Category: Gaming

  • Ghost of Yotei Causes PS5s to Randomly Shut Down

    Ghost of Yotei Causes PS5s to Randomly Shut Down

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gameplay Issues: Players are reporting that Ghost of Yotei causes the PS5 to shut down unexpectedly during gameplay, affecting both standard and PS5 Pro models.

    2. User Experiences: Many users, including the author, have experienced the shutdown issue, particularly around the same point in the game, prompting attempts to resolve it through reinstallation and lowering resolution.

    3. Recent Update: Sucker Punch released an update (V1.009) shortly after the game’s launch, but there are no patch notes detailing whether it addresses the shutdown problem.

    4. Potential Solutions: Users have found that cleaning the console’s fan and heatsink, along with resetting the system, may help mitigate the shutdown issue.

    5. Optimization Concerns: The shutdown problem is likely linked to poor optimization of the game, which may affect consoles with less effective cooling systems.


    Sucker Punch Production’s highly anticipated follow-up to the well-received Ghost of Tsushima made its debut last week. Just like the first game, Ghost of Yotei has gotten glowing feedback, but there seems to be a snag as well.

    Gameplay Issues

    Reports on Reddit and X indicate that players of Ghost of Yotei are experiencing an issue where the game abruptly shuts down during play. It’s uncertain whether this problem is exclusive to the standard PS5 model, but at least one owner of the PS5 Pro has also reported random shutdowns. In many of the cases shared, playing Ghost of Yotei leads to the console unexpectedly turning off, and it won’t power back on until the electricity is completely cut, either by switching it off or unplugging it.

    “Ghost of Yōtei shutting my PS5 down after a few hours of play. Lots of Reddit users having the same issue. It’s not overheating, but the system seems to think so. Have to pull the power to get a reset. Anyone else?” – Joe Walker on X

    Personal Experiences

    I experienced this same problem on my standard PS5, so I can verify that it does happen. For me, it occurred several times at the same location about an hour into the gameplay on the 1.008 patch. A fresh reinstall and lowering my console’s resolution from 4K to 1080p allowed me to get past that point, but ultimately, my console still shut down in the same way afterward.

    In the past 24 hours, Sucker Punch has quietly rolled out a new update, V1.009, for the game. There are no published patch notes, so it remains unclear if this update addresses the issue. However, a detailed cleaning of my console’s fan and heatsink, along with a system cache clear, seemed to help resolve the problem on my end.

    Possible Causes

    This issue likely stems from poor optimization, which could be made worse on consoles with inadequate cooling systems. Cleaning your console’s fan might not guarantee a fix, but it’s definitely worth a shot.

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  • Game Remains Free Forever on Steam Due to Developer’s Mistake

    Game Remains Free Forever on Steam Due to Developer’s Mistake

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cooperative Gameplay: PICO PARK: Classic supports up to ten players, making it unique in the cooperative puzzle genre.

    2. Engaging Puzzles: The game features easy-to-understand yet challenging puzzles that require teamwork to collect keys and unlock doors.

    3. Player Feedback: With around 1,800 reviews on Steam, only 75% are positive, with complaints about a loud startup sound and the potential for frustration due to high coordination demands.

    4. Free to Play: The game has been free since its release in 2016 and will remain so due to Steam’s policies, much to players’ delight.

    5. Compatibility: PICO PARK: Classic is Steam Deck Verified, allowing for gameplay on this portable device.


    PICO PARK: Classic is a fun puzzle platformer that is made and published by TECOPARK. Even though it looks simple, the game has many special things to offer. It allows up to ten players to join in on a level at the same time, which is pretty rare for cooperative puzzle games. Another cool thing about it is the TecoGamePad app, which lets players use their smartphones as controllers when there aren’t enough physical ones around.

    Engaging Gameplay

    The gameplay is quite easy to understand but can be tough. You play as small, adorable characters who must work together to solve puzzles in different levels. The main goal in each part is to collect all the keys needed to unlock the door to the next area. Teamwork is a must – some routes only open up when players stack on each other, hit switches, or move obstacles together.

    Player Feedback

    Currently, PICO PARK: Classic has about 1,800 reviews on Steam, and only 75% of them are positive. One odd complaint comes from the game’s really loud startup sound, which can’t be changed in the game settings. Moreover, PICO PARK is solely a co-op game with a high chance for frustrations. The puzzles need careful coordination, and just one mistake from a single player can mess up everyone’s progress fast.

