Category: Gaming

  • RedMagic Announces Upcoming Launch of New Thin and Light Gaming Phone

    RedMagic Announces Upcoming Launch of New Thin and Light Gaming Phone

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RedMagic 11 Air will be launched in China on January 20, 2026, featuring 9 advanced technologies.
    2. It includes a 4D “Ultra-Thick Ice Scale” Vapor Cooling system and the RedCore R4 chip for enhanced gaming performance.
    3. The phone is expected to have a larger battery than its predecessor, with a 7,000 mAh capacity and support for 120 W fast charging.
    4. Additional features include narrow bezels, an active cooling fan, a pre-installed PC game emulator, and a see-through design.
    5. The RedMagic 11 Air will likely be lighter and thinner than other models in the RedMagic 11 series, with a 6.85-inch display and up to 24 GB of RAM.

    RedMagic has been hinting at a new gaming phone for some time now, and they have finally announced when it will be launched. The RedMagic 11 Air is scheduled to be fully revealed in China on January 20, 2026, which is just around the corner. Along with this announcement, RedMagic has also suggested that the phone will feature 9 “advanced” technologies.

    Cooling and Performance Features

    One of the standout features mentioned in the teaser is a 4D “Ultra-Thick Ice Scale” Vapor Cooling system. This should help the RedMagic 11 Air manage heavy usage and long gaming sessions more effectively. The company also emphasizes the inclusion of the RedCore R4 chip, which is designed to enhance gaming performance.

    The RedCore R4 is an in-house chipset that aims to deliver improved gaming experiences. While specific details are still under wraps, RedMagic has teased that the 11 Air will have a significantly larger battery compared to its predecessor. For reference, the last generation model came equipped with a 6,000 mAh battery that supports 80 W fast charging (available with the 160 W Anker Prime Charger for curr. $105.99 on Amazon).

    Additional Specs and Expectations

    Other features teased in their recent post include narrow bezels, an active cooling fan, a pre-installed PC game emulator, and a see-through design. Previous reports have suggested that the RedMagic 11 Air will be driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the prior flagship SoC. It is expected to come with up to 24 GB of RAM, and the gaming phone should sport a 6.85-inch display, a 7,000 mAh battery, along with support for 120 W fast charging.

    Since it carries the “Air” label, this upcoming gaming phone is predicted to be lighter and thinner than the non-Air models in the RedMagic 11 series. More official information about the smartphone might be revealed prior to the launch on January 20.

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  • Ayaneo Unveils 2026 Plan for Improved Customer Service

    Ayaneo Unveils 2026 Plan for Improved Customer Service

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ayaneo plans to improve customer service response times, aiming for a 7 to 10-day backlog resolution before returning to a standard 24 to 48-hour response time.

    2. The company commits to replacing defective items within a week and offers product replacements or paid upgrades for repairs exceeding three months.

    3. A new ticketing system will be implemented for tracking after-sales and logistics, along with an overseas warehouse for better local service.

    4. Changes to crowdfunding will include increased ready stock, shifting pre-sales to its website, and more frequent updates on product launches to reduce delays.

    5. CEO Arthur Zhang will engage more with international communities and pause crowdfunding for the new Pocket Play device until new service processes are confirmed.

    Following a previous report that criticized Ayaneo for its poor practices, the Chinese company, known for its handheld devices powered by Android, has unveiled its intentions to enhance its services in 2026.

    Areas of Improvement

    Shared on its social media platforms, Ayaneo’s service improvement strategy for 2026 focuses on five key areas: Customer service response, After-sales experience, Shipping and crowdfunding, Quality control and process, and Rebuilding communication. Here are some of the major highlights from the plan:

    To kick things off, Ayaneo aims to tackle its backlog of emails in a time frame of 7 to 10 days before returning to its standard response duration of 24 to 48 hours. The company has also made the decision to set up a dedicated email address (see image above) specifically for unresolved issues that were reported before 2025.

