Category: Gaming

  • TCL Launches Thunderbird Q9 QD-Mini 240Hz Gaming Monitor

    TCL Launches Thunderbird Q9 QD-Mini 240Hz Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. TCL’s latest gaming monitor, the Thunderbird Q9, features a 34-inch QD-Mini LED curved display with a 240 Hz refresh rate, priced at 3,999 yuan (about $560) in China.

    2. The Q9 offers WQHD resolution (3440 × 1440), a 1500R curvature, and supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gaming experiences.

    3. It utilizes Mini LED backlighting with 2,304 local dimming zones, achieving a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification, along with high color accuracy.

    4. The monitor includes multiple connectivity options, such as HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 90W reverse charging, and KVM capabilities for managing two computers with one set of peripherals.

    5. The Thunderbirds Q9 competes with models like LG’s UltraGear OLED 45GX900A, which has a higher price point and features like a Gen 2 WOLED panel and an ultra-fast response time.

    TCL has been making significant strides in the gaming monitor arena this year, introducing models like the high-refresh Thunderbird F6, the adaptable 32-inch 4K Thunderbird 32U8, and the impressive 57-inch 57R94 ultrawide. Their newest offering is the Thunderbird Q9, a 34-inch QD-Mini LED gaming monitor that combines a curved ultrawide screen with sophisticated backlighting and a 240 Hz refresh rate. This monitor is currently priced at 3,999 yuan in China, which is roughly $560, and early purchasers will get a free mechanical arm.

    Monitor Specifications

    The Thunderbird Q9 showcases a 34-inch, 21:9 curved display boasting a WQHD resolution of 3440 × 1440 and a curvature of 1500R. It employs CSOT’s Apex Fast HVA panel technology to deliver a refresh rate of 240Hz and a quick 1ms GTG response time. To ensure smooth gaming experiences without visual flaws, the display supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync technologies.

    Backlighting and Color Performance

    The backlight system of the Q9 utilizes Mini LED technology with 2,304 local dimming zones, achieving a static contrast ratio of 4000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. It can reach a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and has earned VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification. In terms of color accuracy, it covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space and 100% of sRGB, with factory calibration guaranteeing a color accuracy of ΔE<2. The Q9 also has TÜV Rheinland certifications for reduced blue light and flicker-free performance.

    Design and Connectivity Features

    The physical design and connectivity options of the monitor are robust, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port that enables 90W reverse charging. Additionally, it includes two USB-A ports, a USB-B uplink for KVM capabilities, and a headphone jack. The KVM switch allows users to manage two different computers using the same peripherals. The ergonomic stand is adjustable for tilt, swivel, height, and rotation, and the monitor supports VESA wall mounts.

    Design highlights feature built-in dual 3W speakers, a “Dancing Light” RGB system on the rear, and a concealed headphone hook. The monitor weighs 10.3kg with the stand and measures 806.6mm in width and 360mm in height without it. Included in the package are HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and USB-B to USB-A cables. The Thunderbird Q9 enters a competitive market alongside new releases from other brands. For example, LG has recently unveiled the UltraGear OLED 45GX900A gaming monitor.

    Competition Overview

    This LG model features a Gen 2 WOLED panel, providing a 1440p resolution and a rapid 240 Hz refresh rate. The UltraGear OLED boasts an incredibly fast 0.03 ms GtG response time, 275 nits of peak SDR brightness, and a USB Type-C port that supports 65W power delivery. However, the UltraGear OLED is on the pricier side, with the 45-inch model retailing for $1299 and the 35-inch version priced at $799.

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  • Kojima Productions Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Future Projects

    Kojima Productions Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Future Projects

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kojima Productions is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an event titled “Beyond the Strand” on September 23, 2025, in Tokyo.
    2. Hideo Kojima and special guests will discuss the future of the studio, with tickets available through a lottery and a live stream for international fans.
    3. The anniversary event may include teasers for new projects, including updates on the horror game OD developed with Xbox Game Studios.
    4. Kojima is working on a stealth action game called Physint, which is in the concept stage and might take five to six years to complete.
    5. Kojima reflected on his life experiences, especially during the pandemic, considering his age and the time he has left to create games.

