Category: News

Recent leaks from Genshin Impact have revealed that a new location is set to be added to Natlan in an upcoming patch. This addition is expected to coincide with the game’s imminent release of the highly anticipated new region, Nod-Krai. With just over a month left before Nod-Krai launches, HoYoverse has been actively building excitement among fans.

The introduction of new playable characters, such as Skirk in Version 5.7 and Ineffa in Version 5.8, has provided major clues about what players can expect from this new area. The next region is anticipated to be a crucial part of the ongoing narrative within Genshin Impact, leading up to a significant climax in the game’s story. Nod-Krai will be the first region players can explore in Snezhnaya, located near Natlan.

HoYoverse has hinted that various factions will play significant roles in the storyline here, including the Knights of Favonius and the Fatui. Recently, a leak suggested how players might reach Nod-Krai, adding to the intrigue surrounding this new location. Another leak from well-known Genshin Impact leaker Miruko indicates that a new pier and port will be introduced to the Natlan region, likely arriving in either Version 5.8 or 6.0.

This port will reportedly feature a boat from Nod-Krai, hinting at the potential travel routes to the new region. The Version 5.8 update is set to launch on July 30, with Version 6.0 following on September 10. As summer unfolds, Genshin Impact fans can expect exciting content from HoYoverse.

Version 5.8 is likely to introduce this year’s seasonal summer event. Additionally, a Special Program livestream for Version 6.0 is anticipated on August 20, where fans will receive full details about the launch of Nod-Krai. Excitement is building, and players won’t have to wait much longer for news about the next phase of their Genshin adventure.

A group of European publishers is expressing concern over the “Stop Killing Games” movement, which aims to challenge the current trend of live-service gaming. Publishers warn that if the initiative gains traction, it could jeopardize certain developers and their financial viability. With the shift towards digital-only and live-service games, the issue of game preservation has become critical. Many players fear that online-only titles, like Ubisoft’s The Crew, could be lost forever once their servers are shut down.

The “Stop Killing Games” movement has recently gained momentum, thanks in part to popular gaming YouTuber Ross Scott, who spearheaded the campaign. It has rapidly attracted over a million signatures from fans anxious about the future of gaming. The initiative intends to bring its message to either the UK’s Parliament or the European Commission once it amasses sufficient support. In response, the European publisher group Video Games Europe has voiced its opposition to the movement.

In an official statement, the group conveyed that the cancellation of live-service games is often necessary for studios, particularly from a financial perspective. They emphasized the importance of user data privacy and the challenges posed by potential illegal content on private servers, suggesting that the movement would lead to higher costs for developing live-service games. The ongoing conversation around live-service gaming reflects a broader trend in the industry, where many successful titles have adopted this model. However, as online modes become integral to modern gaming experiences, they often face premature closures, contributing to the urgency surrounding game preservation.

Developers are increasingly working to make classic titles accessible, with initiatives like Capcom Fighting Collection 2 and Nintendo’s “Switch Online” service exemplifying efforts to keep older games alive. The debate over the preservation of games is expected to remain significant as fans advocate against the potential loss of increasingly digital gaming experiences.

In July 2025, Red Dead Online received a surprising update, marking the first significant content addition in several years. This unexpected release took many fans by surprise and led to speculation regarding Rockstar’s future plans for both Red Dead Redemption 2 and its online counterpart. Following its 2018 launch, Rockstar consistently supported the live-service game with regular updates until July 2022, when they announced a slowdown in development to focus on Grand Theft Auto 6. Fast forward three years, and players witnessed what Rockstar considers a “major” update: the introduction of the “Strange Tales of the West” patch.

This update features four new Telegram missions and a new event with limited-time challenges and rewards, all available at no cost to players. Among the new missions, one stands out— “Strange Tales of the Plague”—which plunges players into a zombie-infested rendition of Armadillo, evoking memories of Red Dead Redemption’s acclaimed Undead Nightmare expansion. The addition of zombie-themed content has stirred excitement on social media, prompting some fans to call for a Red Dead Redemption 2 version of Undead Nightmare. However, such a development seems unlikely six years post-launch.

