Last year, Skybound announced they were making a video game based on Robert Kirkman’s hit comic and animated TV show, Invisible. At the time, we didn’t know exactly what kind of game it was, though that all changed during today’s Xbox Games Showcase.
Introducing Invincible VS., a competitive 3v3 tag fighting game that’s arriving next year.
Invincible VS Channels Injustice and Mortal Kombat In Its Reveal Trailer
I can’t say it’s the genre of game I was expecting to see, but hell, I’m all for this as it looks surprisingly fun. It almost has that Injustice vibe going for it, but this is very likely to be rated M, considering how bloody the show can get. I would expect that to be the case here, or at least I hope so. You can already see some teasers for some pretty graphical deaths from the trailer above.
Here’s what the studio had to say about the project in the press release they sent:
Based on Skybound’s acclaimed comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley – which had a 15-year run at Image Comics and a historic 146 issues – Invincible VS delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of superhero spectacle and brutal combat. Players will harness explosive powers and unleash bone-breaking combos through fast tag-team mechanics and strategic defensive play. With every vicious Super and Ultimate move, players will deal more damage to their opponents and leave the arenas in a mess of blood.
“I have said this before, and I’ll say it again: this is the most excited I’ve been about anything involving Invincible,” said Kirkman. “Invincible VS is crazy fun, fast, ferocious and dripping with the same over-the-top brutality that you’ll see in the comic book pages and on the show. It is a natural evolution of the franchise and it is everything that fans have been demanding for over a decade! This is without a doubt, probably the best superhero fighting game in the universe!”
Invincible VS will offer players a variety of dynamic game modes that raise the stakes with every battle. Whether diving into a captivating single player story, climbing the ranks in a competitive and casual multiplayer Versus mode, unlocking character arcs in Arcade or mastering devastating combos in Training, players will experience unparalleled heroic brutality, where every earth-shattering blow will leave them feeling… Invincible.
“As huge fans of the franchise, it was an honor to work with Robert, as well as the comic book and TV series teams, to create the most authentic Invincible experience for players,” said Mike Willette, Executive Producer of Invincible VS. “In Invincible VS, every move, every line of dialogue, every broken limb and bloodied mouth carries real cost and consequence – all building toward the bone-deep satisfaction of victory. No tag fighting game has ever delivered this level of intensity and violence. This game is a love letter to the fighting game community, created by a team of passionate, experienced fans of the genre.”
Invincible VS arrives on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 sometime in 2026.
Gears of War: Reloaded will be released in a few months, and it seems that Xbox is planning on hosting a few multiplayer betas ahead of release. They confirmed today that those who pre-order will gain access to the upcoming playtests.
They’ll be running the betas across every platform, though for PlayStation gamers, this will be the first time they’ll ever experience Gears of War on their consoles.
It's been long rumoured, but it seems that the day has finally arrived, as Square Enix announced today that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is coming to the Xbox Series X|S.
You Can Play Gears of War: Reloaded Before It Comes Out This August
In addition to the new gameplay trailer released today in the Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox is preparing to kick off a few multiplayer betas for Gears of War: Reloaded ahead of its August release. Details on how you can gain access to the betas is found below, along with the dates on when they’ll be, and what they’ll include (via Xbox )
How to Gain Access to the Gears of War: Reloaded Multiplayer Beta Test
Preorder Gears of War: Reloaded digitally for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam or PlayStation 5
Have an active Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass membership
Own a digital copy of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition*
Gears of War: Reloaded Multiplayer Beta Schedule:
Weekend 1: Friday, June 13 from 7pm UTC (12pm PST) to Sunday, June 15 at 7pm UTC (12pm PST)
Multiplayer Beta Weekend 1 runs June 13-15 and features a social multiplayer experience in the classic Team Deathmatch mode across three maps including the fan-favorite Gridlock, as well as Raven Down and Gold Rush.
Weekend 2: Friday, June 20 from 7pm UTC (12pm PST) to Sunday, June 22 at 7pm UTC (12pm PST)
Multiplayer Beta Weekend 2 runs June 20-22 and adds the competitive King of the Hill mode on the map Canals being added to the mix, along with the maps Courtyard and War Machine for use in Team Deathmatch.
Sounds like a lot of fun, and I cannot wait to get my hands of Gears of War: Reloaded this upcoming weekend.
Gears of War: Reloaded will be released on August 26 on the Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
It’s been long rumoured, but it seems that the day has finally arrived, as Square Enix announced today that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is coming to the Xbox Series X|S. But that’s not the only surprise Final Fantasy news for Xbox gamers, as the publisher also shadow dropped Final Fantasy 16 for the platform today!
Yes, this means that Final Fantasy 16, which received a lot of critical acclaim when it was released, is now available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S at last.
Last month, Xbox announced that it would raise the prices of its consoles, accessories, and even first-party games this year.
Xbox Players Are Eating Good With These Final Fantasy Announcements
As revealed during today’s Xbox Games Showcase, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy 16 are finally coming to the Xbox Series X|S. It’s been a long journey leading up to the point, but it’s finally happening, and Xbox gamers won’t have long to wait for the remake of Final Fantasy as it arrives this Winter.
As for Final Fantasy 16, Xbox gamers will be excited to learn that the game is now available, starting today, on the Xbox Series X|S! Can’t say I saw that one coming, and for those who have yet to play it, you’re gonna want to jump at this opportunity, as I consider it one of the best games in the franchise. A little different, sure, but in spirit, it is a Final Fantasy game through and through.
With the announcement of Final Fantasy 7 Remake now coming to Xbox, it’ll only be a matter of time before we see the sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, come to the platform. Hopefully not too long a wait!
In case you’re curious, go check out our review of Final Fantasy 7 Remake when it was released, where we said, “I went into this Remake expecting it to not hold up to the original and ended up being completely wrong. Final Fantasy 7 Remake excels in every expectation that I had, making this one of the best Final Fantasy games to date. ”
We also spoke highly of Final Fantast 16 in our review, stating, “Regardless if FFXVI is your first Final Fantasy game or you’re returning to the series, Square Enix’s latest game in the franchise lives up to the hype. Forget about JRPG’s or how action-RPGs nowadays need an open world, side quests that last for ages, co-op or whatever gimmick. FFXVI just throws all that out of the window and proves a tightly woven narrative-driven game –when built right — can make up for all those.”
Rebel Wolves’ brand new role-playing game, The Blood of Dawnwalker, is still quite a ways out, as the studio confirmed today during the Xbox Games Showcase that they are now targeting a 2026 window.
Last month, Xbox announced that it would raise the prices of its consoles, accessories, and even first-party games this year.
The news was met with considerable negativity, and for those hoping to reverse course, it appears that they are sticking to their plans, as the first $80 Xbox first-party game is set to arrive later this year.
Rebel Wolves’ brand new role-playing game, The Blood of Dawnwalker, is still quite a ways out, as the studio confirmed today during the Xbox Games Showcase that they are now targeting a 2026 window.
The Outer Worlds 2 Has a Release Date, as Well as a $80 Pricetag
In case you missed the news, The Outer Worlds 2 is officially launching on October 29, 2025. This was confirmed during today’s Xbox Games Showcase with all-new trailer that gave us a fresh look at the game. While the news of the release date excited many, what some weren’t expecting came after the event, when the pre-order pages began going up across every platform.
