Category: Gaming

  • Doom: The Dark Ages Offers Epic Single-Player Campaign Experience

    Doom: The Dark Ages Offers Epic Single-Player Campaign Experience

    Doom: The Dark Ages was recently revealed at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 event, introducing new features to the thrilling first-person shooter series. Unlike earlier titles, this new prequel will not include a multiplayer option. The executive producer and game director emphasized that Doom: The Dark Ages is designed as a single-player experience, prioritizing a fantastic campaign for its players.

    Single-Player Focus

    In a roundtable discussion with Executive Producer Marty Stratton and Game Director Hugo Martin, attended by various media representatives, the pair explained their reasoning behind the decision to make Doom: The Dark Ages a single-player title. In an interview transcribed by Wccftech, Stratton remarked that this choice was made very early in development, aiming to concentrate on crafting the most impressive and expansive campaign possible. This focus has allowed id Software to introduce the Atlan mech and a dragon, which serve as mini-games featuring mini bosses—something fans have eagerly anticipated since Doom (2016).

    Replayability Enhancements

    The previous games, Doom (2016) and its sequel Doom: Eternal, included multiplayer modes for players to engage with after finishing the single-player story. However, in Doom: The Dark Ages, the developers have incorporated numerous new functionalities into the single-player experience to enhance replay value. For the first time, players can utilize sliders to modify the combat experience, adjusting the difficulty according to their liking. Additionally, a game speed slider allows players to either slow down or speed up the gameplay, along with various other modifiers.

    Launch Details

    Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15 for PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 5. It will be accessible to Game Pass subscribers on the first day and is currently available for pre-order on all platforms.

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  • RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090: Efficiency Comparison at Same Power Level

    RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090: Efficiency Comparison at Same Power Level

    Reviews of the RTX 5090 have been released, and for those who seek top-tier performance without worrying about price or energy use, Nvidia has truly outdone itself with the RTX 5090. This graphics card excels in both rasterization and ray tracing, offering unmatched capabilities at 4K resolution. With the addition of DLSS 4, this GPU can achieve over 200 FPS in 4K gaming for titles that utilize Nvidia’s Multi-Frame Generation technology.

    Performance Comparison

    However, the RTX 5090 does not represent as significant an improvement over the RTX 4090 as the RTX 4090 did compared to the RTX 3090. In our evaluations, the new GPU shows an average performance increase of 27% over the RTX 4090. It’s important to note that this performance boost comes with a hefty rise in power usage; the RTX 5090 has a power rating of 575 W, compared to the RTX 4090’s 450 W.

    Power Normalization Insights

    This raises an intriguing question: How does the performance of the RTX 5090 stack up against the RTX 4090 when both cards are adjusted for power consumption? Luckily, ComputerBase has conducted tests, and the findings are quite enlightening.

    Their research indicates that the RTX 5090 achieves an average of 17% more FPS compared to the RTX 4090 in rasterization tasks when both GPUs are limited to 450 W. This means that when the RTX 5090 is restricted to using 125 W less power, it experiences an 8% decline in performance.

    CUDA Cores and Performance

    The 17% increase in performance at 450 W is particularly noteworthy, especially since the RTX 5090 contains 33% more CUDA cores than the RTX 4090. One might expect a more significant performance disparity than the observed 17% when the power advantage of the RTX 5090 is negated. That said, the slightly lower clock speeds of the RTX 5090 (113 MHz less) likely play a role in limiting its overall performance.

    In conclusion, it appears that Nvidia is relying on sheer power to maintain a competitive edge for the RTX 5090 over the RTX 4090. However, this approach may not bode well for the efficiency of the GPU, as the RTX 5090’s performance scales linearly with thermal design power (TDP)—showing a 27% performance increase for a 28% increase in energy consumption. For context, the RTX 4090 boasts over a 50% performance lead compared to the RTX 3090, with only a 29% higher TDP.

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    RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090: Efficiency Comparison at Same Power Level
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  • Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro with Matter Support Debuts at CES

    Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro with Matter Support Debuts at CES

    The Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro have recently come to attention. This yet-to-be-announced smart lighting device has appeared two times on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website. The CSA is a consortium of businesses that develop and uphold IoT standards, such as Matter, and validate relevant products.

