Category: News

Zenless Zone Zero has unveiled exciting details about the upcoming Version 2.1 and its new character, Yuzuha, set to debut next week. This urban action RPG from HoYoverse has recently enriched its gameplay with the Version 2.0 update, which introduced a significant new district, the Waifei Peninsula, marking the start of “Season 2” and adding three new playable characters.

As Zenless Zone Zero prepares for its next update, it aims to maintain the momentum created by the previous release. With the launch of Version 2.1 on the horizon, players can expect the introduction of two new characters, Yuzuha and Alice, who will be members of the new “Spook Shack” faction.

The update will also feature the major summer event titled “Tales of Midsummer Dreams,” which includes special mini-games such as surfing and fishing. Additionally, fans can redeem limited codes for up to 2,000 free Polychromes and various in-game items.

Yuzuha’s gameplay mechanics have been revealed, showcasing her unique “Sugar Points” system that accumulates when she enters battles. These points not only enhance her attacks but also allow for strategic follow-ups on teammates’ moves.

Her abilities include the Sweet Scare capability, which inflicts debuffs on enemies, and her Ultimate, “Surrender or Suffer the Mischief,” that deals considerable damage to enemies and benefits her team by recovering Energy. Yuzuha comes with additional mechanics centered around her Tanuki Wish ability, which boosts her teammates’ attack and damages.

Alongside her, Alice will also join the roster in Version 2.1, adding to the excitement for players as the update promises enjoyable summer content and captivating new characters. As Zenless Zone Zero continues to grow, fans have much to look forward to as the game evolves with its ever-expanding universe.

Electronic Arts (EA) has reportedly placed the iconic Need for Speed franchise on hiatus, raising concerns about its future. While no official statement exists yet, hints from within the gaming community and EA’s recent decisions indicate a significant shift in focus for the series. Need for Speed has been a staple of EA’s portfolio since it first hit the market in 1994.

Known for its fast-paced arcade racing, open-world environments, extensive customization options, and unique visual appeal, the franchise has enjoyed decades of success. However, in recent years, the series has struggled to maintain its momentum. The latest release, 2022’s Need for Speed Unbound, initially generated excitement but ultimately delivered disappointing sales figures.

The uncertainty surrounding Need for Speed amplified when Criterion Games, the franchise’s developer, was reassigned to work on Battlefield 6. Although Criterion assured fans that Need for Speed would continue, recent information challenges that assertion. Matthew Everingham, a long-time contributor to Speedhunters, which is closely associated with Need for Speed, indicated via an Instagram post that “EA shelved Need for Speed.”

This sentiment gains weight as updates to Speedhunters have been absent since April 2025. This relationship suggests that the hiatus of one could impact the other. As of now, EA has not commented on the situation, and the latest news from them was an announcement regarding the shutdown of online services for Need for Speed Rivals, which is set for October 7, 2025.

Given Criterion’s current focus on Battlefield 6, any new entries in the Need for Speed series are unlikely to surface before 2030. The racing game landscape has become increasingly volatile, especially after recent layoffs at various gaming studios. The concerns surrounding Need for Speed’s potential downturn are regrettable, especially considering the success of competitors like Forza Horizon 5, underscoring the franchise’s possible untapped potential.

Labubu, the trendy line of collectible plush toys, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, but its rising popularity has also led to the emergence of convincing counterfeits. The fan community has nicknamed these fakes “Lafufus,” as some of them are nearly indistinguishable from authentic Labubu figures.

This has prompted collectors to take extra measures to avoid inadvertently adding these replicas to their collections. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu originated from The Monsters, a picture book series released in 2015, inspired by Nordic mythology.

The collectible toys gained significant exposure after a collaboration with Pop Mart and an unofficial endorsement from a BlackPink member, propelling Labubu into superstardom. As the Labubu brand has flourished, it has become increasingly targeted by counterfeiters.

Distinguishing genuine Labubu toys from impostors has become a challenge, but there are several ways collectors can verify authenticity. A primary method is to scan the QR codes found on the tags and boxes of the figurines.