    Product Replacement and Repairs

    The manufacturer is committed to replacing any items that show defects within a week of delivery. If repairs take longer than 3 months, the products will be replaced, or owners can opt for a paid upgrade to another model. Should devices be repaired within the 3-month period, their warranty will be extended based on how long the repair took.

    Ayaneo has also disclosed plans to implement a ticketing system after the Chinese New Year holidays, enabling customers to track after-sales and logistics in real-time. Furthermore, between March and April 2026, Ayaneo intends to open an overseas warehouse stocked with its best-selling models to assist with local after-sales service.

    Changes to Crowdfunding

    Modifications are also on the way for its crowdfunding approach, which has faced significant criticism. To address this issue, Ayaneo plans to boost its ready stock, which will lessen its dependence on crowdfunding. Additionally, it aims to shift some of its product pre-sales to its own website. For products launched on crowdfunding platforms, Ayaneo promises to give more frequent updates and manage delivery timelines more effectively to minimize delays.

    Another important detail from the service improvement plan includes the potential for a synchronized global launch of its products. Ayaneo is also pledging to strengthen its quality control measures by introducing more inspection points and being stricter with the quality of its components.

    CEO Engagement and Future Plans

    Lastly, Ayaneo stated it will pause the crowdfunding for its newest device, the Pocket Play gaming smartphone, until the new service processes are confirmed to work effectively. The company has also announced that its CEO, Arthur Zhang, will become more involved in its international communities and will host regular interactive sessions.

    Ayaneo on X

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  • Panther Lake Handheld vs PS6 Canis: Chip Efficiency Leak Comparison

    Panther Lake Handheld vs PS6 Canis: Chip Efficiency Leak Comparison

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel is focusing on Panther Lake chips for new gaming handheld devices, aiming for improved performance and efficiency.
    2. AMD is partnering with Sony to develop a handheld for the PS6, utilizing a custom chip named ‘Canis.’
    3. Leaks suggest Panther Lake chips may offer similar performance to the Canis chip but consume twice the power.
    4. The PS6 handheld’s custom AMD APU is expected to be optimized for gaming, enhancing performance with less powerful hardware.
    5. Panther Lake devices are projected to launch by mid-2026, while the PS6 handheld is expected in late 2027 or early 2028.

    Intel is placing its bets on Panther Lake chips to start a new age of gaming handheld devices. Meanwhile, AMD is collaborating with Sony on a new PS6 generation handheld that will utilize a custom chip known as ‘Canis.’ Although not much is known about the performance of these devices, a notable leaker has shared a comparison between the two, albeit without precise details. Still, it provides a glimpse into potential efficiency and optimizations.

    Leaks and Expectations

    Kepler_L2 has been quite active in leaking information about the upcoming consoles, including the new Xbox and the PS6. For the PS6, there are expectations that a handheld will be announced, which will be able to run PS5 games natively, although with reduced fidelity. The recent leaks suggest that Panther Lake chips will deliver performance comparable to the Canis chip in the PS6 handheld, but at twice the power consumption.

    Performance Insights

    According to Kepler, while AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme is deemed too slow and Strix Halo too fast, Panther Lake will find a balance in between. It is noted that the performance at 30W for Panther Lake will match what Canis offers at 15W. Even though these specs might not seem promising for Panther Lake handhelds, there’s more nuance to the situation. The custom AMD APU in the PS6 handheld will be optimized for gaming with a proprietary operating system, allowing it to extract greater performance from less powerful hardware.

    Gaming Approach

    In contrast, Panther Lake handhelds will approach gaming differently, being able to run a broader array of games and applications while also utilizing a more demanding OS. Thus, higher power consumption is anticipated. Additionally, recent leaks hint at dedicated gaming chips called the Intel Core G3 series, which are based on Panther Lake and tailored specifically for handhelds. These chips are expected to be better suited for gaming and should yield solid performance within the 15W to 30W range.

