Category: Gaming

  • New Customization Options Coming to Helldivers 2

    New Customization Options Coming to Helldivers 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2 may soon introduce new customization features for players.
    2. Players have requested customizable spaceships, expanding beyond current character and weapon options.
    3. A leak revealed potential ship customization options in the game files, including color and texture changes.
    4. There is caution regarding these features, as they may have been removed or delayed by the developers.
    5. Official confirmation from Arrowhead Game Studios is still pending, but work on these updates appears to be in progress.

    Helldivers 2 might be getting new customization features soon, much to the delight of its players. A recent leak suggests that fans of the game will be pleased with these upcoming changes.

    Customization Requests

    Since the game’s release, many players have expressed a desire for customizable spaceships, similar to what is offered in other games. At present, customization is mainly focused on characters and weapons, but it looks like the Super Destroyer might be next in line for some upgrades.

    Discovery of New Features

    A user named Iron_S1ghts shared a post on X, revealing that ship customization options were found within the game files. These features are said to include options to change the primary and secondary colors of the ship’s exterior and interior, as well as the banner. Additionally, there’s a mention of being able to customize the texture.

    Caution Needed

    However, there’s a caveat; Iron_S1ghts warns that these files may have been removed, which could be why these features haven’t been rolled out yet. It’s also possible that Arrowhead Game Studios is holding back these additions to introduce fresh content for Helldivers 2 in the near future. According to Iron_S1ghts, there is a wealth of customization options for spaceships, weapons, and characters waiting to be explored.

    We might see these options in upcoming updates. Although the developers have yet to make an official statement, it appears they are actively working on it.

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  • First Look at Kojima’s New OD Xbox Game Revealed

    First Look at Kojima’s New OD Xbox Game Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideo Kojima announced his collaboration with Xbox for a new game titled “OD,” featuring a blend of gaming and cinematic experiences that explore deep themes of fear.

    2. The recently released trailer showcases a tense atmosphere with impressive details, highlighting the use of Unreal’s MetaHuman technology for realistic facial animations.

    3. The game’s subtitle, “Knock,” is inspired by Kojima’s personal fear of loud knocks, emphasizing his focus on rooting horror in everyday experiences.

    4. Jordan Peele is involved in the broader OD project, suggesting that OD may evolve into something larger than just one release.

    5. Development is progressing well, with Xbox providing significant technical support, while Kojima teases that the game will be truly terrifying, leaving many details intentionally vague.

    Hideo Kojima first revealed his collaboration with Xbox to create a new game back in 2022, later sharing a teaser that unveiled the title OD along with some of the cast. Recently, a three-minute trailer was released during the Kojima Productions: Beyond the Strand livestream, showcasing the game and reinforcing Kojima’s claim that it will be both one-of-a-kind and deeply immersive. The game is promoted as a blend of gaming and cinematic experience, aimed at exploring themes that push “your fear threshold.”

    Tension in the Trailer

    The trailer begins with Sophia Lillis’ character using a red card to open a red door, leading her into a dimly lit room filled with candles. The atmosphere is quiet but thick with tension. Outside the rain falls, and there are knocking sounds, while the candles themselves are unsettling—some even resembling the creepy baby pods from Death Stranding. This suggests that the real danger lies not in what is visible but in the unseen. At one point, a noise reminiscent of a Geiger counter grows louder as a shadow looms closer, culminating in a shocking moment where the figure grips Lillis’ head, creating a sense of intimate fear.

    Impressive Details and Inspiration

    The level of detail is remarkable. The facial animations, crafted with Unreal’s MetaHuman technology, capture every flicker of fear from quivering lips to shifting eyes, making the atmosphere feel more like a psychological film than a typical game trailer. Kojima shared on stage that the game’s subtitle, Knock, stems from his personal fear of loud knocks, a sound that disturbs him more than anything else. This seemingly straightforward choice underscores his continuous focus on rooting horror in mundane details that suddenly feel strange and unsettling.

