Search Results

Valve has recently unveiled its commemorative 25th-anniversary documentary on the creation of Half-Life, shedding light on the early phases of the game's development. During this retrospective, Gabe Newell underscored the significance of postponing the game's release, emphasizing this point. Newell articulated, "Temporary lateness is far preferable to a permanent subpar outcome. Rushing a product out the door isn't aligned with our company ethos or the standards we aspire to uphold in our relationship with our audience." Interestingly, this sentiment echoes the famous quote often attributed to Shigeru Miyamoto, "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad". Newell himself has expressed admiration for Miyamoto, acknowledging the influence of Miyamoto's games on his own development skills. Regarding the elusive Half-Life 3, fans continue to anticipate its arrival. Despite sporadic glimpses like concept art, official confirmation of the third installment has remained absent for over 16 years. Speculation arises whether a teaser might emerge around Half-Life 2's 20th anniversary, prompting hope and curiosity among enthusiasts. Furthermore, as a limited-time offer, Half-Life is currently available for free on Steam until November 20. This game, despite its prolonged development, transformed into a masterpiece and contributed significantly to shaping Valve's identity. Notably, the game has received updates featuring new content and enhancements, enhancing the experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Petroglyph, the developer behind Star Wars: Empire at War, has surprised fans by revisiting its 17-year-old real-time strategy game with a series of unexpected updates. Originally released in 2006, Empire at War is situated between Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope, centering on the conflict between the Empire and the Rebels. Despite online functionality being discontinued in 2014, multiplayer was reintroduced three years later on the Steam version, accompanied by workshop support. In November 2023, a "maintenance patch" was released for Empire at War, addressing minor bugs, making player balance adjustments, and optimizing performance. Building on this, Petroglyph took a significant step forward this week, delivering the most substantial update the game has seen in years. The latest patch transitioned both Empire at War and its expansion, Forces of Corruption, from 32-bit to 64-bit applications. According to the developer, this conversion aims to resolve various out-of-memory bugs and crashes that players had been encountering. Petroglyph also tackled multiplayer out-of-sync issues, enhancing stability, and implemented numerous gameplay fixes to address balance and incorrect unit behavior. The shift to 64-bit has generated anticipation among fans for a potential resurgence in modding interest. While Star Wars: Empire at War may be considered an aged RTS, it maintains a dedicated player base, boasting around 2,000 concurrent players on Steam at any given moment—sufficient for multiplayer functionality. Speculation is now arising among fans about the possibility of a remake or sequel from Petroglyph, although the developer has noticeably increased its focus on Empire at War in recent years. The commitment to supporting such an old game is commendable, especially considering Petroglyph's more recent releases, including 2023's The Great War: Western Front and the well-received 2020 Command & Conquer Remastered Collection.

In the ever-evolving world of handheld gaming, the Steam Deck has emerged as a powerhouse, capturing the hearts of gamers with its impressive performance. However, it's not just the raw power that sets this device apart; there's a peculiar allure emanating from its rear vents that has turned into a distinctive characteristic among its users. The aromatic phenomenon has taken the Steam Deck community by storm, as enthusiasts openly confess to savoring the unique scent wafting from the device's vents. This peculiar pastime has become so entrenched in Steam Deck culture that it has birthed a viral meme. But now, Valve, the mastermind behind this handheld marvel, has weighed in on the unexpected trend. Responding to concerns raised by Redditor u/Metapod100 about potential health risks associated with inhaling the vent fumes, Valve made an official statement through Steam's spokesperson on the r/SteamDeck subreddit. The verdict: while the fumes themselves pose no active health risks, directly sniffing them is not a recommended practice. In the statement, Valve delivered a cautionary message: "As with all electronics, it is generally not recommended you inhale the exhaust fumes on your device. While there are no safety concerns with general usage, directly inhaling the device’s vent fumes should be avoided." Despite the advisory, Valve acknowledges the prevailing trend of "huffing" Steam Deck vent fumes within the gaming community, treating it as an inside joke and meme. The company, however, remains steadfast in advising against the practice, even though the scent may be oddly pleasant and seemingly harmless. The Steam spokesperson emphasized the potential health risks, urging addicted gamers to "refrain from this behavior for the safety of your health." Yet, the response has sparked a spectrum of reactions within the Steam Deck community. Some users, fully embracing the humor, contemplate being buried with their Steam Decks akin to a knight and their sword. Others, defiant in their dedication, refuse to part ways with the aromatic habit. There's even a faction of discontented users upset with Valve for discouraging the cherished practice of inhaling the portable's fumes. In this light-hearted yet peculiar thread, it's worth noting that no extensive research has been conducted on the long-term effects of directly inhaling Steam Deck vent fumes. Perhaps this uncertainty is why Valve is taking a stand against the practice, aiming to safeguard players from potential risks associated with the meme or the scent itself. However, as the beloved aroma fades over time, the future of this fragrant affair remains shrouded in mystery.

