Category: Gaming

April 13, 2025

Grand Opening of Global Sources Hong Kong Shows – April 2025

Key Takeaways

1. Event Details: The Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Phase I will take place from April 11 to 14, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo, focusing on gaming, consumer electronics, and electronic components.

2. Exhibitors and Attendance: Over 2,000 exhibitors will showcase more than 100,000 products, attracting around 60,000 professional B2B buyers from around the world.

3. Digital Transformation: The event emphasizes digital transformation with an online-to-offline (O2O) system, including livestreams and virtual engagement tools to enhance visitor experience and support green procurement initiatives.

4. New Exhibitions and Awards: The inaugural Global Sources Gaming Show will feature esports peripherals and an award program based on votes from key opinion leaders and buyers.

5. Emerging Trends and Innovation Awards: The event will highlight trends like IP collaborations and the blind box economy, while also hosting the Global Sources Innovation Awards in partnership with the European Product Design Award (EPDA).

The Global Sources Hong Kong Shows are back, with Phase I happening from April 11 to 14, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo. This international event serves as a key gathering point for buyers worldwide and suppliers from Asia. The theme for this year is “Global Electronics Supply Chain Hub and Asia-Pacific Launchpad for Innovation.”

Exhibitors and Products

More than 2,000 qualified exhibitors from all over Asia will be present, showcasing over 100,000 innovative products. The show anticipates attracting upwards of 60,000 professional B2B buyers from around the globe, eager to explore the latest advancements in gaming, consumer electronics, and electronic components.

The Global Sources Hong Kong Shows commenced on April 11 at AsiaWorld-Expo, with Phase I continuing until April 14, focusing on international trade shows covering gaming, consumer electronics, and electronic components.

Emphasis on Digital Transformation

This year, the event highlights the significance of digital transformation in enhancing visitor experience. A robust online-to-offline (O2O) system is featured, incorporating targeted pre-event marketing driven by data analytics, real-time digital services, and promotional efforts post-event.

With livestreams and virtual engagement tools, the event becomes more accessible and lively while supporting green procurement initiatives. These digital improvements foster effective business matchmaking, allowing buyers and sellers to forge valuable connections.

The event also celebrates a significant achievement: the 30th anniversary of Global Sources Online (GSOL), which has marked decades of digital innovation.

New Exhibitions and Awards

A standout feature this year is the introduction of the Global Sources Gaming Show as an independent exhibition. This show is dedicated to esports peripherals, showcasing renowned brands like DAREU, AULA, PXN, VGN, FL·ESPORTS, and Morphling. A special award program called the “KOLs and Buyers’ Favorite Gaming Gear Awards” will see results derived from 70% key opinion leaders and 30% buyers.

The Global Sources Gaming Show is unveiled as an independent exhibition this year. Phase I boasts over 2,000 Asian exhibitors, displaying more than 100,000 products and next-gen peripherals poised to influence industry trends.

Emerging Trends

Products such as gaming mice, keyboards, chairs, headsets, and monitors will be available for testing in a designated area where attendees can vote, making this an interactive and thrilling aspect of the event.

Emerging trends in consumer electronics are also highlighted. Many companies now utilize IP collaborations to elevate their offerings. For instance, Qishun Innovation collaborates with prominent global brands, while etechgroups has developed its original character “MEOWZART.” Brands such as AKKO and MonsGeek are blending popular IPs like One Piece and Hatsune Miku with their unique designs.

The blind box economy is another trend gaining traction. Akko is introducing B2B blind boxes featuring IP keycaps, while Happi Class presents the “Happi Town” series that includes live buyer events. Global Sources will also join this trend by launching its own blind box mascot, “Show Genie,” to mark GSOL’s 30th anniversary.

Innovation Awards and Esports Summit

To encourage innovation and product excellence, the Global Sources Innovation Awards are returning this year, now in partnership with the European Product Design Award (EPDA). One key feature is the “Best Product Design Award,” which aims to promote R&D and assist brands in establishing strong, premium identities in the global marketplace.

Additionally, the Esports Summit will take place on April 12 and 13, delving into the future of esports from technological and business perspectives. Speakers like Vincent Wang from Unilumin and Jennifer Lim from XCL World Academy will provide insights into esports technology, educational integration, and global marketing strategies.

Overall, Phase I of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows 2025 is poised to be a potent platform for uncovering new products, forging business relationships, and keeping pace with the latest industry trends. Whether attending in person or online, this event promises a meaningful experience for buyers, sellers, and innovators alike.