Nevertheless, the success of the latest update hints at more content on the horizon for Red Dead Online, especially as promotional materials referred to it as “Strange Tales of the West Volume 1.” While players eagerly await news about Volume 2, Rockstar’s renewed commitment to Red Dead Online is puzzling, especially as the studio is reportedly focused on GTA 6. Some speculate that the new content may also be linked to a potential next-gen patch for both Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online, which is rumored to be in development for a late 2025 release.

On July 6, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet announced the arrival of a new Seven-Star Tera Raid boss: Kommo-o the Unrivaled. This formidable creature will grace Tera Raid dens across Paldea starting in mid-July, giving trainers two opportunities to challenge and potentially capture it during the month. Kommo-o, known as the Scaly Pokémon, boasts a rich history as the pseudo-legendary creature from Pokémon Sun and Moon. It evolves from Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o, classified as a dual-type Dragon and Fighting Pokémon.

The scales on its arms, tail, and neck produce loud sounds that can intimidate lesser Pokémon. In battles, Kommo-o excels as a mixed attacker with robust physical defenses, featuring powerful moves such as Clanging Scales, Aura Sphere, and Earthquake. Trainers can obtain Kommo-o in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet by capturing a Jangmo-o in Kitakami and evolving it. Following the Electric-type Mass Outbreak event, trainers will have another chance to enhance their collections with this impressive creature.

Kommo-o the Unrivaled will appear from July 10 at 8:00 PM Eastern until July 13 at 7:59 PM Eastern. Those unable to partake in the first window will have a second chance from July 17 to 20, during the same hours. With its Tera type being Fighting, trainers who can successfully defeat Kommo-o will earn the esteemed Mightiest Mark. To effectively battle Kommo-o, players should consider strategies that exploit its weaknesses, particularly to Fairy and Flying-type moves.

Utilizing Pokémon such as Flutter Mane, Sylveon, and Galarian Weezing could prove advantageous. Additionally, removing Kommo-o’s abilities with moves like Skill Swap and countering its buffs will be essential for trainers looking to conquer this powerful opponent.

Popular YouTuber Ludwig is set to host a tournament centered around the newly-released game, Umamusume: Pretty Derby. He is collaborating with fellow content creator Northernlion to organize this exciting event.

Throughout his career as a YouTuber and Twitch streamer, Ludwig has consistently pursued large-scale events that involve various creators. His ambitious nature even led him to co-own a professional League of Legends team alongside another streamer, Cr1tikal.

Now, he is shifting his focus toward Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a unique gacha game featuring anthropomorphized Japanese racehorses, has become a sensation since its global release in late June.

Several prominent content creators have joined the fold, captivated by its unusual concept. Both Ludwig and Northernlion have dedicated significant time streaming the game since its launch, immersing themselves in its distinctive gameplay.

With plans for a major tournament under consideration, Ludwig is excited about the possibilities that this game offers. Recently, Ludwig teased this tournament on his Twitter account, showcasing his discussions with Northernlion about setting a date and time.

The tournament is planned for Tuesday, July 8, from 10 AM to 2 PM PST, and Northernlion is expected to take part. In a lighthearted manner, Ludwig made a special request to use the popular character Gold Ship during the competition.

While specifics about the tournament’s format remain scarce, it is likely to resemble a major streaming event involving other well-known creators, rather than an open tournament. Fans have raised questions about the fairness of the format, noting that experienced players may have an edge over newcomers.

Regardless, Ludwig’s plans symbolize the game’s soaring popularity, which has already established a strong following in Japan and is thriving on both mobile and PC platforms globally. His upcoming tournament promises to further elevate Umamusume: Pretty Derby’s visibility and success.

