Category: Gaming

  • RX 9070 XT Prices Drop as Demand Decreases for Patient Gamers

    RX 9070 XT Prices Drop as Demand Decreases for Patient Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is nearing its suggested retail price of $599 after a five-month period.
    2. Initial market prices for the RX 9070 XT exceeded expectations due to high demand and limited MSRP cards.
    3. Demand for the RX 9070 XT has decreased, leading to prices approaching $600 for some AIB cards.
    4. Retail prices for the RX 9070 XT vary widely, with some listings still above $700.
    5. Future price drops are likely as demand fades and new GPU models from Nvidia and AMD are expected soon.

    While it took about 5 months, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is finally nearing its suggested retail price of $599. When AMD launched this card in March, the RX 9070 XT was expected to be the best graphics card deal on the market, especially since its competitor, the RTX 5070 Ti, was priced much higher at $749.

    Pricing Issues

    Unfortunately, the RX 9070 XT didn’t achieve the success AMD hoped for, as the actual market price was far from the $599 figure they announced. This wasn’t because of any shortage on AMD’s side; reports suggested they had plenty of RX 9070 XT cards ready. The ongoing rise in the RX 9070 XT’s price might’ve been due to demand significantly surpassing supply, along with a smaller number of MSRP RX 9070 XT compared to non-MSRP AIB cards.

    Demand Decrease

    It appears that the demand for the RX 9070 XT has dropped enough that AIB cards are finally approaching the $600 mark. Data shared by TechEpiphany on X reveals a decline in price for the ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend. The card is now priced near $600.

    This trend aligns with current GPU prices at retailers like Best Buy, where the RX 9070 XT has been available for significantly under $700. Nevertheless, there are still many RX 9070 XT cards that are excessively priced. For example, the lowest priced RX 9070 XT on Newegg is around $699.99, whereas Amazon lists it for about $719.99.

    Future Price Predictions

    According to TechEpiphany, this drop in RX 9070 XT street prices is attributed to a “fade” in demand. If this is accurate, prices might continue to decrease, especially since Nvidia and AMD are expected to roll out additional GPU models by the end of this year.

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    RX 9070 XT Prices Drop as Demand Decreases for Patient Gamers
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  • Mangmi Air X: Affordable Hall Effect Retro Gaming Handheld Unveiled

    Mangmi Air X: Affordable Hall Effect Retro Gaming Handheld Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mangmi has announced its first gaming handheld, the Air X, with no confirmed release date yet.
    2. The Air X features a 5.5-inch IPS screen with 1080p resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 450 nits peak brightness.
    3. It includes Hall effect joysticks, triggers, a 6-axis gyroscope, 4 GB of RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor.
    4. The starting price for the Air X in China is CNY 499 (approximately $70).
    5. A setup video on Bilibili shows the Air X is wider than the TrimUI Smart Pro, but international availability is still unknown.

    Just a little over a week ago, Mangmi revealed its first gaming handheld. Although the company hasn’t announced a release date yet, it has provided the pricing for the Air X, which will be available in China when it launches.

    Display Details

    To summarize, the Mangmi Air X features a 5.5-inch IPS screen with a native 1080p resolution, a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display is said to reach a peak brightness of 450 nits, making it brighter than many low-cost gaming handhelds and even some pricier models like the Anbernic RG557.

    Specs and Pricing

    In addition, the Mangmi Air X comes with Hall effect joysticks and triggers, as well as a 6-axis gyroscope. While these features are typically found in higher-end gaming handhelds, Mangmi has opted for 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, all powered by a 5,000 mAh battery to keep the price lower. The company has confirmed that the starting price for the Air X in China will be CNY 499, which is about $70 at the current exchange rate.

    Setup Insights

    Mangmi also shared a setup video on Bilibili featuring the Air X. In this video, it’s clear that the Air X is a bit wider than the TrimUI Smart Pro (currently priced at $86.99 on Amazon), even though it has significantly more power. However, there’s still no information on when it will be available internationally.

