Category: Gaming

  • Starfinder: Afterlight Nears $500K in Crowdfunding on Kickstarter

    Starfinder: Afterlight Nears $500K in Crowdfunding on Kickstarter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epictellers Entertainment launched their debut game, Starfinder: Afterlight, on Kickstarter on October 7, 2025, reaching its funding goal of $87,179 in just 80 minutes.

    2. The game is a turn-based CRPG set in the science-fantasy universe of Starfinder and has raised over $470,000 from 7,900 backers within the first few days of the campaign.

    3. The campaign offers backers rewards such as Closed Beta access, a Digital Steam key, in-game items, and exclusive content, while aiming to enhance features like voice acting.

    4. Notable voice direction is provided by Neil Newbon, and the game features multiple difficulty settings, including an easy Story mode and a challenging Nightmare mode.

    5. Starfinder: Afterlight plans to launch in early access on Steam in Q2 2026, featuring 10 to 15 hours of content, with the full release expected in 2027.

    Barcelona-based indie game studio Epictellers Entertainment has made a significant entrance into the gaming world with their debut project, Starfinder: Afterlight. This game’s Kickstarter campaign launched on October 7, 2025, and astonishingly reached its funding goal of $87,179 in just 80 minutes.

    Game Overview

    Starfinder: Afterlight is a turn-based CRPG taking place in the science-fantasy universe of Starfinder, created by Paizo in 2017. The campaign rapidly exceeded its initial funding milestone, achieving over $200,000 within the first few hours and has amassed more than $470,000 from 7,900 backers so far, and is still climbing.

    Campaign Progress

    With 26 days remaining until the campaign wraps up on November 6, the developers describe the game as “Divinity: Original Sin meets Guardians of the Galaxy,” and it shows no signs of slowing down. Founded in 2023, Epictellers aims to deliver emotionally impactful storytelling and has already secured self-funding for the core development of Starfinder: Afterlight, using the Kickstarter campaign to enhance features like improved voice acting.

    The campaign promises backers rewards that include a chance to participate in a Closed Beta, allowing them to influence the game’s development. Other perks feature a Digital Steam key, Akitonian in-game dice, a special Discord role, an exclusive Kickstarter wallpaper, a Collector’s Player Core Rulebook, STL packs for enemy and companion miniatures, and an additional game copy for a friend.

    Voice Acting and Difficulty Levels

    The voice direction for the game is provided by Neil Newbon, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3. Players can expect a range of difficulty settings, from an easy Story mode to a challenging Nightmare mode.

    Co-founder Ricard Pillosu shared in a press release:

    “We’re excited to present Starfinder: Afterlight in collaboration with Paizo. This is just the start of a journey we want to share with Starfinder fans around the globe.”

    Future Plans

    Looking forward, Starfinder: Afterlight plans to launch in early access on Steam in Q2 2026, featuring 10 to 15 hours of content in Act 1, allowing the community to give feedback that will shape the final game, which is expected to release in 2027.

    This rapid success in funding highlights the growing interest in narrative-driven CRPGs, similar to Baldur’s Gate 3. However, Pillosu acknowledges that the team feels “more scared about huge success than a bit of failure” as they move forward.

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  • Impressive GTA 6 Map Created by Fan Reveals Huge Game Size

    Impressive GTA 6 Map Created by Fan Reveals Huge Game Size

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6 is set to launch on May 26, 2026, and is highly anticipated by gamers worldwide.
    2. The game will feature the largest map ever designed for the series.
    3. Limited details are available, but two trailers have shown diverse terrains like Vice City, forests, and arid landscapes.
    4. A fan estimates the GTA 6 map could be 2.7 times bigger than that of GTA V, with speculation that it may be even larger.
    5. Community discussions suggest that many areas of the map remain hidden, creating excitement about the exploration possibilities.

    Officially set to launch on May 26, 2026, GTA 6 is highly anticipated by gamers across the globe. This franchise has made a significant impact on countless players from various age groups, thanks to its captivating narratives, engaging gameplay, and diverse maps. The upcoming installment promises to feature the largest map ever designed for the series.

    Limited Details Available

    As much as we’d like to know more, there’s still limited information on GTA 6. However, the two trailers released in the past few months have showcased several intriguing aspects. Viewers can catch glimpses of different terrains, including Vice City, mangrove regions, lush forests, and even arid landscapes.

