Category: Gaming

  • Battlefield 6 Free Trial Coming Soon for Thanksgiving 2023

    Battlefield 6 Free Trial Coming Soon for Thanksgiving 2023

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 debuted on October 10 and is performing better than Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in terms of sales and player counts.
    2. A free-to-play battle royale mode named RedSec was launched on October 28, enhancing the game’s offerings.
    3. EA announced a free trial for Battlefield 6 from November 25 to December 2, featuring five game modes and three maps.
    4. It’s unclear if the single-player campaign will be included in the free trial, unlike Activision’s approach with Black Ops 6.
    5. In the UK, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s sales are significantly lower than Battlefield 6, with a notable difference in peak player counts on Steam.

    Battlefield 6 made its debut on October 10 and has remained ahead of its main rival, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which was released more recently. In addition to the main game, EA has introduced a free-to-play battle royale mode named RedSec that became available on October 28. Now, during the Thanksgiving week, players will have the chance to enjoy more multiplayer modes at no cost.

    Free Trial Details

    EA has revealed a free trial for Battlefield 6. This trial will run from November 25 to December 2, allowing players to access five different game modes and three maps. The available modes include Conquest, Breakthrough, Sabotage, and Team Deathmatch, with one mode yet to be announced. The maps featured will be Siege of Cairo, Eastwood, and Blackwell Fields. Further information regarding the free trial will be provided next week.

    Single-Player Campaign Uncertainty

    It remains uncertain whether the single-player campaign will be part of this free trial. Activision previously allowed access to the Black Ops 6 campaign during its own free trial week, which coincided with Battlefield 6’s release.

    The free trial announcement for Battlefield 6 is part of a broader update that also includes new content and updates for multiplayer modes, along with RedSec. The latter has introduced a new Rodeo mission for the Gauntlet game mode. Complete patch notes for the update can be found here.

    Sales Comparison in the UK

    Recent reports indicate that in the UK, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is trailing behind Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 6, with initial week physical sales being 61% lower than those of the latter. There is also a significant disparity in player counts on Steam, where Battlefield 6 reached a peak of over 747,400 players, while Black Ops 7, despite being newer, peaked at just over 491,600. At the point of this report, Battlefield 6 has over 166,700 active players, while Black Ops 7 has nearly 61,000.

     

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  • Asus Releases Key Firmware Update for ROG Ally and ROG Xbox Ally

    Asus Releases Key Firmware Update for ROG Ally and ROG Xbox Ally

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has released the ACSE 2.1.15.0 update for all ROG Ally handhelds, available via Armoury Crate.
    2. ROG Xbox Ally X owners can now individually adjust P/E-cores on the Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC.
    3. Haptic feedback on triggers has been improved for the ROG Xbox Ally X.
    4. The AMD Radeon Chill feature is integrated into the FPS limiter for all models to save power.
    5. Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) is disabled by default and must be manually activated for each game.

    Asus has launched a significant update for its ROG Ally series. This update affects all handhelds released so far (including the ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, ROG Xbox Ally, and ROG Xbox Ally X), though the specific features vary depending on the model. The ACSE 2.1.15.0 update is now available for download through Armoury Crate.

    Enhanced Performance for ROG Xbox Ally X

    Owners of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X can now adjust the P/E-cores on their Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC individually. You can find this option in the ‘Performance’ section under ‘More settings’. Additionally, the handheld has received updates to improve haptic feedback on the triggers and has resolved an issue related to Auto Super Resolution.

    Key Improvements Across All Models

    Other important enhancements for all four handhelds include integrating the AMD Radeon Chill feature into Asus’ FPS limiter. Radeon Chill helps save power by reducing the load on the CPU/GPU during less demanding parts of games. Furthermore, Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) is now disabled by default and needs to be activated manually for each game.

    For a detailed list of all the changes, you can visit Asus’ official website. While many of the updates are tailored for the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, the previous models also see some worthwhile enhancements.

     

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  • Ayaneo Pocket Vert: 90-Minute Product Preview Before Release

    Ayaneo Pocket Vert: 90-Minute Product Preview Before Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ayaneo Pocket Vert will be available in three color options, each with matching buttons and a bezel-less design around its 3.5-inch IPS display.
    2. The device features a resolution of 1,600 x 1,440 and a pixel density of 615 PPI, but the processor details have not been disclosed yet.
    3. The confirmed dimensions of the Pocket Vert are approximately 143 x 86.4 x 20.5 mm, making it slimmer than the previous Pocket DMG and narrower than some budget competitors.
    4. It includes a 6,000 mAh battery, bottom-firing stereo speakers, and a built-in touchpad, replacing traditional joysticks.
    5. There is currently no information on the release date or several hardware specifications.

