Gadgets and Gaming
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Source: Acclaim / Acclaim
Remember Acclaim Entertainment? We are sure many of you don’t, but for those who do, we are happy to report that the iconic video game publisher is back.
Founded in 1987, the publisher best known for bringing iconic titles like NBA Jam and some 16-bit WWF titles like WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game, Mortal Kombat II, Turok: The Dinosaur Hunter, and much more to home consoles is back “with a bold vision aimed at revitalizing the gaming landscape.”
Legendary Pro Wrestler Jeff Jarrett & Alex Josef Team Up To Bring Acclaim Back
Video game industry vets, including former WWE superstar Jeff Jarrett, have decided to revive Acclaim Entertainment for the new generation of home console owners.
“For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege to have been a part of both the wrestling and gaming universes, and I’m thrilled to now be a partner in the revival of Acclaim, an iconic publisher known for releasing some of the most legendary games of the ’80s and ’90s,” said Jarrett. “From my early involvement with the publisher’s hit 16-bit WWF titles to my experience helping shape the TNA Wrestling series, which spawned the first video game wrestler to become a full-time roster member in the Squared Circle, I’ve seen firsthand the type of impact great games can have on players and fans. Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I’m excited to be involved.”
Alex Josef will use his over two decades of experience marketing and publishing PC, console and mobile games to help Acclaim usher in a new era of greatness as its CEO.
“It’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry,” said Alex Josef, CEO, “We’re fortunate that we have an extremely talented team and that we’ve already signed some incredible indie titles, which we’ll be revealing soon.”
According to a press release, the company will also revitalize its portfolio of classic game titles.
Per Acclaim:
One of the key goals for the relaunched Acclaim is to resurrect and revitalize its beloved portfolio of classic IP enjoyed for years by millions of players. To ensure this vision comes to life, Acclaim has assembled an advisory board comprised of esteemed industry leaders, including Russell Binder at Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan at Ridge Partners and Jeff Jarrett at Global Force Entertainment. Their vast experience and invaluable guidance will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Acclaim’s classic franchises and innovative ventures.
Acclaim’s growth strategy is further supported by key partners Phil Toronto, Partner at VaynerFund, and Eric Vogel, Partner at JET Management. Their expertise in investment and management will help foster an environment ripe for nurturing independent developers and driving long-term success alongside the advisory board’s leadership.
We are intrigued to see what Acclaim cooks up in its return.
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Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Elon MuskWell this doesn’t sound efficient at all. The New York Times reports Elon Musk is definitely getting in gaming time while at his DOGE office.
DOGE is laying off federal workers nationwide to “cut costs” and “shrink government.” While this is happening, Elon Musk, who is in charge or isn’t, depending on who you ask, of the temporary department Trump made a reality via an executive order, is still making sure he is playing Diablo IV, Path of Exile 2, or whatever other game he is cheating at.
According to the New York Times, Musk originally planned to work out of the West Wing in the White House, but found the accommodations unfitting for a rich bozo such as himself referring to it as a “hovel,” decided to set up his gaming rig in the Secretary of War Suite in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building across the street.
“He installed a gaming computer with a giant, curved screen and blinking LED lights, and decorated his desk with a DOGE sign and a MAGA hat,” The New York Times reports. “He also had a DOGE T-shirt emblazoned with a quote from one of his favorite movies, Office Space: ‘What would you say you do here?”
Elon Musk’s Gaming Rig Looks Cheap
Musk’s gaming setup is getting clowned on BlueSky with one person calling out his “appalling cable management,” his curved monitor and the missing period at the end of his “D.O.G.E” sign.
Like his behavior and style, his gaming setup screams tacky, and he seems to be playing it very cheap with his rig. We guess that’s him being efficient with his money because this whole operation he has going on is anything but that.
We wonder how those federal workers who lost their jobs over the last two months feel about two billionaires firing them. One pretending to be president chills at his lame golf club and golfs after throwing a temper tantrum in the Oval Office, while the proxy president, Elon Musk, plays video games on company time and ruins people’s lives.
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Source: NurPhoto / Getty / PSVR 2
If you have been putting off getting a PSVR 2, this might be your moment to pull the trigger and hit the purchase button finally.
It’s no secret that the PSVR 2 didn’t sell like hotcakes, so we have reached the point in the device’s lifecycle where price drops are the next best option.
Beginning March 1, you can buy a base PSVR 2 version or Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle for $399. No, that’s not a typo; both versions cost the same.