    Fan Theories on Map Size

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding the actual size of the GTA 6 map, a fan named anli2132 took to Reddit to share his thoughts on what he believes the map’s dimensions will be. He based his conclusions on various details gleaned from the trailers and the official website.

    According to his estimates, the map for GTA 6 is projected to be 2.7 times bigger than that of GTA V. While that’s already quite astonishing, some users argue that the actual size could be even larger, suggesting that there are still vast regions yet to be revealed.

    Community Speculation

    In the comments section, numerous users speculate that extensive areas remain hidden and that the map’s true scale is considerably greater. Nonetheless, it’s challenging to provide a definitive opinion on this topic since Rockstar Games hasn’t made any official statements. What remains clear is that players will have the opportunity to explore a variety of stunning landscapes, which is certainly exciting for fans.

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  • Win 2 Free RTX 5080 GPUs Signed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

    Win 2 Free RTX 5080 GPUs Signed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is giving away two hand-signed RTX 5080 Founders Edition graphics cards for GeForce Day.
    2. To enter, comment “GeForce Day” on Nvidia GeForce’s X account and consider following their account for a better chance.
    3. The giveaway is only open to residents of Australia who are at least 18 years old.
    4. Entries are open now and will close on October 13.
    5. Winners will be chosen within 24 hours after the entry period and must respond within two days to claim their prize.

    If you’re living in Australia and have been wanting to get an RTX 5080, you might be in luck! To mark GeForce Day, Nvidia is giving away two RTX 5080 Founders Edition graphics cards, and guess what? Each one is hand-signed by the CEO, Jensen Huang himself!

    How to Enter the Giveaway

    To join in on this exciting opportunity, simply visit the giveaway post on Nvidia GeForce’s X account and drop a comment saying “GeForce Day.” For a better chance of winning, it’s a good idea to follow their account too. The entries are open now and will close on October 13, which means you still have a few days to participate!

    Important Entry Rules

    Remember, this giveaway is only for folks who live in Australia; entries from anywhere else will be thrown out. Plus, you need to be at least 18 years old to take part in this chance to win.

    Once the entry period wraps up, Nvidia will choose the winners within just 24 hours. Both winners will receive a notification through private message or email, so be sure to check your inbox regularly. If a winner doesn’t reply within two days, Nvidia will pick someone else to take their place.

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  • Steam’s Massive Multiplayer Playground: Free Trial & 75% Off!

    Steam’s Massive Multiplayer Playground: Free Trial & 75% Off!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Riders Republic is an open-world sports game by Ubisoft that features biking, snowboarding, skiing, and wingsuit flying in a large multiplayer environment based on U.S. national parks.

    2. Multiplayer Experience: Players can explore the game solo or team up with up to 50 others for races and trick competitions, emphasizing a social competition aspect.

    3. Ongoing Content Updates: Since its launch, the game has received updates with new seasons, events, and cosmetic items, with the latest season 16 introducing a dirt bike.

    4. Limited-Time Discount: Riders Republic is currently available for $9.99, a 75% discount from its regular price of $39.99, valid until October 17.

    5. Disclaimer on Pricing: The article notes that prices may change and that the site is not responsible for any alterations made by retailers.

    Riders Republic is Ubisoft’s bold open-world sports game that combines biking, snowboarding, skiing, and wingsuit flying into a vast playground. The game first launched in October 2021, immersing players in a detailed recreation of U.S. national parks like Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and Mammoth Mountain, all connected into one huge multiplayer environment.

    Explore Solo or with Friends

    Players can wander through the terrain alone or team up with up to 50 other players in big races and trick competitions. The game stands out due to its variety of events, customizable gear, and a unique social competition system, making it a lively addition to Ubisoft’s open-world titles. Since its release, Riders Republic has been updated with new seasons, events, and cosmetic items, some of which are free while others require DLC. The launch of season 16 introduces exciting new content, including the much-anticipated dirt bike.

    Limited-Time Discount Offer

    Typically priced at $39.99, Riders Republic is now offered at only $9.99, which is a staggering 75% off. This limited-time sale is available until October 17 and applies to the Standard Edition of the game. The Deluxe and Year Pass editions are sold separately. The 75% discount is available on all editions, significantly reducing the prices as season 16 begins, along with new and exclusive rewards for the season.

