Tag: Unreal Engine 5

  • New Free Zombie FPS on Steam: 80% Positive Reviews, Unreal Engine 5

    New Free Zombie FPS on Steam: 80% Positive Reviews, Unreal Engine 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Operation: Outbreak is a free-to-play FPS survival horror game designed for a short playtime of 10–20 minutes, developed as a student project in a few weeks.

    2. Simple Storyline: Players assume the role of “Nomad,” the lone survivor in a city overrun by the undead, with guidance from “Sentinel” as they navigate toward an extraction point.

    3. Combat Mechanics: The game emphasizes scarcity in combat, focusing on limited ammunition and healing supplies, making strategic decisions crucial for survival.

    4. Cinematic Experience: Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game features a cinematic atmosphere with abandoned buildings and flickering lights to enhance immersion.

    5. Player Feedback Note: The game utilizes AI for voice-overs due to budget constraints, and players are encouraged to consider this when providing feedback; it has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.

    Steam has just introduced a new free-to-play shooter that doesn’t aspire to be a lengthy adventure. Titled Operation: Outbreak, this is a brief, standalone FPS survival horror game. The developer is refreshingly upfront about what players can expect: a 10–20 minute journey created independently in just a few weeks as part of a student project.

    Simple Yet Engaging Premise

    The story is straightforward, but that’s part of its charm. After your squad’s vehicle gets wrecked during a patrol, you find yourself as the lone survivor in a city overrun by the undead due to a virus. You take on the role of “Nomad,” aiming to reach an extraction point while receiving guidance from a character named “Sentinel” via radio. The twist lies in the dangerous streets that steer you towards narrow, dark underground tunnels as a seemingly safer path.

    Focus on Scarcity in Combat

    Combat in this game prioritizes scarcity over a “power fantasy.” You’ll primarily be armed with a pistol, and the gameplay emphasizes limited ammunition, healing supplies, and even night vision, which makes key decisions—like when to shoot, move, or flee—the central source of tension. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the developer has crafted a cinematic atmosphere featuring abandoned buildings and flickering lights that enhance the experience.

    Important Player Note

    One noteworthy detail for players: the Steam description clearly states that AI was utilized for voice-overs due to budget constraints and requests that players consider this when giving their feedback. As of now, Operation: Outbreak is available for free on Steam, having launched on December 20, 2025. It currently holds a “Very Positive” rating, with 80% of 81 reviews being favorable. In terms of compatibility, Steam indicates that “Steam is learning about this game,” which typically means that the support for Steam Deck/controller information isn’t fully set up on the store page yet.

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  • Next Tomb Raider Game Needs Major Change for Success

    Next Tomb Raider Game Needs Major Change for Success

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Tomb Raider game may become an open-world title, indicating a significant shift in the franchise.
    2. Crystal Dynamics is facing challenges, including layoffs, raising concerns about the future of Tomb Raider.
    3. A television series on Amazon Prime is in development, and it may influence the game’s storyline and development.
    4. The game and the TV series are expected to be interconnected, potentially sharing narrative elements.
    5. Rumors suggest Sophie Turner might portray Lara Croft, but these claims are unconfirmed, and details about the game remain scarce until official announcements.

    If the upcoming Tomb Raider game stays shrouded in mystery, it might experience significant transformations. Some whispers hint that it could be an open-world title, but fresh details indicate a pivotal shift for the franchise that might excite or upset fans globally.

    Difficult Times for Crystal Dynamics

    Recently, Crystal Dynamics has faced challenging times, with numerous layoffs sparking concerns about the franchise’s future. A television series is still in the works at Amazon Prime, which, while it might appear trivial, could influence the game’s development.

    Connection Between Projects

    Story Kitchen has disclosed some details regarding both of these projects, and it’s clear they will be intertwined. Moreover, from a storytelling aspect, the narratives could mirror each other, suggesting a possibility that the series and the next Tomb Raider installment may be linked in some fashion.

    Rumors About Characters

    Staying on this line of thought, the characters might bear similarities, leading to speculation that Sophie Turner could portray the iconic Lara Croft in the game. However, it’s essential to approach these claims with caution, as they are merely rumors at this stage. Furthermore, Crystal Dynamics is keeping tight-lipped regarding this new venture, although it’s confirmed that it will utilize Unreal Engine 5. Therefore, we’ll have to be patient for official announcements from the studio, which may come during The Game Awards 2025.