Although Microsoft warned us about the $10 price increase to their games, many are still rather surprised to learn that The Outer Worlds will be launching as a $80 game. This marks the first-ever Xbox first-party game to release at that price, and it’s the same whether you plan on getting it on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, or PC.
As expected, the gaming community isn’t taking this news lightly, with many shifting blame to Nintendo for introducing the price increase with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Regardless of who is to blame, the reality is that these price increases were inevitable. That, of course, doesn’t make it any easier to accept, because $80 is a pretty steep price for a new game.
With Xbox officially joining Nintendo in $80 game releases, it’ll only be a matter of time before PlayStation and other publishers begin pricing their games at the same rate.
Alternatively, Xbox is offering all their first-party games on Xbox Game Pass, so for those not too keen on paying $80 for their games, that is an option. That is not to say that this situation is any better.
In case you missed it, Hollow Knight Silksong made a surprise appearance during the Xbox Games Showcase, though not in a way that many were hoping for.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Rebel Wolves’ brand new role-playing game, The Blood of Dawnwalker, is still quite a ways out, as the studio confirmed today during the Xbox Games Showcase that they are now targeting a 2026 window.
Though this news doesn’t leave us empty-handed, as a new trailer has also been released showing plenty of new gameplay and story details.
While The Blood of Dawnwalker is being crafted by former staff of CD Projekt RED, and its Creative Director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz is the former Lead Quest Designer of The Witcher 3, don't expect developer Rebel Wolves' new vampire action-RPG to have the same open world size, and it's by design.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Releases In 2026, But We’ll Have a Deeper Look at It Next Week
Although the newest trailer is only a short two minutes, it shows a ton of new gameplay, as well as some brand new details about our protagonist, Coen. Here’s a little bit more about the game for those curious as to what the game is about:
“The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first chapter of Rebel Wolves’ brand new role-playing saga — a single-player open-world dark fantasy action-RPG with a strong focus on story and narrative. Developed on Unreal Engine 5 for Xbox X|S and Xbox PC. You play as Coen, a young man turned into a Dawnwalker, forever treading the line between the world of day and the realm of night. Use your skills and combine vampiric strength with human resolve as you take on a quest to save the ones you love. Face your foes – be they human, monster, or the ticking clock itself. But remember – the real evil may bask in the sun’s light, and the most loyal of allies could lurk under the cover of night.”
The game is being helmed by Rebel Wolves, which consists of ex-CD Projekt Red developers (The Witcher and Cyberpunk series). Lots to be excited for here, and the early glimpses of what we’ve seen so far all look fantastic.
Now, onto some more related news. When can we expect to see more of the game? Well, that wait won’t be very long at all. In fact, the studio is hosting a stream next week that will give us 15 minutes of new gameplay along with commentary that will break down plenty of the game’s mechanics. Perhaps they’ll show off some of those romance options they previously confirmed? Guess we’ll see soon!
On the first day of summer, June 21st, gather round at https://t.co/gjsguBDC66 for a ~45min live stream:
☼ approx. 15 mins of gameplay with presentation of features
☼ dev insights into the game’s magic, traversal, and combat systems
☼ epic music
☼ and more! pic.twitter.com/l8JqOAo5c9
I can’t wait! The live stream will premiere on June 21 at 12 p.m. PDT on the DawnwalkerGame Twitch channel and will run for about 45 minutes. Fifteen minutes of gameplay and other related content are expected to premiere during the stream. Game Director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz also had a few words to share about the upcoming stream, via the press release.
“It’s been a pleasure to finally show you more of the game, and I want to thank our community for the incredible support. Back in January, when we first revealed the game, we promised to shed more light on the gameplay this summer—and that moment has finally arrived”, says Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, Game Director and Co-Founder of Rebel Wolves. “We’d like to invite you to join us on June 21 for our Gameplay Reveal Event. You’ll learn more about the abilities Coen gains as he becomes the Dawnwalker – a mysterious being balancing the line between the world of day and the realm of night.”
The Blood of Dawnwalker is releasing sometime in 2026 on the PS5, Xbox Series|S, and PC.
While we haven't seen much gameplay in Rebel Wolves' The Blood of Dawnwalker, the studio, comprised of ex-CD Projekt RED staff, has been willing to share information about the game.
Following yesterday’s patch release, Studio Wildcard has released a second update for Ark Survival Ascended, dubbed update 1.066.042, for the PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Though a minor patch, it aims to fix the recent crashes introduced in the big Unreal Engine 5.5 upgrade.
In case you missed it, Hollow Knight Silksong made a surprise appearance during the Xbox Games Showcase, though not in a way that many were hoping for.
Ark Survival Ascended Update Addresses Issues Around Mods
v66.42 – Minor version for Client – 06/08/2025
Fixed an issue causing mods to be marked invalid when joining modded servers.
Fixed a crash that could occur when transferring.
As I said, this is a minor update meant to address some of the recent issues raised by the previous update. For those wanting to know when the next major update is coming, that will be on June 18, which will introduce Ragnarok Ascended content. We’ll have more details on that in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
The next iteration in the long-running Ninja Gaiden franchise has a release date! Fans of the franchise will be able to enjoy the next
Not only that, but a brand-new gameplay to celebrate the Ninja Gaiden 4 release date was also released, along with details of what's included in the Deluxe Edition of the game.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
In case you missed it, Hollow Knight Silksong made a surprise appearance during the Xbox Games Showcase, though not in a way that many were hoping for. The game appeared in a promotional trailer for Xbox’s partnership with ROG for their ROG Xbox Ally handheld, promising that players can play the game on the device when it launches this year.
Although Microsoft confirmed a Holiday release for the ROG Xbox Alley handheld, it seems that Hollow Knight Silksong will be arriving even before that for other platforms.
Great news for fans of the 2D Soulslike Hollow Knight, as Sony has confirmed that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be coming to the PS5 and PS4 too!
After an initial announcement back in February 2019 with a gameplay trailer and another gameplay trailer back in June along with confirmation of a day one Xbox Game Pass release, it has finally been confirmed that Hollow Knight: Silksong will come to the PS5 and PS4 as well.
Hollow Knight Fans Will Be Able to Get Their Hands on Silksong Before the Holidays
Outside of Xbox confirming that Hollow Knight Silksong would be releasing this year, and fully playable on the ROG Xbox Alley handheld, they left the specifics out of it, including when the ROG Xbox Alley handheld would be available. Pricing and pre-order dates were also left out, but they did confirm that it was coming soon, with the ROG Xbox Alley slated to arrive this Holiday.
Many took this as meaning that Hollow Knight Silksong would be launching alongside it, but that seems not to be the case. This was hinted at by Matthew Griffin, the person in charge of Hollow Knight’s Marketing & Publishing, who confirmed in a live chat during the event that the game would be arriving before the holidays. Redditors were quick to capture this during the stream’s chat, which you can see below:
I guess this confirms that it won’t be launching AFTER December 24/25, so that’s a few days off the year we can cross off our calendars. At the very least, it does seem like the studio is finally going to be releasing the title, after being over six years since the game’s announcement.
Fingers crossed we get a set release date soon, but till then, don’t remove the clown makeup just yet.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
The next iteration in the long-running Ninja Gaiden franchise has a release date! Fans of the franchise will be able to enjoy the next
Not only that, but a brand-new gameplay to celebrate the Ninja Gaiden 4 release date was also released, along with details of what’s included in the Deluxe Edition of the game.
If you’re a fan of Hollow Knight or any fast-paced, atmospheric platformers, Possessor(s) by Heart Machine (Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, Hyper Light Breaker) deserves a place on your radar.
