Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from September, 2023
In the sphere of video gaming, longevity can often serve as a metric of success. Bethesda Game Studios, the developer behind iconic open-world RPGs like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout, has indicated plans for extended support for its highly-anticipated game, Starfield. The revelation comes from an interview Todd Howard, an executive at Bethesda, gave on the 'AIAS Game Maker's Notebook' Podcast. Bethesda's Historical Context: The Lessons from Skyrim and Fallout Influences on Starfield's Development Strategy During the podcast, Todd Howard delved into how Bethesda's previous titles, specifically Skyrim and Fallout, have shaped the team's approach to Starfield. According to him, one major lesson stands out: people enjoy playing these expansive games for a significant duration. Therefore, Starfield has been designed from the ground up with long-term engagement in mind. "This is a game people are going to play for a long time," Howard stated. I
In the realm of first-person shooter (FPS) games, movement techniques can often set apart good players from great ones. One such technique, called bunny hopping, has been carried over into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) from its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The following guide provides an in-depth look at how to execute bunny hopping in CS2, enhancing your movement speed and gameplay. The Evolution from CS:GO to CS2 Engine and Technical Improvements Counter-Strike 2 has made several significant advancements compared to CS:GO. Notably, the game operates on the Source Engine 2, presenting enhancements in server tick rates and introducing changes to familiar maps. Given these updates, many players have questions about the game mechanics that have been carried over or altered. Gameplay Mechanics and Commands Besides the improvements in game engine and servers, some gameplay mechanics have remained. One such mechanic is the left-hand ViewModel command, a feature important
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty has included an in-game tribute to a fan who passed away before the game's launch. In a growing trend among game developers, such tributes serve as a way to memorialize fans who, due to tragic circumstances, could not experience the game they eagerly awaited. This article delves into the details of this special tribute, how it was discovered, and what it means to the family of the late fan known as Renfei. Discovery of the Tribute Finding NPC 千寺狐 (Qian Si Hu) The tribute was first spotted by a player who noticed an NPC (Non-Playable Character) named 千寺狐, or Qian Si Hu in English. This discovery soon gained traction on various Chinese websites and social media platforms. From Social Media to Reddit A Reddit user with the handle Spare-Role-1817 provided additional context, effectively serving as a bridge between the Chinese community and the broader global gaming community. The user elucidated the poignant backstory that seemed to corroborate the tribu
October 2023 promises to be a remarkable month for PlayStation Plus subscribers, as they are entitled to access a selection of free games. In this extensive article, you will find a detailed list of PS Plus Extra games available for the month, as well as a comprehensive guide on how to subscribe to PlayStation Plus and subsequently download these free games on your PS4 and PS5 consoles. PS Plus Extra Games for October 2023 Complete List of Free Games for PS4 and PS5 For this month, PlayStation Plus is offering the following titles for free for both PS4 and PS5: - The Callisto Protocol (PS5, PS4) - Farming Simulator 22 (PS5, PS4) - Weird West (PS5, PS4) These games will become available starting October 4, 2023. It's important to note that you have a limited time to claim these games, so be sure to take advantage of this offer as soon as possible. As and when additional games get confirmed for PS Plus, this page will receive updates to keep you informed. How to Secure a PS Plus Memb
Ubisoft has disclosed specific details concerning the review embargo, pre-load date, and download size for its upcoming action-adventure game, Assassin's Creed Mirage. Set for release on October 5, 2023, the game stands as the thirteenth major installment in the renowned Assassin's Creed series. This article delves into each of these aspects in detail. Review Embargo Details Ubisoft has decided to lift the review embargo for Assassin's Creed Mirage on October 4, 2023, one day ahead of the official game release. This means that gaming critics will be able to publish their reviews on this date. Therefore, fans eager to hear professional opinions on the latest addition to the Assassin's Creed series can mark this date on their calendars. Pre-load Date for PlayStation Platforms For those intending to play Assassin's Creed Mirage on PlayStation platforms, Ubisoft has announced that the pre-load date is set for October 3, 2023. This allows players to download the game ahe