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  • Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Enhanced with Unreal Engine 5

    Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Enhanced with Unreal Engine 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Immersive World: Morrowind offers a captivating experience on the volcanic island of Vvardenfell, enhancing player engagement.
    2. Stunning Graphics: Recent visuals revamped with Unreal Engine 5 show significant improvements while retaining the original charm of the 2002 game.
    3. Enhanced Textures: Upgraded textures for buildings and environments create a more detailed and vibrant world for exploration.
    4. Atmospheric Effects: The addition of fog and realistic water effects enhances the overall atmosphere and immersion of the game.
    5. Mixed Reception: While many appreciate the visual upgrades, some critics feel the graphics still reflect their 2002 origins, impacting their overall enjoyment.

    The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind made a strong impact on many players when it came out in 2002. This was largely due to its immersive world where players take on the role of a character on the volcanic island of Vvardenfell.

    Graphics That Stand Out

    While the game is packed with features for gamers, its visuals also played a key role in its popularity. Recently, Digital Dreams shared a video showing Morrowind operating with the Unreal Engine 5, and the results are quite stunning. Although the game maintains the charm of its 2002 design, noticeable enhancements are evident. Right from the start, the water effects catch the eye; it reflects various lights and appears realistic with its dynamic movements.

    Improved Textures and Environment

    Furthermore, other textures in the game have seen great upgrades too. Stone buildings and monuments are now more detailed and vibrant. The surroundings where players explore also feel more intense, especially with the presence of fog, adding to the atmosphere.

    Despite the beautiful and impressive graphics, not everyone may be thrilled with them. Some critics point out that the visuals still feel like they belong to a different time, making it hard to appreciate the upgrades. Yet for many, the aesthetics of this classic 2002 game hold significant value, even evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans of Skyrim.

     

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  • Crystal Dynamics Layoffs Raise Concerns for Next Tomb Raider Game

    Crystal Dynamics Layoffs Raise Concerns for Next Tomb Raider Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crystal Dynamics has laid off nearly 30 employees as part of a studio reorganization.
    2. The layoffs raise concerns about the development of the upcoming Tomb Raider game.
    3. The studio emphasizes that these changes are necessary for optimizing the game’s development.
    4. Previous layoffs occurred in August and October at Crystal Dynamics and Amazon, respectively.
    5. The next Tomb Raider game will focus on single-player gameplay and use Unreal Engine 5, with potential open-world elements.

    Crystal Dynamics appears to be facing some challenges recently. Just yesterday, the studio reported on LinkedIn that nearly 30 employees have been laid off, which raises concerns for the upcoming Tomb Raider game.

    Concerns About the Future

    While fans of Tomb Raider are eagerly looking for updates about the new installment in the series, Crystal Dynamics shared a rather troubling announcement on LinkedIn yesterday. They stated:

    “Today we’ve made the difficult but necessary decision to reorganize Crystal Dynamics’ studios and teams. As a result, we’ve parted ways with just under 30 team members across various departments and projects as we restructure the company and business for our next generation. Crystal deeply thanks all of those impacted for their incredible talent, hard work, and dedication, which helped shape the studio in so many ways. We are committed to offering our fullest resources and support to you during this transition.”

    Impact on Development

    Moreover, Crystal Dynamics suggested that these layoffs were crucial for the studio’s future and the optimization of the next Tomb Raider game’s development. However, this situation might seem quite alarming. There were layoffs in August for this company and in October at Amazon.

    It’s hard to picture that this new game won’t be influenced by the recent decisions made by Crystal Dynamics. On the other hand, it’s also possible that the production could proceed smoothly, potentially leading to a reveal before the end of 2025.

    What We Know So Far

    To recap, what we are aware of is that the upcoming game will focus on single-player gameplay and utilize Unreal Engine 5. Although some rumors suggest an open-world format, which could provide players with numerous exciting possibilities.

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  • Amazon Confirms Tomb Raider Development Continues After Layoffs

    Amazon Confirms Tomb Raider Development Continues After Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon’s gaming sector has experienced significant layoffs, causing concerns about project cancellations.
    2. Despite budget cuts, Amazon is still developing an open-world driving simulator and March of Giants.
    3. The partnership with Crystal Dynamics remains intact, reassuring fans about the Tomb Raider game.
    4. No new information has been released about the game’s mechanics or storyline, despite ongoing rumors.
    5. The game is confirmed to be a single-player experience using Unreal Engine 5, with speculation about an open-world format.

