Category: Gaming

  • Vince Zampella, FPS Legend, Passes Away at 55

    Vince Zampella, FPS Legend, Passes Away at 55

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vince Zampella was a key figure in the gaming industry, co-founding Infinity Ward and creating Respawn Entertainment.
    2. He played a major role in the development of popular games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.
    3. Zampella passed away in a car accident on December 22, 2025, at the age of 55, leaving behind three children.
    4. His contributions to gaming earned him deep respect and admiration from colleagues, as noted in tributes from the Battlefield team and EA.
    5. The accident occurred on the Angeles Crest Highway, involving a Ferrari, and raised discussions online about reckless driving and Zampella’s legacy.

    Vince Zampella was seen as a major force in the gaming world. He co-founded Infinity Ward and was instrumental in bringing the Call of Duty franchise to life. He later created Respawn Entertainment, where he oversaw the development of popular games like Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. Since 2021, Zampella had been shaping the direction of Battlefield, earning respect as a true creative leader.

    Tragic Loss

    Unfortunately, Vince Zampella passed away in a car accident in California on Sunday, December 22, 2025. He was only 55 and leaves behind three children. The Battlefield development team and Electronic Arts confirmed the sad news in statements released on Monday. In a heartfelt tribute shared on X, the Battlefield team celebrated Zampella’s visionary ideas, his trust in his teams, and his focus on enhancing player experiences. His kindness and integrity made a lasting mark on the Battlefield series.

    Industry Reaction

    EA expressed profound sorrow, calling Zampella’s passing an “unimaginable loss.” The company highlighted the immense impact he had on the gaming industry, not just as a developer but also as a friend, colleague, and leader in the field.

    According to officials, the accident took place around 12:45 p.m. on the Angeles Crest Highway and involved one vehicle, which is believed to be a Ferrari. This particular stretch of road is known for its steep gradients and sharp turns. For reasons still unclear, the car lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into a concrete barrier. There were two occupants in the vehicle. The passenger, who has not been named, was thrown from the car and later succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Zampella was trapped inside and died in the subsequent fire, as reported by authorities.

    Online Response

    A video shared on Instagram that day captured the scene shortly after the crash, sparking a variety of responses online. Many users on Reddit expressed their grief over Zampella’s death, honoring him as an “FPS legend” and celebrating his contributions to the gaming world. Conversely, some criticized what they perceived as reckless driving, pointing to the footage as proof that the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed.

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  • Analyst: PS6 and Steam Machine Release Delays Due to Memory Costs

    Analyst: PS6 and Steam Machine Release Delays Due to Memory Costs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rising memory costs may lead Sony and Valve to reassess pricing or delay the launch of the PS6 and Steam Machine.
    2. Increased demand from the AI sector is reducing the availability of memory for consumers, causing price hikes in laptops and PCs.
    3. Valve may have secured LPDDR5 memory for the Steam Machine, but industry experts predict high prices for DRAM and storage to persist for several years.
    4. The PS6 is expected to launch in 2027 or 2028, influenced by rising GDDR7 VRAM costs and declining console sales.
    5. Manufacturers face pressures from declining sales and rising memory prices, potentially leading to postponed release dates for new consoles.

    As the cost of memory increases, the outlook for gaming hardware is becoming more and more unpredictable. This situation may compel Sony and Valve to reassess the prices for the upcoming PS6 and Steam Machine. Another option could be that the launch dates for these devices may be pushed back until prices stabilize. A recent article from Reuters cites an analyst who has made this concerning forecast.

    Impact of AI on Memory Market

    The piece by Zaheer Kachwala explains how the growing demand from the AI sector is influencing the memory market. With companies like Micron concentrating on business clients, there is a reduced amount of storage and memory accessible for regular consumers. Additionally, manufacturers of laptops and preassembled PCs have started to announce increases in their prices.

    Valve’s Strategy for Memory Supply

    Valve might have arranged to secure a stockpile of LPDDR5 memory ahead of the anticipated Steam Machine launch in early 2026. Nevertheless, some experts in the industry predict that the prices of DRAM and storage will not decrease for several years. This situation could force the company to either transfer these additional costs to gamers or to delay the release altogether.

