Category: Gaming

  • Rockstar Games and Remedy Collaborate on Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake

    Rockstar Games and Remedy Collaborate on Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake

    Key Takeaways

    1. The remake of Max Payne and Max Payne 2 is progressing well, as noted in Remedy Entertainment’s recent financial report.
    2. The original Max Payne games were highly successful, with the first game scoring 80 on Metacritic for the PlayStation 2.
    3. Remedy Entertainment sold the Max Payne franchise to Take-Two, leading to the successful release of Max Payne 3 by Rockstar Games in 2012.
    4. Production on the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake started in 2024, and the team is maintaining steady momentum with close collaboration with Rockstar Games.
    5. While details about the partnership between Remedy and Rockstar remain unclear, the remake is expected to be released, allowing fans to revisit the classic games.

    Many video games are in the works by various publishers and developers. As for the remake of Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, it seems to be going quite well, based on Remedy Entertainment’s latest financial report from the past six months, which is encouraging news.

    Success of the Original Games

    It’s important to highlight that the Max Payne games were very popular at the time they launched, thanks to their distinctive elements and a storyline that drew in players. This is especially true for the first game, which achieved a score of 80 on Metacritic for the PlayStation 2.

    Transition to Take-Two and Rockstar’s Success

    Later on, Remedy Entertainment sold the franchise to Take-Two, which enabled Rockstar Games to develop Max Payne 3, released in 2012. It’s worth mentioning that this game also enjoyed great success among gamers.

    Update on the Remake Project

    Given the previous success, production on the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake began in 2024. However, news had been scarce until recently. The latest financial report from Remedy Entertainment brought attention back to this project, sending a clear message to fans of the franchise.

    The report stated: “The Max Payne 1 & 2 remake project continues its progress and remains in full production. In the second quarter, the team built on steady momentum from earlier in the year. Collaboration with Rockstar Games remains close and productive, ensuring alignment as the project advances toward its next major phase.” This indicates that the project is indeed progressing well.

    Future of the Remake

    That said, it’s unclear whether this partnership is entirely equal or if there are some disparities, as no specifics have been shared about this matter. Nonetheless, it’s certain that the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake will eventually come out, allowing fans to relive their nostalgic moments from the past.

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  • Battlefield 6 Criticism: Lead Developer Responds to Fans

    Battlefield 6 Criticism: Lead Developer Responds to Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vehicle Improvements Needed: Players criticized helicopters for being slow and fragile; targeted improvements for vehicles are planned post-beta.

    2. Map Size and Design Concerns: Many felt maps were too small and favored infantry combat; larger maps are anticipated for future updates.

    3. Netcode and Hit Registration Issues: Players reported short time to death (TTD) and poor hit registration; fixing netcode is a development priority.

    4. Server Browser Return: The open beta only offered automated matchmaking; a classic server browser is being added for hosting verified Battlefield servers.

    5. Positive Community Engagement: While players enjoyed the beta’s performance and gameplay, they hope DICE will address feedback before the October 10 release.

    Right after Battlefield 6’s open beta launched on August 7, there was a mix of excitement and constructive feedback. Longtime players compared it to iconic titles like Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 4, highlighting the impressive weapon handling, sound design, and the return of the “classic Battlefield feel.” However, some players pointed out areas where DICE still needs to make improvements. Lead Producer David Sirland has now responded in a post on X, summarizing the main points of concern:

    Vehicles Need Improvement

    Vehicles have always played a key role in the Battlefield experience, so it’s critical that tanks and aircraft operate smoothly and are well balanced. One of the major criticisms from players was aimed at helicopters, which many believed were too slow to maneuver and too fragile. There were even suggestions that the flight model was taken directly from the poorly received Battlefield 2042. Sirland clarified that the physics for helicopters are based on Battlefield 4’s model, but with significant updates. He also confirmed that vehicles will get targeted improvements after the beta phase wraps up.

    Map Size and Design

    The expansive and balanced maps are a hallmark of the Battlefield series. However, many players felt the maps in the open beta were too small and heavily focused on infantry combat, making them feel more akin to Call of Duty. Sirland stressed that larger maps are coming, while the smaller ones were purposely designed for close-quarters battles (CQB).

    Netcode and Hit Registration Issues

    Flawless netcode is essential for accurate hit registration and a fair multiplayer environment. Still, many players reported that the time to death (TTD) often felt excessively short, even when they were taking cover. Sirland admitted that TTD might be a bit too brief, especially in close-range encounters, and assured that fixing netcode issues will be a top priority in the development process.

