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The year 2010 marked the release of Red Dead Redemption , an iconic Western that first captivated gamers on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. At the time, many anticipated a quick arrival of the game on PC, perhaps within a few months. Yet, here we are, 14 years later, as Rockstar Games finally announces the official release of Red Dead Redemption  and its expansion Undead Nightmare  on PC, scheduled for October 29, 2024. While this long-awaited announcement is welcome news for many, it does raise a question: shouldn’t Rockstar Games be otherwise occupied at the moment? The developer recently broke records with the release of the GTA 6  trailer, which garnered the most views within 24 hours and one week. The gaming community’s excitement has only grown in the months following, as Rockstar has remained notably silent on further details since the trailer's release nearly a year ago. Nevertheless, Rockstar, with its characteristic timing, has chosen this moment to reveal the arrival of Red Dead Redemption  on PC—news that would have been met with overwhelming excitement a decade ago, but now feels somewhat overshadowed by the anticipation for GTA 6 . Speculation about a potential PC version of Red Dead Redemption  has circulated throughout 2024, with a PlayStation store listing earlier this year offering a preview of what to expect. As reported by Eurogamer, this new version—developed in collaboration with Double Eleven—will feature numerous PC-specific enhancements. These include native 4K resolution at up to 144Hz on compatible hardware, support for Ultrawide (21:9) and Super Ultrawide (32:9) monitors, HDR10, and full keyboard and mouse functionality. In addition, the PC version will include support for NVIDIA DLSS 3.7 and AMD FSR 3.0 upscaling technologies, NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation, and a variety of customizable settings such as adjustable draw distances and shadow quality, ensuring that this release is both visually stunning and technologically advanced. For those eagerly awaiting GTA 6 , this PC release of Red Dead Redemption  offers an opportunity to revisit the beloved world of the Wild West before embarking on a new adventure in modern-day crime. While the timing of this announcement may seem surprising, Rockstar continues to captivate its audience, even after 14 years of anticipation.

FromSoftware, the developer behind Elden Ring and Dark Souls, is set to increase its base salary in Japan starting in April 2025. New graduates will receive a starting salary of 300,000 yen ($2,020), reflecting an 11.8% raise from the current 260,000 yen ($1,750). This move aligns FromSoftware with other major Japanese gaming companies like Konami, Capcom, and Atlus, all of which have also raised their starting salaries to 300,000 yen in the past year to attract top developer talent. Capcom and Atlus, in particular, boosted their pay by 27% and 15%, respectively. Until now, FromSoftware had been offering the highest starting wage among the three. The pay increase comes as FromSoftware celebrates a successful year, highlighted by the release of the Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree expansion, which sold five million copies within three days of launch. While game studios in the West face closures and widespread layoffs, Japanese-owned studios have largely remained unaffected. FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has stated that mass layoffs won't occur under his leadership. Japan's game industry is thriving, in part due to the surge in PC gaming, which has nearly tripled in size since 2019, and the continued dominance of mobile gaming. The country's strict employment laws and language barriers contribute to its resilience. As analyst Serkan Toto explains, outsourcing work isn't as simple in Japan, and with a shrinking and aging population, companies like Bandai Namco, Nintendo, and Capcom are raising salaries out of necessity to retain talent, not just to be generous. Without competitive wages, software engineers could easily transition to other industries like AI.

The PS5 remaster of Until Dawn  has experienced a notably lackluster reception, with player engagement falling far short of expectations. Data from over 3.1 million active PSN accounts, sourced from GameInsights, reveals that Until Dawn  has registered one of the weakest debuts for a Sony game in recent years. Despite the original game's popularity on PS4, the remastered edition has failed to generate significant interest among the PS5 player base, leading to disappointing launch figures. Compared to other recent releases, Until Dawn 's performance appears even more troubling. Its debut saw 28.6% fewer players than Concord , a title that was so poorly received that Sony withdrew it from digital storefronts just two weeks post-launch. Moreover, Until Dawn  attracted 98.5% fewer players than The Last of Us Part II Remastered , which remains the most successful single-player PS5 game of 2024. In contrast, Astro Bot , which debuted in sixth place on the list of top single-player PS5 games of the year, amassed a player count 95.5% larger than Until Dawn . Several factors may have contributed to the remaster's underwhelming performance. The game received minimal promotional support, with marketing efforts limited to a few trailers. Sony may have overestimated the remaster's appeal based on the original game's success, or possibly prioritized other concurrent releases, such as the highly anticipated Silent Hill 2  remake, which was also launched as a PS5 exclusive. Furthermore, the decision to retail Until Dawn  at a full AAA price point, while The Last of Us Part II Remastered  offered a more affordable $9.99/£9.99 upgrade option, may have deterred potential buyers. The game’s debut has not only missed the top 10 single-player PS5 games of 2024 but has been met with reactions of bewilderment, given its heritage as a well-regarded PS4 horror title. Nevertheless, there remains the possibility of a resurgence in player interest in the coming weeks, as post-launch updates could address technical issues such as frame rate performance. Until Dawn  may not have met initial expectations, but its inclusion on any list of essential horror games for the PS5 remains warranted. As the title gains further updates and visibility, it may still find a broader audience and achieve the recognition anticipated by its devoted fanbase.