Tags: DAREU, Esports
April 13, 2025

OneXPlayer X1 Pro: New Intel Core Ultra 7 & 64GB RAM Limited Edition

Key Takeaways

1. The OneXPlayer X1 has been updated with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U and a smaller variant, the X1 Mini, is also available.
2. The OneXPlayer X1 Pro is a more powerful version featuring the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, priced at $1,539.99.
3. A limited edition Evangelion version is now available, starting at $1,649.99, with upgraded specs including the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H.
4. The Evangelion edition maintains all specifications of the X1 Pro but switches USB4 ports to Thunderbolt 4 ports.
5. Benchmark tests show that the Core Ultra 7 255H and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 offer similar CPU performance, with the Arc 140T outperforming the Radeon 890M in non-gaming benchmarks.

The OneXPlayer X1 has been around for some time, being one of the first gaming handhelds powered by Intel’s Meteor Lake, which launched last year. Not long after its debut, One-Netbook updated this 10.95-inch device with the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U, and they also released a smaller version called the X1 Mini that features the same APU.

Newer Variants Available

Even though the X1 Mini is still for sale, it has been outclassed by the more robust Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which One-Netbook additionally markets in the smaller OneXFly F1 Pro currently priced at $1,539.99 on Amazon. The device, now known as the OneXPlayer X1 Pro, received positive feedback when we reviewed it last month.

Exclusive Evangelion Edition

Recently, Minixpc has begun offering a new choice that is currently only available in a limited edition red inspired by Evangelion. This special edition starts at $1,649.99 and comes with 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage, not including any case or controller connectors.

Typically, One-Netbook’s Evangelion editions feature just a custom theme or extra memory. However, this time, they have upgraded the limited edition with the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, which can also be found in the OneXPlayer G1. It’s worth noting that all other specifications of the OneXPlayer X1 Pro remain the same, except that the USB4 ports have been changed to Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Performance Comparison

Our benchmarks indicate that the Core Ultra 7 255H and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 offer similar performance in CPU tasks. The same can be said for the Arc 140T and the Radeon 890M, although results can vary based on the game being played. In contrast, the Arc 140T outperforms the Radeon 890M in benchmarks that don’t involve gaming. The OneXPlayer X1 Pro Eva Asuka Edition is expected to start shipping between April 15 and April 30 at the latest.

Minixpc’s new offering continues to expand the options for gamers looking for portable devices with high specifications.

Source:
Link

Tags: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, OneXPlayer X1 Pro, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
April 13, 2025

Asus Launches RTX 5080 ROG NUC 2025 Gaming Mini PC Soon

Key Takeaways

1. The Asus ROG NUC 2025 will be available in China by late April 2025, featuring an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU.
2. Two versions of the ROG NUC 2025 will be sold, both including the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU.
3. The pricing for the mini PC is set at CNY 24,399 (approximately $3,336) for the base model and CNY 24,999 (around $3,418) for the variant with 2 TB of storage.
4. The gaming mini PC is positioned in the higher end of the market, comparable to premium gaming laptops.
5. Asus has not yet shared information on global pricing or availability for the ROG NUC 2025.

Asus has rolled out the ROG NUC 2025 at CES 2025, but previously, they didn’t mention the pricing or when it would be available. Now, they have revealed that this gaming mini PC, featuring an Nvidia RTX 5080, will hit the market in China by late April 2025.

Configurations and Specifications

Following the release of the NUC 15 Pro series, Asus has confirmed that two versions of the ROG NUC 2025 will be purchasable in China. However, they haven’t disclosed which CPU will be included. Earlier at CES 2025, Asus did mention that the mini PC would be equipped with Intel Core Ultra series 2 CPUs, and their promotional material for China hints at a non-specific Core Ultra 9 CPU.

According to VideoCardz, the two models of the mini PC set to launch in China will both include the Core Ultra 9 275HX, which is among the top-tier offerings from the Arrow Lake series.

Pricing Details

The price for the gaming mini PC, which includes the Nvidia RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, is set at CNY 24,399 in China. This translates to approximately $3,336. There will also be a variant with 2 TB of storage (the 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus currently costs $139.99 on Amazon), priced at CNY 24,999, equating to about $3,418.

