Category: Gaming

  • Next Week in Xbox Game Pass: 2 New Games, Including Roguelike

    Next Week in Xbox Game Pass: 2 New Games, Including Roguelike

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft added six new games to Xbox Game Pass between August 4 and 10, followed by two significant titles the next week.
    2. 9 Kings is a well-received roguelike kingdom builder with over 10,000 reviews and a 92% positive rating since its Early Access launch on May 23.
    3. Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person shooter set 23 years after the original Aliens trilogy, featuring four campaigns and up to three players.
    4. The gameplay in Aliens: Fireteam Elite emphasizes teamwork and strategic positioning to fend off xenomorphs and hostile synthetics.
    5. 9 Kings allows players to craft realms and raid opposing kingdoms, with randomized features that enhance replayability and strategic variety.

    In the days between August 4 and 10, Microsoft astonished gamers by adding six new games to Xbox Game Pass. The following week, however, only sees two new titles, but they are significant – especially 9 Kings, a well-received roguelike kingdom builder that began its Early Access on May 23. Since its launch, it has gathered over 10,000 reviews, with 92% being positive. Another title making its way to the service is Aliens: Fireteam Elite, a cooperative shooter set in the famous Aliens universe.

    The Thrilling Experience of Aliens: Fireteam Elite

    In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, players step into the shoes of a Colonial Marine who is answering a distress call with their team, taking place 23 years after the original trilogy. The adventure takes them to the Katanga space station and the planet LV-895, where they confront hordes of xenomorphs, perilous experiments, and ancient alien structures. The game includes four campaigns, each made up of three linked missions, and operates as a cooperative third-person shooter for up to three marines – whether with friends or AI partners. In these linear, Left 4 Dead-style missions, players must fend off xenomorphs and hostile synthetics from all sides, which makes teamwork and strategic positioning vital. Randomized features like challenge cards help keep each mission exciting.

    Discovering the Fast-Paced World of 9 Kings

    9 Kings is a dynamic roguelike kingdom builder where players craft their own realms and participate in grand battles. Each of the nine kings starts with a distinct deck of buildings, troops, and spells. By raiding opposing kingdoms, players can seize their cards and resources, unlocking a multitude of building strategies and playstyles. Staying true to the roguelike essence, if you lose, you are sent back to the start to have another go.

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  • Super Villain Without a Plan: Free Game with 98% Ratings!

    Super Villain Without a Plan: Free Game with 98% Ratings!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Royal, the supervillain, is on a break while his “Super Kingly Weapon” is being repaired, leading him to reflect on his life and work.
    2. The game, “This Game Will End in 205 Clicks,” features simple gameplay with 205 text boxes and no meaningful decision-making.
    3. The visuals are straightforward, with a text box against an orange backdrop and a sprite of Royal, making for a minimalist experience.
    4. The game has received positive feedback, with a 98% rating from around 350 reviews since its launch on August 5.
    5. It is free to play on Steam, with an optional artbook available for $5 to support the developers.

    Royal, the powerful supervillain of Cityville, often brings chaos to the city with his notorious “Super Kingly Weapon.” However, today he finds himself on an unplanned break, as his weapon is undergoing repairs. With nothing to do, this bored villain starts to share his thoughts about his work, his history, and what it means to be a troublemaker. In this game, players simply click through 205 text boxes. Yes, that’s just 205.

    A Simple Yet Engaging Experience

    In terms of visuals, This Game Will End in 205 Clicks is as straightforward as it can be. The gameplay mainly consists of a text box set against an orange backdrop, featuring a sprite of our supervillain alongside a counter that tracks the clicks left. Decision-making isn’t a factor here either – the creators caution players, “Beware: it’s not a game with really meaningful decisions.” Despite this, Royal’s unique charm, flamboyance, and quirky personality manage to keep players entertained for the 30 minutes it takes to complete the game.

