Category: Gaming

  • Capcom Files Trademark, Sparking Hopes for New Dino Crisis Game

    Capcom Files Trademark, Sparking Hopes for New Dino Crisis Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Capcom has largely avoided reviving the Dino Crisis series, previously only releasing a mobile card game in 2022, which disappointed fans.
    2. A recent trademark filing in Japan suggests that Capcom may be considering a new project related to Dino Crisis.
    3. Research indicates that Dino Crisis remains a highly regarded title among players, even outperforming some other popular Capcom games in surveys.
    4. The original Dino Crisis, released in 1999, was well-received, but the franchise struggled with diminishing returns by the time of its third installment in 2003.
    5. While some fans are eager for a new game, Capcom’s Shinji Mikami has expressed skepticism about the timing for a Dino Crisis revival due to the presence of similar creatures in other games.

    In a time when old things are often made new again, Capcom has largely stayed away from this trend with Dino Crisis. The company brought back the series in 2022 with a mobile card game, which didn’t really please fans looking for a trip down memory lane. Recently, GOG has put out a fantastic remake of Dino Crisis, but a new trademark filed in Japan could suggest that Capcom is working on something fresh.

    Trademark Filing Sparks Rumors

    The trademark was filed on March 4th and just became public today. This has led to guesses about whether Capcom is renewing the trademark or if a new game is on the horizon. Given GOG’s success, there’s not as much pressure to create a remake of Dino Crisis or its sequel. Players can also find a PS4/PS5 version of Dino Crisis available on the PlayStation Store.

    Capcom’s Customer Insights

    If Capcom were to revisit the Dino Crisis series, it would align with its own research about what players want. In 2024, the publisher shared that Dino Crisis was among the most beloved games. It even outperformed Resident Evil 4 and Monster Hunter: World in one survey, although it was behind Devil May Cry 5. With the ongoing popularity of Capcom’s horror and creature-hunting games, there’s still a strong desire for a new Dino Crisis installment.

    The Legacy of Dino Crisis

    The first Dino Crisis made its debut in 1999, during a decade when Jurassic Park ignited a fascination with dinosaurs. The original version on PlayStation was a hit, selling over 2 million copies. Unlike many other games of that time, players were impressed by the smart behavior of the prehistoric foes. However, by the time Dino Crisis 3 arrived in 2003, the excitement began to fade. Critics pointed out that the game’s camera system struggled to keep up with fast-moving players.

    Mixed Feelings at Capcom

    While many fans are eagerly hoping for a Dino Crisis remake or a follow-up, not everyone at Capcom shares that excitement. Shinji Mikami, the mind behind both Dino Crisis and Resident Evil, expressed doubts in a 2024 interview with Eurogamer. He mentioned the abundance of dinosaur-like creatures in Monster Hunter and didn’t believe it was the right time for a new Dino Crisis. Still, the recent trademark filing indicates that Capcom is exploring its options.

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    Capcom Files Trademark, Sparking Hopes for New Dino Crisis Game
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  • Fastest and Slowest Arc 140V Laptops for Gaming: Tested Models

    Fastest and Slowest Arc 140V Laptops for Gaming: Tested Models

    Key Takeaways

    After trailing significantly behind AMD during the Iris Xe and Arc 8 generations, the new Arc 130V, Arc 140V, and Arc 140T products have been performing impressively, now competing directly with AMD’s top integrated solutions. The Arc 140V is expected to become as prevalent as the Iris Xe 96 EUs, especially since it is standard in ULV Core Ultra 7 laptops. Our comparison charts below display the many individual models currently available at the time of this writing featuring Arc 140V graphics.

    Performance Insights

    One key point to note is that the performance differences among these models are quite slim compared to earlier generations. For instance, the fastest laptops equipped with the Iris Xe 96 EUs can sometimes be twice as fast as the slowest models also using the Iris Xe 96 EUs. In contrast, laptops featuring the Arc 140V are likely to deliver more consistent performance, largely due to the built-in VRAM throughout the series that effectively removes any sluggish single-channel options. Buyers looking for Arc 140V graphics typically won’t have to fret about unintentionally selecting a very slow model.

