Category: Gaming

  • Final 14 Days for Xbox Owners to Experience GTA 5

    Final 14 Days for Xbox Owners to Experience GTA 5

    GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable Leaving Xbox Game Pass

    It seems like GTA 5 just can’t stay out of the spotlight. First, its source codes were leaked online, and now, we have another unfortunate piece of news. Grand Theft Auto 5 and Persona 3 Portable are being removed from the Xbox Game Pass library. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

    Goodbye to GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable

    The Xbox Game Pass is known for introducing new games regularly, but it also bids farewell to beloved titles. Unfortunately, the latest casualties are GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable. GTA 5 has been a timeless classic for Xbox One series and Xbox Series S/X users since July 2023. However, in just two weeks, console gamers will have to pay to play this game. The price of Grand Theft Auto V for Xbox varies depending on the region and edition, ranging from $19.99 to $59.99.

    Persona 3 Portable, a beloved game among RPG fans, is also no longer available on the Xbox Game Pass. While GTA V had a broader appeal, Persona 3 Portable catered to a more specific audience. But there’s no need to panic just yet. We’ve seen GTA being added and removed from the Game Pass multiple times in the past. Given its immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding GTA 6, it’s highly likely that the game will make a comeback on the Game Pass soon.

    Xbox Game Pass Pricing

    For those interested in subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass, here are the pricing details for the US market as of January 3, 2024:

    • Game Pass Core: $9.99/month or $59.99/year. This tier provides access to over 250+ Game Pass games and online multiplayer in most games.
    • Game Pass Console: $10.99/month. This tier includes all the features of Game Pass Core and allows you to play downloaded Game Pass games on your Xbox console.
    • Game Pass PC: $9.99/month. This tier includes all the features of Game Pass Core and enables you to play downloaded Game Pass games on your PC.
    • Game Pass Ultimate: $16.99/month. This tier encompasses all the features of Game Pass Core, Game Pass Console, and Game Pass PC. Additionally, it offers cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

    Conclusion

    As GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable bid farewell to the Xbox Game Pass, console gamers will have to find other means to enjoy these titles. However, considering the history of GTA being added and removed from the Game Pass, there’s a good chance that the game will return in the future. In the meantime, gamers can explore the vast library of games offered by the Xbox Game Pass and take advantage of the various pricing tiers available.

  • Newly Launched in India: ViewSonic Omni FHD & 2K Gaming Monitors with Refresh Rates Up to 180Hz

    Newly Launched in India: ViewSonic Omni FHD & 2K Gaming Monitors with Refresh Rates Up to 180Hz

    ViewSonic Introduces New Gaming Monitors in India: Omni Series

    ViewSonic has recently launched a new range of gaming monitors in India as part of its Omni lineup. The collection includes the VX3219-2K-PRO-2, VX2758A-2K-PRO-2, and VX79 series-FHD, all designed to enhance the gaming and entertainment experience for users.

    Notable Models: VX2479-HD-PRO and VX2779-HD-PRO

    Two standout models in this series are the ViewSonic Omni VX2479-HD-PRO and VX2779-HD-PRO. The VX2479-HD-PRO features a 24-inch 165Hz IPS Full HD display, while the VX2779-HD-PRO offers a 27-inch 180Hz IPS Full HD display. Both models share similar features, including an Anti-Glare Screen, 104% sRGB, HDR10 support, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms (MPRT) response time. They are also VESA Mount compatible for easy setup and support AMD Free Sync for improved graphics performance.

    Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2 and Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2: Enhanced Gaming Experience

    The Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2 and Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2 are designed to provide an enhanced gaming experience. The VX3219-2K-PRO-2 boasts a 32-inch IPS QHD 2K display with a 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals with minimal input lag. On the other hand, the VX2758A-2K-PRO-2 features a 27-inch QHD IPS screen with a 170Hz refresh rate for responsive gaming.

    Equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium and a response time of less than 0.5 ms, these monitors ensure smooth graphics rendering. The exclusive ViewMode presets cater to different entertainment applications, optimizing screen performance for activities such as gaming, movie-watching, and editing.

