Category: Gaming

  • Xbox Game Pass Wave 2: Black Ops 6, MechWarrior 5 & More on Oct 16

    Xbox Game Pass Wave 2: Black Ops 6, MechWarrior 5 & More on Oct 16

    The latter part of October 2024 promises to be a thrilling time for Xbox Game Pass members, with Wave 2 introducing several exciting blockbusters and beloved titles. Leading the pack is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, set to launch on Day One for both Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass users on October 25. In addition, Modern Warfare III and Warzone will also be part of the lineup, ready for play on the same day across cloud, console, and PC platforms.

    Continuing the Adventures

    South Park: The Fractured but Whole is making its debut on October 16. This RPG picks up the chaotic journey of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, continuing from South Park: The Stick of Truth. It will be available for Game Pass Ultimate, PC, and cloud, and mixes humor with superhero narratives for a unique twist.

    Zombie Action Awaits

    Dead Island 2, a well-loved zombie-slaying game boasting a 73 Metacritic score, will hit PC Game Pass Ultimate on October 31. Set in a reimagined Los Angeles, players will face off against waves of undead in a thrilling, open-world environment.

    Tactical Mech Combat

    On October 17, players can look forward to MechWarrior 5: Clans. This title will be a Day One addition to Game Pass, allowing gamers to command a group of Smoke Jaguar pilots through strategic, action-filled missions. It will be available on cloud, console, and PC.

    Additional Titles and Departures

    Among other noteworthy titles, Ashen, StarCraft Remastered, and StarCraft II: Campaign Collection are scheduled for release on November 5. Meanwhile, several games will be leaving the Game Pass library on October 31, such as Frog Detective, Headbangers, and Lonely Mountain’s Downhill.

    This lineup shows that Xbox Game Pass continues to offer a diverse range of gaming experiences for its subscribers.

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  • Anbernic RG P01: Official 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth Wireless Controller

    Anbernic RG P01: Official 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth Wireless Controller

    Anbernic has announced all the details for its upcoming retro gaming handheld, the RG CubeXX. Typically, the company launches a new product every month, but this might not hold true for October. They have yet to confirm anything, and they also have not officially unveiled their first wireless controller, which is set to be named the RG P01.

    Design Inspiration and Features

    The RG P01 closely resembles the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C (currently priced at $29.99 on Amazon). In this way, the design of the RG P01 takes a lot from 8BitDo’s button configuration, including the four buttons next to Anbernic’s logo. However, unlike the Ultimate 2C, Anbernic’s logo does not function as an extra button.

    Connectivity and Functionality

    Additionally, the RG P01 features RGB backlit joysticks and vertical LED connection indicators. Anbernic’s first controller offers both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities, supporting a variety of devices such as Android, iOS, Steam, Switch, and Windows. It’s also noted that the RG P01 is equipped with two programmable macro buttons located on the back.

    Performance Uncertainties

    That being said, these buttons have not been highlighted in any promotional content so far. It remains unclear how well the controller’s d-pad will perform or what its latency will be when using 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth. Furthermore, Anbernic has not released any info regarding joystick dead zones or if they experience cardinal snapping, a problem seen in some of their previous retro gaming handhelds.

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  • Black Shark Unveils Gaming Keyboard: Triple Connectivity & RGB

    Black Shark Unveils Gaming Keyboard: Triple Connectivity & RGB

    Black Shark has introduced a new wireless gaming keyboard named BKB02 in China. The keyboard is available for purchase at 699 yuan ($98) on JD.com. Let’s dive into its main specifications.

    Key Features of Black Shark BKB02

    This gaming keyboard showcases an 84-key layout along with a sleek multimedia knob, enabling users to easily manage volume and other multimedia functions. It’s designed specifically for high-performance gaming, featuring Tesla Inductive Switches that use dual-directional active inductance, which guarantees stable and quick keypresses, regardless of environmental conditions. Users can adjust the actuation distance anywhere from 0.2mm to 3.3mm, making it suitable for both gaming and office tasks. It also boasts a low latency of 1ms, perfect for competitive gaming.

