Adin Ross has recently criticized what he describes as the laziness of some of Kick’s top creators, arguing that this is a significant factor in the platform’s decision to end major exclusivity deals. He pointed out that many prominent streamers, including BruceDropEmOff, have become less engaged, opting for less original content such as watching movies during their streams and often not using facecams. The streaming landscape has shifted considerably, with Kick emerging as a serious contender against giants like Twitch and YouTube. Initially, Kick attracted attention for its more flexible policies and better revenue-sharing models, which led to high-profile streamers like Amouranth and xQc making the move from Twitch.

However, Ross believes that a decline in the quality of content of some streamers is causing Kick to reassess its strategy regarding lucrative contracts for top talent. Kick has been a source of both intrigue and controversy within the streaming community. On one hand, it is known for appealing benefits for streamers, while on the other, it faces scrutiny over its ties to the gambling platform Stake and various controversies involving its creators. In light of these issues, Ross has voiced his thoughts on the current state of Kick’s exclusivity deals.

He emphasized that several big-name streamers appear to become complacent once they sign with Kick, negatively impacting the platform’s appeal. Ross specifically mentioned BruceDropEmOff’s shift towards less demanding content, clarifying that he holds no personal grievances against him. While Ross’s own status was under scrutiny after he teased a departure from Kick, he recently reaffirmed his commitment to the platform. He has announced future projects, including plans for a 2025 awards show aimed at online creators and a roleplay server for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6, positioning himself as a continuing leader among Kick’s streamers.

A dedicated fan of both Pokémon and My Hero Academia has creatively merged the two beloved franchises in a remarkable series of artwork. This artistic endeavor features characters from My Hero Academia’s U.A. High School, each paired with their unique signature Pokémon. Notably, characters like All Might are illustrated alongside the legendary Zamazenta, while Eraser Head is depicted with Galarian Weezing, showcasing the fusion of these two worlds.

This impressive artwork comes at a time when both franchises are gearing up to release exciting new content. A new Pokémon game is on the horizon, and My Hero Academia is set to premiere its final season of anime, which heightens the anticipation for fans of both series. Pokémon, which has captured the hearts of many since its launch in the 1990s, continues to thrive as a cultural icon, spawning numerous games and a revitalized trading card game that has seen multiple expansions recently. Creative fan tributes to Pokémon have flourished, with enthusiasts not only imagining new evolutions of their favorite creatures but also blending Pokémon with other franchises.

This trend includes various Nintendo properties, such as Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. The latest endeavor highlights a compelling union of Pokémon and My Hero Academia, celebrated through fan art. In a Reddit post by user someguy944, the artist showcases several pairings of U.A. teachers with their corresponding Pokémon.

Not only do fans express admiration for the artwork, but they also contribute alternative ideas. For instance, one user suggested pairing Vileplume with Midnight due to their shared focus on aromas, while others favored Exploud alongside Present Mic. As the second half of 2025 approaches, both Pokémon and My Hero Academia fans have much to look forward to, with new game releases and the anime’s final season highly anticipated. This artwork serves as a fitting homage to the enduring legacy of both franchises.

Infinity Nikki players are receiving free compensation due to issues related to Version 1.5, which launched on April 29. Players experienced significant problems, including difficulties logging in and retrieving rewards.

The compensation package consists of Diamonds and Vital Energy, which are sourced from Monthly Gifts and Weekly Gains, respectively. This situation has caused considerable frustration among the community, leading to a Mostly Negative rating on Steam.

Since its launch in December 2024, Infinity Nikki has generally enjoyed success; however, the Version 1.5 update has sparked controversy. Players have voiced dissatisfaction over increased costume prices and a reduction in in-game currency, among other issues.

This backlash contributed to the drop in the game’s user rating on Steam from Mixed to Mostly Negative, with many players feeling that Infold Games and Papergames have failed to meet community expectations. Nevertheless, it seems that the developers are attempting to acknowledge player feedback with the distribution of these rewards as compensation.

One Reddit user, badash915, reported receiving 90 Diamonds and one Vital Energy without needing to contact customer service, indicating that the compensation is being rolled out automatically to all affected players. Notifications of these rewards are sent directly to players’ in-game mailboxes.

The post from badash915 has sparked hope within the community that the developers are listening to feedback. Many fans are optimistic that with ongoing compensation and fixes, the game can recover from the difficulties experienced with Version 1.5.

Players still have a few weeks to enjoy ongoing events related to this update, as the developers have extended the event durations until June 12, coinciding with the upcoming Version 1.6 release. Additionally, players can expect compensation for maintenance related to the new update once it concludes.

Fans of Helldivers 2 have begun to express their appreciation for the Super Earth Armed Forces (SEAF) troopers, recognizing them as surprisingly effective allies during battles. While the SEAF troops do not always emerge victorious, their involvement contributes significantly to the grand scale of the ongoing galactic conflict.

Some players have even suggested that the role of these troopers be expanded beyond merely defending Super Earth. The recent Heart of Democracy update has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm among Helldivers 2 players.