The base version has a PSVR 2 headset, Sense controller, and stereo headphones. The Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle features all the previous listed plus a PlayStation Store voucher code to download the game.
PlayStation Says It’s Never Been A More Exciting Time To Get A PSVR 2
“With recently released hits like Alien: Rogue Incursion, Skydance’s Behemoth, and Metro Awakening VR, and exciting new game launches on the way including Aces of Thunder, Dreams of Another, Hitman World of Assassination, and The Midnight Walk, it’s never been a better time to jump into the action with PSVR 2,” Sony wrote in a blog post. “Using the PSVR 2 PC Adapter, players will also have access to browse, buy and play thousands of virtual reality games on Steam.”
The post continues “In addition, with a recent update to PS VR2, it now supports low-latency hand tracking, which allows developers to create games that tracks a player’s hand position and movement through the cameras embedded on the PS VR2 headset. Through this new feature, players will be able to experience intuitive controls in supported games such as Waltz of the Wizard.”
It remains to be seen whether this is the beginning of the end of the PSVR 2 and Sony’s last attempt to make VR a thing on PlayStation, but we are definitely not mad at this price drop.
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Source: Xbox / ID@Xbox Showcase
IGN kicked off its annual Fan Fest event on Monday with a showcase from ID@Xbox, highlighting exciting games from indie developers coming to Xbox platforms.
It’s a good time to be a gamer, thanks to the embarrassment of riches in terms of games we get to enjoy. During the ID@Xbox Showcase, we got release dates, new gameplay videos, world premieres, and more on several titles gamers can look forward to playing soon.
Whether you’re into action-roguelikes, cozy games, or card games, there was something for everyone in this showcase. So, let’s jump into all the announcements.
33 Immortals Launching March 18
Per Xbox:
We first saw 33 Immortals during 2023’s Xbox Game Showcase, and this long-awaited co-op action roguelike will arrive on March 18. Pitting up to 33 players against hordes of monsters and gigantic bosses, 33 Immortals captures the joy of MMO raids in a more ‘pick up and play’ context. The release date trailer showed us some of its dark cartoon looks, frenetic gameplay, and huge party sizes.
Balatro Comes To Xbox Game Pass
Per Xbox:
This award-winning roguelike poker sensation gets a surprise Game Pass release today, but that was far from the only announcement we got. Balatro is also headed to Windows PC, and we got the fourth Friends of Jimbo collaboration update, bringing themed cards based on (deep breath) Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, Civilization VII, Rust, Slay the Princess, Bugsnax, Dead By Daylight, and YouTube channel Critical Role.
Blue Prince Arrives On Game Pass April 18
Per Xbox:
A truly unique experience, Blue Prince combines exploration, puzzles, mapmaking, and card game systems to create a game we’ve truly never seen before. Solve the mysteries of Mount Holly manor by literally piecing its rooms together, and solving mysteries hidden throughout the house you build as a result. Discover its secrets when the game launches on April 10, coming to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and launching day one with Game Pass.
Hit the gallery for more announcements.
1. Buckshot Roulette – Coming Soon to XBOX GamePass
This haunting experience makes “gambling with your life” a very literal concept, and has already captivated and horrified PC players. Transforming the (already unpleasant) game of Russian Roulette by introducing a shotgun and some dastardly extra rules, this is a true tabletop strategy game with a grim twist. In today’s show, we learned that Buckshot Roulette is on its way to Xbox and Game Pass – prepare yourself.
2. Descenders Next – Hit the Slopes on APRIL 9
This sequel to the downhill biking Game Pass sensation, Descenders Next broadens its scope to include multiple ways to go really, really fast down a mountain. Promising to be the ultimate extreme sports game, tackle multiple biomes on snowboards and mountainboards when it arrives on April 9 with Game Pass.
3. Echo Weaver – Coming to Xbox and Game Pass
This beautifully rendered “Metroidbrainia” draws from classic adventure platformers and the likes of Outer Wilds to create a time looping world where knowledge is your greatest weapon. The trailer offered clues as to how, across multiple loops, you’ll piece together the story and shape of a collapsed utopia and escape the temporal prison you’re trapped within. Echo Weaver is coming to Xbox, with Game Pass.