It’s clear that these prices place the ROG NUC 2025 in the higher end of the market, comparable to premium gaming laptops. Nevertheless, the Core Ultra 7 option may be slightly less pricey. Asus has not yet provided information on global pricing or availability for the new RTX 5080-powered mini PC.

Source:
Link

Tags: Intel Core Ultra 9, Nvidia RTX 5080, ROG NUC 2025
April 12, 2025

Affyn CEO Warns of Delays in Web3 Gaming Projects’ Future

Key Takeaways

1. Affyn is facing increasing uncertainty as delays and unmet promises have led to a decline in investor confidence, causing its FYN token value to drop over 90% from its peak in 2022.

2. The platform initially aimed to integrate real-world geolocation with a gamified metaverse and quickly sold out over 44,000 NFT-backed plots, raising more than $20 million USD.

3. The Buddy Arena game, launched in closed alpha in May 2023, was taken offline for major updates, with player data erased, indicating challenges in game development.

4. Investor sentiment has shifted from strong support to concern over the lack of an updated roadmap, despite assurances from the team that they are working hard on the project.

5. Affyn’s struggles reflect broader trends in the Web3 gaming industry, where other projects face similar challenges with reduced user activity and declining token values, emphasizing the need for developers to focus on gameplay quality.

Singapore-based Web3 gaming project Affyn is undergoing a period of increasing uncertainty as delays accumulate and investor confidence wanes. Once seen as a potential leader in the play-to-earn market, the platform has failed to meet crucial promises — resulting in its native FYN token dipping below $0.002 USD, which is a decline of over 90% from its peak value in 2022, as reported by CoinGecko.

Ambitious Beginnings

Affyn started with a grand plan to combine real-world geolocation features with a fully gamified metaverse. The NEXUS World land sale presented over 44,000 NFT-backed plots and sold out quickly, generating more than $20 million USD through private, seed, and public rounds, according to the company’s documentation.

Game Development Challenges

In 2023, the platform broadened its ecosystem with Buddy Arena, a real-time multiplayer battle game featuring collectible characters called “Buddies.” The game was launched in closed alpha on 31 May 2023, intending to incorporate the FYN token into its progression system. However, it was subsequently taken offline for major updates, and all player data was erased in preparation for a global relaunch.

On 11 April 2025, Affyn CEO Lucaz Lee communicated the platform’s uncertain situation. “We’re still working on it, but it’s taking longer than we expected. There’s still a chance it may not come together, hence not a good time to give any update yet — but we’re giving it everything we’ve got,” he shared with users. While he did not directly mention a backup plan, many interpreted his words as a nod to Affyn’s internal “Plan B.”

Investor Sentiment Shift

The mood among investors has shifted significantly over time. Earlier forums and public comments showed strong backing, but current conversations often highlight a lack of an updated roadmap. The company’s gameplay FAQ still insists that “the core vision remains the same,” and reassures that the team is “working hard behind the scenes to ensure a quality product.”

In a 2023 chat with Authority Magazine, Lee admitted the difficulty of launching such a platform: “There will be times that are difficult, and you don’t feel like doing it, and there are times where luck runs out. You really need to have that determination to build the game because it’s going to take time and effort to do it right.”

Wider Industry Trends

Affyn’s difficulties reflect a larger trend in the Web3 gaming industry. Other notable projects like The Sandbox and Decentraland have experienced reduced user activity and steep declines in token values, while projects such as Illuvium are progressing slowly due to funding issues and revisions to their roadmaps.

Although the blockchain gaming market is maturing, developers are being urged to prioritize gameplay over token economics. Affyn, with its distinctive approach to geolocation and community-driven design, might still carve out a path forward — but it now faces mounting pressure to fulfill long-standing expectations.

Source:
Link
April 12, 2025

New Free Games on Steam for April 2025: First Batch Released

Key Takeaways

1. In March 2025, Steam offered a variety of new free games for players to claim and keep.
2. April 2025 introduced an initial set of free games on the platform.
3. The X account @SteamGamesPC highlighted several notable free titles available.
4. More free games may be released in the first week of April 2025.
5. Follow @SteamGamesPC on X for updates on free games and upcoming releases.

In March 2025, players on Steam were able to grab a variety of new free games, all available to claim and keep for absolutely nothing. Moving into April 2025, the platform has introduced its initial set of free games, and here’s a glimpse of what’s available:

Notable Free Titles

Among the free Steam games highlighted by the X account @SteamGamesPC, there are several interesting options. It’s possible that even more titles were released during the first week of April 2025, and, as usual, additional games will be rolled out in the next few days.

