Category: Gaming

  • DIY YouTuber Creates Affordable Open-Source VR Headset

    DIY YouTuber Creates Affordable Open-Source VR Headset

    Key Takeaways

    1. CNCDan created an affordable VR headset for about $150 using components from AliExpress and a 3D-printed casing, making the project open source.
    2. The headset features two screens with a maximum resolution of 2880×1440p and a refresh rate of 90 Hz, along with adjustable IPD and head tracking capabilities.
    3. The design focuses on essential features for sim racing, avoiding unnecessary options found in commercial VR headsets.
    4. The headset operates at a maximum resolution of 60 Hz and supports only three degrees of freedom (3DoF) for tracking movements.
    5. CNCDan used the open-source platform Relativty VR for software, with all resources available on his GitHub page.

    YouTuber CNCDan recently crafted a VR headset using affordable components sourced from AliExpress and a 3D-printed casing. The entire project cost him around $150, and he has made it open source. Additionally, the video he posted on his channel serves as a comprehensive tutorial, illustrating every phase of the construction.

    Components Used

    Among the components he ordered online are two screens that reach a maximum resolution of 2880×1440p and a refresh rate of 90 Hz, along with two lenses, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor, and an Arduino microcontroller board. The remainder of the headset was created using 3D printing technology.

    Features and Limitations

    Regarding the features, CNCDan mentioned that he included only the essential options for sim racing. This decision was made because the commercial VR headsets offered many unnecessary features, which he would still have to pay for if he purchased them.

    The headset comes with adjustable IPD, swappable faceplates, and head tracking capabilities. However, it does have some limitations — at its maximum resolution, it operates at just 60 Hz. Additionally, it supports only three degrees of freedom (3DoF), which allows for tracking of vertical and horizontal movements, as well as head tilting. He clarified that he didn’t see the need for 6DoF since 3DoF sufficed for his sim racing needs.

    Software Used

    For the software aspect, he opted for Relativty VR — an open-source VR platform he discovered online. All the necessary resources can be found on his GitHub page.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags:
  • Teraleak Unveils New Pokémon Games and Changes in Legends: Z-A

    Teraleak Unveils New Pokémon Games and Changes in Legends: Z-A

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Teraleak has revealed extensive information about both past and future Pokémon games, causing ongoing issues for Game Freak.
    2. Pokémon Legends: Z-A has leaked details about moves, items, and Mega Evolutions, as well as features that were ultimately canceled, like rooftop jumping and multiplayer matches.
    3. The upcoming 10th-generation Pokémon game, potentially titled Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves, is expected to launch in 2026 and will likely be set in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
    4. New gameplay mechanics, such as “Weather Moves” and the ability for Seed Pokémon to evolve endlessly, are anticipated for the 10th generation, with a focus on MMO-style gameplay.
    5. The Teraleak includes a vast amount of data, with 1TB of documents, hinting at further insights into both existing and future Pokémon titles, including early details about an 11th generation set in Galar.

    Despite Nintendo’s attempts to control the situation, the notorious Teraleak keeps troubling Game Freak studio. The data breach from 2024 has revealed a wealth of information regarding both past and future Pokémon games. Just days ahead of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A launch, players are discovering information about features that were canceled. Additionally, there are more insights into the forthcoming 10th and 11th-generation releases (spoilers below).

    Major Revelations About Pokémon Legends: Z-A

    Pokémon Legends: Z-A could be the most leaked project from Game Freak thus far. Players now have access to a detailed list of moves, items, and Mega Evolutions. Retail copies that were shipped too early and a pirated Switch ROM have granted access to the entire game. Nevertheless, Centro Leaks reports that the Teraleak unveils what was omitted from the game.

    Exciting Features That Didn’t Make the Cut

    Set in a cityscape, players might have been able to leap between rooftops using a system called PokéRise. Before changes were made, there was a possibility for players to explore the streets riding on certain Pokémon. With real-time combat in mind, the developers drew inspiration from Splatoon. Unfortunately for those who enjoy shooters, the option for 4×4 multiplayer matches won’t be included in the final version.

