Recently, the BBC committed a notable blunder during a morning TV segment, which did not escape the notice of Nintendo fans across social media platforms. On air, UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) CEO Nick Poole, alongside BBC hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, showcased a selection of classic gaming consoles, including the ZX81, Nintendo Wii, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), while discussing the rise of retro gaming in the UK. The increasing popularity of retro systems, such as the Super Nintendo, has been attributed to nostalgic feelings and community connections these consoles foster. According to UKIE, these older systems have a growing influence on physical game sales and gaming culture events.

The segment also touched on how social media influencers and adaptations like “The Last of Us” and “Fallout” are bridging the gap between video games and mainstream media. However, the segment gained attention for the wrong reasons. The SNES displayed had an NES game cartridge for “Super Mario Bros.” wedged into its slot—an impossible feat without forcing the cartridge in, as the SNES lacks backward compatibility for NES games. This oversight led to a flurry of reactions on social media, with one user joking about a hypothetical inclusion of a GameCube controller, while others humorously “reported a crime” regarding the cartridge mix-up.

UKIE later clarified that the setup was managed by the BBC studio team, ensuring that Nick Poole was not responsible for the error. They stated, “Unfortunately, we couldn’t adjust it whilst on air.” Despite UKIE’s distancing, the incident highlighted a broader misunderstanding of gaming culture among the general public. Nintendo, a prominent Japanese video game company, is celebrated for its innovative consoles and beloved franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon.

The Elden Ring Nightreign mod has introduced an exciting feature that allows players to randomize their gameplay in various ways, greatly appealing to seasoned gamers seeking new experiences. Launched on May 30, 2025, Elden Ring Nightreign quickly garnered attention, selling over 3.5 million copies within just a week. As a multiplayer roguelike extension of FromSoftware’s renowned Elden Ring, the game emphasizes cooperative mechanics, and its popularity has sparked a wave of creative modding. One noteworthy mod, created by the modder known as thefifthmatt, is called the “Nightreign Randomizer and Derandomizer.”

This mod, available on Nexus Mods, provides players with three preset options for randomizing their runs. These include a standard mode reminiscent of traditional Elden Ring Nightreign, a variation that randomizes item rewards and features, and an “extra random” mode. Although players may not notice significant differences immediately due to the base game’s procedurally generated environment, variations in Night Bosses should stand out more clearly. Future updates are planned to enhance customization further, and the mod also includes a derandomizer for those who prefer a more structured adventure.

Additionally, this randomizer mod is compatible with the popular “Seamless Co-op” mod, which enables two-player cooperative gameplay. While the mod community for Elden Ring Nightreign is still developing, some intriguing projects have emerged, including a mod designed to make solo play more accessible, addressing player concerns about solo run difficulties. Looking ahead, there is hope that FromSoftware will continue to enrich Elden Ring Nightreign with new features. One particularly exciting addition has been the Everdark Sovereigns, formidable variants of the game’s Nightlords that rotate weekly, providing ongoing challenges for players.

Elden Ring Nightreign offers a unique adventure within the Elden Ring universe, allowing players to team up with others to conquer foes and explore an ever-changing landscape.

Former Bethesda developer Kurt Kuhlmann recently shared his insights about working on the Elder Scrolls series, particularly focusing on the development of Oblivion. He highlighted that the original concept for Oblivion’s setting, Cyrodiil, was much “weirder” than what players ultimately experienced.

As the “lore master” of The Elder Scrolls, Kuhlmann had a distinct vision for the world that may diverge from the final product, bringing both positives and negatives to the table. The previous installment, Morrowind, was celebrated for its mix of “psychedelic” and surreal elements, making it stand apart from the more traditional fantasy landscapes of Oblivion and Skyrim.

This evolution in style disappointed some fans who initially encountered Cyrodiil through the Pocket Guide to the Empire and were hoping for a continuation of Morrowind’s unique vibe. As Bethesda develops new titles like Starfield and the remaster of Oblivion, many believe it’s time to revamp their approach for the long-awaited Elder Scrolls 6.

Kuhlmann discussed his time at Bethesda in an interview with Kiwi Talkz, reflecting on his contributions to Daggerfall and Morrowind before returning to Oblivion. By the time he rejoined the team in 2003, much of Cyrodiil had already been established, leaving him surprised by its relatively conventional appearance compared to earlier ideas influenced by media such as Dune and Dark Crystal.

He expressed a desire to incorporate more bizarre elements into the game. The reasons behind Oblivion’s less eccentric design include the impact of the popular Lord of the Rings films and the creative direction of Todd Howard, who tends to shy away from the strange.

While Skyrim also maintained a more grounded aesthetic, it ventured into darker themes. Kuhlmann, who worked on the “weirdest” expansion, Shivering Isles, acknowledged that he has no role in the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 after leaving Bethesda in 2023, stating that he is just as eager as fans to see the new direction the series will take.

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.