Tag: PlayStation 5

  • GTA 6 Nears Completion: Game Now Fully Playable

    GTA 6 Nears Completion: Game Now Fully Playable

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6 is set to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, though concerns about sticking to this timeline remain in the gaming community.
    2. Former Rockstar employee Mike York confirmed that GTA 6 is fully playable and in the final testing phase, focusing on bug fixes.
    3. The development team is prioritizing a seamless gameplay experience by thoroughly testing various scenarios due to the unpredictable nature of player behavior in GTA.
    4. York believes that while new features may still be added, the game is progressing well enough to keep the 2025 launch on track.
    5. Limited updates from official channels have not dampened excitement, as the first trailer released on December 5, 2023, continues to fuel anticipation.

    GTA 6 is considered by many to be the most eagerly awaited video game ever. Since the release of its first trailer on December 5, 2023, updates from official channels have been limited. However, the GTA 6 website has confirmed that the game will be available in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Despite this, there are still doubts in the gaming community about whether Rockstar Games can stick to this timeline. Yet, a former Rockstar employee believes that a 2025 launch is quite plausible.

    Insights from a Former Developer

    Mike York, who previously worked with Rockstar on titles like GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, provided some information about the development of GTA 6 during an interview with Kiwi Talkz, which has since been removed. This has sparked various discussions on Reddit. York mentioned that the game is currently fully playable and has reached its final testing phase. Even though the content is complete, a game as expansive as GTA 6 is probably filled with hidden bugs, and fixing these issues has become the main focus.

    The ex-Rockstar developer emphasized that the team is concentrating on finding and resolving bugs to ensure a seamless experience upon launch.

    Development Challenges

    “They’re likely still adding some new features here and there, but I would think the game is playable now, and many individuals are testing it thoroughly,” he said. When comparing the final testing phase of GTA 6 to a more straightforward action RPG like The Witcher 3, York pointed out that player behavior in GTA is significantly more unpredictable. This unpredictability necessitates a lot of testing across various scenarios to guarantee a smooth gameplay experience. Although this process may take time, York’s comments indicate that development is progressing well, keeping the 2025 launch on track.

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  • GTA 6 Performance: 30fps Target for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC Later

    GTA 6 Performance: 30fps Target for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC Later

    As the anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) grows, there are increasing conversations about how it will perform on gaming consoles and its potential pricing. A former animator from Rockstar Games has shared insights on what to expect regarding the game’s frame rate, while other reports indicate that GTA 6 may have a higher price than earlier titles.

    Console Performance Predictions

    Mike York, who previously worked on both GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, expressed that he thinks GTA 6 will probably run at 30 frames per second (fps) on consoles. In a chat with Kiwi Talkz, he mentioned that maintaining a steady frame rate is probably a top concern for Rockstar. He indicated that although the game might occasionally hit 40 or 50fps, a steady 60fps on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X seems unlikely unless Rockstar implements AI-driven upscaling or other optimization methods. However, PC gamers with high-performance setups could see higher frame rates once the game is released.

    Historical Context for Frame Rates

    When considering previous game releases, GTA 5 initially operated at 30fps on PlayStation 3 and only achieved 60fps on newer consoles after several enhancements over the years. With the advanced graphics of GTA 6, a similar situation could be anticipated.

    Another subject of interest is the possible price tag for GTA 6. Analyst Matthew Ball recently mentioned in his report, State of Video Gaming in 2025, that Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar, might set the standard edition price at $100.

    Speculation on Release Dates

    Additionally, a leaked date from a Spanish retailer called XUruguay suggested that GTA 6 could be set to come out on September 17, 2025, which would be exactly 12 years after the launch of GTA 5. This listing was quickly taken down, leaving fans wondering if it was an authentic leak or just a guess based on Rockstar’s previously stated fall 2025 release timeframe.

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    GTA 6 Performance: 30fps Target for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC Later
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  • Forza Horizon 5 Launching on PS5 This Spring

    Forza Horizon 5 Launching on PS5 This Spring

    Over the past year, there has been a noticeable trend of more Xbox exclusive games making their way onto PlayStation platforms. The Forza Horizon series, however, is deeply tied to Xbox since it was first launched in 2012. Recently, Microsoft announced that Forza Horizon 5 is set to release on the PS5 this Spring. PlayStation players can look forward to enjoying the same free content that is available for PC and Xbox users. Additionally, players will have the option to buy other DLC and add-ons through the PlayStation Store.

    Developer Collaboration

    To facilitate the game’s transition to PlayStation, Panic Button has partnered with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games. While specific technical information remains limited, there is a chance that the PS5 Pro’s capability for high refresh rates could enhance the Forza Horizon 5 experience. Even on the regular PS5, players can expect to zoom through the vibrant streets and lush jungles of Mexico, just like their Xbox counterparts.

