Category: Gaming

November 13, 2024
Stalker 2 PC Requirements: 32GB RAM, 160GB Storage, RTX 4070
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chronobyl, known simply as Stalker 2, is set to be released on PC and Xbox Series X|S on November 20. GSC Game World, the developer behind the game, has announced the system requirements for PC users. As with many AAA titles this generation, the requirements are quite demanding. This is normal for a game built on Unreal Engine 5.
Performance on Older Machines
Although it’s technically possible to play Stalker 2 on older computers, it’s advisable to keep the resolution at 1080p. If you want to go above that, you will need 32 GB of RAM. Additionally, the game requires 160 GB of storage space, which could make it difficult to run on handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
Graphics Settings and GPU Demands
Fortunately, the game includes support for both DLSS and FSR, allowing players to adjust in-game graphics settings to better meet the requirements. It’s evident that the game is more demanding on the GPU rather than the CPU, even when played at lower resolutions.
Nvidia has shared a blog post detailing how Stalker 2 performs with its GeForce RTX 4000 series graphics cards. At 4K resolution with the ‘Epic’ setting, when combined with an Intel Core i9-14900K and 64 GB of RAM, even the high-end GeForce RTX 4090 struggles to maintain a stable 60 FPS without DLSS. These benchmarks are by the manufacturer, so actual performance may be lower.
Frame Rate Challenges
The performance at 1440p and 1080p is similarly challenging, as DLSS 3 is practically essential for achieving playable frame rates on recommended setups. Nvidia has not clarified whether ray tracing is active in either case, which would certainly push an RTX 4090 to its limits.
For laptops, things are slightly better, especially at 1080p. Even an entry-level GeForce RTX 4050 can run Stalker 2 at maximum settings. With some adjustments, you can reach a steady 60 FPS on older RTX 3000 series cards.
Conclusion on Game Demands
Stalker 2 is clearly among the most demanding games to be released this generation. Current hardware may struggle, but next-gen graphics cards like the GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 may handle it better, especially when paired with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
@stalker_thegame on X
Tags: DLSS 3, GeForce RTX 4090, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2
November 13, 2024
Stellar Blade PC Port Set for 2025 Release Date Confirmation
Stellar Blade, the first major release from Shift Up for PlayStation 5, is getting ready to be launched on PC next year. Although there is no specific date for the release, this news seems to confirm previous rumors about its arrival on that platform. Inven reported this information after noticing it during Shift Up’s latest earnings call, according to Insider Gaming.
Expectations for PC Performance
The company is optimistic that Stellar Blade will do better on PC compared to its performance on consoles. However, achieving this goal might be quite difficult. Five months ago, a report suggested that Stellar Blade had sold around a million units on PlayStation 5, and it’s likely that this number has increased since then.
Game Difficulty and Reception
Additionally, the game can be considered a Souls Lite title. It’s not exactly easy and players need a certain level of skill to complete it, especially those who are not used to this genre. On the bright side, Stellar Blade has been one of the more popular games of 2025, which means many players won’t hesitate to buy it again, particularly for the potential of modding.
Stellar Blade is also set to receive a Nier Automata-themed DLC on 20 November, but there are no current plans for any story expansions.
Inven (in Korean)
Tags: PC Release, PlayStation 5, Stellar Blade
November 13, 2024
Terraria Surpasses 60 Million Sales, Outshining AAA Games
Re-Logic, the company that created Terraria, has shared exciting news: their indie survival crafting game, which has been around for 13 years, is now installed on 60.7 million devices across several platforms. This impressive achievement, along with other enduring titles like Warframe, challenges the common belief in today’s gaming world that success must happen right away.
Installations by Platform
From the announcement, it’s revealed that 33 million PC players have downloaded Terraria. The rest of the installations come from other platforms such as Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, and Xbox. Interestingly, there seems to be a large number of players on the Switch. Google Play indicates that Android downloads sit at "5M+," which is still significant but surprisingly lower than PC installations.
Gratitude Towards Supporters
In their message, Re-Logic expressed their joy in reaching the 60 million units mark—60.7 million, to be exact—with 33 million on PC alone! They emphasized that this achievement wouldn’t be possible without the support from their community. While they feel thankful, they are determined to continue earning that trust and backing.
Long-term Support Strategy
The success of Terraria also highlights Re-Logic’s commitment to long-term support, especially when considering recent news about Ubisoft withdrawing support for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown after it only sold 1 million copies. Re-Logic is proud of its active community and solid sales figures, and they have also announced additional bug fixes, game tweaks, and improvements. It’s worth noting that they continue to support the game without relying on microtransactions.