    Kojima also mentioned that Jordan Peele, who is involved in the broader OD project, is working on a different segment of the experience. This may clarify why there’s a distinction in branding between OD Knock and Peele’s role, hinting that OD could eventually evolve into something larger than just one release. Xbox is offering significant technical assistance for the project, with Phil Spencer emphasizing that Microsoft’s involvement extends far beyond just visual support.

    Ongoing Development and Mystique

    Spencer described OD as “bold, unique, and unmistakably from this studio,” while confirming that development is advancing well. Meanwhile, Kojima praised Unreal Engine as a significant improvement compared to the technology used for Death Stranding 2, which continues to utilize Sony’s Decima engine.

    What makes OD particularly captivating is how little we actually know about it. The trailer hints at a storyline that may occur ten years after a mysterious incident, but the specifics are purposefully hidden, leaving viewers with more questions than clarity. Kojima also cautioned the audience that the game will be truly terrifying, even joking that players might end up soiling themselves during gameplay. This kind of statement is typical of him, but combined with the footage, it carries a heavier significance.

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  • Trevor Actor Not Excited for GTA 6 Release

    Trevor Actor Not Excited for GTA 6 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steven Ogg, the voice of Trevor in GTA V, expresses indifference toward GTA 6, stating he is not a gamer and has never played video games.
    2. Ogg emphasizes his passion for literature over gaming, surprising fans who love his character’s wild nature.
    3. The official launch date for GTA 6 is set for May 26, 2026, but rumors suggest a possible delay to October 2026.
    4. Take-Two Interactive shows less confidence in the release of GTA 6, citing concerns about potential bugs.
    5. Ogg’s comments highlight the differing interests between voice actors and the gaming community.

    Although many gamers around the globe are counting down the days for GTA 6, there are some folks who could care less. One of them is Steven Ogg, the voice of Trevor in GTA V. He has shared his indifference toward the upcoming title from Rockstar Games.

    No Excitement for Gaming

    This reaction might shock some, given that it was this franchise that gave him fame. Speaking openly with YouTuber HarrisonShippp, he stated: “I feel nothing inside. I’m not a gamer. I’ve never played a video game, so I feel absolutely nothing. I think someone said yesterday at one point, ‘You should play GTA 5.’ I said, ‘Why?’ They said, ‘Because it’s so great.’ And I said, ‘Well one day you should read Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment’ and he went completely blank.”

    Passion for Literature

    He went on to emphasize his love for books, noting that everyone has their own passions. This has left many fans taken aback, especially since Trevor is one of the most beloved characters due to his wild nature in GTA V.

    Uncertain Future for GTA 6

    As for GTA 6, the news isn’t looking too bright. While it’s set to officially launch on May 26, 2026, recent rumors hint that it might actually come out in October 2026. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive appears less confident than Rockstar Games about the release, citing potential bugs that could leave many players feeling let down worldwide.

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  • Leaked Concept Art from Cancelled Xbox Game Studios Title

    Leaked Concept Art from Cancelled Xbox Game Studios Title

    Key Takeaways

    1. The reboot of Perfect Dark has been canceled, joining other titles like Everwild and Contraband due to Microsoft layoffs in July 2025.
    2. Leaked information reveals that the game aimed to fill a gap in the market for espionage franchises, inspired by HBO’s Westworld and featuring a reinterpreted Joanna Dark.
    3. Development was progressing with a playable demonstration called Vertical Slice 1, indicating a focus on quality and pacing.
    4. Gameplay was structured episodically and included systems like the Relentless System, Reward System, and Adrenaline System for enhanced player experience.
    5. Concept art showcased a futuristic Cairo setting, and there were discussions with Take-Two Interactive for potential co-financing and publishing before the game’s cancellation.

    The reboot of Perfect Dark has sadly joined a list of canceled titles, which also includes Rare’s Everwild and Avalanche Studios’ Contraband, following Microsoft’s layoffs in July 2025. Recently, a former developer leaked information from April 2024, offering fans a peek at what the new Perfect Dark could have been.