Limbs Are Gonna Fly This October
As announced during today’s Xbox Games Showcase, Ninja Gaiden 4, the next chapter in the Ninja Gaiden series, is officially launching on October 21, 2025. This announcement is accompanied with a brand-new trailer (above), which shows off plenty of new gameplay.
Additionally, details on the deluxe edition and pre-order bonus have been released. They are as followed:
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend: Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved: NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns: An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
Ninja Gaiden 4 launches on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on October 21, 2025. Pre-orders should be going live shortly across all storefronts if they haven’t already.
In case you missed it, Embark Studios has announced the release date for ARC Raiders! It's coming this October, as confirmed during yesterday's Summer Game Fest main event.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
In May, we reported on a rumor suggesting that Call of Duty 2025 is Black Ops 7, which means we can expect back-to-back releases for Treyarch. In today’s Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft confirmed this in the game’s first trailer.
Check out the trailer and the first details of the story that confirm the game will be set in the near future.
Remember when we reported that we'll see Resident Evil 9 this week? Yeah, we weren't lying.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Confirmed
Per Activision’s press release:
This new Call of Duty experience will take players to the year 2035 with the most mind-bending Black Ops story to-date. This first-ever consecutive release within the popular Black Ops series, Black Ops 7 takes place more than 40 years after the events of Black Ops 6. With the world in peril and on the brink of chaos, David Mason and his team are tasked with fighting back against a manipulative enemy who weaponizes fear above all else.
In Black Ops 7, players can team up with friends or play solo in an exciting new Co-op Campaign, dive into a signature Multiplayer experience packed with brand-new maps and near-future weaponry, and face the next twisted chapter of Round-Based Zombies in the heart of the Dark Aether.
The full reveal is coming later this summer, so expect a multiplayer blowout at some point, which is par for the course for the game.
In case you missed it, Embark Studios has announced the release date for ARC Raiders! It's coming this October, as confirmed during yesterday's Summer Game Fest main event.
If you’re a fan of Hollow Knight or any fast-paced, atmospheric platformers, Possessor(s) by Heart Machine (Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, Hyper Light Breaker) deserves a place on your radar.
We had the opportunity to check out the game and were amazed by what this team has accomplished. If you haven’t heard of the game, Heart Machine describes Possessor(s) as, ” a fast-paced action side scroller with combat inspired by platform fighters, a story told through dangerous characters, set in a deep interconnected world ready for exploration.”
Remember when we reported that we'll see Resident Evil 9 this week? Yeah, we weren't lying.
Into the Unknown
With a unique dystopian horror aesthetic and tight action-platforming mechanics, the game drops you into a fractured world that demands exploration, adaptation, and resilience. After a brief tutorial, you’re left to venture on your own, free to piece together the world through discovery and exploration. You play as Luca, a reluctant heroine forced to bond with a mysterious demon named Rhem. Follow them on a journey to unmask the secrets of the Agradyne organization as Luca searches for her missing parents.
Little guidance is given, which encourages organic exploration. Hidden rooms, destructible walls, and subtle environmental clues are everywhere, rewarding curiosity with secrets, upgrades, and more profound lore.
Explore and Learn About the World Around You
As you journey through the hauntingly beautiful world of Possessor(s), you’ll encounter various NPCs, each with their own story to tell. Some offer cryptic dialogue, others reveal fragments of their tragic pasts, all of which help piece together the larger narrative of a world ravaged by demonic forces. These characters aren’t just background decoration but remnants of a society broken by corruption and supernatural chaos.
Along the way, you’ll unlock memories that offer glimpses into Luca’s life before the world began falling apart. These flashbacks provide emotional weight and context to her motivations, deepening your connection to her journey. Rhem, the enigmatic entity bound to Luca, adds further mystery, such as who he is and his goal. More questions than answers will make you press forward, making the narrative just as compelling as the gameplay. Even in this demo, the game left me eager to uncover the truth behind this fractured world.
The Wu-Tang Clan is back! At Summer Game Fest, Brass Lion Entertainment announced Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver, an action-RPG featuring anime-style fighting!
Check out the trailer, story details and game features.
Run, Fight, Die, Repeat
During my time with the demo, I did exactly that—run, fight, die, repeat. The platforming is tight and satisfying, demanding precision and timing. You’ll wall-jump, grapple, dash, and chain abilities to reach new areas and survive increasingly complex combat situations.
Individual enemies are manageable once you learn their patterns. But when they come at you in groups, the game turns chaotic—in a good way. You’ll need to use every ability you’ve earned and think on your feet. And when things get too heated? Run, reposition, and pick them off one by one. Smart strategy pays off just as much as brute skill.
Even in this demo, Possessor(s) shows serious potential. The evolving dynamic between Luca and Rhem hints at deeper story twists to come, and the lore, though cryptic, already has its hooks in me.
A Platformer Worth Waiting for
I came into Possessor(s) knowing only what the trailer and a few images had shown and walked away excited for what was to come. Although it has no release date other than a target 2025 window, from my early hands-on, it’s clear that Heart Machine is crafting something special. The blend of narrative intrigue, rich world-building, and demanding action makes Possessor(s) a platformer worth keeping your eye on.
Possessor(s) will arrive on the PS5 and PC (Steam) sometime this year.
Alexander Lataillade-Nguyen is a California-based cybersecurity professional and lifelong gamer with a passion for continuous learning. Outside of his work in ethical IT and digital security, he enjoys competitive pinball, miniature painting, and exploring new hobbies and cuisines.
In case you missed it, Embark Studios has announced the release date for ARC Raiders! It’s coming this October, as confirmed during yesterday’s Summer Game Fest main event. However, it seems that this news has left some members of the community a bit disappointed. While many are happy to see the release date, some expected a bit more in this lead-up, specifically news of an open beta and even a possible shadow drop of ARC Raiders.
This is a perfect example of when a game’s hype can work against it, as Embark’s other game got targeted in the crossfire.
For its part, Embark Studios has seen some of the complaints and has issued a statement apologizing to the community for mishandling the game’s hype.
ARC Raiders Has a Launch Date, But Fans Were Hoping for a Shadowdrop
For those keeping tabs on ARC Raiders before yesterday’s SGF (Summer Game Fest) event, you probably learned of a hidden countdown timer that was recently added to the game’s beta files. While Embark itself never actually shared this timer on any of its social media, it has acknowledged that it was intentionally placed there. However, what they didn’t intend was for fans to run with it and assume that it meant that the game would drop on June 6, the same day as SGF where they would announce the release date.
This has started quite a commotion within the community, with many taking to The Finals’ (also developed by Embark) Steam page to review-bomb the game simply because ARC Raiders didn’t end up shadowdropping.
Embark has taken notice of this and has issued an apology (via Discord), stating that they mishandled the hype leading up to this announcement and are 100% to blame for the resulting expectations. The statement reads:
“In the lead-up to the ARC Raiders date reveal, we put out a countdown to June 6. This gave the false impression that we would be shadow dropping the game. Instead, you found out that ARC Raiders is coming on October 30, making it a countdown to a countdown. The frustration and disappointment that followed is 100% our fault. The teaser we posted came from a place of genuine excitement. We finally have an actual date! But it’s clear that what we saw as playful and hype-building came across as misleading and frustrating to many of you, and we get why.
We mismanaged the hype, we misread the situation, and we’re so sorry that this led to disappointment.
