Category: News

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated sequel to the original Death Stranding, launched on June 26, 2025, after a brief early access for premium edition purchasers. This title inherits the option for players to choose between Quality and Performance modes, a trend that has become standard for AAA games since the eighth console generation. Recent analysis by Digital Foundry highlights that the Quality mode may be unnecessary, particularly for players on the PS5 Pro. Most gamers are recommended to opt for Performance mode to achieve a better experience.

While the base PS5 maintains a stable frame rate, supporting 30fps in Performance mode and 60fps in Quality, the visual trade-offs noted were rather minimal. Key differences included lower anti-aliasing quality and minor sub-pixel instability, which manifests as shimmering or flickering due to fine visual details misaligning with the screen’s pixel grid. These issues were reported to be more evident on the base model than on the PS5 Pro, which also reported a slightly higher resolution, though the overall improvements were marginal and hard to quantify. The question arises whether the slight visual enhancement in Quality mode is worth sacrificing the smoother 60fps frame rate.

On the PS5 Pro, the verdict is clear: Quality mode does not provide a significant advantage over Performance mode, making it largely redundant. This situation aligns with Sony’s messaging regarding the PS5 Pro, which was designed for those who want the benefits of both high fidelity and high performance, negating the need to compromise on either aspect.

In a recent buzz surrounding Resident Evil Requiem, a prominent leaker has declared that Leon S. Kennedy is set to be the main character. This announcement comes on the heels of the game’s reveal during the Summer Game Fest in 2025, which suggested that the protagonist would be Grace Ashcroft. However, various rumors and leaks indicate that Capcom may have a different plan in store for fans, with Leon Kennedy taking center stage once again. Leon has long been a beloved character in the Resident Evil franchise, making his debut in Resident Evil 2 and later becoming the star of Resident Evil 4.

This particular title is often hailed not only as one of the best games in the series but also as one of the greatest video games ever created. His journey continued through Resident Evil 6, along with remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 4, and he has been featured in several CG movies associated with the series. Recent developments unveiled at the Capcom Spotlight event saw game director Koshi Nakanishi addressing the speculation surrounding Leon’s involvement in Requiem. Nakanishi indicated that while the team had considered making Leon the lead character, they ultimately felt he might not be the best fit for the horror aspect of the game.

However, leaker AestheticGamer, also known as Dusk Golem, remains adamant that Leon is indeed the protagonist and asserts that Capcom is intentionally misleading fans with this declaration. Resident Evil Requiem is described as a mix of horror and high-stakes cinematic action, suggesting that if Leon is the main character, then Grace Ashcroft may feature prominently in the game’s horror-driven segments. Interestingly, Capcom’s acknowledgment of the Leon rumors—and their unexpected comment on the open-world speculation—could indicate some truth to these claims. As Gamescom 2025 approaches in August and the game is set for a February release, fans can anticipate more details regarding Resident Evil Requiem soon.

Dave the Diver is set to receive a free upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, as recently confirmed by developer Mintrocket. This pixel-art deep-sea adventure and restaurant management game achieved remarkable success in 2023 after launching on PC, followed by a release on the Switch in October.

Fans were captivated by its unique mix of quirky humor, charming characters, and engaging gameplay. Mintrocket was previously a subsidiary of Nexon, and this affiliation garnered mixed reactions when Dave the Diver was nominated as an indie game at the 2023 Game Awards.

Although the studio has since parted ways with Nexon, it continues to operate as a subsidiary. The game holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, having sold over 5 million units within its first seven months.

The studio has been proactive in providing multiple updates, downloadable content (DLC), and crossovers, showcasing their commitment to supporting the game post-launch. The reviews for the Switch version have been exceptionally positive, paving the way for the anticipated Switch 2 upgrade.

In addition to the upgrade, Dave the Diver will also see new DLC inspired by the Like A Dragon series. However, the specifics of the upgrade remain unclear.

Mintrocket’s official account mentioned in a YouTube comment that a free Switch 2 upgrade is on the way, but no detailed information has been shared through their social media or website. The announcement coincided with the game’s 2-year anniversary celebration, although the video lacked further details about the upgrade.

While no official release date for the upgrade has been provided, it suggests that development is currently underway, possibly aiming for release this year. Players can look forward to visual enhancements and hopefully a smoother experience with native 60 FPS due to the improved hardware.

Moreover, the delayed “In the Jungle” DLC could launch alongside this upgrade, potentially attracting new players. However, this would mean the upgrade won’t arrive before early 2026, as confirmed by Mintrocket’s lead director regarding the DLC timeline.

Recent insights from a Valve insider have raised questions about the potential announcement of Half-Life 3 in the near future. The rumors surrounding this much-anticipated sequel have intensified recently, leading many to speculate that it might finally be revealed this year. However, Valve remains tight-lipped about any developments concerning the game. Half-Life 3, which would serve as a sequel to the acclaimed 2004 title Half-Life 2, has been a long-held dream for gamers ever since Valve abandoned the project over a decade ago.