Stay Updated

You can follow @SteamGamesPC on X for the latest updates on free games and more. Keep an eye out, as new releases are expected to keep coming in the near future.

Source:
Link

Tags: April 2025, Free Games, Steam
April 12, 2025

MSI Claw Variant May Switch from Intel to Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme

Key Takeaways

1. MSI is planning a new variant of the handheld console called the MSI Claw, rumored to feature the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC.
2. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme is expected to use Strix Point technology, though AMD has not officially announced it yet.
3. The upcoming MSI Claw variant is not part of AMD’s CES 2025 offerings, allowing MSI to maintain its AI branding from the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
4. There is no clear release date for the new MSI Claw variant, as the Lunar Lake edition has only recently launched.
5. MSI may delay the introduction of the new chip to avoid overshadowing its current lineup, especially with Intel’s competition and the Panther Lake release not expected until late 2025 or 2026.

Last year, we had the opportunity to chat with MSI regarding its plans for the handheld console sector and the paths it might explore moving forward. Back then, the company indicated it was open to working with SoC partners for future devices, but no specific details were revealed. However, a recent speculation from X suggests a different story.

Upcoming MSI Claw Variant

According to the rumor, a new variant of the MSI Claw is expected to come equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC. It’s important to point out that this is the AI version mentioned in a previous rumor and is not part of AMD’s CES 2025 offerings. This makes sense, as it allows MSI to retain the AI branding that was introduced with the Lunar Lake powered MSI Claw 8 AI+.

AMD’s New Developments

Although AMD has not made an official announcement, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme (and probably its AI variant) will reportedly be built on Strix Point technology. Our review of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ shows that the Core Ultra 7 258V can compete well against AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in several games. It remains to be seen if the same will be true for the Ryzen Z2 Extreme.

There’s no clear indication of when this new MSI Claw variant will be released, but it might be quite some time. The Lunar Lake edition has only recently become available, and it wouldn’t be wise for MSI to introduce a completely new chip that could overshadow its current lineup, particularly from a rival like Intel. On the other hand, MSI may not have many options, as the successor to Lunar Lake, Panther Lake, is not expected to arrive before the latter half of 2025, possibly extending into 2026.

Source:
Link

Tags: handheld console, MSI Claw
April 12, 2025

First-Person Shooter with Star Cast Now Just $2 on Steam

Key Takeaways

1. Exciting Setting and Storyline: The game is set in the crime-ridden city of Rockay, where players take on the role of Travis Baker, aiming to climb the criminal ladder after the crime lord’s mysterious death.

2. Star-Studded Cast: Featuring notable actors like Michael Madsen, Kim Basinger, Danny Glover, and Chuck Norris, the game brings an ensemble cast to enhance its narrative.

3. Dynamic Gameplay: The single-player campaign allows player choices to influence the story, while the co-op mode supports up to four players, offering various mission approaches and strategies.

4. Mixed Reviews: While the multiplayer and gun mechanics received praise, the single-player experience faced criticism for being clichéd and repetitive, resulting in average scores from critics and players.

5. Limited-Time Discount: The game is currently available for a discounted price of $2 on Steam, down from its regular price of $20, making it an attractive option for co-op gaming fans.

Crime Boss: Rockay City brings thrilling action with an ensemble cast, capturing the essence of a forgotten blockbuster from the ’90s. Set in the crime-infested city of Rockay, this first-person shooter begins after the puzzling demise of the current crime lord. As the city hovers on the brink of disorder, you take on the role of Travis Baker, portrayed by Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), who is eager to rise within the underworld. Accompanied by a team of vivid characters played by legendary actors like Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), and Chuck Norris (Walker, Texas Ranger), your goal is to outwit rival gangs, evade corrupt law enforcement, and establish your own criminal empire.

Gameplay Dynamics

In the single-player campaign, the choices you make influence the story and your destiny – if your character meets their end, you return to the start. The game also includes a co-op mode that allows up to four players to join forces for various missions and raids. To keep gameplay engaging, missions are generated dynamically, presenting multiple ways to approach each challenge. Whether you like stealthy tactics or all-out gunfights, your strategy and weapon loadout will shape how the missions play out.