    Insights from the Leaks

    According to a report from MP1st, the ex-developer shared various concept art images, aiming to fill a “notable gap in the market due to the lack of major espionage franchises such as Metal Gear Solid and 007.” Both of these franchises were inactive when the Perfect Dark reboot was in the works, but they have regained attention with the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and the upcoming 007: First Light.

    Inspiration and Development

    The game was said to take cues from HBO’s Westworld while reinterpreting Joanna Dark for a new audience, all the while maintaining the stealth-action elements that defined the original 2000 N64 game. The development of Perfect Dark’s remake appeared to be on track right up until its cancellation, as the developer The Initiative was busy refining a Vertical Slice 1—a playable demonstration meant to showcase the final game’s quality and pacing.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Internal documents referred to this phase as Season 1, supporting previous speculations about the game being structured episodically. The gameplay was designed to incorporate several systems, including the Relentless System, the Reward System, and the Adrenaline System. These systems were meant to provide players with healing, boost damage output, reduce damage taken, and enable bullet-time sequences.

    One piece of leaked concept art depicted a more developed Joanna Dark, possibly linked to the Adrenaline System, which would have impacted her looks and granted her unique abilities.

    Visuals and Collaboration Talks

    In addition to gameplay systems, the leaked artwork showcased locations from Season 1, featuring a futuristic Cairo filled with towering skyscrapers and hydroponic megastructures, with the iconic Pyramids of Giza in the background. Bloomberg previously mentioned that Take-Two Interactive was in discussions with Microsoft and Embracer Group to co-finance and publish the game, hoping to revive it amid the company’s restructuring.

    Regrettably, the remake of Perfect Dark has now been put on hold, joining other Microsoft-owned franchises like Banjo-Kazooie and Fable.

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  • Expedition 33 Director Reveals Game That Inspired Sandfall Upgrade

    Expedition 33 Director Reveals Game That Inspired Sandfall Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. Artistic Inspiration: Lies of P inspired Sandfall Interactive to elevate the artistic goals for their game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, due to its unique representation of the Belle Époque era.

    2. Market Success: Lies of P launched in 2023 and sold 3 million copies by June 2025, impacting the development of Expedition 33 during its creation.

    3. Shared Features: Both games feature similar elements, like a hub setting and phonographs, leading to concerns about originality in their designs.

    4. Desire for Boldness: The game director Choi Ji-won expressed a wish for greater ambition in incorporating French architectural styles in Expedition 33, reflecting on missed opportunities to push creative boundaries.

    5. Positive Reinforcement: Broche dedicated extensive time to Lies of P, finding satisfaction in its success and art style, which reinforced his team’s direction for their project.

    In a recent chat, CEO and director of Sandfall Interactive, Guillaume Broche, shared how Round8 Studios’ Lies of P pushed his team to elevate their artistic goals during the making of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Both games are inspired by the Belle Époque era, drawing from the golden age of French art.

    Game Launch and Impact

    Lies of P debuted in 2023, offering a soulslike twist on the story of Pinocchio, and it sold a whopping 3 million copies across the globe by June 2025. The launch coincided with the development of Expedition 33. During the discussion, Broche, alongside Lies of P’s game director Choi Ji-won, confessed that the artistic approach of Lies of P was a revelation for him, prompting Sandfall to reassess their work on Expedition 33 to achieve a similar level of finesse.

    Artistic Inspirations

    In an interview featured on Lies of P’s YouTube channel, Broche remarked, “We shared a similar vision; the Belle Époque is quite unique, and not many games explore it. When I experienced Lies of P, I thought, ‘Wow, this is visually incredible, we need to elevate our own project!’”

    What really caught his attention was Hotel Krat. He noted, “We also have a manor in Expedition 33, and when I entered Hotel Krat, I thought, ‘This is precisely what we’re doing in our game!’”

