently, new information has come to light regarding Star Wars Eclipse, thanks to leaked character concept art.

According to MP1st, the art, which is from the portfolio of a former artist who briefly worked on the game, includes thirteen pieces. These illustrations depict several beloved Star Wars alien races, such as Gungans, Rodians, and Zenezians.

While the artwork doesn’t reveal much about the game’s content, it offers an intriguing insight into the aesthetic vision Quantic Dream may be pursuing. Complicating matters further, it remains uncertain when these pieces were created, casting doubt on their relevance to the final product.

With the departure of the lead writer in August 2024 and the absence of updates, it’s hard to ascertain if the game is still on its original trajectory. Additionally, recent concerns emerged about Star Wars Eclipse’s future due to studio closures at Quantic Dream’s parent company, NetEase Games.

Fortunately, Quantic Dream CEO Guillaume de Fondaumière reassured fans that the studio behind Star Wars Eclipse was unaffected by these layoffs, which hopefully means that development can continue smoothly. As of now, no specific release window has been announced, leaving fans to await further news.

In Minecraft, happy ghasts can be fed snowballs to transform into adult variants that players can ride. These cheerful mobs have sparked creativity among players, leading to various clever builds, including a simple mob launcher contraption.

This design enables players and happy ghasts to shoot into the sky, facilitating quick access to their builds, gathering materials, and landing on their flying companions. Currently, happy ghasts are exclusive to the preview versions of Minecraft but have quickly gained popularity since their announcement during Minecraft LIVE earlier this year.

Unlike the traditional hostile ghasts, happy ghasts are entirely passive and can be equipped with saddles, making them ideal for aerial travel. To obtain these friendly mobs, players need to locate dried ghast blocks found in the Nether.

Although these blocks can be crafted, they must be transported to the Overworld and submerged in water, turning into cute baby ghastlings. To help ghastlings grow into adult happy ghasts, players can feed them snowballs.

One notable player, known online as Srlorenez, developed a straightforward mob launcher using minimal materials. The launcher consists of four dispensers arranged around a 1×1 hole, three blocks deep, with each dispenser facing inward.

When the player jumps into the hole and activates a pressure plate at the bottom, wind charges are released, launching them upward. To use the mob launcher effectively, players should jump into the contraption while holding a leash attached to the happy ghast.

Having the hole filled with water ensures that the lead doesn’t break upon launching. This fun contraption not only adds excitement to gameplay but also serves as a practical tool for players working on large projects, allowing them to collect resources and ascend quickly to continue building alongside their happy ghasts.

Genshin Impact is gearing up for an exciting livestream on April 30, 2025, which may unveil the Version 6.0 Teaser Trailer for the highly anticipated story chapter set in Nod-Krai. This trailer is expected to showcase a variety of factions converging in the region, building anticipation for what lies ahead. Notably, the gates to Nod-Krai and Snezhnaya are scheduled to open on September 10, 2025. The upcoming livestream coincides with the final reveal of the Song of the Welkin Moon, a web event that has gradually unveiled details about Nod-Krai and its eleven factions.

Following the conclusion of Natlan’s storyline in Version 5.3, Genshin Impact has been subtly setting the stage for the next chapter. Version 5.6 will return players to Mondstadt, potentially leading the Traveler and Paimon toward Nod-Krai and the expedition led by Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Though Varka will only have a voice appearance in Version 5.6, he is expected to play a significant role in the events of Nod-Krai. Genshin Impact has positioned Nod-Krai as the next major region, effectively dividing Snezhnaya into two chapters.

The ongoing web event has revealed essential details about Nod-Krai’s factions, hinting at a complex narrative landscape that may culminate in a confrontation with the Tsaritsa. In addition to the major teaser, players should keep an eye out for the character Skirk, linked to Khaenri’ah and the Abyss, who is rumored to become playable in Version 5.7. With the rich lore and character interactions set to enrich the experience, gamers can look forward to the new adventures awaiting them in Nod-Krai.

A recent incident involving a player of Cyberpunk 2077 has sparked interest after they experienced a peculiar bug that teleported them unexpectedly. While stopping in front of The Afterlife, an iconic bar in the game, the player found themselves abruptly transported to Judy Alvarez’s apartment, where they were met with a strangely intense stare from Judy herself. This incident highlights the ongoing issues with bugs in software, as even a game like Cyberpunk 2077, which has undergone significant updates since its rocky launch, still contains edge-case scenarios that lead to unusual gameplay experiences. Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved remarkably over the years, moving past its initial troubled release.

