Category: Gaming

  • New 33-Player Co-op Action-RPG Launches on Steam at 33% Off

    New 33-Player Co-op Action-RPG Launches on Steam at 33% Off

    Key Takeaway

    – 33-player co-op raids are compressed into 25-minute sessions with instant matchmaking and no voice coordination required.
    – The three-world structure (Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso) naturally reduces player count from 33 to 22 to 11, increasing accountability without requiring fixed teams.
    – Launching on Steam only at 1.0—after building a reliable player base on Game Pass and other platforms—avoided the dead-lobby problem that kills many multiplayer indies.
    – The 1.0 release adds the final Paradiso realm and a hidden ultimate boss, alongside deep character customization and community-driven balance tweaks.
    – Full cross-play across Steam, Epic, Xbox, and Microsoft Store ensures a unified matchmaking pool.


    Unique Multiplayer Concept Finally Hits 1.0

    Thunder Lotus Games’ 33 Immortals is one of the more “actually” unusual multiplayer concepts to come out of indie development in years. The game has now officially launched into its full 1.0 version on Steam. The release dropped on June 10 across Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Store, capping a 15-month early access run and bringing the game’s complete three-world structure together for the first time. The price at launch is $9.97, which includes a 33% discount off the standard price.

    How the Game Actually Works

    The premise is quite straightforward on paper and equally bizarre in practice: up to 33 players simultaneously control damned souls rebelling against God’s final judgment. It draws inpsiration from the structure of Dante’s Divine Comedy as they fight through more and more punishing realms. What makes it work — or at least feel unlike anything adjacent to it — is the session design. Runs last roughly 25 minutes, use instant public matchmaking, and require no pre-formed groups, voice coordination, or scheduling. It’s basically raid-scale co-op gameplay compressed into a lunch break. The game uses a cross-play matchmaking pool across all platforms so everyone can play together.

    Smart Player Funnel Design

    The lobby funnel is the smartest structural decision in the game. 33 players enter Inferno together, that number narrows to 22 in Purgatorio, and the newly added Paradiso realm — the final world, held back from early access and shipping at 1.0 — takes just 11 players into the game’s most concentrated, demanding finale. Of course, each shrinking group increases individual accountability without turning the game into your runt-of-the-mill team-based experience. The new Paradiso world adds a complete 11-player endgame that was previously hidden during all of early access.

    1.0 Update and Content

    The 1.0 update also introduces a previously hidden ultimate boss encounter that Thunder Lotus kept under wraps throughout the entire early access period. It is accompanied by deep character customization, weapon and enemy balance tuning, and quality-of-life improvements shaped by over a year of community feedback. The update also includes new weapon options and a more refined progression system that better rewards continued play through each realm.

    Why Steam Was Delayed

    Steam’s absence during early access was a calculated bet, not exactly an oversight. A co-op game requiring 33 simultaneous players per session faces a very obvious structural risk: too small an installed base and sessions will simply never fill. Game Pass inclusion from day one — March 18, 2025 — got the title a reliable player-base while the other organic base grew on Epic and Xbox. Adding Steam only at 1.0, with a mature player pool already in place, likely helped the devs go around the dead-lobby problem that has killed several multiplayer indie launches in the past. The game is available on Game Pass at no additional cost for subscribers.

    Developer Background and Availability

    All platforms share a single cross-play matchmaking pool, so Steam players can directly join the same sessions as Epic and Xbox users. The game is also available through Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost. For context, Thunder Lotus is the Montreal-based studio behind Spiritfarer. It attracted over seven million players worldwide and built 33 Immortals as its first title designed completely around online multiplayer. You can read more about the game here – it’s purchasable for $9.97, thanks to a 33% launch discount. This pricing applies across all platforms and includes a permanent discount for the launch period on Steam and SteamDB.


    Sources

  • The Elder Scrolls VI Playable at Bethesda, Says Xbox Exec

    Key Takeaway

    – The Elder Scrolls VI development is taking significantly longer than previous entries (15+ years since Skyrim).
    – Bethesda is waiting for the “right moment” to reveal the game to ensure it’s the best possible version with a “coming soon” promise.
    – Xbox executive Matt Booty has seen the game in action and says it looks “amazing” and development is progressing well.
    – No official release date or trailer window has been given; fans speculate a reveal could happen on Bethesda’s 40th anniversary (November 15, 2026).