The ABK Workers Alliance has taken a stand against Activision's recent decision to enforce a full return to the office for quality assurance (QA) workers involved primarily with Call of Duty titles. This move, affecting QA teams in Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo, has drawn criticism from employees, with the ABK Workers Alliance accusing the gaming giant of insufficiently supporting workers who seek to retain their jobs while working remotely for various reasons. Initially allowing hybrid work arrangements, Activision's sudden shift requires QA workers to be in the office five days a week starting late January. The company is offering severance packages to those who opt to leave due to the mandate. According to an email viewed by IGN, Activision justifies the decision by claiming that the central QA team is more effective in-office, citing improved broadband speeds, team engagement, and better hardware access. The ABK Workers Alliance's response argues that many QA employees have sought permanent work-from-home accommodations due to factors such as disability and financial issues. Despite their efforts, numerous requests have allegedly been denied, leading to what the Alliance terms a "soft layoff" for many employees. In a statement, the ABK Workers Alliance emphasizes the impact on those who were hired during lockdowns and live a considerable distance from offices, foreseeing adverse effects on finances and work-life balance due to the mandatory return. Activision's offer of a one-time separation package has been met with skepticism. QA employee Kate Anderson criticizes the mandate for neglecting the needs of vulnerable employees. Another anonymous QA employee questions the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), highlighting the successful remote work of the majority of the team in 2021 and 2022. Andrew Snell, a QA tester, disputes Activision's claim that in-office work led to recent successes, pointing out that sales records were set during the remote work period. Concerns about the future and potential layoffs are prevalent among Snell's co-workers. Activision's response to the controversy emphasizes their commitment to supporting employees with disabilities and differing abilities, claiming to offer appropriate accommodations for essential job functions. The clash between Activision and its workers is not new, with the ABK Workers Alliance forming in response to a lawsuit alleging discrimination and harassment against the company. The Alliance has been involved in organizing walkouts and supporting unionization efforts, while Activision's parent company, Microsoft, recently pledged union neutrality. As companies grapple with return-to-office mandates, the ABK Workers Alliance argues against a one-size-fits-all approach, advocating for decisions to work from home or return to the office to be made on an individual basis, considering each employee's needs.

With the tantalizing title "Kill the Justice League," the impending Suicide Squad game emerges as a potential swan song for Rocksteady Studios' Arkham universe, which made its grand entrance with the acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009. The departure of Rocksteady's co-founders, coupled with the ominous title, raises questions: is DC bidding farewell to the Arkhamverse? Fear not, as the answer comes from the top echelons of DCU, with James Gunn at the helm of all things DC, including the gaming realm. In a now-deleted Instagram reply, Gunn quashed any speculation about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League serving as the final chapter in the Rocksteady-built universe. However, the deletion of the response adds a layer of intrigue – did Gunn hastily post, misread the situation, or tread into spoiler territory? While the specifics remain elusive, this deleted exchange marks the first official acknowledgment that the Arkhamverse may see more games in the pipeline. The burning question arises: will the Suicide Squad's mission to eliminate the Justice League fall short? In the ever-resilient world of comics (and at times, games), death is seldom permanent, making any bets against the Justice League's survival a risky endeavor. As the Suicide Squad gears up for its high-stakes showdown, the shadows of uncertainty cast by Gunn's deleted response only intensify the anticipation for the game's release. Whether this signals a continued legacy for the Arkham universe or a new dawn for DC gaming, only time will unveil the fate that awaits both the Squad and the Justice League in this bold, high-octane adventure.