    Kojima Productions is gearing up for its 10th birthday with a unique event titled “Beyond the Strand,” which is set for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Roppongi Hills TOHO Cinema in Tokyo. This event will happen just two days before the Tokyo Game Show 2025 kicks off.

    Event Details

    Scheduled from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM JST, Hideo Kojima will take center stage along with several special guests, offering fans a glimpse into the future of the studio. Tickets will soon be available through a lottery system, and for those outside of Japan, there will be a live stream of the event.

    Celebrating a Milestone

    Kojima is marking the 10th anniversary of Kojima Productions, which he founded in December 2015 after leaving Konami. He teamed up with Sony Interactive Entertainment to work on Death Stranding, released in 2019, followed by its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which came out on June 26, 2025.

    As part of the anniversary celebrations, Kojima plans to tease new projects, possibly including updates on his ambitious horror game developed with Xbox Game Studios, known as OD.

    Future Projects

    Currently, while OD is in development, Physint, a stealth action espionage title believed to be a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear series, is still in the concept stage. Kojima has mentioned that he is working on this project by himself, and he estimates it might take five or six years to finish, leading many to speculate about a PS6 exclusive launch.

    Earlier this year, Kojima reflected on his life after turning 60 and dealing with a severe illness during the pandemic. He even prepared a will with game concepts for his team to use after he’s gone.

    Kojima shared his thoughts regarding aging, stating, “Turning 60 was less of a turning point in my life than my experiences during the pandemic. I fell seriously ill at that time, and also had an eye operation. Until then, I didn’t think I was old, you know? I just didn’t feel my age, and I assumed I would be able to create for as long as I live.”

    Reflections on Life

    He went on to describe his pandemic experience, saying, “But then I became sick, and I couldn’t create anything. And I saw lots of people around me passing away at the time. I was confronted with death. Of course, I recovered, but now I was thinking, ‘Wait, how many years do I have left to make a game or film?’ Perhaps I have ten years?”

    Kojima Productions will also be present at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, where the studio confirmed it will host a Death Stranding 5th Anniversary Exhibition and a pop-up event.

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  • Atari CEO Wants to Remaster Panzer Dragoon Saga and Snatcher

    Atari CEO Wants to Remaster Panzer Dragoon Saga and Snatcher

    Key Takeaways

    1. Atari’s CEO, Wade Rosen, wishes to see remastered versions of Panzer Dragoon Saga, Ogre Battle, and Snatcher, despite potential sales risks.
    2. Atari is focusing on reviving classic titles, resulting in a significant revenue increase of 63.7% by March 31, 2025.
    3. Panzer Dragoon Saga has a cult following but faced serious development issues and limited initial release.
    4. The Ogre Battle series rights are now with Square Enix, which has already remastered it as Tactics Ogre: Reborn in 2022.
    5. Rosen highlights the need to balance passion and profitability in business, promoting collaboration within the team for project decisions.

    Atari’s CEO Wade Rosen has recently shared his personal list of games he’d love to see remastered. He mentioned three titles: Panzer Dragoon Saga, Ogre Battle, and Hideo Kojima’s 1988 creation Snatcher. Despite the potential risks to sales, Rosen expressed his strong desire to see these games refreshed.

    A Personal Touch

    In a discussion with VGC, Rosen explained his motivation behind these choices:

    “Life’s too short, you know? I have my own favorites too, right? If we ever got the chance to dive into Panzer Dragoon Saga, Ogre Battle, or Snatcher, that would be amazing…

    Oh, Snatcher is my ultimate wish. Right? I mean. I’m not sure it would succeed, but I would probably push for it and ensure we went ahead with it, just because I’d love to work on something like that.

    However, we need to maintain a balance. If Atari turned into ‘what game does Wade want to develop?’ we wouldn’t last very long.”