    Earlier this month, Ayaneo started teasing its Pocket Vert gaming handheld again. The company has now released new information about this device during a recent Product Sharing Session. The video, which is more than 90 minutes long, showcases various prototypes of the device.

    Color Options and Display Features

    Ayaneo seems to be planning to release the Pocket Vert in three different colors, each with matching buttons. As shown in the images below, all versions provide a bezel-less design around their IPS screens, similar to the earlier Pocket Micro and Pocket Micro Classic models. The Pocket Vert features a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 1,600 x 1,440 and a pixel density of 615 PPI, but the company has not yet revealed the specific processor that will power the device.

    Dimensions and Comparisons

    The confirmed dimensions of the Pocket Vert are approximately 143 x 86.4 x 20.5 mm, making it shorter, narrower, and thinner compared to the previous Pocket DMG. In comparison, while the Pocket Vert is a little taller, it is narrower than budget-friendly vertical gaming handhelds like the Anbernic RG 40XX V, which has a 4-inch display and is currently priced at $79 on Amazon.

    Battery and Features

    In addition, the Pocket Vert is equipped with a 6,000 mAh battery, bottom-firing stereo speakers, and a built-in touchpad like the Pocket DMG, replacing traditional joysticks. Sadly, there is still no information regarding the release date. Ayaneo is also remaining tight-lipped about several hardware specifications at this time.

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    Ayaneo Pocket Vert: 90-Minute Product Preview Before Release

     

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  • Dual-Screen 3D Emulation: High Accuracy & Texture Filtering Features

    Dual-Screen 3D Emulation: High Accuracy & Texture Filtering Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming features for melonDS include high-resolution dual-screen 3D graphics and complete support for texture filtering in 3D.
    2. The dual-screen 3D emulation issue has caused flickering between high-res and low-res graphics due to limitations in the original Nintendo DS hardware.
    3. Arisotura’s current solution involves shifting more compositing tasks to the GPU to achieve high-resolution output while maintaining sync with emulated VRAM.
    4. The transfer of the entire 2D renderer to the GPU is planned, which will enhance the emulation experience for users.
    5. Improved emulation will benefit the market for DS-inspired handheld gaming PCs and consoles like AYN Thor and Anbernic RG DS.

    Arisotura, the main creator of the well-known high-precision Nintendo DS emulator melonDS, recently shared some details on Reddit about upcoming features for the emulator. He mentioned enhancements like properly working high-resolution dual-screen 3D graphics, and in the future, there will be complete support for texture filtering in 3D, as well as “2D layer/sprite filtering, hi-res rotation/scale” and anti-aliasing.

    Dual-Screen 3D Issues

    Even though Nintendo DS and 3DS emulators have had the ability to increase internal rendering resolutions for a long time, emulating dual-screen 3D on the Nintendo DS has been a challenge. As Arisotura points out, this dual-screen 3D issue has been a known problem with melonDS, leading to each screen flickering between high-res and low-res graphics or, in some cases, not functioning at all.

    The cause of this problem lies in the limitations of the original Nintendo DS hardware and its VRAM, particularly its “display capture” feature, which is responsible for various effects like dual-screen 3D and also for ensuring the console is operating correctly. This means that captured frames need to remain at the original native resolution of 256×192 and fit into the emulated VRAM, leading to the flickering and crashes. For an accuracy-focused emulator like melonDS, finding a solution is quite challenging, as this isn’t a feature that can simply be turned off.

    Current Solutions and Future Prospects

    Arisotura’s approach right now involves creating a copy of the 2D renderer for OpenGL and shifting more compositing tasks to the GPU. This will enable high-resolution output to be achieved while still keeping everything in sync with the emulated VRAM. As the developer explains, “There’s a lot of cleanup and refining to do (and some missing features),” but in the long term, this should pave the way for the entire 2D renderer to be transferred to the GPU.

    Once this is completed, the full range of features previously mentioned should be accessible to melonDS users. This will result in cleaner high-resolution emulation of the Nintendo DS than ever before and will be especially beneficial for the growing market of DS-inspired handheld gaming PCs and consoles, such as the AYN Thor, Ayaneo Pocket DS, and Anbernic RG DS.