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    Mangmi Air X: Affordable Hall Effect Retro Gaming Handheld Unveiled
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  • Krafton Takes Over Leadership for Subnautica 2 Early Access Release

    Krafton Takes Over Leadership for Subnautica 2 Early Access Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Krafton has removed the founding leadership of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, including co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, and CEO Ted Gill.
    2. Steve Papoutsis, former head of Striking Distance Studios, is the new CEO and will lead the creative vision for the studio.
    3. The leadership change raises concerns about the future direction of Subnautica 2, which is set for early access in 2025.
    4. Fans are expressing dissatisfaction and worry about the impact on the franchise without the original creators in leadership roles.
    5. Krafton reassured that the team is focused on delivering a great player experience for the Subnautica community.

    In a surprising turn of events, publisher Krafton has removed the entire founding leadership group from Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the creators behind the Subnautica series. This change is immediate, with co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, alongside CEO Ted Gill, being succeeded by Steve Papoutsis. Papoutsis is known for his role as the former head of Striking Distance Studios and his involvement in The Callisto Protocol and Dead Space 2.

    Concerns Over Subnautica 2

    This announcement comes just a few months prior to the much-anticipated early access launch of Subnautica 2, leading to worries about the game’s future and guidance. No specific reasons were provided for this leadership change, although Krafton stated it “sought to keep” the original team engaged in the project.

    Krafton expressed gratitude for the contributions of Ted, Charlie, and Max in cultivating the beloved Subnautica universe. The statement did not specify why the decision was made, but it mentioned that the company wishes them well in their future endeavors. “While Krafton sought to keep the Unknown Worlds’ co-founders and original creators of the Subnautica series involved in the game’s development, the company wishes them well on their next endeavors,” the announcement said.

    New Leadership and Vision

    Steve Papoutsis is now taking charge as the new CEO of Unknown Worlds, responsible for leading the creative vision of the studio. “Player experience is our North Star,” he stated in the announcement. “The team is laser-focused on delivering the best possible game for the Subnautica community.”

    Krafton reassured that Subnautica 2 is still set for an early access release in 2025 on PC as well as Xbox Series X and S, and it will also be available on Xbox Game Pass.

    Fan Reactions and Concerns

    However, fans are wondering how much of the original vision will remain without the founding team in leadership positions. Many are expressing their discontent with the sudden shift in power, suggesting that it could jeopardize the franchise’s future.

    “Not to be dramatic, but this is probably the end of the franchise,” one user remarked on the Subnautica subreddit. Numerous comments on that thread echoed similar feelings. “I wanted to play a game by the people that made Subnautica, and their leadership just got fired,” another user commented. “It does not inspire confidence. But real talk, they fired 3 top-level employees and replaced them with 1. The labor savings are what justified this in the eyes of the corporation,” said yet another user.

    For the time being, Subnautica fans can only wish that the remaining development team has enough stability and freedom to create the sequel they have been eagerly awaiting.

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  • Upcoming Free Games on Epic Games Store Revealed Early

    Upcoming Free Games on Epic Games Store Revealed Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sable is currently free on the Epic Games Store, with a total of $40 in free games available from July 03 to July 10.
    2. Two new free games will be available from July 10 to July 17, including Figment 2: Creed Valley, which focuses on music and features mind-bending puzzles and boss battles.
    3. Figment 2: Creed Valley is priced at $24.99 normally and has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.
    4. The second upcoming free game, Sky Racket, is a unique title that combines block breaker and shoot ’em up elements, where players use a laser racket to bounce projectiles.
    5. Sky Racket features a co-op mode, supports controllers, and is typically priced at $14.99 with a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.

    Sable can be played for free on the Epic Games Store right now, and starting from July 03 at 15:00 UTC, users can claim a total of $40 in free games. This second giveaway of the month will be active until July 10. After this period, a new leak from MeguminShiro has provided some insights into what’s next.