    Many shifts have occurred within Amazon, leading to some worries that the upcoming Tomb Raider game might be influenced negatively. Thankfully, it looks like this isn’t going to be the case.

    Layoffs and Concerns

    These job cuts have hit Amazon’s gaming sector hard, resulting in budget reductions across various studios. This situation has raised significant alarm among gamers, who are anxious that ongoing projects may face cancellation.

    Positive Updates from Amazon

    However, Steve Boom shared some encouraging news in a message picked up by Game Rant. Amazon continues to develop an open-world driving simulator and is also working on March of Giants, the debut title from Amazon Games Montreal.

    Moreover, the partnership with Crystal Dynamics is still ongoing, which provides comfort to many fans. Yet, there hasn’t been any new information regarding the game’s mechanics or storyline, despite a surge of rumors in recent months.

    Anticipation for Gameplay Details

    While we know this will be a single-player experience and that Unreal Engine 5 is being utilized, certain individuals speculate that it might be an open world, allowing for numerous possibilities. But we will have to wait for more updates from Crystal Dynamics to validate these speculations. Additionally, the choices Amazon makes in the future could potentially alter the direction of this project.

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  • Halo Campaign Evolved Launches First on PlayStation

    Halo Campaign Evolved Launches First on PlayStation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is releasing a new title, Halo: Campaign Evolved, for PS5, Xbox, and PC next year.
    2. The game is a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved from 2001, featuring 4K textures and new content.
    3. New content includes prequel missions and nine additional weapons not seen in previous games.
    4. The game is being developed on Unreal Engine 5, moving away from the older Slipspace engine.
    5. Halo: Campaign Evolved will have multiplayer support, cross-platform play, and two-player couch co-op, but PVP mode details are unclear.

    There were whispers that Microsoft was going to bring Halo to the PlayStation, and now it’s true! Sadly, the classic games didn’t make it to the new platform. Instead, gamers will see a fresh title named Halo: Campaign Evolved. A new trailer has been released, and it’s set to launch on PS5, Xbox, and PC next year.

    A Modern Take on a Classic

    Halo: Campaign Evolved is a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved that came out in 2001. This new version features a complete remaster, offering 4K textures and some exciting new content, including prequel missions and nine additional weapons that have never been seen before. As previously confirmed, this remake is being built on Unreal Engine 5, rather than the older Slipspace engine used in past Halo games.

    Multiplayer and Co-op Features

    Additionally, Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a fully operational multiplayer mode with support for cross-platform play. It will also feature two-player couch co-op, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle the campaign together. However, it remains unclear if a PVP mode will be included in the game.

    Microsoft’s decision to make this move has excited fans, but only time will tell how it will be received!

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  • PS2 Classic Remade in Unreal Engine 5 – Fan Demo Released

    PS2 Classic Remade in Unreal Engine 5 – Fan Demo Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PS2’s impact on gaming includes popular titles like Need For Speed: Underground 2, released in 2004.
    2. A fan named Apfelbaum is reviving Need For Speed: Underground 2 using Unreal Engine 5 to enhance its graphics and gameplay.
    3. A free demo of the remake is available on the RPGGameplay Discord server, showcasing improved environments and visuals.
    4. New features in the remake include dynamic weather effects and customizable paint options for cars.
    5. The full version will include the entire career mode and open-world mode Bayview, with AI opponents and traffic expected in future updates.

    The PS2 has made a significant impact on many gamers over the years with its wide range of features and popular titles. A standout memory for many is the game Need For Speed: Underground 2, which was extremely successful upon its 2004 launch and remains one of the top racing games on the console. If you’re nostalgic for this classic, you’ll be excited to know it can now be played again, thanks to Unreal Engine 5, which enhances its visual quality dramatically.

    A Unique Revival Project

    In anticipation of a new installment in this beloved series, a dedicated fan named Apfelbaum has taken it upon himself to revive this iconic game. His goal is to refresh the gameplay experience, making it more enjoyable and bringing the game back to prominence among racing fans.

    Explore the Demo

    You can check out this remake through a free demo on the Discord server of RPGGameplay. Although the project is still in the works, you can already wander through various environments and notice the enhancements made, such as improved graphics, natural lighting, and better reflections.

    Exciting New Features

    The latest update introduces dynamic weather, including thunderstorms, and fresh paint options for cars, enabling personalization to match your style.

