Category: Gaming

  • Blizzard Fails Pre-Orders for Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Expansion

    Blizzard Fails Pre-Orders for Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred Expansion

    Key Takeaways

    1. Blizzard has added two new classes to Diablo 4, including the Paladin and another class to be revealed with the DLC on April 28.
    2. Players can access the new classes early by pre-ordering the Lord of Hatred expansion, but purchasing it has been problematic.
    3. Many users face issues purchasing the expansion, receiving messages about eligibility on the Battle.net client.
    4. The Battle.net client has been experiencing random currency changes, adding to the frustration for players trying to buy the expansion.
    5. Blizzard is aware of the purchase problems and is working on a solution, but no timeline for resolution has been provided.

    Blizzard has quietly introduced two new classes for Diablo 4. The first one is a familiar name to fans: the Paladin, a classic from Blizzard’s lineup. The second class will be unveiled when the DLC launches on April 28. You can technically play it now with the new season, but only if you’ve pre-ordered the Lord of Hatred expansion. However, trying to purchase this expansion has turned out to be quite a challenging experience.

    Purchase Problems

    Many players (including myself) have reported issues on Reddit, Battle.net, X, and almost everywhere else, struggling to buy the expansion directly. When attempting to do so, users often see a message saying, “Sorry, you’re not eligible to purchase Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred – Deluxe Edition” on the Battle.net client. To add to the frustration, the client has been changing currencies randomly. As of now, it looks like the problem hasn’t improved.

    Accessibility Issues

    Some users, particularly those using the popular streamer client, have managed to buy the Lord of Hatred expansion, but for most people, it’s still out of reach. Blizzard has stated that they are working on a solution, but it might take some time before the store is fully operational again. One possible workaround is to gift the expansion and then redeem it on your work account, but the chances of that working are uncertain at best.

    In discussions on forums like Reddit, X, and Battle.net, players continue to express their frustrations.

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  • Get a Free AAA Game on Epic Games Store Today!

    Get a Free AAA Game on Epic Games Store Today!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hogwarts Legacy is available for free on the Epic Games Store until December 18, allowing players to keep it permanently.
    2. The game is set in the Harry Potter universe, taking place long before the events of the original series.
    3. Players will engage in spell-casting, broomstick flying, and puzzles throughout the game’s storyline.
    4. Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world game, allowing exploration of Hogwarts and iconic locations like Hogsmeade.
    5. Quidditch is not included in the game due to a canonical explanation, disappointing some fans.

    The Epic Games Store is currently offering a highly regarded (or debated, depending on whom you talk to) game for free. You can snag Hogwarts Legacy and keep it permanently until December 18. This title represents one of the first big-budget games to be made available on the platform lately, and it’s definitely a must-try for fans of the Harry Potter series.

    A New Adventure Awaits

    Although Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t feature Harry Potter or his companions, it takes place within the same universe as the beloved franchise. The storyline unfolds in Hogwarts, long before the birth of Harry and Voldemort, focusing on a main character caught in a growing conflict. Players can expect plenty of spell-casting, broomstick flying, and engaging puzzles throughout their journey.

    Explore the Wizarding World

    Hogwarts Legacy is designed as an open-world experience, giving gamers the chance to thoroughly investigate Hogwarts and its many areas. Players can also visit iconic spots like Hogsmeade. The game world is filled with various locations to discover, though some areas are locked until certain campaign milestones are reached. However, fans hoping to play Quidditch will be let down, as it is unfortunately unavailable in the game due to a rather absurd canonical explanation.

    Epic Games Store is pushing the boundaries of gaming by introducing such titles.

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  • PS3 Emulator Runs on PS5: Issues with AAA Games in RPCS3 Alternative

    PS3 Emulator Runs on PS5: Issues with AAA Games in RPCS3 Alternative

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cloudberry Kingdom is now playable on PS5 through a custom emulator, RedoEngine, developed by RedoApps.
    2. PS3 emulators like RPCS3 are challenging to use and lack official support, but Sony is working with Implicit Conversions on a potential solution.
    3. RedoEngine focuses on High-Level Emulation (HLE) and aims for commercial use, differing from community-driven emulators.
    4. Some PS3 titles are difficult to emulate; Cloudberry Kingdom is easier due to its lower reliance on the SPU, but AAA titles may face significant challenges.
    5. The emulator provides a near-authentic PS3 experience on the PS5, including 1080p graphics and features like an on-screen menu and save states.