Teardown, a sandbox puzzle game developed by Tuxedo Labs and co-published by Saber Interactive, is set to make its console debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 15, 2023. The game gained significant traction on the Steam platform, where it initially launched in early access on October 29, 2020, and later transitioned to a full release on April 21, 2022. The Gameplay Mechanics of Teardown In Teardown, players assume the role of the owner of Lockelle Teardown Services, a demolition company that has fallen on hard times financially. To remedy this, the player character is led into accepting contracts from questionable clients. These ventures often lead to elaborate plots involving revenge and insurance fraud. The game mechanics are focused on the strategic use of demolition tools to accomplish various tasks. Players start with basic tools like sledgehammers but soon gain access to more destructive options like bombs and rocket launchers. Reception on Steam Platform Teardo
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is the most recent addition to the renowned tactical shooter series by Valve. The game offers various new elements, including revamped graphics and gameplay mechanics. One of the highlights is the ability to easily play private matches with friends. This article elucidates how to set up and engage in such matches, invite friends, and offers specific advice on improving your gameplay. Counter-Strike 2: Download and Installation Before engaging in any private matches with friends, the first prerequisite is to download and install Counter-Strike 2 on your computer. The game is available through Steam, a digital distribution platform for video games. If Steam is not installed on your system, you can download it from its official website. - Download Steam: Get Steam from the official website and install it on your computer. - Steam Account: If you are a new user, create a new Steam account. Otherwise, log in with your existing credentials. - Acquire Counter-Strike 2:
The Android gaming landscape offers an extensive array of free-to-play titles across various genres. This guide focuses on games that not only deliver captivating gameplay but also adopt fair monetization strategies. The selection is diverse, ranging from card games like Marvel Snap to classic MMORPGs such as Old School RuneScape. All of the games featured are meticulously examined for their gameplay mechanics, in-app purchases, and overall quality. Marvel Snap Marvel Snap sets itself apart in the crowded market of free-to-play mobile card games. The game stands out for its fast-paced strategic gameplay and intricate deck-building mechanics. While microtransactions exist, they are limited to cosmetic items, ensuring that the game avoids a pay-to-win model. Over time, players can unlock all the cards needed for competitive play without spending money. In-app purchases: Range from $1.99 to $99.99 for in-game currency and cosmetics. Vampire Survivors Vampire Survivors offers the same game
The PlayStation 5 has been available for nearly three years. In that period, it has offered a diverse and immersive gaming experience, courtesy of its cutting-edge technology and evolving game library. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of PlayStation 5 exclusives. To guide you through the best gaming options on this platform, we have compiled a detailed list of the ten best PlayStation 5 games you should be playing in 2023. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut enhances the original PS4 title with PlayStation 5-specific features such as haptic feedback, improved resolutions, and shorter loading times. This version also includes the Iki Island expansion, a substantial add-on for those who enjoyed the primary game. Players navigate the world as Jin Sakai, who must confront invading Mongol forces and grapple with his internal moral compass, instilled in him by his uncle. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection The Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves C
Valve has officially launched Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), following several months in its beta phase. This new installment is available for free on Steam, much like its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The game's launch has drawn a surge of players to the servers, eager to explore its mechanics, meta, and rank-based gameplay. One of the intriguing aspects introduced at launch is the Global Offensive Badge. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to obtain this badge, its features, and what it signifies for veteran players. What is the Global Offensive Badge? Image: Steam The Global Offensive Badge and an accompanying music kit were introduced as tokens of appreciation for veteran players of the franchise. Unlike typical FPS titles, Counter-Strike has a longstanding tradition of badges and service medals, making it unique. This badge is specifically intended for players who owned the previous Counter-Strike title and stands as a commemorative token for t