We’re making this game for you and your reaction to ARC Raiders has been humbling and overwhelming and exciting.”
As someone who enjoyed the closed test they recently conducted, I think that part of the blame is also on us, the community, for letting our speculations get the better of us. However, it’s nice to see that Embark is acknowledging this and even learning from it. They close off the statement, noting that they are putting their heads down in order to focus on building the game and meeting expectations for launch.
“we’re putting our heads down and focusing on building the game. We know that games live and die by polish and quality, balance, and long-term fun. We need this additional time to ensure we can meet your expectations. Look here and on our socials for updates on our progress and the road to launch. Thank you for holding us to a high standard. We intend to meet it. //Dusty And the ARC Raiders Team”
ARC Raiders officially arrives on current-gen consoles and PC on October 30, 2025.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
AMD‘s newest Radeon RX 9060 XT is now available worldwide! As expected, many PC makers have begun rolling out their custom prebuilds, ready to take full advantage of the new cards.
One such manufacturer is iBUYPOWER, which has launched a line of custom RX 9060 XT-equipped PCs.
It looks like all the rumors are true, as AMD has officially revealed the RX 9000 Series GPUs, which have an architecture built from the ground up to leverage AMD's new fancy AI-powered upscaler, FSR4.
iBUYPOWER Offers Both 8GB and 16GB RX 9060 XT Configs
As with tradition, with any new GPU release, iBUYPOWER is taking the hassle out of building by doing the work for you, and this time, they’re offering a full range of pre-built systems featuring the latest AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT GPUs right from launch.
The build options come in both the 8GB and 16GB variants of the 9060 XT, though we highly recommend sticking with the 16GB VRAM options, as they’ll help future-proof your system for much longer. Configs start at $1,649, which includes all the essential components for a working PC.
Custom prebuilds are excellent ways to get into PC gaming, especially for those who have never built a PC before and fear that they might screw something up. Of course, that usually means paying a higher cost than building it yourself, but at least you know you’ll be in good hands. With iBUYPOWER’s three-year labor and two-year parts warranty, you can rest a lot easier when it comes to getting your PC serviced, should you run into any issues.
AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT custom configs are now live on iBUYPOWER.
While we're just about midway in the PS5's lifecycle, it's understandable that development on its successor -- the PlayStation 6 -- would already be underway.
Epic Games has ushered out the latest Fortnite update today, and this brings Chapter 6 Season 3: Super! Players on all platforms can now download Fortnite update 4.71, which will appear as version 1.000.182 for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles.
This introduces new Superman movie content, POIs, and additional features.
Remember when we reported that we'll see Resident Evil 9 this week? Yeah, we weren't lying.
The patch notes below outline the new content additions.
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 Update 4.71/1.000.182 Now Live
From Zero to Hero
The objective is simple enough: put your powers to the test against the dreaded Mask Maker Daigo and his minions. And you know, the other 99 players in the match. Here’s where the day needs saving:
New POIs
Supernova Academy – Square one for hero training and hub for the extraordinarily gifted, Supernova Academy is the best place to study how to settle the score with supervillains.
Utopia City – Standing as a shining beacon of hope, life is (or was) but a dream against the sleek and serene horizon of Utopia City. Here you’ll find ultra-polished office parks, neatly manicured landscaping, and plenty of loot to fight over.
Demon’s Domain – Danger is in the air at Mask Maker Daigo’s citadel, Demon’s Domain, where Daigo is plotting to orchestrate a hostile takeover of the academy and Utopia City. His blighted stronghold is the perfect place to refine your technique and practice your supernatural powers!
Rise through the Hero Ranks
So you wanna be a hero? You’ll need to earn your stripes first! Every time you perform a heroic deed in each match, you’ll progress towards raising your Hero Rank. All players will start each match with C rank, and can rise through the ranks of B, A, S, and S+. Your Hero Rank is shared among members in your party. Here are some heroic deeds that’ll help you:
Eliminating enemy players
Surviving Storm phases
Taking a Sprite to a Shrine
Eliminating henchmen
Every time you rank up, you’ll gain 100 Effective Health. You’ll then gain access to a Hero Cache chock-full of powerful loot:
In case you missed it, Zenless Zone Zero Season 2, or Version 2.
Defy the Odds with Hero Items
Myst Gauntlets – Morgan Myst’s items fire a cone of damaging shadow energy in front of you. Hero Items aren’t tied to Outfits — they’re loot you can find in Hero Caches and elsewhere around the Island.
Killswitch Revolvers: Dual pistols that allow for some serious action-movie shenanigans. Dodge to evade incoming fire and activate Hangtime in air to fire back with better accuracy.
Tracking Visor: A high-tech visor that allows for scanning the battlefield, pinging nearby foes, and showing enemy footprints.
Bass Boost: Creates a wave of sound that destroys structures, damages opponents, and bounces back anyone it comes in contact with. Its secondary fire launches you into the air!
Surf Cube (coming later this Season): A Cube-matter surf board that’ll get you where you’re going in a jiff.
Storm Beast’s Pom Poms (coming later this Season): Transforms you into a rampaging Storm Beast with high-damage attacks and a leaping, highly-disruptive Storm Slam ability.
Myst Form (coming later this Season) Briefly transforms you into an invulnerable flock of shadowy ravens that can maneuver a short distance.
Fuses together with Myst Gauntlets to become Ascended Myst, which has higher damage and longer-lasting invulnerability.
Make a Breakthrough at the Tech Lab
If you’re looking for Hero Items, head to the Academy Tech Lab at Supernova Academy. There, you’ll find rooms accessible based on your Hero Rank, containing Hero Items. You’ll also find goods available for purchase with Bars. More Academy Tech Labs will open around the map later this Season!
The Goodest of Boys
There’s a lot more power at your disposal outside of Hero Items. Toss out a Krypto Treat, and Superman’s furry canine companion will dive bomb from the cosmos to retrieve it, dealing serious damage to anyone or anything nearby!
Extracurricular Equipment
There’s also Robin’s Grapnel Gun, a dependable sidekick all on its own. Closing significant distances quickly, you’ll find it has a lot more reach than your typical Grappler. Works great when you’re trying to get out of the Storm, or just want to make a dramatic superhero landing!
Being a hero doesn’t always mean taking the high ground. The Spire Rifle is a new LMG with a large magazine size that does increased damage to structures! With this on the field, sometimes it’s good to lay low.
Developed by tenured professors at the Supernova Academy, the Hyperburst Pistol unloads rapid three-round bursts, while the high-precision Deadeye DMR will crack the shields of rivals from afar.
Just because they could doesn’t mean they should. Highly confidential weapons fit for a fever dream, these Unstable Exotics are available exclusively from Rank S Hero Caches and Academy Tech Labs:
Unstable Yoink Shotgun: Whoever it hits with the first shot from a full clip, they’ll be yoinked towards you!
Unstable Voltage Burst Pistol: The first and final shots from each clip produce a shockwave effect at the impact point.
Unstable Frostfire Shotgun: On a successfully landed shot, it’ll cycle between giving you a Pepper effect or the target a slowdown effect.
Earlier this week CD Projekt RED surprised everyone by dropping what seemed to be our first look at The Witcher 4 gameplay.
Bolster Your Abilities with Boons
Every Boon needs a hero. Find new Boons in Chests around the Island or buy them at Academy Tech Labs. This Season, your Boons will grow in power as your Hero Rank increases.
