Category: Gaming

March 7, 2025
Battlefield Playtest Footage Leaks Show Major Game Changes
Key Takeaways
1. Gameplay Leak: A participant leaked gameplay from EA’s Battlefield Labs playtest on Twitch, violating the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
2. Improved Destruction Mechanics: The leaked footage showcases enhanced destruction features in urban combat, addressing player feedback on previous games.
3. Positive Player Reactions: Players have positively compared the leaked content to Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4, noting improvements in gameplay mechanics.
4. Fan Frustration: Some fans are frustrated over the NDA breach, fearing it could lead to stricter future playtest participation rules.
5. Potential Consequences for Leaker: EA may take legal action or impose bans on the leaker, though the widespread nature of the leak complicates containment efforts.
Electronic Arts’ (EA) Battlefield Labs playtest kicked off today with a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place, but a major leak has already occurred. One of the participants, known as anto_merguezz, streamed the gameplay on Twitch, exposing confidential details that were meant to be kept secret. This footage, along with others, quickly circulated on platforms such as Reddit and Twitter, giving an early glimpse at what seems to be a revival of classic Battlefield features, complete with enhanced destruction and movement mechanics.
Intense Urban Combat
The leaked gameplay reveals fierce urban battles in a tightly packed map. The destruction mechanics look to be significantly improved in real-time, which is something that players have long been asking for after the less destructible environments seen in Battlefield 2042.
Positive Reception and Comparisons
A Reddit post showcasing the leaked footage has gained significant traction, with players noting resemblances to Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4, especially in terms of map design and gunplay. Some comments emphasized the fluid transition from sprinting to standing, a feature missing in earlier games. Many also observed that the interface seems to merge aspects from Battlefield 5 and Battlefield 4 but some felt it appeared cluttered. Nevertheless, the overall response thus far seems to be quite positive.
Frustration Among Fans
Despite the excitement, some players are understandably annoyed. Numerous fans who signed up for the playtest but weren’t selected worry that NDA breaches might lead to tighter restrictions or fewer chances to participate in future tests. EA hasn’t released an official statement about the leak yet, but if historical trends hold, the leaker could face repercussions ranging from bans to legal measures.
Traditionally, publishers have removed leaked content using DMCA takedown notices, but considering how far the material has spread, it might be too late to completely contain it. For now, fans are analyzing every single frame of the leaked video.
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Tags: Battlefield Labs, Electronic Arts, gameplay leak
March 7, 2025
Death Stranding 2 Release Date and Pre-Order Details Leaked
Key Takeaways
1. An announcement for the release date of Death Stranding 2 is expected soon, according to leaker billbil-kun.
2. The game will have two editions: a Standard Edition priced at €79.99/$69.99 and a Collector’s Edition at $229.99, with the Standard Edition including a physical disc.
3. Hideo Kojima will host a panel at SXSW on March 9th, 2025, potentially revealing the release date for Death Stranding 2.
4. Kojima confirmed that Death Stranding 2 is scheduled for a 2025 launch and teased a new trailer.
5. The game will feature “social strand gameplay,” allowing players to impact the environment and assist others in their journeys.
The 2019 game Death Stranding presented a strange plot with many enigmas that continue to baffle some players. After hinting at it during last year’s State of Play, fans have been eagerly waiting for further information about a potential sequel. Well-known leaker billbil-kun anticipates that an announcement regarding the release date for Death Stranding 2 will come out very soon. On the French site Dealabs, billbil-kun also shared details about pre-orders, including pricing information.
Pricing and Editions
As for the Beached-Things creatures from the first game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach may initially be exclusive to PS5. Dealabs disclosed that consumers will have the option to choose between a Standard Edition priced at €79.99/$69.99 or a more expensive Collector’s Edition at $229.99. The Standard Edition, which is the more affordable option, will have a physical disc available.
Cast and Events
Hideo Kojima put together a star-studded cast for Death Stranding, featuring notable voice actors and motion capture talents. Among these stars are Norman Reedus, best known for his role in The Walking Dead, and Troy Baker. On Sunday, March 9th, 2025, Kojima will lead a panel at SXSW that includes both actors. Given the latest leak from billbil-kun, it seems plausible that a release date for Death Stranding 2 could be revealed at this event.
