Category: Gaming

  • Mewgenics Sells Over 1 Million Copies and Earns $23 Million in a Week

    Mewgenics Sells Over 1 Million Copies and Earns $23 Million in a Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mewgenics sold over 1 million copies in its first week, earning more than $23 million.
    2. It is the top-selling new game for 2026 on PC and ranks second in revenue on Steam, behind Nioh 3.
    3. The game peaked at 115,428 concurrent players on Steam, surpassing Hades 2.
    4. Mewgenics is currently available at a 10% discount on Steam, reducing its price to $26.99 until February 24.
    5. The game’s strong performance makes it a notable title for gamers this month.

    After being first announced in 2012, Mewgenics made its debut on PC just a week ago, on February 10. It quickly captured attention and climbed the Steam charts, becoming one of the hottest games on the platform. New information indicates that it’s performing exceptionally well in terms of both sales and revenue.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    Alinea Analytics reported that Mewgenics has sold over 1 million copies in just the first week, a remarkable feat. Tyler Glaiel also confirmed this news on XCancel. In terms of earnings, the game has already brought in more than $23 million.

    Ranking on Steam

    The report highlights that Mewgenics is the leading new game for 2026 on PC based on the number of copies sold. Regarding revenue, it stands in second place on Steam for 2026, trailing only Nioh 3, which was released around the same time and is also seeing strong performance.

    Player Engagement

    Player engagement has been robust too. On Steam, Mewgenics achieved an all-time peak of 115,428 concurrent players. To put this into perspective, it has already outperformed Hades 2, which peaked at 112,947 concurrent players five months ago.

    For those who haven’t yet given it a shot, Mewgenics is currently offered at a 10% discount on Steam, reducing its price from $29.99 to $26.99. While it’s not a huge cut, it still beats paying the full price. This discount is available until February 24.

    Alinea Analytics, Tyler Glaiel’s findings confirm the game’s success, making it a title to consider for gamers this month.

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  • Highguard Website Shuts Down Suddenly, Players Worry About Future

    Highguard Website Shuts Down Suddenly, Players Worry About Future

    Key Takeaways

    1. Highguard has faced negative publicity, particularly after a former lead artist blamed gamers for its lack of success.
    2. The official Highguard website is currently unavailable, displaying a “Site Unavailable” message.
    3. The game’s Discord has switched to invite-only mode, limiting community updates.
    4. Concerns about Highguard’s future are growing, with comparisons to the failed game Concord.
    5. The game’s struggling player count and recent layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment have raised alarms in the gaming community.

    Despite its not-so-great start, Highguard has somehow ended up in a lot of news—mostly for negative reasons. After former Lead Tech Artist at Wildlight, Josh Sobel, blamed gamers for the game’s lack of success, their rant backfired spectacularly, leading them to delete their X account completely. Now, it seems like the official Highguard website has done the same thing (thanks to @K__Med on X).

    Current Status of the Website

    As of now (18:33 CET, 17/2/2026), the Highguard website shows a simple “Site Unavailable” message. We cannot check the official Discord for any updates since it has been switched to invite-only mode, but we will refresh this article once we get the necessary approval. The game’s struggling player count on Steam, along with recent layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment, has raised alarms in the community.

    Community Concerns

    A lot of people are guessing this could signal the end for Highguard, with a large portion of the audience referring to it as Concord 2.0. It’s become very clear that it may not have much of a future as it stands, and even if the developers manage to come up with a fix, the game doesn’t particularly shine in an already crowded genre. On the brighter side, it might just be a nothingburger, and the website could simply be going through maintenance or perhaps even a redesign.

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  • Crimson Desert May Dethrone GTA 6 as Game of the Year Contender

    Crimson Desert May Dethrone GTA 6 as Game of the Year Contender

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert Release Date: The game is set to launch on March 19 and has been in development for over six years.

    2. Game of the Year Potential: Developer Mike York believes Crimson Desert could win game of the year, especially if GTA 6 does not meet expectations.

    3. Rich Content and Gameplay: York praised the game’s graphics and extensive content, suggesting players could engage with it for hundreds or thousands of hours.

    4. No Microtransactions: Crimson Desert will not include any microtransactions, a first for Pearl Abyss.

    5. Pricing Information: The standard edition is priced at $70, while the deluxe edition costs $80, and the game is available for pre-order on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

    GTA 6 might still be quite a while away, but another huge game has been making waves lately, especially since it’s launching soon. Crimson Desert is the upcoming AAA title from Pearl Abyss, which has been in development for over six years. It’s finally set to be released on March 19. The team has been showcasing some of the game’s features, storylines, and mechanics, and the footage reveals a lot of promise. One game developer even believes it could be the game of the year, possibly overshadowing GTA 6.