The current version of the game features a plethora of new content, substantial quality-of-life improvements, and an extensive reworking of its leveling mechanics. Despite these advancements, a recent bug involving glitched vehicles turning into hats serves as a reminder that no game is ever entirely bug-free. The player, identified on Reddit as Curilan_, was taken by surprise when the teleportation occurred after they exited their Quadra Turbo-R 740. The game transitioned to a loading screen, only to place them in front of Judy’s apartment on the opposite side of Watson.

Judy’s bizarre lighting and unsettling expression as the situation unfolded inspired fans to refer to her as “creepy Judy,” adding to the oddity of the encounter. Analyzing the footage shows that the player’s character, V, was unexpectedly launched into the air while trying to approach The Afterlife, triggering the teleportation when reaching a certain height. Notably, this bug appears to have been encountered on a PC, as indicated by the keyboard-and-mouse controls shown in the shared gameplay footage. Although it remains uncertain if other platforms could be affected by similar issues, this incident seems to be the first report of its kind.

While reaching a fix may be unlikely, the game’s history of unanticipated patches means nothing is completely ruled out.

A listing discovered on the PlayStation Store suggests that the Until Dawn remake may join PlayStation Plus Essential in May 2025. This has generated considerable speculation among subscribers, with many wondering if the game’s inclusion is connected to a potential sequel or perhaps a promotion for a recently released film adaptation. The anticipated lineup for May 2025 will be available as early as May 1, and Until Dawn could be part of three or more free titles offered that month.

As is customary, PlayStation refreshes its offerings for PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium subscribers each month. The Premium tier provides access to classic titles from the PS1, PS2, and PSP eras, along with cloud streaming options for PS3 and PS5 games. Gamers can keep the titles in their libraries as long as they maintain their subscriptions.

As April comes to a close, subscribers are eager to learn what May will bring. Recent rumors point to the Until Dawn remake being included in the upcoming offerings. Fans on Reddit, including user Budget-Neat4750, noted the listing despite May’s lineup not yet being officially announced.

This has led many to believe that the remake’s addition may be a marketing strategy coinciding with the new Until Dawn movie, with some hoping it signals a push for players to familiarize themselves with the game ahead of a potential sequel. If accurate, the Until Dawn remake will headline the free games for PlayStation Plus Essential for May 2025. Typically, three titles for PS4 and PS5 are added each month.

Meanwhile, subscribers can still claim their free games for April 2025, including RoboCop: Rogue City and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, until May 5. Notably, PlayStation Plus will discontinue free PS4 games as a key benefit starting January 2026, making it important for subscribers to claim these titles while they can.

Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios, has expressed his support for the Baldur’s Gate 3 mod for Stardew Valley, known as Baldur’s Village, and praised the significance of modding communities in the gaming industry. The rising popularity of Stardew Valley, combined with its developer’s support for mods, stands in stark contrast to the legal challenges facing the Baldur’s Village mod.

This divide highlights the complex landscape of modding in contemporary gaming. Since its launch in 2016, Stardew Valley has earned a respected place in the life-simulation genre, often hailed as one of the best indie games ever made.

Its developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, has consistently rolled out updates and expansions, fostering a vibrant modding scene. Mods have not only enhanced the game’s appeal but the introduction of a Baldur’s Gate 3 mod has expanded its reach beyond the usual fanbase, inviting both acclaim and scrutiny.

In a recent discussion, Vincke addressed the controversy surrounding the Baldur’s Village mod, which faced a DMCA takedown notice from Wizards of the Coast on March 31, 2025. Although the legal obstacle has since been lifted and the mod restored, the incident sparked significant discussion in gaming circles about the legality and role of modding.

Vincke emphasized that mod creators should be recognized and even licensed by companies to promote community engagement and prevent conflicts. Vincke’s remarks resonate widely among fans, many of whom advocate for modding as an essential element of the gaming experience.

Major titles like Minecraft, Skyrim, and Fallout have thrived due to dedicated modding communities, as have newer games like Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077. While the commercialization of mods raises legal concerns, the continuous influx of free mods demonstrates the passion fans have for enhancing their favorite titles.

As gaming consoles increasingly incorporate mod support, the hope remains that the relationship between developers and modders will flourish, allowing innovations like Baldur’s Village to thrive.