    Atari’s Retro Focus

    Lately, Atari has been concentrating on reviving older titles, having acquired studios like Digital Eclipse and Nightdive to enhance and compile classic games. This strategy has proved quite effective for the company. Atari saw a 25% rise in revenue year-over-year in 2024, which spiked to 63.7% by March 31, 2025.

    Panzer Dragoon Saga, which hit the shelves in 1998 on the Sega Saturn, marked a major shift for the franchise from rail shooter gameplay to turn-based RPG battles and open-world exploration. Despite only 30,000 copies being released globally, the game has achieved cult status.

    Development Challenges

    Unfortunately, the game faced serious internal development issues, and two team members sadly passed away due to stress, as noted by Yukio Futatsugi.

    The Ogre Battle series started in 1993 with the SNES game Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen. This series combined five tactical RPGs with real-time strategy elements. However, the rights to the franchise now belong to Square Enix, which has already remastered it as Tactics Ogre: Reborn in 2022.

    Snatcher, a graphic adventure game with a cyberpunk theme, was written by a young Hideo Kojima during his early days at Konami in 1988. It’s clear that his work on this title influenced themes later seen in his successful Metal Gear Solid series. The game has been ported to various systems like MSX2, PC Engine, and Sega CD, yet it hasn’t had a modern remaster despite fan interest and Rosen’s enthusiasm.

    Balancing Passion and Business

    Rosen emphasized the importance of balancing passion and profitability at Atari. He concluded the interview with some insightful remarks:

    “The aim is to achieve both. At the very least, that’s part of the give-and-take in any business. If you lean too far one way—if you are only focused on numbers—it can stifle the company’s spirit. Conversely, if you’re only driven by passion, you may struggle to keep the business afloat.

    We’re observing a lot of both extremes in the industry today, and we try to find a middle ground. However, we always encourage the team to choose together… you know, we collaborate to decide what projects to pursue.”

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  • 007: First Light Gameplay Footage in Upcoming PlayStation State of Play

    007: First Light Gameplay Footage in Upcoming PlayStation State of Play

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s State of Play event for 007: First Light is on September 3, featuring over 30 minutes of gameplay.
    2. The game, developed by IO Interactive, focuses on James Bond’s early experiences as an MI6 recruit, highlighting car chases and stealth missions.
    3. IO Interactive aims to create a unique James Bond universe, not based on previous films or portrayals.
    4. Production is progressing well, with the studio excited about collaborating with MGM and Amazon.
    5. The game will not include multiplayer features and is set to release in 2026 on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

    James Bond enthusiasts have a reason to be excited this week! Sony has announced their upcoming State of Play event focused on 007: First Light, set for Wednesday, September 3, at 11 am PT / 7 pm BST / 8 pm CEST. This event will give fans a detailed glimpse into the new James Bond game being crafted by IO Interactive.

    Live Gameplay Showcase

    The PlayStation State of Play livestream will be available on PlayStation’s official Twitch and YouTube channels, where viewers can expect more than 30 minutes of continuous gameplay. This segment will highlight James Bond’s formative experiences as an MI6 recruit. Rann Roskell, IO Interactive’s Senior Global Communication Manager, shared in a blog post:

    “During this upcoming State of Play, you can watch over 30 minutes of gameplay featuring Bond’s initial mission as an MI6 recruit. Expect thrilling car chases and stealthy on-foot sequences. After the gameplay, stick around for insights from IO Interactive about the gripping espionage gameplay.”

    Exciting Development

    The Danish studio IO Interactive, renowned for their recent Hitman series, is leading the development. The studio’s CEO, Hakan Abrak, expressed his aspirations for the James Bond franchise in 2021. He emphasized that the game would not draw from earlier Bond films or portrayals, aiming instead to create a unique James Bond universe from the ground up.

    Initially introduced as Project 007 in November 2020, the game was later revealed with its full title in a June 2025 State of Play trailer. This trailer showcased a younger, clever yet impulsive James Bond as he navigates his early career as a spy.

    Positive Progress

    Recent updates from the development team have been encouraging, with Abrak noting that production is going “amazingly well.” He remarked, “I realize it was just a teaser, and not all details were shared, but exciting things are on the horizon. We are thrilled, and when the time is right, we will reveal more.”

