Category: Gaming

  • Stardew Valley Fan Finds Funny Nude Sprites, Community Reacts

    Stardew Valley Fan Finds Funny Nude Sprites, Community Reacts

    Key Takeaways

    1. A player discovered nude character sprites in Stardew Valley’s game files.
    2. The sprites are basic outlines used for animations, not intended for the final game.
    3. The discovery includes humorous poses and expressions, like Mayor Lewis’s surprise jump.
    4. The sprites are sometimes depicted with unusual features, like a green tint and scattered body parts.
    5. The gaming community reacted with humor, sharing memes and jokes about the find.


    Stardew Valley has a special place in the hearts of many gamers, thanks to its delightful pixel graphics, intricate details, and warm vibe. However, a recent exploration by a player into the game files revealed a surprising twist – a rather naked twist. A Reddit user by the name of u/OkInfluence36 made this discovery and humorously noted: “Note to self: Stay away from Stardew Valley game files.”

    Surprising Discoveries

    The player stumbled upon fully nude character sprites, often depicted with only shoes and lacking features like arms or hair. Many of these sprites strike poses that players might recognize, such as the “butt-out” sword swing and various expressions ranging from sadness to fear, including the well-known surprise jump by Mayor Lewis in an untextured state. Some of the models even have an unusual green tint, featuring scattered body parts like detached arms and random props, including a Viking helmet, which add to the unexpected nature of the find.

    A Lighthearted Reaction

    Although seeing these nude sprites might be a bit jarring for some, there’s nothing troubling about them. They are essentially basic outlines used for animations, with clothing and hair added in later stages. They were never meant to be part of the final product. Using such basic sprites during development is quite common. As expected, the gaming community responded with a wave of humor, flooding the original post with memes, jokes, and puns that celebrate this strange discovery.

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  • New PlayStation 5 Slim Variant Offers Major Quality Upgrade

    New PlayStation 5 Slim Variant Offers Major Quality Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PlayStation 5 Slim (CFI-2116) has an improved cooling system with a revamped heatsink to prevent liquid metal spillage.
    2. The new cooling design from the PS5 Pro has been integrated into the standard PS5 models.
    3. It’s unclear how many CFI-2116 consoles are currently available, but older models are expected to be replaced over time.
    4. Users should be cautious of potential liquid metal leaks, especially with the console positioned vertically.
    5. The CFI-2116 models allow disk drive sync without an internet connection, but they are sold in bundles at select retail locations.


    Sony has quietly improved the cooling system in its newest PlayStation 5 Slim model (CFI-2116). It continues to utilize liquid metal, but the heatsink has been revamped to avoid any spillage that could affect nearby parts and lead to shorts. The heatsink design from the PlayStation 5 Pro has finally made its way down to the standard models, as shared by X user @Modyfikator89.

    Upgrade Availability

    It remains uncertain how many of the new PlayStation 5 consoles sold across the globe feature this enhancement, but it’s likely that all previous models will eventually be replaced by the CFI-2116. Current PS5 users, however, need to stay vigilant for potential liquid metal leaks, particularly if the console is set up in a vertical position.

    Liquid Metal Concerns

    Although such incidents have been rare, the longevity of liquid metal is influenced by the temperature it reaches, which is directly related to how often the console is used. Many repair shops provide liquid metal replacement services, and for those who prefer to tackle it themselves, iFixit offers a comprehensive guide.

    Additional Features

    The user has also spotted another minor yet vital enhancement in the CFI-2116 models. Unlike previous generations, the PlayStation 5 now doesn’t need an internet connection to sync with a disk drive. Nonetheless, these new units are only sold in bundles at a select few retail locations.

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  • ViewSonic XG273F-2K-OLED: New 1440p OLED Gaming Monitor with 720Hz

    ViewSonic XG273F-2K-OLED: New 1440p OLED Gaming Monitor with 720Hz

    Key Takeaways

    1. Advanced Panel Technology: The ViewSonic XG273F-2K-OLED features a 27-inch 1440p display using LG’s 4th-generation WOLED panel, offering improved brightness and speed over older models.

