Author: GizNews

  • RedMagic gaming phone shows strong performance with high AnTuTu score

    RedMagic gaming phone shows strong performance with high AnTuTu score

    Key Takeaway

    – RedMagic 11S Pro+ with overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 reportedly scores 4,416,758 on AnTuTu V11, potentially the highest on the chart.
    – It maintains strong performance without excessive heat, a notable improvement over the non-S RedMagic 11 Pro series.
    – Global variant features a 144Hz AMOLED display with up to 1,800 nits brightness and a 7,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging.

    RedMagic Unveils 11S Pro Series in China with Promising Benchmark Claims

    RedMagic has introduced the 11S Pro lineup in China, presenting two fresh gaming phones. Among them, the 11S Pro+ is anticipated to reach global customers soon, and according to AnTuTu, this model appears capable of delivering one of the highest scores seen on the benchmarking tool. The article notes this potential but keeps things measured about expectations and real-world use, which keeps readers from assuming a guaranteed miracle in every run.

    Impressive AnTuTu Score and Thermal Behavior

    Specifically, the RedMagic 11S Pro+, powered by an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, is capable of posting an AnTuTu V11 score around 4,416,758 points. This figure surpasses the top results recorded on AnTuTu’s most recent flagship chart, indicating exceptional performance on synthetic tests. The report also mentions that this high score was achieved without the device overheating excessively, a notable claim given the typically hot nature of gaming phones under stress.

    Projected Global Release and Performance Notes

    The article explains that if the 11S Pro+ maintains stable thermals in real-world scenarios, it would mark a meaningful improvement over the non-S RedMagic Pro models, which have historically pushed thermal limits when running benchmarks. The regular variants are described as prone to surpassing safe thermal levels during benchmarking, so the Pro+’s heat management becomes a key differentiator in both performance and user experience.

    Frame Rates and Game Compatibility

    In the report, AnTuTu notes that with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Edition, the phone could sustain an average of 145.5 FPS in Honor of Kings. However, it appears that 144Hz refresh rate support for other major titles, like Genshin Impact, is not yet available. Despite this, the benchmark results suggest favorable 1% low frame rates for these games, signaling potential for smooth gameplay across titles within the device’s ecosystem.

    Display and Battery Highlights

    Beyond the chipset, the 11S Pro+ features a 144Hz AMOLED display rated at 1,800 nits peak brightness, another standout highlight. The global variant is expected to carry a substantial 7,500mAh battery and support for 80W fast charging. A reference to an 160W charger from a third-party brand appears in the text, but it is not a fixed specification for the phone itself. Observers are looking for more concrete confirmation during the international rollout slated around a late May 2026 window.

    Launch Timeline and Additional Details

    During the May 27, 2026 event, more specifics on the international availability are expected to surface, including pricing, exact regional configurations, and any cosmetic differences between markets. The overall tone remains cautiously optimistic about the 11S Pro+ delivering high-end performance without dramatic thermal issues, though readers are reminded that benchmark results may not perfectly translate to everyday gaming sessions.


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  • GTA 6 Fans Lose Patience Ahead of Earnings Call

    GTA 6 Fans Lose Patience Ahead of Earnings Call

    Key Takeaway

    – Fans remain frustrated due to perceived silence from Rockstar, relying on earnings calls for new GTA 6 updates.
    – Expectations for today’s Take-Two earnings call are modest, likely small status updates rather than major announcements or a new trailer.
    – Community anecdotes highlight rumor-driven hype, pre-order mishaps, and cautious optimism about a broader marketing push starting in summer 2026.

    For many GTA fans, the past few days may have felt like things were finally starting to move

    For many GTA fans, the past few days may have felt like things were finally starting to move. In reality, however, very little has actually happened – apart from GTA 6 briefly becoming available for pre-order through an Italian retailer. Still, the community is not calming down. New information is expected during Take-Two’s upcoming earnings call, which is scheduled for today, May 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. ET. On Reddit, however, users no longer seem particularly euphoric. Quite the opposite: frustration appears to be growing.

    Reddit user u/Rsodyyy voiced frustration about the current situation on the r/GTA6 subreddit

    Reddit user u/Rsodyyy voiced frustration about the current situation on the r/GTA6 subreddit. The user called it “ridiculous” that fans have to wait for a financial call to get new information about GTA 6. Many fans are fed up with Rockstar’s ongoing silence. The lack of official updates has pushed the community to search for clues on its own, with even the smallest hints sometimes turning into major rumors – such as the recent change to the website title.