    In July 2025, IO Interactive director Jonathan Lacaille provided additional information about the upcoming 007 title, stating:

    “We are truly excited about collaborating with MGM and Amazon on this new James Bond game. While Hitman serves as a source of inspiration, our goal is to ensure that 007 stands apart. The game will incorporate stealth and gadgets reminiscent of the Hitman series, but with a distinct Bond flair.”

    Multiplayer Plans

    Regarding multiplayer features, Lacaille indicated in earlier discussions that this aspect is not part of the current game plan. Scheduled for a 2026 release, 007: First Light will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

     

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  • Metal Gear Solid Delta Xbox Series X Runs Smoother Than PS5 Pro

    Metal Gear Solid Delta Xbox Series X Runs Smoother Than PS5 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Advantage: Metal Gear Solid Delta performs better on the Xbox Series X compared to the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, particularly in challenging areas.

    2. Frame Rate Stability: None of the consoles maintain a stable 60 FPS, with the Xbox Series X showing a slight edge over the PS5 models.

    3. Resolution Differences: The Xbox Series X achieves a dynamic maximum resolution of 1152p, while the PS5 maxes out at 1080p, resulting in clearer visuals on Xbox.

    4. Variable Frame Rates: The Xbox Series X can drop to the 40-50 FPS range in certain areas but generally offers smoother gameplay due to its VRR support.

    5. Limitations of Xbox Series S: The Xbox Series S version is restricted to a 30 FPS mode, often falling below that, with significant performance issues and a dynamic resolution between 540p and 1080p.

    Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has recently launched on consoles and PC, causing quite a buzz about its performance on the latest gaming consoles. Digital Foundry reports that the game performs better on the Xbox Series X when compared to the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.

    Performance Issues with Xbox Series S

    Conversely, the Xbox Series S version faces major challenges due to its less powerful hardware. Thomas Morgan from Digital Foundry did a thorough review of how the game performs on the Xbox Series S|X, as well as the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.

    Frame Rate Insights

    Even though the game has a performance mode that aims for 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, PS5, and PS5 Pro, none of these consoles manage to maintain a stable 60 FPS. Morgan stated, “The bottom line is that the Series X has a performance advantage over both PS5 models,” particularly in challenging sections like swamps and bridges, where ambient shading and global illumination are adjusted on a per-area basis.

    Moreover, the Xbox Series X boasts a power profile of 12 teraflops, which gives it an edge over the PS5’s 10 teraflops. Looking into performance metrics, the Xbox Series X reaches a dynamic maximum resolution of 1152p in Performance mode, whereas the PS5 only hits a maximum of 1080p. In Quality mode, the Xbox Series X starts at 1152p, easily besting the PS5’s minimum of 1080p, which results in clearer visuals on Microsoft’s platform.

    Frame Rate Drops on Series X

    Regarding frame dips, Morgan mentioned:

    “Drops into the 40-50FPS range are possible in the initial areas, but overall, the Series X provides VRR displays with a higher base frame rate by a margin of 5-6FPS at times.”

    He also pointed out that “with the broader 40-60Hz VRR range available on the Xbox, it makes the Series X the smoothest platform to play this game among these three consoles.”

    Although Morgan emphasized that the Series X usually outshines the PlayStation versions in Metal Gear Solid Delta, he lamented, “it still encounters problems,” with certain sequences running more smoothly on the PS5 compared to the Series X.

    On the other hand, the Xbox Series S version is limited to a 30 FPS mode, with Morgan indicating that performance is “consistently hampered by uneven frame pacing regardless.” The frame rate on the Series S often falls below 30 FPS, with a dynamic resolution that ranges from 540p to 1080p.