    Free to Play

    Since it first came out in 2016, PICO PARK: Classic has been free to play. After a big update in September, it was meant to go back to being a paid game – but Steam’s rules didn’t allow that. In a funny post on October 5, the developer noted that once a game moves from “paid” to “free,” it can’t go back. So, PICO PARK: Classic Edition will stay free forever – not on purpose, but it made the players happy. Also, the game is Steam Deck Verified, and the device is currently priced around $440 on Amazon.

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  • Water-Cooled RedMagic 11 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite: Official Photos

    Water-Cooled RedMagic 11 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite: Official Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nubia’s RedMagic 11 Pro, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, will launch on October 17 in China.
    2. The smartphone features an innovative water-cooling system along with an active cooling fan spinning at 24,000 RPM.
    3. The RedMagic 11 Pro has achieved an IPX8 waterproof rating, a significant upgrade from its predecessor’s IP54 rating.
    4. It will include a 50 MP main camera and maintain a full-screen display with an under-display camera.
    5. The gaming phone is expected to have an 8,000 mAh battery and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.


    Nubia is gearing up to launch its first gaming smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, named the RedMagic 11 Pro. This highly anticipated release is scheduled for October 17 in China. To build excitement, the company has shared new images of this flagship device.

    Innovative Cooling System

    Notably, this marks Nubia’s first foray into water-cooled gaming smartphones. The newly released images indicate that the RedMagic 11 Pro will incorporate water channels, particularly visible in the transparent models. It remains uncertain how significantly this water cooling will enhance performance alongside the existing active cooling solution, but this combination might help prevent the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from overheating during heavy usage.

    Impressive Specifications

    The company has also revealed that the active cooling fan spins at 24,000 RPM, and even with this fan, the RedMagic 11 Pro achieves an IPX8 waterproof rating. This is a considerable improvement over its predecessor, which had an IP54 rating. While other details about the gaming phone are still a mystery, the images confirm that the back will house a 50 MP main camera.

    On the topic of the rear, the camera arrangement differs from that of the previous model (the 10S Pro available on Amazon), yet it appears to maintain three cameras on the back. Moving to the front, similar to the last generation flagship, the RedMagic 11 Pro boasts a full-screen display with an under-display camera.

    Battery and Security Features

    Previous reports have hinted that the gaming phone will include an 8,000 mAh battery along with a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. More official information regarding the RedMagic 11 Pro is expected to surface prior to the launch event in China on October 17, 2025.

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  • Battlefield 6 Surpasses 1.8 Million Sales on Steam

    Battlefield 6 Surpasses 1.8 Million Sales on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 has sold over 1.8 million copies on Steam, generating more than $100 million in revenue before its official launch.
    2. Over 500,000 players participated in the beta phase, significantly boosting pre-launch sales.
    3. The excitement from the beta phase has converted many players into buyers of the full game.
    4. The game has over 3.5 million wishlists on Steam, marking unprecedented engagement for the Battlefield series.
    5. There are notable wishlist overlaps with other games, indicating broad interest among potential players.


    Battlefield 6 is not even officially available yet, but it’s already turning out to be a huge success. A recent study from Alinea Analytics shows that the game has sold over 1.8 million copies on Steam, generating more than $100 million in revenue even before its launch.

    Beta Impact

    The report highlights that the beta phase significantly contributed to this remarkable sales figure. With more than 500,000 players participating in the beta, it appears that a large number of them chose to purchase the complete game afterward.

    “Our calculations indicate it’s already moved more than 1.8 million copies on Steam – that’s over $100 million in revenue just from Valve’s platform. The excitement during the beta phase has evidently transformed into actual sales, and that enthusiasm is still growing,” the report stated.

    Popularity Metrics

    The game’s appeal is further emphasized by its impressive 3.5 million+ wishlists on Steam. Alinea points out that this degree of engagement prior to launch is unprecedented within the Battlefield series.

    Additionally, the report revealed some intriguing data regarding wishlist overlaps. Approximately 13% of those who wishlisted Battlefield 6 have also shown interest in Arc Raiders, while 11% have added Deadlock, and 6% have included both Escape from Tarkov and Black Ops 7 on their lists.

    Alinea Analytics’ findings showcase how well Battlefield 6 is resonating with gamers even before its official release.