    A Long Wait for The Elder Scrolls VI

    Alongside GTA 6, The Elder Scrolls VI is arguably one of the most anticipated open-world games right now, but Bethesda and Microsoft have been testing the patience of the series’ fans for 15 years now. While only four years passed between the third and fourth installments of the series and only five years between Oblivion and Skyrim, the development of the sixth installment appears to be taking significantly longer.

    Matt Booty Visits Bethesda

    The Elder Scrolls VI was announced at E3 in 2018, but aside from a logo, Bethesda didn’t reveal any details about the game at the time. Eight years and a Microsoft acquisition later, Matt Booty, the Chief Content Officer at Xbox, spoke in an interview with Variety on the game’s current status. According to him, Bethesda wants to wait for the “right moment” to present the game to the public. That’s because when the game is shown, they want to demonstrate the best possible version of the game, along with a promise that it will be released “soon.”

    What We Know So Far

    Matt Booty says he visited Bethesda and saw The Elder Scrolls VI in action. The game is said to look “great,” and development is reportedly making good progress. However, Matt Booty gives no indication in the interview as to when the first trailer or even the game’s launch might be expected. Fans are speculating on Reddit that an announcement on Bethesda’s 40th anniversary on November 15, 2026, is a possibility. Matt Booty’s full statement reads as follows:

    A Statement from the Boss

    I would say one of the more challenging balancing acts of someone in a job like mine is balancing that you want to go show the world all the cool stuff you’re working on, and you want to get them excited early, but we also know that we want to wait till the right moment. And when you decide to show it, you want it to be the best you’ve got. And also that when you show the game, you’re also giving them a promise of, hey, it’s coming soon. So I can tell you, having visited Bethesda and sat with Todd and seen “Elder Scrolls” playing, it looks amazing, and it’s coming along well. And we’ll make sure to announce it and really reveal it at the right time.

    • Game was announced at E3 2018 with only a logo
    • Microsoft acquired Bethesda in 2021
    • Matt Booty confirms development is progressing well
    • No release date or trailer date has been given yet
    • Fans speculate a 2026 announcement for Bethesda’s 40th anniversary
    Sources
  • Spyro Devs Let Go: Microsoft’s Strategic Publishing Win

    Spyro Devs Let Go: Microsoft’s Strategic Publishing Win

    Key Takeaway

    – Toys for Bob became independent in May 2024 by “buying back” itself from Xbox and Activision.
    – The studio was previously forced to support live-service titles like *Overwatch 2* and *Call of Duty*, losing its core identity.
    – Microsoft and Activision supported the split on the condition that Toys for Bob’s next game be published by Xbox.
    – The resulting game is *Spyro: A Realm Beyond*, the first mainline *Spyro* entry in over 20 years.
    – *Spyro: A Realm Beyond* is multiplatform (Xbox, PS5, Switch 2, PC) and introduces true dragon-flying mechanics.


    Toys for Bobs Journey Back to Independence

    Toys for Bob was acquired in its entirety by Activision in 2005 and later brought under Microsoft’s umbrella through the Microsoft–Activision Blizzard deal. The studio was then relegated to supporting live-service titles like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty. Eventually, Toys for Bob became independent by “buying back” its independence from Xbox and is now gleefully working on what the studio does best, i.e., platforming games. Still published by Xbox, Toys for Bob is now working on Spyro: A Realm Beyond.

    The Split and Corporate Changes

    Toys for Bob became independent from Activision Blizzard via a deliberate split in May 2024. The head of the studio, Paul Yan, sat down for an interview with GamesRadar+ and explained that once COVID hit, corporate priorities changed, and Toys for Bob had to support other titles. This shift was a massive turning point for the studio’s culture and its core focuss on platforming games.

    Yan stated: “During this timeline, COVID hit, and the world turned upside down. There were many, many changes that happened. One of the changes at the company was a corporate mandate to support large blockbuster IPs, such as Warzone, Modern Warfare, and Overwatch 2. So, Toys for Bob actually shifted into a support structure in order to support those teams, those initiatives, those games, those updates, those features, and we learned a ton. We spread out into territories that we weren’t familiar with. We learned a lot.”

    Loss of Identity and the Bold Plan

    However, Toys for Bob felt like it was losing its core identity. Yan and other studio members thought hard about the Microsoft–Activision Blizzard acquisition as they considered their future. They ultimately approached leadership at both Activision and Xbox with a “really bold plan.” This plan was risky but the studio believed strongly in their own vision for the future.