Storm Caller Boon: Replenishes Shield while in the Storm, with the amount replenished going up with each Hero Rank. Gives Storm Forecast at Rank S.
Speed Healer Boon: Sprint while using healing items and gain Slap afterwards, with the duration of Slap increasing with each Hero Rank. Gain Slap immediately when using a healing item at Rank S.
Combat Acrobat Boon: Parkour (mantling, etc.) partially reloads your equipped weapon, and the amount reloaded goes up with each Hero Rank. Reloads all your weapons at Rank S.
Heightened Senses Boon: Players who attack you are marked, and the duration they’re marked increases with each Hero Rank. Its cooldown is lowered at Rank S.
Sprites, the Best Sidekicks
The Dash Sprite and Superman Sprite have replaced the Air and Water Sprites on the map. Like a smol elemental genie, the Dash Sprite grants three Dash charges over time to anyone standing in its area of effect. Meanwhile, the Superman Sprite lays waste to everything in front of it with its righteous laser beam gaze — it will melt through any fort with a smile on its face.
Bad Guys and Losing, Name a Better Combo
Daigo the Mask Maker has returned from the spirit realm wholly corrupted by dark magic, growing in power as he drains the Island using his Spires. You’ll want to be well-looted before challenging him at Demon’s Domain.
Take out Daigo and you’ll get the Mythic Enhanced Spire Rifle and the Infernal Defenses Medallion, which increases reload speed and regenerates Shield every second, up to 50 Shield. Just remember — a Medallion doesn’t mask you! Medallions make you visible on opponents’ mini-map, and the more Medallions you have, the more precise the radius of your exact location.
Daigo’s lieutenant, Kor, can be found where Shogun X once stood. She jumps around quickly, putting distance between herself and players so she can rattle off a shot with her powerful Deadeye DMR. (Which stings something fierce!) Defeat Kor and you’ll be rewarded with the Mythic Kor’s Deadeye DMR and the Shrouded Striker Medallion, which gives invisibility when you sprint jump. It also makes the sprint jump send you farther, faster, and higher.
Assemble Super Ensembles with the Battle Pass
The Battle Pass has both free and premium rewards you can claim by earning XP in any Fortnite experience. To claim the premium rewards as you earn XP, purchase the Pass for only 1,000 V-Bucks or get it through Fortnite Crew which has all other Fortnite Passes! Included as premium rewards, here are the Outfits in the Pass:
Robin: One half of the Dynamic Duo and member of the Teen Titans. (Instantly unlocked after purchasing the Pass or accessing it through Fortnite Crew!)
Haylee Skye: Make the crowd roar.
Ziggy: Life’s a snack.
Synthwave: Feel the rhythm within you.
Killswitch: Tracker. Hunter. Eliminator.
Lightrider: Surf the light waves.
Morgan Myst: Call on the shadows.
Look up! Get the Battle Bundle in the Fortnite Shop to receive 25 Battle Pass rewards and instantly unlock the Superman Outfit. Battle Pass owners can also unlock this heroic mentor and additional Superman items by completing Quests starting July 11. The Super Battle Pass is available to progress in now until August 8, 2025 Eastern Time.
Epic Games has ushered out the latest Fortnite update today, and this brings Chapter 6 Season 3: Super! Players on all platforms can now download Fortnite update 36.00, which will show up as version 1.000.182 for PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and version 4.71 on last-gen devices.
This introduces new Superman movie content, POIs, and additional features.
Remember when we reported that we'll see Resident Evil 9 this week? Yeah, we weren't lying.
The patch notes below outline the new content additions.
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 Update Now Live and Here’s What’s New
From Zero to Hero
The objective is simple enough: put your powers to the test against the dreaded Mask Maker Daigo and his minions. And you know, the other 99 players in the match. Here’s where the day needs saving:
New POIs
Supernova Academy – Square one for hero training and hub for the extraordinarily gifted, Supernova Academy is the best place to study how to settle the score with supervillains.
Utopia City – Standing as a shining beacon of hope, life is (or was) but a dream against the sleek and serene horizon of Utopia City. Here you’ll find ultra-polished office parks, neatly manicured landscaping, and plenty of loot to fight over.
Demon’s Domain – Danger is in the air at Mask Maker Daigo’s citadel, Demon’s Domain, where Daigo is plotting to orchestrate a hostile takeover of the academy and Utopia City. His blighted stronghold is the perfect place to refine your technique and practice your supernatural powers!
Rise through the Hero Ranks
So you wanna be a hero? You’ll need to earn your stripes first! Every time you perform a heroic deed in each match, you’ll progress towards raising your Hero Rank. All players will start each match with C rank, and can rise through the ranks of B, A, S, and S+. Your Hero Rank is shared among members in your party. Here are some heroic deeds that’ll help you:
Eliminating enemy players
Surviving Storm phases
Taking a Sprite to a Shrine
Eliminating henchmen
Every time you rank up, you’ll gain 100 Effective Health. You’ll then gain access to a Hero Cache chock-full of powerful loot:
In case you missed it, Zenless Zone Zero Season 2, or Version 2.
Defy the Odds with Hero Items
Myst Gauntlets – Morgan Myst’s items fire a cone of damaging shadow energy in front of you. Hero Items aren’t tied to Outfits — they’re loot you can find in Hero Caches and elsewhere around the Island.
Killswitch Revolvers: Dual pistols that allow for some serious action-movie shenanigans. Dodge to evade incoming fire and activate Hangtime in air to fire back with better accuracy.
Tracking Visor: A high-tech visor that allows for scanning the battlefield, pinging nearby foes, and showing enemy footprints.
Bass Boost: Creates a wave of sound that destroys structures, damages opponents, and bounces back anyone it comes in contact with. Its secondary fire launches you into the air!
Surf Cube (coming later this Season): A Cube-matter surf board that’ll get you where you’re going in a jiff.
Storm Beast’s Pom Poms (coming later this Season): Transforms you into a rampaging Storm Beast with high-damage attacks and a leaping, highly-disruptive Storm Slam ability.
Myst Form (coming later this Season) Briefly transforms you into an invulnerable flock of shadowy ravens that can maneuver a short distance.
Fuses together with Myst Gauntlets to become Ascended Myst, which has higher damage and longer-lasting invulnerability.
Make a Breakthrough at the Tech Lab
If you’re looking for Hero Items, head to the Academy Tech Lab at Supernova Academy. There, you’ll find rooms accessible based on your Hero Rank, containing Hero Items. You’ll also find goods available for purchase with Bars. More Academy Tech Labs will open around the map later this Season!
The Goodest of Boys
There’s a lot more power at your disposal outside of Hero Items. Toss out a Krypto Treat, and Superman’s furry canine companion will dive bomb from the cosmos to retrieve it, dealing serious damage to anyone or anything nearby!
Extracurricular Equipment
There’s also Robin’s Grapnel Gun, a dependable sidekick all on its own. Closing significant distances quickly, you’ll find it has a lot more reach than your typical Grappler. Works great when you’re trying to get out of the Storm, or just want to make a dramatic superhero landing!
Being a hero doesn’t always mean taking the high ground. The Spire Rifle is a new LMG with a large magazine size that does increased damage to structures! With this on the field, sometimes it’s good to lay low.
Developed by tenured professors at the Supernova Academy, the Hyperburst Pistol unloads rapid three-round bursts, while the high-precision Deadeye DMR will crack the shields of rivals from afar.