    Overlapping Elements

    There were also more shared features between the two titles, such as the phonographs found in various locations within the game worlds. Broche reflected on his initial experience with Lies of P, saying:

    “When Lies of P launched, our game’s hub was still the manor. We didn’t have the camp yet. Hotel Krat serves as the hub in Lies of P, and we had a record player too. I worried, ‘People will think we copied them!’”

    Broche mentioned he dedicated “hundreds of hours” to Lies of P after its release. He expressed satisfaction with the game’s success and the positive reception of its art style, which reinforced his belief that they were on the correct path.

    A Call for Greater Boldness

    Choi offered his thoughts on Expedition 33’s visual representation of the Belle Époque, expressing a desire that Round8 had been more ambitious in incorporating French architectural styles into their game.

    He noted, “I felt we should’ve taken more risks with the architectural and cultural influences of the Belle Époque. Seeing Sandfall’s bold usage of iconic French sites like a ruined Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place de la Concorde left me with a sense of regret, thinking, ‘We should’ve pushed the envelope further.’”

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  • Wayne Rooney: Classic PSP Game Key to Manchester United’s Success

    Wayne Rooney: Classic PSP Game Key to Manchester United’s Success

    Key Takeaways

    1. Wayne Rooney revealed that playing the video game SOCOM helped improve communication skills among Manchester United players.
    2. Teammates frequently played SOCOM during travels, including on planes and buses, contributing to their success.
    3. The game emphasized teamwork, tactical planning, and support, which translated to their performance on the football field.
    4. Rooney mentioned that the gameplay styles of teammates mirrored their football playing styles, highlighting individual characteristics.
    5. Edwin van der Sar, the goalkeeper, often got annoyed by the noise during their SOCOM gaming sessions.

    In a surprising turn of events, Wayne Rooney has disclosed that an old video game played a surprising role in Manchester United’s achievements. During his appearance on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast for the BBC, the iconic striker mentioned that he and his fellow players spent countless hours engaged in SOCOM on the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which actually enhanced their communication skills both on and off the field.

    Playing Together

    Rooney shared that, while he was at United, he and his teammates often played 5 vs. 5 games of SOCOM during their travels. They would enjoy these matches on planes and even while riding on the team bus, and he believes it was a key factor in their accomplishments. They played so frequently that Edwin van der Sar, the goalkeeper, would often get annoyed with the racket.

    “I genuinely think a significant part of our victory was due to playing on the PSP,” Rooney stated. “It really helped us talk more – we used to play it on planes and buses.”

    The Impact of SOCOM

    For those who might not be familiar, SOCOM is a tactical shooter game that emphasizes teamwork. Rooney asserted that the skills developed through playing the game, like constant communication, forming tactical plans, and supporting one another, transferred seamlessly to their football matches.

    “It would be me, Rio [Ferdinand], Michael Carrick, John O’Shea, Wes Brown. You need to communicate, be tactically sound, and help revive teammates when they fall – it was an enormous part of our success – just ask any of those players, it was fantastic.”

    Reflections on Game Play

    Rooney also pointed out that the way his teammates played SOCOM often reflected their style on the football field. He remarked that Michael Carrick was a bit sly and collected in the game, maintaining a calm demeanor just like he did in midfield. Rooney, in contrast, admitted that he often took a more aggressive approach, which was something he was well-known for during matches.

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  • Dying Light Faces Censorship in Japan for Gore Content

    Dying Light Faces Censorship in Japan for Gore Content

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Japanese version of Dying Light: The Beast has a CERO Z rating, indicating significant violence or adult themes.
    2. Modifications were made to reduce gore and violent imagery, including changes to character designs and the removal of nudity.
    3. These alterations allow Japanese players to enjoy co-op gameplay with international players despite the differences in versions.
    4. Developing multiple versions of a game presents significant challenges for developers, as seen with Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered.
    5. Spike Chunsoft is actively involved in creating adaptations to meet local regulations in Japan.

    Gamers in Japan who are excited about Dying Light: The Beast might be taken aback to learn that their version of the game differs from the global release. This is due to local regulations that necessitated various modifications and censorship.