    Exciting Insights from a Veteran

    In his recent YouTube video, Mike York from York Street Gaming took a close look at the final features overview video for Crimson Desert. With two decades of experience as an animator, he has worked on notable games like God of War Ragnarok, GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Uncharted 2, Mortal Kombat 11, among others. In his review of the Crimson Desert video titled ‘Life in Pywell,’ York was impressed by the depth and freedom the game offers to players.

    Potential Game of the Year?

    Not only did he admire the graphics, but he also highlighted the extensive content available in the game. York claimed that Crimson Desert could win game of the year, especially if GTA 6 “drops the ball.” The latter game has already faced two delays and is scheduled for release in November this year, assuming there are no further hold-ups. He compared it to Red Dead Redemption 2, expressing that Crimson Desert could keep players engaged for hundreds, if not thousands of hours. “This game has a ton of potential,” York noted. He continued to say that it could be an amazing experience to immerse oneself in.

    Release Details and Pricing

    As noted earlier, Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19 and is available for pre-order on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Recently, the developers announced that the game will not include any microtransactions, marking a first for the studio. The standard edition is priced at $70, while the deluxe edition will cost $80.

     

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  • R36 Max 2: Upgraded Retro Handheld Console Unveiled

    R36 Max 2: Upgraded Retro Handheld Console Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The R36 Max 2 will maintain the Rockchip RK3326 chipset from the original R36 Max.
    2. The new model will feature a larger 4.5-inch IPS display with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels.
    3. Ergonomic improvements include repositioned d-pad and left joystick for better user experience.
    4. The original R36 Max is currently priced at $49.95 and was released last year.
    5. Details on pricing and availability for the R36 Max 2 are not yet disclosed, but a worldwide launch is expected soon.

    It appears that there is a new iteration of the R36 Max on the horizon. Just to refresh your memory, the R36 Max was released last year and featured some unique aspects that set it apart from other retro handheld devices (currently priced at $49.95 on Amazon). The device boasts a 4-inch screen, offering a 1:1 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 720p.

    Details on the Upcoming Model

    Recently, Retro Gaming with Deadfred has uncovered some details regarding the rumored R36 Max 2. Interestingly, this new handheld is likely to keep the older Rockchip RK3326 chipset. Therefore, the R36 Max 2 will still function with just four ARM Cortex-A35 CPU cores and a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU.

    Upgraded Features

    In terms of upgrades, the device will feature a larger 4.5-inch IPS display. Additionally, the aspect ratio has been changed to 4:3 with a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels. There have also been some thoughtful changes in ergonomics, with the d-pad and left joystick being repositioned. At this time, details on pricing and availability are yet to be disclosed. The image below likely originates from a retail listing, so we can anticipate a worldwide launch in the upcoming month or so.

    via Retro Gaming with Deadfred

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  • Former Nintendo Marketers Warn: Early 3D Mario Game Reveal Risks Hype

    Former Nintendo Marketers Warn: Early 3D Mario Game Reveal Risks Hype

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fans are eager for a new 3D Mario game, but caution is advised against announcing early release dates to avoid disappointment.
    2. Game development cycles are lengthy, with delays impacting release schedules and sales performance, as seen with Metroid Prime 4.
    3. Early announcements can confuse fans and lead to decreased interest in a game, especially if delays occur without clear reasons.
    4. The marketing landscape has shifted, allowing companies to promote games closer to launch without needing long advance announcements.
    5. While a new 3D Mario game hasn’t been confirmed, speculation suggests a sequel is likely, potentially timed with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie premiere.

    With every Nintendo Direct, fans are eager to catch a glimpse of a new 3D Mario journey. Super Mario Odyssey launched back in 2017, leaving many of these players restless for a sequel. Nevertheless, former Nintendo marketers, Kit & Krysta, caution that announcing an early release date might end up disappointing the fans.

    Development Cycles and Game Delays

    In a recent YouTube podcast, they talked about lengthy development times for Switch and Switch 2 titles, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. After Retro Studios took over from Bandai Namco in 2019, the game didn’t release until early December 2025. When it finally launched, the holiday sales numbers revealed it didn’t achieve the status of a system-seller.

    Even though the Zelda franchise has seen success, including Tears of the Kingdom, these games also didn’t come out on schedule. Krysta Yang warns against taking a similar route with a new 3D Mario title. It’s often tricky to predict the challenges involved in creating fresh gameplay.