If you haven’t tried it yet, you should check out Terraria on Steam.
Tags: Asus ROG Ally, Re-Logic, Terraria
November 12, 2024
MSI Unveils 49″ QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor: 240Hz, 0.03ms GTG
MSI has introduced the MPG 491CQPX QD-OLED monitor, which features a 49-inch ultra-wide, curved display tailored for both casual and professional gamers. While the exact pricing of the monitor hasn’t been disclosed, reports suggest it might be around $1000. Let’s delve into its main specifications.
Key Features of the MPG 491CQPX
The MPG 491CQPX showcases a 49-inch curved screen with an 1800R curvature, which enhances the cinematic experience for users. It boasts a DualQHD resolution of 5120 x 1440, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals, perfect for an ultra-wide aspect ratio.
Equipped with a Samsung QD-OLED panel, the monitor excels in color reproduction, covering an impressive 98% of the Adobe RGB, 99% of DCI-P3, and 146% of the sRGB color spaces. The peak brightness can reach up to 1,000 nits in HDR mode, and it supports VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, ensuring deep blacks and stunning contrasts, which is crucial for HDR content.
Performance for Gamers
With a 240Hz refresh rate and a remarkable 0.03ms GTG response time, this monitor is an outstanding option for competitive gaming. The MPG 491CQPX also includes Adaptive Sync technology, which works in harmony with the GPU to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
For added protection, MSI has incorporated OLED Care 2.0, which comes with Pixel Shift, Panel Protect, and Static Screen Detection technologies, aimed at reducing the likelihood of burn-in and extending the lifespan of the panel.
Connectivity and Ergonomics
On the connectivity front, this monitor features one DisplayPort 1.4a, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a USB Type-C port that supports 98W Power Delivery, offering flexibility for connecting various devices. Additionally, there’s a headphone jack for convenient audio connection.
In terms of ergonomics, the monitor allows for tilt adjustments ranging from -5° to 20°, can swivel 30° to the left and right, and has a height adjustment capability of up to 100mm. It’s compatible with VESA 100x100mm mounts, enabling users to customize their setup according to their preferences. For user-friendly operation, it includes a 5-way joystick navigator situated at the bottom center of the back panel.
Earlier this year, MSI also unveiled the MAG 255PXF gaming monitor, which features an impressive 300Hz refresh rate.
Tags: MPG 491CQPX, MSI, QD-OLED Monitor
November 12, 2024
Plarium Sells Raid Shadow Legends for $820 Million to Modern Times
Although the PC version on Steam has struggled to reach even 1,100 concurrent players, Raid: Shadow Legends is still performing well overall. Most estimates suggest that there are about 10 million players each month, with around one million accounts being active daily. Plarium Global Ltd., the developer of the game, has a portfolio that includes over 20 titles such as the Stormfall series, Lost Island: Blast Adventure, and Mech Arena. Recently, its owner, the Australian gaming giant Aristocrat Leisure, sold Plarium for a whopping $820 million to the Swedish digital entertainment firm Modern Times.
Modern Times and Its Growth
Modern Times, headquartered in Stockholm, is significantly involved in the esports scene. In 2015, the company bought a 74% share in Turtle Entertainment, which owns the Electronic Sports League (ESL) brand. Before the end of 2016, another major esports tournament organizer, DreamHack, was also acquired and became part of Modern Times’ expanding portfolio. Over the years, they have also engaged with the German game developer InnoGames and the US-based publisher Kongregate.
A Stronger Portfolio Ahead
As per a statement shared by Reuters, the acquisition of Plarium aligns perfectly with Modern Times, creating "one of the strongest mid-core mobile gaming portfolios in the industry." This powerful union is expected to generate more than $1.1 billion in yearly revenue for Modern Times, while Aristocrat Leisure is currently evaluating the performance of its casual and mid-core gaming lineup.
Tags: Modern Times Group, Plarium Global Ltd., Raid: Shadow Legends
November 12, 2024
Popular $40 3D Platformer Joins Xbox Game Pass Unexpectedly
Microsoft has made a big announcement on X, revealing that starting on November 12, Game Pass subscribers can enjoy a remastered version of the beloved PlayStation 1 game, Spyro. The rights to this franchise now belong to Activision, which has teamed up with developers Toys for Bob and Iron Galaxy Studios to bring the Spyro Reignited Trilogy to life in 2018.
Nostalgic Gameplay
For those who grew up in the early PlayStation days, "Spyro the Dragon" is a name that resonates. Alongside titles like Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot, it stands as one of the pioneering 3D platformers. What makes "Spyro" unique from its contemporaries is its open level design, allowing players to explore at their own pace.