    Upcoming 10th-Gen Pokémon Game Details

    Another Pokémon title, known as Gen 10, might launch as soon as 2026. Although there had been many rumors before, the latest update from the Teraleak has clarified previous information. Following the model of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, this game is expected to be a dual release, possibly named Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves.

    Players initially thought Wind and Waves would take place in Greece. However, it looks like Indonesia and Southeast Asia are the planned settings. According to Insider Gaming, these locations will feature jungles and may include procedurally generated islands.

    Innovative Gameplay Mechanics on the Horizon

    Gamers can look forward to a new battle mechanic called “Weather Moves.” At the same time, Seed Pokémon will have the ability to evolve endlessly. The 10th-generation Pokémon game could also focus more on MMO-style gameplay. Of course, the developers might choose to alter or eliminate certain features before the actual release.

    With 1TB of documents taken from Game Freak, there’s plenty more to explore about both old and new Pokémon games. Nintendo Everything even touches on the first details of an 11th-gen title set in Galar.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Firebreak Underperformance Triggers Profit Warning and €14.9M Impairment

    Firebreak Underperformance Triggers Profit Warning and €14.9M Impairment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Remedy Entertainment issued a profit warning for 2025 due to poor financial performance linked to its multiplayer shooter, FBC: Firebreak.
    2. The game faced a significant non-cash impairment of €14.9 million ($17.2 million) due to disappointing sales and failure to meet internal goals.
    3. FBC: Firebreak attracted 1 million players shortly after launch but struggled with sales, relying heavily on subscription services instead of direct purchases.
    4. Despite recent updates aimed at improving gameplay, player numbers remained low, averaging around 100 concurrent players on Steam.
    5. Remedy has revised its financial outlook, expecting negative operating profit for 2025 and may consider scaling back major updates for FBC: Firebreak due to the dwindling player base.

    Remedy Entertainment has raised concerns about its finances by announcing a profit warning for 2025. The company revealed that its multiplayer shooter, FBC: Firebreak, has not performed well, even after a significant revamp aimed at boosting player interest and sales.

    Financial Setbacks

    On October 10, Remedy disclosed that the disappointing sales of its game, a spinoff from the Control series, have resulted in a major financial setback. This includes a non-cash impairment of €14.9 million, which covers most of the development expenses and the rights for publishing and distribution.

    The impairment, which amounts to $17.2 million, does not affect the company’s cash reserves but highlights the game’s failure to achieve the internal goals established after it was launched.

    Launch Performance

    FBC: Firebreak made its debut on June 17, 2025, available on PC and consoles. It did manage to attract 1 million players in the first 10 days, but its sales performance was primarily reliant on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus subscriptions instead of direct sales from consumers, which is quite different when compared to Steam.

    Upon its release, FBC: Firebreak hit a peak of 1,992 concurrent players on Steam, four months ago. Unfortunately, this number plummeted to below 100 just a month later.

    Updates and Player Feedback

    In reaction to feedback from players, Remedy quickly rolled out several updates, which were part of a major update called Breakpoint released on September 29, 2025. This update brought significant enhancements to the core gameplay.

    While it did result in a slight increase in the number of concurrent players, these gains were fleeting, with player numbers quickly dropping back down to double digits.

    Currently, the game averages around 100 players on the platform, showing that Remedy’s efforts to improve the game post-launch have not met expectations.

    Future Outlook

    Due to FBC: Firebreak’s poor sales outcomes, Remedy has updated its financial forecast for 2025. The company now anticipates a yearly revenue increase, but it expects to report an operating profit that is negative and below last year’s figures.

    This profit warning is issued just before Remedy’s upcoming quarterly financial report, set for October 29, 2025. CEO Tero Virtala commented on the situation, saying, “We are balancing future investments for the title while still working on enhancing the game in line with our new long-term sales expectations.”