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  • Limited Edition Astro Bot DualSense Controller Coming Soon

    Limited Edition Astro Bot DualSense Controller Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The refreshed Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller will launch on October 30.
    2. Pre-orders for the new controller will begin on September 12 at 10 a.m. local time.
    3. The original Astro Bot controller sold out quickly after its 2024 release, indicating strong demand.
    4. The new controller features a small design change with the touchpad showing Astro Bot’s relaxed eyes.
    5. The anticipated price for the controller is $84.99, similar to other recent limited edition DualSense controllers.

    Sony has revealed the launch date for the refreshed Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller, first introduced back in June. The announcement came via X (formerly Twitter), with the new controller set to hit shelves on October 30. Pre-orders are set to begin next week on Friday.

    A Hit from the Start

    The original Astro Bot limited edition controller was released in mid-2024 alongside the game and quickly became popular. It sold out right after its release and has not been available since. This new version gives fans of the beloved 3D action-adventure platformer another opportunity to snag a limited-edition DualSense inspired by the Game of the Year.

    Small Changes, Big Impact

    From the teaser video shared on X, the new controller appears nearly the same as the original, but there’s one key difference. The touchpad now displays Astro Bot’s cheerful eyes in a relaxed position, while the original featured wide-open eyes. Other than that, the overall design remains mostly unchanged, featuring the classic white and blue color scheme.

    Pricing and Pre-Order Information

    While specific pricing details haven’t been disclosed, it’s anticipated that the controller will be priced at $84.99, similar to other recent limited edition DualSense controllers based on popular titles. The DualSense Wireless Controller – Astro Bot Joyful Limited Edition (its official name) will be available for pre-order starting September 12 at 10 a.m. local time through PlayStation Direct and select retailers. Given how fast the first Astro Bot controller sold out, fans might want to act quickly once pre-orders open.

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  • Lenovo Legion Go 2 Leak Suggests Possible SteamOS Version

    Lenovo Legion Go 2 Leak Suggests Possible SteamOS Version

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 was initially expected to have a SteamOS version, but Lenovo announced no definitive plans for it.
    2. The Legion Go S is available in both Windows and SteamOS versions, with the SteamOS version reportedly performing better.
    3. A leaked image suggests the Legion Go 2 may run on SteamOS, but it lacks a dedicated Steam button.
    4. There is no official confirmation yet about the release of the SteamOS version for the Legion Go 2.
    5. If the SteamOS version is not officially released, users may still install SteamOS on their devices independently.

    When the Lenovo Legion Go 2 prototype was first shown at CES 2025, it was mentioned that it operates on Windows. Since the Legion Go S debuted in both Windows and SteamOS versions (check out our review of the Windows model), it seemed logical to think that the Legion Go 2 would follow suit upon its release. Unfortunately, Lenovo quickly dashed those expectations by announcing that there were no definitive plans to offer the Legion Go 2 with SteamOS.

    The Current Situation

    Several months have gone by since that announcement, and both versions of the Legion Go S (the 16GB + 512GB model is currently available on Amazon for $649.99) are now readily available in stores. Given that comparisons have indicated the SteamOS version performs better than the Windows one, it wouldn’t be too surprising if Lenovo had a change of heart. Recent evidence suggests that might indeed be the case, or at least it looks that way.

    Leaked Evidence

    A leaked official image from Evan Blass (@evleaks on X) shows the Legion Go 2 running on SteamOS. This image implies that this version of the Legion Go 2 boots with SteamOS pre-installed. However, it’s important to mention that unlike the Legion Go S with SteamOS, this version does not feature a Steam button (you can read our review for more details).

    It’s definitely thrilling to see Lenovo possibly reconsidering its position, even if there hasn’t been any official confirmation yet. It remains unclear whether the SteamOS version will be launched at the same time as the Windows version or if it will come out later. If Lenovo decides against releasing a SteamOS version for the Legion Go 2, users may still be able to install SteamOS on their own devices, similar to what can be done with the original Legion Go.