In a significant corporate development, Jim Ryan, the current CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment and head of PlayStation, has announced his retirement. Set to leave the company in March 2024, Ryan has been a part of Sony for an impressive 28 years. Sony Group Corporation President and COO Hiroki Totoki is set to take on the interim CEO role as of April 1, 2024. This article aims to delve into the details of Ryan's career, achievements, and the future roadmap for Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Jim Ryan's Decision to Retire: Statement and Reasons https://youtu.be/UBamSvz8Xz8 In an official statement, Ryan expressed deep affection for the company and his role. He cited the challenge of balancing life in Europe with work in North America as a significant factor for his retirement. Ryan stated that he had been fortunate to work on products that have had a global impact. He expressed optimism for the future of SIE and emphasized that PlayStation would forever be a part of h
Valve has officially disclosed the system requirements for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the next installment in its iconic first-person shooter series. Although the specifications shared appear relatively straightforward, this guide aims to delve into each aspect of the requirements, offering gamers a comprehensive understanding of what they need to enjoy this highly-anticipated title. General Observations from Valve's Announcement Upon announcement, Valve presented specifications for CS2 that appear to be undemanding, in line with its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. However, it is important to note that these seem to be provisional specifications. The gaming community can expect more detailed, finalized requirements in the near future. Detailed Breakdown of Minimum Requirements Valve states that the minimum system requirements for CS2 are similar to those of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which was released over a decade ago. Nevertheless, for a smooth gaming experien
As Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone Season 6 roll out, players can expect major content updates, including a selection of new weapons. One such addition that has caught the attention of gamers is the TR-76 Geist Assault Rifle. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions on how to unlock this particular weapon. Context: The Importance of Season 6 Season 6 in Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone represents a significant chapter in the game’s life cycle. Not only is this the final full season before the launch of Modern Warfare 3, but it also includes major crossover elements featuring characters from Diablo 4, Spawn, and others. However, the focus of this guide is specifically on the new weapons introduced in this season. List of New Weapons in Season 6 Apart from the TR-76 Geist Assault Rifle, Season 6 offers a variety of new weapons for players to acquire. These include the ISO 9mm SMG, Dual Kama Melee, and the Doom Chainsaw, which is slated to be released as part of a
In Starfield, players will encounter a variety of legendary weapons, each offering unique advantages. Among these is the Memento Mori, a legendary pistol with intriguing features. Obtaining this weapon necessitates completing specific faction quests and a series of conversations. This article delves into the detailed steps required to acquire the Memento Mori in Starfield. Where to Find Memento Mori in Starfield Faction Questline Requirements To acquire Memento Mori, players must engage in a particular faction questline. Specifically, one must align themselves with UC SysDef and infiltrate the Crimson Fleet. However, before the questline reaches its conclusion, players must ultimately opt for UC SysDef. Completing the "Burden of Proof" Quest Upon choosing UC SysDef, the next step is to complete the "Burden of Proof" quest. For successful completion, it is mandatory to submit 15 out of the 20 required pieces of evidence to Lieutenant Toft. After turning in the eviden
Controllers are integral components of the gaming experience. As Nintendo continues to dominate the console landscape, the demand for high-quality controllers has surged. Leading manufacturers such as 8BitDo and PowerA have released a variety of controllers designed to augment gameplay on Nintendo platforms. This guide aims to provide detailed insights into the best Nintendo controllers available in 2023. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Overview The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is designed for avid Nintendo Switch users. One of its key features is the built-in rechargeable battery, which eliminates the concern of power loss during gameplay. Additionally, it offers motion controls and HD rumble for an immersive experience. Design and Functionality - Ergonomic Grip: The controller has a comfortable, grippy design complemented by sticky pads. This ensures a firm hold, facilitating extended gaming sessions. - Built-in Battery: The rechargeable battery is particularly useful, making it unn
The highly-anticipated co-operative heist shooter, PayDay 3, launched on September 21. Despite reaching significant online peaks, the game has encountered a series of challenges. These include player dissatisfaction with content diversity and technical issues with servers. Starbreeze Studios, the company behind PayDay 3, has released details about the launch period. The studio's head, Tobias Sjögren, has also issued an apology to the gaming community. Peak Online Player Counts On the day of its release, PayDay 3 saw a peak online player count of 78,000 on PC. However, data for all platforms has now been made available. According to Starbreeze Studios, during the first weekend post-launch, the game's online peak reached an impressive 218,250 players. Overall, PayDay 3 has been played by a total of 1,347,510 gamers across all platforms. Server Issues: The Unpredictable Factor Starbreeze Studios acknowledged the difficulties related to server infrastructure. Initially, the servers
