Category: Gaming

  • 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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  • New Gamepad Keyboard for Legion Go & ROG Ally Enhances Typing

    New Gamepad Keyboard for Legion Go & ROG Ally Enhances Typing

    Anyone who has gamed on a handheld Windows PC knows that the built-in on-screen keyboard leaves much to be desired. Not only do you struggle to reach the keys with your thumbs across clunky controllers, but using a joystick to type can be pretty awkward. Plus, the traditional staggered QWERTY format is not very practical for handheld devices.

    Exciting New Developments

    However, a recent blog post from Microsoft reveals that the latest Windows Insider Preview includes a new on-screen keyboard designed specifically for handheld devices. This update not only expands the audience who can test this new keyboard, which has been thoughtfully designed for layout and physical usability, but it also indicates that Microsoft is getting ready to integrate it into the main Windows build soon.

    Key Features of the New Keyboard

    In their blog, Microsoft describes the keyboard as follows:

    "[Gamepad keyboard] New! This update starts the roll out of a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard. With it, you can use your Xbox controller to move around the screen and type. Button accelerators are also available; these include the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. For better movement patterns, the keyboard keys are aligned vertically."

    These modifications seem to be positive advancements, especially the shortcut keys and the straight keyboard layout, which should be especially handy for gamers who prefer inputting text via a controller. These improvements promise quicker and more intuitive navigation. While the Steam Deck’s dual touchpads might still outperform the new Windows gamepad keyboard, it’s encouraging to see Microsoft finally making changes that enhance the handheld gaming experience.

    Future of Handheld Gaming on Windows

    Windows gamers may still need to dive into the accessibility settings or manually set up a controller key combo to access the on-screen keyboard. This update comes on the heels of several enhancements to the Windows Game Bar. It seemed like Microsoft was just sitting back for a while, but the increasing popularity of handheld gaming devices—both running on Windows and Linux—has evidently motivated the tech giant to take handheld gaming more seriously. For more details, check out the complete update notes for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.4387 (KB5044380).

    If you’re considering venturing into handheld gaming, you might want to look at the Asus ROG Ally X, which is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy.

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  • Zuiki Unveils Evotop Ultra-Wideband Wireless Game Controller

    Zuiki Unveils Evotop Ultra-Wideband Wireless Game Controller

    Zuiki has given a sneak peek of its Evotop ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless game controller at the 2024 Tokyo Game Show (TGS). This controller utilizes a UWB dongle, which results in significantly lower latency compared to Bluetooth controllers. Operating on frequencies from 7.25 GHz to 9.0 GHz, it enhances resistance to interference from nearby devices that work within the 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz range. Zuiki claims that the latency is almost as low as that of a wired game controller.

    Design and Features

    At the TGS, both black and white versions of the Evotop were displayed. The grips of the controller are covered in synthetic leather, providing better hold during intense gaming sessions. Its body is constructed from aramid fibers, which are also utilized in modern body armor due to their durability. The D-Pad and the back buttons are made from metal, giving them a premium feel. Additionally, there’s a Turbo-Z button located near the XYAB buttons that enables continuous fire, which helps ease the burden on fingers when playing shooting games.

    Unique Functionality

    What sets the Evotop apart from typical game controllers is its integrated touch display. Gamers can use this feature to adjust settings and retrieve profiles directly on the controller without needing to access a PC application. The charging process for the controller is straightforward, compatible with any USB-C power source.

    The official pricing and release date for the Evotop have not yet been disclosed. For gamers with a malfunctioning controller looking for a quick fix, they can consider the affordable Abxylute wireless controller available on Amazon while they await the Evotop’s arrival.

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  • PoGoskill Introduces GPS Spoofing for Pokémon GO on iOS 18

    PoGoskill Introduces GPS Spoofing for Pokémon GO on iOS 18

    PoGoskill has introduced GPS location spoofing for Pokémon GO on iOS 18 through the launch of PoGoskill Location Changer version 2.10.0. This app allows users to simulate movement around the globe, making it easier for gamers who prefer not to do the physical walking required to catch all those virtual Pokémon.

    New Features and Updates

    In addition to compatibility with the latest operating system and a more user-friendly interface, the PoGoskill Location Changer now includes several new features. Gamers can set routes for auto-walking in Pokémon GO by designating starting and stopping points, with the option to add waypoints in between. Once the player sets their waypoints and adjusts their walking speed, PoGoskill automatically moves the player’s location across the game world, saving time and allowing players to engage in other activities while their virtual character travels.

    Exclusive Features for Taiwan Users

    Currently, a unique feature is available exclusively for users in Taiwan. This allows players to view and accept all available Field Research rewards and tasks simultaneously. This makes the process of achieving Research Breakthroughs much easier, helping players encounter more desirable Pokémon with less hassle.

    More Than Just Pokémon GO

    Besides its capabilities in Pokémon GO, PoGoskill also allows users to spoof their location in various other applications, including social media, navigation, mapping, and even dating apps. The software is compatible with Windows and Mac computers, along with Android and Apple smartphones. Pricing for PoGoskill on iOS is set at $14.99 for a one-month subscription, $39.99 for three months, $79.99 for a full year, and a lifetime license is priced at $99.99.

    For gamers who enjoy catching Pokémon in real life, the Pokémon Go Plus wristband can help make the process easier and is available for purchase on Amazon.

    PoGoskill, PoGoskill press release, and PoGoskill on YouTube have more information.

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  • Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition DLC Set for 2025 Release

    Hogwarts Legacy Definitive Edition DLC Set for 2025 Release

    At this moment, Hogwarts Legacy (you can check out our benchmarks and review here) has made a strong mark as one of the top games in recent times. By the close of 2023, it had sold over 22 million copies, becoming the best-seller of the year on major platforms such as PlayStation and Xbox. This is quite the accomplishment, ending a 14-year reign by Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto in yearly sales.

    New Edition Coming Soon

    It seems that Warner Bros. is preparing to squeeze some extra revenue from its player community by launching a Definitive Edition of the game. This upcoming version is said to feature 10–15 hours of fresh content, including a new story quest, additional side activities, and exclusive outfits. According to a report from Insider Gaming, the DLC is likely to be priced between $20 and $30, although the specific release date is still unknown. Many believe it will be available by 2025, which is, honestly, not too far away.

    Future Plans Unveiled

    In addition, the CFO of Warner Bros. has stated that creating a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is a top focus, but fans will need to be patient for a few years before it hits the market. In the meantime, a standalone Quidditch game is currently in beta testing, as earlier reports have indicated. Hogwarts Legacy continues to perform well, boasting a player count of 10,849 at the time of writing, according to SteamDB. These figures are likely to soar again once the DLC is released, but let’s hold off until we get an official word from the company.

    Insider Gaming

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