Category: News

As the reveal of Battlefield 6 approaches, the game’s community is actively discussing the potential options for ambient occlusion on PC. Fans are particularly interested in whether this visual setting can be disabled to improve performance.

Currently, members of the Battlefield Labs program have access to test new features for the upcoming game, providing valuable feedback directly to the developers. Battlefield 6 is being developed by an extensive team at Battlefield Studios, which includes DICE, Criterion, EA Motive, and Ripple Effect.

Through the Battlefield Labs initiative, players can experiment with various in-development elements while adhering to a non-disclosure agreement. Since PC gaming has been central to the Battlefield franchise for two decades, players often seek ways to enhance performance by tweaking settings such as ambient occlusion.

This technique, which simulates the interaction of light and shadow, can be turned off to alleviate some processing requirements, potentially improving frame rates on PC. A recent thread on Reddit sparked debate among fans regarding whether players should have the ability to disable ambient occlusion and grass settings.

One user argued that disabling these features would diminish the game’s visual integrity, suggesting that all players should experience uniform visibility. This opinion divided the community, as many gamers advocate for performance flexibility on lower-end hardware, including budget PCs and laptops.

The conversation around Battlefield 6’s optimization has drawn mixed responses. While some feel that the option to turn off shadows and grass reflects the developers’ lack of attention to graphical diversity across hardware, others simply want more control over their gaming experience.

Notably, the discussion has been locked by moderators due to its escalating nature. The official reveal of Battlefield 6 is set for summer 2025, and as we await this, players hope to gain further insights into features, particularly for the PC version.

Both fans and developers are focused on fine-tuning the game leading up to its expected launch within EA’s fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, as the company aims to deliver exciting new titles, beginning with Battlefield 6.

Recently, leaked footage from the upcoming Battlefield 6 has surfaced, offering a glimpse into the game’s cinematic moments and destructive gameplay within its single-player campaign. Although EA and Battlefield Studios have yet to make an official announcement about the game, it is widely known that it is on the horizon. Since the introduction of the Battlefield Labs program in February 2025, players have been able to test out certain features and content. Participation has increased recently due to a surge of invites, prompting more players to join under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

However, some have chosen to share leaked information and footage despite the restrictions. Dataminer temporyal shared a short clip on Twitter that highlights an impressive moment from the single-player campaign. The leaked footage features a climactic mission set in Tajikistan, where players must destroy a dam while avoiding enemy bomber jets that are actively attacking the area. Although the mission is still a work in progress and lacks sound, the visual effects indicate the thrilling explosions and extensive destruction that Battlefield fans expect.

It is important to note that the leaked footage does not fully represent the final game, as considerable changes may occur before its release. Viewers can spot unfinished elements like greybox geometry and placeholder props, indicating ongoing development. Additionally, datamines suggest that the game will take players to various locations, including the US, Egypt, and Gibraltar. Recent leaks have also hinted at a new battle royale mode akin to Activision’s Call of Duty: Warzone.

This mode is anticipated to feature supply drops and mission-based rewards alongside an “Oversight System” that enables deceased players to assist their teammates by controlling drones, turrets, and cameras. If confirmed, this battle royale could be a key highlight in the forthcoming Battlefield 6 reveal slated for this summer. The game is expected to launch within EA’s current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2026.

Frostrail has recently reached an impressive milestone, garnering 200,000 wishlists on Steam. Publisher Shiro Unlimited announced this achievement, expressing gratitude for the warm reception the game has received even before its release.

Developed by FakeFish, known for their survival horror game Barotrauma, Frostrail is a post-apocalyptic adventure combining elements of shooting, survival, and exploration. Set in a once-powerful empire now engulfed in cold and despair, Frostrail immerses players in a haunting world filled with specters and other eldritch horrors resulting from the Emperor’s pact with the Void.

Players assume the role of Penitent Gardeners who travel aboard an armored train, confronting these creatures and purging the cursed land. The buzz around Frostrail continues to grow as it celebrates this remarkable milestone.