    PS6 Launch Timeline

    The timing for the introduction of the PS6 is not as clear-cut, but many insiders expect it to arrive in 2027 or 2028. The rising costs of GDDR7 VRAM are putting pressure on the suggested retail prices of Nvidia RTX 50-series graphics cards and the next PlayStation console.

    Another challenge that both Valve and Sony face is the decline in console sales. Circana’s U.S. statistics for November 2025 indicated that hardware sales dipped by 27% when compared to the previous year. Due to tariffs and various economic hurdles, the Xbox Series X and PS5 have already seen price increases.

    Concerns for Manufacturers

    Both the warning signs related to retail performance and the escalating memory prices are factors that manufacturers must consider. The Reuters article quotes analyst Jacob Bourne from eMarketer, who expresses this concern. Bourne notes that, due to disappointing sales, “we could see console makers postpone their release dates.”

    Valve may still opt to move forward with the launch of its gaming system. One suggestion from the insider site Moore’s Law Is Dead is to provide a stripped-down version without memory and storage. This would keep the price of the Steam Machine reasonable, but would require gamers to finish the setup themselves. However, it seems quite unlikely that Sony would adopt a similar strategy for the PS6.

    Reuters, Valve YouTube

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  • FIFA Ends EA Partnership for Exclusive Netflix Gaming Deal

    FIFA Ends EA Partnership for Exclusive Netflix Gaming Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Netflix will launch an officially licensed FIFA football game in summer 2026, coinciding with the World Cup.
    2. The game will be available at no extra cost to Netflix subscribers and playable on smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile phones.
    3. FIFA’s partnership with Netflix marks a shift after ending its long-term collaboration with EA Sports in 2022.
    4. The game aims to attract a broad audience with easy-to-use gameplay, focusing on quick matches for casual gamers.
    5. This partnership is a strategic move for both FIFA and Netflix to test the FIFA brand’s value in gaming and expand Netflix’s gaming offerings.

    Netflix is set to transform the FIFA World Cup 2026 into a gaming experience. The streaming service has revealed an officially licensed FIFA football game that will be available on its Netflix Games platform. This game, created by Delphi Interactive, is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2026, coinciding with the tournament taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Instead of being a separate purchase, this title will be included in the existing Netflix Games library.

    Accessible Gameplay

    The upcoming game will be offered at no additional charge for Netflix subscribers and is built to function on smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile phones. On televisions, players will utilize their smartphones as controllers, similar to other Netflix party games. There will also be a native version available for both iOS and Android platforms. Netflix and FIFA are promoting this project as an easy-to-use football simulation featuring quick matches that allow for both solo and online gaming, rather than a complex simulation specifically for hardcore console gamers.

    A New Era for FIFA

    For nearly 30 years, FIFA depended on EA Sports to produce its yearly football games, but that collaboration concluded in 2022 due to disputes over licensing fees and the future use of the FIFA name. EA retained the rights to its leagues, teams, and players, rebranding the series as EA Sports FC. Meanwhile, FIFA found the freedom to license its brand to others, and an exclusive agreement with Netflix allows FIFA to showcase its name to hundreds of millions of subscribers all at once, offering a simpler, TV-oriented game that aligns with the World Cup and FIFA’s goal to “reach billions” of fans.

    A Strategic Move

    This partnership represents FIFA’s first significant football simulation game since the end of its long-term connection with EA’s FIFA series, and it serves as a crucial test of how much value the standalone FIFA name still has in the gaming world. For Netflix, this marks another advancement in expanding its gaming offerings beyond just mobile tie-ins. This follows other projects like 007: First Light and its increasing collection of TV-playable games that leverage smartphones as controllers. The company aims to position the FIFA title as one of its flagship games in its endeavor to make gaming on Netflix as commonplace as watching a series.

