Category: Gaming

  • Xbox Teases Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Coming to Game Pass Soon

    Xbox Teases Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Coming to Game Pass Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. January saw the addition of popular titles like Resident Evil Village, Star Wars Outlaws, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 to Xbox Game Pass.
    2. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check was launched on Game Pass on its release day.
    3. A teaser from the Xbox Game Pass account hints at a possible upcoming game related to Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
    4. If confirmed, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is expected to be added to Game Pass this month for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
    5. The game features an open-world action-adventure experience with exploration, survival elements, and a co-op mode for two players.

    January was a great month for Xbox Game Pass fans, as Microsoft introduced several popular games to the platform. Titles like Resident Evil Village, Star Wars Outlaws, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 joined the library. Notably, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check was released on its launch day as part of Game Pass. Now, there’s an exciting hint that another significant game might be arriving on Game Pass very soon.

    A Mysterious Tease

    On X, the official Xbox Game Pass account posted a brief GIF featuring a close-up of an eye, inviting followers to guess which game might be coming. While there are no details about the developer or further information from Xbox, the eye in the GIF looks similar to that of the Ikran mount from Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, suggesting that this might be the upcoming title.

    Anticipated Release

    If this game is confirmed, it is expected to be added to the Game Pass library within this month. The game will probably be available for Xbox Series X|S and PC, since it can be played on both platforms.

    Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora presents an open-world action-adventure experience set in a part of Pandora not depicted in the films. Players take on the role of a Na’vi who was taken by the RDA and raised far from their community. After many years, you return only to feel disconnected from your roots. The narrative follows your quest to reconnect with your heritage while collaborating with other Na’vi tribes to defend Pandora against emerging dangers. You can enjoy the entire story campaign solo or team up with a friend in an online two-player co-op mode.

    Exploring and Surviving

    The gameplay emphasizes exploration and survival. The expansive world is filled with areas to discover, and users can craft equipment, enhance weapons, and develop skills tailored to their playstyle. A standout feature is the ability to bond with a banshee, enabling players to soar across the landscape and engage in aerial battles. For ground-based combat, you can choose from classic Na’vi weaponry like bows and spear-throwers or opt for human guns like rifles and shotguns.

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  • Co-op Games Generated $8.2 Billion on Steam in 2025

    Co-op Games Generated $8.2 Billion on Steam in 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam achieved significant financial success in 2025, with December revenue reaching $1.6 billion, a 22.7% increase from December 2024.
    2. Cooperative games generated $8.2 billion in revenue for Steam in 2025, marking a 9% rise and the highest co-op revenue ever on the platform.
    3. The growth in co-op games is sustained, surpassing records set during the COVID pandemic, with renewed interest and quicker expansion.
    4. Seven top cooperative game releases in 2025 contributed over $1.2 billion in revenue, highlighting the popularity of this genre.
    5. Leading titles include Monster Hunter Wilds ($376 million), ARC Raiders ($206 million), and Borderlands 4 ($128 million), showcasing strong performance in cooperative gameplay.

    2025 was a huge year for Steam, both in player engagement and financial success. The platform raked in billions throughout the year, finishing strong in 2025. In December alone, Steam reported revenue of about $1.6 billion. This number was 22.7% higher than what they made in December 2024, illustrating impressive growth compared to the previous year. A significant part of Steam’s earnings in 2025 came from cooperative games.

    Co-op Games’ Success

    Rhys Elliott, who is the head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics, noted that cooperative mode games brought in $8.2 billion in total revenue on Steam for 2025. This represents a 9% rise from 2024 and is the largest co-op revenue ever seen on the platform.

    Sustained Growth in Co-op Games

    Elliott also mentioned that this success isn’t just a temporary spike. Both 2024 and 2025 surpassed the previous record set in 2021, a year when the COVID pandemic made shared gaming experiences more popular than ever. While many thought that interest in co-op games would decline after that surge, the data indicates otherwise. After a slight dip, growth has resumed, and co-op games are now expanding at a quicker pace than before.

    Top Cooperative Titles

    Focusing on the games, seven of the year’s leading new releases focused heavily on cooperative gameplay and achieved remarkable success. Leading the pack was Monster Hunter Wilds, which earned $376 million. Next was ARC Raiders, bringing in $206 million, followed by Schedule I with $153 million. REPO made $150 million, while Borderlands 4 collected $128 million. Split Fiction generated $118 million, a total that includes revenue from Friend Pass access. Lastly, Elden Ring Nightreign brought in $116 million. Altogether, these seven titles generated over $1.2 billion in revenue for Steam in 2025.

