Category: Gaming

  • Destiny 2 Final Update Out; Destiny 3 Petition Hits 370K

    Destiny 2 Final Update Out; Destiny 3 Petition Hits 370K

    Key Takeaway

    – Monument of Triumph update causes player surge, exceeding 148,000 concurrent users and causing server/login issues.
    – Petition for Destiny 3 surpasses 370,000 signatures as fans push for franchise continuation.
    – Destiny 2 ends live-service updates but will still receive stability hotfixes.
    – Player count now surpasses Bungie’s new title, Marathon, which peaked at 88,000 players.

    Final Update Brings Players Back In Droves

    The final update for Destiny 2 is here, and players have joined en masse to show how much they love/loved the game. As the petition for Destiny 3 crosses 370,000, players want to show Bungie that they’re still not done with the franchise, after nine years. The player count has also surpassed Marathon’s, leading to server issues.

    Monument of Triumph Goes Live

    Monument of Triumph is the aptly named final update for Destiny 2, which went live today. Fans jumped in, and as of writing, there are over 148,000 people playing the game. According to Insider Gaming, some users were facing issues when trying to log in due to the influx of players. Even SteamDB crashed at one point trying to keep up with the player count. It seems to be stable now, but the player count is still rising.

    Emotional Goodbyes and Marathon’s Impact

    A lot of Destiny 2 fans have shared emotional experiences and goodbyes following Bungie’s announcement from late May. While the game will stop receiving live-service updates, i.e., no new content, Bungie will still release hot fixes for the stability of the game. The studio reportedly shifted its focus to Marathon and decided to end service for Destiny 2. The former has seen a peak of about 88,000 players since launching three months ago.

    SteamDB, Insider Gaming, Change.org

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  • Nintendo Stock Crashes After Direct Despite Ocarina Switch 2

    Nintendo Stock Crashes After Direct Despite Ocarina Switch 2

    Key Takeaway

    – Nintendo stock dropped over 10% after the June 9th Direct, indicating investor disappointment with Switch 2 game lineup.
    – The Switch 2 price increase in Japan and upcoming global hike raised concerns about future sales and profitability.
    – The holiday lineup lacked major system sellers, with no new Mario adventure and key titles like Xenoblade Genesis delayed to 2027.
    – The Ocarina of Time remake generated buzz but failed to impress due to a lack of gameplay footage.

    Gamers Still Digest That June 9th Nintendo Direct

    While opinions seems mixed across forums, investors werent apparently impressed by the new Switch 2 games that were showcased. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake news didn’t prevent the Nintendo stock price from falling more than 10% since opening, which is a pretty big drop for a company thats usually stable. The broadcast started after the Japanese exchange had already closed for the day.

    Foreign Shares Take a Hit During the Event

    Even so, foreign shares trading under the NTDOF ticker symbol declined sharply during the event, showing immediate market reaction. The stock had declined by over 30% from the start of 2026, but reached its highest point in a month before the Direct began. That bump didnt last, as the company previewed its crucial holiday lineup which might be lacking some big titles. Investors were hoping for more exciting announcements to drive sales.

    The annual fiscal report, revealed on May 8th, didn’t alleviate the fears of investors who are worried about the future. The company announced 19.86 million console sales since the handheld released in June 2025, which sounds like a lot but might not be enough. Yet, with the Switch 2 price increase already seen in Japan set to hit other regions in September, there are concerns about the road ahead and whether consumers will pay more.

    Convincing Skeptics With First-Party Titles

    One way to convince skeptics would be to tease a strong roster of first-party titles, but that didnt really happen. As the crucial retail months approach, system sellers could entice buyers to upgrade their consoles, but the lineup seems weak. With the last general Nintendo Direct being in September 2025, hype levels spiked leading up to the June 9th presentation, only to be dissapointed by the content.

    The Stumbling Nintendo Stock Shows Disappointment

    Unfortunately, the stumbling Nintendo stock suggests the upcoming Switch 2 games didnt wow shareholders at all during the event. Among the bullet points, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave appeared before its September 17th launch, but that might not be a system seller. Gamers also got their first glimpse at Xenoblade Genesis, but it wont be ready until 2027, which is ages away in gaming terms. Otherwise, the Ocarina of Time remake is drawing the most attention from fans.

    • Leaks from NateTheHate prepared fans for the return of the popular N64 title, so there was some prior knowledge.
    • Sure enough, Link emerged at the end of the Nintendo Direct, getting people excited.
    • Despite a 2026 release date, some viewers lamented the lack of gameplay shown in the trailer.
    • The brief video didn’t answer many questions about how the developers would improve the classic experience.