    In a separate interview with GamesIndustry.biz, the studio said it wanted to “buy back our independence and take back creative control, organizational control, and financial control of our team, and spin off as a completely separate company so that we can focus on the types of games that are near and dear to our hearts, and also preserve the team and all the tenure that’s been built up over the years.” Basically, Toys for Bob said it “placed a big bet” on itself.

    Microsofts Condition and The New Game

    To the studio’s surprise, Microsoft and Activision supported its decision, but on one condition: the studio would have to make a game for Xbox to publish. The result was Spyro: A Realm Beyond, which is the first mainline entry in the Spyro franchise in over two decades. This new title is a huge milestone for the studio and the franchise.

    • Spyro: A Realm Beyond will arrive as a multiplatform release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, and will feature the first true dragon-flying mechanics for Spyro the Dragon.
    Sources
  • TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U & Brick Pro Handhelds

    TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U & Brick Pro Handhelds

    Key Takeaway

    – TrimUI Brick Pro and TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U are two upcoming vertical handhelds with different specs.
    – Brick Hammer Pro U is the premium model with a Snapdragon G2 Gen 1, 3.95-inch IPS display, 6-axis gyroscope, and a metal shell.
    – Brick Pro is the budget model with an Allwinner A133p processor, Linux OS, and a polycarbonate shell.
    – Both devices share the same 3.95-inch IPS panel (1024×768, 60Hz) and identical design, but differ in materials and price tier.
    – No release date, RAM, storage, or battery details have been announced yet.


    New Handhelds Announced by TrimUI

    TrimUI has gone and released an official video that confirms the launch of two new handhelds. The video not only reveals the names of the devices, wich will launch as the TrimUI Brick Pro and TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U, but it also includes some of there key specs as well.

    TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U Specifications

    According to the leaked video, the TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U will have a 3.95-inch IPS screen with a 1024 x 768 pixels resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 processor wich includes an Adreno A21 GPU. It also has a 6-axis gyroscope integrated. Unfortunatly, TrimUI didnt reveal the RAM, storage, or battery capacity at this time.

    The more premium model, the Brick Hammer Pro U, will feature a metal shell similiar to the previous TrimUI Brick Hammer. It will be available in three colors: Black, Silver, and Gray. This device is designed to be the companys highest-end vertical handheld based on its specs and build quality.

    TrimUI Brick Pro Details

    On the other hand, the TrimUI Brick Pro also has a 3.95-inch IPS LCD panel, but it is powered by the Allwinner A133p. This is a quad-core processor that clocks at 1.8GHz, and its the same chipset found inside the Powkiddy V90S handheld. The Brick Pro will ship with Linux operating system out of the box, where as the Brick Hammer Pro U will run Android instead.

    • The Brick Pro uses a polycarbonate shell material.
    • It will be available in Light Grey, Black, and White color options.
    • Both devices share the same overall design for buttons, ports, and vents.

    Release and Availability

    TrimUI has not yet revealed an exact release date for either of these handhelds. However, the official video’s title suggests they are coming soon and more details will be shared in the near future. The less powerful Brick Pro is expected to be more affordable due to its plastic construction and weaker processor.

    Sources
  • Xbox Exclusives Risk: New Strategy That Could Work

    Xbox Exclusives Risk: New Strategy That Could Work

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox plans to release at least one major exclusive title per year, starting with Gears of War: E-Day (2026) and Clockwork Revolution (2027).
    – Exclusives are seen as essential for driving console sales and making the investment in an Xbox worthwhile.
    – The strategy is contentious: some value exclusives for building a strong game library, while others criticize them for forcing players to buy multiple consoles.
    – Xbox leadership has internalized that exclusivity is a necessary business move, similar to Sony’s approach.


    Exclusives Are a Pain But They Do Help Move Consoles

    As unfortunate as it is, having exclusives will help Microsoft sell Xbox consoles. While the leadership is still finalising the details of how exclusivity will work, there are already two upcoming titles that will release for Xbox consoles only. But having a new exclusive title every year could make investing in a dedicated console worth it.

    What the Xbox Bosses Said in Their Secret Message

    At least that’s what Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty are hoping for. In the recent internal memo that was publicly shared, one of the statements that stood out was, “We reintroduced exclusives with Gears of War: E-Day in 2026 and Clockwork Revolution in 2027. Players can continue to expect signature exclusives from us every year.”