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  • Ubisoft Employee Fired After Criticizing Return-to-Office Policy

    Ubisoft Employee Fired After Criticizing Return-to-Office Policy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft announced significant restructuring, leading to studio closures and project cancellations, including the Prince of Persia remake.
    2. A new return-to-office policy was introduced, which some employees, like David Michaud-Crop, criticized as unnecessary for efficiency.
    3. Michaud-Crop faced disciplinary action after publicly expressing his discontent, resulting in a three-day unpaid suspension and eventual termination.
    4. Ubisoft stated that employees can voice feedback respectfully, but violations of the company’s Code of Conduct can lead to disciplinary measures.
    5. The company emphasized that disciplinary actions depend on the severity and context of the infraction.

    Ubisoft made significant announcements last month, which were hard for many employees to digest. As part of a larger restructuring process, the firm closed several studios and shelved multiple projects, including the remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. Alongside these changes, Ubisoft introduced a new policy requiring employees to return to physical offices, suggesting that this would enhance overall efficiency.

    Criticism from Within

    Shortly after the announcement of the return-to-office policy, David Michaud-Crop, a team lead at Ubisoft Montreal, voiced his discontent on his personal LinkedIn page. His post challenged the notion that mandating employees to go back to the office would necessarily improve efficiency, especially since teams had demonstrated their ability to work effectively from home.

    Disciplinary Measures

    After his post attracted attention, Ubisoft responded with disciplinary measures, issuing Michaud-Crop a three-day unpaid suspension. The situation intensified when Michaud-Crop later announced on LinkedIn that he had been dismissed from Ubisoft. He shared that his termination was immediate and emphasized that this decision was not his doing, though he refrained from revealing specific internal circumstances behind the choice. He also stated that he intends to take some time to reflect before deciding on his future plans.

    Company Stance

    In light of these events, Wccftech contacted Ubisoft for an official statement. The company responded by affirming that employees have the right to voice their feedback and opinions, provided it is done with respect. They clarified that simply expressing criticism does not result in termination.

    Ubisoft also highlighted its internal Code of Conduct, which sets forth the expected standards of professional behavior. Employees are obliged to review and sign this code annually. The company explained that when these guidelines are violated, disciplinary measures may follow, which can escalate based on the severity of the infraction, the frequency of occurrence, and the overall context surrounding the issue.

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  • Sandbox Steam Game Hit by Virus, Deleting Mods and Save Files

    Sandbox Steam Game Hit by Virus, Deleting Mods and Save Files

    Key Takeaways

    1. People Playground has a strong player base, attracting over 6,000 daily players since its 2019 launch.
    2. A harmful mod disguised as a popular download caused chaos, swapping existing mods and risking players’ save files.
    3. The People Playground studio temporarily disabled the Steam workshop and urged players to update the game and remove specific folders to prevent further damage.
    4. DLL mods, while potentially enhancing gameplay, pose significant security risks compared to standard mods that alter assets.
    5. The gaming community is advocating for improved security measures on Steam to prevent similar incidents, drawing attention to other games facing similar issues.

    Since its launch in 2019, People Playground has gained a dedicated fan base, consistently attracting over 6,000 players each day. A key factor in the game’s popularity is its Steam workshop, which lets users play around with a ragdoll physics system. Sadly, players are currently blocked from accessing the workshop after a harmful mod caused chaos, ruining other creations and save files.

    Malicious Mod Discovered

    A widely-discussed Reddit thread revealed that this issue stemmed from a virus disguised as a highly-rated mod. When users opened the game, the mod activated, swapping out their existing mods with compromised versions. This not only affected other downloaded content but might also lead to players losing their save files and Steam achievements.

    Workshop Disabled

    In response, the People Playground studio has shut down the workshop temporarily. Players are urged to update their version of the game on Steam. To prevent any more damage, they should remove the folder mentioned on the news page. It’s also recommended to unsubscribe from any new or updated mods that appeared after January 30th.

    The developers of the sandbox game assert that the malware only targeted the game’s “Contraptions” folder and didn’t affect other files on the computer. However, the solution came too late for some users who lost years of progress. It remains uncertain if original creations can be restored or how the game can prevent a similar incident in the future.

    Security Risks with DLL Mods

    In contrast to mods that alter assets, DLL (Dynamic Link Library) mods make significant modifications to the program’s code. While these mods can enhance gameplay, they also carry potential security threats.