    Server Browser Return

    For many fans, a true return to form also includes bringing back the classic server browser. Unfortunately, in the open beta, there was only automated matchmaking available for up to four players, which left larger groups without options. Sirland announced that a solution is on the way and will be fully integrated into the main menu through Portal. In addition to community-made content, players will have the option to host verified Battlefield servers.

    The comments on X have been mostly positive. Many fans commend the beta’s technical performance and fun gameplay, while also anticipating DICE to tackle the community’s issues. Sirland’s willingness to engage is viewed as a hopeful sign – but the real challenge will be if the problems are addressed before the release on October 10.

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  • ARC Raiders Missing from Gamescom 2025, No Beta Announced

    ARC Raiders Missing from Gamescom 2025, No Beta Announced

    Key Takeaways

    1. ARC Raiders will not be showcased at Gamescom 2025, disappointing fans looking for new gameplay insights.
    2. Fans are worried due to the lack of updates and demonstrations about the game’s progress.
    3. The developers have canceled the second open beta, frustrating players eager for more testing opportunities.
    4. The decisions made reflect the developers’ commitment to ensuring the game is ready for its launch on October 30.
    5. There remains a possibility for new announcements outside of major conferences, keeping hope alive for fans.

    ARC Raiders is a highly anticipated title that many gamers around the globe are looking forward to. This excitement isn’t unwarranted, as the game has generated a buzz for its engaging gameplay and distinctive features. Yet, the developers have recently shared two disappointing pieces of news that have dampened the anticipation.

    No Presence at Gamescom 2025

    Firstly, this cooperative adventure and extraction game will not be showcased at Gamescom 2025, which takes place next week. This is a significant setback, as this event usually serves as a prime opportunity for developers and publishers to unveil their projects, offering new gameplay insights or announcing official release dates.

    Worries Among Fans

    This unexpected choice has raised concerns among many fans. They were looking forward to seeing a fresh demonstration of the game and hoped to gather more details about it.

    The Second Beta Cancelled

    Moreover, it seems that bad news tends to come in pairs, as ARC Raiders’ developers also revealed via a post on X that there will be no second open beta. This has understandably frustrated numerous players who were eager for another chance to experience this promising game.

    Despite the disappointment felt by many, it’s important to recognize that this decision reflects the developers’ commitment to ensuring the game is ready for its launch on October 30. Furthermore, there’s still a chance for new announcements to emerge outside of the conferences, providing additional insights into this eagerly awaited title.

    It will be fascinating to observe the decisions made by the developers and how these will influence sales when the game finally debuts. Success appears to be on the horizon for the teams at Embark Studios, and many are keen to see what happens next.

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  • Helldivers 2 Tease Fuels Halo PS5 and Xbox Cross-Platform Rumors

    Helldivers 2 Tease Fuels Halo PS5 and Xbox Cross-Platform Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2 launches on Xbox on August 26th, moving away from platform exclusivity.
    2. The “Bring the Boom” trailer hints at possible Halo content for PlayStation.
    3. Dataminer Grunt.api suggests upcoming Halo titles for PS5, including Project Ekur.
    4. Project Ekur may feature a Battle Royale mode for Halo Infinite, detected on Microsoft’s PlayFab.
    5. More Xbox titles on PS5 could benefit the Halo franchise after mixed reactions to Halo Infinite and the recent end of its TV series.

    The Helldivers 2 is set to launch on Xbox on August 26th, marking another move away from platform exclusivity. A recently released trailer for the game might also hint at Halo making its way to PlayStation. Previous reports suggested that several PS5 titles inspired by the shooter are currently being developed.

    Trailer Hints at New Possibilities

    In the “Bring the Boom” trailer, viewers can spot a drop pod descending from the dark sky. The background music from Halo 3: OSDT adds to the excitement among fans. The video is available on both the official PlayStation and Xbox channels, indicating that Halo content might be coming to both platforms.

    Leaks and Speculations

    Curiously, there had been whispers about potential Halo games for PS5 even before the trailer’s release. In June, a dataminer known as Grunt.api uncovered hints in the Xbox API about upcoming titles aimed at the PlayStation. Recently, the Rebs Gaming YouTube channel shared further insights regarding this discovery.

    Grunt.api, who has a solid track record of leaking accurate Halo information, suggests that one of the titles may be Project Ekur. This game, developed by Certain Affinity, could include a Battle Royale mode for Halo Infinite. Signs of this enigmatic project were detected on Microsoft’s PlayFab, which supports multiplayer and cloud save features for cross-platform games.