4. Herdling – Coming to Xbox and Windows PC
Developer Okomotive created two of the most exciting, mechanic-packed adventures of recent years in the form of Far: Lone Sails and Far: Changing Tides, so you can count us very excited for their first fully 3D outing, Herdling. In a new trailer, we saw much more of how you’ll guide a herd of curious cattle across a ruined world (and the dangers you’ll face along the way) – and learned that it’ll be coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC when it launches this summer.
5. Hotel Barcelona – Launching 2025
This long awaited collaboration between legendary designers Suda51 and Swery is almost upon us. This 2.5D action-platformer pits you against the horror-inspired denizens of the titular hotel, and the new trailer dives deeper into the Slasher Phantom, a brutal game mechanic that summons echoes of the player’s past runs to aid them in battle. We also saw some of the game’s arsenal of deadly weapons and abilities, each designed to turn the tide of battle in the most gruesome ways possible.
6. Jump Ship – Coming to Xbox Game Preview
Developed by Hazelight (It Takes Two) and Mojang (Minecraft) alumni, this 1-4 player FPS puts you in charge of a spaceship and asks you to take on on-foot combat sections, seamlessly transitioning between the two. The new trailer gives us a taste of how you’ll have to work together to survive, not to mention its tongue-in-cheek approach to bombastic action – plus we learned that it’ll be available in early access through Xbox Game Preview this summer.
7. Lies of P: Overture – New Story Trailer
We got a closer look at the newly announced DLC for acclaimed Soulslike, Lies of P. The Overture expansion will see Geppetto’s Puppet encounter a mysterious artifact that transports him back in time to the world of Krat in its final days of grandeur. The trailer gives us a melancholy look at Lea, the Legendary Stalker, on her relentless path of vengeance.
8. The Lonesome Guild – World Premiere
We got a world-first look at the new game from Don’t Nod (Life Is Strange, Jusant), a whimsical action-RPG full of heart, battles, and bonds that change everything. Embark on a heroic adventure as Ghost, a spirit who wakes to find they hold no memories. Build your dream team, switch seamlessly between them to solve puzzles and fight your way through the collapsing world of Etere. The Lonesome Guild arrives for Xbox Series X|S this fall.
9. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault – Coming to Game Pass
The sequel to the beloved action-RPG that answers the question, “where do RPG merchants get their stock”, Moonlighter 2 takes on a brand new full-3D, isometric look – offering new challenges and rewards as a result. The new trailer shows both your new hometown and shop, and the adventures in store as you adventure to keep your stock flowing. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Game Pass in 2025.
10. Outbound – Coming to Xbox in 2026
This gorgeous open-world exploration game sets you off with an empty camper van and sees you turn it into the home of your dreams – alone or together with your friends. Build and explore at your own pace. Scavenge materials, craft, and build in and on top of your vehicle with modular parts. Advance in technology and efficiently use energy to power your home, while adjusting your playstyle to adapt to new landscapes and changing environmental conditions. Outbound is coming to Xbox Series X|S in 2026.
11. Ratatan – Coming to Xbox
A new game from the creators of the beloved Patapon, Ratatan is a rhythm strategy roguelike that sees you taking increasingly huge groups of minions through a world in which you need to literally conduct your attacks – hit the rhythm and you’ll stay alive. Mix in up to four-player co-op, and you can have over 100 characters onscreen in a single fight. Ratatan comes to Xbox this year.
12. Revenge of the Savage Planet – Coming to Game Pass on May 8
We got a new look at this co-op exploration adventure by way of an in-universe commercial for the Kindred Catalog –Revenge of the Savage Planet features dozens of fresh and funny upgrades such as the goo cannon, which allows players to create slippery, sticky or flammable surfaces in the world! Or a whip to keep creatures from eating your face! Or a grapple to swing from point to point! Or a lasso to capture creatures and send them back to your Habitat for research. So many tools, so many options, so many ways to play. We don’t have long to wait to try all of this out – Revenge of the Savage Planet arrives for Xbox on May 8, and will be available day one with Game Pass.
13. Rockbeasts – World Premiere
We got another world-first look at Rockbeasts, a “rock and roll band manager” game in which you playthe manager of a legendary ‘90s band (who just happen to be animals). Lead a band of misfits on a roller-coaster ride to stardom in the age of MTV, rock anthems, and bad haircuts. Rockbeasts is a story-driven, role-playing management game that puts you in the shoes of a manager of an up-and-coming rock band. Your job – take them to the top. It arrives for Xbox Series X|S this year.