    The Nintendo stock price would also likely have been boosted by a famous plumber, but no such luck. Sadly, the holidays may not see any new Mario adventures, including the rumored Super Mario Odyssey sequel that fans were hoping for. Immediate reactions to these events are often exaggerated and could reflect unrealistic expectations from the market. Nevertheless, facing a component shortage, questions remain about Switch 2 profitability in the long term.

     


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  • Deal: WW1 Shooter Drops to $13 on Steam for the First Time

    Key Takeaway

    – Over The Top: WWI offers a sandbox-style WWI experience with emphasis on environmental destruction and dynamic cover.
    – It has received its first major Steam discount (30% off), the lowest price to date, and is Steam Deck playable.
    – The game features France, Great Britain, and Germany with eight distinct classes including Riflemen, Engineers, and Heavy Gunners.
    – User reception is strong with 84% positive ratings from nearly 6,200 Steam reviews and a Metacritic user score of 9.0.
    – New players should expect a steep learning curve and frequent early deaths due to the frantic, fast-paced battles.

    Over The Top: WWI Gets Its Deepest Discount Yet on Steam

    Anyone who feels they have seen everything Battlefield 1 has to offer may find a refreshing alternative in Over The Top: WWI. Like DICE’s shooter, it focuses on massive WW1 battles, but places a much stronger emphasis on sandbox gameplay and environmental destruction. We previously covered the game at launch, and roughly three months later, it has now received its first major Steam discount. According to SteamDB, the current 30% price cut marks the lowest price the game has seen so far. The title is also playable on Steam Deck.

    Sandbox Destruction and Dynamic Battlefields

    What truly distinguishes Over The Top from Battlefield is the way it incorporates the environment into every firefight. Explosions leave behind craters that can immediately be used as cover, buildings can be demolished rather than assaulted room by room, and players can use shovels to create their own defensive positions wherever the battlefield demands. The game features France, Great Britain and Germany as playable factions, each offering eight classes. These range from front-line Riflemen and combat Engineers to Heavy Gunners capable of laying down sustained suppressive fire.

    Player Reception and Learning Curve

    Since release, Over The Top has built a respectable player base, regularly attracting more than 300 concurrent players. User reception has also been strong, with 84% positive ratings from nearly 6,200 Steam reviews. On Metacritic, the game currently holds a user score of 9.0, although that rating is based on only four reviews. Fans of large-scale multiplayer warfare should find plenty to enjoy here, and the current discount makes this the most affordable entry point yet. That said, reviews suggest newcomers should be prepared for a steep learning curve. The frantic nature of the battles can be overwhelming at first, and being eliminated moments after spawning appears to be a fairly common experience.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. This title is currently available on Steam and playable on Steam Deck with a 30% discount applied.


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  • Gothic Remake Tip: Save 5+ Hours of Playtime

    Key Takeaway

    – Save manually and frequently; automatic saving is not reliable in the Gothic remake.
    – One player lost 5 hours of progress by forgetting to save.
    – This is a classic, intentional feature of Gothic, not a bug.
    – Veterans save after every major event (battle or conversation) as a routine.
    – New players must learn this lesson early to avoid losing hours of progress.

    Fans have waited so long for the remake of Gothic that some have apparently forgotten what it still is at its core: a 20-year-old role-playing game in a much prettier guise. That also means some mechanics do not work the way players may be used to from modern RPGs – saving included. While current role-playing games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or The Witcher 3 largely handle saving automatically, Gothic still requires manual saves – even in the remake. Anyone who forgets to save loses all progress made since the last save point after dying. One player has now learned this lesson the hard way. As u/JI00R shows on Reddit, he met a digital death – and had last saved five hours earlier. “Yeah, nobody warned me about that,” writes the Redditor.

    The Harsh Lesson of Manual Saves

    The community reacted with a mixture of understanding and schadenfreude. Many users commented that they had gone through similar experiences themselves – and that this is simply part of the classic Gothic experience. Some Redditors likely rubbed their hands together with malicious glee while reading the post. One of the top comments in the thread reads: “For anyone who has been playing RPGs for the last two and a half decades, this is a given […] you can learn this lesson as many times as you want, but once should be enough.” For new players, however, it still cannot hurt to know this in advance – after all, time is limited and five lost hours hurt.