    Different Names, Same Product

    In the first entry on the CSA certification site, it is listed as the Smart Gaming Light Bars Pro, while the second listing refers to it simply as the Gaming Light Bars Pro. According to information from these CSA listings, the Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro are meant for indoor environments and boast a “cool gaming style appearance.” Users will have the option to select from various colored lighting effects, with management available via the Govee Home app. Additionally, these light bars will support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as compatibility with the Matter protocol. This allows for easy integration with numerous smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.

    Awaiting More Information

    Details on the product are still limited. Govee introduced the original Gaming Light Bars in 2022, consisting of two 16.7-inch (approximately 42.4 cm) RGB light bars, each equipped with 31 LED beads. Some features of this earlier model include over 60 pre-set lighting scenes, music-syncing capabilities, and support for Razer Synapse 3, providing a more engaging gaming atmosphere. It’s still uncertain when the Govee Smart Gaming Light Bars Pro will hit the market or what their price will be. For reference, the original Govee Gaming Light Bars are priced at $89.99.

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  • LG UltraGear GX7 480Hz QHD OLED Gaming Monitor Launches in China

    LG UltraGear GX7 480Hz QHD OLED Gaming Monitor Launches in China

    Back in November 2024, LG introduced the UltraGear GX7 (27GX790A), a remarkable 480Hz QHD OLED gaming monitor in several markets, including the US. Now, it’s also available for purchase in China.

    Features of the LG UltraGear GX7

    The GX7 shines with its incredible 480Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms Gray-to-Gray (GTG) response time, making it the quickest QHD (2,560 x 1,440) OLED monitor on the market. Using LG’s WOLED technology, this monitor delivers bright colors, deep blacks, and a limitless contrast ratio. It has the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification for outstanding HDR performance, and its 98.5% DCI-P3 color range guarantees precise color accuracy. Furthermore, the AGLR coating on the screen minimizes glare and reflections in bright rooms.

    Design and Ergonomics

    With a sleek and minimalist design, the GX7 features a nearly borderless 27-inch display that enhances the immersive experience. The ergonomic L-shaped stand is designed to conserve desk space and allows users to adjust height, tilt, and pivot for maximum comfort during long gaming sessions.

    Gaming Features and Connectivity

    Key gaming functionalities include NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which help eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother gameplay. The monitor provides various connectivity options, such as DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1, ensuring compatibility with high refresh rates and resolutions for the future. Additionally, it comes equipped with a 4-pole headphone jack featuring DTS headphones for an immersive 3D spatial audio experience.

    Pricing and Availability

    In China, the LG GX7 model “27GX790A” is priced at 8,499 yuan ($1,173) and can be found for sale on JD.com. In the United States, the monitor is available for about $1,000.

    LG UltraGear GX7 480Hz QHD OLED Gaming Monitor Launches in China
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  • GTA 6 Leak: Reddit User Reveals Alleged Test Build Details

    GTA 6 Leak: Reddit User Reveals Alleged Test Build Details

    Reddit user Pebblestar has claimed that they got to play an early test version of GTA 6 in 2024. They made their post from a temporary account to stay anonymous, but it has since been removed. Pebblestar mentioned that they are not part of the game’s development team, but they did visit Rockstar Games’ offices for work-related reasons and were able to try out the game in person.

    Realistic Game World

    In their Reddit post, Pebblestar goes into detail about the game’s incredibly realistic world. Most objects in the game are meant to be physically present and interact with the player—small items like thrown away coffee cups are no longer just flat textures on the ground.

    The game environment reacts in a believable way to weather changes, with traffic signs bending in the wind and puddles forming in potholes during rain, which then slowly dry up under the sunlight. Moreover, the characters in the game world are designed to look very lifelike. After a car crash, debris scattered across the road leads to traffic jams, while road workers fix the damage and tow trucks take away the wrecked cars.

    Questionable Authenticity

    However, verifying the truth of leaks is often tricky, and this situation is no different. Most sources choose to stay anonymous, and leakers seldom offer solid proof to back up their statements. Rockstar Games is known for having strict security, making it very unlikely that someone outside the company could access a test version of GTA 6. Consequently, the reliability of such information is still in doubt.

    In spite of the doubts regarding the leak, several of the details shared by Pebblestar seem believable. Initial trailers for GTA 6 have already highlighted physical interactions with small objects, and Red Dead Redemption 2 showcased a highly realistic weather system, making it reasonable to expect further improvements in GTA 6. Additionally, some of the leaked information matches job listings from Rockstar, which reference work on destruction effects and advanced weather systems, adding some credibility to parts of the claims.