Launched on May 20 by developer Arrowhead Game Studios, this update marks a significant development in the game, as it brings the war directly to Super Earth, the central planet of Helldivers 2 and the hub of its authoritarian “Managed Democracy.” With the Illuminate faction launching a full-scale invasion, players find themselves battling in urban areas, aiming to repel the enemy forces.

The introduction of SEAF troopers as allies has been met with praise from the community. Players have highlighted instances where these troops demonstrate their capability in combat, such as a shared clip where SEAF troopers save a Helldiver from an attack by a new enemy class called the Flesh Mob.

Despite being less powerful than Helldivers, these NPCs operate independently, engage adversaries, and even handle objectives like enemy outposts, which has earned them some respect among players. However, opinions vary within the community.

While many applaud Arrowhead for creating more useful NPC allies, others contend that SEAF troops often falter in their duties, with accounts of them standing idly by or causing friendly fire incidents due to careless use of grenades and rockets. Some players are advocating for a greater role for the SEAF troops throughout the game, as their presence enhances the overall feel of a broader galactic war.

Monster Train 2 has quickly gained traction in the gaming community, boasting “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam and surpassing the lifetime player count of its predecessor. Players have lauded the enhanced gameplay, with many suggesting it is one of the best roguelites available today.

The sequel introduces new Clans and card types, providing fresh strategies that cater to both returning fans and newcomers alike. Launched on May 21, 2025, Monster Train 2 features a thrilling narrative that follows an alliance of angels and demons as they band together to defeat the Titans that have seized control of Heaven.

As they journey through Hell, Heaven, and the Abyss, they face relentless hordes of enemies. In addition to the heightened gameplay experience, Monster Train 2 also showcases a collaboration with Cult of the Lamb, allowing players to recruit Cultists to bolster their Legions of Hell.

Shortly after its release, Monster Train 2 attained an impressive peak of 17,914 active users, placing it within the top 100 of the Steam Charts. The Steam reviews overwhelmingly suggest that players find it superior to the first installment, citing improved gameplay mechanics and recommending it to fans of the roguelike deckbuilding genre.

Current players of Monster Train will appreciate the new strategies offered by fresh Clans and card types, while newcomers will benefit from comprehensive tutorials that assist them in understanding the battle phases. The game is designed to allow players to explore various strategies that align with their unique play styles.

Looking ahead, after the successful collaborations with Cult of the Lamb and Balatro, there is potential for Monster Train 2 to engage with more indie titles that complement its fantasy theme. A collaboration with Slay the Spire could be particularly fitting, especially with Slay the Spire 2 on the horizon, making it a strategic move for engaging players further.

Major publishers in the gaming industry have raised concerns about the risks associated with the use of AI in game development, citing legal challenges and potential backlash from fans. Despite these apprehensions, the integration of generative AI continues to gain momentum.

Many companies are leveraging this technology to enhance productivity and, in some cases, to replace traditional roles like that of developers and artists. Industry giants such as Take-Two Interactive and Electronic Arts are cautiously adopting AI, recognizing it as a complex risk, especially in light of player resistance to these advancements.

The history of AI in gaming can be traced back to the 1980s, when developers began exploring procedural generation techniques. It wasn’t until the 2010s that these technologies became more advanced and integrated into mainstream game development.

The launch of GPT-2 in 2019 marked a significant milestone for large language models, leading to innovative projects such as AI Dungeon, which highlighted AI’s potential in game design and narrative creation. This progress opened doors for creating various media assets, including illustrations and voiceovers.

In a notable incident, SAG-AFTRA filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games following the introduction of an AI-generated Darth Vader NPC in Fortnite. This reflects the growing discontent among gamers regarding generative AI.

Publishers are not ignoring these sentiments; as highlighted by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Take-Two’s investor reports indicate that AI’s role in reshaping game development comes with reputational risks and ethical implications. Electronic Arts’ disclosures echo these concerns, warning that AI adoption could lead to job displacement and ethical dilemmas.

Yet, the company maintains that the gaming sector stands to benefit significantly from AI. CD Projekt’s joint CEO has also acknowledged the complexities surrounding AI and intellectual property rights, which has influenced their decision to forego generative AI in upcoming projects like The Witcher 4.

Overall, while significant concerns exist, the trend of adopting generative AI in gaming shows no signs of abating, with projections indicating a substantial growth in the market over the coming years.

Players of the recently launched Oblivion Remastered are expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the Fine Steel Claymore, which now appears identical to the regular Steel Claymore. This change has drawn criticism from loyal fans of the original title, as many feel that this design alteration sacrifices the unique elegance that the Fine Steel Claymore once had.

While Oblivion Remastered has proven to be a commercial success, attracting over four million players within days of its release, certain details have frustrated a segment of its dedicated user base. Released just last month, Oblivion Remastered quickly became one of the best-selling games of 2025, second only to Monster Hunter Wilds and Assassin’s Creed Shadows in the United States.