    Durability and Comfort

    The BKB02 is constructed with a five-layer Gasket structure that not only enhances its durability but also provides effective shock absorption and a quieter typing experience. It integrates Quick Trigger and Reset (RT) Technology for swift key activation, and it features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) and anti-ghosting capabilities, ensuring trouble-free gameplay. Additionally, it is fully hot-swappable, giving gamers the flexibility to customize their key switches as they desire.

    Connectivity and Aesthetics

    In terms of connectivity, this Black Shark Wireless Gaming Keyboard supports Wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth modes, making it compatible with a variety of devices. The keycaps are made of translucent pudding-style PBT material for better grip, and the keyboard has a black base highlighted with purple and blue accents for a mechanical-inspired look. Black Shark’s dedicated software allows users to customize key travel, lighting, and macros, appealing to gamers who value both practicality and aesthetics.

    Moreover, it features Neon RGB backlighting and a breathing Black Shark logo, which lets users personalize the lighting to match their style, adding a trendy touch to any gaming setup. Users can control the lighting with various modes and brightness levels using dedicated function key shortcuts.

    Battery Life and Package Contents

    The keyboard promises up to 120 hours of battery life, depending on the backlighting and connection mode. It comes with a USB-C port for easy C-to-C charging. Weighing in at 960g, it is designed for easy portability. The package includes the keyboard itself, a 2.4GHz receiver, a USB-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, along with a clear keyboard cover.

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  • Ayn Odin 2 Portal: Handheld Console with 7-Inch OLED on Indiegogo

    Ayn Odin 2 Portal: Handheld Console with 7-Inch OLED on Indiegogo

    Handheld device creator Ayn Technologies has launched a new campaign on Indiegogo for its latest handheld gaming console. Named the Ayn Odin 2 Portal, this device features some impressive improvements compared to the previous model, the Ayn Odin 2. One of the main highlights is its 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz display, a step up from the 6-inch screen of its predecessor. In terms of design, both consoles look quite alike, sharing the same layout for face buttons, joystick placement, and D-pad arrangement.

    Specs and Features

    Among the standout specs of the Ayn Odin 2 Portal is its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is about two generations old. This choice likely helps keep the cost reasonable. However, it still packs enough power to handle retro gaming, which is the main purpose of this console. Additionally, the handheld features Hall-effect joysticks, customizable buttons on the back, and a USB-C connection.

    What to Expect

    So far, Ayn hasn’t disclosed much information about the Odin 2 Portal. More specifics are expected to be revealed once the campaign officially begins. If you find this intriguing, you can register with your email on the Indiegogo page for the Ayn Odin 2 Portal to receive early bird promotions and pricing information.

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  • Nintendo’s Japan Museum Hints at Potential PC Emulation

    Nintendo’s Japan Museum Hints at Potential PC Emulation

    Nintendo has a strong position when it comes to emulation, and that is to avoid it entirely. The company has expressed this view multiple times, with the latest instance being the shutdown of Ryujinx, a Nintendo Switch emulator. Nintendo America put pressure on the lead developer of Ryujinx, which resulted in the removal of all downloads and the related GitHub repositories. However, that’s not the focus of this piece.

    New Museum Opening

    Recently, Nintendo inaugurated a new museum in Uji, Japan, which has seen such high demand that all tickets for the first two months sold out on its opening day, October 2, 2024. Interestingly, Twitter user @ChrisMack32 shared a video from the museum showing him unplugging a Nintendo Super Famicon controller, and the familiar Windows peripheral disconnection sound echoed through the speakers. Given Nintendo’s strong objections to emulation, this revelation was quite shocking, especially since it involved PC-based emulation, assuming the video’s authenticity.

    Social Media Reactions

    Naturally, reactions from social media users were not very forgiving. While some argued that Nintendo’s stance is mainly against third-party emulators, a majority pointed out the ‘hypocritical’ nature of Nintendo’s statements about emulation.

    On a different note, the Nintendo Switch is currently priced at $299 on Amazon, and you can find it here. If you’re interested in a renewed version, it is available at a lower price of $258, which is $41 less expensive.

    @ChrisMack32 via Game Rant on X/Twitter

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  • Everwild by Rare on Track After Setbacks and Reboot

    Everwild by Rare on Track After Setbacks and Reboot

    Since it was first teased with a brief trailer at XO19 in November 2019, Everwild has drawn the interest of many gamers. Rare, a studio famous for titles such as Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Sea of Thieves, has seemingly been working on Everwild since 2014.