    Some fans see a recent event as a big win for retro gaming. This comes after the PS5 was only able to play PS3 games through cloud streaming. Although there are some restrictions, Cloudberry Kingdom is now operating on Sony’s latest console thanks to a custom emulator from RedoApps.

    Challenges with PS3 Emulators

    Emulators for the PS3, like RPCS3, aren’t the easiest to use and probably won’t receive official backing. Meanwhile, it seems Sony is collaborating with Implicit Conversions to create its own solution. Digital Foundry has verified that playing the PS3 version of Cloudberry Kingdom on the PS5 using RedoApps was an unexpected achievement.

    New Releases on the Horizon

    The tough 2013 platformer includes levels that are generated procedurally. Multiple versions will soon be released globally on the PS Store. One choice is to play the PS3 title on the PS5 utilizing the developer’s emulator.

    In a chat with Digital Foundry, Sayed Mahmood Alawi shared how RedoEngine is different from RPCS3. His approach lacks community backing and aims for “commercial intent.” The team has also focused more on High-Level Emulation (HLE), which is a significant plus. This allows the emulator to function like the original hardware, effectively replicating the console’s processor. The SPU of the system has been a major hurdle in retro gaming.

    The Road Ahead for Emulation

    Even though the developers have made progress, they recognize that some PS3 titles are tougher to emulate. Alawi noted, “bringing back AAA titles to the PS5 is likely going to be brutal, but not impossible.” Cloudberry Kingdom relies less on the SPU compared to other games. Many targets also require a good amount of special attention. Therefore, RedoEngine might not serve as a universal PS3 emulator that gamers are wishing for.

    Regardless of its limitations, Cloudberry Kingdom could provide the most genuine PlayStation 3 experience to date on the PS5. The graphics are displayed at the console’s full 1080p resolution, with just a few minor glitches. An on-screen menu assists players in understanding how the Dualshock controls correspond to the DualSense controller. Save states, which are a test feature in RPCS3, are also included.

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  • Resident Evil Requiem Trailer Reveals Protagonist Details

    Resident Evil Requiem Trailer Reveals Protagonist Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Resident Evil 9: Requiem is set to release on February 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
    2. Leon Kennedy will be the main character, joined by a new character named Grace Ashcroft.
    3. The newly released trailer showcases a familiar Resident Evil style with over-the-shoulder action.
    4. Dr. Gideon is introduced as a significant villain in the story.
    5. The campaign may be longer than Resident Evil: Village, with more details about gameplay expected soon.

    Resident Evil 9 Requiem is set to be released on February 27, 2026. Players can look forward to enjoying it on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. A newly released trailer revealed that Leon Kennedy will take the lead role, despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise. Alongside him will be a character named Grace Ashcroft, and their stories will be closely connected.

    Trailer Insights

    The latest cinematic trailer, however, doesn’t provide much insight into the actual gameplay. From what little can be observed, it appears to stick to the familiar Resident Evil style, featuring over-the-shoulder action and a slower, more methodical pace. Additionally, the trailer gives us a peek at the main villain, Dr. Gideon, who seems to play a significant role in the story.

    Expectations for Gameplay

    There have been rumors suggesting that the campaign of Resident Evil 9: Requiem could be longer than that of Resident Evil: Village. With the release date drawing near, a more detailed look at the game’s combat and mechanics is likely on the horizon. Capcom has assured fans that they will not repeat the same missteps made with Monster Hunter Wilds, which makes it all the more intriguing to see how the game will perform on PC at launch.

     

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  • Larian Announces New Divinity Game Bigger Than Baldur’s Gate 3

    Larian Announces New Divinity Game Bigger Than Baldur’s Gate 3

    Key Takeaways

    1. The mysterious statue at The Game Awards is confirmed to be related to Larian’s upcoming title: Divinity.
    2. The new Divinity game is an extension of the popular Divinity: Original Sin series, but its timeline is still unclear.
    3. Limited information has been shared, with only a cinematic trailer released so far.
    4. The host of The Game Awards claims the new Divinity game will be “bigger than Baldur’s Gate 3.”
    5. There is no pricing or release date information; a launch might not happen before 2026, potentially including an Early Access phase.

    The mystery surrounding the enigmatic statue at The Game Awards has finally been cleared up. A prior trademark listing suggested it was related to Larian, and now we have confirmation. It is associated with Larian’s forthcoming title: Divinity. This game is an extension of the highly praised Divinity: Original Sin series, although its timeline remains uncertain.