Authentic Labubu QR codes typically lead to Pop Mart’s official authentication website, where users can verify figures by entering the last four digits of their authentication codes. To further ensure authenticity, collectors should look for details such as stitching quality, the number of teeth (real Labubus always have nine), and the texture of the fur.

Additionally, genuine toys will have embossed or UV logos on their feet, and starting in 2024, an exclusive Labubu head logo visible only under ultraviolet light. Since 2022, Labubu has expanded into multiple plush series, although some legitimate figurines may have production flaws resembling counterfeits.

The Big Into Energy Series, for instance, has had reports of models with uneven faces, especially in the blue Hope and green Serenity variants, highlighting the potential for confusion even among authentic products.

Minecraft has embarked on a limited-time promotion, offering fans a variety of free maps and discounted add-on packs. This initiative allows players to explore popular add-ons and skins at reduced prices, showcasing the vast possibilities within this beloved sandbox game. Beyond the main adventure of battling the Ender Dragon, Minecraft invites players to delve deeper into its expansive world, enriched by a dynamic modding community that continuously introduces new items and gameplay features.

The Minecraft Marketplace serves as a treasure trove of unique add-ons and cosmetic content, which enhance the gaming experience by providing new mobs, items, and various visual effects. Among the featured content are quality-of-life enhancements such as the “Vibrant Memories” add-on, which introduces a comprehensive photo mode, complementing the recent “Vibrant Visuals” update. Additionally, officially supported DLC packs, like the SpongeBob SquarePants expansion, offer themed side quests and missions, making the gameplay even more engaging.

As highlighted by PCGamesN, Minecraft’s current sale includes an enticing selection of free adventure maps, such as Hermitcraft: Season 8 and Ocean Heroes. Other popular add-on packs, including Fairy Tales 2.0 and Magic Spells, are available at significant discounts. However, fans should be aware that this Summer Sale ends on July 15, necessitating prompt action to take advantage of the deals.

The wealth of affordable add-ons during this sale promises unique gameplay experiences, adding to Minecraft’s established reputation as a sandbox game. With major updates like the enhanced graphics from the “Vibrant Visuals” update and new mounts introduced in “Chase the Skies,” the game remains a vibrant community hub. Players have the freedom to create, explore, and share within this block-filled world, making it a playground for creativity and adventure alike.

Krafton has officially verified the authenticity of a leak concerning Subnautica 2, revealing an internal review that highlights the game’s developmental challenges. This situation has intensified the ongoing turmoil surrounding the game’s production.

On July 2, Krafton announced significant changes within Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2, by removing key figures: game director Charlie Cleveland, co-founder Max McGuire, and CEO Ted Gill. The dismissed executives have responded by filing a lawsuit against the South Korean company, alleging wrongful termination.

Krafton asserts that the leadership shake-up was necessary due to a lack of game progress and insufficient content. Following these developments, Krafton affirmed the legitimacy of leaked slides from an internal presentation assessing Subnautica 2’s status as of May 2025.

These images surfaced on the subreddit r/Subnautica_2 on July 11 and detailed substantial content cuts that influenced the decision to delay the game. Krafton stated that the circulated document is indeed part of an internal milestone review for the project.

The leaked slides indicate that, between Q2 2023 and Q2 2025, significant features were removed, including two biomes, a type of Leviathan creature, various tools, a vehicle named Trident, character customization options, and six hours of story content. Although some elements were postponed rather than entirely cut, their absence has considerably impacted the game’s early access version, prompting a reassessment of its launch feasibility.

Krafton’s claims suggest that the game was initially set for early access in 2024 but faced delays due to ongoing creative decisions. In response to Krafton’s allegations, Cleveland vehemently denied claims of neglect, stating that Subnautica was his “life’s work” and that he would never abandon it.

He also highlighted that their lawsuit is partly motivated by the financial implications of their dismissals, potentially costing them $225 million in revenue target bonuses negotiated during Krafton’s acquisition of Unknown Worlds in 2021.