    Development Journey

    A decade later, despite a few trailers showcasing stunning visuals and potential gameplay, the actual nature of Everwild remains unclear, and at times, the studio seemed unsure as well. However, it looks like Rare has finally cracked the code, and Everwild is said to be making good progress.

    Positive Updates

    The most recent insights about Everwild come from Jez Corden at Windows Central, who claims that the game’s development is “going well” and that the studio has “nailed the gameplay loop, and we should be seeing that in the future.” This news is significant for fans eager for fresh updates on Rare’s upcoming AAA intellectual property. The previously undefined gameplay loop might have been a major factor in why Everwild was stuck in developmental limbo. The situation was so problematic that the game reportedly underwent a complete reboot in 2021, aiming for a release in 2024.

    Future Expectations

    With 2024 approaching, Xbox has not disclosed any information about Everwild’s release date. Thus, it seems the game is still not in a state to be showcased, and it may take some time before we see the full launch. While it’s known that Everwild is anticipated to be a third-person action-adventure title, specific details about its gameplay remain elusive. Nevertheless, we can infer some elements based on the 2020 trailer.

    The game seems to focus on the player’s relationship with wildlife and flora. For example, the trailer depicts characters rescuing a tree from an insect invasion by using a type of spell. In other scenes, they are seen guiding a large creature to topple a tree. There’s also a moment where a ritual is performed to heal a deer-like animal by calling on a spirit.

    From this, we might speculate that the game could have minimal combat and instead focus on safeguarding nature through rituals and spirit summoning. However, this is purely conjectural, and the final version of Everwild could feature a completely different gameplay approach. No matter how the gameplay evolves, we hope Rare has genuinely “nailed” it as Jez Corden suggests.

    Jez Corden via r/GamingLeaksAndRumors, Polygon, Teaser image: Xbox/Rare, edited.

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  • Anbernic Reveals Full Specs of RG CubeXX Retro Gaming Handheld

    Anbernic Reveals Full Specs of RG CubeXX Retro Gaming Handheld

    Hardly any time has gone by since Anbernic unveiled the RG CubeXX. However, the company has quickly moved forward to confirm all important specifications for the device. As anticipated, the RG CubeXX resembles the RG Cube, but it shares much of its internal components with the newer RG35XX models, such as the RG35XX SP (currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon).

    Specifications Overview

    Anbernic has outfitted the RG CubeXX with the Allwinner H700, which is a common feature in many of its budget-friendly retro gaming handhelds released in late 2023. Therefore, the RG CubeXX boasts four ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores and a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. Additionally, with 1 GB LPDDR4 RAM, this device should be powerful enough to emulate sixth-generation home video game consoles like the Dreamcast, GameCube, and some PlayStation Portable titles.

    Battery and Display Features

    In addition, the RG CubeXX comes with a 3,800 mAh battery that Anbernic claims can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge. The device is also equipped with a 3.95-inch IPS display that supports a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Notably, the RG CubeXX can connect to an external display while using a wireless controller, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth 4.2 support. While Anbernic hasn’t announced a specific release date yet, it appears that the RG CubeXX will launch later this month.

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  • New Death Note Game by Bandai Namco Rated for PS5 and PS4

    New Death Note Game by Bandai Namco Rated for PS5 and PS4

    Fans of the Death Note series have some thrilling news to anticipate. The Taiwan Digital Game Rating Committee has recently given a rating to a yet-to-be-announced Death Note game for both PlayStation 5 (currently priced at $556 on Amazon) and PlayStation 4. Although information is limited, this game is set to capture the dark and psychological depth of the original manga and anime series.

    Title Speculations

    According to the rating released by Bandai Namco, it seems the game might be named Death Note: Killer Within. This is based on a trademark application filed by Shueisha in various regions such as Europe, Japan, and the U.S., sources indicate. The game will be targeted towards players aged 15 and over, suggesting it will include themes of violence and what the machine translates to ‘antisociality’.