    It seems rather unlikely that today’s earnings call will bring major announcements

    It seems rather unlikely that today’s earnings call will bring major announcements. Fans are more likely to expect small status updates, such as information on the current release schedule or the start of the marketing campaign. There may also be a statement about the recent pre-order mishap. However, fans should probably not expect the long-awaited third trailer today.

    There is another side to the discussion, though, and its general message is essentially

    There is another side to the discussion, though, and its general message is essentially: “Nobody is forcing you to watch an earnings call.” Some Reddit users are calling for patience and note that Rockstar likely knows exactly what it is doing – and that the major marketing push is not scheduled to begin until summer 2026 anyway. The lack of information is not stopping the community from discussing the successor to GTA 5 (PS 5 version currently around $25 on Amazon). If anything, it is fueling even more speculation. At the same time, some users argue that the current frustration will hardly matter in the end. Once GTA 6 is released, fans will buy it anyway. Until then, all that remains is to take a deep breath, treat rumors with caution and wait for Rockstar to make the next move.

     

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  • Garmin CIRQA Spotted in Connect; Subscriber Discount Revealed

    Garmin CIRQA Spotted in Connect; Subscriber Discount Revealed

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin appears to be exploring a screenless fitness device (potentially named Garmin CIRQA) that would connect via the Garmin Connect app, expanding beyond traditional smartwatches.
    – The app code references replacing “Watch” with “Device,” implying broader functionality beyond wrist-worn displays.
    – A Garmin Connect+ subscription perk may offer discounted Garmin CIRQA vouchers after six months of continuous subscription, potentially affecting pricing and adoption.

    Rumors have been circulating for months according to which Garmin is developing a fitness wristband without a display that is intended as an alternative to products such as the Polar Loop ($199 on Amazon), the Whoop 5.0 or the new Google Fitbit Air. Gadgets & Wearables has now been able to find new clues in the code of the Garmin Connect app in version 5.25 that may point to Garmin CIRQA, including the following code snippets:

    Clues in the code and possible directions

    While the connection between this code and Garmin CIRQA cannot be verified, Garmin is apparently preparing its smartphone app to connect to a screenless device. Fittingly, Garmin is replacing the word “Watch” with the word “Device” in many areas – a further indication that some functions will no longer only be intended for smartwatches in the future.

    Subscription perks and pricing hints

    Anyone who has subscribed to Garmin Connect+ may receive Garmin CIRQA at a lower price, as the new app version contains information that voucher codes can be generated if the paid subscription has been subscribed to continuously for at least six months. The codes should only be valid for “selected products”. On the one hand, this could make Garmin’s subscription more attractive in order to attract new subscribers, but on the other hand it could also offset the expected high price of Garmin CIRQA for existing customers. It is not yet known when Garmin CIRQA will be launched on the market.

     

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  • Budget smartwatch with offline maps and 5 ATM water resistance

    Budget smartwatch with offline maps and 5 ATM water resistance

    Key Takeaway

    – Affordable feature set with offline maps, dual-band GNSS, barometer, and 5 ATM water resistance at $90.
    – Health and activity tracking with 1.43″ AMOLED display, optical heart rate sensor, and up to 15-day typical battery life (21 hours with GPS).
    – Practical extras: built-in LED flashlight, 2 GB storage for offline music, Bluetooth headphones support, and lightweight design (50 g).

    Geox2 Overview and Pricing

    As a follow-up to the GeoX1, the newly launched Rogbid GeoX2 is designed to offer a robust feature set at an affordable price. The model is available for $90 in two color options: Tech Black and Energy Orange. Support for offline maps and navigation is one feature that helps the watch stand out in its price bracket. Thanks to its dual-band GNSS, the GeoX2 can deliver accurate positioning and utilize systems such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou. It also includes a barometric sensor for measuring air pressure, allowing users to detect altitude changes or incoming weather shifts. According to Rogbid, the GeoX2 is rated 5 ATM water-resistant and is even shown on a diver’s wrist in product photos.