    Why Some Gamers Hate This Strategy While Others Love It

    Console exclusivity in general is a contentious subject, be it first-party or third-party exclusives. Some see the appeal, while others label it as a bad move. Those who do see some value in it will surely appreciate getting new exclusive titles every year, depending on the games, of course. In fact, having a healthy library of exclusives is what drove people towards consoles in the first place. That, among other benefits, like couch gaming and ease of use.

    The Problem With Forcing People to Buy Multiple Machines

    The other side of the conversation is that exclusivity forces people who want to enjoy all kinds of games to invest in multiple consoles, which goes against the equally valid argument that all games should be accessible to everyone. That, however, would be tricky for Xbox and Microsoft as a business. Sony seems to have realized it as well.

    And Heres What We Know About the Release Dates So Far

    For now, Gears of War: E-Day will be a 2026 exclusive for Xbox, while Clockwork Revolution will be the 2027 exclusive. Xbox leadership has already stated that there will be more exclusives in the future, but having one every year is an interesting proposition.

    Sources
  • CEO Asha Sharma hints at Xbox exclusives despite slow sales

    CEO Asha Sharma hints at Xbox exclusives despite slow sales

    Key Takeaway

    – Microsoft plans to increase third-party Xbox exclusives
    – CEO admits underinvestment in key franchises and new IP
    – Historical Xbox exclusivity success faded after Xbox 360 era
    – Xbox install base is dwarfed by PlayStation, limiting leverage
    – Hardware shortages and weak sales make exclusivity deals unrealistic


    Microsoft Brings Back Old Exclusives

    Microsoft granted some supporters’ wishes by reintroducing Xbox exclusive games like Gears of War: E-Day. While the shooter is a first-party project, CEO Asha Sharma has also hinted at greater third-party exclusivity. Still, that may be unrealistic when considering the component shortage and lagging console sales.

    Memo Reveals New Strategy

    As news of impending layoffs broke, Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty made the surprising reference in a memo to employees. The executive acknowledged that the company hadn’t invested enough in its valuable franchises. She also said that “a reliable pipeline of first- and third-party exclusives and new IP are critical to our success.”

    Third Party Games Showcased

    The CEO mentioned that some third parties had already appeared at the Xbox Games Showcase. It’s unclear which candidates would meet the criteria, as Microsoft owns the studios developing Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. Nevertheless, the comments have reminded some fans of the Xbox 360 era.

    History of Exclusives

    Microsoft offered third-party Xbox exclusives regularly on its first three consoles. The original system boasted the popular Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, developed by BioWare and published by LucasArts. The trend continued with titles including Mass Effect and Dead Rising on the Xbox 360.

    Decline in Success

    During the Xbox One lifecycle, that success began to fade. Rise of the Tomb Raider launched as a timed exclusive, but failed to perform as well as the prior multi-platform game. The number of releases then dwindled in the Series X and Series S generation. That said, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl thrived before it arrived on the PS5 a year later.

    Install Base Problem

    The problem for Microsoft is that the Xbox console install base is dwarfed by its PlayStation rival. Increasingly, games like Phantom Blade Zero will, at least initially, skip their systems. Publishers also now realize the potential for multi-platform profits. Even Sony has lost former third-party exclusives from the Final Fantasy series.

    Hardware Shortages Hit

    Another issue Sharma highlighted in the memo is that the manufacturer is struggling to produce enough hardware to meet demand. The storage and memory shortage has hit Microsoft particularly hard. Whether demand is high is debatable, although there have been signs of a rebound in console sales.

    Future Looks Bleak

    Considering these challenges, it’s difficult to imagine any partners willing to turn away the PS5 or Switch 2.


    Sources

  • 100% Hit Rate: EA Simulation Predicts World Cup Winner

    Key Takeaway

    – EA Sports FC simulation predicts Spain will win the 2026 World Cup.
    – The prediction uses extensive in-game player data including pace, stamina, and tactical awareness.
    – EA’s simulations have correctly predicted the last four men’s World Cup winners (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).
    – The predictions are not infallible; EA incorrectly predicted winners for UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.


    World Cup 2026 Kicks Off with High Stakes!

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup beginss today, June 11, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 12 p.m. PDT. According to Electronic Arts, however, the winner may already be known. Since 2010, the developers behind EA Sports FC – formerly FIFA – have released detailed tournament simulations ahead of every World Cup based on their in-game player data.