     

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    Dual-Screen 3D Emulation: High Accuracy & Texture Filtering Features

     

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  • Philips Launches Affordable Evnia 27M2N6501L OLED Gaming Monitor

    Philips Launches Affordable Evnia 27M2N6501L OLED Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips has launched the Evnia 27M2N6501L, a 27-inch monitor featuring a Gen 3 QD-OLED panel.
    2. The monitor has a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, a refresh rate of 240 Hz, and a 0.3 ms GtG response time.
    3. It offers peak brightness of 400 nits in HDR, covers 98% of the Adobe RGB color space, and has factory calibration with a Delta E of less than 2.
    4. The ergonomic stand allows height adjustment, pivoting, swiveling, and tilting, but lacks USB Type-C ports.
    5. Pricing is set at £399 in the UK and €499 in the Eurozone, with availability expected later this month in the Eurozone and in December in the UK.

    Philips has introduced a new addition to its Evnia 6000 series with the Evnia 27M2N6501L, a 27-inch monitor now available in Europe and the UK. This monitor is designed around a Gen 3 QD-OLED panel, which likely uses the same technology found in several other recent 27-inch OLED gaming displays, including Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G61SD (currently priced at $529 on Amazon).

    Display Features

    The Evnia 27M2N6501L features a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, complemented by a refresh rate of 240 Hz and an impressive 0.3 ms GtG response time. It also delivers a peak brightness of 400 nits in HDR (APL 10%) while covering 98% of the Adobe RGB color space and achieving factory calibration with a Delta E of less than 2 for the smaller sRGB color space. Additionally, the Evnia 27M2N6501L comes equipped with various ports.

    Design and Ergonomics

    Disappointingly, Philips has chosen not to include any USB Type-C ports. On the bright side, the monitor comes with an ergonomic stand that allows adjustments of up to 130 mm in height, along with pivoting (+-90 degrees), swiveling (-/+ 30°), and tilting (-5/20°). Philips has set the price for the Evnia 27M2N6501L at £399 in the UK and €499 in the Eurozone. It is expected to be available later this month in the Eurozone and from December in the UK. For more information about Philips’ newest OLED gaming monitor, you can visit the company’s website.

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    Philips Launches Affordable Evnia 27M2N6501L OLED Gaming Monitor

     

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  • GameSir Super Nova Controller: 3 New Colorful Faceplates Available

    GameSir Super Nova Controller: 3 New Colorful Faceplates Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. GameSir controllers feature swappable magnetic faceplates for customizable appearance, available on higher-end models like the G7 Pro and Super Nova, but not on budget models like the Nova 2 Lite.

    2. The Super Nova controller offers nine faceplate options priced at $9.99 each, with a total package price of $47.49 on Amazon.

    3. GameSir recently launched three limited edition faceplates designed by artists, priced at $14.99 each, higher than regular faceplates.

    4. The limited edition designs include Liquid Galaxy, Pink Anomaly, and Viridian Kraken, each with unique artistic themes and inspirations.

    5. Unique faceplates, including artist-signed editions, can be purchased directly from GameSir.

    One interesting aspect of GameSir controllers is the ability to swap out faceplates. This means users can refresh their controller’s appearance by simply buying a new magnetic faceplate, rather than needing to buy an entirely new controller. However, this removable feature is not found on their budget-friendly controllers like the Nova 2 Lite. It’s present in their higher-end models, including the GameSir G7 Pro and the GameSir Super Nova.

    Faceplate Options and Pricing

    GameSir offers nine different faceplates for the Super Nova game controller, currently priced at $47.49 on Amazon. Each faceplate costs $9.99 individually, with color options such as Mystic Green, Plum Rose, Elite White, Light Green, and Vibrant Orange. Recently, GameSir introduced three limited edition faceplates designed by artists.

    Limited Edition Designs

    The limited edition faceplates include the Liquid Galaxy and Pink Anomaly, both created by Shehzan Qureshi, a self-taught artist and YouTuber. The third faceplate, named Viridian Kraken, comes from Italian artist Dr. Hack. In contrast to the regular versions priced at $9.99, these special editions are a little pricier at $14.99. GameSir is also providing 30 artist-signed editions of each design, but they did not clarify if these editions will be priced the same as the unsigned ones.

    The Liquid Galaxy faceplate showcases a whimsical design with flowing colors, while the Pink Anomaly is said to draw inspiration from dynamic energy and motion. The Viridian Kraken faceplate reflects themes from the ocean and illustrates the tentacles of a Kraken.

    Purchase Information

    All three of these unique faceplates can be bought directly from GameSir.

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  • AMD and Nvidia May Cut Budget GPUs Due to Rising Memory Costs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rising Memory Prices: Demand from AI companies is driving up the prices of DDR4 and DDR5 memory, affecting the cost of gaming GPUs.

    2. Potential GPU Production Cuts: AMD and Nvidia may halt production of budget-friendly GPUs if GDDR VRAM costs remain high, impacting models like RX 9060 XT and RTX 5060.