    Key Features and Connectivity

    The device comes with a built-in LED flashlight, which can, for example, help joggers improve their visibility at night. To enable music playback on the go, it offers 2 GB of internal storage and support for Bluetooth headphones. Weighing 50 g (0.18 oz), the GeoX2 features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The integrated optical sensor system lets users monitor their heart rate and thus track their daily activities and workouts.

    Battery Life and Display Details

    The 500 mAh battery is rated to last up to 15 days with typical use and 21 hours when recording activities with GPS. For a higher-end alternative, you may want to check out the Amazfit Active 3 Premium (available on Amazon).

    Rogbid


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  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.2 & 9.8: Core Management Enhancements

    Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.2 & 9.8: Core Management Enhancements

    Key Takeaway

    – AI-assisted CLI enhancements (gooes) paired with enhanced color output to accelerate access to insights and commands without manual lookups.
    – Updated developer toolchains and runtimes (LLVM Toolset 21, Go 1.26 with Green Tea and HPKE, Rust 1.92, Python 3.14, Ruby 4.0, PHP 8.4, OpenJDK 25, PostgreSQL 18, MariaDB 11.8 with VECTOR).
    – Streamlined deployment and management via bootable container image mode, plus an improved image builder and upgraded system role for automation.
    – End-to-end cryptographic integrity with Red Hat Certificate System 11.0 (NIST/FIPS 204 quantum-resistant), including zero-touch provisioning for automatic certificate issuance.
    – AI-guided migration and upgrade processes (single-command Leapp upgrade; AI-assisted Ansible Automation Platform-guided approach).

    Intro and Snapshot

    According to the official blog post regarding their release (see the Source link below the last paragraph), Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.2 and 9.8, which became available yesterday, “enhance the core strengths of RHEL to help IT leaders, developers, and administrators accelerate time-to-market, simplify hybrid cloud management, and proactively defend against advanced threats, including quantum computing risks.” Unsurprisingly, both use AI assistance alongside a set of old-school tools.

    AI and CLI Fusion

    What makes RHEL 10.2 and 9.8 stand out when it comes to AI is that these two updates combine the power of AI with the command-line interface. While using enhanced color output support, the RHEL command-line now features gooes, an AI assistant that provides quick access to insights and commands, thus eliminating the need to check the manual or go online for information.

    Developer Toolchains

    Developers get LLVM Toolset 21 (sporting the ThinLTO backend), Go Toolset 1.26 (featuring the new Green Tea garbage collector and HPKE support), Rust Toolset 1.92, Python 3.14, Ruby 4.0 (offering the new ZJIT compiler), PHP 8.4, OpenJDK 25, PostgreSQL 18, and MariaDB 11.8 (with the new VECTOR data type).

    Deployment and Management Enhancements

    OS deployment and management are now easier with bootable container image mode. Additionally, RHEL includes an enhanced image builder command and an upgraded system role, both leading to reduced manual intervention and improved automated tasks.

    Security and Certifications

    While offering end-to-end cryptographic integrity protection, RHEL now comes alongside the Red Hate Certificate System 11.0, which meets the emerging NIST standards (FIPS 204) for quantum-resistant algorithms. Since certificate lifespans are decreasing due to the emerging quantum threats, the new system introduced by Red Hat includes zero-touch provisioning, which automates certificate issuance and uses a secure, one-time passsword system.

    Migration, Upgrade, and AI

    When talking about migration and upgrade paths, AI surfaces once again. While Leapp comes with a single command for converting and upgrading to a newer major version simultaneously, delegating the upgrade process to the most appropriate teams is done using an Ansible Automation Platform-powered, AI-guided approach.

     

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  • VS Code supply chain attack hits GitHub, OpenAI, Mistral AI

    VS Code supply chain attack hits GitHub, OpenAI, Mistral AI

    Key Takeaway

    – Attack exploited developer tooling and supply chain: a poisoned VS Code extension and compromised packages allowed credential theft and broad access without breaching perimeters.
    – Rapid, worm-like propagation: from TanStack package compromise to an Nx Console build, then wider exfiltration across CI/CD pipelines, affecting thousands of repos in minutes.
    – High-severity, cross-vendor impact: targets included GitHub, OpenAI, and Mistral AI, with stolen credentials and internal code assets; some customer data exposure remains a possibility if further impact is discovered.