Just because they could doesn’t mean they should. Highly confidential weapons fit for a fever dream, these Unstable Exotics are available exclusively from Rank S Hero Caches and Academy Tech Labs:
Unstable Yoink Shotgun: Whoever it hits with the first shot from a full clip, they’ll be yoinked towards you!
Unstable Voltage Burst Pistol: The first and final shots from each clip produce a shockwave effect at the impact point.
Unstable Frostfire Shotgun: On a successfully landed shot, it’ll cycle between giving you a Pepper effect or the target a slowdown effect.
Earlier this week CD Projekt RED surprised everyone by dropping what seemed to be our first look at The Witcher 4 gameplay.
Bolster Your Abilities with Boons
Every Boon needs a hero. Find new Boons in Chests around the Island or buy them at Academy Tech Labs. This Season, your Boons will grow in power as your Hero Rank increases.
Storm Caller Boon: Replenishes Shield while in the Storm, with the amount replenished going up with each Hero Rank. Gives Storm Forecast at Rank S.
Speed Healer Boon: Sprint while using healing items and gain Slap afterwards, with the duration of Slap increasing with each Hero Rank. Gain Slap immediately when using a healing item at Rank S.
Combat Acrobat Boon: Parkour (mantling, etc.) partially reloads your equipped weapon, and the amount reloaded goes up with each Hero Rank. Reloads all your weapons at Rank S.
Heightened Senses Boon: Players who attack you are marked, and the duration they’re marked increases with each Hero Rank. Its cooldown is lowered at Rank S.
Sprites, the Best Sidekicks
The Dash Sprite and Superman Sprite have replaced the Air and Water Sprites on the map. Like a smol elemental genie, the Dash Sprite grants three Dash charges over time to anyone standing in its area of effect. Meanwhile, the Superman Sprite lays waste to everything in front of it with its righteous laser beam gaze — it will melt through any fort with a smile on its face.
Bad Guys and Losing, Name a Better Combo
Daigo the Mask Maker has returned from the spirit realm wholly corrupted by dark magic, growing in power as he drains the Island using his Spires. You’ll want to be well-looted before challenging him at Demon’s Domain.
Take out Daigo and you’ll get the Mythic Enhanced Spire Rifle and the Infernal Defenses Medallion, which increases reload speed and regenerates Shield every second, up to 50 Shield. Just remember — a Medallion doesn’t mask you! Medallions make you visible on opponents’ mini-map, and the more Medallions you have, the more precise the radius of your exact location.
Daigo’s lieutenant, Kor, can be found where Shogun X once stood. She jumps around quickly, putting distance between herself and players so she can rattle off a shot with her powerful Deadeye DMR. (Which stings something fierce!) Defeat Kor and you’ll be rewarded with the Mythic Kor’s Deadeye DMR and the Shrouded Striker Medallion, which gives invisibility when you sprint jump. It also makes the sprint jump send you farther, faster, and higher.
Assemble Super Ensembles with the Battle Pass
The Battle Pass has both free and premium rewards you can claim by earning XP in any Fortnite experience. To claim the premium rewards as you earn XP, purchase the Pass for only 1,000 V-Bucks or get it through Fortnite Crew which has all other Fortnite Passes! Included as premium rewards, here are the Outfits in the Pass:
Robin: One half of the Dynamic Duo and member of the Teen Titans. (Instantly unlocked after purchasing the Pass or accessing it through Fortnite Crew!)
Haylee Skye: Make the crowd roar.
Ziggy: Life’s a snack.
Synthwave: Feel the rhythm within you.
Killswitch: Tracker. Hunter. Eliminator.
Lightrider: Surf the light waves.
Morgan Myst: Call on the shadows.
Look up! Get the Battle Bundle in the Fortnite Shop to receive 25 Battle Pass rewards and instantly unlock the Superman Outfit. Battle Pass owners can also unlock this heroic mentor and additional Superman items by completing Quests starting July 11. The Super Battle Pass is available to progress in now until August 8, 2025 Eastern Time.
In case you missed it, Zenless Zone Zero Season 2, or Version 2.0 as some might call it, is officially out! This update marks the start of a new saga in the Zenless Zone Zero story and introduces a new batch of content, characters, and events for players to enjoy.
While the update introduces plenty of quality-of-life and technical improvements, it sadly appears to have also turned the game into a stutter fest, as many players (including us) are now reporting poor performance.
The Wu-Tang Clan is back! At Summer Game Fest, Brass Lion Entertainment announced Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver, an action-RPG featuring anime-style fighting!
Check out the trailer, story details and game features.
Zenless Zone Zero Frame Rate Gets Even Worse With Season 2
Look, as a player who has been there from the start of the game with its launch, I won’t lie and say that performance was always silky smooth, far from it in fact, as Zenless Zone Zero always seemed to have suffered from some frame rate issues, such as dips and stutters, ever since it came out. This is regardless of which platform, whether you’re playing on a mobile device such as an Android or an iPhone, on the PS5, or even a beefy PC setup equipped with an AMD 9800X3D and RTX 4090 GPU, the game had issues across every platform when it came to performance.
Being someone who mainly played on PS5 (Base and Pro models) and PC (config mentioned above), I’ve always found the game stutters whenever I freely explore, especially in Lumina Square. On the other hand, combat, for the most part, has always been pretty stable, with it being rarer to see any dips on either of the two platforms.
However, that seems to have changed with the Season 2 launch, as the game practically stutters in every instance. I first noticed this upon entering the new region of Waifei Peninsula, where I saw dips in every step I took. There are even moments of freezes, and it doesn’t matter if I’m playing on PC or console. It’s almost unplayable at times, and now I’m noticing it during combat, where frames matter the most. At first, I thought maybe it was something with my machines, but as it turns out, other players on socials are reporting the same issues.
The issues have yet to be acknowledged at the time of this writing, though we’re hopeful the studio is aware of them.
I will say that if you can get past them, you’ll find Version 2.0 to be pretty awesome. While I’ve beaten the main story included in this update, I’m still going through a lot of the other content, such as the new Bangboo combat event, new characters’ quality time quests, commissions, and more. I was even lucky enough to roll Yixuan and Pan Yinhu, who are amazing additions to the ever-growing Zenless Zone Zero roster.
miHoYo really knocked it out of the park here with this update in terms of content, and hopefully, I’ll have a deeper impression of it in the coming weeks. That aside, with this update making the game run a lot worse, I think it’s high time that miHoYo finally starts looking at a bigger performance boost for the game. It needs it, especially now. Again, I’ve yet to try the Xbox version, but if it’s anything like it is on the other platforms, all those new players are going to find it a little hard to stick around dealing with that.
We’ll be reaching out to miHoYo see if we can get any comment on the matter, but for now, hold tight, Agents!
If you liked what you saw from Atlus' remake of Persona 3 last year, we got some good news for you, as another Persona remake is on the way!
We're a few days away from the Xbox Games Showcase, but one of the surprises planned by Microsoft at the show has come to light.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Studio Wildcard has just pushed out Ark Survival Ascended update 1.066.038, following the big Unreal Engine 5.5 update.
This update aims to address issues introduced with the previous update, though Studio Wildcard is still working on fixing the rest of the major issues.
At the moment, Studio Wildcard has yet to release any official patch notes. However, we know that yesterday the game got an update to address some recent crashes, as well as the studio confirming on X that they are close to resolving the mod download bugs on PS5. We’re unsure if this update addresses that specific bug, though we can safely assume it does address other Unreal 5.5 issues.