A Classic Series
The series features three main games that launched annually from 1998 to 2000. In the original game, players embark on a quest to free fellow dragons who have been trapped in crystal by the villain Gnasty Gnorc. The sequel, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage, has players saving the enchanting land of Avalar from the wicked wizard Ripto. Finally, in Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon, the mission shifts to rescuing dragon eggs from an evil witch.
Retro Charm
The gameplay delivers that classic platformer feeling. Players can hop between platforms, soar through the skies, and use Spyro’s fiery breath to tackle foes and overcome challenges. While the core mechanics remain consistent across all three games, some new abilities are introduced. Starting in Spyro 2, players gain the ability to swim and climb. The third game even brings in side characters like the kangaroo Sheila and the yeti Bentley for added fun.
For retro enthusiasts, the Reignited Trilogy is a must-try, whether you’re revisiting Spyro or discovering it for the first time. The reviews are quite commendable as well. On Steam, where the collection is priced at around $40, 93% of nearly 12,000 players have shared positive feedback. Additionally, on Metacritic, the trilogy boasts a Metascore of 82 and a user score of 8.3.
Tags: Activision, Game Pass, Spyro
November 12, 2024
Project Borealis: First Demo of Half-Life 2 Continuation Now Out
Project Borealis is a community-driven initiative supported by an international team known as Icebreaker, who has been working on this game since 2017. Their aim is to give fans a glimpse of what a follow-up to Half-Life 2: Episode 2 might have resembled. The narrative is reportedly inspired by a supposed outline from Marc Laidlaw, a previous writer at Valve, suggesting that it could include aspects that were initially meant for the next chapter in Half-Life 2.
Technical Showcase
The brief demo serves mainly as a tech showcase to demonstrate how the classic Half-Life gameplay can be adapted to the contemporary Unreal Engine 5. An accompanying video displays the full gameplay experience in 8 minutes (spoiler alert):
Within just a day of its launch, the demo has garnered 2,000 reviews on Steam, with the majority being positive. Yet, reactions on Reddit have been more critical. Players have pointed out performance issues, which reportedly affect even the newest systems, and the game’s mechanics have also drawn criticism. Some users feel that the movement and shooting mechanics do not align with what is expected from a Half-Life title. Additionally, the term "prologue" has faced backlash, as many found it misleading due to the demo’s limited nature.
Future of Project Borealis
At this point, it’s unclear what the future holds for Project Borealis Prologue. Fans of Half-Life are left wondering whether they will have the chance to dive into the sequel next year. In the meantime, they can only enjoy Half-Life: Alyx, the latest addition to the Half-Life universe, which was released in 2020.
Tags: Half-Life 2, Project Borealis, Unreal Engine 5
November 12, 2024
Red Magic 10 Pro+ Live Images and Battery Specs Unveiled on TENAA
Nubia is getting ready to unveil its latest flagship gaming smartphones in China in the near future. Before the official reveal, images of the Red Magic 10 Pro+ and its battery specifications have been disclosed through a certification listing.
Design of the Red Magic 10 Pro+ Uncovered
The new gaming phone was seen on China’s TENAA certification (Via 91Mobiles). The database shows the front and back design of the Red Magic 10 Pro+. It comes with flat edges, a slim body, small bezels, a full-screen display at the front, and a see-through panel at the back. You can also spot the camera sensors and the LED flash module located at the top left corner of the rear side.
Specifications of Red Magic 10 Pro+
Recently, the full design of the Red Magic 10 Pro series was showcased through promotional images (teasers also confirmed the Deuterium Transparent Dark Night and Deuterium Transparent Silver color options). These renders match up with the earlier teasers. An interesting feature seen in these live images is that the camera modules are flush with the rear panel, meaning they don’t stick out. The TENAA listing has also verified the battery specifications of the Red Magic 10 Pro+.
The device uses a dual battery setup, with one battery being 3,100mAh and the other at 3,450mAh. This gives an impressive total battery capacity of 6,550mAh. This is a significant improvement over last year’s Red Magic 9 Pro+, which had a 5,500mAh battery. Earlier rumors had suggested that this model could come with a larger 7,050mAh cell. It is confirmed that this smartphone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and will feature a BOE display with a resolution of 1.5K and a refresh rate of 144Hz.