    Positive Reception and Availability

    Launched on August 5 and created by insertdisc5, This Game Will End in 205 Clicks has already received around 350 reviews, boasting an impressive 98% positive rating. On SteamDB, this supervillain narrative currently leads the “Hot Releases” list. Since the game is entirely free to enjoy, it’s definitely worth checking out. For those interested in supporting the developers, an artbook is available on Steam for roughly $5.

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  • Bungie Fully Integrated into Sony Ahead of Marathon Release Date

    Bungie Fully Integrated into Sony Ahead of Marathon Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bungie will be integrated into PlayStation Studios, ending its previously independent environment after Sony’s acquisition for $3.6 billion in 2022.

    2. Significant layoffs at Bungie resulted in a reduction of about 320 employees, largely due to the poor reception of Destiny 2’s Lightfall expansion.

    3. Bungie failed to meet its 2023 revenue goals by 45%, impacting the studio’s profitability and plans to expand its game portfolio.

    4. The release of Bungie’s upcoming game Marathon has been delayed to a tentative date before March 31, 2025, following a less enthusiastic response from a closed alpha test.

    5. Bungie faced controversies, including backlash for alleged artwork copying, leading to public apologies and an audit, while the future of the Marathon project remains uncertain but not expected to be canceled.

    Sony’s CFO Lin Tao has confirmed that the Bellevue-based studio, known for Destiny 2 and the new live-service game Marathon, will be brought into PlayStation Studios. This change marks the end of the studio’s promised “very independent environment,” following Sony’s acquisition of Bungie for $3.6 billion in 2022.

    Workforce Changes and Financial Struggles

    From October 2023 to July 2024, Bungie experienced significant layoffs, cutting about 320 employees from its peak workforce of around 1,600. This drastic measure was a response to the disappointing reception of Destiny 2’s much-anticipated Lightfall expansion. Fans and critics found the story lacking clarity and key characters poorly developed, which hurt the game’s reputation.

    As a result, Bungie failed to meet its revenue goals for 2023 by a staggering 45%, which put pressure on the studio’s profitability, especially as it aimed to broaden its game portfolio.

    Impact on Marathon Project

    These recent troubles and the workforce restructuring have also influenced the development of Marathon, Bungie’s upcoming standalone live-service title. Initially set for release on September 23, 2025, the game’s launch has now been pushed back to a tentative timeframe before March 31, 2025.

    In this context, Sony is tightening its control over Bungie. During Sony’s Q1 FY2025 livestream, CFO Lin Tao remarked:

    “We have undergone structural reform, as we announced last year, so this independence is getting less, and Bungie is transitioning into a more integrated role within PlayStation Studios.”

    The Legacy of Marathon

    The new Marathon project is a revival of Bungie’s 1994 first-person shooter that launched on the Apple Macintosh. The original game had two sequels, Marathon 2: Durandal and Marathon Infinity, which came out in 1995 and 1996. Additionally, Marathon and its sequel were ported to Apple Bandai’s Pippin console in 1996.

    At its peak, the game was a commercial hit, with Bungie selling 100,000 units prior to the release of Marathon 2, and overall sales exceeding 150,000 by October 1995. By the end of the 90s, Bungie released the source code for Marathon 2, leading to its acquisition by Microsoft in 2000.

    Current Hype and Controversies

    It’s worth noting that Bungie’s new Marathon project hasn’t generated quite the excitement as its 90s predecessor. The game faced an indefinite delay after a closed alpha test that received a less enthusiastic response than anticipated. Adding to the turmoil, Bungie faced backlash after being accused of copying artwork from indie artist 4nt1r34l.

    In response to the criticism, Bungie conducted an audit of the artwork and issued a public apology for the oversight.

    As for the current project’s indefinite delay, Tao addressed cancellation rumors during a Q&A session:

    “We are currently addressing the issues, so we believe this launch will take place. If it does get canceled, we would have to reevaluate the valuation. But as of now, that’s not expected.”