Shiny Shoe has unveiled an exciting content roadmap for Monster Train 2, which includes free updates and a significant expansion in the works. The sequel to the popular indie deckbuilder was first announced in February, allowing PC players to access a free demo on Steam. Soon after, an official release date for the game was set for May 21, with availability on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S. The announcement featured a trailer showcasing the game’s primary adversaries, the Titans, who players must defeat to prevent them from dominating Heaven.

Given the original Monster Train’s popularity with roguelike enthusiasts and its positive reviews, expectations for the sequel have been high. This guide also provides details on unlocking various clans in Monster Train 2, such as Hellhorned, Awoken, Stygian Guard, Umbra, and Melting Remnant. Since its launch, Monster Train 2 has seen impressive engagement, recently surpassing 500,000 players. To maintain this momentum, Shiny Shoe has laid out a roadmap, beginning with the first update, Lost Arsenal, slated for Q3 2025.

This free update will introduce new cards for all clans, clanless equipment, room cards, and rebalanced legacy cards, all designed to enhance strategy and gameplay. The second update is anticipated in Q4 2025, promising new Void-based challenges, tougher bosses, fresh gameplay mutators, strategic artifacts, and added cosmetics. The most significant update is set for Q1 2026, featuring a mix of free and paid content, including a new game mode and an entirely new clan. Each update will also address bug fixes, balance changes, and localization improvements based on player feedback.

Monster Train 2’s roadmap highlights a bright future, continuing to build on its already impressive reception, which currently boasts nearly 96% positive reviews on Steam and an active player count exceeding the original game’s peak. It has also engaged in collaborations, such as the recent partnership announced with Balatro.

A new mod for The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, titled Echoes of Oblivion, brings an exciting twist by incorporating radiant NPC dialogues from Oblivion. Since its launch in 2011, Skyrim has thrived thanks to a passionate community of modders, continually enhancing the game’s experience. As one of the most extensively modded games, Skyrim boasts over 100,000 mods with downloads exceeding 3 billion times, showcasing its popularity among independent creators. Echoes of Oblivion, developed by modder JobiWanUK, enhances the game’s interaction by adding 4,500 unique NPC dialogues that are influenced by variables such as weather, location, race, and current quests.

This mod features ten recognizable characters from Oblivion, with one appearing as a hidden Easter egg. Players can expect a variety of conversations, including comments on weather, quips during combat, and humorous remarks about encounters with in-game creatures like Mudcrabs. The mod draws inspiration from Oblivion’s iconic dialogues, known for their humor and memorable lines. With such a vast dialogue pool, players will experience a fresh exchange each time they listen in on conversations.

An adjustable frequency feature allows players to control how often dialogues occur, catering to those who prefer subtler interactions. Since its launch, Echoes of Oblivion has gained considerable traction, with over 3,000 downloads and positive endorsements from the user community. The creator also took care to reflect NPC relationships and update dialogue details to fit seamlessly within Skyrim’s context. Following the success of Oblivion Remastered, this mod exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between the two games’ fanbases, with upcoming projects like Skyblivion promising to merge the best aspects of both worlds for players to enjoy.

Jason “Thor” Hall, a Twitch streamer and former developer at Blizzard Entertainment, has vocally opposed the Stop Killing Games (SKG) movement since its inception in 2024. His stance is puzzling to many gamers, especially given his long-standing passion for the video game industry. Thor has expressed his thoughts through various YouTube videos, livestream discussions, and Twitter posts, but his reasoning has sparked confusion among fans who expect him to support a cause aimed at preserving beloved games. The SKG initiative, spearheaded by Ross Scott, seeks to introduce consumer protection laws in the EU that would prevent developers from arbitrarily shutting down games.

While the goal seems straightforward, it has attracted criticism from Pirate Software, which argues that such measures could harm developers. This resistance has led to significant backlash against Thor, who has faced swatting incidents and numerous threats as a result of his outspoken views. Many are eager to understand why his opposition to the SKG movement has elicited such intense reactions. Pirate Software’s main objections to the SKG petition include its perceived impractical nature for various games, the potential discouragement of live-service development, and the vague phrasing that seems to demand all games remain playable.