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  • Sony Offers $100 PlayStation Store Credit After PS5 Price Hike

    Sony Offers $100 PlayStation Store Credit After PS5 Price Hike

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony announced a price hike for PS5 consoles, raising prices by $50, with the PS5 digital edition now at $499 and the PS5 Pro at $749.99.
    2. To address gamer concerns, Sony introduced the Upgrader Program, offering $100 credits for the PS Store to certain customers upgrading their consoles.
    3. The Upgrader Program has limitations, allowing only one credit per account and eligibility for purchases made before August 26th, valid until September 20th.
    4. Game publishers, like Capcom, are worried about the impact of rising prices on hardware sales and game sales, with slower sales reported for some titles.
    5. The $100 PS Store credit aims to incentivize new console owners to purchase popular AAA games, but the future of the promotion remains uncertain after September.

    Not surprisingly, the recent announcement regarding the PS5 price hike has upset a lot of gamers. To tackle these worries, Sony has introduced the Upgrader Program for those who buy new consoles. PlayStation Lifestyle found out that some customers in the U.S. are getting $100 credits for the PS Store.

    The site received confirmations from several buyers about this offer. Additionally, the PlayStation website has information that indicates this deal might be expanded. Gamers who have PSN accounts and upgrade from a PS4 to a PS5, from a PS5 to a PS5 Pro, or even exchange a launch PS5 for a PS5 Slim could receive an email invitation.

    Program Limitations

    There are some restrictions, like only one PlayStation Store credit allowed per account. Furthermore, those who bought PS5 consoles before August 26th may be eligible before the Upgrader Program wraps up on September 20th.

    On August 20th, Sony disclosed that due to challenging economic factors, consumers would experience a $50 increase in PS5 prices. This raised the PS5 digital edition to $499, the PS5 with disc drive to $549.99, and the PS5 Pro to an eye-watering $749.99. Almost immediately, U.S. customers expressed their frustration over this unusual price spike on older models. However, with Xbox consoles also increasing in price, there are not many options left.

    Publisher Reactions

    Even some game publishers have shared their concerns about the high costs of PlayStation hardware. Capcom attributed the slower sales of Monster Hunter Wilds partly to these increased prices. In 2024, prices for PS5 consoles in Japan already went up, and gamers in the EU, Australia, and New Zealand are also seeing higher prices.

    The $100 PS Store credit is expected to encourage new console owners to buy popular AAA PS5 titles. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what Sony will do once this promotion concludes later in September.

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  • Escape From Tarkov Steam Launch Teased by Battlestate Games

    Escape From Tarkov Steam Launch Teased by Battlestate Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Escape from Tarkov will be available on Steam soon, coinciding with its full 1.0 release on November 15, 2025.
    2. The game has been in Early Access for almost eight years and has built a dedicated community known for its realistic gameplay and unique mechanics.
    3. Rumors suggest that the Steam launch may happen alongside the 1.0 update, aiming to attract new players.
    4. Players are concerned about account linking and cross-progression between platforms, with no confirmation on how this will be handled.
    5. Battlestate Games is not currently working on a console version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, but may reconsider in the future.

    After a long wait, Battlestate Games has officially announced that its intense survival extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov, will be making its way to Steam. The game has been in Early Access for almost eight years through its own launcher since it first launched in July 2017.

    Exciting Announcement

    Nikita Buyanov, the studio head at Battlestate, shared the news on X, stating that the Steam page for Escape from Tarkov will be live soon. He also teased a glimpse of what the store page will look like, promising more details will be revealed later on.

    The game has built a dedicated community outside of Steam, known for its challenging gameplay, realistic shooting mechanics, an elaborate loot system, and extraction systems that are not typically seen in FPS games.

    Key Release Dates

    The announcement of Escape from Tarkov coming to Steam aligns with the game’s exit from Early Access, as it gears up for a full 1.0 release on November 15, 2025, which Buyanov had mentioned in a previous post on X.

    For more than eight years, Battlestate Games has provided content updates and patches for Escape from Tarkov. This includes new maps, weapons, and revamped game mechanics to keep the experience feeling fresh and updated.

    Future Speculations

    Although the exact release date for Escape from Tarkov on Steam is not yet known, there are rumors that it will launch on the platform along with its 1.0 update. This strategy aims to attract new players who have been waiting for the game to arrive on Steam.