    He also mentioned that the project could be out before March 31, 2026, but stressed, “This is not a commitment. No formal announcement has been made yet.”

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 to Feature Addictive Indie Game in Development for 20 Years

    Nintendo Switch 2 to Feature Addictive Indie Game in Development for 20 Years

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo Switch Release: Caves of Qud will launch on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Q4 2025, following its long development since 2007.

    2. Positive Reception: The game has sold over 100,000 copies on PC and holds a 95.1% user rating on Steam, recognized for its intricate mechanics and engaging gameplay.

    3. Diverse Gameplay Modes: It offers challenging gameplay with permadeath in Classic mode, while Roleplay and Wanderer modes provide easier experiences.

    4. 1.0 Update Enhancements: The v1.0 update includes a new user interface, a tutorial, and a conclusion to the main story.

    5. Price Expectations: The Nintendo Switch version’s price is not yet revealed but is expected to be around $29.99, similar to its current PC price.

    Nearly 18 years after its first reveal, the captivating roguelike indie game Caves of Qud from Freehold and Kitfox Games is set to debut on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Q4 2025. The announcement came during Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase.

    A Unique RPG Experience

    Caves of Qud is a distinct and niche roguelike RPG that’s simple to start playing but difficult to stop. The complete v1.0 version of Caves of Qud was launched for PC, Mac, and Linux on December 5, 2024, marking the end of a long development journey that kicked off in 2007. It entered public beta in 2010 and was available on Steam in Early Access starting July 15, 2015. The game has enjoyed almost a decade of weekly updates.

    Cult Following and Positive Reception

    This indie gem has sold over 100,000 copies on PC through platforms like Steam, GOG, and Itch.io, building a dedicated fanbase over time. On Steam, the game boasts a 95.1% user rating from 10,126 reviews, achieving an “Overwhelmingly Positive” designation.

    The game’s acclaim comes from its intricate mechanics, allowing players to craft characters with over 70 mutations, and explore a randomly generated world where walls have melting points, can be smashed with a pickaxe, or dissolved using corrosive gas.

    Challenging Yet Rewarding Gameplay

    While the game is incredibly addictive, it also presents tough challenges with permadeath in Classic mode, whereas Roleplay and Wanderer modes offer a gentler experience. It received the 2025 Independent Games Festival’s Excellence in Narrative Award and was nominated for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 28th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards.

    In its Early Access phase, the game was priced at $19.99, and that price increased by another $10 when it reached v1.0 on Steam. There is also a Dromad Deluxe Edition available, which includes the game’s soundtrack and the Pets of Harvest Dawn DLC.

    Enhancements in the 1.0 Update

    The 1.0 update refined the gameplay with a new user interface, added a tutorial, and provided a conclusion to the main story with the final chapter. Now, it’s about to hit the Nintendo Switch, bringing its engaging turn-based RPG experience to a wider audience.

    Although the price for Caves of Qud on the Nintendo Switch hasn’t been revealed yet, it is anticipated to be around the current price of $29.99 for PC.

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  • Sony acknowledges challenges in live service pivot, says CFO

    Sony acknowledges challenges in live service pivot, says CFO

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s Chief Financial Officer, Lin Tao, remains optimistic about the live-service games market despite recent challenges, including the cancellation of Concord and the delay of Marathon.

    2. Concord, a live-service game, was launched in 2024 but received poor ratings and was shut down within two weeks, causing Sony to incur significant financial losses and issue full refunds.

    3. The development cost for Concord was between $100 million and $200 million, yet Sony only recovered $1 million from it.

    4. Live-service games have become a key revenue source for Sony, contributing to 40% of first-party video game revenue in Q1 2025, with titles like Helldivers 2 and Destiny 2 leading the way.

    5. Sony acknowledges the need to learn from past mistakes in the live-service genre to ensure smoother and more efficient content delivery in the future.