    Options for Enthusiasts

    Certainly, power users might still prefer to steer clear of the slowest choices or opt for the fastest models when they can. In this regard, the Dell Pro 13 Premium PA13250, Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Aura Edition, or MSI Claw 8 AI+ stand out as some of the quickest options for gaming, showing results that can be up to 10 percent quicker than the average. Conversely, the Asus Zenbook S 14 UX5406, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Aura 15ILL9, or Dell XPS 13 9350 are on the slower side, with performance that can be anywhere from 10 to 15 percent below the average depending on the game title.

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  • FragPunk Faces Backlash for AI Art Use Without Steam Disclosure

    FragPunk Faces Backlash for AI Art Use Without Steam Disclosure

    Key Takeaways

    1. FragPunk is a new free-to-play first-person shooter that gained over 110,000 players in its opening week on Steam.
    2. Controversy arose over the use of AI-generated art in the game, with players noticing visual flaws and inconsistencies.
    3. Despite favorable gameplay reviews, there is growing discontent among players regarding the incorporation of AI art.
    4. It’s unclear how much AI art is used in FragPunk, and the game’s Steam page does not disclose any AI-generated content.
    5. The situation mirrors past controversies in gaming, such as with the indie game Terraria, and it’s uncertain how the developers will respond to the criticism.

    FragPunk is the newest free-to-play first-person shooter that is taking on the likes of Valorant and The Finals. Since its launch, it has gained a lot of attention, surpassing 110,000 players at the same time on Steam during its opening week. However, this rapid rise to popularity has led to some controversy, particularly concerning the use of AI art in its game assets.

    Concerns Over AI Art

    Users on X, including @EpicNNG and @Gloomffct, have noticed certain features of AI-generated artwork in the splash screen and some items in the in-game store. A Reddit user also pointed out that several in-game skins and stickers exhibit signs of AI creation. These visual flaws include characters having extra fingers, physics that don’t make sense, strange shading and lighting, and overall inconsistencies in the art style.

    Mixed Reactions from Players

    While the gameplay mechanics have been enjoyed and reviews from players on Steam are mostly favorable, there is a growing discontent regarding the incorporation of AI art into the game. This negative sentiment seems to be overshadowing the otherwise fun experience that players are having.

    Uncertainty About AI Usage

    It remains uncertain if there are additional instances of AI art within FragPunk. Notably, there is no mention of AI-generated content on the game’s Steam page, despite Valve’s requirement for such disclosures since late last year. TechPowerUp has reported that Valve is wary of AI art due to potential copyright issues that could arise.

    This situation isn’t new, as generative AI has previously stirred controversy in the gaming world. We’ve reported on the popular indie game Terraria, which faced its own challenges with AI-generated merchandise. The developer’s response to that issue seemed to bolster support from its fans. It will be interesting to see how Bad Guitar Studios, the company behind FragPunk, addresses this criticism, especially given its more corporate approach.

    Awaiting a Response

    We have reached out to NetEase, which owns Bad Guitar Studio, for their thoughts on this matter, but we haven’t received a reply yet. We will update this article if they do respond.

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  • Producer Seeks Removal of Battlefield 6 Leaks and NDA Protection

    Producer Seeks Removal of Battlefield 6 Leaks and NDA Protection

    Key Takeaways

    1. Numerous video clips of Battlefield 6 are being shared on social media, despite EA’s attempts to remove them.
    2. David Sirland, the lead producer, has stated that EA will pursue players who reveal new gameplay features, indicating the NDA is still in effect.
    3. Battlefield Labs will conduct multiple playtests, potentially impacting the release date for Battlefield 6.
    4. Sirland believes that Dice has sufficient feedback from current playtests and hinted at a larger playtest in the future for more players.
    5. Positive feedback from leaked content has led to speculation about the need for censorship, particularly regarding returning gameplay features like the “revive loop.”