    Building a Reliable Save Routine

    For veterans, saving regularly is practically part of the gameplay loop. Exactly when players save is less important. Some create a new save after every victorious battle, while others save after every conversation with an important NPC. What matters most is establishing a fixed save routine.

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  • Steam Machine Launch June 29: FCC Data Reveals New Clues

    Key Takeaway

    – The Steam Machine may launch on or before June 29, based on regulatory filing publication dates.
    – The theory compares the Steam Machine’s filings to the Steam Controller’s timeline, where manuals and photos were released after launch.
    – Valve has confirmed a summer launch for the Steam Machine, making the June 29 estimate plausible.
    – Pricing is the main concern for fans, especially after the recent Steam Deck price increase.

    The whole Valve Steam Machine speculation thing is really heating up lately. A Reddit user named u/wayTooManyBugs got busy looking at public regulatory filings for Valve hardware instead of just import records, and they think they found something solid. The idea is that the Steam Machine could come out on or before June 29, based on comparing the filings for the Steam Controller and the new box.

    How the filing dates line up

    So when this Redditor was checking out the Steam Controller entries, they noticed the user manual and product photos weren’t made public until May 20, 2026, after the controller had already launched. But the actual regulatory documents got filed way earlier on November 24, 2025. Valve also turned in the Steam Machine’s regulatory papers near the end of 2025. Here’s the kicker: the publication date for the Steam Machine’s manual and photos is already set as June 29.

    The theory behind the launch window

    The theory is pretty basic: if Valve does the same thing with the Steam Machine that they did with the Steam Controller, and only releases the manual and product photos after launch, then the Steam Machine might arrive before June 29. This analysis hasn’t exactly blown up on Reddit yet, but the comments so far are positive. The top reply says: “This some good stuff right here!” For now, its all guesswork, but Valve already confirmed the Steam Machine is scheduled for this summer, so the theory seems plausible.

    Main concerns about the Steam Machine

    For many fans, the release date isn’t the biggest headache. The real worry is pricing, especially after the recent Steam Deck price increase. Nobody wants to pay even more for a console that might not have a clear market yet. Valve hasnt announced official pricing for the Steam Machine, but people are watching closely. Theres a lot of hope that it wont be too expensive, otherwise it might struggle to compete with other devices.

    • Regulatory filings were submitted late 2025
    • Publication date listed as June 29 for manual and photos
    • Steam Controller followed a similar pattern
    • Pricing concerns remain the biggest issue
    • Valve confirmed a summer 2026 launch


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  • Dave the Diver DLC Live Action Trailer June 18 Release

    Dave the Diver DLC Live Action Trailer June 18 Release

    Key Takeaway

    – Dave the Diver is getting a spin-off titled Bancho the Chef (no release date yet).
    – A new DLC called “In The Jungle” releases on June 18.
    – The DLC features a live-action trailer by The Asylum (Sharknado fame).
    – New content includes a jungle lake, ancient temples, car chase, and mini games.
    – The DLC is available for wishlisting on Steam and other platforms.

    State of Play Reveals New Dave The Diver Content

    During the latest State of Play, it was reveled that the popular video game, Dave The Diver, will be getting a spin-off game based on Bancho, the chef. Titled Bancho The Chef, the game doesnt have a release date yet but can be wishlisted on various platforms. That news from Mintrocket, the publisher and developer of Dave The Diver, has been followed by a trailer for a new DLC that will be released later this month.

    Live-Action Trailer Shows Familiar Faces

    The new DLC, which is titled “In The Jungle”, has gotten a live-action trailer that shows familiar characters from the game such as Dave, Bancho, Cobra, and Dr. Bacon. The trailer was made by The Asylum, a film production company best known for the Sharknado film franchise. This production studio often focuses on low-budget parody flicks, but theyve brought a unique flair to this trailer with over-the-top action sequences and character cameos.

    Gameplay Details and New Environments

    The trailer also includes gameplay from the new DLC showing Dave in a lake filled with new fishes and beasts of varying sizes. The trailer also shows gameplay that takes place in the jungle and ancient temples; a car chase by a giant warthog; and new mini games. These segments appear to expand the base game’s mechanics with jungle traversal and vehicle sections, giving players a reason to dive back into the world of Dave The Diver.

    Release Date and Platform Availability

    The “In The Jungle” DLC was originally supposed to be released in 2025 but was delayed. It will now be released on June 18, and while theres no price yet, you can add it to your wishlist on Steam. When it is released, you will be able to get it on your platform of choice. This means players across PC, Nintendo Switch, and other consoles can look forward to downloading the content once its live, though the exact pricing structure remains unannounced.