    Upcoming Free Games

    According to the trustworthy source, the Epic Games Store will have two free games available from July 10 to July 17. One of these games is Figment 2: Creed Valley. This action-adventure title continues the narrative from the first game, and the exciting news is that Figment will be free to play on the platform from July 03 to July 10.

    Game Features

    Figment 2: Creed Valley keeps players in the same universe as its predecessor, focusing heavily on music as a gameplay element. Similar to the first game, this new title features mind-bending puzzles and many boss battles, each with its unique theme song.

    Another neat feature of the game is the ability to switch between two different states. Each state changes the environment, providing fresh ways to advance through the story. Figment 2: Creed Valley is priced at $24.99 when not on sale and has a “Very Positive” rating from players on Steam.

    Additional Leaks

    The leak from MeguminShiro also reveals that the third giveaway will include a game called Sky Racket, touted as the world’s first Shmup Breaker. This unique title combines elements from block breaker games and shoot ’em ups, which means players can’t attack enemies directly.

    In this upcoming free title on Epic Games Store, players must use their laser tennis racket to bounce back projectiles fired by foes. This combat style is said to create an engaging battlefield that resembles a fast-paced match of space tennis.

    Sky Racket also includes a co-op mode and supports controllers (EasySMX X10 currently priced at $26.99 on Amazon), allowing friends to team up. When not discounted, this action-packed game is typically available for $14.99 and has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam. For further insights about these upcoming free games, check out the videos below.

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  • AMD and Nvidia 16 GB GPUs Outperform 8 GB Models in Sales

    AMD and Nvidia 16 GB GPUs Outperform 8 GB Models in Sales

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD claims most gamers do not need more than 8 GB of VRAM, yet many prefer 16 GB versions despite higher prices.
    2. Sales data shows a significant preference for 16 GB models over 8 GB models for both Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti and AMD’s Radeon RX 9060 XT.
    3. The 16 GB RTX 5060 Ti models sold hundreds of units, while 8 GB versions sold only 30 to 50 units.
    4. The 16 GB Radeon RX 9060 XT sold over 290 units, compared to only 5 to 10 units for the 8 GB version.
    5. Gamers are pushing for lower prices on 8 GB GPUs, as many believe 8 GB is inadequate for resolutions above 1080p.

    AMD has stated that the majority of gamers do not require more than 8 GB of VRAM. Both Nvidia and AMD have launched GPUs featuring 8 GB of VRAM in their latest generation lineup. However, it appears that gamers are leaning towards the 16 GB versions, even though they come with a higher price tag. A German retailer has shown proof of this trend through the sales of the RTX 5060 Ti and the Radeon RX 9060 XT.

    Sales Disparities

    Mindfactory has shared its product listings along with the number of units sold. When examining the sales for the RTX 5060 Ti, there is a noticeable and significant difference between the sales of the 16 GB model and the 8 GB model. The same pattern holds true for the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU. For Nvidia, the Palit RTX 5060 Ti Infinity 3 with 16 GB VRAM, which is among the most affordable options, has sold over 840 units, while the Palit RTX 5060 Ti Dual with 8 GB VRAM has only moved around 30 to 40 units. Likewise, the MSI RTX 5060 Ti Ventus 2X OC Plus 16 GB saw more than 450 units sold, while the 8 GB version lags behind in sales at about 40 to 50 units.

    AMD’s Performance

    In AMD’s case, the XFX RX 9060 XT Switch OC 16 GB has sold more than 290 units, whereas the 8 GB version has only sold around five to ten units. This trend is consistent across all partner Radeon RX 9060 XT GPUs. It indicates that customers are willing to pay an additional $50 to $70 for the higher VRAM option.