    How EA Makes Its Prediction

    The prediction is based on the extensive EA Sports FC database (PS5 version currently around $42 on Amazon), which records and regularly updates the attributes of professional soccer players worldwide. Pace, stamina, passing, finishing, tactical awareness and many other individual values are taken into account. The game uses this data to calculate the strength of each team and simulate the possible course of the tournament.

    • Pace and stamina are key factors.
    • Passing and finishing are also considered.
    • Tactical awarness plays a role.

    Spain Predicted to Win Again

    As EA recently announced on X, Spain is expected to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If the prediction proves correct, the Spanish national team would claim its second World Cup title after its 2010 triumph. The prediction is attracting particular attention because of EA’s previous track record. Its simulations correctly predicted the winners of the men’s World Cups in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 – a perfect record so far.

    When Simulations Fail Sometimes

    However, the simulations are not infallible. Ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, EA predicted England as the winner, but Spain ultimately lifted the trophy. The model also missed the mark at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the United States was projected as the favorite. In reality, the U.S. team was eliminated early, while Spain went on to win the tournament.

     

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  • Forza Horizon 6: Deleted Saves? Fix & Prevention Guide

    Key Takeaway

    – Lost save data reported for both PC and Xbox, with some players losing over 100 hours of progress.
    – No official explanation yet; Xbox Quick Resume and faulty cloud sync are suspected triggers.
    – Precautionary measures compiled by the community may reduce risk until a patch is released.


    Reports of lost save data are piling up on Reddit and in the official Forza forums

    Some players say they have lost more than 100 hours of progress, with both PC and Xbox users apparently effected. So far, however, no clear pattern has emerged. Some affected players report that there profile was suddenly reset to its default state after launching the game. Others say there save data disappeared after a crash or failed cloud synchronization.

    Developers Have Not Yet Provided an Official Explanation

    In the community, however, several possible triggers are being discussed. One prime suspect is Xbox Quick Resume, a feature that lets players suspend a game and resume it from the same point after restarting the console. Some players suspect that resuming a previously paused session could cause issues with cloud save synchronization. On PC, faulty cloud synchronization via the Xbox app is also being discussed as a possible cause. Their are also reports that certain vehicles may be linked to the problem.

    Community Compiled Precautionary Measures

    As PC Gamer reports, the community has already compiled a list of precautionary measures that may help reduce the risk of losing save data in Forza Horizon 6 (covered here in Notebookcheck’s benchmark test). The recommended measures include:

    • Manually backing up your save file regularly.
    • Disabling Xbox Quick Resume for Forza Horizon 6.
    • Ensuring a stable internet connection to avoid cloud sync errors.
    • Quitting the game completely before turning off the console or PC.

    Issue Attracting Increasing Attention

    The issue is currently attracting increasing attention and has already been picked up by Dexerto on X, among others. It should only be a matter of time before Playground Games identifies the cause and releases a corresponding patch. Until then, FH6 players (Xbox version currently around $70 on Amazon) are well advised to follow the precautionary measures listed above.

    Sources
  • GTA 6: Rumored Feature Could Change Driving Forever

    Key Takeaway

    – Jason smoothly matching highway traffic in the GTA 6 trailer may hint at a new driving assist/autopilot system.
    – Rockstar could borrow the auto-navigation feature from Red Dead Redemption 2, allowing cars to follow routes automatically.
    – An autopilot mode could enable a modern cinematic camera, letting players enjoy the scenery and radio hands-free.
    – Any driving assist would likely be optional, preserving the classic manual driving experience.
    – Skeptics argue the trailer scene may be staged, and implementing autopilot in dense city traffic would be far more complex than in RDR2.


    Reddit User Spots Potential Driving Assist in GTA 6 Trailer

    Reddit user u/MrUltraOnReddit recently pointed out a detail in the GTA 6 subreddit that they believe has received too little attention. In the second trailer, Jason can be seen driving on the highway while seemingly matching the flow of traffic almost perfectly. The thread creator suspects this could hint at a driving assist system that automatically adjusts a vehicle’s speed to surrounding traffic. The theory has found plenty of support among fans and does not seem entirely far-fetched given Rockstar’s past design choices. The scene in question appears at the 0:34 mark of the second GTA 6 trailer.