    2. High Brightness and Color Accuracy: The monitor achieves up to 1,500 nits in HDR and 335 nits in SDR, with 99.5% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, enhancing both HDR and general viewing experiences.

    3. Exceptional Refresh Rate: It supports a maximum refresh rate of 720 Hz at 720p, making it one of the fastest gaming monitors, with a 0.02 ms response time for excellent motion clarity.

    4. Limited Connectivity Options: Lacks DisplayPort 2.1 and requires Display Stream Compression to achieve high refresh rates; features dual DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports, but no built-in speakers.

    5. Ergonomic Design: The monitor’s stand allows for tilt, height, pivot, and swivel adjustments, enhancing user comfort during use. Availability and pricing details are still pending outside of China.


    The ViewSonic XG273F-2K-OLED is a brand new 27-inch gaming monitor with a resolution of 1440p. It promises to give gamers a quicker and brighter experience thanks to LG’s latest 4th-generation WOLED panel. This panel is also known as “Primary RGB Tandem,” and it is the same high-end panel used in the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W. This monitor brings significant improvements over older 3rd-generation models, particularly in terms of brightness and speed, with a maximum refresh rate of 720 Hz.

    Impressive Brightness and Color

    The ViewSonic XG273F-2K-OLED can reach brightness levels of up to 1,500 nits in HDR and 335 nits in SDR. This means it can provide a more dynamic HDR experience as well as a better overall viewing experience in brightly lit spaces. Color accuracy has also been enhanced, achieving 99.5% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. However, it’s important to note that currently, ViewSonic only mentions support for HDR10, and it’s still unknown if the monitor will support VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 like other Tandem OLED monitors.

    Refresh Rate and Features

    Similar to the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W, the standout feature of the ViewSonic XG273F-2K-OLED is its refresh rate. It starts at 540 Hz when set to 1440p, but can go up to 720 Hz at 720p resolution, making it one of the fastest gaming monitors available. It holds a VESA ClearMR 21000 certification and boasts a 0.02 ms (GTG) response time, which ensures excellent motion clarity. Additionally, ViewSonic has included support for VRR and various in-game features like black boost and night vision.

    Connectivity and Ergonomics

    One downside is that the monitor does not have DisplayPort 2.1, which means Display Stream Compression (DSC) is necessary to reach its top refresh rate. For connectivity, it offers dual DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports; however, it lacks built-in speakers. On the plus side, ViewSonic provides a headphone jack, and the stand allows for standard ergonomic adjustments such as tilt, height, pivot, and swivel.

    As for availability, the XG273F-2K-OLED is listed on ViewSonic’s website in China, but they haven’t shared any information about pricing or launch dates for other countries yet.

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  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Expected at The Game Awards

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Expected at The Game Awards

    Key Takeaways

    1. Square Enix has a successful history at The Game Awards, winning awards for Final Fantasy titles and presenting new trailers, including for Rebirth in 2024.
    2. December-themed artwork revealed a snowboarding mini-game, which was previously part of the original game but is not included in the current installment.
    3. The calendar artwork highlights December 12th, coinciding with the airing of the 2025 Game Awards, sparking speculation about potential announcements.
    4. There are rumors that Rebirth may be released on Nintendo and Microsoft platforms in 2026, with the release date for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade set for January 22, 2026.
    5. Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi hinted at news regarding Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, with development progressing quickly and fans encouraged to stay tuned for updates at The Game Awards.


    Square Enix has a rich legacy at The Game Awards, having won awards for its Final Fantasy titles. At this year’s event, the company also presented various trailers, including one for the PC version of Rebirth set to release in 2024. With the emergence of new calendar-themed artwork, some fans are hoping for updates on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 during the 2025 broadcast.