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  • 8BitDo Pro 3 Launches in Europe and UK Two Months After US Release

    8BitDo Pro 3 Launches in Europe and UK Two Months After US Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 8BitDo Pro 3 controller became available in Europe and the UK on October 10, after its initial release in August.
    2. Pricing for the controller is €69.99 in Europe and £59.99 in the UK, with all color options available, including a new Orange colorway.
    3. The controller supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired connections, compatible with various devices including Nintendo Switch, Android, Apple products, SteamOS, and Windows.
    4. Key features include symmetrical TMR thumbsticks, adjustable Hall Effect triggers, remappable buttons, customizable back buttons, swappable magnetic ABXY buttons, and 6-axis motion control.
    5. The package includes a charging dock, space for extra ABXY buttons, and a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle.

    When the 8BitDo Pro 3 hit the market in August, 8BitDo said it would be ready for US buyers by the end of the month. However, folks in Europe and the UK had to be patient until October 10 to finally get theirs. The long wait is over, and the controller can now be bought in both these regions.

    Pricing and Availability

    In Europe, the controller costs €69.99, while UK gamers needs to pay £59.99. A great feature is that all color options are up for grabs in both areas, including the newly introduced Orange colorway that was revealed in late September. Check out the links below for all four color choices for each region:

    – Europe (Amazon.de)
    – UK (Amazon UK)

    Features of the Controller

    The 8BitDo Pro 3 is a Bluetooth controller, but it also comes with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle and can be utilized as a wired controller too. It works seamlessly with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Android devices, Apple products (iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS 26, and visionOS 26), SteamOS, and Windows.

    The Pro 3 features symmetrical TMR thumbsticks, adjustable Hall Effect triggers, two remappable bumper buttons, two customizable back buttons, and swappable magnetic ABXY buttons along with 6-axis motion control. Moreover, 8BitDo includes a charging dock with a space for an extra set of ABXY buttons and a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle in the package.

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  • Amazon Slashes Nintendo Switch 2 Prices in Europe Amid Console Cost Hike

    Amazon Slashes Nintendo Switch 2 Prices in Europe Amid Console Cost Hike

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony and Microsoft have raised PS5 and Xbox Series X prices in several regions due to tariffs.
    2. The Nintendo Switch 2 remains at a lower price, currently €419 in France, which is €20 less than its initial list price.
    3. French retailers offer the Switch 2 at lower prices compared to other EU countries, like Germany, where it remains close to the original MSRP of €469.99.
    4. Discounts on the Switch 2 and related bundles are expected to be permanent, according to leaker billbil-kun.
    5. Nintendo has not officially announced any price reductions for the Switch 2 in Europe, and it’s unclear if discounts will extend to other EU nations or the US.

    It’s been a challenging year for console players. Both Sony and Microsoft have increased the prices of the PS5 and Xbox Series X in various regions due to tariff issues. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the only console that has managed to avoid these price increases for now, and currently, consumers can purchase it for even less, indicating a new effort to enhance sales and demand throughout the EU.

    Pricing in France

    In France, the console is available for €419 at Amazon and Leclerc, which is about €20 lower than its initial list price at those retailers. Strangely, French sellers had already set the price of the Switch 2 lower than in other EU countries like Germany, where the launch prices remain close to the official €469.99 MSRP. Additionally, bundles such as Mario Kart World and Pokémon Legends ZA are also receiving €30 off, reducing their price from €499 to €469.

    Permanent Discounts?

    As previously mentioned, the discounts on the Switch 2 seem to be lasting rather than just temporary offers, according to well-known leaker billbil-kun, who asserts that the price at Leclerc is here to remain. Interestingly, Nintendo has not made any official announcements about price reductions for the Switch 2 in Europe and continues to show the console at its original price of €469.99 on the Nintendo France website. It is still uncertain if these price reductions will apply to other EU nations or the US, but it’s certainly encouraging to see prices trending downwards.