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  • AMD Zen 6 vs Intel Nova Lake: Gaming Battle with 288MB V-Cache

    AMD Zen 6 vs Intel Nova Lake: Gaming Battle with 288MB V-Cache

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD Zen 6 CPUs may feature up to 144 MB of 3D V-Cache, a significant increase from the previously expected 96 MB.
    2. Intel’s Nova Lake CPUs could offer up to 288 MB of last-level cache, potentially giving Intel an advantage in gaming performance.
    3. Both AMD and Intel’s high cache options are expected to come with high price tags, especially for models with 288 MB of cache.
    4. The performance comparison between AMD Zen 6 and Intel Nova Lake will depend on factors like per-core IPC improvements and clock speeds.
    5. Current performance metrics for both CPU lines have not been disclosed, leaving the competition outcome uncertain.

    The AMD Zen 6 CPUs were earlier thought to have 96 MB of 3D V-Cache, which is a 50% rise from the 64 MB found in the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. With a possible 10%+ boost in single-core IPC, it seemed like AMD Zen 6 would hold onto its gaming title. Nonetheless, Intel Nova Lake might bring up to 288 MB of last-level “bLLC” cache, possibly giving Intel the upper hand in gaming.

    AMD’s Surprise Move

    Recent leaks suggest AMD may have something special up its sleeve. According to leaker HXL, the Zen 6 CPUs may feature a single 3D V-Cache die with 144 MB, rather than the previously speculated 96 MB. This means that Zen 6 X3D models could potentially offer 144 MB of last-level cache, while versions with dual 3D V-Cache dies might provide a whopping 288 MB of additional L3 cache.

    Cache Comparison with Intel

    The 3D V-Cache setup for Zen 6 CPUs aligns with the Intel Nova Lake CPUs. Reports indicate that NVL-S desktop chips featuring dual-bLLC could also offer 288 MB of last-level cache. However, such a substantial increase in L3 cache might come with a hefty price tag. So, prepare to shell out some serious money if you’re interested in Zen 6 or Nova Lake CPUs with 288 MB of last-level cache.

    Even with pricing concerns, having 288 MB of extra L3 cache is significant for gaming. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D already demonstrates the impact of a 64 MB section of 3D V-Cache on gaming performance. Therefore, we can anticipate that both Intel Nova Lake and AMD Zen 6 CPUs with this extra L3 cache will provide outstanding gaming experiences.

    The Final Showdown

    At this point, it’s hard to determine which company will take the lead since Intel and AMD haven’t disclosed any performance metrics yet. If both Intel Nova Lake and AMD Zen 6 have the same amount of last-level cache, the outcome of the gaming performance clash will hinge on factors like per-core IPC improvements and clock speeds.

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  • New Co-Op Action RPG Based on Popular Anime Tops Steam Charts

    New Co-Op Action RPG Based on Popular Anime Tops Steam Charts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release and Popularity: Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive launched on November 24, 2025, and quickly gained traction on Steam’s Trending New Releases.

    2. Gameplay Mechanics: The game features fast-paced, combo-oriented combat, a branching skill tree with eight job paths, and a crafting system for weapon creation, while also supporting 4-player co-op raids.

    3. Pricing and Reception: Priced at $39.99 for the standard edition and $44.99 for the Deluxe Edition, it holds a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam, with mixed feedback regarding repetitive missions and technical issues.

    4. Player Engagement: The game has seen peak player counts close to 13,000 on weekends, indicating strong player engagement, though it requires a capable PC for optimal performance.

    5. Steam Deck Compatibility: Arise Overdrive is playable on Steam Deck, with community reports confirming functionality, though performance may vary on the handheld device.

    Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive, the adaptation by Netmarble Neo of the very popular Solo Leveling anime and webtoon, is gaining popularity on Steam’s Trending New Releases after its launch in late November 2025. This action-RPG has drawn in players with its third-person combat, cooperative raids, and numerous nods to the source material that many fans have longed for.