The gaming industry has a strong appetite for sequels. Whether it's iconic titles like Half-Life 2 , Left 4 Dead 2 , or Portal 2 , or the technology we use to play them, sequels often bring improvements. Gaming headsets, keyboards, and mice have all seen upgrades with each new release, thanks to advancements in tech—and now the same is happening in the growing world of handheld gaming PCs. That said, aside from the Ayaneo 2, we haven’t yet seen a true next-gen gaming handheld PC. But some are on the horizon, like the MSI Claw 2, and perhaps more eagerly awaited, the Steam Deck 2. I recently spoke with two Steam Deck designers from Valve, who gave me a small update on their approach to the Steam Deck 2. “We really want to wait for a generational leap in performance without sacrificing battery life before we release the true second generation of Steam Deck. But it’s something we’re excited about and are actively working on,” said Steam Deck designer Lawrence Yang. Yang also emphasized that the Steam Deck OLED isn’t the Steam Deck 2. “When we launched the OLED, we made it clear that it’s not a second-gen device. It’s more of what we wish we could have initially shipped for the Steam Deck [LCD], and I think that’s been proven,” Yang explained. Looking ahead, AMD has announced the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, which is expected to boost gaming handheld performance by 2025. Similarly, Intel's Lunar Lake could be a strong competitor in the handheld market. Meanwhile, the next Nintendo Switch, rumored to feature an upgraded Nvidia chip, promises significant performance improvements over the original Switch. Regardless of which option Valve selects for the Steam Deck 2, it’s encouraging to hear that they’re focused on both performance gains and the crucial factor of battery life.

Game Freak, the primary developer of the Pokémon series, has reportedly suffered a major hack, leading to the leak of various game source codes, internal details, and other confidential information. So far, the source code for Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver and Black 2/White 2 has emerged online. Several project codenames have also been revealed, such as "Gaia," which is said to refer to the upcoming Generation 10. The next generation is apparently being developed under the codename "Ounce," which seems to confirm the Switch 2's internal name. Additionally, "Ikkaku" is the codename associated with Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Another intriguing codename is "Synapse." While its exact nature is unclear, reports suggest it could be an unreleased multiplayer battle game, possibly with PvP or MMO elements. The project is said to involve ILCA, the studio that worked on Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. The Game Freak hack echoes the Nintendo "Gigaleak" that began in 2018 and gained attention in 2020, which exposed details about past consoles, game prototypes, and other internal data. That leak also featured Pokémon content, such as the 1997 Nintendo Space World demos for Pokémon Gold and Silver, revealing early creature designs.

Rockstar Games recently launched a new Halloween-themed mode in GTA Online called "Ludendorff Cemetery Survival", and it's already setting records. The limited-time event debuted a few days ago, drawing many players back to the game. According to GTAO Stats, Ludendorff Cemetery Survival has accumulated 2.7 million total plays, with over 1.2 million unique players joining the action. These impressive figures demonstrate the enduring appeal of GTA Online, even after more than a decade since its original release. In Ludendorff Cemetery Survival, players take on waves of zombies in a spooky cemetery, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption's Undead Nightmare. Armed with various weapons, players must battle through the undead hordes, blending intense action with Halloween chills. The combination is resonating with the community, attracting both long-time fans and newcomers. This success helps explain why Rockstar is in no rush to release GTA6. Continued support for GTA5 keeps the player base active, allowing the developers to focus on perfecting the next installment. GTA5 remains the second best-selling game in history, with over 200 million copies sold, trailing only Minecraft. The game has also generated an impressive $8.6 billion in revenue, highlighting its lasting popularity. With events like this drawing millions of players, it's clear that GTA Online is far from fading away. Looking ahead, with GTA6 expected to launch in Fall 2025, the ongoing success of GTA Online underscores its significance for Rockstar. It's likely that GTA Online will either transition to the new game or evolve into a revamped version, though nothing has been confirmed. Given Rockstar's track record, whatever they choose will likely keep players engaged for years to come.