Hopes were rekindled in 2020 with the release of the VR spin-off, Half-Life: Alyx, indicating that Valve still has an interest in the franchise. Furthermore, recent data mining and speculation point to a new project under the codename HLX, believed by many to be indicative of Half-Life 3. Despite being one of the most iconic first-person shooter franchises for nearly 30 years, Half-Life has a history that includes more games than most realize. Some dataminers have suggested that an announcement for Half-Life 3 could happen “any day” due to HLX entering its development polishing and playtesting phase.

However, a notable development occurred when insider Gabe Follower reported that the original domain name for Half-Life 3 expired on June 28, 2025, and has not been renewed by Valve. This expiration raises concerns about the legitimacy of the rumors regarding the game’s imminent announcement. It is essential to highlight that the expired domain is currently in a grace period, allowing Valve the opportunity to reclaim it. While fans express anxiety over the loss of this key digital asset, many insiders maintain that the game is indeed in development.

The future remains uncertain, as it’s possible Valve might integrate Half-Life 3 into its existing website structure. Regardless, the coming months promise to be an exhilarating time for Half-Life enthusiasts.

A recent insider report indicates that a new trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6 is circulating at Bethesda. While it is unclear if this trailer is destined for public release or still undergoing adjustments, the report implies that development on the game is advancing at a satisfactory pace.

June 10 marked the seventh anniversary of the official announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6, which was introduced through a brief teaser at E3 2018. The long-awaited sequel to Skyrim entered pre-production within the following five years, and Bethesda confirmed in August 2023 that active development commenced after completing the bulk of work on Starfield.

Since then, the company has been relatively quiet about the project’s details. The Elder Scrolls 6 has the potential to break a longstanding pattern that has affected the franchise since its inception over three decades ago.

The continued silence from Bethesda has led to speculation that the game’s development is on track. A recent report by Jez Corden mentioned a new internal trailer for TES 6, which reinforced the possibility that the game could make an appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase held on June 8.

Corden pointed out that the existence of a new trailer could mean one of two things: Bethesda is preparing for a formal reveal and gathering internal feedback or this trailer is intended solely for internal milestones, executive reviews, and other non-public purposes common in AAA game development. Nevertheless, the fact that the trailer exists suggests that the game’s progress is significant enough to warrant a visual update for company leadership.

Looking ahead, Corden noted that it is unlikely TES 6 will be showcased at the upcoming Gamescom in August, but if the game is still on track for a 2028 release, a formal reveal may be imminent. For context, Starfield was presented 15 months before its launch, though that title didn’t carry the same long wait associated with a sequel like TES 6.

Fans of the canceled game Hytale are expressing their disappointment and seeking to revive the project through an online petition. This initiative has gained significant traction, amassing nearly 1,600 signatures. The petition targets publisher Riot Games and developer Hypixel Studios, as well as Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, but so far, none of these parties have responded to the appeal. Hytale was first unveiled in late 2018 by a team of former Minecraft modders, captivating gamers with its blocky visuals reminiscent of Minecraft’s style.

The game promised innovative features such as a strong focus on role-playing and tools that would enable players to create custom in-game content. Unfortunately, excitement turned to disappointment earlier this week when Hypixel announced Hytale’s cancellation and the shutdown of the development studio. In light of this news, a fan created the Change.org petition in hopes of persuading Hypixel or Riot Games to release any playable version of the dropped game. Though the petition has gathered 1,582 signatures and is still growing, none of the developers have engaged with the fans’ requests.

The abrupt end to Hytale’s development has elicited a range of emotional responses. Some fans who had been eagerly anticipating the game’s release reported feeling disheartened by its cancellation, while others expressed sadness for the community that had formed around the game rather than for the game itself. However, it’s important to note that releasing an incomplete version of Hytale goes against the expressed intentions of the development team, who stated that altering the game’s scope would compromise their vision. Even if the petition bears fruit and fans get access to a playable build, it is highly unlikely that official development will continue.

Hypixel co-founder NoxyD acknowledged the challenges of game development and emphasized that Hytale was far from meeting the team’s ambitious goals after years of work.

Nintendo Switch 2 owners may face disappointment this fall regarding Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. A reliable leaker has suggested that physical copies for this console could be released using Game Key-Cards instead of traditional cartridges.

This has left many fans feeling uneasy, as they expected a physical game experience similar to classic releases in the series. The anticipation for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has been building since its announcement during The Game Awards 2024, where it was showcased with a teaser trailer.

The game is slated for release on September 25 and will be available on several platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, along with the original Nintendo Switch version. While Switch 2 owners will be able to play the original version on their new consoles, there are plans for an enhanced version tailored specifically for the Switch 2, which will be released later.

During development, the Sonic team made significant choices, trimming down powerful items during playtesting to maintain game balance. However, skepticism arose when leaker Wario64 shared information suggesting that the Switch 2 version of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds might only be available via the Game Key-Card format.

This entails a bright red casing that includes a download code instead of the game on a physical cartridge. Although Sega has not officially confirmed or denied this claim, early images of the box art didn’t imply use of the Game Key-Card.