The SWC team is hard at work addressing the issues reported since the 5.5 update, and we’re getting close to resolving the mod downloading bug on PS5.
We appreciate your patience and can’t wait to finally bring Ragnarok Ascended to you on June 18th! pic.twitter.com/UAeOfxXcvb
— ARK: Survival Ascended (@survivetheark) June 7, 2025
We’ll monitor social media and their forums to determine whether this is indeed the fix and whether there’s anything else included in this update.
In related news, the next major update is set to arrive on June 18, which will introduce Ragnarok Ascended content. We’ll have more details on that in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
While we’ve seen Jin drink in Ghost of Tsushima, it’s mostly part of the game’s cutscenes. and we don’t really see the character get plastered. That seems to be changing in the sequel, Ghost of Yotei.
In the sequel, the game’s new protagonist, Atsu, will participate in a drinking game that allows her to become intoxicated.
In today's State of Play, Konami revealed that Silent Hill f will be released on September 25, 2025 on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Ghost of Yotei’s Rating Confrms We’ll See Naked Asses in the Game
The Ghost of Yotei Entertainment and Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rating has surfaced, confirming the game will be “M” for Mature (no surprises there), and even mentions some of the mature content players will experience in the game.
The summary states, “Ghost of Yōtei is rated M for Mature 17+ by the ESRB with Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, and Use of Alcohol. This is an action-adventure game in which players assume the role of a wandering warrior seeking revenge for her slain family. From a third-person perspective, players traverse open-world environments, interact with characters, hunt bounties, and battle enemies in duels and melee-style combat. Players use katanas, spears, bows, and rifles to defeat enemies. Some attacks result in decapitation or dismemberment of enemy soldiers, accompanied by large blood-splatter effects. Players can also perform assassination kills (e.g., neck stabbing, sword impalement) to finish off enemies; these kills are shown from a closer perspective, with slow-motion effects. Cutscenes depict additional acts of intense violence: characters burned at the stake; a man repeatedly stabbed with a knife; a character slitting their own throat. During the course of the game, a female character’s exposed buttocks is depicted in a hot spring. Players can purchase and consume sake throughout the game, resulting in screen-blurring effects; players’ character can also participate in a drinking game. The game includes an opium reference in the dialogue, as well as the word ““bullsh*t.”
While it does confirm we’ll see “a female character’s exposed buttocks,”it doesn’t confirm whether it’s Atsu’s or another character’s. It’s not a big deal since we saw the same thing with Jin whenever he visited an onsen (hot spring), but it’s nice to see it confirmed.
When it comes to being intoxicated, it’s currently unknown whether that means players will be able to fight while under the influence or it’s more of a cutscene-style event. Chances are, it’s more of the latter, though I admit, having to fight drunk would be awesome to see (Drunken Master, anyone?).
Splitgate 2 is now officially out of open beta as of today, and with it, developers 1047 Games have released the day one launch patch! Players will see this as Splitgate 2 update 1.000.003 on PS5, and it brings a ton of new content, including a battle royale mode, as well as plenty of adjustments and bug fixes.
If you’re playing the free-to-play shooter on last-gen, this should show up as Splitgate 2 update version 1.04, and house the same changes.
Remember when we reported that we'll see Resident Evil 9 this week? Yeah, we weren't lying.
Splitgate 2 Now Officially Released, With A Surprise Battle Royale Mode
Update highlights:
New Maps, New Modes, New Power Weapon, New Content
Balance Changes For Weapons, Equipment, Abilities, and Perks
120hz Performance Mode For Current-Gen Consoles
Tons of Updates to the Lab
Many Other Improvements & Bug Fixes
New Stuff
New Battle Royale Mode
New Maps
Academy
Grit
Simulation Hectic
New Power Weapon
“Gravitas” Shotgun
New Permanent Mode
Arena: Team Deathmatch
New Featured Modes
Arena: No Portals
Arena: OG Splitgate
And many more that you’ll see after these rotate out!
New Battle Pass
Chapter 1 is available now with Chapters 2 and 3 unlocking in the coming months
Weapon Changes
We’re feeling good about how most weapons are performing, with a handful of exceptions where bigger changes were needed such as the Cadence, Charger, and Phasma.
[Aeros] Tempo AR
Reduced fire rate by 1%
[Aeros] Cadence Carbine
Increased fire rate by 6%
[Meridian] Hyperline Carbine
Reduced fire rate by 2%
[Meridian] Phasma SMG
Reduced fire rate by 5%
[Meridian] Charger Shotgun
Reduced max range from 2250 to 2000
Reduced damage dropoff intervals:
Old: 750, 1250, 1750
New: 600, 900, 1200
Ability & Equipment Changes
The strength of our 3 Factions was a major point of discussion during the Open Beta. While we still want Faction abilities and equipment to make an impact, we’re toning both down to make sure portals, movement, and gunplay are the biggest keys to victory.
We’re also increasing the effectiveness of Team Passives to give players more of an incentive to select a variety of Factions for their team. Note that these cooldown bonuses do not fully offset the global cooldown nerfs and there are additional changes under the “Perks” section that are relevant.
ALL Abilities
Increased base cooldown from 45s to 50s
ALL Equipment
Increased base cooldown from 25s to 30s
Equipment cooldowns are no longer instantly reset on respawn
[Aeros] Wellness Team Passive
Increased ability cooldown bonus from 15% to 20%
[Sabrask] Fortitude Team Passive
Increased equipment cooldown bonus from 15% to 20%
[Aeros] Shock Disc
Greatly reduced the amount of weapon bloom applied to stunned enemies
[Meridian] Regen Cloud
After being healed by Regen Cloud, you can’t receive healing from another player’s Regen Cloud for 1s
[Meridian] Recon Radar
Reduced lifetime from infinite to 18s
[Meridian] Time Dome
Reduced radius from 6m to 5m
Slightly reduced the impact Time Dome has on fire rate
Slightly increased the impact Time Dome has on physics (movement, gravity, throwables, projectiles, etc.)
[Sabrask] Proximity Mine
Reduced damage from 25 to 20
Reduced stun duration from 3s to 2.5s
Reduced the amount of weapon bloom applied to stunned enemies
Perk Changes
[Aeros] Super Fit, [Meridian] Unblinking, and [Sabrask] Rapid Deployment
Reduced bonus ability recharge speed from 15% to 10%
[Aeros] Rapid Recharge, [Meridian] Power Cycle, and [Sabrask] Overclocked
Reduced bonus equipment recharge speed from 15% to 10%
[Aeros] Gear Upgrade
Changed the Shock Disc bonus effect
No longer gains bonus stun strength
Now bounces one additional time
[Meridian] Tech Boost
Changed the Recon Radar bonus effect
No longer grains bonus range
Now gains a 6s longer duration
[Meridian] Tracker
Reduced reveal duration from 6s to 5s
[Sabrask] Better Smart Wall
Reduced bonus Smart Wall health from 350 to 300
Other Changes
[All Modes] Reduced the amount of time that gunfire reveals players on the radar from 3s to 1.5s
[Firecracker] Increased respawn timer from 4s to 6s
[Hotzone] Increased time to capture zone from 20s to 25s
[Hotzone] Decreased time between zones from 20s to 15s
[SWAT] Disabled the radar
[Onslaught] Removed Team Deathmatch from rotation
Lab Updates
Added a new template: Wet Ocean
Added “Snap to Ground” feature
Added “Focus Selection” feature
Added new volume trigger shapes: Cylinder, Triangular Prism, and Sphere
Added new volume specific collision settings
Added new type of volume: Callout Volume
Added more control options to Damage Over Time Volumes
Added more control options to Blocking Volume
Fixed pivots on prefabs
Note: This will require users to re-save your prefabs! Sorry about that
Fixed gimbal lock rotation when editing rotators in the details panel
Fixed a number of bugs in controller navigation
Improvements & Bug Fixes
The full list of fixes is WAY bigger than what we could fit into the notes, but these are some highlights!