    It’s tough to say exactly when the full version of this remake of Need For Speed: Underground 2 will be available, but it is confirmed to include the entire career mode as well as the open-world game mode called Bayview. Just keep in mind that AI opponents and traffic have not yet been implemented, but they are expected to be included in updates to come.

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  • Age of Empires 5 Unreal Engine Concerns: Stuttering in RTS Games

    Age of Empires 5 Unreal Engine Concerns: Stuttering in RTS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Age of Empires 4 successfully engages gamers with historical campaigns but faces criticism for its cartoonish graphics.
    2. World’s Edge is hiring Unreal Engine engineers, suggesting plans to enhance the visual quality of the series.
    3. The next project may be Age of Empires 5 or a remake, with Unreal Engine 5 or 6 likely involved for improved graphics.
    4. There are concerns about performance issues with Unreal Engine 5, particularly for RTS games as complexity increases.
    5. Past experiences with games on Unreal Engine 5 indicate potential optimization challenges, especially for players with older systems.

    With engaging campaigns based on history, Age of Empires 4 has reminded gamers why the series is beloved. However, its graphics often receive critiques for being too cartoonish and not as detailed as some competitors. New job postings for Unreal Engine engineers indicate that World’s Edge might be looking to enhance these visuals. Still, users on ResetEra are worried that performance in Age of Empires 5 could be affected.

    World’s Edge and Xbox Collaboration

    Since 2019, World’s Edge has overseen the RTS series for Xbox, collaborating with developers like Relic Entertainment. The recent job openings on the Microsoft career site include positions such as Principal Unreal Engineer for Gameplay and Senior Unreal Engineer for Shared Technology. The job descriptions highlight the goal of “continuing the great legacy of Age of Empires” while also emphasizing the need for “planning and building our future tech stack.” Both roles require prior experience with the game engine.

    Future Projects Uncertain

    It remains uncertain if the new project will be Age of Empires 5, or a remake or remaster of a previous title. Nevertheless, it appears that Unreal Engine 5, or eventually Unreal Engine 6, will play a critical role in future releases. This shift could lead to more realistic visual effects compared to what the existing Essence Engine can deliver. However, some critics argue that Epic’s tools might not be the best choice for this genre.

    Potential Performance Issues

    Games built on Unreal Engine 5 often face optimization problems that can lead to stuttering and frame rate drops. The complexity of RTS games presents extra hurdles for developers. As civilizations grow and battles escalate, performance could be compromised. Age of Empires 4 performed decently on lower-end PCs at launch, but this may change down the line.

    Players with older systems typically didn’t see improvements when Manor Lords switched to Unreal Engine 5. The 2024 medieval strategy game has received good reviews on Steam, but issues with stuttering still persist.

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  • Halo: Combat Evolved Remake in Unreal Engine 5 Reportedly Coming

    Halo: Combat Evolved Remake in Unreal Engine 5 Reportedly Coming

    Key Takeaways

    1. Remake in Progress: A detailed leak confirms that a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved is being developed by Halo Studios, previously known as 343 Industries.

    2. Complete Rebuild: The remake will be built from the ground up, unlike the Master Chief Collection, and is planned for release on PlayStation 5.

    3. Collaboration with Abstraction Games: Abstraction Games is co-developing the remake and will focus on adding accessibility features while maintaining the game’s essence.

    4. Technical Expertise: Abstraction has a successful history with complex game remakes and will use a hybrid engine setup combining the modified Blam engine and Unreal Engine 5.

    5. New Features and Concerns: The remake will introduce new gameplay features, like sprinting and redesigned levels, but some worry that the hybrid engine could affect the original game’s charm and performance.

    Whispers of a Halo: Combat Evolved remake are getting louder as a detailed leak from veteran Halo Insider Rebs Gaming says that three different sources have confirmed that the project is in progress at Halo Studios, which was once called 343 Industries.

    New Beginnings for Halo

    In a 15-minute video, Rebs shared that Halo: Combat Evolved’s remake will not be a simple update like the controversial Master Chief Collection from 2014, which took five years to get to PC due to technical issues. Instead, it appears the game will be completely rebuilt from the ground up, with a launch on PlayStation 5 in mind.