    Additional Features and Eye Care Technologies

    The monitors in the Omni series also come with additional features to enhance the gaming and entertainment experience. These include HDR10, 137% sRGB, and variable refresh rate technology, providing gamers and entertainment enthusiasts with a wide range of options. Eye care technologies such as flicker-free and blue light filter contribute to a comfortable viewing experience.

    The Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO offers adjustable features like height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot for a customizable setup, allowing users to find their optimal viewing angle.

    Pricing and Availability

    The ViewSonic Omni series monitors are priced as follows in India:

    • ViewSonic Omni VX2479-HD-PRO: Rs. 9,999
    • ViewSonic Omni VX2779-HD-PRO: Rs. 11,999
    • ViewSonic Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2: Rs. 19,499
    • ViewSonic Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2: Rs. 25,499

    These monitors will be available for purchase through popular online platforms such as Amazon.in and Flipkart, as well as various brick-and-mortar retail stores across India. Gamers and entertainment enthusiasts can conveniently access these monitors to enhance their gaming and entertainment setups.

  • Asus ROG Strix 2024 Gaming Laptop Available for Pre-Order in China at $1,478

    Asus ROG Strix 2024 Gaming Laptop Available for Pre-Order in China at $1,478

    Asus ROG Strix 2024 Specifications

    The specifications of the ROG Strix 2024 showcase a 16-inch 2.5K Starry Cloud display adorned with a slim bezel. Boasting a high refresh rate of 240Hz, 500 nits of luminosity, and a complete DCI-P3 color spectrum, it offers a breathtaking gaming ambiance characterized by vivid hues and seamless gameplay.

    Impressive Performance

    Underneath its exterior, the ROG Strix 2024 houses a potent Intel 13th Gen Core i9-13980HX processor. This processor, drawing 140W, attains 135W in demanding single-core trials. Teamed up with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, it ensures heightened gaming capabilities and multitasking efficiency.

    Effective Cooling and Battery Life

    Employing the Glacier Cooling Architecture 3.0, this laptop integrates three anti-dust fans, seven heat pipes, and 374 ice wing fins for advanced heat dissipation, maximizing performance during intense gaming marathons. Enhanced with second-generation Violent Bear liquid metal, it can manage a total power consumption of 195W effectively.

    In the realm of battery life, the ROG Strix 2024 comes equipped with a 90Wh battery supporting 100W Type-C PD fast charging, replenishing 50% of the battery within a mere 30 minutes.

    Enhanced Display Quality and Connectivity

    Asus has integrated various features to enhance display quality and user interaction. Dolby Vision, TÜV eye protection, and DC dimming collectively create a visually pleasing display while reducing eye strain during lengthy gaming sessions.

    Memory and storage configurations comprise 16GB of DDR5 RAM combined with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, with the freedom to expand the RAM up to 64GB.

    Connectivity options encompass two Type-C ports (one with DP1.4 and 100W fast charging capabilities, the other supporting Thunderbolt 4), two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, a headphone jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, and an Ethernet port. WiFi 6E and HDMI 2.1 ensure rapid and reliable network and display connections.

    Design and User Interface

    Characterized by a triangular cut design featuring a U-shaped ghost light, the ROG Strix 2024 exudes a contemporary aesthetic. The full-size keyboard incorporating customizable shortcut keys further enriches the gaming ambiance.

    Zephyrus G14 Update

    Asus is gearing up to introduce an enhanced version of the Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop during CES 2024. This new model promises refined display features and design elements, enhancing the overall gaming experience for users.

    Conclusion

    The ROG Strix 2024 stands out as a premium gaming laptop offering outstanding performance and a diverse array of features tailored for an immersive gaming journey. Pre-orders are currently available in China in anticipation of its official release on January 9th.