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  • Affordable Asus ROG Phone 9 Series Details Leaked Before Launch

    Affordable Asus ROG Phone 9 Series Details Leaked Before Launch

    The Asus ROG Phone 9 series currently includes two gaming smartphones: a standard model and a Pro version. However, recent information suggests that a new model is on the way, which will include “FE” in its title. This anticipated device is believed to be a budget-friendly addition to the lineup.

    Certification and Specifications

    Although Asus hasn’t officially announced this device, it has received certification in several countries. According to a recent leak, details about its specifications have emerged, along with purported images of the ROG Phone 9 FE. Unlike its counterparts in the series, this smartphone is said to not feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

    Performance and Storage

    The leak indicates that the ROG Phone 9 FE will utilize the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This means it will deliver performance comparable to the ROG Phone 8. Additionally, the leak mentions that this model will come with 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

    Camera and Display Features

    For its camera setup, the ROG Phone 9 FE is expected to have a 50MP main sensor, along with a 13MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro lens. It is also reported that the front will have a 32MP selfie camera. This camera configuration seems to mirror that of the ROG Phone 8.

    In terms of display, the leaked information suggests that the ROG Phone 9 FE will come equipped with a 6.78-inch FHD+ screen boasting a 165Hz refresh rate. This display is rumored to reach up to 185Hz while using Game Genie, with a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, and it will have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection.

    Design and Weight

    As for its design, leaked images depict a smartphone similar to the ROG Phone 8 Pro. It is expected to weigh around 225 grams and be 8.9mm thick. Like its other ROG-branded siblings, this phone is also likely to include gaming-oriented AirTrigger controls, with the 16/512 GB RedMagic 10 Pro currently priced at $899 on Amazon.

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    Affordable Asus ROG Phone 9 Series Details Leaked Before Launch
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  • Ayaneo 3 Handheld: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, OLED, 64GB RAM

    Ayaneo 3 Handheld: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, OLED, 64GB RAM

    The Ayaneo 3 has finally arrived after several months filled with teasers showcasing its different launch versions. This latest device from Ayaneo is part of the growing trend of gaming handhelds that utilize AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which features Zen 5 CPU cores and an RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 890M integrated GPU.

    Pricing and Options

    It’s important to note that the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is not the only APU offered with the Ayaneo 3. In fact, the models equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 are priced at $600 more than those with the Ryzen 7 8840U. Additionally, Ayaneo provides the choice between 7-inch LCD and OLED display options without any extra charges. These displays boast several significant features:

    – LCD
    – OLED

    Display Features

    Interestingly, Ayaneo has not yet revealed the response times for its OLED panel, nor has it confirmed whether it supports variable refresh rate (VRR) or is a true horizontal panel. However, regardless of the chosen APU, display, or memory setup, all Ayaneo 3 devices share common hardware. This includes LPDDR5X-7500 MT/s RAM, M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 storage, and a 49 Wh battery.

    The device also comes equipped with OCuLink and USB4 ports, in addition to interchangeable controller modules that allow for touchpads or an eight-way d-pad and six action buttons referred to as the ‘fighting module.’ Plus, all variations feature Hall effect joysticks and triggers, along with a pair of rear buttons, all encased in a body measuring 289.8 x 115 x 22.4 mm.

    Competition and Availability

    One of the closest competitors to the Ayaneo 3 is the OneXFly F1 Pro, which is currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon and has been available since November from One-Netbook. In contrast, Ayaneo has indicated that pre-orders for the Ayaneo 3 won’t start shipping until April. However, based on previous experiences, this timeline is not guaranteed, a common occurrence in crowdfunding initiatives. For a complete breakdown of pricing options, see the table below.

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    Ayaneo 3 Handheld: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, OLED, 64GB RAMAyaneo 3 Handheld: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, OLED, 64GB RAMAyaneo 3 Handheld: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, OLED, 64GB RAM

     

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  • Free Co-Op Sandbox Adventure on Steam – Limited Time Offer

    Free Co-Op Sandbox Adventure on Steam – Limited Time Offer

    Necesse is a sandbox action-adventure game with a delightful pixel art style that presents players with a procedurally generated world full of limitless opportunities. You start out as an explorer on a mysterious island, where your goal is to create a successful settlement. You’ll need to gather resources, build structures, and bring in new residents to your developing village. However, it’s not all tranquility; valuable resources, powerful artifacts, and rare gear can be found in hidden dungeons, which are home to fierce bosses that will challenge your abilities.