    Exciting New Features

    To mark the launch of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation, the game will bring in the cross-platform feature called Horizon Realms. One of the reasons the game remains popular is its consistent release of new seasonal content. The Realms will reintroduce previous content, giving PS5 players opportunities to participate in special challenges, courses, and vehicles. Moreover, Convoys will enable racers across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation to compete directly against one another.

    Microsoft’s Multi-Platform Shift

    With Xbox console sales on the decline, Microsoft is increasingly focusing on a multi-platform approach. While Game Pass may not be available on PlayStation, many beloved titles, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, will be making their way there. When compared to Gran Turismo 7 or Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 5 leans more towards an arcade-style gameplay. Nonetheless, the arrival of this franchise on the PS5 is sure to surprise fans of racing games.

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    Forza Horizon 5 Launching on PS5 This Spring
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  • Sony to End Production of Recordable Blu-ray Discs in February

    Sony to End Production of Recordable Blu-ray Discs in February

    Blu-ray is fading away, and Sony just took another step towards its end.

    This week, Sony Japan released a brief announcement stating that it will stop making recordable Blu-ray discs starting in February. Alongside this, the company will also halt the production of MiniDV cassette tapes, recordable MiniDiscs, and MD-Data discs next month.

    The Future of Blu-ray

    It’s important to note that while Sony is ceasing the production of recordable Blu-ray discs, standard Blu-ray discs used by retailers for movies, games, and other media will continue to be manufactured. Thus, the format isn’t completely disappearing just yet. The major change is that consumers will no longer have the option to buy new recordable Blu-rays for personal data storage (i.e., discs for burning media or information).

    The Shift Away from Physical Media

    This decision is part of a larger trend among manufacturers moving away from physical media. LG recently announced they would stop making or selling Blu-ray players by December 2024. Although Sony still produces Blu-ray players, along with a few other companies, it appears that physical media is nearing its conclusion. Given the swift increase in media streaming and the focus on platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, which are leaning heavily into streaming, the decline of physical formats like Blu-ray isn’t really shocking.

    Consumers can still find recordable Blu-ray discs from brands like Verbatim, which offers various storage options on Amazon (such as a 50-disc spindle of 25 GB discs, currently priced at $41.90). Yet, it’s uncertain how much longer these will be available; it seems many users prefer external hard drives and similar devices (which are less vulnerable to scratches and other environmental issues) for data storage instead of optical media.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Beats PS5 Reveal with 17M YouTube Views

    Nintendo Switch 2 Beats PS5 Reveal with 17M YouTube Views

    After being talked about for several years, the Nintendo Switch 2 was officially announced on January 16. The initial video released by the company showcased the new handheld gaming device, and it seems to be receiving a lot of attention. To be precise, this reveal video accumulated over 17 million views within just 48 hours.

    Comparing View Counts

    Naturally, the first-generation Nintendo Switch trailer had a stronger showing, racking up 19.5 million views on YouTube in the same two-day period. It’s quite fascinating that the new gaming handheld’s reveal video surpassed the first official PlayStation 5 video, which managed to gather about 13.3 million views in 48 hours.

    Growing Popularity on Social Media

    Another interesting point is that the Nintendo Switch 2’s reveal trailer on X is gaining even more traction. The video has achieved over 40 million views on Nintendo of America’s account, while the Japanese version has surpassed 52 million views.

    This clearly shows that there is significant excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2. While the reveal trailer suggests that the handheld is set to meet expectations, the price will play a crucial role in its success. For reference, the original model debuted at a price of $299.99, which many consider a reasonable option compared to other popular handhelds, such as the ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme currently priced at $499.99 at Best Buy).

    Expected Pricing and Game Bundles

    A recent report indicates that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced at $499 and will include a Mario Kart game as part of the bundle. Without the game included, the handheld is expected to retail for around $449.99. More information will be shared by the company during the upcoming Nintendo Direct event.

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  • Sony Patent for AI Input Prediction to Boost Gaming Experience

    Sony Patent for AI Input Prediction to Boost Gaming Experience

    On July 6, 2023, Sony submitted a fresh patent under the designation WO2025010132, which was made public on January 9, 2025. This patent outlines a system powered by AI that aims to foresee player inputs by merging data from cameras and controllers to monitor hand movements and actions. The positioning of the camera is adaptable, with possibilities for it to be built into controllers, TVs, VR headsets, or various other devices.