    Since the commencement of the Battlefield 6 playtest, numerous video clips have emerged on social media platforms. Even though EA initially made attempts to remove these posts, fresh footage continues to surface each day. This has led certain gamers to speculate whether the publisher has lifted the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that testers had signed. Unfortunately, the lead producer for Battlefield, David Sirland, is dampening those hopes. In a reply on X, he indicated that EA plans to actively pursue any players who reveal new gameplay features or visuals from Battlefield 6.

    Playtests and Their Impact

    Battlefield Labs is set to conduct various playtests, which might affect the yet-to-be-announced release date for Battlefield 6. Both EA and developer Dice are making efforts to avoid the bugs and optimization issues that affected Battlefield 2042. A few thousand players participated in the initial session, which has been sufficient to provide fans with a continuous flow of leaked content.

    Community Feedback Concerns

    One user inquired whether lifting the restrictions would yield more constructive feedback from the community. However, Sirland, the lead producer, thinks that Dice already obtains plenty of information. He also suggested that there may be a larger Battlefield 6 playtest in the future, allowing more gamers to take part.

    The Role of NDAs

    Non-disclosure agreements are common in private beta or alpha testing phases, where bugs might lead to a negative impression among potential buyers. Nevertheless, given the positive feedback on the leaks, EA might not feel an urgent need to censor those sharing content. Observers have commended the return of certain gameplay features in Battlefield 6, such as the ability to pull teammates to safety. Sirland clarified that this feature is part of a “revive loop” that introduces a fresh aspect to multiplayer matches.

    For now, the floodgates are open for leaked footage of Battlefield 6. EA will need to be considerably more watchful to ensure that upcoming features of the shooter remain confidential.

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    Producer Seeks Removal of Battlefield 6 Leaks and NDA Protection
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  • Radeon RX 9070 Undervolting Boosts Performance Over RTX 4070 Ti

    Radeon RX 9070 Undervolting Boosts Performance Over RTX 4070 Ti

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AMD Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs offer strong gaming performance and better price-to-performance ratio compared to Nvidia RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti.
    2. The RX 9070 shows impressive value, maintaining performance even when undervolted, allowing for reduced power consumption without significant performance loss.
    3. In benchmark tests using Cyberpunk 2077, the RX 9070 achieved 54 FPS at stock settings and 50 FPS after a -100mV undervolt, reflecting only a 10% performance drop.
    4. When overclocked to 3GHz, the RX 9070 surpassed the RTX 5070 Ti by roughly 2 FPS and achieved 60 FPS with additional power while still undervolting.
    5. The RX 9070 is priced around $640, significantly less than the RTX 4070 Ti Super ($1000+) and competitive with the RTX 5070 Ti (approximately $750).

    AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series Performance

    The AMD Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs stand strong against the Nvidia RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti when it comes to gaming performance, and they provide better bang for your buck regarding price-to-performance ratio. Nonetheless, they do consume more power compared to Nvidia models. Notably, the RX 9070 shows impressive value and maintains similar performance levels even when undervolted. This indicates that reducing power consumption does not significantly affect performance, allowing for a decent gaming experience in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

    Testing Insights from Experts

    Renowned overclockers Der8auer and Alva Jonathan have been evaluating the Radeon RX 9000 series, with their latest experiments focused on the RX 9070. Jonathan discovered that undervolting the ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Steel Legend GPU resulted in a small decline in performance, but there was a significant decrease in power usage. The same outcome was observed with the Radeon RX 9070 XT as well.