    Limited Information Revealed

    Apart from a cinematic trailer, not much has been disclosed about the new Divinity game. Geoff Keighley, the host of The Game Awards, mentions that it is “bigger than Baldur’s Gate 3.” This aligns with a previous report where Larian stated that their next RPG would “dwarf them all.”

    Anticipation Grows

    Sadly, there is no information on pricing or a release date. If the new Divinity game is truly as expansive as Larian suggests, it’s probably not going to be released before 2026. At the very least, we might see a Baldur’s Gate 3-style Early Access phase that allows players to engage with the story bit by bit. Regardless, The Elder Scrolls 6 may face significant rivalry this time around.

    The Game Awards’

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  • First Generative AI Game Releases Demo, Publisher Announces

    First Generative AI Game Releases Demo, Publisher Announces

    Key Takeaways

    1. Codex Mortis as an AI-Driven Game: Codex Mortis is promoted as the first fully playable game created entirely by AI, showcasing its integration of AI tools throughout the development process.

    2. Debate on AI Usage: The claim of being the only AI-driven game is contested, with other titles like Oasis also utilizing generative AI technology.

    3. Valve’s Disclosure Requirement: Starting in early 2024, Valve requires games to disclose any use of generative AI, ensuring transparency about AI-generated content in titles like Codex Mortis.

    4. Gameplay Mechanics: Codex Mortis features “necromantic bullet hell” gameplay, allowing players to mix dark magic and build armies of spirits for solo or cooperative play.

    5. User Experience and Graphics: The demo has a tricky interface and retro graphics that may not meet player expectations, similar to other indie titles, but a reasonable price for the final game could mitigate potential backlash.

    Some developers shy away from acknowledging the effects of generative AI on their creations. Nevertheless, Codex Mortis stands out as its studio embraces this technology as a key feature. According to Insider Gaming, the publisher boasts that it’s the “first fully playable game in the world made entirely by AI.” This bullet hell game, inspired by Vampire Survivor, has recently released a demo on Steam ahead of its complete launch.

    Debates on AI in Gaming

    The claim that Codex Mortis is the sole AI-driven game is open to discussion. For example, Oasis presents a web-based open-world experience that is crafted using this rapidly advancing technology. Nonetheless, the publisher behind the new Steam title asserts that their team has integrated AI tools in every phase of development.

    Valve’s New Requirements

    In early 2024, Valve started mandating that titles disclose any use of generative AI. In this instance, the disclaimer states, “All code is AI vibe codes, also arts, sounds, music, texts.” The game’s trailer makes it clear that the visuals were not created through conventional methods. It seems the studio based the characters on their own faces, which appear to be copied and pasted into the game.

    Despite the fact that Codex Mortis is generated by machines, it still provides fun gameplay. Labeled as “necromantic bullet hell,” players mix five kinds of dark magic to fend off waves of resurrected foes. Additionally, gamers have the option to build their own armies of these unfortunate spirits in solo or cooperative play.

    Gameplay Experience

    When players start the free demo, they might find the interface a bit tricky to use, especially with controllers. Before the action kicks off, the retro graphics from a top-down perspective don’t align with what’s shown in the YouTube trailer. However, it’s worth noting that the visuals in more widely recognized titles like Vampire Survivor also aren’t cutting-edge.

    With the criticism regarding the limited use of generative AI tools in games such as Arc Raiders, Codex Mortis might struggle to win fans over. Even many indie developers are hesitant to give this technology complete creative authority. On a positive note, a reasonable price for the final product could help sidestep the backlash faced by major projects.

    Insider Gaming, Codex Mortis Steam page, Crunch Fest YouTube, Oasis AI game

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  • Epic Games Store December 2025 Giveaway Plans Leaked

    Epic Games Store December 2025 Giveaway Plans Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store will reveal its next free game offer for PC and possibly macOS, linked to The Game Awards.
    2. The Mystery Game promotion will continue until the Holiday Sale ends on January 8, 2026.
    3. The next Mystery Game giveaway is on December 18 at 16:00 UTC, with no delays expected.
    4. No hints or teasers have been provided for the upcoming giveaway, making predictions difficult.
    5. Epic Games is currently offering a popular title for free on Android and iOS, but it’s unlikely to extend this offer to other platforms.

    The Epic Games Store is just about 6 hours away from revealing its next free game offer for PC users and maybe even for macOS. So far, the store has only suggested that the first Mystery Game for this holiday season is connected to The Game Awards. However, a Reddit user named u/MeguminShiro has shared information about the store’s upcoming plans before they were officially announced.

