Category: News

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has stirred discussion within the gaming community following the announcement of the removal of a controversial Guitar Hero Easter egg. Released in July, this remake celebrates the return of the beloved skateboarding franchise, developed by Iron Galaxy. The game reimagines the third and fourth installments for modern platforms and allows players to skate with up to eight friends while revisiting classic locations, pulling off incredible combos, and enjoying the expanded Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes. Among its various Easter eggs, the game features characters such as Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem as unlockable skaters.

However, one particular Easter egg referencing Guitar Hero, found in a trash can within the Waterpark level, has attracted controversy. This level, unlocked by completing objectives from THPS 4 Skate Tour, is one of three new levels featured in the remake, alongside Movie Studio and Pinball. The Waterpark is especially designed for combo enthusiasts, offering a mix of ramps and rides ideal for executing tricks. Iron Galaxy announced the decision to remove the Guitar Hero reference on their official Reddit account, acknowledging the community’s response to the discovery.

The developers expressed their respect for fellow game creators and indicated they would investigate how the Easter egg came to be included in the game. This isn’t the first time the remake has faced scrutiny over game references; an earlier Easter egg involving Bikini Bottom raised eyebrows when it was revealed that access was limited to Deluxe Edition purchasers. As the game’s updates continue, players await the resolution of these controversies.

John Wick Hex, the only official game based on the popular John Wick franchise, will be removed from sale across all storefronts starting July 17, 2025. This announcement comes from its publisher, Big Fan Games.

Developed by the independent British studio Bithell Games, John Wick Hex is a real-time tactical role-playing game that immerses players in the universe of the films. Initially released for PC and macOS in October 2019, it later expanded to consoles such as PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2020.

In the game, players embody the titular character, John Wick, as they attempt to rescue Winston and Charon from a villain named Hex, voiced by Troy Baker. Notably, actors Ian McShane and Lance Reddick reprise their film roles, adding authenticity to the experience.

Despite being the only official game associated with the franchise, Big Fan Games has announced that it will no longer be available for purchase after the delisting date. However, players who already own John Wick Hex will still have access to it via their digital libraries on PC or console, and physical copies will remain operational.

The publisher did not provide specific reasons for the game’s removal from storefronts, and while it hasn’t reached the popularity of the films, its distinct comic book-inspired art style and engaging storyline have garnered praise, even if some fans critique its action gameplay. Before the delisting, fans can still purchase John Wick Hex for $19.99 on various platforms, including the PlayStation Store and Steam.

Meanwhile, the game has served as a prequel to the films for years, although an upcoming animated film, produced by Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski, will explore Wick’s notorious “impossible task.” Although the game’s removal may disappoint some fans, Lionsgate has confirmed that a new AAA John Wick game is in development, promising more adventures in this thrilling universe in the future.

iCEnhancer, a popular visual modification for Grand Theft Auto 4, has received its first major update in nearly 11 years with the release of version 4.0. Created by Hayssam Keilany, this mod is renowned for substantially enhancing the game’s visual quality, including improvements in lighting, sharper reflections, and overall aesthetics. Originally released in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 is celebrated for its immersive storytelling and detailed open world, making it a standout title in the franchise.

The iCEnhancer mod made its debut in 2011, delivering a significant upgrade that brought more realistic lighting, refined textures, and an uplifting atmosphere to Liberty City. However, after the launch of version 3.0 in 2014, Keilany experienced burnout stemming from challenges within the modding community, resulting in the project being halted indefinitely. Four years later, in 2019, he announced his return to the project.

Although initial progress was gradual, the long-awaited version 4.0 was finally launched on July 14, delivering the most substantial update in over a decade. This new version boasts groundbreaking features such as physically-based lighting, enhanced shaders, and significant improvements in fog and cloud rendering that influence the lighting engine. Additionally, it addresses performance optimizations, introduces more realistic skies, and updates glass textures, along with enhanced compatibility with Windows 11.

Keilany has described this release as the most stable and optimized iteration of iCEnhancer yet. The update has generated a positive reception among players, with many expressing gratitude for the effort put into the revival. While discussions about a potential remaster or port of GTA 4 for modern consoles persist, fans remain enthusiastic, especially with the upcoming GTA 6 generating considerable buzz.

Notably, industry speculation points to an important announcement from Take-Two Interactive on August 7 regarding future developments in the series.

Daniel Knight, the creator of the highly praised psychological horror game Phasmophobia, has revealed that a quest in CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 significantly reignited his drive to develop the game, which had nearly been abandoned. Since its launch in 2020, Phasmophobia has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, establishing itself as one of the most successful horror games ever made.

Since its debut, Knight’s co-op horror game has remained in early access, consistently receiving support and updates from developer Kinetic Games. The most recent major update, titled Chronicle, was released in June and involved extensive reworking of several core mechanics.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Knight discussed how a specific side quest in The Witcher 3, called “Devil by the Well,” served as a crucial source of inspiration for him. Knight explained that experiencing this ghost-hunting tutorial quest helped refine the concept of ghost-types and improved the central gameplay loop of Phasmophobia.

At one point, he almost abandoned the project, unsure of its future as a solo developer. However, the motivation he gained from this particular quest encouraged him to resume his efforts in creating the ghost-hunting game he envisioned.

The Devil by the Well quest serves as an introductory contract in The Witcher 3, emphasizing the use of Geralt’s Witcher senses and the Yrden sign. In this quest, players must uncover the nature of a phantom haunting a well in an abandoned village.

By piecing together clues, Geralt identifies the creature as a noonwraith, which allows him to devise a strategy to exorcise it. This investigative aspect of the quest inspired Knight to incorporate similar elements into Phasmophobia.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate more paranormal adventures with friends in Phasmophobia’s upcoming Horror 2.0 release, scheduled for 2026. Knight has indicated that this update will bring significant changes, although details have been kept under wraps to maintain an element of surprise.

The recent update for Ready or Not, titled Los Suenos Stories, has introduced new missions, weapons, and various improvements, while also aligning the PC version with the newly launched console edition. This update has sparked controversy among players, as it includes censorship changes that some in the community have reacted negatively to.

In recent weeks, VOID Interactive, the developer of Ready or Not, has faced significant backlash. Following the announcement of these censorship plans in anticipation of the console edition release, the game experienced a surge of negative reviews on Steam.

Its current rating of “Mostly Negative” reflects a notable level of discontent among players. Despite opposition from certain segments of the PC community, VOID Interactive has proceeded with implementing censorship in the Los Suenos Stories update.

However, this update encompasses more than just adjustments to tone and gore. It enhances the AI for both enemies and companions, making the game feel smarter and more responsive.

Moreover, players can now explore two new missions, “Stolen Valor” and “Hunger Strike,” along with four new weapons and an updated difficulty system. The changes brought by the update hint at a mix of excitement and controversy within the player base.

The addition of new animations, including various SWAT restraining moves and updates to door-kicking and chemlight deployment animations, is also designed to enhance the overall first-person shooter experience. Importantly, VOID Interactive reassures both PC and console gamers that while censorship has been introduced, the game’s core elements of gore and realism remain largely untouched.

With the update now live, opinions seem divided regarding its impact. In the coming days, it will be intriguing to see if the censorship will overshadow the numerous improvements or if players will adapt positively to the changes.

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.