In the latest update to the FAQ for Mafia: The Old Country, developers have clarified an important aspect of the game’s structure. Contrary to what some fans may have anticipated, the game will not be an open-world experience. Instead, the emphasis will be on delivering a narrative-driven experience that focuses on storytelling and character development.

This shift in direction marks a significant change from previous entries in the franchise, which often featured expansive environments for players to explore. By honing in on a more guided narrative, The Old Country aims to immerse players in its storyline, allowing for a deeper connection to the characters and their journeys. For those eager to experience this new chapter in the Mafia series, the game is currently available for pre-order with a retail price set at $49.99.

Fans of the series can look forward to exploring this fresh approach when The Old Country is released. The decision to focus on a narrative-driven format reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry, where many developers are prioritizing storytelling over vast open-world mechanics. This strategic choice may resonate well with players who value story above all else, promising an engaging experience that centers on the unfolding of the plot.

Overall, The Old Country seems poised to offer a distinctive take on the Mafia franchise. As the release date approaches, players can anticipate a rich narrative intertwined with the traditional themes that the series is known for. With this new direction, the game is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the Mafia legacy.

Nintendo has addressed fan concerns by denying that generative AI was used in the development of Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated racing game for the upcoming Switch 2 console. The game has sparked controversy, not only due to its $80 price tag but also because of suspicions regarding AI-generated imagery showcased during a Nintendo presentation.

Mario Kart World was officially revealed during a Switch 2 Direct event in April, following early hardware footage that hinted at a new entry in the beloved franchise. The announcement highlighted exciting new features, including additional characters, courses, and gameplay modes like Freeroam and Knockout Tour.

This has generated significant excitement among fans, especially as it serves as the launch title for the new console. However, some fans grew concerned after a subsequent Nintendo Treehouse livestream revealed what they believed to be AI-generated imagery.

Attention was drawn to background details, such as distorted posters and an impractical building design, rather than any elements directly related to character or vehicle design. In response to inquiries from the media, a Nintendo spokesperson clarified that these allegations are unfounded and reaffirmed that no generative AI was involved in the game’s creation.

Despite Nintendo’s denial regarding AI usage, Mario Kart World still faces criticism over its features and pricing. Fans are particularly unhappy with the lack of an option to disable course hazards, although players can manage the appearance of items on the track.

Additionally, the $80 price point has drawn criticism, especially as recent triple-A Nintendo titles have typically been priced lower than competitors. Nevertheless, Nintendo believes the game’s expansive open-world elements and enhanced graphics justify the higher cost.

For budget-conscious players, a bundle with the console offers a $30 discount.

Diablo 4 recently partnered with Cantrip Candles to celebrate Mother’s Day by launching a limited edition of candles for fans. While the physical candles sold out quickly, players can still visit the collaboration website to create a random scent for free. The available scents range from pleasant aromas like vanilla and oak to bizarre choices such as maggots, crushed eyes, and vomit. This collaboration, called Mother’s Judgment, allowed players to receive mystery candles from Lilith, the Mother of Sanctuary.

Although the physical candles are no longer available, players can experience the essence of these candles digitally through randomly generated scents labeled as Mother’s Blessings or Mother’s Wrath. Some scents evoke a sense of beauty, like blood roses and ash, while others may remind players of darker themes like black death and decay. The collaboration between Diablo 4 and Cantrip Candles surprised fans, as it was anticipated that the partnership would feature standard products. Instead, the unique giveaway drew attention for its humorous and creative approach.

Only 666 of the physical candles were available, leading to a rapid sellout. However, players who missed out can still generate an array of scents on the Mother’s Judgment website at their leisure, allowing for limitless exploration of what Lilith might have gifted. According to the confirmation page, the Mother’s Judgment candles will be shipped within two to four weeks. Fans should stay tuned to social media for updates as others begin to light their candles, revealing what scents were chosen.

Meanwhile, gamers can also enjoy the ongoing Diablo 4 x Berserk crossover, which features transmog sets and exclusive items alongside the new content from Season 8, Belial’s Return. With plenty to engage with, there’s no shortage of excitement in Diablo 4 while fans await their special candles.

Doom: The Dark Ages is facing criticism from fans due to its physical versions reportedly containing minimal data. Gamers who opt for the physical release will still need to download the majority of the game on the first day, leading to frustration among players. This situation means that many fans are unable to dive straight into the action, instead spending a significant amount of time waiting for downloads to complete.

The expectation for a seamless gaming experience is a standard that many players hold. When purchasing a physical copy, they anticipate being able to play immediately after installation. However, the reality of Doom: The Dark Ages seems to contradict this expectation, leaving gamers feeling disappointed.

The need for substantial day-one downloads takes away from the excitement of a new release, turning it into a tedious setup process. This trend of physical versions lacking complete data is becoming a growing concern within the gaming community. As technology evolves, players expect more from their purchases.