    Continuing the Mystery Game Promotions

    It’s no surprise that Epic will keep using its Mystery Game promotion strategy. Reports suggest that they will carry on with this approach until their latest Holiday Sale wraps up on January 8, 2026. The next Mystery Game giveaway is set to go live on December 18 at 16:00 UTC, and unlike this week’s event, there will be no delay. Sadly, the store hasn’t provided any hints in the Mystery Game image this time around.

    No Teasers for the Next Giveaway

    As a result, it will be hard to predict what the upcoming giveaway will be based on the teaser alone. There’s a good chance Epic may share hints on their social media later. Meanwhile, Epic Games is already offering a highly praised title for free on Android and iOS. At this moment, it’s looking unlikely that this promotion will be extended to other platforms. For more information, check out our related article.

    u/MeguminShiro’s insights have certainly stirred some excitement among gamers, as they anticipate what’s to come in the next few weeks.

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  • New Blood’s Dungeons of Dusk: Retro FPS Meets DOOM-Inspired RPG

    New Blood’s Dungeons of Dusk: Retro FPS Meets DOOM-Inspired RPG

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Blood Interactive is developing a spin-off of Dusk titled Dungeons of Dusk, a turn-based dungeon crawler set to launch in 2026.
    2. The game will bridge the storyline between the three episodes of Dusk, starting right after Episode 1 and leading into Episode 2.
    3. Dungeons of Dusk draws inspiration from classic mobile RPGs, particularly the DOOM RPG, and will feature 30 campaign levels with quirky NPCs and engaging dialogue.
    4. The game is currently in development with most mechanics finalized and 6-7 campaign levels completed; a demo was showcased at the Steam Next Fest.
    5. It will be available on multiple platforms, including Steam, GOG, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android, and is priced at $16.99.

    New Blood Interactive has revealed a spin-off of its classic FPS Dusk, which will be a turn-based dungeon crawler. The game, titled Dungeons of Dusk, is expected to launch in 2026 and is being crafted by 68k Studios. This RPG is set to fit neatly between the three episodes of Dusk.

    Development Journey

    The CEO of New Blood had considered making a Dusk RPG for some time, but struggled to find a developer familiar with the classic dungeon crawler style. He desired a team member who had a passion for DOOM RPG similar to his own. After testing out 68k Studios’ games like Inferno and Ludus Mortis, he discovered the perfect developers.

    In a Steam post, Dave Bleiwess, the CEO of New Blood, shared the news about Dungeons of Dusk:

    “Dungeons of DUSK begins right after the conclusion of Episode 1 and leads into Episode 2, while the latter portion unfolds between Episode 2 and Episode 3. Did you think our hero just teleported from one location to another? Heck no. He was stuck in some DUNGEONS the entire time, obviously.”

    Gameplay Inspiration

    David Szymanski’s 2018 boomer shooter was praised for its charming pixel art reminiscent of Quake and Doom, alongside its fast gameplay. However, Dungeons of Dusk takes a different approach, transforming that concept into a compact RPG.

    The game draws from lesser-known mobile classics, including Fountainhead Entertainment’s Doom RPG and the 2000s Wolfenstein RPG. Bleiwiss mentioned in his post that he has cherished these games privately for over two decades. He also stated:

    “Our main inspiration for Dungeons of DUSK was indeed… DOOM RPG. A mobile RPG adaptation of DOOM by Fountainhead Entertainment, which was surprisingly impactful in 2005. DOOM RPG was unexpected, yet it delivered everything it promised and so much more.”

    Game Features

    This inspiration has led to an RPG featuring 30 campaign levels, along with quirky NPCs and engaging dialogue.

    Dungeons of Dusk is currently about a year into its development, with the majority of its mechanics finalized and six to seven campaign levels complete. A demo was showcased at the Steam Next Fest in February.

    The game will include full controller support, verification for Steam Deck, and a level editor at launch. Dungeons of Dusk is set to retail at $16.99 and will be accessible on Steam, GOG, Mac, Linux, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

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  • Ubisoft’s 2026 Title Likely Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced

    Ubisoft’s 2026 Title Likely Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced

    Key Takeaways

    1. An entry for “Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Resynced” was briefly spotted on the PEGI ratings board, indicating a possible remake.
    2. The game has received an 18+ rating, but details on its platforms remain unclear.
    3. Rumors about the remake have been circulating since 2023, with Ubisoft hinting at an unannounced title in their financial report.
    4. Voice actor Matt Ryan hinted at returning to the game, prompting legal action from Ubisoft.
    5. The PEGI listing suggests potential microtransactions for cosmetic items and ship upgrades in the remake.