    Snowboarding Mini-Game Artwork

    On social media, Genki pointed out that Square Enix revealed December-themed artwork, which showcases a snowboarding mini-game. This winter activity was featured in an image from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth but was not playable. Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi previously mentioned that this feature, which was included in disc 2 of the original game, would not be part of the current installment. Nonetheless, he left the door open for its return in a future game.

    Curious Calendar Details

    An interesting detail about the wallpaper is the date highlighted. While December 15th is marked as Barret Wallace’s birthday, the calendar prominently displays December 12th. Coincidentally, this date aligns with the airing of the 2025 The Game Awards in European and Japanese time zones.

    Some gamers believe that emphasizing the 12th is more than just a random choice. As Square Enix has yet to confirm their attendance at the awards, it is uncertain what announcements might be made. The release date for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2 and Xbox consoles is set for January 22, 2026. Attendees might witness an announcement related to those ports or the last two chapters of the remake series.

    Speculations on Future Releases

    While nothing has been officially stated, there are rumors suggesting that Rebirth could be available on Nintendo and Microsoft platforms in 2026. Hamaguchi has also spoken in detail about Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, which has not yet launched on any platforms. In October, he shared that development was moving swiftly and hinted that fans should be on the lookout for news “in the not too far future.”

    It wouldn’t be a shock if players were able to snowboard in Part 3, as Genki suggests. Fans will need to stay tuned for The Game Awards to find out if the snowy wallpaper hinted at something significant.

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  • Sega Launches Classic Sonic Games on New Retro Portable Consoles

    Sega Launches Classic Sonic Games on New Retro Portable Consoles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Products for Collectors: Both the Sonic The Hedgehog Joystick Player and Mighty Player target gamers and collectors alike.
    2. Joystick Player Details: The Joystick Player costs $59.99 and features a joystick, buttons, and a 3.5-inch color screen, supporting Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2.
    3. Mighty Player Features: Priced at $119.99, the Mighty Player includes a rechargeable battery with a six-hour lifespan and access to additional games, Sonic Spinball and Sonic 3D Blast.
    4. Power Options: The Joystick Player can be powered by a USB-C cable or four AA batteries, while the Mighty Player uses a rechargeable battery.
    5. Global Availability: Both devices may be available internationally, as indicated by the inclusion of global item numbers.


    The two gadgets can be found in select shops across the US, giving gamers a chance to dive into the nostalgia of classic Sonic games. Additionally, both companies are aiming their products at collectors.

    Sonic The Hedgehog Joystick Player

    The Sonic The Hedgehog Joystick Player will cost customers $59.99. This device is equipped with a joystick and buttons, allowing players to enjoy Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on its 3.5-inch color screen. It can be powered either by a USB-C cable or four AA batteries.

    Sonic The Hedgehog Mighty Player

    On the other hand, the Sonic The Hedgehog Mighty Player is priced at $119.99, which is double the cost of the Joystick Player. It also boasts a full-color 3.5-inch display. Unlike the Joystick Player, this one uses a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six hours. By paying more, users can access two extra games: Sonic Spinball and Sonic 3D Blast.

    Global Availability

    SEGA and My Arcade have included both North American and International item numbers for the Mighty Player, suggesting that the console might be rolled out on a global scale.

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  • Diablo 4 Expansion Announcement Likely at The Game Awards

    Diablo 4 Expansion Announcement Likely at The Game Awards

    Key Takeaways

    1. Geoff Keighley’s spooky sculpture has sparked speculation about a new God of War installment, but Jez Corden suggests it points to a Diablo 4 expansion.
    2. Corden hinted at reinstalling Diablo 4 and confirmed the possibility of an expansion, leaving fans curious about future content.
    3. Significant updates for Diablo 4 could be announced at The Game Awards, with hints of a December 12th reveal date.
    4. There are discussions about Diablo 4 potentially being released on the Switch 2, with interest from former Blizzard management.
    5. Microsoft has indicated plans for more games on the Switch 2, including possible announcements for Call of Duty titles.