    Market Considerations

    It’s important to highlight that this data comes from just one retailer and may not reflect the overall market situation. Nevertheless, gamers have recognized the shortcomings of 8 GB VRAM, especially at resolutions that exceed 1080p. AMD’s reasoning behind the 8 GB VRAM GPUs is that most gamers still play at 1080p. However, this has been challenged by fans who are urging the company to lower the prices of these GPUs. The RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB is priced at an MSRP of $379, while the Radeon RX 9060 XT 8 GB comes with an MSRP of $300.

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  • PlayStation User Faces Permanent Suspension Without Prior Issues

    PlayStation User Faces Permanent Suspension Without Prior Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. A PSN user reported a permanent ban without prior warning or explanation, sparking discussions about Sony’s suspension procedures.
    2. The user shared a screenshot showing no prior moderation actions in the last six months, raising concerns about transparency.
    3. Many community members shared similar experiences, often linked to chargebacks, account hacks, or logging in from different locations.
    4. Users in Europe suggested filing Subject Access Requests (SAR) under GDPR, while U.S. users pointed to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for escalation.
    5. The incident highlighted users’ frustration over limited control of digital purchases and the lack of clear communication from Sony regarding bans.

    A PSN user has reported that their account was permanently banned without any prior warning. They shared a screenshot that allegedly indicates no moderation actions have taken place in the previous six months. This post was made by a Reddit user known as u/Buff_Baby_22 in the r/playstation subreddit. It has quickly attracted attention and ignited a broader conversation regarding Sony’s suspension procedures and the transparency of their customer support.

    Screenshot Details

    The screenshot, which is claimed to be from Sony’s official support site, displays a “Permanently Suspended” status along with a note stating, “Actions against you in the past 6 months: 0.” The user stated that the ban occurred without any prior notifications or explanations. When they tried to reach out to customer support, they allegedly received vague answers or were abruptly disconnected. In one case, a support representative supposedly refused to assist, citing “security reasons.”

    Community Reactions

    This post has gathered thousands of upvotes and prompted hundreds of comments, with many users recounting their own similar incidents. Some pointed out that sudden bans followed chargebacks or account hacks, while others mentioned that merely logging in from a different location could activate Sony’s automated suspension systems.

    In Europe, some users suggested filing Subject Access Requests (SAR) as per GDPR. This method has reportedly led to some bans being overturned in specific situations. Meanwhile, players in the U.S. pointed to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as a potential way to escalate the issue and initiate a manual review.

    Digital Purchase Control

    The incident has brought back focus on how limited control users have over their digital purchases, along with the unclear nature of platform moderation. Many users expressed their anger over losing access to bought games, cloud saves, and subscriptions, frequently without a transparent explanation or a way to contest the decision.

    This isn’t the first instance where PSN users have reported facing unexpected permanent bans without prior violations. Recently, several Reddit threads have emerged highlighting similar trends, with sudden bans occurring without warning, no email alerts, and scant support responses.

    In a post from December 2023, Reddit user u/igneeous stated that their PSN account was permanently suspended without any notice or explanation. The ban was lifted days later, but no details were provided. Another user, u/thotnothot, recounted a comparable experience in May 2023, reporting a suspension with no chargebacks or email notifications. Efforts to gain clarity from support were allegedly futile.

    As of now, the individual who shared the post has not mentioned receiving any response from Sony. Users who have faced similar bans are encouraging others to pursue official support channels rather than depending on automated chat responses that seem to lead nowhere.

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  • MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition Set to Launch AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme 2025

    MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition Set to Launch AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI’s Claw A8 is the company’s first AMD-based gaming handheld, marking a new direction in their product line.
    2. The Claw A8 is set to launch this summer, with an initial release likely limited to China.
    3. MSI will showcase the Claw A8 at BiliBiliWorld 2025 in Shanghai from July 11 to July 13.
    4. The handheld will debut with the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, positioning MSI ahead of competitors.
    5. Competing brands like Asus and Lenovo are also developing their own Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds, set for release later this year.