14. TANUKI Pon’s Summer – Arriving to XBOX Game Pass
We got another look at this adorable courier life sim after its debut at Tokyo Game Show. The new trailer showed us how we’ll be performing stunt-filled delivery missions alongside relaxing in its bucolic town – from baseball, to sumo practice, to drumming. Tanuki: Pon’s Summer arrives in late 2025, and it’s coming to Game Pass.
15. Tempopo – Coming to Game Pass on April 17
The newest title from the award-winning team behind Unpacking, Tempopo is a puzzle adventure bursting with music. Playing as Hana, you enter a fantasy world in which you need to conduct the titular Tempopo creatures to solve puzzles scattered across the world’s sky islands – before heading back home and cultivating her garden. The new trailer showed off new gameplay, and revealed that the game will come to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 17, and will launch into Game Pass day one.
16. TRON: Catalyst – Release Date Trailer
From Disney, publisher BigFan, and the development team at Bithell Games, the new trailer for Tron: Catalyst gave us a closer look at our game’s protagonist, Exo, who is fighting for her survival in the arena. An explosive event has gifted Exo the ability to perceive the glitch tearing apart her home, the Arq Grid, and given her the unique ability to loop time itself. This thrilling isometric action our game offers combat, conversation, and Light Cycle exploration in the city of Vertical Slice. Tron: Catalyst comes to Xbox Series X|S on June 17.
17. Ultimate Sheep Racoon – Coming to Game Pass
This chaotic side-scrolling, bike riding party game got a new trailer announcing that it’ll come to Game Pass upon release – and then we saw the IGN team playing the game’s 8-player mode. They showed off a variety of different blocks that can hinder your movement or launch you ahead of the competition, two different levels with varying difficulty, and showed how the different power-ups can really make a difference in the race.
18. Wax Heads – Launching Summer 2026
We got a new look at this slice-of-life narrative game set around running a struggling record store. Showing off its gorgeous hand-drawn looks, the trailer shows more of how you’ll chat to quirky customers with unique tastes, explore a handcrafted record collection, fall in love with bands (and their drama!), or just slack off with your colleagues – whatever gets everyone’s groove back! Wax Heads will come to Xbox Series X|S in summer 2026.
19. Woodo – Coming to Xbox
This cozy, story-driven game showed off more of its beautiful art style and pieced-together 3D puzzles. The trailer revealed how you’ll build the story by literally building the world, pulling 3D objects from your menus to fill a scene, revealing more of the tale of main characters Foxy and Ben as you go. Woodo is on its way to Xbox Series X|S.
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Source: Xbox / Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass continues to add the hottest titles to its library to keep you picking up your Xbox controller.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers, listen up: some big day one releases and fan favorites are heading to the service to help it continue being the best value in gaming.
Available Right Now!
Journey to the Living Lands right now in one of the most anticipated games of the year, Avowed, from Obsidian Entertainment.
Per Xbox:
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment.
Coming Soon
Here are some titles you can look forward to playing on Xbox Game Pass, per Xbox.
EA Sports F1 24 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 20 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Join the grid and chase podium glory with unlimited access to EA Sports F1 24, coming soon to The Play List. Members can master every turn and feel at one with the car with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass, or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score in-game rewards including 5,000 XP monthly.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 20 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an isometric RPG by Owlcat Games, set in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. As a powerful Rogue Trader, you command a starship, assemble a crew, and explore the Imperium, making fateful decisions in tactical, turn-based combat.
Watch Dogs: Legion (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 25 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities where you can recruit (and play as) anyone. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set for unique situations. Team up with your friends to complete new four-player co-op missions and PvP matches online.
A Classic Returns
Ryse: Son of Rome Available with Cloud Gaming Game Pass Ultimate
Jump back in this immersive action-adventure story of struggle, brutality, and heroism with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Amidst the chaos of the late Roman Empire, become soldier Marius Titus and embark on a perilous campaign to avenge the death of your family and defend the honor of Rome. In Gladiator Mode, step into the Colosseum and fight for the glory, spectacle, and entertainment of the crowds.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass February 28
With the arrival of new titles, some games are leaving, but don’t fret; you can use your Xbox Game Pass 20% discount to purchase these games and ensure they stay in your library.
