Category: News

A new novel has emerged, drawing significant inspiration from the beloved indie game Stardew Valley and its solo developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone. Launched in 2016, Stardew Valley revolutionized not only the farming simulation genre but also the indie gaming landscape, establishing itself as one of the finest indie games of the modern era.

The game’s influence has extended beyond gaming, prompting recognition in various creative fields. ConcernedApe’s journey began with Stardew Valley as a solo endeavor, where he meticulously crafted every aspect, including the artwork, music, and programming.

The game has garnered widespread acclaim, earning its place as one of the highest-rated titles on Steam. Recently, a nod to this remarkable achievement was noted in the credits of a new novel, showcasing the impact of Stardew Valley on contemporary storytelling.

A Reddit user named ItsaMehMorning shared their exciting find on the Stardew Valley subreddit, highlighting the acknowledgment of ConcernedApe’s work. The novel, titled “As It Was” by Elle Rivers, mentions how the author was inspired to write after immersing themselves in the “small town” environment that Stardew Valley brilliantly portrays.

The credits even encourage readers to experience the game themselves, expressing gratitude towards ConcernedApe for his creation. The success of Stardew Valley has undoubtedly influenced the resurgence of farming sim games, with many indie developers putting their unique spins on the formula.

Titles like Fae Farm and Roots of Pacha showcase innovations within the genre while established companies like Square-Enix and Capcom have also tapped into farming elements. Looking ahead, fans can expect new developments from ConcernedApe, including the potential of a Stardew Valley sequel and the ongoing project, Haunted Chocolatier.

Though the latter may not release until around 2030, the charm of Stardew Valley will likely continue to inspire creators and audiences alike for years to come.

Recent leaks related to the game Marathon have shed light on various improvements being made ahead of its release. These enhancements come in response to significant criticism, especially regarding the game’s art style and other features. Following allegations of art plagiarism, which surfaced when artist Antireal pointed out similarities between their work and the game’s environment, Bungie decided to postpone the game’s launch, originally set for September 23. Though there were indications of a delay before the announcement, the new release date remains uncertain, potentially extending into 2026 for significant reworks.

Despite the setback, an update for Marathon is anticipated this fall, and leaks have provided insights into upgrades that players can expect. Information shared by a Bungie leaker on social media revealed improved outdoor graphics with denser environments and enhanced lighting, addressing some of the visual shortcomings noted in earlier alpha builds. Notably, the graphics now depict blue blood pooling in water after player fatalities, and enemy corpses can linger on the battlefield, a response to feedback about bodies disappearing post-kill. The leak also highlights various gameplay changes.

A revamped Black Market will allow players to exchange higher-tier materials for lower-tier ones, alongside newly designed icons. Additionally, a more legible map legend has been introduced to assist players in tracking anomalies and encounters. The game will feature a new sniper rifle, the “V99 Channel Rifle,” which uses volt cell ammunition and is reminiscent of weapons from Team Fortress 2. Moreover, a new gameplay character known as the Medic Runner will introduce healing mechanics, deploying drones that provide health restoration over time, much like Apex Legends’ Lifeline.

While resurrection times have been extended, many of these features may evolve further as Marathon continues its development journey.

Last Epoch has officially announced the release date for Season 3, with the expected major update set to arrive on August 21. This will be the second seasonal refresh for Last Epoch this year, following the successful launch of Season 2 in April. Developed by Eleventh Hour Games, a US-based indie studio, Last Epoch made waves in the PC gaming community with its significant Steam launch in February 2024. This public release not only marked the end of a lengthy beta period but coincided with the game’s peak popularity, boasting over 264,000 concurrent players.

Since then, the developers have launched Update 1.1 and Season 2, both of which played crucial roles in the game’s ongoing success on Steam, where it currently enjoys “Mostly Positive” reviews from more than 99,000 users. The latest seasonal update proved to be well-received, particularly due to its engaging endgame content and enhanced crafting system. As anticipation builds for Season 3, players are eager to see what new features it will bring. The upcoming season, titled “Beneath Ancient Skies,” seems to embrace a dinosaur theme, as hinted by the teaser trailer released alongside the announcement.