The gameplay trailer, released in April on the game’s Twitter account, gives players an exciting first look at the environment. It showcases stunning snowy landscapes and the exploration of buildings in search of resources.

The trailer also hints at terrifying creatures and a freezing mechanic that compels players to find heat sources. Crafting mechanics appear to allow players to create weapons and improve their armored train.

Frostrail is set to launch in Early Access in 2026, though an exact release date has not been specified. Currently, it will be available on PC, with plans for a potential console release in the future.

The game supports both solo play and cooperative experiences for up to four players, and the developers are exploring small-scale modding options. With a history of success from FakeFish, which boasted a 94% approval rating for Barotrauma on Steam, expectations for Frostrail remain high.

Wuthering Waves has officially introduced Phrolova’s weapon and attributes, generating excitement for her upcoming banner in Version 2.5. In this update, fans can anticipate the release of only one new character, despite several new units expected throughout the game’s 2.0 cycle.

Since its launch in May 2024, Wuthering Waves has added a total of 35 playable characters, with Cartethyia being the latest addition. Following her identity revelation in the Rinascita storyline, Cartethyia quickly became a fan favorite, establishing herself as a top-tier unit within the game.

Recently, Kuro Games confirmed that another beloved character, Phrolova, will finally make her long-awaited appearance. Building Cartethyia effectively focuses on maximizing her critical hit potential and HP to utilize her abilities fully.

Wuthering Waves has been sharing official promotional images of Phrolova via their Twitter account, solidifying her debut as a 5-Star Rectifier unit with a Havoc attribute. For the first time, the illustrations showcase Phrolova without her eye bandages, revealing her striking heterochromia and blood tears while she wields her signature weapon, the Lycoris.

This weapon allows her to summon and control Tacet Discords, with her character description noting her music’s ability to “bridge the gap between life and death.” Phrolova is the first of six characters scheduled for introduction in Version 2.5 and beyond. Despite her role as a main antagonist, Phrolova has gained immense popularity among fans since the early days of Wuthering Waves.

Players initially encountered her in Huanglong, where she single-handedly triggered a Tacet Discord outbreak. She reappears in Rinascita, where her conspiracies with Cristoforo are thwarted by Rover.

Hints in the recent story trailer suggest that players will soon uncover more about her complex history. While many fans have responded positively to Phrolova’s marketing, some expressed disappointment over there being no additional units released alongside her in Version 2.5.

Until Phrolova’s debut, players can still utilize Cartethyia in current banners before her departure on July 3.

Lies of P has achieved an impressive milestone, surpassing three million copies sold nearly two years after its release on PC and consoles. This announcement follows the successful launch of its DLC, Lies of P: Overture, which was unexpectedly released on June 6, 2025. Developed by South Korean studio Neowiz, Lies of P offers a dark twist on the classic story of Pinocchio, drawing considerable attention and sales since its initial debut in 2023. Upon its launch, Lies of P was available as a day-one title on Xbox Game Pass, yet it still managed to sell remarkably well, reaching one million copies within the first month.

The announcement of the Overture expansion in February 2025 was met with great enthusiasm and led to a resurgence of interest in the game, further boosting its sales. The DLC exemplifies the need for a fresh approach to Soulslike expansions, with accessibility at the forefront. The recent update confirms that Lies of P achieved three million sales approximately 21 months post-launch. Despite its initial success, the game’s growth was somewhat tempered by its status as a Game Pass title until March 2025.

Interestingly, while sales figures might suggest lower player numbers, an announcement in March noted that the player base had grown to seven million. The timing of the three-million sales mark, coinciding with the DLC’s release, is no coincidence. Lies of P: Overture significantly enhanced player engagement, leading to a record peak of 30,095 concurrent players on Steam. Attractive discounts on the base game, including a substantial 50% off promotion, likely contributed to its continued success.