    It appears that Remedy may consider reducing major updates for FBC: Firebreak due to the low player count, as providing extensive support for such a small player base may not be sustainable in the long run.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Pokémon Wind and Wave Mega Leak: New Graphics and Gameplay Revealed

    Pokémon Wind and Wave Mega Leak: New Graphics and Gameplay Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Timeline: Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave are anticipated to release in 2026, following Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with paid DLC expected in 2027.

    2. Graphics Upgrade: Initial leaks show significant graphics improvements over Scarlet and Violet, utilizing the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2 to create an enhanced open world.

    3. New Gameplay Mechanics: The games will introduce features like a hoverboard for navigation, improved weather effects impacting battles, and “Seed” Pokémon that can evolve into various forms.

    4. Storyline Details: The main character is a 13-year-old whose mother wins the lottery, and the antagonists, the “Land Development Team,” aim to expand land at the ocean’s expense.

    5. Development Investment: Game Freak is reportedly investing $19.6 million into the development, but users should remain cautious about the accuracy of the leaks as plans may change.

    Just a few days ahead of the release of Pokémon Legends: Z–A, Centro Leaks has shared a number of details about Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave. These are the 10th generation games that seem to follow directly after Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The new Pokémon titles are anticipated to debut in 2026, with additional paid DLC scheduled for the next year.

    Graphics and Gameplay Enhancements

    Initial images and a video from the game engine have already been revealed, showing off the graphics. It remains unclear if the final version will maintain this look or if Game Freak will have to make compromises to ensure the games run smoothly on the Nintendo Switch 2 (starting at $449 on Amazon). Nevertheless, this leak suggests a significant upgrade in graphics when compared to Scarlet and Violet. With the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2, Game Freak seems capable of creating an open world that features thick vegetation, intricate environmental details, and much more refined shadows.

    New Features and Storyline

    The leaked images also hint at a hoverboard, likely intended for players to navigate the game world swiftly. Centro Leaks has uncovered additional details, indicating that the next-generation Pokémon games will introduce new gameplay mechanics, such as improved weather effects that could impact Pokémon battles. There are also reports of “Seed” Pokémon, which might evolve into countless different forms.

    Furthermore, players will have the ability to ride on more Pokémon than ever before. The narrative follows a 13-year-old main character whose mother wins the lottery, allowing the young trainer to explore the world. The main antagonists are called the “Land Development Team,” who aim to increase land area at the ocean’s cost, a theme that seems to echo Team Magma from Pokémon Ruby.

    Development and Caution

    Pokémon Wind and Wave are said to include procedurally generated islands, underwater environments, and multiplayer Raid mechanics. Game Freak is reportedly investing around $19.6 million into the development of these games. As always, it’s essential to approach these leaks with a degree of skepticism, as plans from Game Freak and Nintendo may still evolve before the final launch.

    Centro Leaks (X)

    Source:
    Link

    Pokémon Wind and Wave Mega Leak: New Graphics and Gameplay Revealed

     

    Tags:
  • PS2 Classic Remade in Unreal Engine 5 – Fan Demo Released

    PS2 Classic Remade in Unreal Engine 5 – Fan Demo Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PS2’s impact on gaming includes popular titles like Need For Speed: Underground 2, released in 2004.
    2. A fan named Apfelbaum is reviving Need For Speed: Underground 2 using Unreal Engine 5 to enhance its graphics and gameplay.
    3. A free demo of the remake is available on the RPGGameplay Discord server, showcasing improved environments and visuals.
    4. New features in the remake include dynamic weather effects and customizable paint options for cars.
    5. The full version will include the entire career mode and open-world mode Bayview, with AI opponents and traffic expected in future updates.

    The PS2 has made a significant impact on many gamers over the years with its wide range of features and popular titles. A standout memory for many is the game Need For Speed: Underground 2, which was extremely successful upon its 2004 launch and remains one of the top racing games on the console. If you’re nostalgic for this classic, you’ll be excited to know it can now be played again, thanks to Unreal Engine 5, which enhances its visual quality dramatically.