F1 22 (Console and PC) EA Play
Gris (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Maneater (Cloud, Console, and PC)
PAW Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Space Engineers (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Yakuza 3 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Yakuza 4 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC
DLC & Game Updates
Sea of Thieves: Season 15 – Starting February 20
Sea of Thieves is more exciting than ever as new life abounds across the waves. Set forth on new Voyages for The Hunter’s Call, grapple with wild boars and deadly sea monsters, master using hunting spears and more, with new features to enjoy each month.
Ark Survival Ascended: Astraeos DLC – Available Now
Game Pass members save 10%! Embark on your next epic odyssey within the world of Ark with Astraeos! Explore and immerse yourself in an elysian land of colossal proportions, steeped in Greek mythology. At over 260km², this massive new map is overflowing with stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and sacred temples. Face off against powerful new bosses, alpha dino variants with enhanced loot, and a fearsome miniboss lurking in mysterious caves.
Forza Motorsport: Update 17 – Available Now
Update 17 celebrates cars that are fun, compact, and performant. Race four new-to-Motorsport cars: 2023 Toyota Camry TRD, 2022 Hyundai i20N, 2022 Toyota GR86, and 2021 Hyundai #98 Elantra TCR. Get the 2021 Toyota Yaris GR and 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5N in the Challenge Hub.
Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars Expansion – March 4
Game Pass members can save 10% on their pre-order of Immortal Pillars, the highly anticipated first expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold. Harness the power of ancient Chinese mythology and discover a world where gods, monsters, and legends collide in an epic new chapter of mythical strategy.
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Madden NFL 25: EA Play Supercharge Pack – Available Now
Madden NFL 25 is now on The Play List. Get your Ultimate Team ready for the gridiron with the Supercharge Pack.
Minecraft: 1 Month Marketplace Pass – Available Now
Get access to the Marketplace Pass for 1 month! Discover 150+ pieces of content including worlds, skin packs, add-ons and more refreshed monthly. This Perk requires a payment instrument to redeem. Terms apply.
Monster Hunter Now: MH Now Bundle – Available Now
Claim 2 Ultra Hunting Tickets, 2 Paintballs, 2 Potions, a Wander Orb, and a Tigrex crafting material for weapons and armor. This Perk content requires Monster Hunter Now (mobile) to use. Valid only for iOS and Android versions of the game.
MultiVersus: MVP Pack 5 – Available Now
The MultiVersus MVP Pack offers in-game content to further customize and boost your play for Game Pass Ultimate members. MVP Pack 5 includes a Rare Banner – Bun Power and a Legendary Taunt – Treat Break.
Naruto 4-Movie Collection: Free movies – Available Now (US Only)
Claim four Anime classic movies including Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Blood Prison, Naruto Road to Ninja, Naruto The Last, and Boruto: The Naruto Movie. More Naruto titles are on sale during Anime month. Available in the US only.
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Source: Bryan Bedder / Getty / DJ Khaled
Out of all the rumors surrounding Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated video game GTA 6, gamers hope this one in particular is pure C A P.
Spotted on Gamespot, word on the video game streets is that you will reportedly be hearing DJ Khaled screaming “WE THE BEST” and dishing out major keys in GTA 6 because the music producer will host his own radio station in the game.
A prominent Call of Duty insider named The Ghost of Hope on X, formerly Twitter, shared some inside information on the GTA 6 and claims the “Wild Thoughts’ crafter will host an in-game station.
“DJ Khaled will feature in Grand Theft Auto 6 to host his very own music station that will also play his songs,” Hope wrote in a post. “There is potential for other real-life artists to be included as well on their own radio stations.”
This concept isn’t new to the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise. Music artists and their music have been featured on the game’s radio stations, which play a significant role in the gameplay. The game will be heading to Leonida, GTA’s hilarious take on the state of Florida—and its Miami-inspired Vice City.
Gamers Are Not Excited About DJ Khaled Being In GTA 6
Still, that doesn’t mean people have to be hyped about this news because, based on the reactions, gamers are not jumping for joy at the idea of DJ Khaled’s alleged involvement in GTA 6.
“Thanks to rockstar’s kindness they gave dj khaled his own radio channel, so his music doesn’t show up on the good stations,” one post on X read.
Another post stated, “No one asked for this.”
It’s clear DJ Khaled’s presence, voice, and likeness are not wanted in GTA 6, and we totally understand. If this news is true, we know which station will be the least popular of them all.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
1. Lol, bruh
3. Howling
4. Now why would you say a thing like this?
5. Pretty much
6. HA HA HA
10. Nah chill
12. Nah chill
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Source: NetEase / Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is one of the most popular games out at the moment, so it’s shocking to hear that its development team is experiencing layoffs.