  • China’s Controversial Gaming Policies Lead to Top Official’s Dismissal

    China’s Controversial Gaming Policies Lead to Top Official’s Dismissal

    China’s Gaming Regulations Reconsidered Amidst Controversy

    China’s latest gaming regulations, causing an $80 billion market drop and stirring public dissatisfaction, might undergo reassessment subsequent to the ousting of a prominent figure. These guidelines, designed to combat gaming addiction and regulate microtransactions, sent ripples across the gaming sector and the governmental realm.

    Departure of a Key Figure

    Feng Shixin, the leader of the publishing division in the Communist Party’s Publicity Department, has been ousted from his role. While the grounds for his dismissal remain undisclosed by authorities, sources hint at a direct link to the contentious gaming policies.

    Market Turmoil

    The introduction of the proposed regulations in December triggered a significant downturn in Chinese gaming equities. Tencent, the nation’s primary gaming enterprise, witnessed a 16% decrease in stock value, whereas NetEase, another pivotal player, suffered a 25% plunge. This financial tumult appears to have impacted decision-makers.

    Softening of Position

    Amid the chaos in the gaming sector and the potential economic repercussions, China seems to be shifting towards a more relaxed stance. Barely five days after the legislation’s announcement, the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) showed readiness to amend the laws in response to public input. This signals a potential move towards more lenient regulations.

    Emphasis on Economic Development

    In August 2021, stringent measures were enforced to combat video game addiction among minors, placing restrictions on their gaming time. Moreover, the issuance of new gaming licenses was put on hold, leading to a considerable revenue decline in the industry in 2022.

    Nevertheless, with China’s recent economic deceleration, the government might be revisiting its priorities. It seeks to promote private sector investments and might be cautious about hampering a flourishing industry like gaming.

    Ambiguous Prospects

    The fate of these gaming regulations remains ambiguous. The dismissal of Feng Shixin and the government’s conciliatory tactics hint at a potential change in trajectory. Yet, the reception of any revised regulations, if implemented, by both the gaming community and the public at large remains uncertain.

  • Steam Players Perplexed by Unexpected Achievement or Potential Bug in ‘The Universim’ Video Game

    Steam Players Perplexed by Unexpected Achievement or Potential Bug in ‘The Universim’ Video Game

    Steam Glitch Raises Questions about Game Development

    Steam, the popular gaming platform, recently experienced an unusual glitch involving the game "The Universim." This incident has sparked discussions and theories within the gaming community, shedding light on the intricacies of game development and the unexpected surprises that can occur in digital platforms.

    Strange Achievement Unlocked without Gameplay

    "The Universim," developed by Crytivo, is a city builder game with God Game elements that allows players to control the evolution of civilizations throughout different ages. However, some players were left baffled by a strange occurrence. Despite not having played the game, several Steam users found the "Genesis" achievement unlocked in their accounts. This achievement, which typically requires building the first civilization in the game, appeared without any gameplay recorded.

    A Reddit User's Discovery

    The first report of this oddity came from a Reddit user named DjuncleMC, who noticed the unlocked achievement despite never having played "The Universim." This revelation sparked a flurry of speculation within the gaming community. Some theorized that it could be an anti-piracy measure, while others suggested it was a bug in the achievement's conditions.

    A Minor Glitch with Major Attention

    Further investigation by the community unveiled an intriguing detail: the achievement's condition was set incorrectly at 0/0 instead of the usual 0/1. This error caused Steam to register the achievement as completed. Although seemingly insignificant, this minor glitch has garnered significant attention, highlighting the complexities of game programming and the watchful nature of the gaming community. Crytivo, the developer of "The Universim," now faces the task of addressing this quirky anomaly while focusing on enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

    The Power of Community-Driven Problem-Solving

    This episode also emphasizes the power of community-driven problem-solving in the digital age. Steam has always relied on its user base to identify bugs and glitches, which adds a touch of humor to the situation. The collective effort of Steam users not only identified the glitch but also proposed explanations, showcasing a collaborative spirit within the gaming sector.

    "The Universim" has been in development since 2014 and is scheduled for its version 1.0 launch later this month. As Crytivo works towards perfecting the game, they will also need to address this peculiar glitch that has captivated the gaming community.