    3. Price Increases Expected: AMD plans to raise prices on RX 9000 GPUs, with Nvidia likely to follow for the RTX 50 series, making entry-level GPUs less affordable.

    4. OEMs Reducing Offerings: Manufacturers may limit memory configurations and product lines to manage increased costs, leading to fewer affordable gaming GPU options.

    5. Market Timing: Current GPU prices may present a good buying opportunity as significant value loss is anticipated in the gaming GPU market.

    Rather than providing, the “gift” of AI continues to take from gamers. A recent example of this is the relentless rise in memory prices. As we have reported before, strong demand from AI companies and datacenters has caused consumer DDR4 and DDR5 memory prices to double or even more from their lowest points. This inflation was also anticipated to affect gaming GPUs, such as the new RX 9000 and the RTX 50 series. However, the situation seems to be worse than we thought.

    Potential GPU Production Cuts

    According to The Korea Economic Daily (via Jukan on X), both AMD and Nvidia might stop making mid-to-low-end gaming GPUs if the cost of GDDR VRAM accounts for a significant part of the Bill of Materials (BOM). In simpler terms, budget-friendly GPUs like the RX 9060 XT, the RTX 5060, and the RTX 5060 Ti could be cut from production if AMD and Nvidia can’t get VRAM for these models at acceptable prices.

    Rising Costs and Market Impact

    This situation makes sense when we look at today’s memory market. Just yesterday, a report surfaced on the Chinese Board Channels stating that AMD may raise the prices of all RX 9000 GPUs due to escalating memory costs. Naturally, Nvidia is likely to follow suit soon and raise the prices for the RTX 50 series as well.

    One could argue that a consumer looking for a mid-range or high-end gaming GPU, which costs more than $500 or $600, can handle the extra VRAM price. However, for entry-level gaming GPUs, even small price changes can be a big deal for consumers. Thus, a 10 or 20% increase in the price of a $300 GPU like the RX 9060 XT would hit harder for budget-conscious gamers than it would for someone looking for $700+ GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti (Available on Amazon).

    OEMs Facing Challenges

    The Korea Economic Daily also mentions that OEMs, such as Asus, are thinking about “reducing memory configurations.” This suggests that AIBs might narrow their offerings to include only those gaming GPUs where the increased VRAM pricing is more manageable. Moving forward, it could be quite challenging to find affordable gaming GPUs at reasonable prices, a situation reminiscent of what we experienced during the COVID era.

    In conclusion, it looks like gaming GPUs are going to lose value significantly. So, if you’re in the market for one, now might be the right time to buy. Fortunately, you can still find some good deals on gaming GPUs. For example, as of now, the ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 is listed at $540 on Newegg, while a PNY NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 OC is priced at just $489 at Walmart.

     

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  • Silent Hill Townfall Release Date Leaked: What to Expect

    Silent Hill Townfall Release Date Leaked: What to Expect

    Key Takeaways

    1. Silent Hill Townfall is highly anticipated and has been in development since 2022.
    2. The game is set in a city with various narratives, where players will lack weapons and items.
    3. Release date speculation suggests it could launch on March 26, 2026, according to a Mexican online store.
    4. The release date rumor has not been confirmed by Konami and should be approached with caution.
    5. Konami is currently focused on porting Silent Hill 2 to Xbox Series X and S, expected on November 21.

    Announced back in 2022, Silent Hill Townfall is a game that many fans have been looking forward to. Recently, a Mexican online store may have revealed a possible official release date.

    Game Details and Setting

    Silent Hill Townfall remains shrouded in mystery, although some leaks have provided insights into its gameplay. The game is said to be set in a city filled with various narratives, where players will find themselves without weapons or items to use.

    Nonetheless, it is possible that players will encounter scares and need to investigate throughout this title. The game is expected to be available on PS5, Xbox Series X and S, as well as PC.

    Release Date Speculations

    If these rumors hold any truth, the game’s release could occur in early 2026. Recent updates suggest that it might come out even earlier than anticipated.

    A website called Liverpool Mexico has claimed that Silent Hill Townfall is set to launch on March 26, 2026. This date might remind fans of GTA 6, but it was subsequently removed from the site. Thankfully, some screenshots have been captured to support this claim.

    Caution is Advised

    Although this date appears to be official, it’s wise to exercise caution. Konami has not released any statements regarding this matter. Furthermore, the company seems to be concentrating on porting Silent Hill 2 to the Xbox Series X and S, scheduled for November 21.