    Different Names for Different Regions

    In Taiwan, the game is referred to as Death Note: Shadow Mission, but it is probable that the title in English will be different. Other titles related to the Death Note franchise include Death Note: Kira Game (for Nintendo DS) and Game EL Death Note (on Android), although these are not full-fledged games. While there’s no official release date available yet, more information is likely to emerge soon.

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  • Denuvo’s Impact: How DRM Boosts Early Game Revenue by 20%

    Denuvo’s Impact: How DRM Boosts Early Game Revenue by 20%

    A recent research done by William M. Volckmann II at the University of North Carolina shows the financial impact that Denuvo DRM cracks can have on revenue from PC games. The study, named "The Revenue Effects of Denuvo Digital Rights Management on PC Video Games," discovered that piracy can lead to an average total revenue drop of 20 percent when Denuvo gets cracked shortly after a game’s launch.

    Importance of Protecting Game Releases

    This highlights how crucial it is for game publishers to safeguard their titles during those vital first weeks following release. To counteract possible revenue losses, companies might enhance their protections by combining Denuvo with other DRM technologies. However, gamers frequently express concerns regarding the potential performance problems and lack of optimization that can arise.

    Long-Term Use of Denuvo

    Interestingly, the study indicates that there isn’t much benefit in utilizing Denuvo for a long time, particularly past three months. Volckmann discovered that when a game was cracked after week 12 or when publishers removed Denuvo after this initial stage, there was virtually no total revenue loss on average. He advises publishers to abandon DRM after this period, recognizing that gamers are sensitive to the "negative technical side effects" associated with Denuvo.

    Short-Term Strategy for Game Publishers

    While publishers may be lured by Denuvo’s capacity to preserve up to 20 percent of revenue in the first 12 weeks—minus the costs of the DRM service—the study did not reveal any dependable way to forecast how long the protection will actually last. Volckmann pointed out that the features of a game don’t effectively predict its likelihood of being cracked, as long as cracking groups show interest.

    The results imply that publishers might gain from short-term Denuvo contracts, cutting costs by removing the DRM after those initial 12 weeks. In contrast, longer DRM agreements appear to be a less efficient investment.

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  • Game Freak Leak Reveals Employee Info and Switch 2 Codename

    Game Freak Leak Reveals Employee Info and Switch 2 Codename

    Game Freak, the studio behind the Pokémon series, has announced a significant data breach that resulted in the theft of over 2,000 pieces of employee information, which has been circulated online. The data taken includes sensitive details like full names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of current, past, and contract staff members—this is only the beginning of the issue. In a public announcement, Game Freak admitted that the breach was caused by a third party gaining unauthorized access through a phishing email.

    Extensive Data Compromised

    The breach is not limited to just employee details. In addition to personal information, a large cache of confidential materials related to the Pokémon franchise was exposed. Among the leaked files is the source code for various games, such as Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver, and Black 2/White 2. Furthermore, the leak appears to confirm previous rumors that the codename for the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is "Ounce."

    More Than Just Game Code

    The information leaked reportedly extends beyond game code. It includes stolen assets such as development tools, lore documents, beta designs, unused soundtracks, and even notes from developer meetings. Additionally, the leak seems to contain plans for future Pokémon games, entire movie scripts, new anime seasons, and live-action show projects. This vast amount of revealed information offers fans a rare glimpse into the workings of one of the gaming industry’s most secretive franchises.

    Game Freak has stated that they are taking steps to fix the security flaw that led to the data breach, claiming that the issue has been addressed. They have also assured that they will reach out to affected employees directly whenever possible, while others will be informed through the public announcement made. Even though Game Freak has expressed regret for the trouble this has caused, the repercussions of this data leak could be significant, putting the entire Pokémon brand and its forthcoming projects under scrutiny.

    Fan Reactions and Future Implications

    Fans are already analyzing the leaked information, with recent posts disappearing across X/Twitter, and conversations are anticipated to rise and fall over the coming days. The magnitude of this leak is comparable to previous incidents we’ve witnessed in recent years (if not larger), including the Insomniac leak that exposed Wolverine and other titles. It’s astonishing that everything began with a phishing email—similar to the hack involving Rockstar Games’ GTA 6.

    Video Games Chronicle, Centro LEAKS on X/Twitter, and the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit are buzzing with the latest updates and discussions.

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