    News Brief: Supply Chain Attack Targets Developer Tools

    GitHub confirmed today that the breach of roughly 3,800 internal repositories traces back to a poisoned version of the Nx Console VS Code extension, itself a casualty of the TanStack npm supply chain attack. The campaign, attributed to threat actor group TeamPCP and codenamed Mini Shai-Hulud, has now claimed GitHub, OpenAI, and Mistral AI as confirmed victims, with developer credentials and internal source code the primary targets across all three.

    Attack Timeline and Initial Breach

    The attack began on May 11, 2026, when TeamPCP compromised TanStack’s entire router ecosystem, spreading a worm-like payload across 170 npm packages and two PyPI packages in a single coordinated campaign. CVE-2026-45321 carries a CVSS score of 9.6. From there, the compromise reached an Nx Console developer’s device, which TeamPCP used to push a malicious build of Nx Console 18.95.0 to the Visual Studio Marketplace.

    Extension Takedown and Credential Theft

    The trojanized extension was live for exactly 18 minutes, between 12:30 pm and 12:48 pm UTC on May 18, 2026. That window was enough. The extension ran silently on startup, executing a shell command disguised as a routine MCP setup task that downloaded a hidden package from a planted commit on the official Nx GitHub repository. The credential stealer it deployed targeted 1Password vaults, Anthropic Claude code configurations, npm tokens, GitHub tokens, and AWS credentials on any developer machine that installed it during the window.

    Victim Impacts and Responses

    A GitHub employee installed the extension. TeamPCP used the harvested credentials to move through CI/CD pipelines and exfiltrate approximately 3,800 internal repositories. GitHub CISO Alexis Wales confirmed the company has “no evidence of impact to customer information stored outside of GitHub’s internal repositories,” though Wales acknowledged that some internal repos contain excerpts of customer support interactions and committed to notifying customers if any impact is discovered.

    OpenAI and Mistral AI Findings

    OpenAI confirmed two employee devices were compromised, with limited credential material exfiltrated from a subset of internal source code repositories. The company engaged a third-party digital forensics and incident response firm and is revoking its macOS app signing certificate in full on June 12, 2026. Mistral AI confirmed its npm and PyPI SDKs were trojaned as part of the same campaign, with TeamPCP advertising Mistral AI code repositories for sale on a cybercrime forum.

    Common Theme and Expert Insight

    The common factor among all victims is developer tooling. The attack never needed to breach a perimeter. It entered through packages and extensions that developers routinely install, then harvested the credentials those developers use to access everything else. OpenAI framed the implication directly: “This incident reflects a broader shift in the threat landscape — attackers are increasingly targeting shared software dependencies and development tooling rather than any single company.”

    Broader Context and Ongoing Coverage

    The breach lands as Microsoft is simultaneously dealing with its own unpatched vulnerability.

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  • Pure35 Compact Camera Launches for £30 with Flash and Viewfinder

    Pure35 Compact Camera Launches for £30 with Flash and Viewfinder

    Key Takeaway

    – Fixed exposure: 1/120s shutter and f/9 aperture; film ISO determines exposure (e.g., ISO 100 for daylight).
    – Simple, compact design: small, light (119x67x44 mm; 122 g) with a built-in flash and a wide 31 mm lens; budget-friendly.
    – Readiness and limits: uses single AAA battery; viewfinder shows ~70% of the frame and requires estimating composition; inexpensive film required separately (e.g., Kodak UltraMax).

    Analogue Wonderland brings forward Pure35, a brand new analog compact camera also sold in bundles with 35mm film, offered by a British retailer. While the camera is relatively inexpensive, film must be bought separately – a pack of three 36-photo Kodak UltraMax packs, for instance, is around $31 on Amazon.

    headline

    The Pure35 is a very simple compact camera, with the shutter speed fixed at 1/120s and the aperture always at f/9, so the light sensitivity of the inserted film is the only way to balance exposure. To get roughly correctly exposed daylight photos, film with a lower light sensitivity such as ISO 100 should be used. The camera features a built-in flash for night shots.

    lens and usability

    The wide-angle lens has a focal length of 31 mm. The small optical viewfinder displays only about 70 percent of this field, meaning you must estimate the exact frame. Despite these basic traits, the Analogue Wonderland Pure35 remains not only affordable but also compact and light – it measures 119 x 67 x 44 millimeters and weighs 122 grams. A single AAA battery powers the device.

    availability and price

    The Analogue Wonderland Pure35 is now available at the British retailer’s online store. The camera is priced at £30 ($40). International shipping is offered, but shipping and import costs are not included in the price.