Thor has shared concerns that the proposed legislation could lead to government overreach, citing legal contradictions in the initiative. The hostility directed toward Pirate Software has intensified due to Thor’s comments, which some have deemed anti-consumer. His assertion that the shutdown of live-service games is acceptable has added to the frustration within the gaming community, especially amidst ongoing issues like digital rights management (DRM). Notable content creators such as Asmongold and penguinz0 have criticized Thor for misunderstanding the movement, arguing that it focuses on encouraging developers to provide end-of-life plans for games rather than shutting them down completely.

The ongoing discourse between Scott and Pirate Software indicates a deep divide, leaving the future of the petition uncertain.

On July 1, a new patch for Monster Hunter Wilds, designated as Update Version 1.020.01.00, was released. Capcom had introduced this latest installment of the beloved Monster Hunter series earlier this year, earning accolades for its expansive world, diverse array of monsters, and upgraded systems. Despite its initial success, the PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds faced significant performance issues, resulting in rising dissatisfaction among players and an “Overwhelming Negative” rating on Steam. Just days before the hotfix, Title Update 2 aimed to tackle the most pressing performance problems affecting the PC version.

After its launch, there was a noticeable improvement in the game, helping to regain some of the goodwill that Capcom had previously lost. However, large patches like Title Update 2 often bring about new challenges, necessitating quick follow-up fixes to address any additional complications that arise. The patch notes for Update Version 1.020.01.00, announced on the official Monster Hunter Wilds website, confirm that this update focuses exclusively on resolving bugs that emerged after Title Update 2. Noteworthy fixes include addressing lower-than-expected rewards for the new monsters, Lagiacrus and Seregios, improving frame rates when equipping specific ranged weapons, and eliminating crashes related to the Appearance Menu—a point of concern for the community.

Although Update Version 1.020.01.00 may not introduce substantial gameplay changes, it demonstrates Capcom’s commitment to responsive development and community feedback. Players are encouraged to restart their game instances to access the latest updates, while online multiplayer options remain unavailable until the game is fully updated. Overall, the reception of Title Update 2 has been favorable. Many players, especially on PC, have reported enhanced game stability, particularly within towns.

While some improvements are still desired, the overall sentiment towards Capcom and the Monster Hunter franchise is becoming increasingly positive.

A recent report has revealed that People Can Fly, the Polish developer behind Outriders, was working on a sequel, tentatively named Project Gemini. Unfortunately, the studio was forced to cancel this project along with another title during significant layoffs.

The news comes after the studio had to scrap several in-development ventures, indicating a tough period for People Can Fly. Outriders was launched in 2021 as a co-op looter shooter that mixed fast-paced gunplay with RPG elements.

It garnered impressive engagement initially, attracting 3.5 million players in its first month. However, it faced backlash due to technical issues at launch, a limited endgame loop, and inconsistent live-service support.

This led many to label it one of the most disappointing games of 2021 despite having a dedicated fanbase that hoped for improvements in a potential sequel. According to a report by Thumb Wars, Project Gemini was reportedly close to completion before its cancellation, a decision attributed to a lack of communication from its publisher, believed to be Square Enix.

This situation leaves fans wondering what prompted such a sudden change, especially since the game seemed to be advancing well. In addition to Project Gemini, the studio also canceled another project known as Project Bifrost, which purportedly aimed to be a live-service game based on a new intellectual property.

However, insiders revealed that Project Bifrost lacked originality and met with little excitement within the studio, making its cancellation not particularly shocking. Overall, the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the Outriders sequel raise intriguing questions about the expectations on franchises in this evolving gaming landscape.

Fans and industry observers alike are left speculating on the future of People Can Fly and the Outriders franchise.