    Even though the studio is tasked with removing harmful content, Valve also oversees Steam workshops. Gamers are pushing for changes that could help stop the spread of such devious viruses. One Reddit user, Radioactive_Doomer, proposed that the marketplace should provide a simpler option to pause mod updates.

    People Playground isn’t alone in facing such challenges within the Steam community. Another game, Escape from Duckov, encountered a similar issue where a problematic download prevented the game from loading or caused it to crash unexpectedly. To compound the problem, the developers were slow to respond to the crisis.

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  • Ayaneo Pocket S Mini Buyers Get Free Handheld Due to Error

    Ayaneo Pocket S Mini Buyers Get Free Handheld Due to Error

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ayaneo Pocket S Mini is a compact gaming device running on Android, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 processor and a 4.2-inch 4:3 screen.
    2. The device was originally advertised with a 6,000mAh battery but will ship with a 4,700mAh battery due to a manufacturing error.
    3. Customers can cancel their orders for a full refund or receive a free Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini as compensation.
    4. The Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini has a similar screen size but is less powerful, using a MediaTek Helio G90T processor.
    5. Ayaneo aims to improve customer service and quality assurance after receiving feedback about slow responses and late shipments.

    The Ayaneo Pocket S Mini is a small gaming device that runs on Android. It is said to be perfect for retro gaming because it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 processor and has a 4.2-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. You can buy this gaming handheld for $319 from Ayaneo’s official website, and it was marketed to come with a 6,000mAh battery.

    Battery Specifications Issue

    However, Ayaneo has recently announced that the device will actually be shipped with a 4,700mAh battery instead. This seems to be due to a manufacturing error, as the early prototypes had the 4,700mAh battery and the intended 6,000mAh battery was not included in the final retail model. Fixing this issue now would likely delay the shipping date by several months.

    Refund and Compensation Options

    For those who have placed an order for the Ayaneo Pocket S Mini, they can choose to cancel their order and get a full refund. In addition, Ayaneo is offering customers a free Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini as compensation. This device usually costs $89.99 and, like the Pocket S Mini, is also based on Android and has a 4.2-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. However, it is much weaker in terms of performance, running on a MediaTek Helio G90T.

    Commitment to Customer Service

    With this offer, Ayaneo aims to improve its customer service. After receiving feedback about slow responses and late shipments, the company plans to enhance its quality control and support services in the future. Still, shipping a device that does not meet the advertised specifications does not reflect positively on their quality assurance.

    Ayaneo, through Android Authority & 9to5Google.

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  • New Exploration Game on Steam: 15K Players & 94% Positive Reviews

    New Exploration Game on Steam: 15K Players & 94% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cairn achieved a peak of 14,966 players in its first four days, marking the publisher’s most successful launch.
    2. The game has received around 5,000 reviews, with 94% positive feedback from players.
    3. Players control Aava, a climber, in a “survival-climber” game with no set route to the summit of Mount Kami.
    4. Unique mechanics require manual positioning of Aava’s limbs and careful management of resources like food and water.
    5. Cairn is priced at $26.99 with a 10% discount, offers various difficulty levels, and includes an expedition mode without multiplayer options.

    A recent adventure-exploration title from The Game Bakers has made its debut on Steam, achieving an impressive peak of 14,966 players in just the first four days after its release. This makes it the most successful launch the publisher has seen to date. The game has also garnered around 5,000 reviews, with 94% of them being positive, making it well received by the gaming community.

    Thrilling Climbing Experience

    Cairn, as the developer describes it, is a “survival-climber” game that allows players to enjoy the excitement of rock climbing without the dangers involved. Players take on the role of Aava, a seasoned climber aiming to be the first to reach the top of Mount Kami. The game offers no set route to the summit, providing players with the liberty to explore the mountain and decide their climbing path.

    Unique Mechanics and Challenges

    Cairn comes with its own set of challenges, as players must manually position each of Aava’s limbs when climbing. There is no stamina meter, meaning that players need to pay close attention to Aava’s condition to prevent falling from exhaustion. If a player falls, they must return to their last checkpoint, which they create by securing pitons into the mountain.

    Resource Management and Difficulty Options

    The game also requires players to keep track of limited resources such as food, water, and pitons, adding another layer of complexity. However, it does feature various difficulty levels to assist those who may find the gameplay challenging.

    In terms of cost, Cairn is currently available at a 10% discount, reducing the price to $26.99. It supports full controller functionality and does not include a multiplayer option. Additionally, it features an expedition mode that complements the main story mode.