  • Ring in 2024 with Epic’s Free Games! Grab Your Free Game Now!

    Ring in 2024 with Epic’s Free Games! Grab Your Free Game Now!

    Epic Games Store’s Ongoing Tradition of Offering Free Games Persists

    The Epic Games Store, Steam’s major rival, remains dedicated to providing complimentary games to its clientele. Regularly, the company grants one or two free games each Thursday; however, for the fresh year, they have an exceptional surprise in store. To bid adieu to 2023 in a memorable fashion, Epic plans to distribute 17 free games leading up to January 4. Although the identities of these enigmatic games remain veiled, the current free offering is 20 Minutes Till Dawn.

    Grab 20 Minutes Till Dawn for Free on Epic Games Store – Handy Instructions for Snagging Epic’s Free Games

    The flow of New Year’s gifts from the Epic Games Store, which commenced with Destiny 2: Legacy Collection, continues with the unveiling of new titles. Following Escape Academy on January 1st, the latest offering is 20 Minutes Till Dawn. This survival roguelite challenges players to confront unending waves of shadow-dwelling creatures. Formulate potent strategies and overcome hordes of Lovecraftian horrors. Will you endure until dawn breaks? Dive into the game and secure your copy in your library by visiting here.

    Mandatory Specifications for 20 Minutes Till Dawn Gaming Experience:

    • Operating System:
    • Minimum: Windows 7 (64-bit)
    • Recommended: Windows 10 (64-bit)
    • Processor:
    • Minimum: Dual Core+
    • Recommended: Quad Core+
    • RAM:
    • Minimum: 1 GB
    • Recommended: 4 GB
    • Graphics Card:
    • Minimum: 1 GB VRAM
    • Recommended: 2 GB VRAM
    • DirectX:
    • Minimum: Version 9.0c
    • Recommended: Version 11
    • Storage:
    • Minimum: 100 MB available space
    • Recommended: 2 GB available space

    Past Complimentary Offerings on the Epic Games Store

    • December 13 – Destiny 2: Legacy Collection
    • December 20 – DNF Duel
    • December 21 – Melvor Idle
    • December 22 – Art of Rally
    • December 23 – Fallout 3: GOTY Edition
    • December 24 – Ghostwire: Tokyo
    • December 25 – The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition
    • December 26 – Human Resource Machine
    • December 27 – Cursed to Golf
    • December 28 – Cat Quest
    • December 29 – Snakebird Complete
    • December 30 – Saints Row
    • December 31 – Ghostrunner
    • January 1 – Escape Academy
    • January 2 – 20 Minutes Till Dawn
  • Introducing GravaStar’s Innovative Hollowed-Out Design: The Mercury M1 Pro and M2 Gaming Mice

    Introducing GravaStar’s Innovative Hollowed-Out Design: The Mercury M1 Pro and M2 Gaming Mice

    GravaStar Unveils New Mercury M1 Pro and Mercury M2 Gaming Mice

    GravaStar, a well-known gaming peripheral manufacturer, has recently announced the launch of its latest gaming mice – the Mercury M1 Pro and Mercury M2. These new additions to the Mercury series boast a bio-inspired design that prioritizes both aesthetics and comfort, aiming to seamlessly integrate the mouse with the gamer's personal style.

    GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro Gaming Mouse

    The Mercury M1 Pro comes in two editions: Battle-Worn Silver Mist and Gunmetal Gray. What sets this mouse apart is its durable magnesium alloy body, known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Despite its robustness, the mouse remains lightweight, allowing for swift movements during intense gaming sessions. The Battle-Worn Silver Mist variant features a handcrafted magnesium alloy body with a unique hollowed-out design, providing enhanced grip and airflow. Additionally, it comes with both 1K and 4K dongles. The Gunmetal Gray version, on the other hand, includes a 1K dongle, ensuring optimal performance. Notable technical specifications of the Mercury M1 Pro include a 26,000 DPI sensor, TUROSPEED Wireless Technology, and customizable GLOWSYNC RGB lighting.