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  • Final Fantasy VII Remake Devs Respond to Streamlined Progression Concerns

    Final Fantasy VII Remake Devs Respond to Streamlined Progression Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Streamlined Progression feature allows players to enable options like full HP, full MP, and maximum damage (9999) to simplify gameplay.
    2. Director Naoki Hamaguchi acknowledges mixed reactions to the feature, with some calling it “sacrilegious” while others see its value for time-limited gamers.
    3. This internal mode offers a safer alternative to third-party cheat trainers, which can pose risks of malware.
    4. The feature aims to accommodate both newcomers and long-time fans, making it easier to engage with the game’s extensive content.
    5. Hamaguchi chose to introduce this feature now to avoid backlash from fans, emphasizing its timing with the trilogy’s finale.

    In the run-up to the launch of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series S|X, director Naoki Hamaguchi has responded to the ongoing discussions online about the Streamlined Progression feature, which some have labeled as “cheat mode” or “God mode.”

    Features Explained

    During an interview with Automaton, Hamaguchi elaborated on this feature, which lets players choose options like “HP is always full,” “MP is always full,” and “damage dealt is always 9999.” This enables players to zip through what is fundamentally an RPG game focused on leveling up characters, enhancing attributes, and unlocking new abilities as they play through the story.

    Hamaguchi mentioned:

    “Of course, when we reveal features like these, we often hear comments like, ‘This is sacrilegious!’ Even among the development team, some folks have that sentiment,” he continued, “Personally, I enjoy exploring various games to stay current, but my time is limited, so I can only experience a portion. Sometimes I wish I had access to debugging tools so I could explore more.”

    Context of the Discussion

    Hamaguchi’s comments hold significance, especially when considering that many third-party programs or “cheat trainers” are available for download online. These cheat trainers employ code injection, using hotkeys to insert custom scripts that the game’s process executes. Although they often function well, they come with the potential danger of malware or viruses.

    Thus, the introduction of an internal Streamlined Progression mode by the developers offers players the freedom to experience the game in a way they prefer. This mode was included as part of Final Fantasy VII Remake’s expansion across multiple platforms, with an upcoming update for PS5 players, allowing newcomers to get accustomed to the trilogy without feeling overwhelmed.

    Final Fantasy VII Remake made its debut in 2020 on the PS4, followed by a PC version in December 2021, and is set to arrive on the Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2, where quick and portable gaming sessions are often favored.

    Considerations for Players

    Attempting to engage with the game’s 42 hours of story content, with a total of 82 hours for completionists, isn’t exactly appealing for everyone, particularly if you plan to play on a portable system like the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Hamaguchi was mindful of longtime fans who have been following the series since its original 1997 release. The introduction of Streamlined Progression, timed with the finale of the trilogy, could have caused unnecessary tension among fans. Therefore, the choice to implement this feature was made now. Hamaguchi expressed:

    “If we had introduced it at the launch of the third part, it would likely lead to controversy. We’d risk disturbing the experience for those fans who have been waiting the longest and deserve to enjoy it the most.”

    Automaton Media

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  • Sandfall Interactive’s Next Game May Not Be an RPG

    Sandfall Interactive’s Next Game May Not Be an RPG

    Key Takeaways

    1. Massive Success: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold over 5 million copies, showcasing its appeal in the gaming market.

    2. Distinctive Elements: The game stands out due to its unique narrative and RPG gameplay, revitalizing the genre.

    3. Future Exploration: Sandfall Interactive aims to explore diverse game styles and mechanics, focusing on authenticity in their creations.

    4. Sequel and Updates: A sequel for Clair Obscur is in the works, along with a significant update introducing new features and an area for players.

    5. Small Team Dynamics: Sandfall Interactive is a small team of 33 members, emphasizing the importance of taking time for quality development.

    With over 5 million copies sold so far, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become a big hit. Recently, in a chat with The Washington Post, Guillaume Broche shared some insights about what’s coming next from Sandfall Interactive.

    Unique Appeal

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 captivates millions thanks to its distinctive narrative and RPG elements that have revitalized the genre. However, even though this game is a massive triumph, it doesn’t guarantee that every game from the studio will achieve similar success.

    Future Possibilities

    Moreover, Broche highlights that the studio is considering exploring various game styles with fresh stories and gameplay mechanics in the future: “We don’t want to be limited by narrative, visual style, or gameplay in anything we create next, so there’s nothing concrete to announce. We just want it to feel genuine and crafted with care.”

    What’s Next?

    Still, predicting how the next game from Sandfall Interactive will turn out is difficult, even with a sequel in the works for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Additionally, a significant update is expected for this title, introducing players to numerous new features and an exciting new area.

    Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Sandfall Interactive is a small team, consisting of just 33 members. To sustain such high standards in gaming quality, it is essential to take sufficient time for development and avoid rushing through certain processes.

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  • Dragon Quest 1 HD-2D Remake to Add New Quests and Dungeons

    Dragon Quest 1 HD-2D Remake to Add New Quests and Dungeons

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake includes new questlines, encounters, and characters.
    2. New character Rubiss, a goddess of creation, plays a key role in the enhanced narrative.
    3. The remake introduces new characters such as a healing sage and dwarves.
    4. Players can explore new dungeons and experience events where monsters attack towns.
    5. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on October 30.

    Dragon Quest is about to become a lot more quest-filled.

    The upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, scheduled for release at the end of this month, will include new questlines, encounters, and characters added to the original Dragon Quest game, which was also known as Dragon Warrior in North America. According to the publisher, Square Enix, these additions aim to enhance the narrative of the original game and create stronger links between the first two games and the third Dragon Quest, which received a remake last year.

    New Characters and Questlines

    Among the new elements introduced is the character Rubiss, who plays a key role in the stories of both Dragon Quest II and III. Rubiss is depicted as a goddess of creation within the Dragon Quest universe, but she does not appear in the original game and is only mentioned briefly in its smartphone remake. The HD-2D remake will feature a quest where the hero must find Rubiss and the faeries to gain their assistance.

    Fresh Adventures Await

    In addition, the remake will bring in new characters not seen in previous versions, such as a sage who specializes in healing specific illnesses and some dwarves. There will also be several new dungeons for players to explore, along with events where monsters can attack towns. This might be a welcome change for long-time players, as the original Dragon Quest was quite basic at its launch on the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System nearly 40 years ago, and many of its remakes and ports have kept that simplicity intact.

    Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is set to release on Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC (available via Steam and the Microsoft Store) on October 30.

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  • Age of Empires 5 Unreal Engine Concerns: Stuttering in RTS Games

    Age of Empires 5 Unreal Engine Concerns: Stuttering in RTS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Age of Empires 4 successfully engages gamers with historical campaigns but faces criticism for its cartoonish graphics.
    2. World’s Edge is hiring Unreal Engine engineers, suggesting plans to enhance the visual quality of the series.
    3. The next project may be Age of Empires 5 or a remake, with Unreal Engine 5 or 6 likely involved for improved graphics.
    4. There are concerns about performance issues with Unreal Engine 5, particularly for RTS games as complexity increases.
    5. Past experiences with games on Unreal Engine 5 indicate potential optimization challenges, especially for players with older systems.

    With engaging campaigns based on history, Age of Empires 4 has reminded gamers why the series is beloved. However, its graphics often receive critiques for being too cartoonish and not as detailed as some competitors. New job postings for Unreal Engine engineers indicate that World’s Edge might be looking to enhance these visuals. Still, users on ResetEra are worried that performance in Age of Empires 5 could be affected.

    World’s Edge and Xbox Collaboration

    Since 2019, World’s Edge has overseen the RTS series for Xbox, collaborating with developers like Relic Entertainment. The recent job openings on the Microsoft career site include positions such as Principal Unreal Engineer for Gameplay and Senior Unreal Engineer for Shared Technology. The job descriptions highlight the goal of “continuing the great legacy of Age of Empires” while also emphasizing the need for “planning and building our future tech stack.” Both roles require prior experience with the game engine.

    Future Projects Uncertain

    It remains uncertain if the new project will be Age of Empires 5, or a remake or remaster of a previous title. Nevertheless, it appears that Unreal Engine 5, or eventually Unreal Engine 6, will play a critical role in future releases. This shift could lead to more realistic visual effects compared to what the existing Essence Engine can deliver. However, some critics argue that Epic’s tools might not be the best choice for this genre.

    Potential Performance Issues

    Games built on Unreal Engine 5 often face optimization problems that can lead to stuttering and frame rate drops. The complexity of RTS games presents extra hurdles for developers. As civilizations grow and battles escalate, performance could be compromised. Age of Empires 4 performed decently on lower-end PCs at launch, but this may change down the line.

    Players with older systems typically didn’t see improvements when Manor Lords switched to Unreal Engine 5. The 2024 medieval strategy game has received good reviews on Steam, but issues with stuttering still persist.

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