Lords of the Fallen has reached a notable milestone of 5.5 million players, but its developer, CI Games, has indicated that it is only now nearing the break-even point. Despite being celebrated as a successful AA title following its release in 2023 and selling nearly one million copies within the first ten days, the game’s profitability has been elusive for the studio. Upon its release, Lords of the Fallen received a “Generally Favorable” critical reception, boasting a Metacritic score of 75 at the time.

However, the game’s financial performance has not lived up to such accolades, especially considering it is not classified as a major AAA title. CI Games’ CEO, Marek Tyminski, noted that the milestone of 5.5 million players includes contributions from Game Pass, suggesting that not all users paid full price for the game, which could account for its profitability challenges. The estimated development costs for Lords of the Fallen are reported to be around $77 million USD.

This figure encompasses production, marketing, and physical release expenses. If this estimate is accurate, the game’s sales likely haven’t surpassed the two million mark, which would typically indicate revenue generation at the base price of $60. Additionally, ongoing development and updates after launch suggest that CI Games reinvested earnings back into the game, which might further complicate its financial standing.

Despite these concerns, CI Games appears optimistic about the future of the franchise, currently developing a sequel set for release in 2026. Whether the sequel will achieve profitability remains uncertain, as players eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this epic dark fantasy action-RPG. Players will take on the role of Dark Crusaders, navigating a challenging world filled with colossal battles and a choice between light and darkness for their character’s legacy.

Tales of the Shire, developed by Weta Workshop, is set to immerse players in a cozy life simulator inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. With its release date approaching on July 29, the game has generated excitement, especially with its focus on building relationships and sharing meals among characters. The gameplay mirrors the charm of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as players assist the townsfolk in transforming Bywater from a quaint town into a thriving village.

Activities including house decoration, gardening, fishing, foraging, and trading are central to the relaxed experience. However, the game’s system requirements have raised eyebrows across the gaming community. Preliminary requirements for the PC version are notably demanding, needing at least an Intel Core i5-7600K and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770, with higher specs recommended for optimal performance. Many players were surprised to see such steep requirements for a title that seems centered around a casual lifestyle.

In comparison, other games with similar aesthetics, like Palia and Disney Dreamlight Valley, have significantly lower hardware demands. Furthermore, while Tales of the Shire requires just 3 GB of available space on a hard drive, many potential players with less powerful PCs might reconsider their purchase due to the stringent specifications. Notably, the game has yet to release any information regarding hardware requirements for resolutions higher than 1080p at 60 FPS, leaving fans concerned about performance at enhanced settings. As anticipation builds, players are eager to enjoy the serene life of a Hobbit in the Shire.

With opportunities for decorating, gardening, and building community ties, Tales of the Shire promises an engaging experience—provided system demands do not deter players from joining the adventure.

Bkom Studios has unveiled exciting new co-op gameplay for the upcoming game, Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults. This action role-playing game (ARPG) draws inspiration from the tabletop adventure of the same name and marks a shift in gameplay style, as it adopts an isometric hack-and-slash format.

Unlike earlier Pathfinder titles like Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous, which featured turn-based mechanics, Abomination Vaults is designed to emphasize cooperative action and multiplayer experiences. During the 2025 Summer Game Fest, new gameplay showcased how up to four players can navigate the game’s vast labyrinthine dungeon.

Players have the option to team up with friends or venture into the dungeon alone. In cases where there are fewer than three players, the game’s AI takes charge of the remaining characters.

Notably, players can issue commands to AI companions or even take direct control during combat, adding a layer of strategy. The game features four distinct classes based on beloved Pathfinder champions: Amiri the Barbarian, Harsk the Ranger, Kyra the Cleric, and Ezren the Wizard, each influenced by the second edition of the tabletop game.

While the roles are fixed, there is significant flexibility in build crafting, allowing players to customize each class without navigating intricate RPG skill trees. As players progress, they can adjust classes and leverage acquired items to strengthen their team’s unique synergies, although executing team-up abilities requires skillful timing and coordination.