    Release Timeline

    In terms of when we might see these handhelds hit the market, predictions indicate that the first Panther Lake powered devices could launch by mid-2026. The PS6 handheld is projected to arrive around late 2027 or early 2028, considering that November 2027 will mark the seven-year console cycle that both Microsoft and Sony usually follow.

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  • Mega Cat Studios Launches Retro NES/SNES Cartridges for 2026

    Mega Cat Studios Launches Retro NES/SNES Cartridges for 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mega Cat Studios is launching three new games for NES and SNES: Super Fanger, Plyuk, and Old Towers, on January 29, 2026.
    2. The games will be available as physical cartridges and for digital download, catering to retro gamers and emulation.
    3. Super Fanger features a spooky tag gameplay for two players, including solo and competitive modes.
    4. Plyuk is a puzzle-platforming game where players solve puzzles using cloning techniques to navigate an underground lab.
    5. Old Towers is an action-puzzle game with 40 levels, where players switch characters to solve puzzles and collect coins in a cursed tower.

    Retro video game publisher Mega Cat Studios has started 2026 with an exciting “triple launch” of new games designed for the NES and SNES systems. The company is set to debut physical cartridges for Super Fanger for the SNES, Plyuk for the NES, and Old Towers for the NES on January 29, which will be available through its online store.

    Homebrew Community Innovation

    The homebrew scene is buzzing with activity, as developers create new games for those vintage home consoles. Mega Cat Studios has a strong reputation for making and releasing games for platforms like the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis.

    Game Availability

    Super Fanger, Plyuk, and Old Towers will also be offered for digital download, with plans to release physical cartridges at a later date. This allows retro gamers to revive their old consoles or enjoy these new 8-bit and 16-bit games on an emulator.

    Gameplay Features

    Super Fanger for the SNES puts a spooky spin on traditional tag games. It’s made for two players who can explore four distinct maps, each with its own hidden treasures. The main gameplay consists of either chasing or escaping from “whoever’s it.”

    This pixelated tag game includes a solo Arcade Mode and a competitive Versus mode, perfect for both single-player sessions and fun with friends on the couch.

    Puzzle-Platforming Adventure

    Shifting to the NES, Plyuk is a thoughtful puzzle-platforming game. The plot follows Plyuk, who is trapped in a dangerous underground lab. Players need to master cloning techniques to create stacks or blocks that help them reach higher places and solve tricky puzzles.

    Originally released on Itch.io last year, this NES version enhances the experience for Nintendo’s classic 8-bit console.

    Action-Puzzle Challenge

    Lastly, the collection features Old Towers, an action-puzzle NES game where players race through a cursed tower filled with 40 challenging levels. Players will switch characters to tackle “brain-boggling” puzzles and collect coins while moving both vertically and horizontally through the stages.

    Old Towers first appeared as a ZX Spectrum game back in 2018, created by developer Retrosouls. This homebrew title has seen multiple ports to different platforms and had a digital launch on NES/Famicom via itch.io last year. Now, in 2026, Mega Cat is getting ready to launch Old Towers as a physical NES cartridge.

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  • Hulu Removal Highlights Switch 2’s Streaming Limitations

    Hulu Removal Highlights Switch 2’s Streaming Limitations

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hulu app support on the Nintendo Switch will end on February 5, 2026, as the service merges with Disney+.
    2. The original Switch still offers limited streaming options, with CrunchyRoll and YouTube as notable alternatives for users.
    3. Critics are concerned that the upcoming Switch 2 may have even poorer streaming capabilities, lacking apps like CrunchyRoll.
    4. YouTube has promised to launch an updated version of its app for the Switch 2, with development completed and currently in Nintendo’s verification process.
    5. Nintendo focuses primarily on gaming, unlike competitors like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, leading to limited streaming capabilities on its consoles.