Added 120hz mode for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (requires a compatible TV or monitor)
You can now text chat with players who are not on your team during matches
You can now voice chat with players who are not on your team during the post-game
Added “Power Weapon Incoming” audio announcements
Improved CPU, GPU, memory, and network optimization on all platforms
Improved load times on all platforms, especially on Linux
Improved optimization of portals to reduce video memory usage
Improved map optimization for Eden
Fixed a bug causing players to spawn underneath the map on Inferno
Fixed Onslaught airdrops occasionally not spawning loot
Fixed rubber-banding when walking underneath the floating hemisphere on Core
Fixed a number of crashes for both clients and servers
That’s all for today’s update. Happy hunting everyone!
The Wu-Tang Clan is back! At Summer Game Fest, Brass Lion Entertainment announced Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver, an action-RPG featuring anime-style fighting!
Check out the trailer, story details and game features.
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90's gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
Today, developer Techland has released Dying Light 2 update 1.073/1.73 on consoles and PC. If you’re wondering what this title update added, you won’t be able to guess it since it doesn’t really bring any changes to gameplay.
Although Helldivers 2 was released over a year ago, the title remains strong, with the recent massive update, released just over two weeks ago, continuing to attract attention from fans.
Dying Light 2’s New Update Adds Double XP and The Beast Message via Version 1.073/1.73
While Techland hasn’t said anything about today’s patch. checking the game’s Discord server confirmed that today’s update brought in a pre-order message for Dying Light: The Beast and double XP.
Yep, that’s basically it. For players who pre-order the game, you’ll receive the Hero of Harran Bundle as a bonus.
Hero of Harran Bundle
Taking a trip through Castor Woods is a deadly detour for most people. Well, you’re not “most people”, especially with the Hero of Harran Bundle in your arsenal. Transform these terrains into your personal playground with its weapons, all while looking like a true post-apo survivor! Are you ready to take on Castor Woods?
The Hero of Harran Bundle features a set of items that won’t just help you in Castor Woods, but also honors the legacy of the Dying Light franchise. Some of them might just bring back the memories of your time in Harran:
Ultimate Survivor Outfit – Known as the Juggernaut outfit in Dying Light, this cool makeshift apocalyptic look was rewarded to the most dedicated survivors.
Harran Combat Knife (+ upgradable Blueprint) – A swift and deadly weapon, the zombie head engraving on the blade is a throwback to the original Dying Light’s box art.
The Follower Crossbow (+ upgradable Blueprint) – First found in Dying Light: The Following expansion, this crossbow is perfect for a stealthier approach.
In Jade’s Memory Pistol (+ upgradable Blueprint) – Jade Aldemir – she’s one of the reasons you made it out of Harran alive. With her likeness on the grip, think of her with every bullet you fire from this pistol.
Castor Woods Patrol – Rescuing hikers from the woods and cats from trees was a breeze for this powerful beast. Now put it to the real test and see how it handles the zombie apocalypse!
Here’s an overview of what awaits in Dying Light: The Beast, which is a standalone experience.
“Dying Light: The Beast is unlike anything else in the genre. Building tension beyond narrow corridors or tight spaces, discover an experience that blends open-world freedom with intense, atmospheric survival horror, brutal combat and natural movement.
In this world, fear has nowhere to hide. To keep yourself alive to see another day, you’ll need to use all the tools in your arsenal. Outmaneuver enemies with your parkour skills, tear them limb from limb with visceral melee moves or bring out the big guns, like a UV grenade launcher or flamethrower. But never forget: ammo is a rarity here.”
Given Dying Light 2 and The Beast are two separate entities, title updates for the two games will be separate as well. Dying Light: The Beast will be released on August 22, and expect more coverage about it here on MP1st.
As part of Summer Game Fest, IO Interactive unleashed a surprise patch for Hitman 3, Hitman World of Assassination, today! This brings the James Bond villain Le Chiffre from Casino Royale as an Elusive Tatrget for free.
Players on consoles should see this as Hitman 3 update 1.030, and if you’re still playing on last-gen, this shows up as patch version 1.29. The new content ties up Hitman with IO Interactive’s other game, 007 First Light, which debuted this week.
Remember when we reported that we'll see Resident Evil 9 this week? Yeah, we weren't lying.
Hitman 3 and World of Assassination Gets a New Update Version 1.030/1.29 to Bring New Content
PATCH DETAILS
HITMAN World of Assassination will be updated to version 3.230 on all platforms; PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch™, and Nintendo Switch 2™.
NEW CONTENT
The Banker Elusive Target
Mads Mikkelsen returns as Le Chiffre, the iconic private banker to the criminal underworld, known for his mastery of games of chance and probability. A recent failed venture left him in dire straits, losing vast sums of both legitimate and illicit capital, and in a desperate bid to recover, he has arranged a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Monarchique in Paris. Agent 47 has been tasked with infiltrating the perilous event and will have to find his way to his target to prevent havoc being wreaked across the world. Agent 47’s poker face will be put the test, but there will be many ways to complete this mission.
Free Starter Pack players will have a chance to experience this new Celebrity Elusive Target through a Two-level Arcade contract, The Monarchique, featuring The Banker Elusive Target. Upon failure, progress will restart from the first level and the contract will be locked for 12 hours until the player can attempt to play the contract again.
The original ‘one chance only’ Elusive Target will only be available to World of Assassination players. Players who launch The Banker mission will earn “The Banker Suit”.
Here is how to access the Free Starter Pack for new players:
On Steam, you can download the “HITMAN Free Starter Pack” on HITMAN World of Assassination’s Steam page, at the following link.
On Epic Games Store, you can download the HITMAN World of Assassination Free Starter Pack at the following link.
On PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5, you can download the HITMAN World of Assassination Free Starter Pack at the following link.
On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, you can download the HITMAN World of Assassination Free Starter Pack at the following link.
Additionally, we will be releasing a brand new DLC pack to all platforms, The Banker Pack which includes The Monarchique, a two-level Arcade contract featuring The Banker as well cosmetic items, priced at $4.99/€4.99/£3.99.
The Banker Pack includes:
The Banker King of Cards Suit
The Banker Silenced Pistol
The Banker Rope
The “Casino Monarchique” Chip (1.000.000)
The Monarchique – A Two-level Arcade contract featuring The Banker Elusive Target.
A set of six cosmetics for the Freelancer Safehouse inspired by the Elusive Target.
Note: Finally, to celebrate the recent reveal of 007 First Light, players who play The Banker Elusive Target or The Monarchique Arcade contract, and who have signed up for an IOI Account will receive an exclusive Casino Suit to redeem in 007 First Light, IO Interactive’s immersive third-person action-adventure featuring an all-new, original James Bond story, scheduled to launch in 2026.
Although Helldivers 2 was released over a year ago, the title remains strong, with the recent massive update, released just over two weeks ago, continuing to attract attention from fans.