    MSI has shared more information about its upcoming gaming handheld after its debut at Computex 2025 in mid-May. The Claw A8 marks the company’s first venture into AMD-based gaming handhelds, ending months of conjecture about MSI’s decision to adopt Ryzen APUs.

    Release Timeline Unveiled

    Despite providing detailed specs back in May, MSI hadn’t indicated when the Claw A8 BZ2EM would hit the market. Now, known as the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition 2025, it includes impressive hardware components:

    Recently, MSI stated on Weibo that the Claw A8 is set to launch this summer. The company is planning to display this new gaming handheld at BiliBiliWorld 2025 in Shanghai, scheduled from July 11 to July 13. However, at this point, we think the summer launch is likely only for China, with other regions potentially waiting longer.

    AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Debut

    Moreover, MSI hinted that this handheld will be the first to feature the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. This means MSI is likely to get ahead of competitors like Asus and Lenovo, who are also working on their own Ryzen Z2 Extreme gaming handhelds, intended to replace the ROG Ally (currently priced at $549.98 – renewed on Amazon) and Legion Go, which are both coming out later this year.

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  • Dave the Diver Jungle DLC Delayed to 2026, Godzilla DLC Returns

    Dave the Diver Jungle DLC Delayed to 2026, Godzilla DLC Returns

    Key Takeaways

    1. The “In the Jungle” DLC for Dave the Diver has been delayed to early 2026 to include more features.
    2. Two limited-time DLCs, Godzilla and Ichiban’s Holiday, are now available permanently due to player feedback.
    3. The price of Ichiban’s Holiday has been reduced by 50% during the Steam Summer Sale, with promises of future discounts.
    4. A free upgrade for Dave the Diver is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, enhancing performance and stability.
    5. The game has launched on the Epic Games Store, expanding its reach to attract more PC gamers.

    Dave the Diver, the popular indie game where players dive underwater to create sushi, is marking its second year since launch. The developers at Mintrocket Studios took this chance to share what’s next for the game with its fanbase. In a 10-minute anniversary video, they revealed that the upcoming content update titled “In the Jungle” has been pushed back to early 2026.

    Delay Announcement

    “Even though we originally planned for late 2025, we may need to hold off until early 2026 to include more exciting features,” explained Hwang. “There are numerous cool concepts being discussed within the development team.”

    To provide some background, the announcement for Dave the Diver: In the Jungle was made during The Game Awards 2024. As the title implies, this downloadable content (DLC) will take players to land areas, not just underwater. The update is set to introduce a new region that includes an island village and a freshwater lake, where gamers can catch fish to create new sushi dishes.

    DLC Changes

    In a surprising turn of events, two previously limited-time DLCs, Godzilla and Ichiban’s Holiday, will now be available for an extended period. Both DLCs are back on digital stores and can be downloaded immediately. This change comes after players expressed dissatisfaction with the short availability of these content packs.

    “This wasn’t our goal at all, but we completely get where the feedback is coming from,” said Mintrocket’s studio leader, Jaeho Hwang. “We apologize to those who felt disappointed.”

    Moreover, the developers responded to concerns regarding the value of paid DLCs. Mintrocket has slashed the price of Ichiban’s Holiday by 50% during the ongoing Steam Summer Sale, and they have promised regular discounts in the future.

    Upcoming Upgrades

    Mintrocket has also revealed that Dave the Diver will get a free upgrade for the soon-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2. This upgraded version is expected to offer better performance, enhanced frame rates, and improved stability to fully utilize the new hardware’s features.

    “We’re working on delivering a smoother experience for the next-gen Nintendo platform,” Hwang stated. “We hope this will make diving and fishing even more fun.”

    On top of the console enhancements, Dave the Diver has debuted on the Epic Games Store, broadening its reach beyond Steam for the first time. This strategy aims to attract a larger audience, especially PC gamers who favor Epic’s platform or have store credits to use.