    Rockstar’s History with Automated Travel

    Red Dead Redemption 2 already includes a comparable convenience feature. When players set a waypoint and ride along a road, the horse can largely follow the route on its own. Many fans therefore hope Rockstar will bring a similar idea to GTA 6. This kind of automation has been apreciated by players for saving time, and it would make sense to adapt it for cars.

    Fans Want a Modern Cinematic Mode

    Some would also like to see a modern take on the Cinematic Mode from Red Dead Redemption 2. If a vehicle could follow a route automatically, the camera could switch to cinematic angles, letting players sit back, listen to the radio and take in Vice City instead of ending every drive with a slalom through oncoming traffic and a dented bumper. This would be a welcome change for players who enjoy immersive travel.

    • Auto-follow for waypoints on highways
    • Camera switching to cinematic perspectives
    • Radio integration for relaxed driving

    Potential Benefits and Player Choice

    If Rockstar actually implemented such a feature, it could fundamentally change how driving feels in GTA 6. Long trips between missions could become far more relaxed while giving players more time to appreciate the game world. At the same time, any driving assist system would almost certainly be optional, so players would not have to give up the classic hands-on GTA driving experience. The balance between convenience and action is important.

    Community Skepticism and Technical Challenges

    The theory is not without pushback. Some users believe the scene was simply staged for the trailer and does not point to an actual gameplay mechanic. Others note that an autopilot-style feature for cars in GTA 6 would likely be far more difficult to implement than automatic horse travel in Red Dead Redemption 2. Dense city traffic, intersections, pedestrians and NPC vehicles would all have to be taken into account. Players will know for sure when GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026. With a bit of luck, Rockstar may reveal more during the promotional campaign expected to begin in summer 2026.

    Release Date and Future Reveals

    Players will know for sure when GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026. With a bit of luck, Rockstar may reveal more during the promotional campaign expected to begin in summer 2026. The driving assist theory remains speculative, but it adds to the excitment surrounding the game. Until then, fans can only speculate and analyse every trailer frame.

    Sources
  • GTA 6: Gas or No Gas – The Key Question

    Key Takeaway

    – Fuel consumption must be balanced to avoid disrupting gameplay flow
    – Personal vehicles should be the main focus, not every stolen car
    – Different vehicle types could have varying fuel efficiency
    – Positive examples like Mafia 2 and Red Dead Redemption 2 show Rockstar can implement such systems unobtrusively
    – The feature could add realism and make gas stations functional, not just decorative


    Fuel System Debate in GTA 6 Heats Up Among Fans

    Reddit user u/Maleficent-Ad6734 recently reignited the debate about a fuel system in GTA 6, explaining why they believe such a feature could work better than many might expect. “I think it would be a great mechanic,” the user wrote on Reddit. Their reasoning: many players automatically imagine the most annoying version of such a system – having to stop at a gas station every few minutes. Rockstar, however, could approach fuel consumption much more cleverly. So far, though, there is no evidence that such a system actually exists in the game.

    Fans Want Balance, Not Just Annoyance

    The comments show one thing above all: many fans are not fundamentally opposed to more realism. They simply do not want a system that only gets in the way. The key issue would therefore be balance. If Rockstar used fuel consumption sparingly, stolen cars could remain disposable vehicles used to tear through Vice City before being abandoned at the roadside. The refueling system would then only really matter for personal vehicles that players use regularly. Different vehicle types could also play a role, with sports cars, for example, consuming more fuel than ordinary models.

    Could Complexity Actually Improve the Gameplay?

    If Rockstar implemented the fuel system in this or a similar way, many fans seem to believe that it could add value to the game. The fuel system in Mafia 2 is cited several times as a positive example – and Red Dead Redemption 2, with features such as weapon maintenance and horse bonding, is proof for many that Rockstar can implement complex mechanics in a comparatively unobtrusive way. A gasoline system in GTA 6 could certainly help increase realism – and would finally make gas stations more than just scenery.

    Critics Worry About Losing the Classic GTA Flow

    The opposing side fears that such a system in GTA could slow down the flow of the game. The series thrives on spontaneously stealing a car, racing through the city at full throttle, shaking off the police or simply driving on after a chaotic mission. If players constantly had to keep an eye on the fuel gauge, part of the original feel of the game could be lost. Gas or no gas? Anyone who would like to share their opinion on the subject is welcome to do so in the comments section below.

    • Reddit
    Sources