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  • Smartphone with Extremely Long Battery Life: Our Surprising Review

    Smartphone with Extremely Long Battery Life: Our Surprising Review

    Key Takeaway

    – Excellent long-running battery: about 23 hours in Wi‑Fi use despite a smaller 7,500 mAh battery, outperforming many peers.
    – Strong real-world efficiency: effective processor and energy management deliver sustained performance for daily use with minimal charging needs.
    – Thermal throttling under load: noticeable heating and reduced performance during prolonged high-load tasks, limiting gains in demanding scenarios.

    Overview and Battery Life Remark

    The OnePlus Nord 6 impresses in the long-term test with a remarkable battery life of over 23 hours in Wi-Fi mode, although a smaller 7,500 mAh battery was installed compared to the Chinese version. This is a real surprise and clearly sets the device apart from many of its competitors. Different markets get different battery capacities, yet the endurance remains notably strong, suggesting smart power management and a balanced hardware approach to keep the running time solid across typical usage scenarios.

    European Variant Battery Specs

    The European model of the OnePlus Nord 6 has a 7,500 mAh battery, which is a significant reduction compared to its Chinese counterpart (OnePlus Turbo 6) with 9,000 mAh. Nevertheless, the device achieved a runtime of exactly 23 hours and 7 minutes in the WLAN web surfing test. This shows that efficiency plays a key role alongside raw capacity, allowing the phone to punch above its weight in daily tasks and light browsing sessions despite the smaller cell.

    Comparative Performance

    This is not only impressive in itself, but also significantly outperforms similarly priced models, such as the Nothing Phone (4a) with 5,080 mAh, which only achieves 18 hours. The Nord 6 thus demonstrates that a longer endurance isn’t just a factor of bigger batteries but also how well the system uses power during operation, keeping screens bright and processors busy without draining too fast.

    Thermal and Throttling Observations

    However, a serious weakness becomes apparent during longer load tests: The casing heats up considerably under high load, which we classify as problematic in the test. After a few minutes of intensive use, the system noticeably throttles the performance to prevent overheating. This thermal behavior can limit sustained performance in games or heavy multitasking, potentially affecting user experience in demanding sessions.

    Everyday Usability and Real-World Use

    In an everyday scenario, where a user runs video streams in high resolution for several hours or plays demanding games, this could lead to a noticeable drop in performance. For the typical user who mainly uses the smartphone for social media, messaging and occasional video streaming, the battery performance is more than sufficient. A commuter who is on the move for two hours a day can easily use the device for several days without having to reach for the charging cable. Even with intensive use, such as taking photos and editing images, the battery lasts for a full working day.

    Efficiency versus Capacity

    The combination of an efficient processor and good energy management ensures that the theoretical values are actually noticeable in everyday use. The OnePlus Nord 6 proves that an outstanding runtime is also possible with a reduced battery. The 23 hours in the Wi-Fi test are a strong argument for anyone who values long operating times.

    Bottom Line and Practical Takeaway

    However, you should be aware of the thermal limits, which can lead to performance losses in intensive applications. For the average user, however, the device is an excellent choice that offers a good balance between energy efficiency and performance. We explain what other aspects make the OnePlus Nord 6 a good choice in our eyes in our detailed test.

     

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    • Open-World Survival Game Deal: 74% Positive on Steam, 50% Off

      Open-World Survival Game Deal: 74% Positive on Steam, 50% Off

      Key Takeaway

      – Open-world survival in a procedurally generated Pacific setting with crafting, shelter-building, tool/weapon creation, and raft construction.
      – Manage vital needs, hunt/farm for food, and survive against threats including wildlife and bosses; multiplayer and island editor available.
      – Pros: engaging exploration and crafting;Cons: repetition, limited world variety, unstable multiplayer and bugs; price drop to $9.99 (50% off) lasting until May 25, 2026.

      Introduction to Stranded Deep

      Stranded Deep is an open-world survival game developed by Beam Team Games and fully released on Steam on August 11, 2022. You play as a survivor stranded in the Pacific Ocean, and your goal is to survive as long as possible while facing numerous threats. The tone here shifts as the setting feels vast and unforgiving, yet there’s a spark of adventure seeping through the waves.