Iconic Max Payne actor, James McCaffrey, has tragically passed away at the age of 65, as reported by TMZ. The seasoned actor, known for his commanding presence and remarkable talent, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In a statement shared by TMZ, McCaffrey's representative revealed that the actor succumbed to bone marrow cancer on Sunday, December 17, surrounded by loved ones. A protege of Dick Wolf and a graduate of the Actor's Studio, McCaffrey enjoyed a successful 35-year career in both television and film. Despite his enduring passion for character creation, his undeniable good looks often propelled him into leading man roles. Kevin Dillon, famed for his portrayal of Johnny "Drama" Chase in HBO's Entourage, took to Instagram to announce McCaffrey's passing, expressing gratitude for having known the actor and referring to him as a dear friend. McCaffrey's impact extended beyond the screen, notably through his portrayal of Max Payne in Remedy's three-game series, as well as roles in other Remedy titles such as Alan Wake and Control. His most recent contribution was as the voice of Alex Casey in the upcoming Alan Wake 2, a character whose physical appearance is based on Remedy's own Sam Lake. Remedy, expressing deep sorrow, shared a heartfelt statement on X/Twitter, acknowledging McCaffrey's immense talent and the lasting impact he had on the community. Sam Lake, a long-time collaborator, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of a brilliant actor and dear friend, highlighting McCaffrey's pivotal roles in various Remedy projects. Rockstar Games, the publisher behind the Max Payne series, also paid tribute, stating, "Rest in Peace James McCaffrey, the inimitable and commanding presence who brought Max Payne to life." Beyond his video game contributions, McCaffrey enjoyed a diverse career in TV and film, including his role as Jimmy Keefe in Rescue Me. He is survived by his wife Rochelle Bostrom and daughter Tiernan, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike.

The Persona 5 subseries has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 10 million units in sales after the release of Persona 5 Tactica in November 2023, according to an announcement from publisher Atlus on X/Twitter. The achievement was commemorated with a special illustration by series artist Shigenori Soejima, featuring the charismatic Persona 5 protagonist Joker and his feline companion, Morgana. Atlus expressed gratitude to the dedicated fanbase, stating, "The worldwide sales of the Persona 5 series have surpassed 10 million units. To celebrate, check out this special thank-you illustration from Shigenori Soejima. Thank you so much to our players for your continued support." It's important to note that the Persona 5 series encompasses the fifth main entry and its associated spin-offs, excluding titles like Persona 3 or Persona 4 Golden from the sales tally. The series has seen the release of four spin-offs alongside Persona 5, including the rhythm game Dancing in the Starlight, the expanded Royal edition, the Dynasty Warriors-style action game Strikers, and the tactical role-playing game Tactica. While specific sales figures for Tactica haven't been disclosed by Atlus, it is speculated that the November launch played a pivotal role in propelling the series beyond the 10 million mark. Looking ahead, Atlus is capitalizing on the momentum by releasing a remake of the third installment titled Persona 3: Reload on February 2, 2024. This ground-up remake promises a fresh experience with a new voice cast, updated graphics, and more. Unveiled at the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase, Persona 3: Reload specifically recreates Persona 3, omitting features introduced in Persona 3 FES or Persona 3 Portable, such as a female protagonist and additional content. The announcement follows a series of rumors and a final leak preceding the event.