    Launch Details

    The game was officially released on November 24, 2025, for PC through Steam and Xbox platforms, with early access for Deluxe Edition purchasers a few days earlier. It follows the story of Sung Jinwoo, starting as an E-Rank hunter and tracing his path to becoming the Monarch of Shadows, while also including unique story elements.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Arise Overdrive focuses on fast-paced, combo-oriented combat where dodging, parrying, and switching weapons are crucial for defeating monsters and dungeon bosses. Players can progress through a branching skill tree offering eight job paths, unlocking powerful Monarch abilities that impact combat strategies. A crafting system allows hunters to create weapons inspired by the Solo Leveling universe, and 4-player co-op raids promote teamwork during challenging battles.

    The game also offers a solo experience in addition to its multiplayer options, featuring online elements such as achievements and family sharing. Some players appreciate that Arise Overdrive lacks the gacha mechanics found in other Solo Leveling games. Instead, it emphasizes growth through combat and exploration.

    Pricing and Reception

    In the U.S., the standard version is available for $39.99 on Steam, while a Deluxe Edition costs around $44.99 and includes cosmetic items and helper features like the Yaruru companion. As for user feedback, the game currently holds a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam, with more than a thousand reviews contributing to this overall impression. Recent reviews have been quite favorable, particularly among English-speaking players. However, some feedback is not entirely positive, with players expressing dissatisfaction over repetitive missions, grind-heavy progression, and technical issues that hinder gameplay. Metacritic critic scores also indicate this varied response with an “average” consensus.

    Player Engagement

    Arise Overdrive demonstrates strong player engagement, with peak concurrent player counts on Steam nearing 13,000 during busy weekends. However, it does necessitate a reasonably capable PC setup—an RTX 2060 mid-range GPU and around 16 GB of RAM are recommended for optimal performance. Additionally, the Steam page indicates that Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive is playable on Steam Deck (currently priced at $850 on Amazon for the 1TB/OLED version), and community feedback confirms that it successfully runs on the handheld device. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that performance on the Deck may not be flawless right out of the box.

    Steam, SteamDB

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  • Epic Games Store Hints at Free Game Mystery for December 23

    Epic Games Store Hints at Free Game Mystery for December 23

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is currently offering Paradise Killer for free as part of its 2025 holiday giveaway.
    2. The next free game will be revealed on December 23 at 16:00 UTC, with a hint that it’s “extremely challenging.”
    3. The hint suggests players may need a “deep understanding of the drop rates” and to “use a spreadsheet” for the game.
    4. Speculations about the next game include titles like Terraria, Stardew Valley, and EVE Online, with varying degrees of difficulty.
    5. Kerbal Space Program and its sequel are also mentioned as possibilities, with Kerbal Space Program 2 being a stronger candidate since it’s not currently on sale.

    Epic Games Store is offering Paradise Killer for free right now, marking the sixth game in its holiday giveaway for 2025. The next free title will be revealed on December 23 at 16:00 UTC. Unlike previous reveals, there seems to be a solid hint about this upcoming game.

    A Mysterious Hint

    An individual thought to be part of the official team has posted a puzzling clue regarding the next giveaway on the Epic Games Store Discord server. Decoding this hint isn’t straightforward, making it all the more intriguing for gamers.

    What to Expect

    The hint from the supposed staff member suggested that the next free game “is extremely challenging” and needs a “deep understanding of the drop rates.” They also advised players to “use a spreadsheet” to help manage the game’s challenges.

    Speculations Abound

    Naturally, after this hint surfaced, guesses about the seventh free game have been flying around. Some believe it might be Terraria, known for its unpredictable loot drops, although it’s not particularly tough. Others are looking at Stardew Valley, which is also not considered a difficult game.

    There’s a possibility that the clue points to a starter pack or additional content for EVE Online, a multiplayer game humorously referred to as a “spreadsheet simulator” due to its complex user interface. Players must often deal with numbers and data to advance in the game.

    Other Predictions

    Another title that’s been mentioned is Kerbal Space Program, which is indeed challenging. It demands a solid grasp of physics, and many players create spreadsheets for better planning. However, it’s important to note that the original version of the game is currently on sale, which might reduce its chances of being given away for free.

    On the other hand, Kerbal Space Program 2 isn’t on sale, making it a stronger candidate for the giveaway. No matter what the next free title on the Epic Games Store turns out to be, the good news is that we won’t have to wait long to find out.