What to Expect
Despite many aspects of Death Stranding 2 remaining a mystery, Kojima did provide a sneak peek during the 2024 Tokyo Game Show. After showcasing some footage, the creator of Metal Gear stated that the game is on schedule for a 2025 launch. Recently, Kojima also posted a photo of himself working on a new trailer, further building anticipation.
A recent update on the Death Stranding 2 page on the PlayStation Store provided fresh insights into the game. Sony highlighted the concept of social strand gameplay, a distinctive feature from the original title. As players navigate through a desolate open world, their actions leave a lasting impact on the environment. Other players on different journeys can take advantage of the structures or cargo that have been left behind.
If the first installment serves as any indication, it’s possible that players on other platforms will eventually get to enjoy Death Stranding 2. The original game made its way to PC in 2020, and Sony has been actively porting more PS5 games to the PC since then. Additionally, the Director’s Cut of Death Stranding was released on Xbox in November.
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Tags: Death Stranding 2, Hideo Kojima, PS5
March 7, 2025
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and 9900X3D Price and Release Date Confirmed
Key Takeaways
1. AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D processors will launch on March 12, 2025, with pricing approximately $100-$120 higher than their predecessors.
2. The increase in price is justified by improved performance and the addition of extra 3D V-cache, despite current inventory challenges for AMD.
3. The Ryzen 9 models do not feature 3D V-cache on both CCDs, possibly giving the Ryzen 7 9800X3D a performance edge.
4. Performance improvements in the new Ryzen 9 CPUs come from upgraded Zen 5 cores and a unique reverse CCD design.
5. Both Ryzen 9 models have the potential to lead the gaming processor market, especially with Intel’s Arrow Lake lagging behind.
AMD has disclosed significant information concerning its premium Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D Zen 5 desktop processors. During their CES 2025 showcase, AMD shared nearly all details except for the pricing and launch dates. Now, we have that information: they are set to be available on March 12 at the following prices.
Pricing Overview
The new models come at a price that is roughly $100 higher than the Ryzen 9 9950X and $120 more than the Ryzen 9 9900X. This increase is reasonable, considering the similar performance levels and the addition of extra 3D V-cache. However, AMD faces a significant challenge with inventory. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is still difficult to find in various markets, leading to concerns about whether AMD can provide enough Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D units to satisfy gamers eager to pair them with their new Radeon RX 9070 XT/RX 9070.
Performance Expectations
Neither of the Ryzen 9 models features a 3D V-cache on both CCDs, which means that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D might have an advantage over its Ryzen 9 siblings, similar to what we saw in the Ryzen 7000 series. Most of the performance improvements for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D will stem from their upgraded Zen 5 cores and the unique reverse CCD design. Although, this design, when paired with favorable outcomes from the silicon lottery, could enable overclockers to squeeze out more performance from their Zen 5 chips. With Intel’s Arrow Lake trailing far behind, both CPUs have the potential to dominate as the leading gaming processors of this generation, a title AMD is likely to hold for a while.
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Tags: amd, Ryzen 9 9900X3D, Ryzen 9 9950X3D
March 7, 2025
LG Launches 4K UltraGear Gaming Monitor with webOS Smart TV
Key Takeaways
1. The LG UltraGear 32G810SA is a 32-inch gaming monitor that features a built-in webOS interface, allowing it to function as a TV replacement with access to various apps.
2. It utilizes In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology with a 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), a 144 Hz refresh rate, and a 1 ms GtG response time, making it suitable for gaming.
3. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for variable refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience.
4. It offers a peak brightness of 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, along with multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet and USB Type-C with 65 W Power Delivery.
5. Pricing for the UltraGear 32G810SA varies significantly, listed at $1,299.99 on LG’s official website but available for $799.99 on Amazon.
LG has introduced a new 32-inch gaming monitor for those who prefer not to opt for OLED displays. Similar to many of their recent UltraGear OLED gaming models, the UltraGear 32G810SA can also double as a television replacement due to its built-in webOS interface. This feature, found in their Smart TV range, allows users to access numerous applications, including popular gaming and streaming services.
Display and Performance
According to LG, the UltraGear 32G810SA features a 31.5-inch panel utilizing In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, which has a native resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels (4K). The monitor also supports a 144 Hz refresh rate and boasts a 1 ms GtG response time. Additionally, it is compatible with both AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync variable refresh rate technologies.