    Publisher’s Official Channels

    Mintrocket on YouTube has been the primary source for trailers and updates regarding both the spin-off and the DLC. Fans can subscribe to their channel for future announcements, including possible gameplay reveals or developer diaries. The publisher seems committed to expanding the Dave The Diver universe with Bancho The Chef receiving a seperate release, though no further details about its gameplay systems have emerged yet.

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  • GTA 6 debate ignites over style vs substance in viral post

    Key Takeaway

    – Concerns that GTA 6 may look spectacular but play like “GTA 5.3” with little gameplay evolution.
    – Rockstar has mostly shown visuals and atmosphere, but little about actual mission design, shooting, or exploration.
    – Fans want more than better graphics—hoping for a noticeable step forward in gameplay depth.
    – Key debate topics include linear mission design, vehicle handling, police AI, NPC behavior, and side activities.
    – Red Dead Redemption 2 cited as evidence Rockstar can push world interactions and immersion far beyond visuals.

    Discussions Around GTA 6 Usually Focus

    Discussions around GTA 6 usually focus on leaks, trailer details or possible release clues. For most fans, the idea that Rockstar’s next open-world blockbuster will be good has long felt like a safe bet – at least until now. The indie developers at The Water Museum, known for Arctic Eggs and IBIS AM, recently sparked debate on X by voicing concern that GTA 6 might look spectacular but essentially play like “GTA 5.3.” The post quickly drew attention and was later picked up on Reddit, where the discussion went viral.

    Amid All The Leaks And Speculation

    Amid all the leaks and speculation, it is easy to forget that Rockstar has so far mostly shown the game’s look and atmosphere. Vice City appears denser, more detailed and more lifelike than ever, but little is known about how missions, shootouts or open-world exploration will actually feel. After more than a decade with GTA 5 (PS5 version currently around $26 on Amazon), many fans are hoping for more than better graphics. They also want a noticeable step forward in gameplay.

    Some Players Wonder Weather Rockstar Will Stick

    Some players wonder whether Rockstar will stick to its traditionally linear mission design, where objectives often have to be completed in one specific way. Others question whether GTA 6 can really push the gameplay depth beyond GTA 5. Vehicle handling, police AI, NPC behavior and side activities are also recurring topics in the debate. The concern is not necessarily that GTA 6 will be bad, but that it might ultimately look more impressive than it feels.

    Many Fans Remain Relaxed However

    Many fans remain relaxed, however. A common counterargument is Red Dead Redemption 2, which already showed how far Rockstar can push world interactions, NPC reactions and immersion. Many therefore expect GTA 6 to offer far more than just a prettier open world. Anyone who would like to share their own opinion on the subject is welcome to do so in the comments section.

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  • X95 Pro Gaming Handheld: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Price Concerns

    Key Takeaway

    – The X95 Pro is a budget gaming handheld with a flashy design but lacks originality.
    – Its claimed Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is likely a lie; MediaTek is more probable.
    – It runs Android with a custom launcher for button/joystick control.
    – Emulates platforms like PS1, PSP, and Game Boy, though most preloaded games are unlicensed.
    – Features a 3.5-inch IPS display (640×480), 8-hour battery life, and USB-C charging.

    The X95 Pro is a new gaming handheld that is fundementally similar to many other gaming handhelds in the budget price range. To put it bluntly, the manufacturer has failed to come up with anything original beyond a flashy design. Nevertheless, the inexpensive device should still offer plenty of gaming fun. According to the manufacturer, the model comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, which, in our opinion, is likely to be a blatant lie. MediaTek SoCs are more to be expected in this price range. It runs on Android, as confirmed by videos, and YouTube appears to be usable. A customized launcher is on board. Such a launcher is more or less necessary if operation is to be primarily via buttons and joysticks.

    Emulation Capabilities and Game Library

    The device is said to support emulation of various platforms, such as the PlayStation One, the PlayStation Portable and various Game Boy iterations. According to the manufacturer, over 20,000 games are already available. The vast majority of these are likely unlicensed classics, which is certainly highly questionable from a copyright perspective. The IPS display measures 3.5 inches and has a resolution of 640 x 480. Two joysticks are included, along with a D-pad, four action buttons and shoulder buttons. A headphone jack and built-in speakers are also on board. The integrated battery is said to provide up to eight hours of runtime and recharges via USB-C in two hours.