Subsequently, issues like delayed gameplay can impact their overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the game. While downloadable content is convenient, many fans prefer a more traditional experience as part of their gaming culture. Overall, the situation surrounding Doom: The Dark Ages emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by game developers in balancing physical and digital releases.

Fans hope that future titles will prioritize delivering a complete experience right from the start, allowing them to fully enjoy the immersive worlds that games like Doom are known for.

The developers of Overwatch 2 have established a union to provide better protection against unexpected layoffs and inequitable wages. This movement reflects a growing trend of unionization within the global gaming industry, with Blizzard’s Team 4 being one of the latest to join this wave. The formation of the union was motivated by past controversies surrounding Blizzard and significant layoffs at Microsoft.

The newly formed Overwatch Gamemakers Guild comprises nearly 200 developers, including artists, engineers, and designers who work on Overwatch 2. The guild has allied with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), aiming to enhance job security and address various workplace issues that players and developers face. Unions are collectives of workers who unite to advocate for better pay, work conditions, and rights against employers.

While unions have a long history, they are a relatively new phenomenon in the video game industry, with the United Videogame Workers emerging as a noteworthy example in recent years. Blizzard has also announced an Overwatch 2 collaboration with Street Fighter 6, introducing exciting new content for fans of both franchises. The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild represents a significant step for Team 4, as it includes a comprehensive range of non-executive developers.

Although the union may not provide complete assurance against layoffs, it offers a platform for developers to advocate for themselves. The move towards unionization was influenced by issues such as harassment allegations against a prominent executive and growing concerns about pay disparities and return-to-office policies. Most critically, the massive layoffs at Blizzard in early 2024 were a catalyst, prompting developers to recognize the need for collective action.

The establishment of the Overwatch 2 union follows closely on the heels of the World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild formed by over 500 employees in July 2024. With this new union, Team 4 is now tasked with negotiating its first contract, a challenging process that could shape the future of labor relations within the gaming industry. As Sadie Boyd articulated, “Our industry is at such a turning point…

I know that will light some fires.”

A player of Oblivion Remastered recently faced a daunting challenge at the Kvatch gate after neglecting the main quest until reaching level 15. It is generally recommended for players to engage with Kvatch early in the game because the enemy scaling mechanics can make the experience significantly more difficult later on. This situation sheds light on one of the notable features of both Oblivion and its remastered version: aggressive enemy scaling. Exploring a vast open world is a celebrated aspect of Bethesda’s RPGs, and many fans encourage new players to immerse themselves in exploration rather than hastily completing the main quest.

This is particularly true for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and its remaster, which debuted on April 22. However, not all players are satisfied with every update; some have expressed discontent over adjustments made to the claymore. In a bid to explore and enjoy Cyrodiil at their leisure, Reddit user MaximumCashew0 leveled up to 15 before addressing the main quest. Unfortunately, this decision backfired when they approached Kvatch, where they were met with an overwhelming number of enemies, including various Atronachs and Daedroths.

The player documented their experience, revealing that they were defeated within seconds of reaching the Kvatch gate. Many players resonated with MaximumCashew0’s struggle, describing it as a stark difficulty increase compared to earlier gameplay. They emphasized the importance of tackling the Kvatch quest sooner rather than later. Originally, Bethesda implemented enemy scaling in 2005 to keep the game accessible at all levels; however, this has led to unexpected spikes in difficulty during significant story moments.

While rushing through the main quest is one way to avoid these difficulties, it does not align with the deliberate exploration that defines Oblivion’s open-world experience. Players looking for relief from enemy scaling might consider using community mods available for the PC version of the game, which can help balance enemy encounters more effectively.

Killing Floor 3 is set to launch on July 24, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, following a brief delay from its initially planned release on March 25. This long-awaited entry in the post-apocalyptic series marks the return of Tripwire Interactive after nine years and comes as a fresh addition to the survival horror genre. The development team has been diligently improving the game based on feedback received during beta testing. In this installment, players will navigate a dystopian future as part of the Nightfall group, striving to fend off hordes of bioengineered zombies known as Zeds to ensure humanity’s survival.

Killing Floor 3 offers versatility with both a single-player mode and a six-player co-op mode. In February 2025, the game underwent a closed beta, which allowed the developers to assess its performance prior to release. Unfortunately, the launch was pushed back to July 2025 to allow more time for enhancements based on beta feedback. Game Rant recently interviewed Bill Munk, the lead combat designer for Killing Floor 3, discussing the progression of gameplay elements such as the evolution of the Zeds.