    Switch gamers recently found out that Hulu app support will end on February 5, 2026. Even with this news, the console still has some alternatives to enhance its gaming experience. On the other hand, critics point out that the Switch 2 is even poorer as a streaming device. However, there is a glimmer of hope that YouTube might finally make its way onto the platform soon.

    Update on Hulu’s Exit

    Wario64 shared the news on social media about the update from the Nintendo support site. The end of Hulu on the original Switch isn’t surprising, given that the service is combining with Disney+. Unfortunately, there is no access to Disney content either.

    Limited Streaming Options

    Even though it’s losing a well-liked source for TV shows and films, Nintendo’s older handheld still offers a limited range of streaming apps. CrunchyRoll is particularly appealing for many users, providing a wealth of anime content. More importantly, players can turn to YouTube for tips on gameplay or updates on new games.

    Challenges with Switch 2

    The situation looks much worse for the Switch 2. One of its benefits is backward compatibility, but that only applies to games. There are no indications that a compatible CrunchyRoll will become available on the new system. Thankfully, Google appears committed to launching its video-sharing platform on the console. Shortly after the Switch 2’s release, the company promised an updated version of the app.

    It has been a tough wait for gamers eager for the handheld to offer more features. In October, YouTube finally gave another update, stating, “YouTube is not yet available on the Nintendo Switch 2, but we hope to be offering it soon.”

    Current Development Status

    Recently, ParticularQuality on Reddit chatted with YouTube support, who mentioned that the app’s development has been completed and that it’s “currently going through Nintendo’s verification processes.”

    There is an ongoing discussion about whether the Switch 2 should aim to be a competent streaming device. Nintendo has always prioritized gaming on its consoles, unlike the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, which are more versatile. Other gamers blame streaming services, which may not see the benefit in keeping more apps updated. Regardless, these individuals continue to rely on smartphones and tablets for portable entertainment.

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  • Japanese Game Preservation Society Launches Patreon After Cuts

    Japanese Game Preservation Society Launches Patreon After Cuts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Game Preservation Society (GPS) is a nonprofit from Japan focused on preserving video game history and has started a Patreon for funding.
    2. In July 2025, the Japanese government cut GPS funding due to regulatory issues related to scanning images for a digital library.
    3. GPS secured partial funding again after negotiations but faced a 20% penalty, relying on donations to cover expenses.
    4. The organization has cataloged over 855 Famicom strategy guides and preserved more than 7,000 magazine ads in the past fiscal year.
    5. GPS aims for independence from government funding, needing 300 Patreon backers to achieve self-sufficiency and maintain integrity in their mission.

    The Game Preservation Society, known as GPS, is a nonprofit organization from Japan that aims to keep video game history alive. They have recently started a Patreon to gain self-sufficient funding and are also planning to establish a sister organization in the United States.

    Government Support Issues

    In July 2025, the Japanese government decided to stop supporting GPS due to supposed regulatory infractions. These included scanning magazines and images to build a digital library, which is reportedly against the law in Japan. Nevertheless, GPS is still carrying on its work in Tokyo.

    Last summer, the government brought up two main concerns: the acquisition of images from books, magazines, and game covers was flagged for violating regulations, and the scanning of entire magazine pages for personal archives was also restricted.

    Concerns from Leadership

    Josh Redon, who leads the Game Preservation Society, shared his thoughts with Time Extension about the situation, stating:

    “It was tough. They informed us that our funding would be cut off; we wouldn’t receive any subsidies in the next round. They said we wouldn’t get any support until we fixed the issue. Yet, they never explained what the problem was.”

    Redon noted that officials didn’t clarify what was wrong with the images. After many discussions, they decided to hire a lawyer to look into the matter and communicate with the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

    Navigating Challenges

    After negotiations with the Japanese government, GPS was able to secure funding again, but with a penalty of 20%. Thankfully, they managed to cover the rest of their expenses thanks to donations received starting in April 2025.