    A Unique Revival Project

    In anticipation of a new installment in this beloved series, a dedicated fan named Apfelbaum has taken it upon himself to revive this iconic game. His goal is to refresh the gameplay experience, making it more enjoyable and bringing the game back to prominence among racing fans.

    Explore the Demo

    You can check out this remake through a free demo on the Discord server of RPGGameplay. Although the project is still in the works, you can already wander through various environments and notice the enhancements made, such as improved graphics, natural lighting, and better reflections.

    Exciting New Features

    The latest update introduces dynamic weather, including thunderstorms, and fresh paint options for cars, enabling personalization to match your style.

    It’s tough to say exactly when the full version of this remake of Need For Speed: Underground 2 will be available, but it is confirmed to include the entire career mode as well as the open-world game mode called Bayview. Just keep in mind that AI opponents and traffic have not yet been implemented, but they are expected to be included in updates to come.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Steam Player Count Hits 41 Million with Battlefield 6 Boost

    Steam Player Count Hits 41 Million with Battlefield 6 Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam reached over 41 million concurrent players, driven by popular game releases like Battlefield 6.
    2. Launched in 2003, Steam has evolved from a platform for Valve’s games to a diverse marketplace for third-party titles and indie developers.
    3. Long-standing games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 attract millions of daily players, contributing to Steam’s ongoing popularity.
    4. The platform fosters a strong community through discussion forums, Steam Workshop for mods, and a review system for games.
    5. Despite challenges such as criticism over moderation and competition from subscription services, Steam remains dominant in the PC gaming market.

    Despite the rivalry from platforms like the Epic Games Store and various subscription models, Steam’s grip on the PC gaming market remains unshakeable. On Sunday, October 12th, Valve’s gaming platform achieved another milestone, reaching a peak of over 41 million concurrent players. This surge was largely driven by the release of popular titles such as Battlefield 6, which drew in gamers in droves.

    The Evolution of Steam

    Launched in 2003, Steam aimed to simplify the process of downloading, playing, and updating Valve’s games. A few years later, the introduction of third-party titles opened doors for significant growth. By 2008, SteamDB recorded that the platform had already welcomed its first million players. The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted its popularity, pushing the player count past 24 million in 2020, and by 2025, it had reached over 40 million.

    Daily Engagement and New Releases

    Long-standing games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 collectively attract over 2 million players each day. The recent launch of Battlefield 6 likely played a pivotal role in breaking the latest record, achieving a player count of over 747,000 on its release day. Moreover, the influx of indie developers into the marketplace helps ensure that Steam’s library remains diverse and appealing.

    One key aspect of Steam’s thriving success is its ability to cultivate a strong community. Each game features its own discussion forum where players can exchange strategies or seek help with technical challenges. Some games also include Steam Workshop, making it easier for users to access mods and user-generated content. Its review and rating system, for better or worse, has become a popular method for gauging how new games are received.

    Challenges and Market Dynamics

    Valve does face criticism, particularly regarding the lack of moderation in forums and the presence of fake reviews. Despite this, it has bowed to demands from payment processors to restrict access to games with adult themes. Still, the introduction of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass has not dented Steam’s player numbers. Recent mass cancellations following a price hike of Microsoft’s service are not expected to affect Steam significantly. Many dedicated PC gamers prefer to build their own library of games, even if it means dealing with DRM restrictions.

    Source:
    Link

    Steam Player Count Hits 41 Million with Battlefield 6 Boost

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Helldivers 2 Game Director Acknowledges New Issues After Update

    Helldivers 2 Game Director Acknowledges New Issues After Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players have reported various performance problems since Helldivers 2’s launch, worsening after the “Into the Unjust” update.
    2. Game Director Mikael Eriksson acknowledged the issues and the community’s feedback, stating it is warranted.
    3. The team at Arrowhead is prioritizing game stability over upcoming content updates to address these performance issues.
    4. Not all problems are the same; minor bugs can be fixed quickly, but significant performance improvements will take more time.
    5. The developers are committed to resolving issues to prevent future complications and improve overall game stability.