    The game enjoys a strong player community that appreciates Escape from Tarkov for its harshly realistic gameplay, despite some past issues regarding monetization methods, such as the premium Edge of Darkness edition and additional paid content.

    Player Concerns

    However, many players who have invested countless hours into Escape from Tarkov are worried about linking their accounts and cross-progression between platforms. There has been no confirmation on whether existing players will need to buy the game again or if their progress, achievements, and inventories will be lost or transferred smoothly.

    Previously, Battlestate Games had indicated that Escape from Tarkov would launch first on the Epic Games Store. However, in a surprising turn, they are now prioritizing the Steam release.

    Battlestate Games also made it clear a few months back that they are not working on a console version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. However, as the 1.0 release approaches, there’s a chance they might reconsider a console port in the future, especially if the demand for the game remains high.

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  • InfernoPlus Brings Morrowind to Elden Ring with New Mod

    InfernoPlus Brings Morrowind to Elden Ring with New Mod

    Key Takeaways

    1. InfernoPlus is merging Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind into Elden Ring, revitalizing the classic RPG with modern gameplay mechanics.
    2. The project is halfway completed, with InfernoPlus initially starting with Dark Souls before switching to Elden Ring for its advanced engine.
    3. Previous mods like Tamriel Rebuilt and Skywind have aimed to update Morrowind, but InfernoPlus’s mod focuses on recreating Vvardenfell with enhanced weather and lighting effects.
    4. The world-building is mostly done, but gameplay integration is still in progress, with InfernoPlus seeking community help for technical challenges.
    5. The mod will not include Morrowind game files, requiring players to own both Morrowind and Elden Ring, using assets from a local Morrowind installation.

    Youtuber and modder InfernoPlus has embarked on a bold venture to merge two legendary RPG universes by transferring the entire Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind into Elden Ring. This project breathes new life into the classic Bethesda RPG from 2002, combining its expansive open-world and rich lore with the challenging combat and gameplay mechanics of From Software’s Souls series.

    Sneak Peek into the Mod

    In a recent YouTube video titled “I ported Morrowind to Elden Ring,” InfernoPlus offered an early look at the mod. He mentioned that the project is about halfway done after several months of hard work. Initially, he started the project with Dark Souls, but he switched to Elden Ring because of its more advanced engine.

    Motivation Behind the Project

    During the video, he shared his reasons for this change, saying, “Morrowind is one of my favorite games of all time, but goddamn it is dated.” He aims to blend the lore and world of Morrowind with the combat style found in Souls games.

    Previous Modding Efforts

    This isn’t the first instance of a modder attempting to update Morrowind. The Tamriel Rebuilt mod expanded Morrowind’s mainland in The Elder Scrolls III, allowing players to explore half of it. Another significant mod, Skywind, completely reconstructs The Elder Scrolls III from scratch using the updated Skyrim: Special Edition engine.

    Features of the Mod

    InfernoPlus’s mod for Elden Ring recreates the island of Vvardenfell from Morrowind, incorporating weather and lighting effects specific to the region to enhance immersion. Additionally, he revamped the water systems using assets from Elden Ring, but he took creative liberty by transforming Morrowind’s standard swamps into toxic environments.

    Current Progress and Call for Help

    He noted that the world-building aspect is mostly finished and fully explorabule. However, the gameplay integration is still missing, and InfernoPlus has reached out to the community for assistance with technical challenges, such as increasing character spawn limits, ensuring proper NPC pathing, and finding 3D artists to help recreate Morrowind’s armor and clothing.

    Future Aspirations

    Though the project is still in its infancy, InfernoPlus expressed his desire to “Morrowindify” some of Elden Ring’s most memorable bosses, like Radahn and Malenia, to align with the Elder Scrolls theme.

    Legal Considerations

    InfernoPlus has been mindful of potential legal issues, clarifying that the mod does not contain any game files or assets from Morrowind. Players will need to own both Morrowind and Elden Ring, as the mod will source assets directly from a local Morrowind installation to build its world in Elden Ring.

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