    Sony has been looking at the live-service games market for several years now, but it has faced some challenges along the way. Lin Tao, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, remains optimistic about the live-service genre, even after recent financial troubles with games like Concord and the delay of Marathon.

    Addressing Investor Concerns

    During a Q&A session after Sony’s latest financial report, Tao talked to worried investors about the company’s push into live-service games. He recognized the challenges but pointed out that Sony has made strides over the past five years. He addressed the major concerns for investors by saying,

    “Last year, Concord was canceled, and this year, Marathon was delayed, so we have seen some negative news recently.”

    Concord was a live-service game created by Sony under Firewalk Studios. This 5v5 multiplayer shooter launched in 2024 but received poor ratings, with user scores dropping as low as 1.9 on Metacritic, leading to its shutdown on September 6, 2024, just two weeks after its launch.

    Financial Losses and Refunds

    Sony ended up providing full refunds for all Concord purchases. The development of this live-service FPS was reported to have cost between $100 million and $200 million, but they only managed to recover $1 million from it.

    Moreover, Bungie, the studio behind Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and the Destiny series, has been working on its new game, Marathon, since 2022. However, the developers have not given any updates on a release date, as their initial target of September 2025 has shifted.

    Revenue and Future Plans

    Despite these setbacks, Tao mentioned that live-service titles have been a significant revenue source for Sony over the past five years, prior to which, such games were “almost non-existent for PlayStation Studios.”

    Games like Helldivers 2, MLB The Show, Destiny 2, and Gran Turismo 7 have contributed to 40% of Sony’s first-party video game revenue for Q1 2025. Tao acknowledged that the transition into the live-service genre is “not entirely going smoothly.” He added:

    “Of course, we recognize that there are still many issues, so we should learn the lessons from the mistakes and make sure we introduce live service content where there’s less waste and it’s more smooth.”

    In addition to these challenges in live-service gaming, Sony has encountered other complications with the cancellation of projects led by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games earlier in 2025, including an unannounced title related to God of War.

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  • Fallout 4 Update: Paid Creations System Overhaul Rumored

    Fallout 4 Update: Paid Creations System Overhaul Rumored

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fallout 4 may receive a major update introducing the Creations system for mods, similar to what is available in Starfield and Skyrim.
    2. YouTuber JuiceHead, known for accurate predictions, reported on the update and noted changes in Fallout 4’s SteamDB.
    3. Bethesda is testing new features in a private Steam beta, possibly linking the update to Fallout 4’s 10th anniversary or the release of the Fallout TV series’ second season.
    4. The Creations system represents an evolution of the Creation Club, allowing modders more freedom to publish content with less oversight.
    5. The Fallout TV series has significantly increased player interest in Fallout 4 and Fallout: New Vegas, with notable spikes in concurrent players following its premiere.

    Claims are spreading online that Bethesda’s RPG from a decade ago, Fallout 4, is about to get a big update. This update is said to bring mods through the Creations system, which has already been introduced in other games from the developer.

    YouTuber’s Insight

    The information comes from YouTuber JuiceHead, who is recognized for his content related to Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, and is a notable figure in the Fallout modding scene. JuiceHead has a history of making accurate predictions, having previously anticipated the Creations system’s arrival in Skyrim before it was officially launched in December 2023.

    Details of the Creations System

    The Creations system is currently functional in Starfield and Skyrim, giving players the ability to browse, purchase, and download both paid and free mods. These mods can include anything from quests to NPCs and items. JuiceHead mentioned that Fallout 4’s press build has been updated on SteamDB’s changelog.

    Moreover, Bethesda is said to be testing new features in a private Steam beta. This hints that the Creations system might be released around the game’s 10th anniversary or when the 2nd season of the popular Amazon Prime series comes out.

    Evolution of the Creations System

    Bethesda’s Creations system is a significant update of the Creation Club that launched in 2017. At first, it received a mixed response from modders and gamers, but it has had several updates that have improved it as a platform for sharing content. The Creation Club involved close collaboration with modders, while Creations allows more freedom for modders to publish their content with less oversight from Bethesda.