As players immerse themselves in the renewed adventures within the world of Krat, Neowiz is actively working on a sequel, confirmed shortly after the first game’s launch. With plans for the sequel aiming for a release in FY2026, anticipation continues to build among fans.

Mojang Studios has recently rolled out the Bedrock version 1.21.92 for Minecraft, a patch that introduces minor fixes following the vibrant Chase the Skies update. Since its initial launch in 2011, Minecraft has secured its place as one of the most beloved games worldwide, offering players an expansive 3D, procedurally generated world. Users are empowered to harness raw materials and crafting tools to construct their dream creations in a unique voxel style.

In June, Mojang Studios partnered with Adidas to unveil a new Minecraft collaboration, launching the Adidas Adventurers Add-On. This exciting venture introduced three new game companions, while Adidas simultaneously released a special clothing line inspired by Minecraft. To sweeten the deal, Mojang made the in-game content accessible to players at no extra cost.

The latest Bedrock update 1.21.92 (also called 1022 on consoles) is a relatively minor patch focused on addressing gameplay and technical issues. It introduces fixes that improve player experience, such as a modification in the projectile tolerance margin and a resolution for split-screen disconnection issues. This patch comes on the heels of the significant Chase the Skies content update, which enriched the game with features like Dried Ghost Blocks and the Player Locator Bar.

Despite some community feedback regarding the Vibrant Visuals update included in the Chase the Skies, with users noting a drop in frame rates, many agreed that the option to toggle this feature mitigated concerns. Moreover, others celebrated the introduction of the Happy Ghasts in Chase the Skies, praising this addition to the game. With the update accessible in both Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Java Edition, players can now explore and build in an exciting new aerial environment.

Overall, the patches and updates continue to evolve Minecraft, enriching the gaming experience and fostering a vibrant community.

Developer TVGS has provided an update regarding the classification rating of its hit game, Schedule 1, in Australia. The team is optimistic that the game will be relisted by the end of July, following its sudden disappearance from the Steam storefront in the country. Earlier this month, Schedule 1 surged in popularity, becoming one of the most-played games on Steam, leaving fans eager to join in on the excitement but disappointed by its withdrawal. The game launched in early access in March, achieving a remarkable peak of nearly 460,000 concurrent players, solidifying its status as one of the standout indie games of the year.

However, the abrupt removal from Steam on May 12 sparked confusion and speculation among fans. Many assumed it had been banned due to its mature themes. TVGS clarified that the game was not banned, but rather awaiting an official age classification from the Australian Classification Board. As it has now been over a month since Schedule 1 was removed, fans are anxious for its return.

Tyler, the game’s sole developer, confirmed during a recent livestream that the classification process is still ongoing. He expressed confidence that Schedule 1 would ultimately receive an 18+ rating and reappear on Steam once the application is submitted and processed, which may take up to 25 working days. In addition to these classification troubles, TVGS has faced potential copyright claims from the publisher of Drug Deal Simulator, Movie Games S.A., alleging that Schedule 1 borrowed elements from their game. Although fans rallied against the accusations, it hasn’t deterred Tyler from consistently enhancing Schedule 1 with bug fixes and new features.

Recently, players voted on the next major update, with the Rival Cartel update emerging as the winner and slated for release by late July.

Donkey Kong Bananza has generated excitement among fans, even before its official release on July 17. As the first major title launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 since its debut on June 5, players can currently enjoy a demo version of the game available at select retail locations.

This allows eager fans a taste of the game, giving them a chance to experience its features before committing to a full purchase. One of the most talked-about aspects of Donkey Kong Bananza is its customization options, which offer a fresh take on the franchise.

Players can now choose from a variety of clothing that will not only change Donkey Kong’s appearance but also provide unique benefits during gameplay. Additionally, the game includes a collectible music feature, allowing players to enjoy tracks like the beloved “DK Rap” as they play.

