At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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The Grand Game Awards hosted their third annual event yesterday.
Phil Spencer was given the show’s first Industry Icon Award at this event.
This pick has become controversial due to the declining popularity of Xbox consoles.
The Game Awards concluded over a week ago, but the industry has continued to recognize the best games and talent with other awards since then. Among recent award shows, the Grand Game Awards recently returned for their annual run.
Featuring industry veterans like Peter Moore, this year’s event was bigger and bolder than the last, crowning Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 the Grand Game of the Year. Moreover, Phil Spencer was awarded the show’s first-ever Industry Icon Award.
Why it matters: Phil Spencer is among the industry’s most recognized individuals and has been leading the charge at Xbox for well over a decade.
Phil Spencer Appeared To Receive The Industry Icon Award | Image via Twitter
The Grand Game Awards hosted their third annual event in Algeria in 2025 and distributed awards across a variety of categories. These included Best Action Game, Best Indie Game, Best Mobile Game, and more.
This year’s show also introduced the Industry Icon Award, crowning Phil Spencer the victor. Accepting this title, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming thanked the Grand Game Awards and credited the entire Xbox team for this achievement.
He reiterated Xbox’s focus on bringing games to as many people in as many ways as possible. According to the Microsoft Gaming CEO, the team has made real progress towards this goal in 2025.
Thank you for the recognition. I’m honored to share this with the team and the community that inspires us every day.
-Phil Spencer
Phil Spencer Has Been Part of Microsoft For Nearly Two Decades
Reactions to this pick have been quite interesting so far. Many have pointed out the current state of Xbox, noting that the console business is in shambles, stating that this selection comes across as tone deaf for that reason.
However, others believe Phil Spencer was deserving of the title for his contributions to the industry over the years.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Valve has officially moved the Steam client to 64-bit, ending support for all 32-bit Windows systems.
Therefore, the minority of gamers on such operating systems will no longer see official Steam support.
The 32-bit games available on Steam will continue to function as normal for 64-bit users.
Despite years of support for older and 32-bit operating systems, Valve began modernizing Steam to focus on players who are using more recent versions of Windows last year. The conglomerate faced some backlash for ending Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 support early in 2024.
Valve is now continuing down that path with a new update to the Steam client that ends all official support for 32-bit Windows OS, starting from January 1st, 2026. In other words, Steam is now running entirely on 64-bit.
Why it matters: Valve moving Steam over to 64-bit means better performance for the client, while negatively affecting a very small percentage of users still using 32-bit systems.
The Steam client now runs entirely on 64-bit since the latest update.
The Steam update will make the client run much better for users on 64-bit systems, allowing it to use more RAM when needed. However, the minority of users still running 32-bit Windows OS will no longer see any security updates or customer support moving forward.
Very few gamers voluntarily stick with a 32-bit Windows OS because it is limited to about 4 GB of RAM and performs worse overall. Valve previously clarified elsewhere that gamers using Steam on Windows 10 32-bit systems only represent 0.01% of its entire population.
For those few 32-bit users, the Steam client may continue working for a while until something eventually breaks. Updating to 64-bit systems for many of them will be no trouble unless some are truly using hardware from 2004 or older.
Do you think Valve making its Steam client supported for 64-bit devices only would be a big deal for the majority of gamers? Are the concerns exaggerated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Blizzard president Johanna Faries has emphasized that the studio wants to release one to two big projects every year.
Faries also revealed that the company is laser-focused on its existing catalogue of IPs.
However, this doesn’t mean that Blizzard won’t travel to new territories in the future.
Blizzard has been carefully mapping out its future ever since new president Johanna Faries took charge of the company in early 2024. The studio’s last new release was Diablo 4 back in 2023, which amassed over 12 million players in a few months, and Blizzard has been pumping out expansions ever since.
The consistency of output is one of the president’s biggest concerns, and in a new interview, she assures fans that Blizzard will keep this momentum going.
Why it matters: Blizzard has too much potential as a studio for just one big game every few years. Hence, one can hope that this initiative from Faries will result in more titles in the future.