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  • Arkane Austin Co-Creator Reacts to Microsoft’s Shocking Closure

    Arkane Austin Co-Creator Reacts to Microsoft’s Shocking Closure

    Key Takeaways

    1. Harvey Smith was shocked by Microsoft’s decision to close Arkane Austin after the poor reception of Redfall.
    2. He expressed concern for younger developers at the studio, especially those who worked on Redfall as their first project.
    3. Smith took responsibility for Redfall’s commercial failure, attributing it to the challenges of a live-service model during the pandemic.
    4. Despite the closure, he led the team in releasing a significant update for Redfall, which improved the game and aligned it more with Arkane’s original vision.
    5. Smith revealed that the studio was developing an exciting Blade Runner game before the closure, which he believed could have been very promising.

    Harvey Smith, one of the minds behind Dishonored and the long-standing studio head at Arkane Austin, recently shared his feelings about the “shock” of Microsoft’s decision to close the studio in May 2024, which came after the poor reception of their vampire-themed FPS, Redfall.

    Reflecting on the Studio’s Journey

    In a conversation with Simon Parkin on the latest episode of the My Perfect Console podcast, Smith reflected on the team’s journey, recalling their experience in developing the 2012 stealth-action FPS Dishonored and the well-regarded yet seemingly overlooked 2017 title Prey. He also explored the tough emotions involved with the studio’s closure. Smith received a call the night before the public announcement, which left him restless, thinking about the younger developers who presented their first work through Redfall.

    Smith’s Thoughts on the Closure

    During the interview, Smith expressed his feelings: “It was a shock, because we had done really good work, and this is a group of people in some cases, who had worked together for one project and in other cases, like me and Ricardo Bare (creative lead behind Prey: Mooncrash), had worked together since the late nineties.” He took responsibility for Redfall’s commercial failure, explaining that it was a live-service experiment that didn’t succeed during the pandemic. He shared his concern for the new team members, saying, “Who I really felt for were the new people, like, this was their first project, or they’d only been Rin the industry for a bit of while… Mostly it was a shock, and it was trying to help, especially the people that, for whom this was just a mind-blowing experience.”

    Moving Forward with Updates

    Despite the unexpected closure, Smith remained focused on improving Redfall and led the rollout of its 1.4 patch, which he described as “a huge full-court press inside the company.” This patch added an offline mode, revamped systems, and brought the game closer to Arkane’s original vision. Smith expressed gratitude that Microsoft allowed them to release this final update, stating, “Microsoft allowed us to finish 1.4 with a lot of campaigning going for it. And as a result, the team’s work wasn’t wasted, and the game that sits up there today is much better than the one that we released at launch.”

    Nevertheless, he added, “It was not a decision I agreed with. I did believe very much in the studio’s future. We were working on something very cool.” He also disclosed that the studio was developing a Blade Runner game, saying, “We were working on a Blade Runner game, which was super exciting to me. What we could have done with Blade Runner…”

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  • Valve Sets 2026 Deadline to Transition Steam to 64-Bit Windows

    Valve Sets 2026 Deadline to Transition Steam to 64-Bit Windows

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is transitioning to a fully 64-bit Steam client, ending support for the 32-bit version by January 1, 2026.
    2. Users on 32-bit Windows will be placed on a separate branch with no updates or security fixes after the cutoff date.
    3. Only about 0.01% of Steam’s user base is still using 32-bit Windows, making the impact of this change minimal.
    4. 32-bit games will still function on 64-bit Windows due to compatibility layers, so users need not worry about losing access to these games.
    5. Many users on 32-bit systems likely have the hardware to upgrade to 64-bit, but those with outdated 32-bit processors will lose access to Steam.

    Valve is making a significant transition to a fully 64-bit Steam client on compatible Windows PCs, gradually eliminating support for the 32-bit version. In a December update, many users observed that Steam is now operating as a native 64-bit application on Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11.