    Pricing and Specifications Breakdown

    • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (claimed, likely incorrect, probable MediaTek SoC)
    • Display: 3.5-inch IPS, resolution 640 x 480
    • Controls: Two joysticks, D-pad, four action buttons, shoulder buttons
    • Audio: Headphone jack, built-in speakers
    • Battery: Up to 8 hours runtime, 2-hour recharge via USB-C
    • OS: Android with custom launcher
    • Game Availability: Over 20,000 (likely unlicensed classics)

    Exploring Alternatives

    Those who want to explore alternatives are advised to take a look at the RG40XXH handheld.


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  • Where Winds Meet Hits Xbox with Rare Limited Controller

    Where Winds Meet Hits Xbox with Rare Limited Controller

    Key Takeaway

    – Where Winds Meet is now available on Xbox platforms (Series S/X, PC, Cloud) as of June 8, 2026.
    – A limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller was revealed, but it is not for sale—only 10 units will be given away via a contest.
    – Cross-platform save data transfer is supported if you previously played on mobile or PC and use the same account.
    – Characters created first on Xbox cannot be transferred or bound to other platforms.

    Xbox Games Showcase 2026 Surprise

    During the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, it was announced that the free-to-play action RPG game, Where Winds Meet is now available on Xbox. The game was already released for other platforms including the PS5 and PC (Steam and Epic) in 2024, and then Android and iOS in 2025. However, while the Xbox’s launch is quite late, it also brings along a limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller based on the video game.

    Controller Design and Collaboration

    The custom controller is a collaboration between Xbox and Everstone Studio, the Chinese developer behind the game. The Xbox Wireless Controller Where Winds Meet limited edition has a white faceplate. It also has the image of Jiang Yan/Uncle Jiang carrying the protagonist when they were a baby on the right grip. There’s the game’s logo in between the D-pad and right thumbstick, and a silhouette from the game is on the left side of the controller.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    It appears the Xbox Wireless Controller Where Winds Meet Edition will not be available to purchase as there’s no mention of pricing and availability. It is also not listed on the Xbox website. However, the game’s official X account has revealed that it will be giving away 10 units of the controller.

    Launch Details and Cross-Play

    Where Winds Meet is available starting today, June 8, on the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud. If you already have the game on a different platform, you can log in using the same account you use on your mobile or PC, so that your save data can be transferred to the Xbox. However, if you created your character on Xbox first, you will not be able to bind your account to other platforms.

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  • Deal: 89% Positive Rated City Puzzler, 50% Off on Steam

    Deal: 89% Positive Rated City Puzzler, 50% Off on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – City-building puzzle game with over 40 buildings, focused on strategic placement for bonuses (no combat or resource management).
    – Multiple game modes including competitive multiplayer and co-op.
    – Highly rated on Steam with 89% positive reviews (2,163 reviews), praised for graphics and calm gameplay.
    – Criticized for repetitive gameplay and bugs; some modes are difficult to understand.
    – Currently at lowest price of $7.49, returning to $14.99 after June 15, 2026.

    Middle Ages Vibe Inspires New City Builder

    Inspired by the Middle Ages, TerraScape is a city puzzler developed by Bitfall Studios and published by Stray Fawn Publishing on July 17, 2024, on Steam. In this game, you must build your city and develop it while earning various rewards.

    Strategic Placement Is Key To Success

    You’ll start by placing your Keep wherever you like. After that, you’ll need to think carefully before placing other buildings. Indeed, it will be necessary to place them in strategic areas to unlock bonuses, such as new infrastructure, upgrades, or different decks. More than 40 buildings are available, each with its own characteristics that you’ll need to learn in order to expand your city.

    No Combat, Only Calm Construction And Modes

    However, it is important to note that there is no combat or resource management. Several modes are available, each offering different gameplay and challenges. You can also compete against your friends in multiplayer or play together in co-op mode.

    Player Feedback Mixed But Mostly Good

    Since its release, 2,163 reviews have been posted, and 89% of them are positive. Players particularly praise its graphics and atmosphere. Its calm and immersive gameplay is also appreciated. However, some players complain about repetitive gameplay and numerous bugs. In addition, some game modes can be difficult to understand.

    Current Price And Discount Details

    TerraScape is currently available at its lowest price of $7.49, which was first reached on March 9, 2026. But according to SteamDB, it will return to $14.99 after June 15, 2026.


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