Brightness and Connectivity
Furthermore, the UltraGear 32G810SA provides peak brightness of 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. It includes various ports, such as Ethernet and USB Type-C, which supports 65 W Power Delivery. However, the pricing is one aspect that might confuse potential buyers of LG’s latest IPS gaming monitor. On the official website, the monitor is listed at $1,299.99, but it cannot be ordered directly from there. In contrast, a search on Amazon shows that the same monitor is available for only $799.99. For more technical specifications, please refer to LG’s website.
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Tags: 4K IPS Monitor, LG Gaming Monitor, UltraGear 32G810SA
March 7, 2025
AMD Responds to RX 9070 Series MSRP Issues Amid Retail Stock Drop
Key Takeaways
1. AMD is working with partners to maintain MSRP prices for the RX 9070 series GPUs, despite rumors of potential price increases after initial stock sells out.
2. The price of AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT will be influenced by supply and demand, with AMD needing to ensure adequate stock to keep prices stable.
3. AMD’s stock availability appears to be better than Nvidia’s during the RTX 5000 series launch, with more RX 9070 models available at retailers.
4. A comparison showed that while AMD’s RX 9070 GPUs are in stock at Micro Center, Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 models are sold out.
5. Online demand for AMD cards remains high, with reports of order cancellations due to stock shortages, making platforms like Amazon a good option for mid-range gamers.
Yesterday, after the introduction of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs, which we have reviewed, rumors and leaks surfaced suggesting that AMD might raise the MSRP of the RDNA 4 GPUs once the initial retail stock was sold out. However, new details indicate this might not be true—though it doesn’t mean that prices won’t rise in the future.
Stock Replenishment Efforts
Frank Azor from AMD has stated that the company is collaborating with its add-in-board partners to restock retailers. Despite the high demand, he noted that “MSRP pricing (not including region specific tariffs and/or taxes) will continue to be encouraged,” even after the launch. This implies that the suggested prices for AMD’s RX 9070 series are likely to remain stable, yet there is still room for potential price hikes from retailers and AIBs.
Supply and Demand Dynamics
Currently, it appears that the price of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT will be dictated by supply and demand. This suggests that the only way AMD can guarantee MSRP—or something close to it—is by ensuring there is a sufficient supply. In this aspect, AMD seems to be performing a bit better in keeping stores stocked compared to Nvidia during the launch of the RTX 5000 series.
Stock Comparisons
An amusing Reddit post highlighted that the Micro Center in Illinois had 170 RX 9070 GPUs and 440 RX 9070 XT units available, whereas Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 were completely sold out, with only seven RTX 5090s and 10 RTX 5070s on the shelves. Conversely, online retailers have witnessed much greater demand, as many users in the r/PCMasterrace subreddit and on X have reported order cancellations due to a shortage of stock and increasing demand.
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Tags: amd, GPU Pricing, RX 9070
March 7, 2025
Post-Apocalyptic FPS with Stunning Visuals Now 75% Off on Steam
Key Takeaways
1. Metro Exodus is the latest installment in the Metro series, continuing the story from Metro Last Light and available at a 75% discount on Steam.
2. To fully enjoy Metro Exodus, it’s recommended to play Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light first; a bundled deal for all three games offers an 85% discount.
3. The gameplay features a somewhat open world where players guide a train through different regions, with a concealed morality system affecting endings and companion outcomes.
4. The Gold Edition includes two DLC packs, The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story, which provide additional gameplay and character backstory but are not essential to the main plot.
5. Metro Exodus has modest system requirements, and players with RTX cards can experience enhanced graphics with the separate Enhanced Edition included in the Steam bundle.
There’s a wide variety of post-apocalyptic games available today. Among them, Metro, inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, stands tall alongside titles like Fallout, even though it has fewer installments. The newest (and possibly final) addition to the series, Metro Exodus, is currently available with a 75% discount on Steam.
Continuation of the Story
Metro Exodus continues the storyline from 2014’s Metro Last Light. To fully appreciate the narrative, it’s better to play Metro Last Light and Metro 2033 first. If you have the time, you’re in luck! There’s a bundle with all three games that has also been marked down by 85%.
Gameplay Experience
In Metro Exodus, you explore a somewhat open world, traveling from one region to another as you attempt to guide your train through different sections of the game’s universe. The game features a concealed morality system that influences the ending you receive and the outcomes for various companions you meet along the way.
Additional Content
The Gold Edition grants you access to two downloadable content packs: The Two Colonels and Sam’s Story. These expansions delve deeper into the backgrounds of two of your companions, adding several hours of gameplay each. While they aren’t crucial to the main plot, they provide some closure for players seeking to resolve lingering questions.