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  • New Xbox Magnus: Full Specs and Impressive RAM Revealed

    New Xbox Magnus: Full Specs and Impressive RAM Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xbox Magnus SoC will feature 68 Compute Units (CUs) and a 192-bit memory bus, potentially supporting up to 48 GB of GDDR7 VRAM.
    2. It will be manufactured using TSMC’s N3P or N3C node and will have an 11-core CPU setup, including three Zen 6 cores and eight Zen 6c cores, with some cores potentially disabled.
    3. The die size of the Xbox Magnus is rumored to be 408 mm², making it one of the largest chips in mainstream consoles, but smaller than Nvidia’s top-tier products.
    4. The SoC may consume up to 350 Watts of power, significantly higher than the Xbox Series X’s 200 Watts.
    5. The inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU) indicates a focus on artificial intelligence tasks, suggesting the Xbox Magnus will operate like a high-performance gaming PC.


    An earlier leak from YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead gave some insights into the Magnus SoC that is expected to power the upcoming Xbox. It highlighted some impressive specifications, including 68 Compute Units (CUs) and an unknown amount of memory that operates on a 192-bit bus. Tom’s latest video now reveals more about what Xbox Magnus has in store.

    Manufacturing Details

    The GPU will be produced using TSMC’s N3P or N3C node, while the SoC will also be built on TSMC N3P. On the CPU side, it will feature an 11-core setup, which includes three Zen 6 cores and eight Zen 6c cores. Tom mentions that this number is not final, and some cores might be disabled. Additionally, Xbox Magnus will have an NPU to handle artificial intelligence tasks right on the device.

    Memory Specifications

    Now, let’s talk about the most interesting part. The previously mentioned 192-bit bus could support up to 48 GB of GDDR7 VRAM. This amount is almost excessive for a gaming console, but considering that the next Xbox with Magnus is expected to launch in 2027, this may be essential for staying competitive during an eight-year release cycle. Still, a more reasonable figure, like 24 GB, seems likely.

    All this processing capability will need quite a bit of silicon space. With a rumored die size of 408 mm², the Xbox Magnus might turn out to be one of the largest chips found in mainstream consoles. However, this is still significantly smaller compared to Nvidia’s top-tier products, such as the RTX 5090’s GB202 die, which measures 761 mm². Lastly, the Magnus could consume as much as 350 Watts of power under maximum load, which is considerably higher than the Xbox Series X’s 200 Watts.

    Power Requirements

    If earlier speculation about the Xbox acting like a high-performance gaming PC holds true, Microsoft will require all the power it can muster to operate a full Windows operating system. The addition of third-party launchers like Steam and Battle.net will further increase the demand for additional computational resources.

    Moore’s Law is Dead on YouTube.

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  • GTA 6 Gets Surprise Update on PS5 – What You Need to Know

    GTA 6 Gets Surprise Update on PS5 – What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6’s launch may be delayed until late 2026, yet it continues to generate excitement among fans.
    2. A new update on the PlayStation Store includes ratings and reviews for GTA 6, causing speculation about a potential new trailer.
    3. The rating system is not exclusive to GTA 6 and has been applied to many other games on the PlayStation Store.
    4. Community reactions vary, with some fans hopeful for new gameplay reveals, while others view the update as insignificant.
    5. The update allows players to add spoiler warnings and filter reviews by criteria like recency and helpfulness.


    Although the launch might be pushed back until late 2026, GTA 6 continues to excite millions of fans globally. Recently, Rockstar Games has introduced a new update for this game on PS5.

    Rumors and Observations

    While numerous rumors are still floating around about this eagerly awaited game, a Reddit user known as JadedPaleontologist0 spotted a rather unsettling aspect. There is now a section on the PlayStation Store for GTA 6 that showcases ratings and reviews from players.

    Community Reactions

    Though it might seem like a small detail, some Reddit users are quick to share what they think. A few believe this could hint at a new trailer’s imminent arrival, potentially revealing fresh gameplay elements.

    However, it’s important to mention that this feature doesn’t seem particularly significant at the moment. It’s worth noting that this rating system has been rolled out across the whole PlayStation Store. This means many other games, even those not yet released, are also benefitting from it. Plus, it’s only accessible on the official website.

    Benefits of the Update

    Thus, while the recent update regarding GTA 6 on the PS Store has stirred excitement among fans, there hasn’t been any new communication about the game lately, even though it could potentially differ greatly from other titles in the series. Still, this update brings some perks, allowing players to add spoiler warnings in their comments and filter reviews based on their preferences, such as by the most recent, oldest, or most helpful.