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  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Gets 64GB RAM Upgrade for Portable Power

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Gets 64GB RAM Upgrade for Portable Power

    Key Takeaways

    1. Current DRAM prices make significant memory upgrades less favorable, yet SlickBuys upgraded the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
    2. The standard 24 GB of memory is sufficient for most users, but those using the device for demanding tasks may benefit from additional memory.
    3. Upgrading the memory requires advanced soldering skills; SlickBuys replaced 6 GB modules with 16 GB modules.
    4. BIOS modifications were necessary to recognize the new memory, utilizing resources from the modding community on Discord.
    5. While gaming performance may not improve significantly, the device’s desktop performance enhances considerably with the memory upgrade.

    Considering the current situation with DRAM prices, it might not be the best time to boost system memory significantly. Still, SlickBuys Mods and Repairs didn’t let that stop them; they upgraded their Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to a massive 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

    Memory for Most Users

    No doubt, the 24 GB of memory that comes standard with the Ally X is more than enough for most users. However, for those aiming to use their handheld as a full PC for demanding tasks, having more memory can be essential rather than just a nice addition.

    Upgrade Process

    Upgrading the ROG Xbox Ally X’s LPDDR5X memory isn’t a simple task. SlickBuys is quite experienced with soldering and had the skills necessary for this upgrade. The process was actually pretty clear-cut; they swapped out the 6 GB LPDDR5X modules from Micron for 16 GB LPDDR5X modules from SK Hynix.

    BIOS Modifications

    After making some important changes to the BIOS, which included taking the BIOS chip off the motherboard to modify it using a USB programmer, as SlickBuys mentioned. Thanks to a modding community on Discord, they were able to access a modified APCB from a previous project. Once this step was completed, the Ally X handheld powered right up and recognized the full 64 GB of RAM.

    For those expecting to see notable benchmark gains, they might be let down, as SlickBuys didn’t provide any results. That said, gaming performance is likely to remain unchanged since the memory speed hasn’t improved, and the original memory was already enough for handheld gaming.

    Enhanced Desktop Performance

    However, when it comes to using the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X for desktop tasks that require more memory, it’s definitely a more powerful machine now. The standard Xbox Ally, priced at $589.99 on Amazon and equipped with only 16 GB of LPDDR5X memory, could gain even more from a similar upgrade in the future.

    SlickBuys Mods and Repairs shared their findings on YouTube, which caught the attention of Tom’s Hardware.

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  • Nvidia Discusses Future Plans for Nvidia Shield TV

    Nvidia Discusses Future Plans for Nvidia Shield TV

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia Shield TV was launched in 2015, powered by the Tegra X1 chipset, similar to the original Nintendo Switch.
    2. The 2019 Shield TV Pro features the improved Tegra X1+, Dolby Vision support, AI upscaling, Bluetooth 5.0, and a new remote design.
    3. Nvidia plans to continue production and software updates for the Shield TV due to consistent sales.
    4. Future upgrades may include better support for HDR formats like VP9, HDR10+, and AV1.
    5. There are ongoing discussions about resizing the Netflix button on the remote, although complete removal is unlikely.

    The Nvidia Shield TV first appeared in 2015, and it is driven by the Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset, which is similar to the one in the first Nintendo Switch. In 2019, the Shield TV Pro was released, starting at $199 on Amazon, featuring the improved Tegra X1+. This version includes support for Dolby Vision, AI upscaling, Bluetooth 5.0, and a redesigned remote.

    Future Plans for Shield TV

    In a chat with Ars Technica, Nvidia’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Andrew Bell, shared insights about the future of the Nvidia Shield TV. He mentioned that sales are consistent, which means Nvidia plans to continue production and software updates. Additionally, there are hints that Nvidia is exploring new hardware for a next-gen Shield TV, though Bell hasn’t specified when or if there will be a new model. Still, he gave a few hints about what enhancements could come.

    Potential Upgrades

    One of the key improvements may be better support for current HDR formats, such as VP9 for YouTube HDR videos, along with enhanced compatibility for HDR10+ and AV1. Furthermore, Andrew Bell expressed a desire to reduce the size of the oversized Netflix button on the remote. Given that Netflix likely pays for its prominent location, it’s doubtful the button will be completely removed.