      Procedural World and Survival Goals

      In this procedurally generated world, you’ll need to gather the resources necessary to build a shelter, craft tools and weapons, and create a raft. Food is also essential, and you’ll have to survive by hunting and farming. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new skills that will help you survive and overcome many dangers. The writing styles vary to hint at the evolving strategies a player must adopt in different environments.

      Challenges and Multiplayer

      Indeed, even though you can explore this world freely, you’ll have to keep an eye on your vital needs and avoid dangerous animals like snakes and sharks. If you want a greater challenge, you can also face one of the game’s three bosses to earn unique rewards. Finally, you can play with friends in multiplayer mode and give free rein to your imagination with the island editor. The narrative voice here emphasizes the tension of survival and the joys of cooperation.

      Reception and Community Feedback

      With 74% positive reviews from more than 47,300 reviews on Steam, Stranded Deep has many qualities. Thus, players enjoy its gameplay, exploring numerous islands, and its crafting system. However, according to several players, the game becomes repetitive over time. The tasks are often the same, and the world lacks variety. In addition, the multiplayer mode is unstable, and numerous bugs prevent players from playing. A blend of praise and critique shapes the community’s view.

      Pricing and Availability

      Nonetheless, Stranded Deep is currently 50% off on Steam, and you can get it for $9.99. And according to SteamDB, this offer ends on May 25, 2026, and its price will return to $19.99. The price shift is a point of discussion among players who track deals and saves and this information is presented as part of the article to preserve the gist of the deal.

      Disclaimer About Price Changes

      Disclaimer: The piece mentions price movements and deals but does not attribute responsibility for changes to retailer policies. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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    • RPG Maker Returns with HD-2D Style Like Octopath Traveler

      RPG Maker Returns with HD-2D Style Like Octopath Traveler

      Key Takeaway

      – RPG Maker U2U introduces “Perspective 2D” to add 3D depth to 2D maps, aiming to support HD-2D aesthetics without demanding expert knowledge.
      – The title is built on Unity, promising rich visual effects while preserving RPG Maker’s signature accessibility and compatibility with existing 2D assets.
      – The release is seen as a potential catalyst for a broader HD-2D indie renaissance, extending RPG Maker’s impact beyond Square Enix-published titles; no date announced yet.

      RPG Maker U2U Announced After Steam Tag Change

      Within days of Valve’s controversial decision to remove the “RPG Maker” tag from Steam, series developers Kadokawa Games have announced RPG Maker U2U, the most recent PC title since RPG Maker MZ released in 2020 and two years after RPG Maker With released for PlayStation consoles and Nintendo Switch in 2024. It’s been a long-overdue return for the RPG Maker series, which has alternated releases between PC and consoles since 1988 and enabled the creation of many a historic indie RPG, including Lisa: The Painful, OFF, Yume Nikki, Omori, and many more.

      Industry Context and Ambitions

      While the rise of Unity and Unreal Engine in recent years have taken up most of the attention regarding indie game development efforts, RPG Maker’s long-running status and flexibility to produce generational hits like the games listed above is remarkable. The series earned its OG status among prospective game developers and hobbyists alike, and the latest entry seems aimed at lowering the barrier to the creation of titles blending 3D graphics with 2D sensibilities, i.e. the “HD-2D” craze sparked by Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler in 2018 and to a lesser extent, games like 3D Dot Game Heroes in 2009.

      What’s New: Perspective 2D

      The key new RPG Maker U2U feature is called “Perspective 2D,” and it allows the addition of of 3D depth and modern graphical effects to conventional 2D maps. The announcement touts a wealth of creation tools with “no specialized knowledge required,” maintaining the ease of use RPG Maker is known for as well as compatibility with 2D assets made for previous versions of the game.

      Tech Foundation and Potential Impact

      RPG Maker U2U is also built atop the Unity Engine, which is stated to power the “rich sense of depth and beautiful effects.” While the effects shown in the trailer aren’t as flashy as what we’ve come to expect from modern HD 2D titles, U2U being built atop Unity should allow for some truly high-quality effects to be built into games utilizing the engine. For independent developers, this release may just spark a wider renaissance in HD 2D games beyond titles produced by Square Enix. Sadly, no release date has yet been confirmed, but the trailer and previous release cadence of the series point toward a release this year or next.

      Gematsu (announcement), PCGamer (Steam’s removal of the RPG Maker tag, praised by some fans & devs and hated by others)

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