In a stunning achievement, the PlayStation 5 has crossed the 50 million units sold mark, signaling a potential triumph over its predecessor, the record-breaking PlayStation 4, according to Sony. November proved to be a pivotal month, marking Sony's best-ever sales for the PS5, now in its fourth year on the market, as reported by Reuters. Sony has boldly set a target of selling 25 million PS5 consoles by the end of the current financial year on March 31, 2024. Eric Lempel, Senior Vice President for Global Marketing, Sales, and Business Operations at Sony Interactive Entertainment, expressed confidence despite initial skepticism, stating to Reuters, "We are still pushing really hard, and I think we will have a record-breaking year no matter where we end up." Lempel further asserted to the Financial Times that the PS5 is on track to surpass the PS4, which has sold 117 million units since its 2013 launch. "I think we have the ability to get there," he stated, emphasizing the robust demand and momentum the PS5 has sustained. The PS5 reached the 50 million milestone on December 9, accomplishing this feat in 161 weeks since its November 2020 launch, just one week after the PS4 achieved the same milestone. While Sony revels in the PS5's success, its console rival Microsoft faces challenges with declining Xbox sales in Europe, with no recent updates on Xbox Series X and S sales. Analysis by Ampere, as cited by the Financial Times, indicates that PS5 sales grew by about 65%, reaching 22.5 million units this year, while Xbox sales fell approximately 15% to 7.6 million units. This stark contrast positions the PS5 as outselling the Xbox Series X and S by nearly three to one. With the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $69 billion, Microsoft now commands some of the gaming industry's biggest franchises, including Call of Duty, Diablo, Halo, World of Warcraft, and The Elder Scrolls. This acquisition has undoubtedly bolstered Microsoft's gaming portfolio and sets the stage for a strategic push into the gaming subscription realm with Game Pass. In contrast, Sony continues to thrive on the success of its single-player PS5 exclusives, such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which set records as the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game ever. However, Sony faces challenges, including a recent data breach involving Insomniac, the release of confidential information, and uncertainty surrounding its live-service initiatives following the cancellation of The Last of Us multiplayer project. As the gaming industry evolves, the competition between Sony and Microsoft remains fierce, with each company charting its own course in the dynamic landscape of interactive entertainment.

Blizzard Entertainment has laid out an extensive roadmap, guiding players through the intricate journey leading to the commencement of the monumental Worldsoul Saga, a trilogy of expansions set to launch in 2024. The roadmap divulges plans for six content updates in World of Warcraft leading up to fall 2024, with a particular focus on Season 4. This upcoming season promises a plethora of exciting content, including the revival of the Dragonflight expansion's raid and the introduction of a new holiday event, among other surprises. Season 4 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the World of Warcra ft narrative, setting the stage for the next evolution in the game's expansive universe. Following the climactic Season 4, players can anticipate the pre-patch for The War Within, the inaugural expansion of the Worldsoul Saga, slated for release in the summer. The intricate details and intricate planning showcased in the roadmap demonstrate Blizzard's commitment to delivering a captivating and immersive experience for World of Warcraft enthusiasts. The Worldsoul Saga, revealed during BlizzCon 2023, marks a significant milestone in the World of Warcraft timeline, encompassing the 10th, 11th, and 12th expansions. Chris Metzen, executive creative director, has described the trilogy as "the culmination of the first 20 years of our storytelling," drawing parallels to the success and interconnected storytelling of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In an exclusive interview with IGN, Blizzard expounded on the decision to unfold the Worldsoul Saga across three expansions, providing insight into the ambitious narrative arc and the grand scale of storytelling the development team aspires to achieve. In addition to the roadmap for The War Within, Blizzard has also unveiled the roadmap for WoW Classic, offering a glimpse into the parallel journey that classic enthusiasts can anticipate. The Worldsoul Saga represents a monumental shift for Blizzard's MMORPG, making 2024 a pivotal year for World of Warcraft. While the Dragonflight expansion has been well-received by fans, the MMO landscape is evolving, with Final Fantasy XIV launching its own expansion in 2024. This sets the stage for an exciting clash between two heavyweights in the MMO genre, adding an extra layer of anticipation and competition to the gaming landscape. As the saga unfolds, players can expect an immersive and evolving experience in the ever-expansive world of World of Warcraft.