Spotted on Insider Gaming, multiple social media reports state that NetEase has laid off Marvel Rivals’ entire development team. Marvel Rivals’ game director Thaddeus Sasser revealed the sad and surprising news in a post on LinkedIn he shared on Tuesday afternoon.
“This is such a weird industry…” Sasser wrote. “My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games…and were just laid off!”
According to Sasser, NetEase laid off the Seattle-based team that was tasked with “coming up with new level design mechanics, gameplay mechanics, and so on.”
Level designer Garry McGee, one of the affected developers, and level designer Jack Burrows, who confirmed the news via his post on LinkedIn, were among those who lost their jobs.
Social Media Is Stunned
According to Circana data from industry analyst Mat Piscatella, Marvel Rivals is one of the top five games with the most active users across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Steam, so it’s not surprising that social media is stunned by the news.
“Marvel Rivals is the hottest game out rn, just revealed 2 banger characters, and people still got laid off. The industry is cooked,” one user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Journalist Alyssa Mercante wrote, “Even successful game devs are not safe, because THE PROBLEMS ARE AT THE TOP.”
SpawnOnMe’s Kahlief Adams wrote on X, “Rivals a super popular and profitable game letting go their Game Director the same day as they debut new content seems like Bizzaro land and business as usual at the same time. Success is also in the upside down…”
As Adams mentioned, this tragic news came as Marvel Rivals announced that The Thing and Human Torch from The Fantastic 4 will be in the game this Friday. Blade, the vampire hunter, has also been teased.
Bruh, the video game industry is on one right now. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
5. When all else fails blame Donald Trump
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Source: Sony / PlayStation 5
According to recent sales numbers, Sony isn’t having a problem moving PlayStation 5 consoles.
During its earnings release, Sony announced that it had its best holiday season yet with PlayStation 5 sales, moving 9.5 million consoles over the last three months (2024 Q3), selling 1.3 million more than it sold in the same quarter the previous year, raising all-time PS5 sales to 74.9 million.
The latest addition to the PS5 console family, the PS5 Pro, could have helped boost those numbers. Sony did not provide sales numbers for that console.
With that record quarter in the books, the PS5 is 1.5 million units behind the PS4 during its sales lifecycle. Sony also posted a profit of 469.3 billion yen ($3.05 billion), which was higher than expected.
Game sales were also up, reaching 95.9 million units sold in Q3 2024 compared to 89.7 million in the previous quarter despite a decline in first-party sales.
Sony’s game software revenue rose to 784 billion yen ($5.1 billion) in Q3 2023, compared to 733 billion yen in Q3 2023.
The company also acknowledged the success of Astro Bot, which took the video game award season by storm, and Helldivers 2, noting it intends to expand its live service offerings despite canceling several projects and Concord flopping before it even hit shelves.
Sony is very optimistic about the future. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Ghost of Yotei, and allegedly Grand Theft Auto 6 will all come in 2025, which could help more consoles fly off shelves.
While Sony reports console sales, it hasn’t been the same for Xbox. Although Xbox’s hardware sales have taken a hit and are down 29% since switching the company model, Game Pass has experienced record growth.
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PGA Tour 2K25 will be released later this month and the folks at HB Studios and 2K Games were kind enough to invite HHW Gaming to try out the full game and capture our first impressions. PGA 2K25‘s customizable features and stellar golf mechanics will transport players to the course via stunning realism.
HHW Gaming was invited with other media to attend the 2025 Waste Management Phoenix Open in sunny Scottsdale, Ariz. on Feb. 3 to get close and personal with 2K Games’ latest sports simulation title.
The PGA Tour 2K video game series was first developed as The Golf Club series by HB Studios, and aligned with the PGA Tour for an official rendering of real courses which culminated in The Golf Club 2019 featuring PGA Tour title. In 2021, the title was changed to PGA Tour 2K21 and garnered high marks among gamers and publications alike. That was succeeded by PGA Tour 2K23, a game we loved at HHW Gaming, which also featured golf legend Tiger Woods as the cover athlete.
Before our time with the game, we had the pleasure of speaking with PGA Tour golfers, the charming Max Homa and Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, both of whom join the aforementioned Woods as this year’s PGA Tour 2K cover athletes. Homa and Fitzpatrick both had time with the game and shared their thoughts about what players can expect.