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  • Nintendo Dashes Hopes for New Pikmin Game After Short Film Comments

    Nintendo Dashes Hopes for New Pikmin Game After Short Film Comments

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo launched the “Close to You” animated short, generating excitement among gamers.
    2. Subtle hints of Pikmin were noted, but no new Pikmin game announcement was made.
    3. Nintendo confirmed that the shorts are part of a new focus on films and non-gaming projects.
    4. The Pikmin franchise continues to explore unique perspectives, with future projects possibly incorporating similar themes.
    5. Nintendo Pictures is expanding its film projects, including sequels and adaptations of popular franchises like Mario and Zelda.


    Nintendo stirred up excitement with the launch of the Close to You animated short. Many gamers found it hard to understand its significance until keen-eyed viewers noticed subtle hints of a Pikmin. A subsequent video on the Nintendo Today! app showcased these enigmatic creatures in all their splendor. Unfortunately, a statement from the gaming behemoth implies that a new Pikmin game might not be coming anytime soon.

    Clarification from Nintendo

    After the release of the two short films on October 7th and 8th, Nintendo took to social media to provide further insight. They confirmed that these are the initial videos in this brief format produced by Nintendo Pictures. As the company shifts its focus towards films and non-gaming endeavors, fans can likely look forward to similar projects in the future.

    No New Game Announcement

    While Nintendo did not reveal a new Pikmin game or a feature-length film related to the franchise, the second short film may have dropped clues about what to expect from their upcoming projects.

    In Pikmin games, people have never been seen, allowing the tiny heroes to navigate their surroundings, solve challenges, and confront foes. The mobile game Pikmin Bloom established that the creatures are unseen by humans. The latest mainline entry, Pikmin 4 from 2023, also featured a level in an immaculate home. Just like the baby in the Close to You short observes objects moving mysteriously, players might witness similar events in future releases.

    A New Era for Nintendo Pictures

    With Nintendo Pictures expanding its influence, the company has prioritized films in various forms. After the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it welcomed Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri onto its board of directors. Upcoming Nintendo film projects include a sequel to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a Zelda adaptation, and likely a Donkey Kong movie. Podcasters Kit and Krysta anticipate that new games for the Switch 2 may be more closely aligned with these films.

    Nintendo’s X account and Nintendo YouTube continue to share updates and engage with fans.

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  • Epic Games Store Free Games for Mid-October 2025 Revealed

    Epic Games Store Free Games for Mid-October 2025 Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store is offering two free games until October 16, 2025, valued at over $50.
    2. One free game is Amnesia: The Bunker, a 2023 horror game known for its survival mechanics and semi-open world design.
    3. Amnesia: The Bunker is priced at $24.99 and has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, though some players find it repetitive and lacking depth in its story.
    4. The second free game is Samorost 3, a 2016 adventure game praised for its hand-crafted art and sound design.
    5. Samorost 3 is priced at $19.99 and also holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, focusing on puzzles and exploration.


    Epic Games Store has two free games available right now, valued at more than $50. This giveaway will last until October 16, 2025, and afterward, the store will introduce two new complimentary games. The titles have been updated on the store’s free games section.

    Amnesia: The Bunker

    One of these games is Amnesia: The Bunker, a horror game released in 2023 that has been highly praised for its design. It provides a thrilling survival experience that keeps players engaged. This upcoming free title on the Epic Games Store is noted for having a fairly detailed semi-open world.

    Because of this, the game has limited scripted events, allowing players to tackle objectives at their own speed. Yet, some gamers have pointed out that certain areas can feel repetitive. Others feel the story lacks depth compared to earlier games in the series.

    Pricing and Ratings

    Amnesia: The Bunker is priced at $24.99 when not on sale and has a “Very Positive” rating from players on Steam. The second free game being offered is Samorost 3, a laid-back adventure game from 2016 that has also received favorable reviews.

    Samorost 3 is acclaimed for its unique hand-crafted art and animation, with players also appreciating its excellent sound design. The gameplay centers mainly on solving puzzles, exploring, and interacting with the environment. Its puzzles are said to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, requiring careful observation and creative thought.

    Final Thoughts

    This upcoming free game is priced at $19.99 when there are no discounts available, and it also holds a “Very Positive” rating from Steam users. You can find more information about the free giveaways at the Epic Games Store in the videos below.

    Epic Games Store’

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  • AOC Q27G4K/S: 27″ QHD Gaming Monitor, 420Hz Refresh Rate, No Stand

    AOC Q27G4K/S: 27″ QHD Gaming Monitor, 420Hz Refresh Rate, No Stand

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Refresh Rate: The AOC Q27G4K/S features a native refresh rate of 400Hz, overclockable to 420Hz, enhancing gaming performance.