    The much-anticipated remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag appears to be getting close to an official announcement, following a recent leak just hours before the start of the Game Awards 2025. An entry for “Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Resynced” was briefly seen on the PEGI ratings board.

    PEGI Rating Revealed

    Assassin’s Creed Black Flag IV: Resynced has received an 18+ rating from PEGI but was swiftly taken down from their site. Screenshots are now making the rounds online, fueling the idea that Ubisoft is indeed developing a remake of Black Flag, as speculation intensifies.

    Sadly, the PEGI rating did not clarify which platforms the game will be available on, leaving fans guessing whether it will launch on PS5, Xbox, PC, or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

    Ongoing Rumors

    Rumors about Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Remake have been circulating since 2023. Insider reports indicated that Ubisoft Singapore was quietly rebooting Black Flag after completing work on Skull and Bones.

    Fast forward to 2025, Ubisoft has not officially announced the game yet, but they have hinted at its existence indirectly. In their latest financial report, the company confirmed that there is one “unannounced title” in the works, which is planned to release before March 31, 2026.

    Voice Actor’s Hints and Legal Actions

    In addition to leaks, Edward Kenway’s voice actor, Matt Ryan, has dropped hints about returning to Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. This led Ubisoft to send a legal warning to the actor.

    The title “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced” implies that Ubisoft is planning a full remake rather than a simple remaster of the 2013 game. Additional leaks from the gaming community indicate that Ubisoft might remove contemporary storyline aspects to emphasize the Golden Age of Piracy, potentially adding several hours of new content.

    Potential Microtransactions

    The PEGI listing also mentions the possibility of in-game purchases or microtransactions. It seems likely that Ubisoft could introduce microtransactions for cosmetic items and ship upgrades, similar to what they did in their latest game, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

    As The Game Awards begin, it’s quite possible that Ubisoft could unveil Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Resynced with a cinematic trailer. With over 15 million copies sold and its positive critical reception, a Black Flag remake could be the perfect remedy Ubisoft is looking for.

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  • New Star Wars Racing Game Leaked Amid KOTOR Remake Hype

    New Star Wars Racing Game Leaked Amid KOTOR Remake Hype

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kurakasis predicts a new Star Wars game with “The Old Republic” in its title, potentially connected to a KOTOR remake.
    2. A racing game based on the Star Wars universe is also being developed, with the title expected to end with the word “racer.”
    3. The original Star Wars Episode I: Racer was a successful game, surpassing 3 million sales and praised for its fun gameplay.
    4. Other Star Wars titles like KOTOR and Outlaws feature racing elements, suggesting a possible link to the new racing game.
    5. There are rumors of a KOTOR 2 remake in development, increasing excitement for upcoming Star Wars game announcements at The Game Awards.

    Ahead of The Game Awards, anticipation is rising among Star Wars fans. Kurakasis, known for making accurate predictions, has already announced a new game that includes “The Old Republic” in its title. Many believe this could be connected to a remake of KOTOR, but there seems to be another Star Wars project in the works. Fans discovered through social media that a racing game based on George Lucas’ universe is also being developed.

    Teasing the Title

    Kurakasis hinted that the title of this new game will end with the word “racer.” When players think of the latest Star Wars titles like Outlaws or Jedi Survivor, racing might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But back in 1999, Star Wars Episode I: Racer was a hit release from LucasArts.

    A Classic Game

    Star Wars Episode I: Racer brings the podracing excitement from The Phantom Menace movie. It received positive reviews, with many reviewers claiming it was more fun than the film itself. Fans believe the game captured the high speeds and thrills of the races well. At the same time, the controls were good enough to let skilled players show off their talents.

    With sales surpassing 3 million, a game studio might want to revisit the original Star Wars racing experience. After its launch on the N64, Game Boy Color, and Windows, an HD version was released in 2020. This was followed by Star Wars Racer Revenge in 2002, which was exclusive to PS2. Gamers might also recall Super Bombad Racing from 2001, which combined kart racing with combat.

    Racing in the Galaxy

    Other Star Wars games like Knights of the Old Republic and Outlaws also include racing elements. If developers choose to focus on swoop racing, a KOTOR remake could naturally connect to this new title. Kurakasis’ previous announcements have made some gamers believe that The Game Awards might reveal more about this project.

    Since its unveiling in 2021, there hasn’t been much news about the title. Luckily, in March 2025, Saber Interactive assured fans that their entire lineup is secure. If that’s still not enough to be excited about, Game File has recently reported that a remake of KOTOR 2 could also be in development.

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