    Changes for 32-bit Users

    For those still using 32-bit versions of Windows, they are placed on a separate branch that will no longer be updated after 1 January 2026. This isn’t a subtle shift by Valve; the company had previously announced in September that support for 32-bit Windows would be dropped next year due to its incompatibility with core Steam features. Moreover, only a very small percentage of users were on older systems to run Steam.

    Future of Steam on 32-bit Systems

    For users on 32-bit Windows, Steam will continue to work as it does currently, but after the cutoff date, the client will no longer receive updates or security fixes. There also won’t be any assurance that new games will function correctly on these systems. Valve has made it clear in its Steam Support FAQ, stating, “As of 1 January 2026, Steam will stop supporting systems running on 32-bit versions of Windows.” Future versions of Steam will exclusively support 64-bit setups, and customer support for outdated 32-bit PCs will also stop at the same time.

    User Impact

    This decision is unlikely to impact many users, considering the small number of Steam’s user base still utilizing 32-bit Windows. Valve found that only about 0.01% of active systems are still using 32-bit Windows. The most recent Steam Hardware Survey shows that 65.59% of Windows-based Steam users are on Windows 11 64-bit, 29.06% on Windows 10 64-bit, and a mere 0.08% on Windows 7 64-bit.

    Additionally, this change will not affect 32-bit games on Steam, as they will continue to operate correctly on 64-bit Windows due to existing compatibility layers from Microsoft’s Windows on Windows (WOW64) enhancements. Valve highlighted this to prevent any misunderstandings among Steam users.

    Upgrading Considerations

    Many users still on 32-bit Windows likely have the hardware needed for a 64-bit upgrade. The main drawback is the tedious task of installing a fresh operating system. However, those still using nearly obsolete 32-bit processors will need to say farewell to Steam.

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  • Call of Duty Switch 2 May Launch in 2026, Black Ops 7 Possible

    Call of Duty Switch 2 May Launch in 2026, Black Ops 7 Possible

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has made a deal to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo’s new handheld, with a possible release of Black Ops 7 by 2026.
    2. The delay in Black Ops 7’s release for Switch 2 is due to the unavailability of a development kit from Nintendo.
    3. Microsoft aims to launch Call of Duty games on multiple platforms from day one, but Nintendo has been selective about development tools.
    4. Call of Duty Mobile may be a simpler option for Switch, with recent job postings indicating interest in AAA mobile or Switch projects.
    5. Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty, has sadly passed away at the age of 55.

    Despite the boost in third-party support, the Call of Duty series is still missing from Nintendo’s new handheld. However, Microsoft has made a deal to bring the franchise to this console. The wait might not be long, thanks to an update from Jez Corden at Windows Central. He suggests that a game for Switch 2, possibly Black Ops 7, might be out by 2026.

    Delay in Release

    Corden responded to a question on social media regarding why Black Ops 7 wasn’t listed for the Switch 2 release. He mentioned that the reason for the hold-up was the unavailability of a development kit. It seems Nintendo was quite choosy about which studios got the tools at the start.

    Commitment to Multi-Platform

    As Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard progressed, it made a commitment to launch Call of Duty games on multiple platforms from day one. This makes it seem odd that Nintendo didn’t give more attention to the publisher. Still, Corden shared that “The first CoD version for Switch is almost complete and should be out in a few months.” He later added that 2026 seems like a more reliable date for a Switch 2 game.

    Future of Black Ops 7

    Now, many fans of shooter games are curious if Black Ops 7 is coming. With the help of DLSS, the specs of Switch 2 can handle more demanding games. The latest release from Treyarch is also set to launch on PS4 and Xbox One, which means that decent performance on the handheld is achievable.

    A port of Call of Duty Mobile would be a simpler transition for developers. Unlike Black Ops 7, Activision hasn’t faced issues with slow sales on mobile devices. A recent job posting from Sledgehammer Games suggests that the Android and iPhone versions might be a source of inspiration. The company is seeking a Senior Technical Artist who has experience with AAA mobile or Switch projects, building on their past work with Warzone titles.

    In June 2025, Activision confirmed that Call of Duty games were still on track for Nintendo’s handheld. If any technical issues have been resolved, the Xbox Developer Direct in January could be a good time for an announcement.