Diablo 4 was Blizzard’s last major launch that wasn’t an expansion.
While speaking with Bloomberg, Johanna Faries revealed that Blizzard plans to release one to two “big things” every calendar year moving forward. She acknowledged that players are hungry and want the studio to be reliable from now on.
let’s make sure that every — let’s say calendar year — there are at least one to two really big things that Blizzard is pumping out.
The president also highlighted the numerous iconic IPs in the Blizzard backlog and promised that in her five-year plan, the studio is going to pay full attention to these franchises.
Faries doesn’t want players to think that Blizzard won’t venture into new pastures or try out fresh ideas. However, the President’s number one priority right now is appeasing its legion of fans by making something out of the legendary IPs it has at its disposal.
The developer has announced its two big releases for 2026, even though they are just new expansions for Diablo 4 and World of Warcraft, set to launch in the first half of next year.
Blizzard is rumored to have a StarCraft title in the works.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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A Baldur’s Gate 3 voice actor has shunned generative AI in a recent interview.
He states that using artificial intelligence for voice acting is boring and ruins immersion.
AI use in the industry has led to several heated discussions lately, with Larian Studios confirming that it will explore the technology for Divinity.
The subject of generative AI has led to heated discussions lately, with many opinions clashing left and right. On one hand, developers believe that AI is inevitable and will bring a new wave of innovations to gaming.
However, others are not so fond of the idea and believe generative AI has no place in gaming. A Baldur’s Gate 3 voice actor has also chimed in on the debate, declaring that generative AI is boring and sounds like crap.
Why it matters: A game like Arc Raiders has used generative AI for NPC voices. In the past, a title like Naruto Storm Connections also supposedly replaced voice acting with AI-generated voice lines.
Neil Newbon Played A Major Role In Baldur’s Gate 3
Speaking to PCGamesN, Neil Newbon, famous for voicing Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, was quick to dismiss the use of generative AI to replace voice acting. In fact, he used harsh words for the technology and said, “F**k AI.”
Sharing his thoughts further, the voice actor pointed out that voice acting in games doesn’t cost nearly as much as other aspects. This makes it hard for him to comprehend studios outsourcing the work to generative AI.
Pointing to Arc Raiders, he states that such cases of AI voice acting are borderline robbery since they use someone else’s performance for the final output. Neil Newbon also believes that the technology is simply boring and ruins immersion in games.
I’ve heard generative AI; it’s dull. It takes me out of the immersion. I don’t really care about generative AI because it sounds crap.
-Neil Newbon
Larian Studios Is Now Working on Divinity
Interestingly, Larian Studios itself has confirmed that it is exploring generative AI for Divinity’s development.
While Neil Newbon’s statement on the technology largely comes from his thoughts on the harm to voice actors, other developers are also against the use of artificial intelligence in games.
In particular, artists do not like how artificial intelligence is beginning to interfere with development.
What do you think about artificial intelligence and its overall impact on the gaming sphere? Let us know in the comments, or visit the Tech4Gamers Forums for more detailed discussions.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Valve has announced that it is discontinuing the base Steam Deck 256GB LCD variant.
The Deck will now cost you a minimum of $550 for the OLED version with 512GB.
The base version was widely considered the best value in the handheld space.
Valve released the Steam Deck in 2023, and it kind of revolutionized the handheld market as the first real device that could play AAA titles on the go. While it offered great value, it might not anymore, as Valve has discontinued the most basic variant.
The company has revealed that it is discontinuing the base LCD Steam Deck with 256 GB storage that cost $399. So, for those wanting to jump into the handheld space and wanting a Deck, it’ll cost you much more.
Why it matters: For most people, the base version of Steam Deck was the best option, and many outlets even crowned it as the best value in the handheld space; however, now, while the value still isn’t bad, it has competitors.
Valve has officially discontinued the Steam Deck LCD version
Now, if you want a Steam Deck, you’ll have to spend at least $550 for the OLED 512GB variant. The Steam page explicitly states that once the LCD version is out of stock, it won’t be restocked, and it’s now unavailable.