    The Risks of Early Reveals

    Yang describes early announcements as a “risky game for them to play,” noting that delays without clear reasons can leave fans puzzled. Other gamers might lose interest, especially as the industry continuously promotes new AAA games.

    Co-host Kit Ellis mentions how the news cycle has evolved from previous generations. With the fall of print magazines, publishers no longer need to announce games far in advance of their release dates. Companies can initiate high-impact marketing campaigns closer to the launch, ensuring that potential buyers stay engaged right before a title hits the shelves.

    Speculations on a New Mario Game

    Naturally, Nintendo has not confirmed that a new 3D Mario game is in the works. With Donkey Kong Bananza involving members from the Super Mario Odyssey team, that might have delayed a new Switch 2 title. Yet, insiders believe that since Odyssey is now nine years old, a sequel is unavoidable. A prior Kit & Krysta podcast hinted that Nintendo could capitalize on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie premiere in April to generate excitement.

    Ideally, our plumber could start exploring a fresh open world during the 2026 holiday season. Another rumored Nintendo Direct in the upcoming months should be on your radar. Given the massive level of anticipation, fans are likely to stay engaged right up to the end of the year.

    Kit & Krysta YouTube

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  • Reddit Reacts: KB5077181 Update Causes Gaming Stutter Issues

    Reddit Reacts: KB5077181 Update Causes Gaming Stutter Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026, for versions 24H2 and 25H2, identified as KB5077181, updating to Build 26100.7840 and 26200.7840, respectively.

    2. Users have reported new stuttering issues in games after installing the update, which do not appear to be related to low frame rates or network delays.

    3. A suggested workaround is to disable Fullscreen Optimizations for specific games, which has resolved stuttering for some users.

    4. Microsoft has not officially confirmed any performance decline linked to the update, and complaints do not seem to target specific hardware or games.

    5. Users experiencing issues are encouraged to report them via the Microsoft Feedback Hub, providing detailed information about their setup and the problem.

    Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026, specifically for the 24H2 and 25H2 versions (KB5077181). This update brings the OS to Build 26100.7840 for 24H2 and 26200.7840 for 25H2. While this patch has already been associated with various user-reported issues, such as strange shutdowns and networking problems, gamers are now sharing their concerns regarding stuttering issues that have appeared after the update.

    User Reports of Stuttering

    In a thread on Reddit discussing Windows Help, a user with Windows 11 Pro 25H2 on Build 26200.7840 mentioned encountering rhythmic stuttering in games right after installing KB5077181. They noted that this stuttering does not seem to relate to low frame rates or network delays, but rather resembles a new pattern of stuttering that only occurs in-game following the update.

    Workaround for Stuttering

    The same user also pointed out that turning off Windows “Fullscreen Optimizations” (FSO) for the specific game stops the stuttering, although they hadn’t needed to make that change before the update. Currently, this issue is mostly categorized as “user reports”—there’s no official Microsoft statement confirming a decline in gaming performance linked to KB5077181, and the complaints do not seem to point to a specific graphics card manufacturer, driver version, or particular game.

    Suggested Actions for Users

    The most reliable workaround mentioned by users in the thread is to disable Fullscreen Optimizations on a per-game basis, which has helped at least one user resolve the stuttering issue, although it might alter how overlays function (like how volume displays work in full-screen modes). If you experience the same stuttering after updating to KB5077181, Microsoft recommends submitting a report through the Microsoft Feedback Hub, providing detailed information about your build, hardware, and steps to replicate the problem. This method is often the quickest way to highlight an issue to the Windows engineering team.

    Following the widely discussed issues from January’s updates, any new “gaming hiccup” from Windows 11 Patch Tuesday will certainly attract attention, even if the cause turns out to be a driver interaction, a conflict specific to certain games, or a coincidence affecting only a handful of systems.

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  • Steam Deck Availability Affected by RAM and Storage Shortage

    Steam Deck Availability Affected by RAM and Storage Shortage

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is experiencing supply chain problems, affecting the availability of the Steam Deck.
    2. The Steam Deck OLED may be out of stock in some areas due to shortages of RAM and internal storage.
    3. All Steam Deck models are currently sold out in the US, but they are still available in Australia and the UK.
    4. The basic Steam Deck model with an LCD screen and 256 GB of storage is no longer being produced.
    5. There is uncertainty regarding the release of a new version of the Steam Deck, with no clear details available.