    Despite facing numerous challenges, GPS has grown its headquarters in Tokyo, cataloging over 855 Famicom strategy guides and preserving more than 7,000 magazine advertisements this fiscal year. They have now launched a Patreon to gain freedom from government funding.

    Different Tiers of Support

    Patreon supporters can join for free to receive updates, while a $5 monthly subscription provides email news. Higher tiers are planned, including promises of livestreams from their operations and in-depth features.

    Redon emphasized that no money would be used to buy “content” and that all funds would go towards archiving and preserving gaming memorabilia. He mentioned that only 300 backers are needed to achieve independence from government aid, stating:

    “With 300 supporters, GPS could become self-sufficient and not depend on the government. This would be a significant achievement. I want us to be independent, avoiding reliance on subsidies and a few big private donors, so we can uphold our integrity and mission. We want to make decisions that are best for the public and preservation.”

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  • Steam Breaks Record with Over 42 Million Concurrent Players Online

    Steam Breaks Record with Over 42 Million Concurrent Players Online

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam generated over $1.6 billion in revenue in December 2025, showing rapid growth compared to December 2024.
    2. The platform reached a peak of 42,042,778 concurrent users on January 11, 2026, marking its highest user engagement ever.
    3. Major game releases, like Battlefield 6, significantly contributed to user engagement spikes.
    4. Steam has shown consistent annual growth in concurrent users, increasing from 33 million in January 2023 to over 42 million in early 2026.
    5. Steam holds a dominant market share of about 75% in the U.S. and 74% worldwide for PC digital distribution.

    2025 was a remarkable year for Steam, and the platform seems to be carrying that energy into 2026. Last December, the PC storefront ended on a high, raking in over $1.6 billion in revenue alone. This number was significantly greater than what Steam earned in December 2024, illustrating the platform’s rapid growth. Just a few days into the new year, Steam has already achieved another significant record.

    New Heights for User Engagement

    In October of the previous year, Steam hit a new peak for concurrent users. On October 12, more than 41 million players were online simultaneously. This surge was mainly fueled by big new game releases, particularly Battlefield 6, which debuted on October 10 and attracted a staggering 747,000 concurrent players on its opening day.

    Fast forward to the present, and Steam has raised the bar even higher. As per the latest live statistics, Steam has now surpassed another remarkable milestone. On January 11, 2026, the platform recorded an all-time high of 42,042,778 concurrent users. This represents the largest number of players ever logged into Steam at once, indicating that user engagement is rising even when there aren’t major game launches.

    Consistent Growth Over Time

    When examining its player figures over the years, Steam has demonstrated impressive annual growth. In January 2023, the platform first broke the 33 million concurrent users mark. By March 2024, this figure had climbed to 36 million. Since then, the platform has steadily expanded, surpassing 40 million and now exceeding the 42 million milestone.

    Steam’s stronghold in the PC gaming industry also sheds light on these impressive statistics. The platform is estimated to command about 75% of the PC digital distribution market in the United States and around 74% worldwide. With such a dominant position, it remains the primary destination for PC gamers everywhere.

    SteamDB

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  • Cyberpunk 2077 & Red Dead Redemption 2 4K Test on SteamOS & Windows 11

    Cyberpunk 2077 & Red Dead Redemption 2 4K Test on SteamOS & Windows 11

    Key Takeaways

    1. Linux desktop market share reached 5% in the US, driven by growth among gamers.
    2. Gaming distributions like SteamOS have improved user-friendliness for Linux gamers.
    3. ETA Prime tested an all-AMD gaming PC running both Windows 11 and SteamOS for game performance comparison.
    4. Game performance varied between operating systems, with neither consistently outperforming the other across all titles.
    5. Dual-booting allows users to choose the best OS for each game while maintaining access to Windows features.

    Last year, we shared that the Linux desktop hit a notable 5% of the US desktop market for the first time. This growth has solid reasons, especially among gamers. Furthermore, a member of the Notebookcheck team recently discussed switching from Windows 11 to Linux and expressed satisfaction with that choice.