    A post by Geoff Keighley on social media showcasing a spooky sculpture has ignited a flurry of speculation. Many gamers were hoping that the host of The Game Awards was hinting at a new God of War installment. However, Jez Corden suggests that the artwork is actually pointing towards a new expansion for Diablo 4. Following this, Corden’s next post has some fans anticipating news about a potential Switch 2 port.

    Speculation on Future Expansions

    Corden reminded the gaming community of his statement from November 6th, where he hinted at reinstalling Diablo 4. Recently, when addressing the confusion surrounding the sculpture, he ruled out God of War as a possibility. After a reader inquired about a possible Diablo 4 expansion, Corden replied with “yes but also, more,” which has left fans curious.

    Potential Announcements at The Game Awards

    It wouldn’t be surprising if The Game Awards revealed significant updates for Blizzard’s action RPG. A dataminer uncovered an image that mentioned a December 12th date written in Chinese. In response to this, a game designer from Diablo advised fans to keep an eye on the award show. Moreover, there is a planned expansion for 2026 on the official roadmap, following the Vessel of Hatred.

    What’s Next for Diablo 4?

    The intriguing part of Corden’s prediction is what additional announcements Blizzard might have. One common theory is that the game could be released on a new platform. Since it’s already on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation consoles, the only remaining option would be Nintendo’s new handheld.

    Talks about Diablo 4 possibly coming to the Switch 2 started as early as 2025. Building on a leak from NateTheHate2, eXtas1s claimed that the Blizzard title would join other Xbox games that are set to launch on the console. Former Blizzard general manager Rod Fergusson also showed interest in making a port. However, the game’s live service model presents challenges for this system.

    If the developers manage to overcome these hurdles, The Game Awards might have a surprise for Nintendo gamers. While Microsoft has hinted that its studios would release more games for the Switch 2, actual releases have been quite limited thus far. Activision might also soon announce a Call of Duty game for the handheld, especially with Black Ops 7 still unannounced.

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  • Rare GTA 6 Leak: Demo Footage from Ex-Rockstar Animator

    Rare GTA 6 Leak: Demo Footage from Ex-Rockstar Animator

    Key Takeaways

    1. An ex-Rockstar Games animator, Benjamin Chue, accidentally shared a demo reel featuring potential GTA 6 gameplay footage, which has since been taken down.
    2. The demo reel includes smooth animations of a character getting on and off a bike, hinting at biking options in Vice City.
    3. Another clip shows a female NPC’s exit animation from a monster truck, resembling a character from official GTA 6 trailers.
    4. Rockstar Games is known for its strict control over leaks, having previously pursued hackers and fired employees for sharing sensitive information.
    5. Chue’s intentions in sharing the footage may be to showcase his skills, but the removal of the video raises questions about potential risks to his career.


    With AI-generated trailers for GTA 6 tricking many viewers, players now have actual footage to obsess over. An ex-RockStar Games animator has shared some work from the project, whether by accident or on purpose. Although the motion captures aren’t refined enough for trailers, they suggest familiar gameplay features.

    Details on the Deleted Demo Reel

    Synth Potato informed its audience about Benjamin Chue’s demo reel, which has since been taken down, that was uploaded on Vimeo two months ago. Chue contributed to several Rockstar Games titles, like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Max Payne 3. However, the first 19 seconds of the demo have captured the most interest.

    If the former employee hadn’t included a timestamp in the video, fans might’ve missed that they were watching a leak from GTA 6. In the initial segment, a man is seen getting on and off a bike, demonstrating smooth animations. A logo for “Lom Bikes” appears, likely mimicking public transportation options found in Miami. Many gamers now look forward to this biking option being available while exploring Vice City.