    Using Cyberpunk 2077 for benchmark testing, the RX 9070 hit 54 FPS at default settings. After applying a -100mV undervolt through AMD’s Adrenalin software and cutting power by 30%, the GPU managed 50 FPS in the same gaming situation. Remarkably, the RX 9070 maintained a clock speed of just over 2.4GHz, reflecting about a 10% performance drop from its stock settings. While the RTX 5070 Ti achieved a higher score of 58 FPS at both stock and undervolted settings, the AMD RX 9070 still outperformed the RTX 4070 Ti Super, which scored 46 FPS at stock settings.

    Overclocking Capabilities

    Interestingly, when overclocked to 3GHz, the RX 9070 surpassed the stock RTX 5070 Ti by roughly 2 FPS. This test also highlighted the potential of the Radeon RX 9070 when given additional power. By supplying the GPU with 10% more power while still applying a -100mV undervolt, it was able to reach 60 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, which is an 11% improvement from stock performance. In terms of market pricing, the RX 9070 (ASRock Steel Legend) is available for around $640, while the RTX 4070 Ti Super is priced over $1000. Meanwhile, the RTX 5070 Ti is typically listed at approximately $750, although it often exceeds its MSRP.

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    Radeon RX 9070 Undervolting Boosts Performance Over RTX 4070 Ti
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  • Square Enix Marks 30 Years of Chrono Trigger with New Projects

    Square Enix Marks 30 Years of Chrono Trigger with New Projects

    Key Takeaways

    1. Square Enix is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger and may have new projects related to the game in the works.
    2. The company plans to share more details about these projects through their official social media accounts.
    3. Upcoming initiatives may include non-gaming media, such as music, art, and videos.
    4. A livestream event featuring music from Chrono Trigger is scheduled for March 14-15, 2025.
    5. Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, is highly regarded in the JRPG genre and remains popular among retro gamers.

    Chrono Trigger is celebrating its 30th birthday today, and Square Enix might be looking to revisit the cherished role-playing game.

    In a tweet to honor its 30th anniversary, Square Enix teased that there could be new games connected to the Chrono Trigger universe in its upcoming plans:

    To celebrate our 30th anniversary and to show our thanks to every player of Chrono Trigger, we’re working on several projects over the next year that will expand the game’s universe. Stay tuned for more news, which will be shared through the Square Enix official X and @ChronoTriggerPR accounts.

    It’s important to note that there’s no definitive word on new games just yet. The “variety of projects” might also involve non-gaming media, like music, art, videos, or something completely different. One of these initiatives is a livestream event featuring music from Chrono Trigger. This stream will take place on YouTube from March 14 at 10 PM EST until March 15 at 7 AM EST.

    Release History

    Chrono Trigger made its debut on the Super Famicom on March 11, 1995. It launched in North America for the Super Nintendo about five months later on August 11, 1995. Universally recognized as one of the finest Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) ever created, the game was a collaborative effort between the then-independent giants of the RPG industry, Square and Enix.

    The Dream Team

    The creative team behind the game, often referred to as the “Dream Team,” featured industry legends like Hironobu Sakaguchi (the lead producer and the mind behind the Final Fantasy series), Yuji Horii (the visionary designer of Dragon Quest), and Akira Toriyama (the creator of Dragon Ball and character designer for Dragon Quest).

    Chrono Trigger garnered very favorable reviews from critics upon its release and continues to be cherished by JRPG fans and retro gamers. It also remains a highly coveted item in the retro gaming scene, frequently commanding prices over $200 for just a cartridge on platforms like eBay. The game is also accessible on PlayStation 1, Nintendo DS, Apple’s App Store, Google Play Store, and on PC via Steam.