Mixed Reviews

The German site TestingBuddies.de examined Crime Boss after its launch and provided a range of feedback. The review commended the enjoyable multiplayer aspect and effective gun mechanics, noting how satisfying the weapons feel. Additionally, it praised the nostalgic soundtrack from the ’90s and the involvement of stars like Chuck Norris and Kim Basinger. However, the single-player component left much to be desired. Testers felt the narrative often seemed clichéd or unintentionally humorous, the missions became repetitive quickly, and the game lacked long-term engagement.

TestingBuddies awarded Crime Boss a score of 6.5 out of 10 but still suggested it for fans who enjoy co-op play. On Metacritic, the game has a Metascore of 52 and a User Score of 5.1. On Steam, Crime Boss has garnered around 5,000 player reviews since its release, with 71% of those being positive.

Pricing and Availability

Crime Boss: Rockay City typically retails for $20 on Steam, but until April 25, it’s on sale for only $2 due to a huge 90% discount. SteamDB indicates that this is the lowest price the game has ever been.

Tags: co-op gameplay
April 12, 2025

New MMO Features Epic 100 vs. 100 Battles in Month-Long Wars

Key Takeaways

1. Unique Gameplay System: Warborne eliminates permanent character growth, using a cyclical gameplay model where each battle impacts a month-long war for balanced competition.

2. Role of Drift Master: Players command a team of up to 40 Drifters from a tactical perspective, with customizable gear and 12 distinct classes for strategic experimentation.

3. Diplomatic Dynamics: Factions can form temporary alliances or betray each other, encouraging collaboration and strategic planning among players.

4. Upcoming Global Playtest: A global playtest is scheduled for April 24, 2025, to refine game balance and expand the player community.

5. Pre-Assembly Event Rewards: Early participants in the “Warband Pre-Assembly Event” can form guilds and earn exclusive rewards during the testing phase, including skins and emblems.

Warborne: Above Ashes is an anticipated MMORPG that immerses gamers in a persistent conflict among six factions. This game deviates from conventional MMOs by eliminating permanent character growth and instead implementing a cyclical gameplay system. Every battle contributes to a larger month-long war, ensuring a balanced competition on a consistent basis. This unique framework promotes strategic planning and collaboration between players and guilds.

The Role of a Drift Master

In Warborne, players take on the role of a Drift Master, leading from a tactical, top-down perspective. Instead of fighting alone, you’ll command a team of up to 40 individually chosen Drifters. These units can be tailored with numerous gear combinations across 12 distinct classes, which include melee fighters, snipers, technicians, and heavy support. This structure allows for extensive experimentation with various builds. Beyond just combat, the game includes a diplomatic aspect: factions have the ability to create temporary alliances, coordinate joint operations, or even betray one another—something the developers not only permit but also actively promote.

Development and Upcoming Events

Currently, Warborne: Above Ashes is being developed by the Taiwanese studio Pumpkin Studios and is anticipated to be released sometime in 2025. Although a precise release date has yet to be announced, it is expected to be soon. A global playtest is set to commence on April 24, aiming to fine-tune the game’s balance while also expanding its player community. The developers announced this in a YouTube video that was released on April 10:

Players who are interested can sign up here. The “Warband Pre-Assembly Event” is already underway, allowing players to gather and form guilds prior to the game’s launch. Early participants will receive access to:

During the testing phase, additional rewards are available—special skins, emblems, and hidden customizations for players who hit specific milestones or show high levels of activity.

Source:
Link

Tags: MMORPG
April 12, 2025

Asus ROG Strix XG32UCG & XG248Q5G-P: Ultra-Fast 610Hz Monitors

Key Takeaways

1. AOC launched two esports monitors with refresh rates of 240 Hz (Agon CU34G4Z) and 310 Hz (Agon 25G4SXU).
2. Asus introduced the ROG Strix XG32UCG, featuring a 32-inch display with a 320 Hz refresh rate and a 0.3 ms response time, along with 4K output options.
3. The ROG Strix XG248Q5G-P can reach 610 Hz when overclocked, offering a 0.1 ms response time and support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.
4. Both Asus monitors include modern connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 and USB Type-C with Power Delivery.
5. Pricing for the ROG Strix XG248Q5G-P is around $1,097, while the ROG Strix XG32UCG is priced at approximately $548, with availability expected later this year.

Earlier this week, AOC introduced two new gaming monitors aimed specifically at Esports players. The Agon CU34G4Z and the Agon 25G4SXU boast refresh rates of 240 Hz and 310 Hz, respectively. However, Asus has launched a pair of competing monitors that exceed these specs significantly.