Tags: Gaming Smartphone, Red Magic 10 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC
November 12, 2024
iQOO Neo10 Series to Feature iQOO 13 SuperChip for Boosted Performance
While the iQOO 13 hasn’t launched globally yet, iQOO is already gearing up to unveil its next premium mid-range device lineup, the iQOO Neo10 series, in China. Even though they haven’t shared a specific release date, the Neo10 series is creating buzz among gamers.
iQOO Neo9 Pro
The iQOO Neo10 series might come with the iQOO 13’s SuperComputing Chip Q2. A product manager for iQOO, who goes by @Neo_Beta on social media, has revealed an important detail about the new range, confirming that the Neo10 series will include their own gaming chip. While he didn’t provide specifics about the secondary chip, his mention of a “more powerful dual-core performance” suggests it might utilize the iQOO 13’s SuperComputing Chip Q2. As the name indicates, this is the second generation of iQOO’s Q series chip, which is said to be better at saving power and more efficient.
Expected Specifications
The iQOO Neo 10 is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, while the Pro version could feature the new MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC. Both models were recently listed on China’s 3C certification website and are said to support 120W fast charging. Based on how the Neo9 Pro performed, the new models should easily handle most heavy gaming titles without costing too much.
For those who might not know, the SuperComputing chips deliver two main advantages: they enhance game rendering resolution (known as super-resolution) and allow for up to 144fps in supported games (using game frame interpolation). Even though these features can increase power usage, they offer a high-performance gaming experience that is impressive for this price range.
Additional Features and Specs
The phone will sport a 6.78-inch flat display made with 8T LTPO technology. It will have a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, which helps provide smooth visuals and quick response times that are crucial for gaming.
The iQOO Neo10 Pro may come with a solid memory setup, offering up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, ensuring plenty of room for gaming, media, and other resource-heavy applications.
When it comes to power, the Neo10 Pro is expected to have a battery capacity above 6x00mAh, along with support for 120W fast charging. This combination should allow for long usage times with little downtime, letting users recharge swiftly and return to their activities. Additionally, the device will feature a Goodix Ultrasonic Fingerprint sensor, which is an upgrade from the under-display optical sensor found in the Neo9 series.
Source: Gizmochina
Tags: iQOO Neo10, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Supercomputing Chip Q2
November 12, 2024
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Beats Apple A18 Pro in GPU Power
In a new performance comparison by Golden Reviewer, MediaTek’s latest flagship chipset, the Dimensity 9400, has shown remarkable GPU abilities, possibly creating a new benchmark for graphics performance in high-end Android devices.
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 vs Apple A18 Pro
Even though MediaTek has typically lagged behind Apple’s A-series chips and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon family, the Dimensity 9400 is emerging as a strong contender in the GPU sector. The chipset features a 12-core Arm Immortalis-G925 GPU, which displayed both strength and efficiency in various GPU evaluations, outpacing Apple’s A18 Pro GPU in several key areas.
Detailed breakdown of Golden Reviewer’s tests
The evaluations focused on the graphics performance of the Dimensity 9400 in comparison to Apple’s A18 Pro, specifically looking at 3DMark benchmarks. In the Solar Bay ray-tracing test, the Dimensity 9400 achieved an impressive score of 11,817 points while consuming 11.4 watts of power. On the other hand, Apple’s A18 Pro scored lower at 8,587, using slightly less power at 11.1 watts. This gives the Dimensity 9400 about a 30% efficiency advantage over the A18 Pro—a notable achievement in a market where Apple typically excels in GPU performance.
Additional Information on the Dimensity 9400 and A18 Pro
Other benchmarking tests returned similar results. In 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light and WildLife Extreme tests, the Dimensity 9400 repeatedly outperformed the A18 Pro while using less energy, showcasing roughly a 40% efficiency edge. These findings highlight the Dimensity 9400’s capability to exceed the A18 Pro in demanding graphics tasks, making it an excellent pick for gaming and other GPU-intensive applications on Android devices.
The advancements in the Dimensity 9400’s GPU mark a significant upgrade from its earlier model, the Dimensity 9300. Its 12-core Arm Immortalis-G925 GPU brings a 40% improvement in ray-tracing performance and a 41% rise in peak performance. Furthermore, it features MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology, which is intended to enhance super-resolution and visual quality, especially during gaming. This blend of upgrades positions the Dimensity 9400 as a top choice in the premium Android segment, appealing to those who value high-quality graphics and efficient performance.
Apple’s A18 Pro, although trailing in these specific GPU assessments, is still a powerful chipset. Its six-core GPU presents almost a 40% enhancement over the prior iPhone 15 series, improving its capability for gaming and computational photography. Even with the Dimensity 9400 leading in GPU tests, the A18 Pro continues to hold its ground, particularly regarding overall performance, including CPU efficiency and multitasking skills.
For an in-depth look at the comparison between the Dimensity 9400 and Apple A18 Pro, check out our comprehensive analysis of both chipsets.
Tags: A18 Pro, Dimensity 9400, GPU Performance