    Exciting Gameplay Features

    The game includes lively real-time combat, giving players the option to select from a variety of melee and ranged weapons. One of the most notable aspects is its comprehensive co-op mode, allowing players to create servers, explore the expansive world with friends, or challenge each other in PvP matches. With mod support available, the game environment can be tailored and broadened to match your imaginative vision, making Necesse a genuinely adaptable and captivating experience.

    Game Release and Reception

    Necesse marks the first title from Fair Games ApS and has been in Early Access since December 2019. It’s priced at approximately $15, and the sandbox adventure has gradually built a dedicated player base. With more than 12,800 reviews on Steam, an impressive 94% of them are positive, highlighting the game’s popularity and lasting charm.

    Update and Promotions

    On January 23, 2025, Necesse launched its v0.30 update, which coincided with the first free Steam weekend for the game. From January 24 to 26, players can experience the sandbox adventure at no charge. Those who find enjoyment in the game can purchase it at a 35% discount until February 3, reducing the price to about $10 from the usual $15.

    Prices can change. The offer was valid at the time this article was published, but may be limited in duration or availability. All information is provided without guarantee.

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  • Earthblade, the Sequel to Celeste, is Cancelled

    Earthblade, the Sequel to Celeste, is Cancelled

    Earthblade, the sequel to the well-loved 2D platformer Celeste, has been officially cancelled. The game, which was being developed by EXOK (Extremely OK) Games, was first revealed at The Game Awards in 2022 through a nearly two-minute gameplay trailer, announcing a release date set for 2024. Sadly, fans of Celeste will find it disappointing to learn that they won’t get the chance to play this anticipated sequel.

    Conflict Among Team Members

    A blog post shared some details about the cancellation, stating that the decision was made in December 2024 due to conflicts among the team members. The disagreements revolved around the intellectual property rights of Celeste. Although specific details were not disclosed, the resolution led to the conclusion that team members would part ways, resulting in the halt of the game’s development.

    Pressure and Exhaustion

    It was also mentioned in the blog post that while the game could have continued being developed, it would have been a difficult journey. The team faced immense pressure to create something even greater than Celeste, leading to an exhausting work environment. The decision to cancel Earthblade was somewhat straightforward, as the development was not as advanced as initially thought, given the time spent on it.

    Future Focus

    One of the key team members has departed from EXOK Games and is planning to release a new game soon. Meanwhile, the remaining team members will shift their attention toward smaller projects moving forward.

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  • 8BitDo Launches 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller with Haptic Feedback

    8BitDo Launches 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller with Haptic Feedback

    8BitDo has introduced a fresh wireless controller in China, following up on their earlier tease of a unique mobile gaming accessory in collaboration with Viture. Although the 8BitDo Orion isn’t the newest partnership with Viture, it might be a revised version of the 8BitDo Ultimate (currently priced at $49.99 on Amazon) that the company plans to roll out worldwide.

    Design Similarities

    Official images indicate that the Orion and Ultimate share the same physical appearance, featuring identical control layouts and designs. However, when looking at 8BitDo’s specifications, we see that the Orion is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 146.7 x 103.6 x 61.3 mm and weighing 236 g, compared to the Ultimate’s dimensions of 147.0 x 104.0 x 61.5 mm and 245 g. Notably, the Orion now supports macOS, which the Ultimate, for some unclear reason, does not.

    Technical Features

    As per ITHome, the 8BitDo Orion is equipped with Hall effect joysticks, featuring a resolution of 1,024, which might be the same as the latest 8BitDo Ultimate. The site also mentions that the Orion comes with Hall effect triggers, a feature that the Ultimate lacks. These triggers are said to offer haptic feedback when the controller connects to a Windows device, unlike the 8BitDo Ultimate. In China, the 8BitDo Orion is priced at CNY 219 (around $30); however, there has been no information released regarding its availability in other countries yet.

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    8BitDo Launches 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller with Haptic Feedback8BitDo Launches 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller with Haptic Feedback
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