    GravaStar Mercury M2 Gaming Mouse

    The Mercury M2 Gaming Mouse introduces an innovative hollowed-out design, weighing only 79g. This design aims to keep gamers' hands cool during extended gaming sessions by providing optimal airflow. Key features of the Mercury M2 include a 26,000 DPI sensor, 1K Hz polling rate, and versatile connectivity options such as ultra-fast 2.4G, Bluetooth, and wired modes. Additionally, the mouse offers five dynamic LIGHTSYNC RGB modes and programmable buttons, allowing gamers to customize their gaming strategies.

    Pricing and Availability

    Both the Mercury M1 Pro and Mercury M2 gaming mice are currently available for pre-order starting from January 1, 2024. The Battle-Worn Silver Mist edition of the Mercury M1 Pro is priced at $129.95, while the Gunmetal Gray variant is priced at $99.95. The Mercury M2 is available at a price of $79.95.

    In conclusion, GravaStar's latest gaming mice, the Mercury M1 Pro and Mercury M2, offer gamers a combination of style, functionality, and comfort. With their bio-inspired designs and impressive specifications, these mice are sure to enhance the gaming experience for avid gamers.

  • Introducing Aokzoe A2 Handheld Console: R7 7840U CPU, 32GB RAM, Now in China for 4999 Yuan

    Introducing Aokzoe A2 Handheld Console: R7 7840U CPU, 32GB RAM, Now in China for 4999 Yuan

    Aokzoe Introduces A2 Handheld Console to Chinese Market

    Aokzoe has officially launched the A2 handheld console in China, now available for purchase on Tmall. Gamers can look forward to this highly anticipated gaming device with its remarkable specifications and features.

    Technical Details of Aokzoe A2

    The Aokzoe A2 runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, designed on a 4nm platform featuring "Zen 4" architecture. Equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads, this console offers a base clock speed of 3.3GHz, a maximum boost clock of 5.1GHz, and a 16MB cache. Graphics are powered by the AMD Radeon 780M with RDNA 3 architecture, running at 2.7GHz.

    In terms of memory and storage, the Aokzoe A2 is equipped with 32GB LPDDR5X RAM operating at 7500MHz. The storage options span from 512GB to 2TB SSDs following the M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe standard. These SSDs deliver impressive read and write speeds of 7089MB/s and 6241MB/s, respectively.

    Notable Features: Display and Cooling Mechanism

    The Aokzoe A2 features a 7-inch Full HD IPS display showcasing a resolution of 1920×1200, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of 323ppi. With coverage of 100% of the sRGB color gamut, gamers can expect vivid and precise visuals.

    To combat excessive heat during intense gaming sessions, Aokzoe has integrated a PC-grade liquid axial fan, dual pure copper heat pipes, and pure aluminum fins into the A2. Additionally, the console incorporates intelligent temperature control for efficient cooling.

    Compact Design and User Experience

    Compact and lightweight at 265mm x 105mm x 22mm and a weight of only 666g, the Aokzoe A2 offers Hall-effect linear triggers and thumbsticks, along with a user-friendly interface to enhance the gaming experience.

    Connectivity Options and Gaming Compatibility

    The Aokzoe A2 features dual USB4 full-function ports, a microSD 4.0 slot, a USB-A 3.0 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth connectivity. This console is also compatible with Windows 11, expanding the array of gaming possibilities for users.

    Pricing and How to Get Yours

    The Aokzoe A2 handheld console is available in three models, each with unique prices and configurations:

    • Standard model: 32GB RAM + 512GB storage: 4999 yuan ($699)
    • Mid-range model: 32GB RAM + 1TB storage: 5399 yuan ($755)
    • High-end model: 32GB RAM + 2TB storage: 5699 yuan ($797)

    In Conclusion

    The Aokzoe A2 handheld console stands out with its top-tier specifications, impressive display, effective cooling system, and user-focused design. Its blend of portability and Windows 11 support makes it an appealing choice for gamers seeking a premium gaming experience while on the move.