    Growth of Linux in Gaming

    This situation underscores the advancements Linux has achieved, particularly gaming distributions like SteamOS, Bazzite, and others, which have made the open-source platform more user-friendly for gamers. To investigate this further, YouTuber ETA Prime tested an all-AMD gaming PC, dual-booting it with Windows 11 Pro and SteamOS to see how games perform on both systems.

    Specs of the Gaming PC

    In the video, ETA Prime outlines the specs of the all-AMD gaming rig. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, which has eight cores and 16 threads, along with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM operating at up to 7,000 MT/s in a dual-channel setup. The processor sells for $469 on Amazon. The rig is built on an ASRock B850 Challenger motherboard and includes an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card with 24 GB of VRAM, which is priced around $889 on Amazon. The storage consists of two 1 TB NVMe SSDs, one for Windows 11 Pro and the other for SteamOS. An 850 W Gold-rated power supply provides power.

    ETA Prime mentions that the components were chosen for their compatibility with SteamOS, ensuring all hardware functions smoothly with Valve’s system. The SteamOS used was version 3.7.17 and was installed from the stable channel, avoiding beta versions. Features like variable refresh rate (VRR), scaling options, and system tuning were enabled where possible, with CPU and GPU adjustments done directly through the BIOS instead of using third-party software.

    Game Performance Comparison

    To directly compare, ETA Prime played various games on both operating systems using the same settings. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra without FSR, Windows 11 managed 84 FPS, while SteamOS came in at 85 FPS, making both platforms quite equal.

    In Borderlands 4, Windows 11 had a slight edge, averaging 74 FPS compared to SteamOS’s 69 FPS at 4K Ultra with FSR Quality enabled. Forza Horizon 5 highlighted a more significant difference, with SteamOS averaging 157 FPS at 4K Extreme settings without FSR, while Windows 11 hit 191 FPS. ETA Prime speculated that this disparity might be due to the game’s strong connections to Microsoft’s ecosystem.

    On the other hand, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 favored SteamOS, delivering an average of 111 FPS at 4K Very High with FSR set to Quality, while Windows 11 averaged 103 FPS. Red Dead Redemption 2 without FSR saw SteamOS average 88 FPS and Windows 11 at 96 FPS.

    The YouTuber also tested more popular games like Left 4 Dead 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Doom: The Dark Ages at 4K on SteamOS, with the complete tests available in the linked video.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the performance varies by game, with neither OS consistently outperforming the other across all titles. ETA Prime concludes that the dual-boot method provides flexibility, enabling users to select the OS that works best for each game while still having access to the comprehensive Windows ecosystem when necessary.

    ETA Prime via YouTube

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Exynos 2600 GPU Benchmark vs OnePlus 15

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Exynos 2600 GPU Benchmark vs OnePlus 15

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Exynos 2600 is set to be the world’s first 2nm chipset, debuting in South Korean versions of the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, with uncertain availability in European models.
    2. Samsung is addressing gamer concerns about efficiency and heat production by adding a heat blocker directly on the chip.
    3. Test devices indicate that the Exynos 2600 will feature a 10-core SoC and the Samsung Xclipse 960 GPU.
    4. GPU testing shows the Xclipse 960 performing well, reaching 88% of the performance of the Adreno 840 in Vulkan tests.
    5. The Galaxy S26 is expected to improve performance further through software updates in the coming weeks.

    The Exynos 2600 is expected to be the world’s first 2nm chipset, likely making its first appearance in the South Korean versions of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus. However, it remains uncertain whether this processor will also be used in the European models of Samsung’s new flagship devices. Despite Samsung’s reassurances about managing efficiency and heat production, many gamers are still doubtful. The company has taken steps to address these concerns, including the addition of a heat blocker directly on the chip.