Participants on Reddit have noted that the demo is accessible through kiosks in certain retail outlets, namely Walmart and Target. However, this in-store demo may only allow for a limited playtime—generally around 10 minutes—depending on the foot traffic at each location.

While some fans are left wondering why Nintendo hasn’t made the demo available for download, various theories suggest that this strategy may have been aimed at boosting retail sales for the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite the unusual decision to restrict demo access, it does align with traditional methods of video game promotion.

For those living near a Walmart or Target, this is an excellent opportunity to get a sneak peek at Donkey Kong’s new look and gameplay enhancements before the game’s launch. Additionally, this summer promises more excitement for Nintendo fans with three upcoming Switch 2 exclusives, including Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, set to release on July 24.

Fans eagerly anticipating Metroid Prime 4: Beyond were recently surprised by a misleading advertisement that claimed the game has already been released. Under development at Retro Studios, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was first revealed by Nintendo during a Nintendo Direct event in 2017, with a scheduled launch in 2025 for both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. The year 2025 is expected to be crucial for Nintendo, marked not only by the introduction of the much-awaited Switch 2 console but also by the release of other major titles such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong: Bananza, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Among these, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has had a particularly eventful development history, having changed hands between developers.

Recently, fans have been buzzing with anticipation for fresh announcements from Nintendo, particularly in light of the erroneous ad that has surfaced. This new installment will bring Samus’ long-standing conflict with Sylux to a climax, though it’s expected that she will face other adversaries as well. The poster spotted at Oxford Circus station in London mistakenly advertised the game as “Out Now.” Shared by a Reddit user named orchestar, the ad has sparked discussions about how this mix-up occurred.

Some theorized that the “Out Now” text was meant to be later replaced with a “Coming Soon” sticker, while others suggested it was merely a result of a minor editing error. A comparison with the Mario Kart World poster indicated that the wording for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looked conspicuously different, hinting it may have been an overlay on text that should have read “2025.” Despite the game not being available yet, this incident has led fans to speculate about its potential release date. With Donkey Kong: Bananza set for a July launch, it’s plausible that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could arrive afterward.

If it launches in August, it would mark a significant milestone, as it would be the third consecutive month since the Switch 2’s debut in which a major first-party Nintendo title would be released. Currently, the Switch 2 is performing exceptionally well as the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever. While third-party titles have struggled, first-party releases like Mario Kart World continue to thrive, suggesting that future software sales for Switch 2 will heavily rely on the performance of titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, potentially driving sales further for Nintendo’s latest console offering.

Palworld’s communication director, Bucky, has recently hinted at an upcoming update called Tides of Terraria, suggesting that its release may happen sooner than players anticipated. While there isn’t an official date announced yet, Bucky’s message aims to excite the fanbase and encourage them to prepare for new content in the game. Since its early access launch in January 2024, Palworld has maintained a solid player base, achieving peak concurrent players of 24,000 to 31,000 on Steam daily, despite a slight decline in popularity over time.

Streamer MightyKeef’s recent engagement on Twitter about his return to the game and the substantial updates since its launch caught Bucky’s attention. In his reply, Bucky expressed that Tides of Terraria would be released “very very very soon,” thereby raising anticipation among fans. Previously, players expected this major update to arrive during the summer of 2025, making Bucky’s comments even more intriguing.

The Tides of Terraria update, first teased in May, promises to incorporate elements from the popular sandbox game Terraria into Palworld. Although specific details remain sparse, players can look forward to new islands, additional Pals, and more content. Palworld has already received two significant updates since its launch: the Sakurajima update in June 2024 and the Feybreak update in December 2024.

Considering the historical release trend, fans speculate Tides of Terraria may surprise them with an earlier launch before the end of June. In Palworld, players can either peacefully coexist with creatures called Pals or confront threats from poachers. Pals can be used for various activities, from combat and breeding to farming and crafting.

Players must navigate a harsh environment filled with danger while making challenging decisions regarding survival and resource management.