    Collaboration with Abstraction Games

    Abstraction Games, a company based in the Netherlands that was bought by Virtuos in December 2024, is said to be co-developing or doing “most of the work” on this remake. This studio has previously lent support for the Master Chief Collection and has a solid history of working on complex games.

    Abstraction is also working to add accessibility features for gamers with disabilities, along with some improvements that could “enhance Halo without altering its essence or giving unfair advantages in multiplayer.”

    Technical Expertise and Quality

    Known for successfully porting and remaking technically challenging games, Abstraction has contributed to titles like Dune: Awakening and Baldur’s Gate 3. With their impressive background, they seem to be well-suited for the task of remaking the groundbreaking FPS that introduced Master Chief to players back in 2001.

    Rebs also highlighted that the remake will utilize a hybrid engine setup, similar to the recent Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The gameplay mechanics will be built on a modified Blam engine from Halo: Reach, while most of the visuals will be handled by Unreal Engine 5.

    Fresh Features and Concerns

    Rebs mentioned earlier that the Halo: CE remake will introduce a sprint feature and redesigned levels to improve pacing, which suggests the remake is aiming for more than just a visual upgrade. He also noted that the project has oversight from Halo Studios’ lead Pierre Hintze, which will help keep Halo Combat Evolved’s legacy intact.

    Nonetheless, skeptics argue that hybrid engines could lessen the original game’s charm, similar to the open-world aspects of Halo Infinite, and raise worries about performance issues akin to those seen in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

    As Halo Studios has confirmed a “deep dive” into upcoming projects on HaloWC’s main stage, it looks like the return of Halo: Combat Evolved is on the way.

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  • Borderlands 4 Patch Causes Increased Stuttering After Update

    Borderlands 4 Patch Causes Increased Stuttering After Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gearbox Software released a patch for Borderlands 4 on September 25 to improve stability and performance on PC, but players reported increased stuttering issues instead.

    2. The update introduced new features like an FOV slider for consoles, improved character animations, and fixes for black screens and infinite loading screens on Xbox.

    3. Gearbox acknowledged the performance concerns from players and advised waiting 15 minutes after changing graphics settings for shader recompilation to improve performance.

    4. Shader compilation issues are common in Unreal Engine 5 games, and skipping this process can lead to glitches and stuttering.

    5. Players are cautioned against using the ‘Badass graphics’ preset, which may worsen frame drops, and are encouraged to explore various fixes or seek support if issues persist.

    Gearbox Software launched an update for Borderlands 4 on September 25, aiming to enhance stability and performance on PC. The update was supposed to tackle issues like hitching, low FPS, and crashes, while also promising to look into further adjustments. However, players have noted new stuttering problems after the patch went live.

    New Features and Issues

    The patch did bring some enhancements, such as an FOV slider for consoles, improved character animations, and fixes for black screens on Xbox and infinite loading screens during cross-play sessions. Unfortunately, instead of resolving Borderlands 4’s issues, the patch seems to have made the stuttering worse. Gearbox quickly responded with a community update on the Borderlands support site and on X, acknowledging the difficulties players are facing.

    Gearbox’s Response

    In their update, Gearbox mentioned:

    “We’ve received reports from some players that, although the September 25th patch is intended to improve performance, they’re experiencing the opposite.”

    Workaround: The stuttering might fix itself as shaders keep compiling in the background while you play. If stutters persist after 15 mins, you can clear your shader cache using your GPU manufacturer’s suggested method.

    Gearbox had shared similar advice earlier on Steam forums, suggesting players wait for 15 minutes after changing graphics settings so that shaders could recompile before assessing the game’s performance.

    Shader Issues in Gaming

    Shader compilation loading screens are now common for PC gamers in many Unreal Engine 5 titles, including Borderlands 4. Players need to wait before entering the game world, as skipping the shader compilation can lead to glitches.

    These issues have contributed to the mixed reception of Borderlands 4 on PC since its release on September 12, 2025. Currently, the game holds a 62.69% “Mixed” user rating based on 57,793 reviews on Steam. Still, it maintains a strong daily average of about 100,000 concurrent players on the platform.

    Recommendations for Players

    Players seeking better graphics are warned against using the ‘Badass graphics’ preset, which can worsen frame drops and stutters, even on high-end setups. Vault hunters are trying various fixes, like tweaking the GPU shader cache size or looting vaults before restarting the game to alleviate the shader compilation delays. For those who still find themselves stuck with the 15-minute wait, Gearbox suggests using the support ticket system for assistance.

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