    Helldivers 2 might be one of the most talked-about games currently, but it isn’t without its challenges. Since its launch, players have reported various performance problems on all platforms. The recent major update seems to have introduced even more complications, and Game Director Mikael Eriksson has shared an update on how the team is addressing these concerns.

    Update on Performance Issues

    Eriksson mentioned that the last major update, titled “Into the Unjust,” resulted in more issues than they anticipated, particularly regarding game performance on different platforms. These complications have impacted many players, and the gaming community has been vocal about their experiences online.

    “Following the last significant update, we’ve seen more issues than we were comfortable with. Players noticed it, we noticed it, and I would say that the feedback we’ve received is very warranted,” he stated.

    Acknowledging Player Feedback

    Eriksson recognized that the feedback from gamers is entirely reasonable. He acknowledged that the team is aware of the complaints and concurs that the game’s stability is not where they desire it to be. Consequently, Arrowhead has chosen to postpone some upcoming content updates to prioritize enhancing the game’s stability first.

    “What I can tell you is that we’re taking this matter very seriously and are now placing a greater emphasis on resolving these issues to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.” He added, “We have decided to delay some of our content and future updates a bit while we tackle these matters to ensure the game can reach a more stable condition.”

    Different Types of Issues

    He explained that not all problems are identical. Some issues, like minor bugs and glitches, can be resolved quickly with small patches. However, significant performance enhancements, such as improving frame rates on various consoles and boosting server stability, will require more time to implement.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Everwild Game Images Unveiled After Microsoft’s Cancellation

    Everwild Game Images Unveiled After Microsoft’s Cancellation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has canceled several games, including Everwild, leading to the shutdown of various studios.
    2. Everwild was announced in 2019 but faced slow development and management changes that affected its progress.
    3. The cancellation announcement went largely unnoticed, but recent images have sparked regret among some players.
    4. Screenshots reveal features like item collection and customization that were planned for the game.
    5. There is potential for another studio to revive Everwild in the future, so players should stay updated.

    In recent times, Microsoft has scrapped a number of games, which has led to the shutting down of various studios. One such game is Everwild, a title that now won’t be released. It was seen as the next major success for Xbox, as shown by the images disclosed in a recent report.

    Slow Development

    The game was introduced to the audience in 2019, but its development progressed quite slowly, with minimal updates from Rare studio. Several factors interrupted its advancement, including management changes in 2021 that resulted in shifts in the creative direction.

    Cancellation News

    The announcement regarding its cancellation often went unnoticed, yet the screenshots of the game might make some players feel regret over this decision. MP1st recently posted images of Everwild from a version that was near to the one that got canceled.

    The user interface displays six unique tabs: favorites, figments, tools, mosaics, seeds, and plants. This indicates that players could collect various items or creatures within the game, and it seems that decoration and customization features were also in the works.

    Characters and Settings

    Other visuals reveal characters seen in both trailers, along with different environments. Lastly, the character that players were meant to control can also be seen in these images.

    Some gamers may feel let down by the cancellation upon viewing these images. However, while no announcements have been made yet, it’s possible that another studio could revive this promising game in the future. Therefore, it’s important to stay tuned for any updates regarding this matter.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Xbox Consoles Still Available at Retailers Amid Walmart Target Update

    Xbox Consoles Still Available at Retailers Amid Walmart Target Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Walmart and Target are still committed partners for Xbox, despite rumors of halting sales.
    2. Xbox’s reputation has declined, leading to ongoing negative perceptions among fans.
    3. Microsoft has struggled with consistent management and strategy for Xbox in recent years.
    4. Rising prices for Xbox consoles have made them less affordable for consumers.
    5. There remains uncertainty about Xbox’s future direction and strategy.