Metro Exodus has fairly modest system requirements (Core i7-4470K, GTX 1070/RX Vega 56, 8 GB RAM), but players with more powerful RTX cards can enjoy the game with full ray tracing through its Enhanced Edition. This version requires a separate installation from the standard game due to its improved textures, and it’s included in the Steam bundle.
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Tags: GTX 1070, Metro Exodus, Steam
March 7, 2025
Retroid Pocket Classic Offers Superior Display Over Ayaneo & Analogue
Key Takeaways
1. Retroid announced details about the Pocket Classic, including display specs and color options.
2. The Pocket Classic features a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and a 5:4 aspect ratio.
3. It offers a brightness level of 500 nits, surpassing the Pocket DMG’s 400 nits.
4. An optional six-button version, called the ‘Classic 6,’ is available for the Pocket Classic.
5. It’s expected that the Pocket Classic may use the same chipsets as the Pocket Flip 2, likely the Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865.
Retroid has shared more details about the Pocket Classic, following their previous announcements about solving display issues with the Pocket Mini. They showed additional render images of the Pocket Classic and introduced its color choices, along with an optional six-button version.
Display Specifications
The company has confirmed the display specs for the Pocket Classic, which we have included below. The device will feature a 3.92-inch AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and an effective aspect ratio of 5:4 (1.15:1). In comparison, the Analogue Pocket, currently priced at $320 on Amazon, comes with a 3.5-inch LCD that offers a higher resolution of 1,600 x 1,440 pixels and a 1.11:1 aspect ratio.
Brightness Capabilities
Additionally, the Pocket Classic is designed to reach a brightness level of 500 nits, outperforming the Pocket DMG’s 400 nits. This gives the Pocket Classic a 25% edge in brightness, although Analogue does not provide peak brightness figures for the Pocket on its website.
While Retroid currently associates these specifications specifically with the six-button ‘Classic 6’ variant, we believe they will likely apply to all models. As for other features of the Pocket Classic, we still don’t have much information; however, it wouldn’t be surprising if Retroid includes the same Dimensity 1100 and Snapdragon 865 chipsets that are found in the Pocket Flip 2.
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Tags: AMOLED display, Pocket Classic, Retroid
March 7, 2025
GTA 6 Delay Fears Grow After New Rockstar Announcement
Key Takeaways
1. GTA 6 is expected to release in late 2025, but an unverified claim suggests a September 17 release.
2. Rockstar Games recently acquired Video Games Deluxe, raising questions about its impact on GTA 6’s development and release timeline.
3. Fans are speculating that the studio expansion may lead to a remaster of an earlier GTA game to maintain player interest until GTA 6 launches.
4. There are concerns about potential delays for GTA 6, given Rockstar’s history of postponing major releases.
5. Despite speculation about remasters, there are no official announcements confirming delays for GTA 6 at this time.
GTA 6 is now expected to be released in late 2025. An untrustworthy online seller has stated that the game will come out on September 17, but Rockstar Games hasn’t verified that information yet. While fans are waiting for the second trailer, Rockstar has been quiet about any game details. Recent news has sparked worries that the much-anticipated launch might be delayed until 2026.
Speculations About Studio Expansion
Instead of giving out fresh information regarding GTA 6, Rockstar Games revealed on March 3, 2025, its acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, which is now called Rockstar Australia. This raises some important questions: Is this studio expansion aimed at helping with GTA 6’s development or could it potentially postpone the game’s release? The Australian studio is familiar with Rockstar, having worked on the VR adaptation of L.A. Noire and the mobile version of GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
Fans’ Theories on Remasters
On Reddit, some users are theorizing that Rockstar’s purchase of Video Games Deluxe has a certain goal – to create a remaster of GTA to keep players interested until GTA 6 is out. Many think this could suggest a remaster of GTA 4, which is considered one of the top games in the series. In this light, a delay for GTA 6 wouldn’t come as a shock. Rockstar has a pattern of last-minute delays, having postponed both Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 in the past.
Caution Around Remaster Projects
However, others argue that Rockstar likely wouldn’t invest in a major remaster project at this point in GTA 6’s timeline. Some also mention that the last significant remaster, GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, was met with mixed reviews, making Rockstar more careful about similar ventures. The studio’s acquisition could simply bolster GTA 6’s development or perhaps even suggest the possibility of L.A. Noire 2. For the time being, worries about a delay are merely speculation, and there are no official indicators that GTA 6’s release will be postponed.