    In 2015, Valve tried to introduce a paid mods system for Skyrim through the Steam Workshop, which resulted in a lot of backlash since modders only earned 25% of the sales. Nevertheless, the improved Creations system has been welcomed by the Fallout community. Still, there are worries about the use of AI to create new mods or character designs for Fallout 4.

    The Impact of the Fallout TV Series

    The Fallout TV series has brought many new and returning gamers to experience Fallout 4 and Fallout: New Vegas. Following the premiere of the series and the next-gen update, Fallout 4’s player count jumped to 187,468 concurrent players on April 28, 2024, while the older Fallout: New Vegas reached 45,134 concurrent players on Steam.

    On the other hand, total conversion mods, like the free-to-play Fallout: London mod, have received great acclaim, even though there are bugs and technical issues.

    Fallout: London Mod Release

    The Fallout: London mod, which is not affiliated with Bethesda according to Team FOLON, had been in development since 2019 and was launched on July 25, 2024. Its original release was delayed due to the next-gen update of Fallout 4 coinciding with Fallout: London’s launch. Additionally, Fallout: London got a VR update on May 28, 2025.

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  • Battlefield 6 Secure Boot Requirement Hurts Battlefield 2042 Reviews

    Battlefield 6 Secure Boot Requirement Hurts Battlefield 2042 Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA requires Secure Boot for Battlefield 6, similar to Battlefield 2042, impacting player reviews negatively.
    2. Secure Boot operates at the hardware level, and enabling it can be complex for some players.
    3. EA provides a guide to help players enable Secure Boot, which requires TPM 2.0 and a GPT-configured Windows drive.
    4. Some gamers face hardware compatibility issues with Secure Boot, leading to increased frustrations and negative reviews.
    5. Battlefield 6 is set to release on October 10th, after playtests, leaving players to assess the effectiveness of Secure Boot and Javelin Anti-cheat.

    EA’s requirement for Secure Boot in Battlefield 6 isn’t shocking, especially since Battlefield 2042 had the same demand. Players found out in May that they needed to turn on this security feature. This has affected the reviews for Battlefield 2042 on Steam, which have continued to decline in the last few days. Because gamers can’t review Battlefield 6 during the open beta, they are expressing their anger towards its previous version.

    Understanding Secure Boot

    Secure Boot works at the hardware level, which is different from anti-cheat software that functions in the background on Windows. If players already have this setting enabled in their BIOS, they can easily install and play both Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 6. However, for those who are cautious about PC settings, enabling it can feel quite daunting.

    EA’s Support for Players

    To assist worried gamers, EA released a detailed guide. Even after figuring out how to access the BIOS, the solution might not be straightforward, as it’s not just about flipping a switch. Players also need to have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and ensure their Windows drive is configured to GPT instead of MBR. This setup allows EA’s kernel-level Javelin Anti-cheat software to function with Secure Boot to help stop hacks.

    Hardware Compatibility Issues

    Motherboards have been supporting Secure Boot since 2012 with the launch of Windows 8. Nevertheless, some gamers might face issues with incompatible hardware or drivers. Those encountering these problems are sharing their frustrations in Battlefield 2042 Steam reviews, which have seen a spike in negativity since the announcement of Battlefield 6. Many users express concerns about Secure Boot and are asking for alternatives.

    In spite of its benefits in preventing certain Windows-based hacks, Secure Boot doesn’t completely eliminate cheating. Activision Blizzard even pointed out its shortcomings in a recent update about Call of Duty. Additionally, companies like EA and Activision often receive criticism for not doing enough to tackle exploits effectively.

    Upcoming Release of Battlefield 6

    The release date for Battlefield 6 is scheduled for October 10th, following the conclusion of playtests. By that time, players will have a clearer understanding of whether the headaches from Secure Boot and Javelin Anti-cheat are truly worth it.