    Performance Insights

    Test devices for the Samsung Exynos 2600 have previously shown up on Geekbench, hinting at its anticipated CPU capabilities. Recently, a Samsung smartphone with the model number SM-S942B was spotted in the Geekbench database, which is presumed to be the international version of the Galaxy S26. According to the specifications, this device sports a 10-core SoC along with the Samsung Xclipse 960, confirming that it’s indeed the Exynos 2600. This serves as a strong indication that the European Galaxy S26 will also come equipped with Samsung’s own processor.

    GPU Testing Results

    Rather than focusing on CPU benchmarks, the recent tests utilized Vulkan and OpenCL for GPU evaluation. In earlier test models, this graphics unit performed quite well, nearing the capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is present in devices such as the OnePlus 15 (starting at $999 on Amazon) and various other Android smartphones. It should be noted that the comparison might not be entirely justified, as the Galaxy S26 is expected to enhance its performance in the weeks ahead through software updates. Nonetheless, the Xclipse 960 GPU is already achieving 88% of the performance of the Adreno 840 GPU in Vulkan tests, and just below 80% in OpenCL.

    Geekbench GPU via Roland Quandt

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  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Team Claims Double the Work Done

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Team Claims Double the Work Done

    Key Takeaways

    1. Surprising Success: “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” became a standout title of 2025, winning multiple awards and receiving acclaim for its immersive design and storytelling.

    2. Youthful Development Team: The studio, Sandfall Interactive, employed a young and inexperienced team, which contributed fresh ideas and perspectives to the project.

    3. Budget Constraints: The decision to hire younger developers was influenced by budget limitations, making it essential to bring in talent without prior expectations or negative habits.

    4. Increased Workload: The team’s innovative approach resulted in a heavier workload, as they had to create and test systems from scratch, facing challenges they had not encountered before.

    5. Collaboration for Growth: The producer emphasized the importance of collaborating with other studios to share ideas and incorporate best practices, enhancing the team’s development process.

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as one of the standout titles of 2025, catching many by surprise with its success. It garnered several awards at various events and received high praise for its immersive world design, compelling storytelling, engaging combat mechanics, and well-developed characters. The game made quite an impact, especially considering it was the studio’s first project. Yet, behind this triumph was a development journey that required much more effort than what is typical.

    Fresh Faces in Development

    Michel Nohra, the lead designer at Sandfall Interactive, recently shared insights with Edge Magazine about the youthful and relatively inexperienced team at the studio. He mentioned that these developers entered without preconceived notions about studio operations or game development. Their fresh viewpoints ultimately proved to be invaluable to the project.

    “The younger staff didn’t have any expectations about how a studio should be run and how a game should be made, and they brought fresh ideas that were very valuable for the rest of the project,” Nohra explained.

    A Necessary Strategy

    Nohra also emphasized that the decision to hire a younger team wasn’t purely voluntary. In the early stages of development, Sandfall Interactive lacked the budget to recruit many seasoned developers, making it essential to bring in younger talent. Nevertheless, he feels this choice was beneficial, as hiring younger developers positively impacted the project.

    Francois Meurisse, the game’s producer, added that the youthful composition of the team meant that no one arrived with negative habits learned from earlier experiences at other studios. Instead, everyone was on a shared learning journey, developing systems together and progressing at a uniform pace.

    Challenges of Innovation

    However, Meurisse did highlight a significant downside. Since the team was innovating and crafting numerous systems from the ground up, their workload was notably heavier than what a more experienced team might face. Each aspect had to be thoroughly researched, tested, and fine-tuned, as they were confronting challenges on a scale they had not previously encountered.

    “We were trying to create something new, and even new skills, from scratch.” He further added, “I’d say we basically did twice the work, because we were doing things for the first time to that scale.”

    Meurisse also mentioned that he invested considerable time collaborating with other studios in France, particularly in Montpellier, which is known for its concentration of game developers. He noted that sharing ideas and gaining insights from others enabled the team to grasp best practices and implement them effectively.

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