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Tags: GTA 6, Rockstar Games, Video Games Deluxe
March 7, 2025
New Sandbox MMO with Terraforming Launches in Early Access Soon
Key Takeaways
1. BitCraft Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in a vast, open world where players can significantly alter the environment through terraforming.
2. The game features 12 professions with 10 levels each, focusing on crafting, trading, and survival rather than traditional combat.
3. Players will interact in a single, continuous world without separate servers, enhancing social dynamics and cooperation.
4. The game’s art style is reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, featuring a unique, comic-like aesthetic.
5. BitCraft Online is entering Early Access on May 29, 2025, with a starting price of $30, and will eventually be available for free.
BitCraft Online is an anticipated sandbox MMORPG that takes place in a huge, open world where players can completely alter their environment. Users can change rivers, flatten hills, and construct entire cities; the terraforming feature offers almost unlimited options. Unlike conventional MMOs, BitCraft will operate on a single, continuous world without separate servers, allowing all players to interact in the same space.
Character Progression and Gameplay
In BitCraft, character advancement is based on 12 distinct professions, each having 10 levels of progression. This lets players focus on areas like crafting, trading, or survival. Combat is not the main attraction here; rather, survival aspects such as gathering food, changing weather conditions, and the threat from wildlife add layers of difficulty. Additionally, the game boasts a robust crafting system along with an economy driven by players. Aesthetically, BitCraft has a uniquely styled, comic-like look, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For a sneak peek, check out the Early Access trailer.
Release Information
Clockwork Laboratories, the developer, initially introduced BitCraft Online in September 2021. Almost four years later, the sandbox MMORPG is set to enter Early Access on May 29, 2025, with a starting cost of $30. While the date for full release is not yet specified, the game will eventually be available for free. Meanwhile, players can already put BitCraft on their wishlist on Steam.
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Tags: BitCraft Online, Early Access, sandbox MMORPG
March 7, 2025
MSI Addresses Nvidia RTX 5090 Recall Rumors About Fire Hazards
Key Takeaways
1. Customers are anxious about reports of melting power connectors and unusable RTX 5090 GPUs.
2. Speculations about a recall arose after a retailer claimed previous units had been recalled due to fire hazards.
3. MSI denied any ongoing recall and criticized the retailer for spreading misinformation.
4. The RTX 5090 has faced scrutiny, with issues of overheating and performance problems reported.
5. Despite these concerns, the RTX 5090 remains highly sought after, making order cancellations frustrating for buyers.
Nvidia RTX 5090 customers have been feeling anxious due to reports of melting power connectors and GPUs becoming unusable. A chat that KitGuru had with one buyer suggested that MSI was looking to recall the card due to safety worries. However, the retailer that sold the RTX 5090 later claimed the confusion was due to a communication error. MSI has now addressed the matter, quelling any thoughts of a recall.
Recall Speculations
The rumors about a recall started when a customer bought an MSI RTX 5090 Suprim from a retailer in the Netherlands. Before the graphics card could be shipped, Uw Game Specialist told the customer that they could no longer fulfill the order. Customer support mentioned that five previous units of the GPU had been recalled due to potential fire hazards. KitGuru verified that the order was real, but the CEO of the store found no proof of such an email.
MSI’s Response
Even though the RTX 5090 eventually reached the customer, this incident caught MSI’s eye. The company criticized Uw Game Specialist for spreading harmful claims and pointed out that it was not an official partner. MSI made it clear that there is no ongoing recall for the Nvidia Blackwell GPU.
Despite MSI’s reassurances, the RTX 5090 continues to face regular scrutiny. Owners of the RTX 4090 already experienced melting power connectors, which led to a switch to 12V-2×6 alternatives. Sadly, this has not stopped similar issues with the new GPU. In some cases, overheating graphics cards instead of the cables have caused failures. Additionally, certain RTX 5090 models have been produced without some ROPs, resulting in lower performance.
Ongoing Issues
The RTX 5090 is still the most talked-about GPU in the 50-series, in spite of these problems. Although many of Nvidia’s latest graphics cards are hard to find, the RTX 5090 is also rarely in stock. For a buyer who finally finds the card, having their order canceled for any reason can be a real nightmare.
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Tags: MSI, Nvidia RTX 5090, power connectors