    Clips Featuring NPC Animations

    The second clip from GTA 6 shows a “breakout/ exit animation from a Monster truck for a female NPC.” The woman jumps into the truck bed and off the large pickup truck, closely resembling Lucia from the official GTA 6 trailers. Players might anticipate being able to ride in similar vehicles in the game’s final version.

    Given Rockstar’s strict management of anything linked to its titles, the public demo reel is quite surprising. In 2022, the company went after a hacker who obtained numerous clips from an early build of GTA 6. Additionally, the studio requires its staff to sign strict non-disclosure agreements to prevent any leaks that could harm marketing strategies. Recently, Rockstar terminated over 30 employees for allegedly leaking sensitive information.

    Chue’s Intentions and Risks

    Chue aims to showcase his skills to potential employers, but it’s uncertain if he’s putting himself in danger with the studio. Some gamers speculate that as a seasoned artist, Chue wouldn’t have shared leaked GTA 6 footage without clearance. Nonetheless, the removal of the Vimeo post might suggest otherwise.

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  • NBA Jam Voice Actor Paid $800 Despite Game Earning $1 Billion

    NBA Jam Voice Actor Paid $800 Despite Game Earning $1 Billion

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tim Kitzrow, the voice of “Boomshakalaka” in NBA Jam, was paid only $800 for his work despite the game’s $1 billion revenue.
    2. NBA Jam was a major success, selling over 20,000 arcade units and generating a total of $2 billion in earnings.
    3. Kitzrow’s early voice acting career included low-paying jobs in games like The Twilight Zone and Popeye, making it hard to earn a living.
    4. He was paid $50 an hour for about 15 hours of work on NBA Jam, without any royalties or backend agreements.
    5. The iconic “Boomshakalaka” phrase was inspired by a coworker and transformed into a memorable part of gaming culture.


    Some catchy phrases and clever sayings have made their way from video games into our daily conversations, and one famous example is “Boomshakalaka” from NBA Jam, the basketball arcade game that hit the scene in 1993. The voice behind that memorable phrase, Tim Kitzrow, recently shared that he was paid just $800 for his work as an announcer.

    NBA Jam’s Success

    NBA Jam, on the other hand, raked in over $1 billion in revenue from both arcade cabinets and home consoles. In an interview with The Escapist, Kitzrow, now 64, reflected on the game’s impact, saying, “When I found out it made a billion dollars, I realized I had only made $800 and thought maybe I should have gotten more for that. I thought, ‘I might be underpaid. I should probably increase my rate.’”

    Early Career

    Kitzrow started his journey in video game voice acting in the late ’80s and early ’90s, contributing his voice to games like The Twilight Zone, Gilligan’s Island, Judge Dredd, and Popeye. However, those voiceover jobs didn’t pay well.

    He mentioned, “You might only work two, three, or four hours total on a pinball game and earn a few hundred bucks at most. You can’t really make a living that way.” His sharp humor and unique delivery eventually secured him the position of play-by-play announcer for Midway’s NBA Jam. Released in arcades in 1993, the game sold over 20,000 units and brought in $2 billion in total earnings. It was later adapted for consoles like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.

    Payment Details

    As for Kitzrow, he was paid $50 an hour, working around 15 hours across multiple sessions, treating it like any freelance job. He explained, “It was $50 an hour, just like the pinball games. I’d go in, do a few sessions, maybe total 15 hours, and that was it. I didn’t think to ask for more money considering how much these games made. I didn’t have an agent back then.”

    With no royalties or backend arrangements, the chance for a big payday slipped away from him. Still, he held no resentment. He also shared how the famous Boomshakalaka line came to be.

    A coworker, John Carlton, was singing the phrase “boomshakalaka” from the 1969 Sly and the Family Stone song “I Want to Take You Higher” and encouraged Kitzrow to use it in his basketball commentary. Kitzrow stated, “Being a basketball guy, I watched every game with Marv Albert. I had never heard ‘boomshakalaka’ before. I was confused, thinking, ‘What do you mean? That’s not a term used in basketball!’ He said, ‘Just say boomshakalaka like this.’ So I tried it: ‘boomshakalaka?’ And that was it.”