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  • Xiaomi G34WQi 2026: Global Launch of Curved Gaming Monitor

    Xiaomi G34WQi 2026: Global Launch of Curved Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi (2026) features a 34-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels.
    2. It uses a VA LCD panel with a brightness of 400 cd/m², a contrast ratio of 3500:1, and a gray-to-gray response time of 1 millisecond, supporting a maximum refresh rate of 180 Hz.
    3. The monitor supports FreeSync Premium and covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, with a color deviation (Delta E) of less than 2.
    4. Design includes eye-catching RGB lighting, height adjustment, rotation, tilting, and VESA compatibility for wall mounting, but lacks USB ports.
    5. Availability in local markets is still unclear, and interested buyers can consider other Xiaomi models in the meantime.

    The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi 2026 has recently appeared on Xiaomi’s global website. Yet, details regarding its availability in various markets are still unclear. For those interested, Xiaomi provides other options, including the previous model that has a uniquely styled back panel.

    Specifications Overview

    The G34WQi (2026) boasts an expansive 34-inch screen with a diagonal measurement, a 21:9 aspect ratio, and a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels. It does not utilize OLED or Mini-LED technology, instead relying on a VA (Vertical Alignment) LCD panel that has a relatively modest brightness of 400 cd/m². The contrast ratio is rated at 3500:1. According to Xiaomi, it features a gray-to-gray response time of 1 millisecond and supports a maximum refresh rate of 180 Hz. The monitor also supports FreeSync Premium and claims to cover 95% of the DCI-P3 color space as well as the full sRGB color space, with a color deviation of Delta E less than 2 out of the box.

    Design Features

    The back of the monitor is designed to be eye-catching, complete with RGB lighting. It includes two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, but notably lacks any USB ports. The stand allows for height adjustment, rotation, and tilting. Additionally, it can be attached to a wall mount or monitor arm using VESA compatibility. The curvature radius of the monitor is measured at 1,500 millimeters, adding to its immersive experience.

    Xiaomi’s new gaming monitor is an interesting addition to their lineup, but it remains to be seen when it will be available for purchase in local markets. For now, potential buyers can explore other models that Xiaomi offers.

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    Xiaomi G34WQi 2026: Global Launch of Curved Gaming Monitor

     

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  • Horizon Steel Frontiers: Sony’s New Mobile Live Service Game

    Horizon Steel Frontiers: Sony’s New Mobile Live Service Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Guerrilla Games is collaborating with NCSoft and Sony to create an MMO in the Horizon universe.
    2. The announcement video showcased stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes insights from key figures at both companies.
    3. Players will become Machine Hunters, scavenging for resources, with options for cooperative gameplay and player-versus-player battles.
    4. The game will feature extensive character customization, social features, and raid-style boss encounters.
    5. While the MMO, titled Horizon Steel Frontiers, currently lacks a release date, a remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn is set for 2024, with other related projects in development.

    Guerilla Games made waves with their successful title, Horizon Zero Dawn, which debuted in 2017. This action-packed game was embraced by players, leading to a successful PC launch in 2020. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth, players navigated a world where nature has reclaimed it, now inhabited by AI beings that blend the organic with the mechanical.

    Collaboration with NCSoft

    NCSoft, a South Korean company known for its popular MMOs like Guild Wars and Lineage, is joining forces with Guerrilla Games, the makers of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, along with Sony, to develop an MMO set in the Horizon universe. They revealed their plans through a captivating 10-minute video, accompanied by a 3-minute gameplay trailer.

    Exciting Announcement Video

    The announcement video features stunning visuals that fans have come to expect from NCSoft’s titles. It includes behind-the-scenes discussions led by NCSoft’s co-chairman Taekjin Kim, Guerrilla Games’ studio director Jan-Bart van Beek, and NCSoft’s executive producer Sung-Gu Lee, who share their enthusiasm for the Horizon universe and outline their aspirations for this new project.

    Gameplay Features

    In the game, players will become Machine Hunters scavenging for resources and technology in the deadlands. They can opt to team up to tackle challenges and powerful foes or engage in battles against each other. The game promises extensive character customization, social features, and raid-style boss encounters similar to those in Capcom’s Monster Hunter series. Players will be able to enjoy the game on mobile devices and PCs via Purple, NCSoft’s dedicated gaming platform.

    Rumors about Guerrilla Games working on a multiplayer project surfaced on Reddit six years ago, linked to a job ad seeking a programmer with multiplayer experience for an “epic open world game,” which has since been removed. In late 2022, Guerrilla Games confirmed these rumors through another job posting on Twitter.

    Horizon Steel Frontiers currently lacks a release date. Nonetheless, fans can look forward to the remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn set for 2024, alongside a sequel to Horizon Forbidden West in development and a live-action Horizon movie expected to release in 2027.

     

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