The game incorporates elements like Daedric Shrines leading to Daedric Artifacts, which offer powerful gear with distinct enchantments. However, players like Majestic_Address_373 have pointed out that the redesign of the Fine Steel Claymore diminishes the weapon’s appeal.

Their Reddit post garnered substantial support from the community, receiving over 2,300 upvotes. Additionally, some gamers have raised concerns about the overall effectiveness of claymores, arguing that their capabilities do not measure up to other weapons like daggers or shortswords.

Despite these grievances, the overall sentiment toward Oblivion Remastered appears to be predominantly positive. Nevertheless, issues such as the lack of subcategories in the Item menu and inaccessible local maps have also emerged as points of contention among players.

In response, Bethesda and Virtuos seem eager to address feedback, as evidenced by their request for suggestions on improving the game via its Discord channel. As the community awaits further updates, it remains to be seen how the developers will respond to these ongoing concerns.

Epic Games Store is currently providing users with three free games. On the PC platform, players can enjoy “Deadtime Defenders” and “Touch Type Tale,” while mobile users can claim “MR Racer: Premium.”

This offers a compelling opportunity for gamers to expand their libraries without any cost. Notably, every Thursday at 10 am CT, the Epic Games Store refreshes its lineup of free games, adding new titles and removing the old ones.

For PC gamers, the selection typically gets announced in advance, allowing players to anticipate what’s coming next. However, the only exception to this routine is during special promotions, such as the mystery game offerings.

In contrast, mobile users do not receive upfront notifications about their free games and must wait until new titles become available each week. Currently, the Epic Games Store offers “Deadtime Defenders,” which is a side-scrolling looter-shooter game, and “Touch Type Tale,” which combines strategic gameplay with typing challenges.

Both PC titles can be claimed until May 15. Meanwhile, mobile gamers can enjoy “MR Racer: Premium,” a racing game free of ads, which also includes the Fancy Pack and 5 million game cash.

Epic Games Store is making significant strides in the mobile realm. Alongside its free game initiative, it is working toward bringing “Fortnite” back to the Google and Apple app stores.

Recently, “Fortnite” was submitted to Apple for review, suggesting a potential return to iOS devices soon. Looking ahead for PC games, users should watch for the upcoming free offerings on May 15, when two new mystery games will be made available.

Gamers are encouraged to check back with the Epic Games Store to discover what surprises await them.

Mario Kart World is set to be released in just a few weeks, but the gaming community is also focused on the anticipated delays of Grand Theft Auto 6, now slated for 2026. Even with this postponement, former Rockstar animator Mike York has not shied away from sharing his insights on both titles. Having contributed to the development of Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, York recently analyzed the second trailer for GTA 6 on his YouTube channel and provided some candid opinions.

York expressed admiration for GTA 6’s impressive level of detail, specifically highlighting its exceptional lighting. He suggested that this commitment to visual fidelity might be one of the reasons the game’s release has been pushed back to May 2026. In his discussion, he drew a contrast between the scale and complexity of GTA 6 and the upcoming Mario Kart World, underlining that the two games serve very different experiences.

He remarked, “You’ve got Mario Kart for $90 – you think Mario Kart competes with a game like this as far as how much stuff they’ve got to put into a game?”

His comments have sparked conversations among fans regarding the different approaches and scopes of these two franchises. While Mario Kart World aims for accessible entertainment with its simplicity and fun, York contends that GTA 6 represents a profound leap in gaming complexity and narrative depth. As the release dates approach, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how both titles perform and what they bring to the gaming landscape.

Twitch has recently introduced a new feature called Treasure Train, aimed at providing users with discounts on Tier 1 gift subscription bundles. This feature, which offers a 35% discount on bundles of five or more subscriptions, is designed to enhance the gifting experience for users. However, it’s important to note that Treasure Trains cannot be combined with other offers.

Launched on May 8, the Treasure Train is an experimental feature that begins providing discounts only after reaching Level 5. Twitch is actively seeking feedback from both creators and users regarding this new functionality. Alongside the Treasure Train launch, Twitch announced another significant change scheduled for May 19, where it will delete older Highlights or Uploads from channels surpassing a 100-hour content limit.

This policy will not affect Recent Broadcasts (VODs) or Clips, and creators wishing to preserve their Highlights or Uploads can download them before the deadline. In addition to the Treasure Train, a new variation of the Hype Train event will occasionally replace the standard model at least once per hour. Creators can choose to opt out of the Treasure Train feature through the Creator Dashboard.

The Treasure Train discount specifically applies to bundled purchases of Tier 1 subscriptions, with individual subscriptions priced at $5.99 each. With the applied 35% discount, the total price for five subscriptions, initially $29.95, can drop to around $19.46. However, users should remember that these discounts cannot be combined with other promotions.

As Twitch continues to work toward enabling all content creators to benefit from Subscriptions and Bits, it remains uncertain how widely the Treasure Train will be adopted. Twitch encourages ongoing feedback during the rollout to refine this new addition. With features like Treasure Train and the Diablo 4 Twitch Drops campaign, users have more avenues to support their favorite creators.