  • Unveiling the OnePlus Ace 3 Display: Elevating the Gaming Experience

    Unveiling the OnePlus Ace 3 Display: Elevating the Gaming Experience

    The OnePlus Ace 3 launch is just around the corner, and the company has recently released a fresh teaser revealing an improved gaming experience for the upcoming smartphone.

    OnePlus Ace 3 Display Teaser

    The latest teaser from the Chinese smartphone maker confirms that the OnePlus Ace 3 will feature self-developed technology that enhances the touch experience. This new feature is paired with TUV Precision certification, which means the device has undergone 20 professional tests and millions of touch inputs. Additionally, the company has stated that the Ace 3 comes with special optimization for Peacekeeper Elite, the China-exclusive version of PUBG Mobile.

    This indicates that the new Ace 3 model is designed to be a powerhouse for mobile gamers. OnePlus has also teased other display specifications for the device. It will sport a tall 6.78-inch OLED panel supplied by BOE, offering a 1.5K resolution, 800 nits of manual brightness, 1,600 nits of global brightness, and 4,500 nits of peak brightness. The screen is an X1 series 8T LTPO panel that provides a 120Hz refresh rate.

    Powerful Specs and Launch Date

    The OnePlus Ace 3 is expected to pack some impressive specifications. It is rumored to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, ensuring top-notch performance. The phone will be powered by a large 5,000mAh battery that supports 100W fast charging. In terms of memory and storage, it will come with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage capacity.

    On the camera front, rumors suggest that the Ace 3 will feature a 50-megapixel triple camera setup on the rear and a 16-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. Excitingly, OnePlus has announced that the official launch event for the Ace 3 will take place on January 4, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates as we cover the launch event later this week.

  • A Sneak Peek at Genshin Impact Update 4.4: Exciting character skins, expanded Liyue region, and more revealed!

    A Sneak Peek at Genshin Impact Update 4.4: Exciting character skins, expanded Liyue region, and more revealed!

    Genshin Impact Version 4.4: New Character Skins, Liyue Characters, and a New Area

    HoYoverse’s popular action RPG, Genshin Impact, is gearing up for another exciting update, and leaks are already swirling around about what players can expect. Version 4.4 is rumored to introduce three new character skins, a new area in the Liyue region called Chenyu Vale, and two new Liyue characters.

    New Character Skins

    One of the most exciting aspects of the new update is the arrival of three new character skins. Reddit leaks (Fy Leaks) suggest that popular five-star characters Ganyu and Shenhe will be getting new outfits, along with the four-star character Xingqiu.

    • Ganyu’s new skin is rumored to feature a new hairstyle, while Shenhe’s skin is said to be a regal formal outfit. Xingqiu’s skin is also leaked to be a formal outfit.

    The new skins are expected to be released during the game’s annual Lantern Rite festivities, which take place in the Liyue region. The Lantern Rite is a time for celebration and new beginnings, and it’s fitting that new character skins would be released during this event.

    New Liyue Characters

    Version 4.4 is also expected to introduce two new Liyue characters to the game’s roster. Five-star Liyue Adeptus Xianyun will be joined by four-star Pyro character Yaoyao.

    • Xianyun is a polearm user who is said to be a powerful DPS character. Yaoyao is a catalyst user who is said to be a healer and support character.

    New Area in Liyue

    Version 4.4 is also expected to bring a new area to the Liyue region called Chenyu Vale. Leaks suggest that Chenyu Vale will be a village located in the northwestern corner of Liyue.

    The new area is expected to be filled with new quests, challenges, and enemies. It will also likely be home to new resources and materials that players can collect.

    Version 4.4 of Genshin Impact looks to be a packed update with plenty of new content for players to enjoy. The new character skins, Liyue characters, and area are all sure to excite fans of the game. With the Lantern Rite event also taking place during this update, there’s sure to be something for everyone in Version 4.4.