    Availability of the Steam Deck has been changing a lot recently. Valve has now officially said that they are facing supply chain problems, which means the Steam Deck might not always be available. The company mentioned that the Steam Deck OLED could be out of stock in some places due to a lack of both RAM and internal storage. As of now, all models seem to be sold out in the US, but they can still be found in Australia and the UK. For other places, users can check the official product page for updates.

    Production Issues

    Moreover, Valve has confirmed that the basic Steam Deck with the LCD screen and 256 GB of storage is no longer being produced, so it will be out of stock once existing supplies run out. There is one exception to this: Valve is also selling refurbished units at slightly lower prices. Yet, the availability of these refurbished models can also change quickly.

    Future of the Steam Deck

    Finally, it’s still uncertain if, when, and at what price a possible new version of the Steam Deck will come out. The details around this remain vague, leaving many fans guessing.

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  • Epomaker Launches Compact 36-Key Gaming Keyboard with Hall Effect Switches

    Epomaker Launches Compact 36-Key Gaming Keyboard with Hall Effect Switches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epomaker HE30 is a compact 30% gaming keyboard with only 36 keys, designed for gamers rather than typing or general work tasks.
    2. Its small size allows for more desk space, enhancing mouse maneuverability and accuracy during gameplay, especially in shooters and strategy games.
    3. The keyboard features a sturdy build with a plastic outer shell, aluminum plate, Hall-effect switches for quick response, and adjustable trigger points.
    4. It includes RGB backlighting, PBT keycaps, and weighs 350 grams, with a wrist strap for easy portability; however, it’s wired only and lacks Bluetooth support.
    5. The HE30 is priced at $50 and officially supports Windows and Linux, but not macOS.

    The popularity of compact gaming keyboards has been growing for many years now. While a lot of gamers prefer 60 or 65% layouts, Epomaker is trying something different with their HE30, which is a 30% keyboard. This means it only has 36 keys, which is just the left side of a standard keyboard.

    Ideal for Gamers

    While the HE30 might not be the best for typing or general work tasks, it shines in gaming, especially in shooters, MOBA, or strategy games where having just 36 keys is more than sufficient. This compact design allows for more desk space, making it easier to maneuver a gaming mouse with lower sensitivity, thus enhancing accuracy during gameplay. It’s important to note that the keyboard doesn’t come with a battery or Bluetooth support, meaning it can only be used wired, achieving a polling rate of 8,000 Hz when connected via USB.

    Sturdy Build and Features

    The HE30 is constructed with a plastic outer shell and an aluminum plate, enhancing its stability. It features Hall-effect switches, which allow for a very quick key response, and you can also adjust the trigger point. The keyboard comes with RGB backlighting and PBT keycaps, which are standard features. Weighing in at 350 grams, it also includes a wrist strap for easy carrying. While Windows and Linux users are supported, macOS is not officially compatible.

    For those interested, the Epomaker HE30 gaming keyboard is priced at $50 on Amazon. More information can be found on the product’s official page.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini Now Available on Amazon for Purchase

    Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini Now Available on Amazon for Purchase

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini launched in October 2025, with initial shipping delays pushing back deliveries to December for backers and pre-orders.
    2. The device is now available on Amazon, although prices are slightly higher than on the manufacturer’s website, but offer free shipping.
    3. Two models are available: 2GB RAM/32GB storage for $89.99 (plus $20 shipping) and 3GB RAM/64GB storage for $99.99 (plus $20 shipping).
    4. The Pocket Air Mini features a 4.3-inch screen, MediaTek Helio G90T processor, 4500mAh battery, and various gaming features like Hall Effect joysticks and RGB lights.
    5. Buyers can expect quick delivery options, with a 30-day return or exchange policy.

    The Pocket Air Mini made its debut in October 2025, marking Ayaneo’s most affordable handheld device. Initially expected to start shipping in November of that same year, there were some delays that pushed the shipping date back until December for backers and those who pre-ordered from the official website.

    Availability on Amazon

    Currently, Ayaneo has successfully fulfilled all pre-orders, and the handheld is now listed for sale on Amazon. While the price is somewhat higher than purchasing directly from the manufacturer’s site, buying it from Amazon is a more favorable option.

    Pricing and Specifications

    The Pocket Air Mini comes in two models — one with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and another with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. On Ayaneo’s website, these models are listed at $89.99 and $99.99, respectively. Keep in mind, however, that shipping adds about $20 extra for US customers, raising the total to $109.99 and $119.99.

    On Amazon, you can find the same Pocket Air Mini configurations, but the 2GB RAM model is priced at $119.99, while the 3GB RAM version is available for $129.99. This price difference is only $10 compared to the manufacturer’s site, but you will benefit from free shipping.