The animated clip features a goat-like hunter armed with a bow, facing off against a dinosaur hidden in the foliage. Fans have expressed their excitement about this Jurassic Park-inspired theme in discussions on Reddit, praising the relatively quick rollout from Season 2 to Season 3. The buzz around Season 3 has been largely positive, which bodes well for Eleventh Hour Games as they aim to replicate the successful numbers from Season 2. Earlier in the year, the Tombs of the Erased update significantly boosted player count, but recent statistics show a decline.

The developers are hopeful that with the release of Season 3, player engagement will rebound. Additionally, potential new players can take advantage of Last Epoch’s discounted price of $27.99 on Steam until July 10, though some have expressed disappointment with the ongoing Steam Summer Sale.

Magic: the Gathering has announced an exciting new crossover with Sega, introducing an exclusive set of Sonic the Hedgehog cards. This announcement marks another bold step in the game’s evolution, as Wizards of the Coast has been focusing on expanding its crossover content through its “Universes Beyond” initiative. After the successful launch of the Final Fantasy set in June, fans of the trading card game can anticipate even more iconic franchises making their way to Magic, with Spider-Man and Avatar: The Last Airbender expansions on the horizon. In 2025, Wizards of the Coast is redefining its approach to crossover sets, making them officially legal in the Standard format alongside regular expansions.

The developers continue to offer new crossovers through unique “Secret Lair” drops, featuring various franchises from Assassin’s Creed to Jurassic World. The latest addition will see some of the gaming world’s most recognizable characters appear in the Magic universe, starting with the highly anticipated Sonic-themed Secret Lair. The upcoming “Edge of Eternities” expansion will also see Magic: the Gathering reprinting some powerful Land cards for the Standard format. As reported by IGN, three brand-new Secret Lair releases featuring Sonic the Hedgehog have been confirmed.

These include entirely new cards as well as Sonic-themed versions of existing Magic cards. The “Turbo Gear” Secret Lair will include reprints such as “Swiftfoot Boots,” reimagined as “Air Shoes,” and “Lightning Greaves,” rebranded as “Power Sneakers.” Fans can expect the first Sonic the Hedgehog Secret Lair to be available starting July 14. With this new crossover and numerous cards that complement its gameplay mechanics, Magic: the Gathering remains vigilant in providing exciting content for players.

Moreover, Wizards of the Coast has announced plans for future expansions, including a glimpse of the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set. The “shock lands” will also return in the “Edge of Eternities” expansion, ensuring that fans have much to look forward to throughout 2025 and into 2026.

Developer Re-Logic has shared some news with fans regarding the long-awaited Terraria update 1.4.5. Unfortunately, there’s still no clear release date in sight.

However, there is a silver lining: the update will include content crossover with the game Palworld. Terraria is a beloved 2D action-adventure sandbox game where players explore procedurally generated worlds, mine resources, craft tools, and build structures, all while battling various enemies and bosses.

Since its launch in 2011, Terraria has undergone significant transformations, thanks to Re-Logic’s dedicated development efforts. The game has achieved remarkable success, selling over 60 million copies and standing out as one of the top-selling indie games.

Players have eagerly awaited update 1.4.5, which promises to introduce a host of new features, including new weapons, quality-of-life improvements, enhanced lighting, and exciting crossovers with other games. In a recent blog post, Re-Logic explained that while they cannot provide a specific release date, the team is diligently working to ensure a quality update.

They mentioned that they do not want to announce a date prematurely and risk disappointments. Re-Logic assured fans that the update would be worth the wait and that they are committed to delivering a polished experience without forcing developers into crunch.

In an exciting announcement, Re-Logic also noted that elements from the monster-taming game Palworld would be incorporated into Terraria 1.4.5. This follows Palworld’s recent crossover event called “Tides of Terraria.” A GIF showcased Pal Digtoise in a Terraria style, hinting at bringing beloved characters into the Terraria universe.