    Future of the Franchise

    Additionally, the data mining has pointed to two other possible releases, one of which is a beta. Regardless of their specific functions, the introduction of more Xbox titles on the PS5 could be advantageous for the franchise. After the mixed reception of Halo Infinite on PC and Xbox, the TV series based on the IP wrapped up in 2024. The Helldivers 2 DLC might serve as the initial step to revive the series, with the potential for Halo games on PS5 to follow.

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  • PS6 Expected to Outperform RTX 5080 in Ray Tracing Performance

    PS6 Expected to Outperform RTX 5080 in Ray Tracing Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PS6 is rumored to have up to 10 times the ray tracing performance of the PS5, potentially surpassing the RTX 5080 GPU.
    2. Trusted leaker Moore’s Law is Dead (MLID) shared insights about the PS6’s graphics capabilities, suggesting it may double the performance of the RDNA 4 GPU in the PS5 Pro.
    3. The PS6’s ray tracing performance is expected to exceed that of the RTX 5080 and could approach the performance of the RTX 5090.
    4. Sony is reportedly developing a traditional console codenamed Orion (the PS6) and a handheld device called Canis, featuring advanced hardware specifications.
    5. Both Sony and Microsoft have confirmed their ongoing partnership with AMD for hardware development, but no official specs for the upcoming consoles have been released yet.

    The upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles have become a hot topic recently, with many rumors and leaks surfacing. The PS6 and the next Xbox are rumored to be much more powerful than the current models. In particular, the PS6 is expected to achieve up to 10 times the ray tracing (RT) performance compared to the PS5, with new claims suggesting it could even surpass the RTX 5080.

    Leaks from Trusted Sources

    Moore’s Law is Dead (MLID) has been a key player in sharing leaks about the PS6 and the next Xbox. In the latest episode of the Broken Silicon podcast, the leaker revealed that the PS6’s ray tracing performance is expected to exceed that of the RTX 5080 GPU. Referring to earlier leaks, which mentioned a 10x RT performance increase over the PS5, MLID indicated that the RDNA 5 GPU in the PS6 may double the performance of the RDNA 4 GPU in the PS5 Pro.

    Performance Expectations

    The leaker asserted that the PS6’s RT performance should be at least better than that of the RTX 5080, potentially even matching the RTX 5090. Last week, it was suggested that the PS6 might showcase performance comparable to the Radeon RX 9070 XT, but MLID clarified that while this could be accurate for rasterization, the RT performance is expected to be much higher.

    Speculations on Future Devices

    Recent leaks have also pointed to Sony developing a traditional console, codenamed Orion, which will be the PS6, as well as a handheld device called Canis. This handheld is rumored to feature four Zen 6c CPU cores, an RDNA 5 iGPU with 12-20 RDNA 5 Compute Units, and boost clocks between 1.6-2 GHz. It is anticipated to outperform the ROG Ally X, which uses the AMD Z1 Extreme APU.

    It is important to remember that these are still just leaks; neither Sony nor Microsoft has disclosed any specifications for their upcoming consoles. However, both companies have confirmed that they will continue to collaborate with AMD for their hardware needs.

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  • MagicX Teases Touch One 35 Handheld with PS Vita Emulation

    MagicX Teases Touch One 35 Handheld with PS Vita Emulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. MagicX has introduced the Touch One 35, focusing on emulating the PlayStation Vita and other retro consoles.
    2. The device is powered by the MediaTek Helio P65, differing from the Allwinner A133P used in previous models.
    3. It features a 3:2 display with a resolution of 960 x 640 pixels.
    4. The design includes two d-pads, indicating support for Tate Mode emulation.
    5. The Touch One 35 can run PS Vita games smoothly, though the release date is still unknown.

    MagicX has shared brief previews of another retro gaming handheld not long after unveiling the Retro 45, which was designed to emulate consoles like Dreamcast, Genesis, Nintendo 64, and Sega Saturn. This new focus is on the Touch One 35, which they last showed off at the end of June.

    Specs and Features

    The Touch One 35 seems to be powered by the MediaTek Helio P65, in contrast to the Allwinner A133P found in the Zero 40 and Mini Zero 28, which is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon. Additionally, this new device features a 3:2 display with a resolution of 960 x 640 pixels. According to Retro Handhelds, the presence of two d-pads suggests that MagicX has tailored the Touch One 35 for Tate Mode emulation as well.

    Emulation Focus

    Right now, MagicX is concentrating on emulating the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). From the videos showcased, it appears that the Touch One 35 can run PS Vita titles such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories smoothly at full speed, though this task isn’t particularly challenging at 640p. Unfortunately, it remains uncertain when the Touch One 35 will be available for purchase.