    Delivery Options and Features

    Depending on which version you buy, you could receive your order the next day or wait several weeks. The selling is done by the official Ayaneo store, but the shipping is managed through Amazon. Consumers also have the option for a 30-day return or exchange.

    The Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini features a 4.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 × 960, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and a brightness of up to 500 nits. It operates on MediaTek’s Helio G90T processor and includes a 4500mAh battery that charges at 18W.

    This handheld device includes Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, RGB ring lights, an accelerometer, and a built-in cooling fan. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, has a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and an audio jack. It comes pre-installed with Android 11, featuring a custom user interface on top.

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  • Highguard Developer’s Rant on Reviews Sparks Backlash

    Highguard Developer’s Rant on Reviews Sparks Backlash

    Key Takeaways

    1. Highguard is a free-to-play hero shooter featuring 3v3 battles, drawing comparisons to games like Paladins and Realm Royale.
    2. Notable streamer Shroud expressed concerns about the game’s initial reception and emphasized the need for timely updates to improve player experience.
    3. A senior designer from the game studio Wildlight revealed job losses within the team just two weeks after the game’s launch, indicating potential internal challenges.
    4. YouTuber Asmongold criticized the game, leading to a defensive response from developer Josh Sobel, who highlighted the impact of toxic positivity and the disconnect between developer expectations and player feedback.
    5. The backlash against Highguard reflects broader issues in game development, including the developer’s response to criticism and the blame-shifting mindset towards players.

    Highguard is a no-cost hero shooter that pits players against one another in 3v3 battles reminiscent of Paladins and MOBA mechanics. Noted streamer Shroud remarked that it reminded him of “Realm Royale.” Although he expressed some dissatisfaction with the game, he hopes updates and patches will address certain problems. “They really need to get it right because this game is already starting off poorly; people began disliking it before it was even released,” he said, emphasizing the tight timeline for improvements. Shroud’s take was considerably milder compared to other online reactions, but they all shared a focus on the game’s performance and initial reception. Just two weeks post-launch, a senior designer from the studio, who had lost his job, shared on LinkedIn that “most of the team at Wildlight” had been let go.

    YouTuber’s Critique

    Among the more vocal critics is popular YouTuber Asmongold, who branded the game “Concord 2.” This comment did not seem to please one of the developers, Josh Sobel, who took to his X account to express his thoughts in a detailed post.

    In what seemed like a subtle jab at Asmongold without directly naming him, Sobel shared a lengthy reflection on his now-deleted account titled “Reflecting on shipping my first game (Highguard).” He recounted the team’s mindset leading up to the reveal at The Game Awards and the reception they received when Geoff Keighley showcased their game as the final announcement. “After 2.5 years of dedicated work on Highguard, we were excited to show it to the world. The outlook appeared promising.” He further explained that “everyone he knew” and “feedback from unbiased sources” had echoed similar hopeful views regarding the game. “But after the trailer launched, things took a turn for the worse.”

    Toxic Positivity

    “Do you really think your friends and family will tell you your game is bad? No, they’re going to focus on the positives, trying to find good aspects and putting a happy spin on it,” he questioned in response to Josh’s post. “It’s Toxic positivity,” he added.

    In his post, Josh mentioned that content creators frequently share negative content or ‘ragebait’ to boost engagement and views. Asmongold countered this by saying it’s a major misunderstanding: creators produce content that reflects popular sentiment. “Everyone loves Baldur’s Gate 3, and if you want views, just talk about how great Baldur’s Gate 3 is,” he illustrated, providing several examples.

    Sobel, quickly following the trend of blaming their product’s shortcomings on the audience they aimed to please, was quick to label any criticism or feedback that didn’t match their views as “hate.” This included comments disparaging their characters, like referring to their lead hero Atticus as “John Video Game,” and even people submitting job applications to McDonald’s. “At launch, we faced over 14k review bombs from users who played for less than an hour. Many didn’t even complete the tutorial,” Sobel lamented as he continued to express his disappointment regarding player reactions to the game.

    Asmongold relentlessly challenged the developer’s assertions in his video, which, to be fair, was somewhat more severe than necessary, but that doesn’t dismiss the validity of what the streamer and others have pointed out. It’s important to recognize that the intensity of the feedback isn’t solely about the game itself; it’s also about how developers react to that feedback. As studios adopt the ‘blame it on the gamers’ mentality, any negative response to similar critiques against gamers is likely to be met with strong backlash.

    Asmongold YT

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