    CERO Z Rating

    If you check the official Japanese site for Dying Light: The Beast and scroll down, you’ll see a notice indicating that the Japanese edition has been assigned a CERO Z rating. This is the highest rating for video games in Japan and is reserved for those that feature significant violence or adult themes.

    Modifications for Local Audiences

    To ensure the game could be released in Japan, the developers had to alter the international version to lessen gore and violent imagery. For example, they removed certain elements like missing facial features and torso models, and also changed how female infected characters look. Additionally, all nudity has been entirely eliminated from the game.

    “The Japanese version of Dying Light: The Beast has received a CERO Z rating after making the following changes from the overseas version.” The site also states, “These alterations have led to a general softening of violent scenes, while still enabling Japanese players to enjoy seamless co-op gameplay with friends who are playing the international edition.”

    Challenges of Creating Different Versions

    While these changes were made to align with Japan’s content regulations, it’s crucial to understand that developing multiple versions of a game presents a significant challenge for developers. A notable example is Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered, which encountered similar censorship issues in Japan in September 2024. In a discussion with GameSpark, the creators of the game confessed that working on two distinct versions was quite challenging, and it had a “huge impact” on their workload.

    Spike Chunsoft has been at the forefront of these adaptations, navigating the complexities of game development in varying cultural landscapes.

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  • Silent Hill f PS5 Pro Artifacts Lead Gamers to Choose Performance Mode

    Silent Hill f PS5 Pro Artifacts Lead Gamers to Choose Performance Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Issues: Silent Hill f suffers from performance problems on the PS5 Pro, particularly due to PSSR upscaling, which introduces visual glitches.

    2. Limited Settings: Unlike the PS5, which offers quality and performance settings, the PS5 Pro only has a single setting with PSSR always enabled, affecting overall gameplay experience.

    3. Visual Artifacts: Players are experiencing annoying flickering reflections and noise that detracts from the visual quality, similar to issues seen in Silent Hill 2.

    4. Community Demands: Many players and Digital Foundry are urging Konami to add an option to disable PSSR to improve the gaming experience on the PS5 Pro.

    5. Broader Concerns: Issues with upgraded games on the PS5 Pro are not limited to Konami; other titles, like Borderlands 4, also show minimal improvements compared to standard PS5.

    Not every PS5 Pro upgraded game makes gamers value their expensive PlayStation console. The latest addition, Silent Hill f, is causing some frustration among players due to its performance issues. A review by Digital Foundry reveals that PSSR upscaling introduces visual glitches. This same problem is also seen in Konami’s remake of Silent Hill 2. As the release date for Silent Hill f draws near, fans are already expressing their dissatisfaction.

    Performance Analysis

    Digital Foundry took a close look at how Silent Hill f performs on both the PS5 and the PS5 Pro. The game on PS5 gives players a choice between quality and performance settings, which either enhances image clarity or improves frame rates. In contrast, the PS5 Pro only has a single setting, with PSSR always turned on. This results in a generally higher frame rate and occasionally sharper textures, but these enhancements come with some trade-offs.

    Visual Issues Persist

    Sadly, the annoying flickering reflections that bothered players in Silent Hill 2 have made a return. The review pointed out that upscaling might negatively impact shadows and ray-tracing effects. While some visuals do benefit from the improved GPU of the console, many scenes are affected by an unexpected level of noise, which can detract from the experience.

    Despite its flaws, the survival horror title offers some perks on the PS5 Pro. The Silent Hill f review noted that frame rates frequently reach the 60 fps mark, although there are some dips in more open environments. If gamers can look past the visual artifacts, this performance is a noticeable upgrade compared to the quality mode offered on the standard PS5.

    Community Reactions

    Both Digital Foundry and players using the PS5 Pro are now calling on Konami to include an option to turn off PSSR. Although this feature can showcase the console’s capabilities, it often suffers from poor execution. Many players would prefer the performance of Silent Hill f on PS5 if it meant fewer distracting visual issues.