With the announcement of the new release date, pre-orders for various editions of the game, including Standard, Deluxe, and Elite Nightfall versions, have resumed at retailers. The additional development time was leveraged to refine and polish the game, a sentiment echoed by the studio’s creative director, Bryan Wynia, who emphasizes the team’s commitment to post-launch support by introducing new features and content. As development approaches completion, it is expected that many issues highlighted during the beta testing, such as game stability and user interface concerns, will be addressed. With a confirmed release date, Tripwire Interactive aims to ensure a successful debut for Killing Floor 3, particularly given the sustained engagement that Killing Floor 2 has seen over the last decade.

Fans are eager to see how the extra time in development has improved the game ahead of its launch.

Yuji Horii, co-creator of the iconic SNES RPG Chrono Trigger, has recently expressed his initial thoughts about a potential remake of this beloved title. His comments emerged after a panel he attended at a convention in Naples, where he noted the rising number of fan requests regarding the game. As the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger approaches in 2025, anticipation for a remake has been rekindled among the gaming community. Originally launched in 1995, Chrono Trigger is celebrated for its innovative time-travel narrative and engaging gameplay.

The project was developed by a renowned team that included Horii, Hironobu Sakaguchi from the Final Fantasy series, and the late Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Players journey through various historical periods, controlling characters like Crono, Marle, and Lucca in their quest to prevent a global catastrophe. The game garnered acclaim for its turn-based combat system, diverse endings, and memorable soundtrack, primarily composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, with contributions from Nobuo Uematsu. Although speculation regarding a remake had circulated online due to translation misunderstandings, Horii’s recent comments have sparked hope among fans.

He mentioned being open to the idea of a remake, particularly in light of successful HD-2D revivals of other titles by Square Enix, such as the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. While official confirmation from Square Enix is still pending, Horii’s willingness to consider a new iteration of Chrono Trigger resonates with fans eager for a modernized experience. As celebrations for the 30th anniversary loom, the potential for a remake remains an exciting prospect for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Meanwhile, Horii continues to oversee upcoming releases, such as the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, highlighting his commitment to bringing classic titles into contemporary gaming.

Steam users have expressed a desire for an “Update All” button for game updates. This feature would allow players to quickly set all of their games to download updates simultaneously, streamlining the entire process.

Currently, users are faced with the tedious task of either waiting for Steam to automatically download updates—based on its own schedule—or manually clicking through each game to initiate updates individually. The call for this quality of life improvement has sparked discussions within the Steam community, especially since a significant change in the update process was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At that time, Steam announced that it would spread out game downloads to alleviate pressure on its servers, a decision that has not been reversed since. As a result, updates for games played recently are prioritized, while those for games that have not been opened in a while can be delayed for days.

While Steam remains the leading platform for PC gaming, with various competitors having since exited the market, there is still a recognition that the platform is not without its flaws. Users, like Redditor lemonvrc, have highlighted the inconvenience of the current update system.

For gamers who frequently enjoy multiple titles, the absence of an easy way to queue updates presents a notable frustration. Despite user requests, it appears unlikely that Steam will introduce an “Update All” feature in the near future.

If every user were able to update all their games at once, it could potentially place excessive strain on Steam’s already robust infrastructure. Although many years have passed since the height of the pandemic, Valve seems content with maintaining the adjustments made during that period, leaving many players longing for a simpler update process.

World of Warcraft has officially unveiled Legion Remix, an exciting update that reintroduces beloved content from the original Legion expansion, complemented by fresh features. Among its highlights are the return of iconic Mythic+ dungeons and a new challenge called the Shattered Timeline. While a release date is still pending, players can anticipate its launch either later this year or in early 2026. Hints about this Remix event have been surfacing for a while.

Game director Ion Hazzikostas playfully referenced the roadmap for 2025, suggesting the event’s existence, while WoW executive producer Holly Longdale confirmed that Legion would return “in a new way.” This excitement has only fueled anticipation among the community. During the Evolving Azeroth panel at PAX East, associate game director Jeremy Feasel confirmed that Legion Remix is indeed on its way. The majority of original Legion content will be available, along with several new features that promise to enhance the gaming experience.

Among these, the Shattered Timeline aims to create a unique environment inspired by the high-difficulty World Tiers found in Diablo 4. Here, players will face challenges in a Legion setting where “everything went worse,” introducing new trials and radical experiments that deviate from traditional gameplay. Moreover, Mythic+ dungeons are set to return, allowing players to push their keys to unprecedented difficulty levels with enhanced stats and abilities. Currently, the highest Mythic+ dungeon time is 34, but Legion Remix has the potential to significantly exceed this benchmark.

While specific details remain sparse, Feasel assured fans that more information would be shared soon. The timing of the event is still unclear, yet the indications from World of Warcraft’s roadmap suggest it may arrive by the end of the year. Considering the timeline of previous events, a winter release seems plausible for World of Warcraft: Legion Remix.