Additionally, on July 1, there will be a new tModLoader update featuring enhancements for mod creators. Despite the delays, Re-Logic remains focused on delivering the update and its accompanying content as soon as possible.

Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, has recently stirred up controversy with his remarks regarding potential post-release discounts for Borderlands 4. As one of the most anticipated game releases of 2025, early previews suggest that Borderlands 4 may meet fans’ expectations. However, Pitchford’s comments about the game’s price have drawn criticism from gamers.

Last month, Pitchford faced backlash when discussing the possibility of Borderlands 4 costing $80, a trend seen in other recent releases like Nintendo’s Mario Kart World and Xbox’s The Outer Worlds 2. When a concerned fan voiced objections, Pitchford suggested that true fans would “find a way to make it happen,” regardless of the price, which led to negative reactions and ultimately an apology from him. Fans were relieved when Gearbox and 2K later confirmed that the price would be set at $70.

The latest gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4 has showcased similarities to Bungie’s Destiny 2, fueling excitement for the upcoming release. However, Pitchford seems to have reignited fan ire by predicting on Twitter that it would take much longer for Borderlands 4 to see significant sales or appear on subscription services compared to its predecessor, Borderlands 3. His statement came after the official Borderlands account announced a remarkable discount on the latter’s game during the Steam Summer Sale.

The timeline for deep discounts on Borderlands 4 will largely depend on its performance; poor critical and commercial reception might lead to quicker sales. Pitchford, recalling Borderlands 3’s mixed reception in 2019, appears hopeful for this new installment. He reminded fans that while he can’t set prices or approve discounts, he is merely offering a prediction about the game’s future.

Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 12 and will be available on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a version for the Nintendo Switch 2 expected later this year. Meanwhile, Borderlands 3 is currently on sale for $2.99 until July 10 as part of the Steam Summer Sale, providing an excellent opportunity for new players to experience the game.

Capcom has recently unveiled new details about their upcoming title, Resident Evil: Requiem, generating excitement among fans of the franchise. This entry promises to bring thrilling gameplay and innovative features that will keep players on the edge of their seats. As the company continues to develop this highly anticipated game, more information is expected to surface in the coming weeks. In other news, the Street Fighter movie has announced new castings that are sure to pique the interest of longtime followers of the series.

The inclusion of fresh faces promises to bring new energy to the iconic characters we all know and love, adding depth to the storytelling. Fans are eager to see how the cast will interpret their roles and whether the film will capture the spirit of the beloved game franchise. Meanwhile, Fortnite has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), resulting in a significant payout. This decision reflects ongoing discussions surrounding fair play and consumer protection within the gaming industry.

Fortnite’s parent company aims to address concerns and improve player experience as they move forward. Lastly, fans of Mario sports games will be delighted to hear that Super Mario Strikers is making its way to the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube collection. This strategic soccer game has been a fan favorite, and its addition to the online service enhances the library for subscribers. Gamers can expect to engage in fast-paced matches filled with fun and competitive gameplay as they revisit this classic title.

Overall, the gaming industry is abuzz with exciting announcements and developments that are sure to keep players engaged and entertained in the months ahead.

Delta Force is set to launch its latest season, titled Break, on July 9 for PC and mobile devices. Following that, the highly anticipated debut for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will take place on August 19. Developer TiMi Studio Group showcased new maps, weapons, operators, and features during a recent livestream, generating excitement among fans.

The Delta Force franchise traces its roots back to 1998, with regular updates until 2009’s Delta Force: Xtreme 2. After a long hiatus, the series was revived by TiMi Studio Group in December 2024 as a free-to-play, team-based tactical shooter. With modern graphics and diverse playable operators, Delta Force quickly gained popularity, achieving a peak of 131,000 concurrent players shortly after its release, and reaching an all-time high of 162,436 on June 21.