    Concerns about enhanced games on the PS5 Pro are not exclusive to Konami titles. Several recent releases, like Borderlands 4, also lack proper support, resulting in only minor improvements over the less expensive system.

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  • Steam Deletes BlockBlasters After $150K Crypto Theft

    Steam Deletes BlockBlasters After $150K Crypto Theft

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve removed the game BlockBlasters from Steam due to its involvement in stealing cryptocurrency from players’ wallets.
    2. An update to BlockBlasters included malware that disabled antivirus programs and targeted cryptocurrency wallets.
    3. The malware collected personal data such as IP addresses and login information before draining crypto funds.
    4. Approximately $150,000 in cryptocurrency was stolen, affecting around 478 Steam accounts, according to security reports.
    5. A notable victim was Twitch streamer Raivo “RastalandTV” Plavnieks, who lost $32,000 in crypto while live streaming fundraising for his cancer treatment.

    Valve has taken down the game BlockBlasters from its Steam store due to the game’s involvement in stealing cryptocurrency from players’ wallets. BlockBlasters, a 2D platform game, was launched on the platform on July 30, 2025. After being available for a month without any problems, it received an update in August that included malware designed to drain crypto funds from users.

    Malicious Code Uncovered

    The harmful software, discovered by G-DATA, had a batch file that turned off the Anti-Virus programs on users’ computers. It gathered personal data such as IP addresses, locations, and login information. Once the security software was disabled, it would methodically check the cryptocurrency wallets installed on the computer and start emptying their balances.

    Investigations and Reports

    BleepingComputer has reported unverified information suggesting that the perpetrator may be an Argentine immigrant living in the United States. Scam investigator ZachXBT mentioned on X that around $150,000 in cryptocurrency was allegedly taken during the month the malware was active. Another security organization, VXUnderground, has released a list of usernames, identifying almost 478 Steam accounts impacted by this scam.

    High-Profile Victim

    One notable victim was Twitch streamer Raivo “RastalandTV” Plavnieks, who experienced the theft live while he was raising money for his cancer treatment. He is currently fighting Stage-4 Sarcoma. After he installed the game at the suggestion of a viewer, he ended up losing $32,000 in crypto from his wallet. This high-profile case was what ultimately prompted Valve to remove BlockBlasters from its store.

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  • Konami Seeks Player Input on Which Metal Gear Games to Remake

    Konami Seeks Player Input on Which Metal Gear Games to Remake

    Key Takeaways

    1. Konami is making a strong comeback in the gaming industry with the remake of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
    2. The company is engaging fans through a survey to gather suggestions for future remakes, focusing on both classic and recent titles.
    3. Exciting remakes are anticipated, giving gamers hope for high-quality games that meet fan expectations.
    4. Upcoming remakes may feature new elements, such as the Fox Hunt multiplayer mode in the Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake.
    5. Fans are eager to see which Metal Gear game will be remade next as Konami looks to reclaim its past glory.

    Konami appears to be making a remarkable return in the gaming industry. After the launch of the remake for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the Japanese company reached out to gamers to find out which titles they would like to see remade. Some of the suggestions were quite unexpected.

    Survey Engaging Fans

    A survey, primarily directed at Japanese players and shared by user @Kuwabara357 on X, allowed Konami to hear from fans of the series. Among the titles listed were the original Metal Gear from 1987 and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, released in 2015, along with several other series entries.

    Exciting Prospects Ahead

    This is fantastic news for countless gamers around the globe who can look forward to fresh remakes in the years ahead. Furthermore, it presents Konami with a chance to reclaim its past splendor by delivering high-quality games that align with fan expectations.

    New Features Expected

    However, discussing remakes doesn’t mean there won’t be any fresh elements, as seen with Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake. This upcoming title will include the Fox Hunt multiplayer mode, which might be revealed this week during the Tokyo Game Show. It’s possible that similar enhancements could be in store for other remastered titles. We must stay tuned to see which Metal Gear game will be selected next, but there’s no doubt that fans will be thrilled.

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