    Although the release of In the Jungle has been delayed, this DLC aims to present a complete original storyline, giving Mintrocket more freedom from third-party licensing restrictions. This means greater flexibility in terms of content, pricing, and availability, which is a positive shift for long-time fans.

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    Dave the Diver Jungle DLC Delayed to 2026, Godzilla DLC Returns
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  • Acer Predator GP30: 4TB RGB Gaming SSD at 2,000 MB/s

    Acer Predator GP30: 4TB RGB Gaming SSD at 2,000 MB/s

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Design: The Acer Predator GP30 SSD features a partly see-through front that showcases glowing RGB memory chips.

    2. Compact and Lightweight: Measuring 2.83 x 2.40 x 0.47 inches and weighing only 2.33 oz, it is one of the smallest and lightest external SSDs available.

    3. High-Speed Performance: Supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 with speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, making it ideal for gaming and compatible with multiple operating systems.

    4. Availability and Pricing: Launching first in China, the 1TB version is priced at $111, with 2TB and 4TB versions available for $209 and $348, respectively.

    5. Warranty: The SSD comes with a five-year warranty for added user assurance.

    The Acer Predator GP30 SSD is quite different from competitors like the Samsung T9 (starting at $129 on Amazon), mainly because of its unique look. Acer has designed it with a partly see-through front, giving users a glimpse of the memory chips on the mainboard. These chips light up with RGB colors when the SSD is connected to a computer.

    Compact and Lightweight Design

    Even with its eye-catching design, the Predator GP30 is compact, measuring 2.83 x 2.40 x 0.47 inches, making it one of the smaller external SSDs available. It weighs just 2.33 oz, which is impressively light. Additionally, the SSD supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2, enabling speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s for both reading and writing. Users can also connect it to USB-C ports that are compatible with older USB types, but the transfer speeds will be slower.

    High-Speed Performance

    Due to its high speed, the Predator GP30 is ideal for game storage, allowing users to play games without any significant delay in loading times. Acer claims that it works well with a variety of systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, and Sony’s PlayStation. However, it’s important to note that the PS5 only supports launching PS4 games directly from an external SSD. Acer backs the SSD with a five-year warranty for peace of mind.

    Availability and Pricing

    Initially, the Acer Predator GP30 SSD will be released in China. It will come with 1TB of storage priced at about $111, while the 2TB version will be around $209. The highest capacity option of 4TB is set at $348, and there are plans for an even larger 8TB model to be released later on. Information about its global release is still awaited. More details on its specifications are available on the official product webpage.

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    Acer Predator GP30: 4TB RGB Gaming SSD at 2,000 MB/sAcer Predator GP30: 4TB RGB Gaming SSD at 2,000 MB/s

     

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  • Red Dead Online July 2 Update: Zombie Theme Revealed by Rockstar

    Red Dead Online July 2 Update: Zombie Theme Revealed by Rockstar

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rockstar Games has announced new content for Red Dead Online, indicating a possible revival of the game.
    2. Major updates for Red Dead Online were previously halted in 2022 to focus on Grand Theft Auto 6.
    3. GTA 6 is set to launch on May 26, 2026.
    4. The announcement has generated excitement and discussion within the gaming community.
    5. The news was shared by @videotechuk_ on X (formerly Twitter).

    In a bit of a unexpected twist, Rockstar Games has breathed new life into Red Dead Online. The company has revealed fresh content, suggesting a possible comeback for Red Dead Online, which many believed was completely finished.

    Previous Updates and Future Plans

    Previously, Rockstar Games had basically stopped major updates for Red Dead Online in 2022 to focus their efforts and talent on creating Grand Theft Auto 6, which is expected to launch on May 26, 2026.

    Community Buzz

    The news broke when @videotechuk_ posted on X (formerly Twitter) about Rockstar’s announcement regarding a new content update for Red Dead Online in a message to the community:

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