    Ars Technica

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  • PS Store Listing Hints at New PlayStation Stars Loyalty Program Replacement

    PS Store Listing Hints at New PlayStation Stars Loyalty Program Replacement

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony plans to close PlayStation Stars in May 2025, hinting at a new loyalty program.
    2. A Wallet Credits option has appeared on the PS Store, sparking excitement among gamers.
    3. Wallet Credits might replace PlayStation Stars, but details and a release date are still unclear.
    4. Gamers are frustrated by the lack of gifting options for PS5 games, unlike competitors.
    5. Concerns about the PS Store include uncompetitive pricing and a cluttered search result with shovelware.

    When Sony revealed its plan to close PlayStation Stars in May 2025, it suggested a new loyalty program could be on the way. Previously, gamers earned points for their achievements and could use them for specific PS4/PS5 games or virtual collectibles. Recently, the appearance of a Wallet Credits option on the PS Store has made some devoted players excited about a potential announcement.

    New Developments on the Horizon

    According to discussions on the PlayStation subreddit, this intriguing store page appeared not long ago. Gamers now have the option to wishlist the app, which lists Sony Interactive Entertainment as the publisher. However, a release date for Wallet Credits has yet to be established.

    Speculations About the Future

    One theory is that Wallet Credits might replace PlayStation Stars, which will continue until November 2026, although players can no longer enroll or earn points. This situation has left fans without a proper alternative to Microsoft Rewards for Xbox users. The only comparable option is a PlayStation credit card, which grants similar perks.

    Frustrations Among Gamers

    Another point of annoyance for hardcore gamers is the absence of a gifting option for PS5 games or subscriptions. In contrast, competing platforms like the Xbox Games Store and Steam provide this feature. The new app may at least allow users to send credits to friends and family.

    Wallet Credits may have a more specific and less thrilling function. A Redditor named JDevil_ pointed out that some players received an email offering $5 in free PS Store credits, which Sony referred to as a “Wallet Credit.”

    Consumer Concerns

    Even though the storefront is quite popular, it’s not always viewed as friendly towards consumers. Shovelware continues to clutter search results, even after Sony removed a significant number of titles recently. Regional pricing also results in unexpectedly high prices for buyers in certain areas, and discounts on the same games can differ, even within the same household.

    Some critics argue that the PS Store has no other options for digital purchases, leading to uncompetitive pricing. In October 2025, the company added a feature to compare the lowest sales price on a game over the past 30 days. Still, a new loyalty program to take the place of PlayStation Stars could bring in more returning customers.

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  • Asus ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG: 5K 180Hz Monitor Launches in North America

    Asus ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG: 5K 180Hz Monitor Launches in North America

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG features a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with 5120 x 2880 resolution and a native refresh rate of 180Hz.
    2. It supports a QHD mode that boosts the refresh rate to 330Hz, ideal for competitive gaming.
    3. Requires a powerful GPU, recommended Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series or AMD Radeon RX 7600 and newer, with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support.
    4. Certified under DisplayHDR 600 with peak brightness of 600 nits and covers 97% of the DCI-P3 color space.
    5. Available in the US for $849 and in Canada starting at CA$1,199, with various connectivity options including DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C.

    The Asus ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG has made its debut in North America as a unique offering in the world of 5K gaming monitors. Unveiled at CES 2026, it was introduced alongside the ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen 2, aiming to cater to gamers and professionals alike.

    Display Features

    This monitor sports a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with an impressive 5120 x 2880 resolution and a native refresh rate of 180Hz. This equates to around 218 PPI, which means sharp visuals and text for daily tasks and content creation. For gaming enthusiasts, the monitor can switch to a QHD mode, allowing it to ramp up the refresh rate to 330Hz, making it perfect for fast-action competitive gaming.

    Performance Capabilities

    With its native 5K resolution, the XG27JCG maintains a smooth 180Hz refresh rate. To achieve this performance, users will need a robust GPU. Asus suggests using a Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series card or an AMD Radeon RX 7600 or newer. Additionally, it supports both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium, has a rapid 0.3 ms GtG response time, and features Extreme Low Motion Blur 2 (ELMB 2) for better clarity during fast-moving scenes.

    Brightness and Connectivity

    This display is certified under the DisplayHDR 600 standard, offering up to 600 nits peak brightness in HDR mode and 350 nits in standard dynamic range (SDR). It boasts a coverage of 97% of the DCI-P3 color space and a contrast ratio of 1500:1. For connectivity, it includes DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C with DP Alt Mode, and USB-A ports, although the USB-C port is limited to 15W power delivery.

    The Asus ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG is now up for grabs in the US via the Asus online store for $849. In Canada, it starts at CA$1,199 and can be found on Amazon.

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