Initial hands-on previews suggest that Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults resembles the Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance series more than traditional Baldur’s Gate titles, boasting real-time action and dynamic class interactions reminiscent of the Dark Alliance approach. Reviews from the Summer Game Fest have been largely positive, highlighting the co-op gameplay as seamless and enjoyable, essential traits for a dungeon crawler.

However, questions remain regarding how the game will sustain player interest within its extensive dungeon and avoid monotony. As the first-ever co-op hack-and-slash ARPG based on the Pathfinder Adventure Path, players will lead iconic heroes into the ominous Gauntlight Keep, challenging the malevolent sorceress Belcorra Haruvex and her horde of abominations.

Belcorra, resurrected as a ghost, seeks revenge against those who defeated her centuries ago. Players are called upon to delve into Gauntlight Keep’s treacherous depths, confront foul monsters, and ultimately lay Belcorra’s wicked soul to rest.

As heroes explore the dungeon, their unique stories will unfold alongside thrilling gameplay.

Excitement is in the air for fans of SNK and Capcom as the two companies unite once more, introducing Street Fighter’s Ken Masters to the roster of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. While the DLC roadmap for the game hinted at Ken and Chun Li’s arrival, this marks the first visual showcase of Ken in action. The collaboration highlights the friendly relations that have emerged between Capcom and SNK, especially following the recent re-release of the SNK vs. Capcom series in the Capcom Fighting Collection 2. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves not only brings back classic characters but also introduces new and unconventional fighters, renowned for their difficulty to master.

Ken Masters has now been officially revealed through a new trailer, although a specific release date is yet to be announced. Fans can expect to hear the familiar voice of David Matranga, who reprises his role from Street Fighter 6, alongside Ken’s updated look featuring a brown coat. Alternately, players can choose his classic red gi from Street Fighter 2, adding nostalgia to the mix. Ken’s gameplay is expected to resonate with longtime fans, including signature moves such as the Shoryuken, Hadoken, and Tatsumaki Senpu-kyaku.

The trailer showcases Ken’s new abilities from Street Fighter 6, including the Dragonlash Kick, which offers a side switch. The enhancements aim to invigorate sales for City of the Wolves, especially since its launch hasn’t met expectations, prompting significant leadership changes within SNK. After 26 years, the Fatal Fury series is set to make a grand comeback with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The game boasts a striking art style and an innovative REV system that promises heightened excitement.

With new control schemes catering to both newcomers and veterans, players can anticipate a thrilling adventure in the vibrant streets of South Town.

A senior Bethesda official has confirmed that Fallout 76 will feature crossover content inspired by the second season of the Fallout TV series, although specific details remain under wraps. The first season of this adaptation premiered on Amazon Prime Video in April 2024, achieving significant success that boosted the popularity of the related video games, as evident from player data. This success led Bethesda to create crossover content for multiple entries in the franchise, including Fallout 76.

The upcoming second season of the show, set in New Vegas, will be highlighted through new content in Fallout 76. Jon Rush, the game’s Creative Director, revealed in a recent statement that the production teams of both the show and the game are consistently in dialogue about possible crossover opportunities. He emphasized that they are keen on aligning gaming content with the TV show’s seasonal releases, hinting at future plans.

However, it seems unlikely that Fallout 76 will introduce significant crossover elements from the TV show, particularly story-driven quests. The Amazon series takes place in the year 2296, while Fallout 76 is set in 2102, creating a gap of almost two centuries that complicates lore-consistent interactions. Rush noted that while direct crossover opportunities are limited, there may still be thematic references or subtle nods due to the separate timelines.

Bethesda introduced the Vault 33 Survival Kit in conjunction with the first season’s premiere, which included themed items and various consumables. Players can expect similar types of content for the second season. While there is no official release date for Fallout Season 2, Amazon targets December 2025, suggesting new crossover content may arrive late in Fallout 76 Season 22 or early in Season 23, which is currently shrouded in mystery.