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  • XU20 V32 Launch: Affordable Gaming Handheld Under $50

    XU20 V32 Launch: Affordable Gaming Handheld Under $50

    Key Takeaways

    1. XU Retro has started taking orders for the XU20 V32, targeting the TrimUI Brick priced at $69.99.
    2. The XU20 V32 features Android 10, offering access to a larger gaming library but may have outdated app support.
    3. It has a 3.2-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels and is powered by the Allwinner A133P chipset.
    4. The device includes a 3,200 mAh battery, 2 GB of DDR4 RAM, and supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, all in a compact design.
    5. The introductory price for the XU20 V32 is $48, available in Black, Blue, Green, and Purple, in collaboration with Retro Handhelds.

    XU Retro has begun taking orders for the first batch of 600 units of the XU20 V32, which was announced just a few weeks ago. This device is meant to compete directly with the TrimUI Brick, which is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon. The XU20 V32 features Android 10 instead of a Linux-based operating system.

    Enhanced Gaming Library

    The switch to Android 10 is supposed to give the device access to a larger library of games compared to its Linux counterpart. However, it’s worth noting that Android 10 is somewhat outdated, which means that some apps may no longer be supported. Regardless, the XU20 V32 has a 3.2-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels, powered by the Allwinner A133P chipset that is also used in several competing gaming handhelds.

    Specifications and Features

    Additionally, the XU20 V32 is equipped with a 3,200 mAh battery and 2 GB of DDR4 RAM, along with a microSD card reader. The device is compact, measuring 112 x 83 x 24 mm and weighing 160 grams. Unlike some lower-end Linux-based retro handhelds, the XU20 V32 offers support for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Presently, it is available for an introductory price of $48, not including shipping, and comes in Black, Blue, Green, and Purple color choices. For further information, check out XU Retro’s website.

    Conclusion

    XU Retro collaborates with Retro Handhelds for this launch, bringing an interesting option to the market for retro gaming lovers.

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    XU20 V32 Launch: Affordable Gaming Handheld Under $50XU20 V32 Launch: Affordable Gaming Handheld Under $50XU20 V32 Launch: Affordable Gaming Handheld Under $50XU20 V32 Launch: Affordable Gaming Handheld Under $50

     

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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ Boosts Performance and Battery Life with New Drivers

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Boosts Performance and Battery Life with New Drivers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ received updates that significantly boost gaming performance, particularly with the new Intel graphics driver (version 32.0.101.6987 WHQL).
    2. Forza Horizon shows a performance increase from 66 FPS to 88 FPS at 1200p resolution and Medium settings after the driver update.
    3. Other games also benefit from performance improvements, although specific performance numbers were not provided.
    4. Updates to the MSI Center and BIOS have improved battery life on the MSI Claw 8 AI+, though no direct comparisons were made.
    5. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V model is more power-efficient at lower TDPs compared to the Z2 Extreme version, which is noted to be slightly superior in early reviews.

    Since it came out, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ has undergone several updates aimed at boosting performance. As shown by ETA Prime, the newest Intel graphics driver, version 32.0.101.6987 WHQL, brings a significant increase in performance for the gaming handheld.

    Performance Benchmarks

    In the recent video, ETA Prime started by testing Forza Horizon at a 17 W TDP, 1200p resolution, and Medium settings. Before the update, the game used to run at an average of 66 FPS, but now, post-update, the handheld is performing at an average of 88 FPS under the same conditions. The YouTuber didn’t offer much in the way of before-and-after comparisons for other games, though.

    General Improvements

    Nonetheless, ETA mentions that the latest driver does improve performance across other titles as well. The additional games tested on the updated gaming handheld included various popular titles, although specific performance numbers weren’t disclosed.

    In addition to the performance enhancements, ETA Prime also pointed out that updates to the MSI Center and BIOS have led to better battery life. While a direct before-and-after comparison wasn’t conducted, battery tests were performed on the updated Core Ultra 258V-powered MSI Claw 8 AI+.

    Battery Life Testing

    The games used for battery life benchmarking had the screen brightness set at 50%, a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and fan settings on auto. Plus, WiFi, Bluetooth, and RGB lighting were all kept enabled. Here’s how the battery life varied at different TDP levels:

    Overall, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V gaming handheld appears to perform better now than it did at launch, thanks to these updates. Early reviews suggest that the Z2 Extreme version of the MSI Claw might be slightly superior, but it’s important to note that the Intel model is more power-efficient at lower TDPs. For more information, check out ETA Prime’s latest video on YouTube.