    We basically transformed a silly phrase into one of the most unforgettable lines in gaming.

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  • Turok: Origins – Release Date 2026 for Dinosaur and Alien Battles

    Turok: Origins – Release Date 2026 for Dinosaur and Alien Battles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Turok: Origins is a new game where players will fight dinosaurs and aliens as the warrior Turok.
    2. A potential release date for Turok: Origins has been hinted at for 2026 by developer Javi Bermejo.
    3. Players can now add Turok: Origins to their wishlist on platforms like Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S.
    4. The game features diverse biomes and a variety of foes, including formidable bosses.
    5. There is still limited information about Turok: Origins, and fans are waiting for official announcements from Saber Interactive.


    Many games are being worked on, and some are highly anticipated by countless gamers, like GTA 6, which has seen new leaks recently. However, a developer from Turok: Origins has just shared insights about the game’s launch date on LinkedIn, letting players know they will soon get to fight dinosaurs and aliens.

    Turok: Origins Unveiled

    It’s been nearly a year since Saber Interactive showcased the first trailer for Turok: Origins. This trailer gave a glimpse into the many aspects of this exciting new project. Players will take on the role of Turok, a renowned warrior, and will encounter a variety of foes including dinosaurs, extraterrestrials, and even formidable bosses across diverse biomes. There are several planets to explore, and players can gather DNA to enhance their weapons, which consist of numerous arms.

    Promising Prospects

    Although this game appears to be very promising and visually appealing, there hasn’t been any new information released for quite some time. Recently, however, a developer involved with Turok: Origins posted a potential release date on LinkedIn. Javi Bermejo, a sound designer, indicated that the game is anticipated to launch in 2026. Additionally, you can now add it to your wishlist on platforms like Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S.

    Waiting for More Details

    Yet, there’s still no further information regarding this game, and according to this developer’s LinkedIn account, there’s another unknown project in the works at Saber Interactive. Therefore, fans will need to wait for official announcements from the studio, although it’s uncertain when that might happen.

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  • Enhance GTA 4 Performance with RTX Remix Mod Upgrade

    Enhance GTA 4 Performance with RTX Remix Mod Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6’s launch has been delayed to November 2026, increasing anticipation among gamers.
    2. The GTA 4 RTX Remix Compatibility mod enhances visuals and introduces new gameplay elements.
    3. New features include a FreeCam mode and raindrops on wet surfaces, though raindrop effects are off by default.
    4. Realism improvements include better reflection effects in puddles and map markers that change based on time and weather.
    5. A powerful computer is needed to run the mod smoothly, and following installation instructions is essential to avoid issues.


    GTA 6 is highly anticipated by many gamers, even though its launch has been pushed back to November 2026. In the meantime, a modder has introduced the GTA 4 RTX Remix Compatibility mod, which significantly enhances the visuals of GTA 4. Plus, it adds some new gameplay elements.

    New Features Unveiled

    A video was shared a few weeks ago, showcasing the graphical upgrades from the mod. Its developer, xoxor4d, has now released more details. A FreeCam mode has been added, along with the feature of raindrops appearing on wet surfaces. However, this feature is turned off by default because the varying UV scales cause the raindrops to appear either too big or too small.

    Enhancements to Realism

    Additionally, the reflection effect in puddles has been changed to enhance the realism of the game. Map markers can also be hidden based on the time of day and weather, adding another layer of immersion to the gameplay experience.

    The upgrades in the GTA 4 RTX Remix Compatibility mod are quite impressive. The visuals have been notably enhanced, making the game feel more lifelike than before. However, it’s important to note that a powerful computer is necessary to run it smoothly. If you encounter any performance problems, there are several options to improve it, such as adjusting the game settings. Moreover, it’s crucial to carefully follow the installation instructions to prevent any complications.

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