'Tis the season for epic gaming gifts, and the Epic Games Store (EGS) has unwrapped yet another holiday surprise – Tango Gameworks' chilling supernatural thriller, Ghostwire: Tokyo, is up for grabs – completely free – but only for the next 24 hours. As part of their jolly giveaway extravaganza featuring 17 daily freebies during this festive period, Ghostwire: Tokyo stands as the latest sensation to land in gamers' laps. With Destiny 2 Legacy Collection, DNF Duel, Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition, and more already given away, Ghostwire: Tokyo steals the spotlight this Christmas Eve. This offering marks one of the most substantial freebies of the promotion, which comes as no shock considering the game's caliber. Time is of the essence; failure to claim it today means it will revert to its original price of $59.99. Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure this captivating adventure for your gaming library. Originally hitting the shelves on March 25, 2022, for PS5 and PC, Ghostwire: Tokyo stood among the final titles birthed under Bethesda's banner (alongside Deathloop), maintaining exclusivity from Xbox due to a temporary deal even after Microsoft's acquisition. Xbox users had to wait until April 12, 2023, to dive into the eerie world, coinciding with the Spider's Thread update. The game's launch on Xbox Game Pass propelled its popularity, attracting a staggering 4 million players shortly thereafter. Now, with this giveaway, speculation looms whether Ghostwire: Tokyo will breach new player count milestones. For an in-depth peek into the spine-tingling experience, check out our preview and immerse yourself in the mystique that awaits. The anticipation builds for tomorrow's free offering, as the holiday spirit continues to spread through the gaming community. However, patience is key, as the 24-hour countdown for the next reveal begins now. Stay tuned for more epic gaming surprises! Happy holidays and happy gaming from the Epic Games Store!

Epic Games Store continues its generous holiday spree by unveiling the latest gift for gamers: The Outer Worlds Spacer's Choice Edition. This complimentary offering celebrates the ongoing festive sale, granting players access not just to the base game of Obsidian's critically acclaimed sci-fi RPG but also all its DLC and more. This definitive edition includes expansions like Murder on Eridanos and Peril on Gorgon, making it the ultimate version of the game. Enhancements abound, boasting improved graphics, better performance, added animations, higher-resolution environments, and an elevated level cap. In classic EGS fashion, there's a ticking clock with only 24 hours to claim this bounty before it returns to its original $59.99 price tag, making way for a fresh free game in the lineup. The store's holiday bonanza promises 17 titles at no cost, showcasing recent offerings like Destiny 2 Legacy Collection, DNF Duel, Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition, Ghostwire Tokyo, among others. Initially launched by Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division in 2019 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, The Outer Worlds subsequently made its way to Nintendo Switch in 2020 and arrived on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2023. This newly minted release, available today for PC, offers a steal of a deal. Free access to a game of this caliber is hard to pass up. For deeper insights into the game, explore our comprehensive reviews covering The Outer Worlds, Murder on Eridanos, and Peril of Gorgon. Epic Games seems to be leaving no stone unturned to captivate audiences this holiday season, employing the allure of complimentary games. This strategy, coupled with Fortnite's recent launches featuring LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival, might sway skeptics to give multiple storefronts a shot. After all, who can resist the allure of free gaming goodies during the festive season?

Naoki Yoshida, the mind behind Final Fantasy 16, has boldly expressed his vision for the future of gaming, foreseeing a landscape dominated by cloud-based platforms and bidding farewell to the era of console exclusivity. In a recent interview with a Taiwanese YouTube channel, translated by Genki_JPN, the veteran developer articulated his dream of transcending gaming boundaries beyond platforms, predicting the imminent demise of platform exclusivity within the next decade. Yoshida's aspiration revolves around a unified gaming environment accessible through cloud technology. He envisions a future where players are not confined by hardware limitations, a realm where the ongoing hardware wars become obsolete. However, he acknowledges present obstacles such as network connection speeds and insufficient server infrastructure hindering the realization of this dream. The Final Fantasy 16 creator passionately advocates for a singular gaming platform that would enable developers to reach every gamer, fostering mutual satisfaction between creators and players. His latest insights echo his previous sentiments of uniting the gaming community, emphasizing a shift towards cloud gaming as a viable solution. Yoshida's call for a unified gaming experience resonates with developers struggling to optimize titles across multiple platforms and resonates with gamers tired of waiting for or missing out on exclusive titles. Despite Yoshida's compelling vision, the industry's heavy reliance on console giants and the substantial influence they wield may present significant hurdles to the realization of this cloud-centric future. Final Fantasy 16, an action RPG crafted by Square Enix, debuted exclusively for PlayStation 5 in June 2023, with a PC port currently in development. Garnering critical acclaim for its exceptional performance, the game swiftly became Japan’s most-played PS5 title during its launch week, boasting a remarkable 3 million units sold worldwide within a mere six days.