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  • Free Upcoming Games on Epic Games Store: Multi-Award Winner Included

    Free Upcoming Games on Epic Games Store: Multi-Award Winner Included

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store is offering 112 Operator and Road Redemption for free right now.
    2. Starting August 14, 2025, players can get Hidden Folks, a hidden object game known for its hand-drawn art and interactive elements.
    3. Hidden Folks has an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam and is usually priced at $14.99.
    4. The second upcoming free game is Totally Reliable Delivery Service, a chaotic package delivery game released in 2019.
    5. Totally Reliable Delivery Service has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and is also priced at $14.99.

    The Epic Games Store has refreshed its free game offerings, and right now, players can grab 112 Operator and Road Redemption at no cost. Additionally, this update has announced the free titles that will be available starting on August 14, 2025, at 15:00 UTC.

    Upcoming Free Game: Hidden Folks

    One of the featured games is Hidden Folks, which has won multiple awards. It was launched in February 2017 and is a hidden object game created by Adriaan de Jongh and Sylvain Tegroeg. A standout aspect of this game is its beautifully hand-drawn, monochromatic landscapes that really add to its unique atmosphere.

    The new free game on Epic Games Store draws heavy inspiration from “Where’s Waldo?” puzzle styles. However, it includes a fun twist: many characters and objects can be interacted with, providing more depth to the hidden object experience. Players have noted that the sound design is particularly remarkable, with whimsical audio that enhances the playful nature of the game and encourages exploration.

    Steam Ratings and Pricing

    On Steam, Hidden Folks boasts an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating, based on more than 7,400 reviews from players. Normally, it sells for $14.99, but it will become free on the Epic Games Store starting August 14, 2025, and will remain free until August 21.

    Another Free Title: Totally Reliable Delivery Service

    The second upcoming free game is Totally Reliable Delivery Service. Epic Games Store will offer the standard version of this game, which focuses on comedic and chaotic package delivery missions. Released in 2019, this game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing for local and online play.

    It features a colorful and interactive sandbox environment filled with machines, toys, and vehicles. Players can engage in hidden challenges, and during special events, the developers often introduce limited-time content to keep the game fresh.

    Totally Reliable Delivery Service typically retails for $14.99 when there’s no sale, and it currently holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with over 1,400 reviews. For more insights into the two upcoming free games on the Epic Games Store, check out the videos below.

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  • PS3 PlayStation Store Connectivity Issues Affecting PS5 Games

    PS3 PlayStation Store Connectivity Issues Affecting PS5 Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. As of early 2023, the PS3 still had around 2 million users, many of whom rely on the PlayStation Store for retro games.

    2. Maintenance notifications began appearing in August 2023, affecting access to the PS3 PlayStation Store for some users, while others in different regions can still make purchases.

    3. The PS3 store operates on unique software and lacks backward compatibility with newer consoles, making it difficult for retro game fans to transition away from the PS3.

    4. Sony’s PlayStation Classics Catalog offers some PS1, PS2, and PS3 games, but they are streamed rather than played natively, leading to potential latency issues.

    5. The future of the PS3 Store is uncertain, but users are purchasing retro titles quickly in anticipation of potential shutdowns.

    In early 2023, it was reported that the PS3 still had about 2 million users. While that figure might have gone down since then, a lot of gamers still depend on the PlayStation Store for the console. Starting August 6th, users on Reddit began to see maintenance notifications, and as noted by Twisted Voxel, many are still facing this problem, which limits their access to beloved retro PS3 games.

    Regional Differences in Access

    Not all users are experiencing these issues; some areas can still make purchases from the PS3 PlayStation Store. There is also a tricky workaround for those quick on their feet: adding items to a cart before the error message pops up. This situation brings back memories of the 2021 controversy when Sony announced it would close the PS Store for both the PS3 and Vita. Though they later changed their minds, it’s uncertain how much longer support for these older consoles will last.