“We played nine holes of this course we’re standing at now (TPC Scottsdale) and it’s super accurate, even down to the tee markers and greens,” Homa said after we asked him about the game’s look and feel. “The HB Studios guys know what they’re doing and really captured the course for what it truly is.”
Fitzpatrick added, “I need more time with the game, obviously, and I don’t have a favorite course just yet but the team did an excellent job in getting things right down to the clubs, outfits, and greens.”
Source: HB Studios / 2K Games
As we mentioned above, PGA Tour 2K23 was a top title for us when it dropped in 2022, and we noticed improvements right away during our time with PGA Tour 2K25. After an informative training section that gets gamers familiar with the controls, we launched into the MyPlayer mode and swung for the cup.
Source: HB Studios / 2K Games
The 3-Click system that made its debut with the previous title returns but instead, we opted to use the Swing Stick feature which was seamless, easy to grasp, and immediately satisfying once you connect your club with the ball. Admittedly, we spent the bulk of our time in the training module and other sections of the game like the Top Golf Las Vegas course.
Source: HB Studios / 2K Games
With gamers facing an increasing barrage of first-person shooters, roguelikes, and sprawling open-world adventures, PGA Tour 2K25 felt like a reprieve of sorts. Given the rise of the so-called “cozy” gaming trend, this title might not exactly qualify as such but there is something to be said about hitting the virtual course, examining the layout of famous locales like the Pebble Beach Golf Links, and even the arcade-like fun of Top Golf being added to the mix that does make one slow down and appreciate the moment.
Even if you’re not an avid golf fan or know little about the sport, the always-present help tab gently nudges players in the right direction and never scolds you for not being the digital embodiment of Tiger Woods. The play mechanics are seamless and the player models are vast and versatile. In the future, HHW Gaming will provide a full review of PGA Tour 2K25 but we can confirm right now that this is another feather in the cap already for HB Studios and 2K Games.
PGA Tour 2K25 is slated for a Feb. 21 early access release, with the wider release happening on Feb. 28.
To learn more about the game, including pre-orders and a playable demo, please click here.
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Photo: HB Studios/2K Games
1. PGA Tour 2K25 First Look
Source:2K Sports
PGA Tour 2K25 First Look golf,tech,gaming,2k,pga tour 2k25,hhw
2. PGA Tour 2K25 First Look
Source:2K Sports
PGA Tour 2K25 First Look golf,tech,gaming,2k,pga tour 2k25,hhw
3. PGA Tour 2K25 First Look
Source:2K Sports
PGA Tour 2K25 First Look golf,tech,gaming,2k,pga tour 2k25,hhw
4. PGA Tour 2K25 First Look
Source:2K Sports
PGA Tour 2K25 First Look golf,tech,gaming,2k,pga tour 2k25,hhw
5. PGA Tour 2K25 First Look
Source:2K Sports
PGA Tour 2K25 First Look golf,tech,gaming,2k,pga tour 2k25,hhw
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Sony / PlayStation Plus / PSN
PSN subscribers are still awaiting the compensation PlayStation promised them following a global service outage that left them staring at the PS5 and PS4 consoles instead of doing some intense weekend gaming.
Following last weekend’s global service outage, caused by an “operational issue” that took down PSN for about 24 hours, PlayStation broke its deafening silence and told gamers they would extend the PS Plus subscriptions by five days.
Those same gamers, many of whom thought PlayStation’s offer was weak, are still waiting for those five free days after their subscriptions expired.
Damn.
PlayStation’s favorability has taken a serious hit this past weekend due to what many believe is the company’s perceived lack of transparency about what happened.
It took almost a day following the initial interruption of service for them to get on X, formerly Twitter, to say that the global outage that made multiplayer games useless, took the PSN store down, and made some games in folks’ digital libraries inaccessible was the result of an “operational issue.”
Was PSN Hacked? Many Gamers Think So
Many gamers think there is more to this situation and believe PSN was hacked. PlayStation is doing a disservice to its subscribers by revealing this to them.
Some users even tell current subscribers to change their “passwords on everything” out of fear that this is more than just an “operational issue.”
“If you are a Playstation user make sure to change your passwords on everything. This is looking more and more like a giant hack by their lack of transparency,” one post on X read.
We hope it was just an “operational issue” and not a severe hack, as many people feel. We don’t need the ghosts of 2011’s massive attack on the PSN to return.