Alan Hartman, head of Xbox Game Studios, will retire at the end of November, with Craig Duncan, the current leader of Rare, stepping in as his successor. Hartman is recognized for founding Turn 10 in 2005, the studio behind the successful Forza franchise. He took over leadership of Xbox Game Studios last year and has contributed to popular Microsoft franchises like Age of Empires and Fable during his 36-year career in the gaming industry. Craig Duncan has been at the helm of Rare for nearly 14 years, overseeing the development of Kinect titles and the launch of the live service game Sea of Thieves, which has attracted over 40 million players since its debut in 2018. In September, Duncan attended the 2024 GamesIndustry.biz Best Places to Work Awards, where Rare won three awards. Before joining Rare, Duncan held various leadership roles at companies such as Sumo Digital, Midway, and Codemasters. He is also the Vice President of the charity SpecialEffect. In his new role, Duncan will oversee multiple Xbox teams, including Halo Studios, The Coalition, Turn 10, Playground Games, Rare, Obsidian, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, The Initiative, Double Fine, InXile, Undead Labs, and World's Edge. He will report to Matt Booty, the president of Game Content and Studios. Replacing Duncan at Rare will be Joe Neate and Jim Horth. Neate has been with Rare since 2013 and served as the executive producer for Sea of Thieves. He previously held senior positions at Sumo Digital and Midway. Horth, who has spent over 20 years at Rare, has held various roles and was most recently the studio director. In an email to staff, Booty praised Hartman's career, highlighting his commitment to innovation and his significant impact on gaming. He noted Hartman's journey from a contractor in Microsoft's early CD-ROM group in 1988 to leading projects like Age of Empires, Brute Force, and the founding of Turn 10. Under Hartman’s leadership, Turn 10 and Playground Games developed 13 Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon games, establishing Forza as a leading racing franchise while pushing hardware capabilities. Booty commended Hartman's efforts to advance accessibility in gaming, setting a standard for the industry, and noted the successful releases from Xbox Game Studios this year, with upcoming titles like Avowed, South of Midnight, and Fable on the horizon. Hartman expressed his gratitude in a LinkedIn post, stating, “Being a Studio Head in Gaming is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles in entertainment. I always knew we had immense talent across XGS, but I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy spending time with our studio leaders and their teams. It has been an honor to represent XGS, and I truly mean this - a pleasure getting to spend time with all of our studios.” He also conveyed his excitement for upcoming projects, saying, “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and I am excited by what we have in the pipeline! Avowed, Clockwork Revolution, Fable, Gears of War E-Day, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, South of Midnight, and many more announced and still to be announced games. I have so much anticipation and confidence in what all of our studios are creating, and I am excited by what these teams will accomplish with Craig Duncan as the new Head of Xbox Game Studios.” Booty concluded by stating that in his new role, Craig will focus on helping the studios deliver high-quality, unique gaming experiences that can evolve into successful franchises and reach a broader audience through investments in new intellectual properties.

Although Fantasian: Neo Dimension is set to release on December 5, the official account made a significant announcement today from composer Nobuo Uematsu. In a video shared on Twitter, Uematsu disclosed that the upcoming console and PC port of Fantasian will be his final project as a video game music composer. “This is my final project as a composer of video game music,” Uematsu stated. Uematsu is a renowned Japanese composer celebrated for his contributions to video game music, particularly within the Final Fantasy series. He joined Square in 1985, quickly establishing himself as the primary composer for the franchise, thus helping to define the musical essence of one of gaming's most beloved series. His work combines orchestral, rock, and electronic elements, often stirring deep emotions that enhance the narrative experience (think of the Black Mages). Uematsu’s talent for crafting memorable and immersive soundscapes has cemented his legacy in both gaming and music. Among his most notable compositions are One-Winged Angel from Final Fantasy VII, a complex choral piece that accompanies the climactic battle against Sephiroth, and To Zanarkand from Final Fantasy X, a poignant piano theme that reflects the party’s journey. In addition to his work on Final Fantasy, Uematsu has composed music for other projects, such as Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon. After leaving Square in 2004, he founded his own production company, Dog Ear Records, where he worked on titles like The Last Story and Lord of Vermillion. In a February 2024 interview with the German publication Zeit Online, Uematsu expressed doubts about composing an entire game again but mentioned he was still involved in creating themes for Final Fantasy. He recently composed the main themes for Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Today’s announcement suggests he may continue to contribute to projects in a more limited capacity moving forward.