    Unique Software Challenges

    The PS3 store app operates on different software and has its own libraries, unlike the PS4 and PS5. Since there’s no backward compatibility on newer consoles, many retro game fans are unwilling to let go of the PS3. The other options available, such as cloud streaming, often come with notable downsides.

    In 2022, Sony introduced the PlayStation Classics Catalog, bringing back PS1, PS2, and PS3 games for new audiences. However, the collection is still not comprehensive, and PS3 games are streamed instead of being played natively. This cloud streaming can lead to latency issues, which can be annoying for players trying to get the timing of their button presses just right. Plus, to access these games, players need to subscribe to the Premium Tier of PlayStation Plus.

    Future of the PS3 Store

    It’s improbable that Sony would abruptly close the PlayStation Store on the PS3 without any warning. There have been multiple occasions where even PS5 users experienced long downtimes with the PlayStation Network and its marketplace. Still, players who can still make purchases are quickly buying up their favorite retro titles before any potential shutdown.

    As reported by Twisted Voxel and PlayStation Lifestyle, the future remains uncertain, but the nostalgia for these classic games keeps many engaged.

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  • Asus and Noctua Collaborate for Quiet RTX 5080 Graphics Card

    Asus and Noctua Collaborate for Quiet RTX 5080 Graphics Card

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus GeForce RTX 5080 Noctua OC Edition is a collaboration that emphasizes silent performance over speed.
    2. The design features a Noctua-inspired color palette with brown fans and a lighter brown shroud, differing from previous models.
    3. The graphics card includes a triple-fan configuration and an overclocking mode that can reach speeds of up to 2,730 MHz.
    4. It is a large card, occupying four slots and measuring 385x151x80 mm, making it bulkier than other RTX 5080 models.
    5. Pricing and availability for the RTX 5080 Noctua Edition have not yet been disclosed.

    Asus has previously teamed up with Noctua to produce silent air-cooled graphics cards, so their new collaboration on the RTX 5080 is to be expected. Nevertheless, this model stands out from earlier Asus-Noctua releases due to its larger size and a distinctively Noctua-inspired design. The detailed specifications for this graphics card have been disclosed, affirming that while it may not be the fastest RTX 5080, it is definitely the quietest one.

    Design Features

    In terms of design, this RTX 5080 indicates Asus’s deeper embrace of the Noctua color palette. The card features brown fans with a beige edge, and the shroud is a lighter brown shade complemented by silver highlights. In contrast, earlier Noctua editions of Asus GPUs had shrouds that were almost black, with brown fans encircled by a bulkier beige rim. Moreover, while past models were dual-fan setups, the RTX 5080 boasts a triple-fan configuration.

    Performance Specs

    Regarding specifications, with its overclocking mode, the GPU can hit speeds of up to 2,730 MHz, placing it in the mid-range of Asus’s RTX 5080 offerings. It is equipped with three Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 120 mm fans that rest atop a specially designed vapor chamber and a large fin array. Similar to other RTX 5080 models, the Noctua variant employs a phase-change GPU thermal pad for effective heat management. It also features a 0dB technology that activates the fans only under specific load conditions.

    Size and Compatibility

    On the size front, the Asus GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 Noctua OC Edition is quite a hefty graphics card, occupying four slots. It measures 385x151x80 mm, making it thicker than the ROG Astral series and significantly bulkier than the ProArt RTX 5080. Unlike the ProArt model, the Noctua edition does not include a USB Type-C port.

    At the moment, details regarding the pricing and availability of the Asus GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 Noctua OC Edition remain uncertain.

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    Asus and Noctua Collaborate for Quiet RTX 5080 Graphics CardAsus and Noctua Collaborate for Quiet RTX 5080 Graphics CardAsus and Noctua Collaborate for Quiet RTX 5080 Graphics Card