Refresh Rates and Resolutions

The ROG Strix XG32UCG utilizes a 32-inch Nano IPS display, offering a refresh rate of 320 Hz at 1080p resolution. Alternatively, it can reduce its refresh rate to 160 Hz, allowing for a 4K output. No matter the chosen resolution and refresh rate, this monitor keeps a fast 0.3 ms GtG response time, covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and provides brightness levels of 350 nits for SDR or 400 nits for HDR.

High-Speed Performance

In contrast, the ROG Strix XG248Q5G-P can achieve an impressive 610 Hz when overclocked, thanks to its 24.1-inch TN panel that runs at 1080p. Asus claims this monitor also offers 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, with an ultra-fast 0.1 ms response time and support for variable refresh rate technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. As shown in the images below, both monitors are equipped with modern connectivity options such as HDMI 2.1 and USB Type-C with Power Delivery capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

The ROG Strix XG248Q5G-P is set to be released next month in China at a price of CNY 7,999 (approximately $1,097). In comparison, the ROG Strix XG32UCG will retail for CNY 3,999 (around $548), although the exact launch date remains uncertain for now. It is expected that these monitors will be available in other regions later this year, similar to the earlier release of the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG and ROG Swift PG27UCDM, which currently retails for $1,199 on Amazon. Asus has already made the ROG Strix XG32UCG available on its global website, where additional technical specifications can be found.

Source:
Link

Tags: AOC Agon CU34G4Z, ROG Strix XG32UCG
April 12, 2025

Epic Games Enhances Live Link Face for Real-Time iPhone Mocap

Key Takeaways

1. Epic Games released version 1.4.2 of the Live Link Face app, improving real-time facial capture for iPhone users by fixing a manual IP address entry issue.
2. Live Link Face allows users to stream facial motion data directly from an iPhone’s TrueDepth camera into Unreal Engine, enhancing digital character animation.
3. The app supports creators in various fields, such as indie game development and livestreaming, by making high-quality facial animation accessible with common devices.
4. Epic Games explored biometric applications, proposing a facial recognition system for age estimation to enhance online safety for kids, though the FTC rejected the proposal.
5. Live Link Face remains free on the App Store and is regularly updated, with version 1.4.2 providing important usability improvements for creators in unique network setups.

Epic Games has rolled out version 1.4.2 of its Live Link Face app, bringing a small yet meaningful fix that improves the real-time facial capture for iPhone users. This update addresses a regional problem that had stopped some users from entering IP addresses manually, which is essential for connecting the app to Unreal Engine in various network settings.

Enhancing Real-Time Facial Capture

Originally launched in 2020, Live Link Face allows users to stream facial motion data straight from an iPhone’s TrueDepth camera into Unreal Engine. When paired with MetaHuman Animator, creators can apply detailed facial movements to digital characters instantly, eliminating the need for complex studio motion capture setups.

Epic Games remarked in their announcement, “Every subtle expression, look, and emotion is accurately captured and faithfully replicated on your digital human.”

Valuable Tool for Creators

This technology is becoming more important in many creative fields. Indie game developers, animation studios, VTubers, and livestreamers are all leveraging this tool to bring their digital characters to life with expressive, real-time performances. Aaron Sims, a well-known character designer from films like Men in Black and Gremlins 2, has commended this progress, saying, “We can take the realism all the way down to the pore. As someone who used to make puppets and prosthetics, now I can do anything I want.”

Epic’s app also supports the company’s larger goal of making high-end animation workflows accessible to more people. By reducing the entry barriers, they allow smaller teams and individual creators to achieve professional-level facial animation using commonly available devices like the iPhone.

Exploring New Applications

Beyond just performance capture, Epic has also looked into biometric uses. In 2023, the company collaborated with identity verification companies Yoti and SuperAwesome to suggest a facial recognition system for estimating age. This proposal was submitted to the US Federal Trade Commission, aiming to enhance online safety for kids with privacy-focused age verification methods. Although the FTC ultimately rejected the proposal, PC Gamer mentioned that the concept may not be entirely off the table.

As of April 2025, Live Link Face is still available for free on the App Store and continues to get regular updates. While version 1.4.2 is somewhat minor, it provides crucial usability enhancements for creators dealing with non-standard or limited network configurations.

Source:
Link

Tags: Unreal Engine