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  • GTA 6 Trailer 2 Release Date Insights from Insider Analysis

    GTA 6 Trailer 2 Release Date Insights from Insider Analysis

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rockstar released the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) over a year ago, which has gained nearly 250 million views on YouTube.
    2. A second trailer for GTA 6 is anticipated to be released in late March or April, based on marketing patterns from previous Rockstar titles.
    3. Insider predictions suggest that GTA 6 may launch in Fall 2025, likely in October or November.
    4. Hints about the release date for Trailer 2 may have been found in GTA Online, with players wearing a t-shirt featuring a mysterious message.
    5. The sequence ‘040125’ seen in GTA Online is speculated to indicate a release date of April 1, 2025, for the second trailer, but interpretations should be viewed skeptically.

    Over a year has gone since Rockstar put out the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). So far, the 90-second video has been seen nearly 250 million times on YouTube. With Rockstar promising to launch its first big-budget game since Red Dead Redemption 2 (currently priced at $26.51 on Amazon) by the year’s end, it seems like the perfect moment for them to share more information through a second trailer.

    Anticipation for Trailer 2

    According to insider GTA VI O’Clock, ‘GTA 6 Trailer 2’ might come out in late March or April. In a recent newsletter, this insider mentioned that their prediction is based on two main points. First, Rockstar has usually kicked off marketing campaigns around five to six months before the release of their last two major titles. Second, they believe that a ‘Fall 2025’ release hints at either October or November of that year.

    Clues in GTA Online

    Additionally, some sources suggest that Rockstar might have dropped a hint about the release date of GTA 6 Trailer 2 within GTA Online. As seen in the screenshot below, players have started wearing the ‘One day will reveal all’ t-shirt in the game, which previously hinted at the timing of Trailer 1. This time, the recurring sequence ‘040125’ has been interpreted to indicate April 1, 2025, aligning with GTA VI O’Clock’s forecast for Trailer 2. Of course, it’s wise to approach these interpretations with a healthy dose of doubt for now.

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    GTA 6 Trailer 2 Release Date Insights from Insider Analysis
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  • Wistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and Handheld

    Wistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally are marketed as gaming handhelds but are essentially Windows PCs.
    2. Wistron’s Dual Fusion reimagines the gaming handheld by transforming it into a laptop-like device.
    3. The Dual Fusion features a unique design with a trackpad that is actually a screen connected to a removable casing.
    4. The device is currently in the conceptual stage and is not intended for sale.
    5. The Dual Fusion has received an iF Design Award, highlighting its innovative design.

    Devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally (curr. $406.99 – refurbished on Amazon) have been trying hard to present themselves as gaming handhelds over the past few years, even though they operate as Windows PCs at their core. Wistron has turned this idea upside down with the Dual Fusion, creating a device that essentially transforms a gaming handheld into a laptop.

    Unique Design Features

    At first glance, the Dual Fusion appears to be a small laptop with a large trackpad. However, this trackpad is actually a screen connected to a removable casing, similar to Acer’s Project DualPlay concept that was displayed at IFA 2024 last September. While the Project DualPlay envisions this detachable part as a game controller, the Dual Fusion cleverly utilizes hinges to conceal the gaming handheld’s buttons when they’re not in action.

    Conceptual Stage

    It’s important to note that the Dual Fusion is a concept and not a product meant for sale, similar to the previous Compal Infinite. Therefore, it’s improbable that we will ever see it launched in its existing format, if at all. Nevertheless, this proof of concept has received an iF Design Award, indicating that Wistron invested in having the Dual Fusion evaluated by iF Design.

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    Wistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and HandheldWistron Dual Fusion: iF Design Award-Winning Laptop and Handheld
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  • Retroid Offers Solutions for Pocket Mini Display Shader Issues

    Retroid Offers Solutions for Pocket Mini Display Shader Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid initially rejected return requests for the Pocket Mini but later allowed returns for only 200 units despite all devices having the same display issue.
    2. Customer dissatisfaction led to significant backlash, including doxxing of a company representative, who later stepped down.
    3. Current Pocket Mini owners can receive a $10 refund if they keep their devices, and the limit on returns has been lifted.
    4. Retroid plans to release a new hardware revision for the Pocket Mini with a replacement display, expected in about a year.
    5. Existing Pocket Mini owners will receive a discount on the upcoming display hardware.