    2. Display Quality: It offers a QHD resolution (2560×1440) with a 1ms GtG response time, covering 99% of the sRGB and 95% of the DCI-P3 color spaces.

    3. Ergonomic Design: The monitor includes a matte anti-glare surface, adjustable height (up to 130mm), tilt (−5° to 23°), and swivel (30°), while supporting VESA mount compatibility.

    4. Connectivity Options: Equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a DisplayPort cable included.

    5. Gaming Features: Offers various game modes, motion blur reduction, dynamic crosshair, shadow control, and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture display modes, although it lacks built-in speakers.


    AOC has officially announced its latest 27-inch QHD gaming monitor, the Q27G4K/S, about 5 months after the introduction of the AOC Q27G4K. This monitor is designed to emphasize high refresh rate capabilities and crucial features, steering clear of unnecessary additions. It boasts a flat IPS panel with a native refresh rate of 400Hz, which can be overclocked to 420Hz. The resolution stands at QHD (2560×1440) along with an impressive 1ms GtG response time. This display covers 99% of the sRGB and 95% of the DCI-P3 color spaces, achieving a typical brightness of 350 nits and peak brightness of 450 nits. Additionally, it has VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and supports FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync technologies, which help reduce latency and motion blur during gaming sessions.

    Functional Design

    When it comes to design, the Q27G4K/S prioritizes practicality. It features a matte anti-glare surface, offers 178-degree viewing angles, and includes complete ergonomics with a height adjustment of up to 130mm, a tilt range from −5° to 23°, and a swivel angle of 30°. However, it does not come with a standard stand; instead, it provides VESA mount compatibility for easy setup. In terms of connectivity, it has two HDMI 2.1 ports (with DSC), one DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, with a DisplayPort cable included in the package. The power consumption is rated at 32W during regular use and just 0.5W in standby mode. Key gaming features include various game modes, motion blur reduction, dynamic crosshair options, shadow control, and on-screen FPS counters, along with both Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture display modes.

    Additional Features

    While the monitor lacks built-in speakers, it does come equipped with a Kensington lock slot and has certifications like CCC, CE, FCC, and RoHS compliance. With its impressive 400Hz refresh rate QHD panel and a focus on functionality, the AOC Q27G4K/S is a promising choice for gamers who prioritize responsiveness. As of now, official pricing and release details are still pending.

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  • First Demo of New Legendary Turn-Based Fantasy Strategy Game Out Now

    First Demo of New Legendary Turn-Based Fantasy Strategy Game Out Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Heroes of Might and Magic celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking its legacy in fantasy gaming.
    2. The franchise experienced a golden era in the late 90s and early 2000s, especially with Heroes II and Heroes III.
    3. After several changes in ownership and development, only Heroes V is considered a true success under Ubisoft.
    4. The enduring popularity of Heroes III and its fan-made mods led to renewed interest in the series.
    5. A new installment, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, is set for release in 2026, with a demo available for fans on Steam.


    Heroes of Might and Magic is a game series that many people love for its huge and colorful fantasy worlds, role-playing elements, and the strategic depth of its turn-based gameplay. The first game launched in late 1995, which means it’s now celebrating its 30th anniversary! Here’s to 30 more years of placing single units on the battlefield to guard your archers and casting mighty spells to wipe out the armies your rival has been building for many turns.

    The Franchise’s Journey

    The history of this franchise has been a rollercoaster ride. Its golden era was clearly in the late 90s and around the start of the 2000s, highlighted by the highly successful sequels Heroes II (1996) and Heroes III (1999). The latter is still played in competitions today. After the release of Heroes IV (2002), the original publisher 3DO and the developer New World Computing shut down, leaving Ubisoft to take over and deal with the aftermath. Under this new management, three more titles were launched by different developers, but only Heroes V (2006) can be considered a true triumph. Following Heroes VII (2015), the series entered a long break, causing fans to worry they might never see another new game.

    A Revival of Interest

    Despite the long pause, the enduring popularity of Heroes III—a game that has received numerous fan-made modifications—sparked renewed interest in the franchise. This brings us to the latest installment, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Announced in 2024, this new strategic game draws heavy inspiration from Heroes III and Heroes V and was originally set to release in late 2025, but now the launch has been pushed to 2026.

    A Special Treat for Fans

    Fans can still get a taste of the game right away: Ubisoft has made a demo of Heroes: Olden Era available, just in time for the anniversary celebrations. This demo, which can be downloaded for free on Steam, includes several single-player scenarios and features four out of the six races planned for early access, without any time restrictions.

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