    Real-Time Processing

    The AI analyzes the partial data as it comes in, executing predicted actions while taking into account context-specific details from game engines, like character locations or movements of enemies. A major benefit of this innovation is its ability to greatly lessen latency, which allows for more accurate and smooth inputs, especially in fast-moving games. Moreover, it could assist in avoiding accidental inputs that may occur from repeatedly pressing a button.

    Anticipated Actions

    For example, if a player slightly raises their thumb, the AI might predict the move and cause the character to jump over an obstacle before the button is entirely pressed. In a similar vein, when a weapon is aimed, the AI could refrain from firing if there isn’t a target nearby. However, mistakes can happen, and the technology might sometimes misread inputs, which could result in unintended actions.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    Views on platforms like Reddit are mixed. Numerous users consider Sony’s new tech as a hopeful fix for latency problems and a way to promote new gameplay mechanics. Nevertheless, some skeptics mention that similar technologies are already in use, raising doubts about whether this patent marks a true breakthrough or is just a refined version of what exists.

    For instance, rollback netcode, common in contemporary fighting games like Street Fighter V and Mortal Kombat 11, also predicts player inputs to lessen delays in online play. When predictions are right, the game runs smoothly; if they’re off, the actions are corrected later. While Sony’s idea is not entirely unprecedented, it still offers potential for improving gaming experiences by making inputs more accurate and gameplay more enjoyable.

    Future Implementation

    The technology is anticipated to appear in games made by Sony’s own studios. However, it is still unclear whether it will be used on the PlayStation 5 or saved for the next-generation PlayStation 6. The possible availability of this technology for third-party games is also still uncertain at this point.

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  • Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores

    Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores

    Spec sheets aside, the availability of a good number of exclusive games is key in shaping the success of a console generation.

    Even with major acquisitions like ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard King (ABK), Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S hasn’t really outperformed the PlayStation 5 when it comes to exclusive titles. However, both Sony and Microsoft believe that games shouldn’t be limited to their own platforms. Microsoft has started to release several first-party games for the PlayStation, and similarly, Sony has been transferring many of its exclusive games to PC, such as Bloodborne (let’s not forget that).

    A Shift in Strategy

    In the upcoming months and years, Xbox might adopt a completely new approach, possibly positioning the console as less of a focus. According to market research firm DFC Intelligence, the gaming industry could see significant growth in 2025, spurred by the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and GTA 6. However, the market might only support one major non-Nintendo console. “There isn’t room for more than two major console systems,” the firm notes. They believe Microsoft has better prospects in software, while Sony can continue to thrive with the PlayStation and its exclusive titles.

    Microsoft appears to be integrating Windows and Xbox more closely than ever. We’ve been hearing about this for a while. The introduction of the UWP framework on Windows 10 aimed to create a unified codebase that would work across console, PC, mobile, and mixed reality.

    Future of Xbox

    Recent news hints that Xbox vNext might essentially be running a form of Windows. This change would enable gamers to access alternative stores such as Epic, GOG, and even Steam, which has been a vision of Xbox chief Phil Spencer for a significant time. Jason Ronald, newly appointed as VP of Next Gen Xbox, along with Roanne Sones from Windows OEM, joining the Xbox leadership team suggests what Windows Central’s Jez Corden calls the “Windowsification of Xbox.”

    Interestingly, Ronald is set to appear at the CES 2025 launch for a Lenovo Legion handheld that will run Valve’s Steam OS. This strategy may be a smart move considering the stagnation in console hardware sales. Additionally, Microsoft might consider allowing this new Xbox-Windows OS platform for handheld device makers, who currently have no choice but to utilize the full version of Windows 11.

    Changing Exclusivity

    This essentially means more Xbox experiences on non-Xbox devices. However, this hinges on Microsoft creating a version of Windows without older legacy issues and ensuring that Xbox backward compatibility functions correctly on Windows. This shift implies that Xbox will stop pursuing exclusives, allowing all first-party games to eventually reach competing platforms. Microsoft seems to be transitioning the Xbox brand into a broader gaming ecosystem rather than restricting itself to console hardware only.

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is shaping up to be one of Xbox’s best exclusives in recent memory, but the aforementioned changes indicate that Xbox fans may need to abandon their hopes for exclusivity. According to Corden on X, Xbox is unlikely to have exclusives moving forward, and if there are any, they will likely be timed at best. “If some games are exclusive it’s gonna be incidental at best,” he stated, emphasizing a shift towards multiplatform releases.

    Recently, Microsoft began promoting the “This is an Xbox” concept to market Game Pass. Essentially, any device that runs the Xbox app with Game Pass is considered an Xbox game streaming console. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even mentioned that being an Xbox fan involves enjoying Xbox games on “all your devices.”