The upcoming season introduces several new features, including two new maps, three new weapons, and an assault class operator named Tempest, who boasts enhanced mobility and a unique drill for disarming opponents. In one map, players will infiltrate Tide Prison under the guise of prisoners, adding a new layer of strategy. The update also incorporates swimming and diving mechanics, enhancing tactical gameplay.

Delta Force will not be available on last-generation consoles, yet the move to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S opens the game to a wider audience. The console versions will include access to the Delta Force Black Hawk Down campaign mode from day one. New players will want to quickly earn Weapon XP tokens to gain a competitive edge.

With a rich history spanning 25 years, Delta Force returns with an upgraded arsenal, stunning environments, and diverse gameplay modes. Players will experience a mix of past and future missions, from the classic Delta Force – Black Hawk Down campaign in 1993 to a mission in Ahsarah set in 2035. Players will need to leverage their combat skills, gadgets, and teamwork to succeed in their missions.

Sloclap has recently introduced Hotfix 9 for their soccer game, Rematch, addressing significant exploits and enhancing game stability. Following their success with Sifu in 2022, Sloclap has seen Rematch explode in popularity, gathering a peak of 92,841 players on Steam shortly after its release. While the game has received mixed to positive reviews, criticism surrounding a lack of solo play mode and performance issues hasn’t overshadowed its appealing gameplay.

Hotfix 9, also referred to as Patch 1.20.009, is already available across all platforms. This update primarily tackles two significant exploits: the outfield dive (or Dolphin Dive) and the wall dribbling/climbing mechanic. The outfield dive allowed players to maintain speed by continuously jumping rather than running, which disrupted the intended pace of the game.

Wall climbing, on the other hand, enabled players to essentially “fly” by spamming volley lob taps against walls, preventing any interactions with other players. The patch not only resolves these exploits but also fixes camera jitter during goal replays and enhances overall game stability. Developers closely monitored these mechanics, determining that techniques like the Dolphin Dive compromised the game’s integrity by circumventing stamina limits, while wall climbing contradicted the very essence of a soccer game.

As they aim to preserve the enjoyment and challenge, Sloclap will continue monitoring player feedback and evolving gameplay. In addition, Sloclap has announced the imminent introduction of crossplay, a much-anticipated feature that was initially intended for the game’s launch but delayed due to technical challenges. Looking ahead to 2026, fans can also anticipate a single-player mode, which could provide deeper engagement for players less interested in competitive play.

With these ongoing updates, Rematch is poised to enhance its gaming experience further.

In 2012, negotiations between Mojang and LEGO fell through, resulting in the cancellation of the anticipated Minecraft spin-off titled Brickcraft. This project aimed to blend the familiar block-building mechanics of Minecraft with LEGO’s iconic pieces. Despite the project’s unfortunate discontinuation, a dedicated group of fans has recently uncovered a playable prototype of Brickcraft, reigniting interest in the collaboration that never came to be.

Initially, the discussions between Mojang and LEGO were promising, but diverging visions led to an impasse over brand restrictions that Mojang found unacceptable. As a result, Brickcraft was left in development limbo for years, with fans actively searching for any playable version. In an exciting turn of events, the Omniarchive community website announced on June 26, 2025, that it had discovered a playable build dating back to June 2012.

This version of Brickcraft may represent one of the last iterations created before the project was officially shelved. Despite some technical issues, reports indicate that this prototype includes a functional multiplayer game mode, and eager fans have started creating mods to enhance the gameplay experience. The discovery has sparked enthusiasm within both Minecraft and LEGO communities, as many have expressed their disappointment over the lack of an official video game collaboration between the two giants.

Interestingly, while Brickcraft never saw an official release, the alliance between LEGO and Minecraft still thrives through various popular physical LEGO sets and minifigures. Many fans question why the two brands haven’t revisited the idea of a video game crossover, especially considering the successful collaborations seen with other games like Fortnite. While the future of an official Minecraft LEGO game remains uncertain, players are left to either hope for a renewed partnership or experiment with the newfound prototype.