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  • YouTuber Creates Shocking Aimbot That Controls Muscles for Pro Play

    YouTuber Creates Shocking Aimbot That Controls Muscles for Pro Play

    Key Takeaways

    1. Basically Homeless showcased a “Neuromuscular Aim Assist” device that enhances aiming precision by stimulating muscles with electrical signals.
    2. The device uses Computer Vision to analyze game footage in real-time and send commands to control muscle contractions and trigger pulls.
    3. The technology is built on a YOLO model trained with Counter-Strike 2 gameplay, utilizing a Raspberry Pi for management.
    4. Despite achieving a response time under 100 ms, the device faced challenges like latency issues and muscle cramps, affecting its reliability.
    5. The creator considers the device a gray area in terms of cheating, emphasizing that it’s his own muscles being used.

    In a video released on August 11, 2025, American YouTuber Basically Homeless displayed his home-made “Neuromuscular Aim Assist” – a device that resembles a stun gun aimed at enhancing aiming precision. By merging a bold spirit with Computer Vision and muscle stimulation, this gadget sends signals to electrodes that cause selected muscles to contract, allowing the hand to snap to the target in mere milliseconds. Additionally, it can automatically pull the trigger when necessary.

    Understanding the Technology

    Muscles react to electrical signals from the brain. An EMS (electromyostimulation) or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device can mimic these electrical signals from the outside. By utilizing Computer Vision – which is the automated image analysis performed by a computer – the setup effectively acts like the brain, producing signals in response to happenings in the game, such as detecting an opponent in Counter-Strike 2. Basically Homeless designed his neuromuscular aim assist using a YOLO model that was trained with CS2 gameplay footage. This model evaluates the game feed in real-time and sends commands to a Raspberry Pi (which can be purchased on Amazon for $80), that manages a relay linked to the EMS/TENS device.

    Overcoming Obstacles

    The endeavor was not free of difficulties. Apart from dealing with latency problems, the YouTuber faced painful muscle cramps but still achieved notable outcomes. During his best trials, the system cut down response time to less than 100 ms – about half his normal speed and quicker than many pros. Nonetheless, the reliability of the device still fluctuates. When questioned if this gadget constitutes cheating, Basically Homeless referred to it as a gray area: “It’s my muscles – so no cheat.” Viewers found the electric shock aimbot incredibly entertaining, sharing jokes about a bleak future and making wordplay like “The results were shocking” and “That was a really stimulating video.”

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  • New Metroidvania Bomb-Caterpillar Hits 500 Positive Reviews on Steam

    New Metroidvania Bomb-Caterpillar Hits 500 Positive Reviews on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Öoo is a 2D Metroidvania game where players control a caterpillar that uses bombs for movement, combat, and puzzles.
    2. The game features simple pixel-art visuals and has received all positive reviews on Steam shortly after its launch.
    3. Players appreciate the imaginative level design and engaging gameplay, though some note its short playtime and linear structure.
    4. Developed by solo creator NamaTakahashi, Öoo is priced at $10, with a temporary launch discount bringing it to $7.99.
    5. The game supports both mouse and keyboard as well as controllers, and its system requirements suggest compatibility with most modern handheld devices.

    Öoo is a Metroidvania game, which is a 2D platformer inspired by the classic games Metroid and Castlevania. Instead of controlling a typical hero, players take on the role of a caterpillar that grows bombs on its tail. This unique mechanic allows players to utilize the bombs for movement, combat against foes, and to solve various puzzles throughout the game.

    Simple Yet Effective Design

    The game’s concept is quite simple, and its visuals are designed in a basic pixel-art style. These aspects come together to form a game that many Steam users find appealing. Just five days post-launch on August 7, Öoo had already garnered 510 reviews, all of which were positive—a rarity on Steam. Presently, it ranks first in SteamDB’s “Hot Releases” category.

    Player Feedback

    Gamers are praising the imaginative level design and the gratifying “aha” moments that occur during gameplay. The mechanics are easy to grasp yet offer depth, and the game flow is engaging with a charming presentation. While criticism is minimal, a few players have noted the relatively short playtime of about two hours and the low difficulty at the beginning. Additionally, some have observed that the game’s structure feels more linear than what is typical for a Metroidvania.

    Developer Background and Pricing

    Öoo was created by Japanese solo developer NamaTakahashi in partnership with tiny cactus studio and is published under his own name on Steam. The standard price for the game is roughly $10, but a 20% launch discount brings it down to $7.99 until August 14. It works with both mouse and keyboard as well as game controllers. Although the compatibility with the Steam Deck (which is priced at $460 on Amazon) is marked as “Unknown,” the game’s modest system requirements suggest that it should operate well on most modern handheld gaming devices.

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    New Metroidvania Bomb-Caterpillar Hits 500 Positive Reviews on Steam

     

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