The situation remains uncertain regarding the distribution format of the game on Switch 2. Nintendo’s introduction of the Game Key-Card system aimed to provide a physical case that players could display while managing the limited storage capacities of cartridges.

However, criticisms have emerged regarding Nintendo’s policy that excludes its first-party games from using this format. Comparisons are being drawn between Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and the recently released Mario Kart World, which emphasizes distinct gaming experiences.

While Mario Kart is perceived as more of an action racing game, Sega’s Takashi Iizuka insists that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will focus on pure competitive racing, promising fans a unique experience.

Void Interactive has announced that the upcoming console ports of the tactical first-person shooter Ready or Not will feature some content changes compared to the original PC version. While these alterations are not substantial, the developer has opted to disclose them for transparency. The announcement comes as the game approaches its fourth anniversary of launching into early access on December 17, 2018, with a full release following in December 2020. The console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are slated for release on July 15.

Unlike the SWAT games from Sierra Entertainment, which may not make it to current-gen consoles, Ready or Not aims to bridge that gap. However, the upcoming console releases will not be identical to their PC counterpart. Void Interactive has tailored some of the game’s content to meet certification standards mandated by Sony and Microsoft. Changes include reducing scenes of nudity and torture, as well as modifying portrayals of child mistreatment.

Despite these modifications, a representative from Void Interactive reassured fans that there is no reason to be alarmed. The developer has ensured that only content flagged as strictly required by platform partners has been censored, and these adjustments aim to maintain the game’s overall tone and authenticity. Interestingly, while some changes have been prompted by console standards, certain adjustments will also be mirrored in the PC version. The degree of censorship varies based on feasibility; minor texture edits can easily remain exclusive to consoles, while more significant asset changes will be applied across all platforms for consistency.

The confirmed changes include toned-down visuals of torture, reduced nudity in specific instances, softened depictions of children, and altered textures for evidence to be less explicit, while still retaining clarity. Void Interactive asserts that most of these changes are minor, with the notable exception being the handling of dismemberment, which now occurs only while enemies are alive. This compromise aligns with the game’s foundational principle of discouraging lethal force.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is now available for pre-load on Xbox platforms, creating excitement for its upcoming release on July 11. As players gear up for the launch, new information about the Xbox Series X|S version has been unveiled. This marks nearly five years since the release of the remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, signaling the arrival of these highly anticipated titles. The latest installments, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, are characterized by a range of enhancements, including new skaters, music, gear, and additional content.

Notably, players who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition will have the opportunity to play as the Doom Slayer. While it’s important to mention that the Nintendo Switch 2 version will be a game-key card title, the remaster does not include the original career mode from Pro Skater 4. Nevertheless, it’s shaping up to be one of the must-have games of 2025. Currently, those on Xbox Series X|S who have pre-ordered or are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can download the pre-load file, which is approximately 43.89 GB.

This download will allow for a smooth and quick installation upon the game’s official launch. Although the pre-load isn’t yet accessible on Xbox One, PC, or other platforms, it’s expected to roll out in the coming days. In addition, for players already eager for content, there’s the chance to engage with the new Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Foundry demo. Furthermore, special in-game items can be obtained by ordering from Taco Bell.

Beyond its Xbox offerings, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 will also be available on current and previous generation Nintendo and PlayStation platforms, including the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Fans of Pokemon TCG Pocket are buzzing about a secret mission linked to the recent expansion titled “Eevee Grove.” This expansion invites players to collect some of the game’s rarest cards, rewarding them with in-game currency and bonuses. The mobile trading card game has attracted a diverse audience, especially those enamored by the iconic monster-catching franchise, thanks to its vibrant card artwork featured across numerous sets. The latest expansion, released recently, focuses on the beloved Pokemon Eevee and its multiple evolutions, affectionately known as “Eeveelutions.”

Each Eeveelution is represented with a unique full art variant, while others, like Flareon ex, received special full art cards as well. Notably, the expansion introduces the “immersive art” card, showcasing Eevee in a picturesque scene surrounded by its evolutions in their respective environments. Amid the excitement, a Reddit user, tumboi69, unveiled a special mission associated with the Eevee Grove expansion. Players aiming to complete this mission will need to collect all “rainbow rare” cards, which include Flareon ex, Sylveon ex, Dragonite ex, Snorlax ex, and Primarina ex.

Successfully completing this mission rewards players with 36 Wonder Hourglasses, 12 Pack Hourglasses, and 10 Shop Tickets—great bonuses, especially considering that two-star rarity cards are relatively difficult to obtain. While the announcement sparked mixed reactions, many fans were impressed but also criticized the rewards, feeling they did not quite match the challenge’s difficulty. It’s worth noting that similar missions were also introduced in previous expansions of the game. Looking ahead, Pokemon TCG Pocket fans can anticipate more exciting events, including a “Sneak Peek” campaign at the beginning of July and an “Alcremie Drop Event” on July 2nd.

Furthermore, a new expansion, the “A4 Expansion,” is set to launch on July 30, promising a summer full of content for players to enjoy.