    Back in February, Microsoft announced that titles like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded would also be accessible on the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Doom: The Dark Ages will also launch on PS5 alongside Xbox consoles and PC, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is expected to arrive on PS5 in Spring 2025.

    Even the highly awaited Fable reboot in 2025 is likely to expand to other platforms after its initial limited-time exclusivity on Xbox. Given Microsoft’s tendency to limit devices that are on the verge of greatness (remember Windows Phone?), fans may justifiably feel concerned about the potential irrelevance of the console itself.

    Nothing is finalized, and plans may shift, but it’s clear that Microsoft is adjusting its strategy in response to evolving trends in the console market in the years to come.

    Source: Link

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  • Sony PS5 Gets 30% Cooler with New AI Fan Technology

    Sony PS5 Gets 30% Cooler with New AI Fan Technology

    The SCRY Arctic V2 is an external cooling device that connects to the back of the Sony PlayStation 5, utilizing three small fans along with a heat sink to keep the console cool. According to the manufacturer, the airflow is claimed to be five times stronger, resulting in a reduction of temperatures by "30%," but no specific measurements or detailed data are provided.

    Versatile Design

    SCRY can function in both portrait and landscape positions. It features white LED lighting designed to enhance the gaming aesthetic. Unlike its first version, the SCRY now includes AI technology for smarter fan control, which is likely a response to numerous complaints about the loudness of the first model’s fans, which were advertised as nearly silent. However, since the PlayStation 5 operates quite quietly on its own and there aren’t widespread reports of overheating issues with the console, the actual benefits of a product like SCRY may be quite limited.

    Pricing and Funding

    Currently, the SCRY Arctic V2 for the original PS5, along with the Arctic S for the PS5 Slim and Arctic Pro for the PS5 Pro, is being funded on Kickstarter. The cooler is available through an "Early Bird" offer for $39, plus shipping and import taxes. At the time of writing, the project has successfully raised about $58,000 from 668 backers.

    Considerations for Backers

    Like any Kickstarter campaign, there are risks to consider when supporting such projects. Comments from backers of the first SCRY Kickstarter reveal that some individuals never received their coolers, while others reported the fans were significantly louder than what was advertised. Given the number of negative reviews from previous customers, it is wise to approach this new campaign with some skepticism.

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  • PS5 Accessories in Black Expected to Launch Soon, Leak Reveals

    PS5 Accessories in Black Expected to Launch Soon, Leak Reveals

    According to a French article on Dealabs by the well-known leaker billbil-kun, who has a good track record for leaks like the pricing of the PlayStation Anniversary Edition and the design of the PS5 Pro, Sony seems to be getting ready to launch black versions of its PlayStation 5 accessories. The items that are rumored to be included are:

    Accessory Color Changes

    Currently, all these accessories are only sold in white, apart from the DualSense Edge Controller, which has also been offered in gray due to the limited anniversary edition. Billbil-kun suggests that we might see the announcement for these new color options in about a month, although there has been no exact date shared. The prices for these black accessories are likely to be the same as the white ones, which has left many PlayStation enthusiasts feeling let down, as they already think the accessories are too expensive.

    Pricing Concerns

    This news comes from billbil-kun via Dealabs, making it something to keep an eye on for fans of the PlayStation brand.

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  • Nintendo Plans Huge Launch of 7 Million Switch 2 Units

    Nintendo Plans Huge Launch of 7 Million Switch 2 Units

    When a new gaming console comes out, it’s not always a sure thing that everyone who wants one will actually get their hands on it. This was clearly seen when the PlayStation 5 was released in November 2020. However, in January, Takashi Mochizuki, a journalist at Bloomberg, hinted that the same issue might not occur with the new Switch. He mentioned that Nintendo intends to make 10 million units during its first fiscal year, based on display shipment information.

    New Rumors About Switch 2

    Recently, there have been fresh whispers regarding the availability of the Switch 2, which is anticipated to launch in March 2025. This info comes from a Famiboards user known as Ninspider, who shared a drawing of the console on the forum back in October, which has since been confirmed by trustworthy sources. This same user has now released an encrypted message that was decoded using Base64:

    “The initial stock quantity has been finalized, and the factory will plan production accordingly. I can’t disclose the exact number, but for the U.S. market alone, it’s roughly 2.5 times the volume from March 2017.”

    What This Means for Gamers

    With Nintendo potentially planning such a large production run globally, it seems likely that fans won’t need to stress about missing out on the Switch successor when it launches. The original Nintendo Switch sold 2.74 million units in its first month, and if we multiply that by 2.5, we get approximately 7 million units available in the same period. This is a significant release for a console. Plus, the kind of unfair scalping that we saw with the recent launch of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition won’t likely be a problem with such high stock levels.

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