    Last week, we shared news about Retroid’s plan to address ongoing display problems affecting the Pocket Mini. The company mentioned that anyone needing assistance could reach out to their support team for help. Since then, the situation has evolved, and not all of it is pleasant.

    Issues with Returns

    At first, some customers reported that Retroid was rejecting return requests, which contradicted their earlier reassurances. Later, the company stated that only 200 units could be returned, even though all Pocket Mini devices have the same problem with rendering CRT shaders correctly. It’s important to note that this issue is exclusive to the Pocket Mini and does not affect the Pocket 5 or the earlier Pocket 4 and Pocket 4 Pro (currently priced at $199 on Amazon).

    Customer Reactions

    In a video by Retro Game Corps, it was highlighted that the company’s social media rep faced doxxing due to backlash from unhappy owners over Retroid’s handling of the situation. After this individual stepped down, Retroid released a detailed update regarding the Pocket Mini’s future.

    Refund and Hardware Updates

    For instance, all current Pocket Mini owners can now receive a $10 refund if they choose to keep their devices. If that refund doesn’t meet your expectations, the previous limit of 200 returns seems to have been lifted. Additionally, Retroid announced plans to create a new hardware revision for the Pocket Mini, which will include a replacement display. While this new version won’t be available for another year, existing owners can expect a discount on the upcoming display hardware. For further information, please refer to the statement below.

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    Retroid Offers Solutions for Pocket Mini Display Shader Issues
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  • OptiScaler Mod Adds FSR4 Support to DLSS2 and XeSS Games

    OptiScaler Mod Adds FSR4 Support to DLSS2 and XeSS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. The modding community has created OptiScaler, allowing FSR 4 to work in games that support DLSS 2 or XeSS.
    2. OptiScaler enables users to swap between different upscaling technologies for better performance on compatible GPUs.
    3. The mod functions as a mediator using API methods, enhancing frame generation and reducing lag.
    4. Current support for FSR 4 is experimental and limited to Nightly builds, which may have performance issues.
    5. Users have reported significant performance improvements, such as over 60 FPS at 1440p in Cyberpunk 2077 using FSR 4 with OptiScaler.

    The modding community has once again stepped up where companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and AMD have fallen short. Recently, they created a mod that introduces FSR 4, or AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, to any game that already supports DLSS 2 or XeSS. Currently, this mod is limited to the latest Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, allowing more games to perform better on systems with these graphics cards, instead of just the few that currently offer the upscaling feature.

    Mod Details

    Uploaded by user cdozdil on GitHub, the mod is named OptiScaler. It enables games that have support for Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 2, FSR 2, or Intel’s XeSS to swap out these technologies for any of the other upscalers, including FSR 4. It also works in reverse; for games that only support FSR or XeSS, the mod lets users add support for DLSS, which might perform better on systems with RTX GPUs. This functionality allows players to utilize the frame generation technology that these upscalers provide, even if the game developers haven’t officially included support.

    How It Works

    The GitHub page explains that OptiScaler functions by using the API methods from these different upscaling technologies and acting as a mediator to direct the game to select the user’s desired upscaler. When used with other mods like OptiFG, Nukem’s dlssg-to-fsr3, and FakeMichau’s FakeNvapi, it can facilitate frame generation and Anti-Lag 2.

    Current Limitations

    It’s important to mention that the support for FSR 4 is still in the experimental phase and can only be used through Nightly builds. This means there might be some issues, and the overall performance might not be as refined as when using the other upscalers. However, one user reported impressive results with FSR 4 through OptiScaler while playing Cyberpunk 2077, achieving over 60 FPS at 1440p with full Path Tracing, which is one of the most demanding settings in the game. Since the game does not officially support FSR 3.1, it’s unlikely there will be any official backing for FSR 4 either.

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