The classic Nuketown map, a long-standing element in the Call of Duty series, is getting a visually stunning remake in Bodycam, a forthcoming title from Reissad Studio. Developed on Unreal Engine 5, the remade Nuketown aims to provide an immersive experience. A short clip displaying the map was recently posted on the official X handle of Reissad Studio, giving fans a sneak peek at the reimagined space. Nuketown’s Legacy in the Call of Duty Series Introduced in the Call of Duty: Black Ops title back in 2010, Nuketown has become a staple of the series. Owing to its immense popularity, the map also appeared in subsequent Black Ops sequels such as Black Ops 2, Black Ops 3, Black Ops 4, and Black Ops Cold War. Known for its small size, which facilitates fast-paced action, Nuketown is regarded as one of the quintessential maps for the first-person shooter genre. What the Remake Brings to the Table The reimagined Nuketown in Bodycam retains key elements like the twin houses, the bus in the ce
PUBG Mobile has consistently introduced new content to maintain player interest, and this trend continues with the recent announcement from Level Infinite. The developer has revealed that a new set of cosmetics, called the BOXERBOLT Set, will soon be available in the game. Additionally, an upgradable firearm will be introduced, offering a more dynamic and customized in-game experience. Detailed Look at the BOXERBOLT Set https://twitter.com/PUBGMOBILE/status/1706537353068613875?ref_src=twsrctfwtwcamptweetembedtwterm1706537353068613875twgr5e1f4f659c4eddbe1de2e343020ff57f183a6faatwcons1_c10&ref_url=httpswww.insidesport.inesports-pubg-mobile-boxerbolt-set-is-coming-soon-along-with-upgradable-firearm The forthcoming BOXERBOLT Set includes a variety of items aimed at giving players a visually distinct look on the battlefield. This set comprises a helmet, chest armor, backpack, and gloves. All these items are crafted with a futuristic boxer theme, and they are designed to make players sta
The Meta Quest 3 VR headset has been introduced with much anticipation, and one of the standout announcements is the inclusion of Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service. This is an important addition for those interested in mixed reality technologies developed by Meta, formerly known as Facebook. Meta Quest 3 and its Upcoming Features During its recent Connect conference, Meta not only unveiled the Quest 3 VR headset but also made several software-related announcements. The company aims to provide an immersive experience to its users and part of that plan involves the integration of Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service with Meta Quest 3. How Xbox Cloud Gaming Works on Meta Quest 3 The way Xbox Cloud Gaming will function on Meta Quest 3 is similar to how Apple has presented its vision for mixed reality with its Vision Pro headset. Essentially, it involves a virtual screen that can float in a virtual or mixed reality space. This screen is both reposition-able and resizable. Despi
If you are interested in a Linux distribution specialized for gaming, Bazzite might be the right choice for you. This Fedora-based Linux distro is engineered to suit the gaming requirements on both traditional Linux desktops and the rising platform, the Steam Deck. In this article, we delve deep into the distinct aspects of Bazzite, focusing on its characteristics, capabilities, and recent updates. An Overview of Bazzite Base and Support Bazzite is built upon the newly released Fedora 38. It uses Universal Blue, which is an OCI base image of Fedora. The distro extends its compatibility by supporting a variety of hardware, including Microsoft Surface devices. Key drivers come pre-installed to offer a smooth initial experience. Unique Features Among the many features that make Bazzite unique are: - Proprietary Nvidia Drivers: These come pre-installed, eliminating the need for manual installation. - H264 Hardware Acceleration: Bazzite supports hardware-accelerated H264 decoding, which is
On September 21, 2023, Activision officially terminated the servers for the original Call of Duty Warzone Caldera. Launched more than three years ago, the game had succeeded in drawing over 100 million players globally. Despite its enduring popularity, the decision to shut down Warzone Caldera came as Activision shifted its focus to the newer Warzone game released in November 2022. Reasons for Shutting Down Warzone Caldera Aging of the Game One plausible explanation for Activision's move could be the aging architecture of Warzone Caldera. It was initially released in March 2020 and was based on the same engine used for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which came out in October 2019. The game's technical foundations were beginning to show their age, potentially affecting the user experience over time. Success of the New Warzone Game Another key factor influencing this decision was the marked success of the new Warzone game. Launched in November 2022, it rapidly amassed over 50 mill
Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, recently received an update that brings notable enhancements to its latest Phantom Liberty expansion. Leveraging more than 30 mods alongside path tracing, this expansion is now displayed in stunning 4K resolution. In anticipation of the global release of Phantom Liberty, German YouTuber and digital artist 'Digital Dreams' has demonstrated the game’s enhanced graphics in a new gameplay video. The Significance of the 2.0 Update Last week, CD Projekt Red unveiled the free 2.0 update for Cyberpunk 2077. This update came just before the release of the paid Phantom Liberty expansion. The update and expansion have collectively reset the standards for PC gaming in terms of visual prowess. The 2.0 update has also made changes to the target resolution in Performance Mode on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Future Plans for CD Projekt Red With the remarkable quality and performance demonstrated in Phantom Liberty, questions have been raise
Ubisoft’s celebrated Rocksmith 2014 is slated for removal from digital storefronts on October 23. As a sequel to 2011's Rocksmith, the game has been not just an entertaining rhythm title but also an authentic guitar-teaching tool. Let’s dive into the details about why this removal is happening and what it means for players. Rocksmith 2014’s Unique Position in Gaming Rocksmith 2014, launched as a follow-up to its predecessor Rocksmith, managed to carve out a unique space for itself. Unlike games like Guitar Hero, which utilize plastic guitars, Rocksmith 2014 takes a real guitar as input. This unique feature garnered the game a high level of acclaim, achieving an overall rating of 84 and gaining praise for its dual role as a compelling game and an educational tool. Reasons for Delisting It turns out that the reason for Rocksmith 2014’s delisting is its licensed soundtrack. Ubisoft’s rights to the officially licensed music within the game are expiring, necessitating its removal from d
In the video game Starfield, improving your piloting skill is crucial. One effective method to advance these skills is by using the flight simulator. Introduced early in the game as part of the United Colonies Vanguard quest line, the simulator is more than just a quest component. This article will provide an in-depth explanation of how to find the flight simulator and what it can offer in terms of gameplay benefits. Locating the Flight Simulator The flight simulator, also referred to as the pilot simulator, is situated in the bustling city of New Atlantis. To get there, you need to journey to the planet Jemison located in the Alpha Centauri system. Once there, you should land at the MAST district landing site. Upon landing, you'll find yourself under the MAST building. Following this, proceed up the ramp and pivot to acquire a full view of the MAST plaza. Enter the MAST building and turn your attention to the waiting area, situated to the left of the elevator. Here you will encoun
For a limited time, multiple online retailers are bundling the highly anticipated game Starfield with a new Xbox Series X console. This special offer presents significant value to consumers, making it a convenient time to invest in the console. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what each bundle includes and the terms under which they are available. https://youtu.be/kfYEiTdsyas?si=CEp-y5HnR981y0j9 Verizon's Starfield and Xbox Series X Bundle Verizon is offering an Xbox Series X bundle that includes a free copy of Starfield. Priced at $500, this deal presents a notable discount, considering that the normal price of the console and game when purchased separately would total $570. The offer is available only on Verizon's online store but is open to all, irrespective of whether you are a Verizon customer. Moreover, Verizon offers free two-day shipping, adding another layer of convenience for buyers. Target's Choose-Your-Game Bundle Target is taking a slightly di
PlayStation Plus, Sony’s subscription service, is experiencing a wave of cancellations from fans. Despite its attempt to counter Xbox Game Pass with new tiered systems, the service is losing customer trust. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of the factors contributing to these cancellations. PlayStation Plus: The Tiered Subscription Model https://youtu.be/iEsLzh0xLZc?si=8K3cTeeE-gL3em5l Introduced around the launch of the PlayStation 5, the tiered subscription system was Sony's answer to the rising popularity of Xbox Game Pass. Offering PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium, each tier brought with it a set of features and benefits. Initially, new releases like "Stray" helped to popularize these tiers among gamers. However, this momentum seems to be slowing down, evidenced by recent reports of mass cancellations. Price Hikes Across All Tiers Last month, Sony announced significant price hikes for all tiers of the PlayStation Plus service. The Esse