The European Court of Justice has ruled that software from UK company Datel, which allows for unlimited boosts in a racing game, does not violate EU copyright law. The decision, issued by judges in Luxembourg, could have significant implications for the gaming industry. The court determined that third-party add-ons for Sony PlayStation games, which provide players with additional features, do not breach EU copyright law. This ruling was seen as a setback for Sony in a case that was considered important for the modding community, an industry worth hundreds of millions of euros. The judges explained that the EU Directive on the legal protection of computer programs does not permit copyright holders to prevent third parties from marketing software that merely modifies variables in a game's temporary working memory. They clarified that the directive only protects the original intellectual work as expressed in the source code and object code of the program. Datel, a UK-based company, developed software that allowed players to gain infinite boosts in the racing game *MotorStorm* and use motion sensor controls with the console. Sony had argued that this software “latches on like a parasite” to its games, infringing copyright law. However, the court ruled that because Datel's add-ons did not alter the game's source code, they did not constitute a copyright violation. In an earlier non-binding opinion, Advocate General Maciej Szpunar supported this view, stating that using a copyrighted work against the creator’s wishes is not illegal. He compared it to a reader skipping to the end of a detective novel, which, while it may diminish the experience, is not unlawful. The case highlights concerns over Sony’s efforts to control how users modify its products, with critics accusing the company of overreach. Gaming advocate Ross Scott argued that altering games is akin to making changes to other personal items, such as highlighting a book or modifying a car. He added that cheating in single-player games is a "victimless crime." Scott, who is also behind a separate EU petition aiming to prevent companies from shutting down online-only games, warns that a broader interpretation of copyright law could threaten a wide range of software. He pointed out that many popular games, including *Fortnite*, have roots in the modding community, which has played a key role in the gaming ecosystem.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard had been one of the most highly anticipated games in recent years, with fans eagerly awaiting a new installment for over a decade after the success of its predecessor. This long wait fueled much of the initial excitement and buzz. However, as the game's reveals continued, the excitement gradually faded. Now, just two weeks before its launch, The Veilguard is struggling to make an impact on Steam’s best-seller chart. A recent report indicates that retail pre-orders are disappointingly low, with sales trailing three times behind titles like Star Wars Outlaws. Despite the initial hype, poor pre-order numbers suggest that many fans are hesitant to purchase the game, with some attributing this to concerns about the game’s direction and accusations of it being "woke." Stuttering Craig, owner of the Side Scrollers Podcast, recently disclosed on Twitter that Dragon Age: The Veilguard has secured just 1,957 retail pre-orders across both PS5 and Xbox, based on information from a retail insider. The breakdown shows 1,552 copies for PS5 and 405 for Xbox. These figures, while not officially confirmed, appear credible. Another source, That Park Place, reported similar numbers, noting that The Veilguard lags significantly behind other upcoming games. For instance, Star Wars Outlaws has managed 6,469 pre-orders, with 5,341 for PS5 and 1,398 for Xbox. Given that Ubisoft recently acknowledged softer-than-expected sales for Star Wars Outlaws, concerns for The Veilguard are mounting. Still, with the game available on Steam, a popular platform among the series' fans, there’s a chance sales might pick up closer to launch.

Unlike the linear, story-driven games that Naughty Dog is known for, the studio's next project is rumored to feature a significant amount of "player freedom", according to a recent report. On a recent episode of The MinnMax Show on YouTube, host Ben Hanson shared some insights about the upcoming Naughty Dog game, citing a source with inside knowledge of the project. Hanson mentioned that the new title is being compared to a game known for offering extensive player freedom, suggesting a shift in approach for the developers of Uncharted and The Last of Us. Although Hanson did not disclose the specific game used for comparison, he refrained from doing so intentionally to avoid setting expectations for fans. The aim is to let players experience Naughty Dog’s new direction without preconceived notions, allowing them to judge the game on its own merits once it's officially unveiled. Until then, speculation will continue about the extent of player freedom and how it might differentiate the upcoming title from the studio's previous work. Earlier this year, Naughty Dog president and game director Neil Druckmann discussed the studio’s ambitious goals for its next game in an interview with YouTuber Logically Speaking. He acknowledged that the development has been challenging, with certain aspects proving difficult to tackle. Nonetheless, Druckmann expressed his determination to make the process rewarding for both himself and the team, despite the stress involved in bringing such an ambitious project to life.

Physical copies of Black Myth: Wukong are on the way, according to an announcement from Game Science. In a tweet posted earlier today on the game's official X/Twitter account, the studio thanked fans for their patience and confirmed that the "master disc" is now ready. As a result, the PS5 physical edition will be arriving "very soon." However, the announcement did not provide a specific release date, offering only a vague promise that the physical version is coming soon. "Destined Ones, thank you for your patience!" the team wrote. "With the master disc for *Black Myth: Wukong* ready, the PS5 physical edition will be available to you very soon." There is still no update on an Xbox version. Last month, Microsoft reaffirmed that the delay of the Xbox release is not due to "platform limitations." While *Black Myth: Wukong* launched on PC and PS5 in August, the Xbox version remains postponed for unknown reasons. Rumors have circulated suggesting difficulties with the Series S console or potential PlayStation exclusivity.