    Sad News in the Community

    In much sadder news, Vince Zampella, one of the co-creators of Call of Duty, has died at the age of 55.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket Vert: Play Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2 in Handheld Form

    Ayaneo Pocket Vert: Play Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2 in Handheld Form

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powerful Hardware: The Ayaneo Pocket Vert features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, enabling it to run games from GameCube and PlayStation 2 at higher resolutions, surpassing traditional handheld limits.

    2. Advanced Control Features: It includes four shoulder buttons and dual touchpads, offering more adaptability and control options compared to the Analogue Pocket, making it appealing for diverse gaming experiences.

    3. High-Quality Display: The device boasts a 3.5-inch, 1600×1400 resolution display, enhancing clarity for pixel art and allowing for precise integer scaling, which is ideal for retro gaming.

    4. Competitive Pricing Challenge: The success of the Pocket Vert may hinge on its price point, especially as it competes with the Analogue Pocket, which is priced at $219.99.

    5. Retro Gaming Appeal: While specifications are important, the value of authentic retro handheld gaming remains significant, and the Pocket Vert’s features may challenge the Analogue Pocket’s appeal to retro gaming enthusiasts.

    Ayaneo introduced the Pocket Vert earlier this year, starting with teasers back in July, and just revealed detailed specifications last month. Now, YouTuber ETA Prime has managed to get a unit, offering a sneak peek at this new handheld device. Previous hints suggested that the Pocket Vert would compete directly with the Analogue Pocket, which features a 3.5-inch, 1600×1400, 60 Hz IPS LTPS display. This resolution is especially important for emulating Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, as it provides a perfect 10 times the pixel resolution of the original 160×140 screens. This setup allows for precise integer scaling on both devices, significantly improving the clarity of the pixel art, which might otherwise appear blurry with an uneven integer scale. Additionally, the internal hardware is much more powerful than the FPGA-based Analogue Pocket, which is mainly aimed at Game Boy Advance games, showcasing a handheld that matches in screen and build quality while targeting a more high-end gaming experience.

    Impressive Processing Power

    The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is significantly more powerful than any enhanced Game Boy Advance, allowing the device to run even GameCube and PlayStation 2 games at higher resolutions than the original consoles supported. Thanks to this robust Android processor, the Ayaneo Pocket Vert becomes a strong contender in the realm of handheld gaming, not just limited to 2D emulation. With access to the Play Store, native Android games could run smoothly, and features like Steam Link or cloud gaming might even enable playing modern console or PC games on this device.

    Enhanced Control Features

    Another major advantage of the Ayaneo Pocket Vert over the Analogue Pocket is its inclusion of four shoulder buttons and dual touchpads located beneath the D-Pad and face buttons. While it may not be flawless, the dual-analog controls and comprehensive button mapping options make the Pocket Vert a lot more adaptable than the Analogue Pocket. With a similar design but many more advanced control features, the Pocket Vert is starting to seem quite attractive. However, the biggest question surrounding this handheld is its price, which has yet to be announced. If it competes well with the Analogue Pocket, it may find it challenging to stand out against its less powerful FPGA counterpart.

    The Value of Retro Gaming

    Nevertheless, gaming is not solely about specifications. The success of the Analogue Pocket wasn’t due to its high specs; rather, the value of authentic retro handheld gaming is hard to underestimate. It’s understandable if you think that the ability to play GameCube games or stream from Steam doesn’t matter much for this type of device. But for those who just want to enjoy gaming without worrying about the distinctions between software emulation and FPGA-based hardware emulation, the Ayaneo Pocket Vert could make the Analogue Pocket a tougher sell, especially if it can offer a price close to the Analogue Pocket’s $219.99.

    As of now, the handheld is still awaiting ETA Prime’s complete review—or any full review, for that matter. There may be crucial issues that could affect its appeal, especially since the market for handheld gaming devices is more competitive than ever. This device also has to contend with Ayaneo’s own Pocket DMG, which features a stunning OLED screen. And one has to wonder if it might be more beneficial to simply attach a $12 accessory to your current phone instead!

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