    Many people have recently shared online that Walmart and Target might be reducing or even completely halting their sales of Xbox consoles and games. These concerning updates, which we quickly reported on, came from several sources, lending credibility to these rumors.

    Microsoft’s Response

    Given Microsoft’s seemingly poor management of Xbox, it seemed plausible that stores like Target would cease investing in Xbox products and instead focus on popular systems like the Nintendo Switch 2 (Available on Amazon). Nevertheless, it now seems that these worries might have been exaggerated.

    Microsoft has confirmed to Windows Central that “Target and Walmart, along with other retailers, are still committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.” This official announcement should help, even if just a bit, to clear up the misinformation that has been circulating online.

    Xbox’s Reputation

    Nonetheless, Xbox’s image as a reliable brand that values its fans has arguably hit a low point. Consequently, it is probable that such rumors will keep surfacing, as fans are likely to see any negative news, no matter how unfounded or minor, as another blow to Xbox’s viability.

    Since the beginning of this console generation, Microsoft has appeared unsure about how to manage Xbox. The company has inconsistently shifted its strategies, from focusing heavily on Game Pass with costly acquisitions to launching first-party games on PlayStation. Even Game Pass, once hailed as an incredible bargain, has been hit by repeated price hikes.

    Rising Prices

    To make matters worse, Microsoft has chosen not to absorb the rising costs of hardware, passing these expenses onto consumers. This has led to a significant price increase for Xbox consoles, with the Xbox Series X starting at $549.99 for the Digital Edition and reaching up to $799.99 for the 2 TB version. The previously affordable Xbox Series S, which launched at just $299, now retails for $399.99 for the 512 GB model (1 TB version Available on Amazon).

    It’s true that Sony has also raised prices for the PS5 consoles in the US. However, unlike Xbox, consumers seem more willing to pay these prices, as evidenced by the sales gap between Xbox and PlayStation and the discussions surrounding both brands online.

    In summary, while Microsoft has addressed the uncertainty regarding the sales of Xbox consoles and games at Walmart and Target, there’s no way to predict what the tech giant may do in the future. Thus, the future of Xbox remains uncertain.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Black Myth: Wukong PS5 Update Over 90GB Released

    Black Myth: Wukong PS5 Update Over 90GB Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new update for Black Myth: Wukong is rolling out across all platforms, with a significant focus on PS5 users.
    2. The PS5 update requires 93.5GB of storage due to file storage differences on the console.
    3. PS5 owners may need to uninstall the game to free up space for the update, which is version 1.0.20.21756.
    4. PC users should remove mods and check the game’s integrity to avoid compatibility issues after the update.
    5. The update may require shader recompilation; users should restart the game if crashes occur during this process.

    The 2024 action video game, Black Myth: Wukong, is set to receive a new update, as per the developers. This update will be accessible across all platforms, but it will be especially significant for those who own a PS5.

    Update Details

    Starting today, the update will gradually roll out and will include various fixes and optimizations for this award-winning title. An announcement on X from the official Black Myth account revealed that PS5 users will need a substantial 93.5GB of storage for the update. The size is due to the differences in how files are stored on the console.

    Storage Considerations

    Given the increasing size of many games nowadays, PS5 owners (which you can find on Amazon for $499) may find themselves short on space for this update. These players might want to keep playing the current version or consider uninstalling the game to then redownload the latest version, which is numbered 1.0.20.21756.

    Important Notice for PC Users

    For PC gamers who have mods installed, it is recommended to remove those mods and check the game’s integrity before restarting. Failing to do so post-update could lead to compatibility problems that could stop the game from launching, prevent saved games from loading, or cause errors during gameplay.

    Moreover, the announcement indicates that the update may necessitate shader recompilation. If users face crashes while this process occurs, they should restart the game until the compilation finishes or opt to skip it. You can find the complete changelog for the update on Game Science’s official website.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,