The base version did have a very attractive price, but had a lot of shortcomings as well. For context, the OLED version not only has a better screen but a faster refresh rate at 90Hz. It also features more storage, a bigger battery, and Wi-Fi 6E.
The basic version was considered the best value in the handheld space
Nonetheless, in the price, you get other options as well, like the base ROG Ally with Z1 chip, but the Steam Deck OLED still features slightly better specifications, and the price is almost the same, so it remains a better deal.
However, for the ones who are just entering the handheld space and the entry point has now become significantly more expensive. You’ll still be able to buy the LCD version in the second-hand market, but people have their reservations about used items.
What are your thoughts on the Steam Deck base LCD variant being discontinued? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Hideo Kojima wants to pioneer a new genre as one of his future endeavors.
The genre could be a sci-fi or a western setting, as that is still undecided.
He is already working on two new games after Death Stranding 2’s success.
Gaming aficionado Hideo Kojima has come up with fantastic ideas in the past, leading to the creation of famous Metal Gear titles at Konami and the recent Death Stranding IP with Kojima Productions. However, the popular figure still harbors many unrealized grand ambitions.
In a new interview, Hideo Kojima was asked what genres he would like to tackle in the future. The Kojima Productions boss elaborates that he wants to pioneer a whole new genre instead.
Why it matters: Hideo Kojima already has a fan base due to the unique and fun games he has developed in the past, so many believe that he would be the most likely developer to come up with new and wacky genres.
While speaking to Wired Japan, Hideo claims he is not focused on existing genres and wants to innovate in the future. Unlike other executives playing it safe with established multi-million dollar formulas, he seeks to push gaming beyond its current limit.
I want to pioneer a new genre, so I don’t focus much on existing ones.
-Hideo Kojima, Kojima Productions CEO.
The new genre could be related to a sci-fi setting since Kojima is a big fan of stories that take place in space. He also discusses it being a Western experience, but hasn’t thought that far into the specifics.
As for the setting, it might be science fiction. I love stories that take place in space, so I would like to try myself in this genre. […] I’m also a fan of westerns, maybe something in that style.
Hideo Kojima’s latest endeavor, Death Stranding 2, was quite a success.
These games are expected to take multiple years before they are ready for release. Therefore, his take on a whole new genre could be something revolutionary, but take about a decade to materialize.
Do you think Hideo Kojima will cook up a whole new genre, or will these plans go nowhere in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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A new report suggests that Nvidia might be halting the production of the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant soon.
The supply could be discontinued temporarily or forever due to soaring memory chip prices.
The RTX 5070 or 5070 Ti could become the next best options for gamers moving forward.
Memory costs have soared to new heights in the last few months, with high-end RAM kits becoming more costly than some of the best GPUs and PS5 models currently available on the market. And things are only expected to get worse for the next few years.
Unsurprisingly, GPUs are also suffering the aftermath of rising memory costs. New rumors now suggest that the production of Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant could soon be discontinued temporarily or indefinitely.
Why it matters: The 5060 Ti 16 GB supply being discontinued could spell disaster for gamers seeking a midrange GPU with decent memory, as the next best options would be the 5070 and 5070 Ti.
The production of the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant could be halted temporarily | Image Source: Board Channels.
This tidbit comes from a report by Board Channels, which highlights that rising memory costs have prompted Nvidia to reconsider its product strategy. The RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant is quite expensive to build since it relies on 8 GDDR7 memory packages.
As larger memory models face greater pressure, manufacturers may be forced to supply only the 8 GB variant of the RTX 5060 Ti as an entry-level option. It only uses 4 memory packages, which is more cost-efficient for the card makers.
Therefore, the next best option for gamers wanting a midrange option would be the RTX 5070 and the 5070 Ti models, which come with 12 GB VRAM and 16 GB VRAM, respectively.
The new Nvidia strategy will also address the slight performance-to-price ratio overlap between the 5060 Ti 16 GB and the 5070 GPU.
The RTX 50 GPU Series is based on its new Blackwell architecture.
At the same time, the company can continue challenging AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, which are great alternative midrange choices because they also come with 16 GB of memory.
The RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant has already been harder to purchase from stores, as the memory shortage has worsened since last month.
Rumors have also suggested that the whole RTX 50 supply could be cut by 30% to 40% by H1 2026. So, we can also expect other GPUs to be affected by this memory apocalypse.
Do you think the production of the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant will be paused temporarily? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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The Elder Scrolls 6 could see Betheda using a new version of Creation Engine with several Unreal Engine 5 integrations.
The team is said to be working on porting features from Unreal Engine 5 to Starfield.
This is likely a test for future Fallout and Elder Scrolls titles.
Bethesda’s Creation Engine has been used to power its RPGs for as long as anybody can remember, but the technology has begun to show its limitations recently. With a modern release like Starfield, the team has been criticized for falling behind on the technical front.
As work on The Elder Scrolls 6 moves forward, many are hoping the Creation Engine takes a major leap forward. The good news is that reports suggest Bethesda is already addressing this issue, potentially working on porting Unreal Engine 5 features to the technology.
Why it matters: At release, Starfield was bogged down by outdated visuals, intrusive loading screens, and more. This led to the game receiving a lot of criticism compared to cutting-edge RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077.
According to Jez Corden, Starfield is currently being used to test Unreal Engine integration into Creation Engine.
He notes that Microsoft is assisting Bethesda with this endeavor. Specifically, the Advanced Technology Group and The Coalition’s Kate Rayner are part of this attempt to overhaul Bethesda’s technology.
Starfield is being used as a way to test Unreal Engine integrations (into Creation Engine). Some of those technical overhauls are going to reform the next Elder Scrolls plays.
Although the insider did not dive too deep into specifics, Starfield does currently have a test branch on Steam dubbed Lumen, which is the name of Unreal Engine 5’s ray-traced global illumination and reflection solution.
This means that the Creation Engine will likely offer Unreal Engine-like solutions for ray-tracing and more moving forward. Ultimately, all of this is being done as groundwork for The Elder Scrolls 6.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Be A Major Step Forward For Bethesda’s Technology
The Elder Scrolls already made the transition to Unreal Engine with Oblivion Remastered earlier this year. However, the insider notes that the future mainline entries won’t follow suit.
Therefore, The Elder Scrolls 6 will still make use of the Creation Engine, albeit one with multiple Unreal Engine 5-inspired features and upgrades.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Expedition 33 was recently revealed to be using gen AI in the development process.
Indie Game Awards have disqualified the RPG, as it doesn’t support the tech.
The AI-generated assets were later patched out by custom-designed ones.
The gaming community has given a clear stance on the use of generative AI in game development, and it clearly doesn’t support the tech. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reportedly used it, and it has now cost them an award.
Expedition 33 was nominated for the Debut and Game of the Year awards at the Indie Game Awards 2025, but has now been disqualified based on its undisclosed use of generative AI for development purposes.
Why it matters: The community has quickly turned on Sandfall’s RPG since the AI controversy caught fire. It has also received a massive backlash as it went against Steam’s policy of disclosing the use of the tech.
Expedition 33 disqualified from Indie Game Awards for using generative AI
Indie Game Awards has announced that Expedition 33 will be disqualified from its nominations, and if it had won any awards, which it most definitely had, those will be passed on to the next in line titles.
The FAQ section explicitly states that while the AI-generated assets have been patched out of the game, Sandfall initially claimed it didn’t use them. The awards don’t support gen AI, leading to the removal of the GOTY winner.
The title used AI to generate certain assets, but didn’t disclose it on Steam
The gen AI debate is now at its hottest as this his led to a huge argument among the industry and the gaming community. Most devs consider it a good tool, while most audiences are strictly against it.
Overuse of gen AI can lead to AI slop, but most devs believe it can help put placeholder assets and artwork to expedite development, which, in a way, is fine, as it helps the process and doesn’t harm the creative process.
What are your thoughts on Expedition 33 getting removed from Indie Game Awards? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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The gaming market will grow to a new high in 2026 based on new releases and inflated prices.
The revenue is expected to break past $200 billion, a new record for the gaming industry.
For the first time, PC and consoles are expected to have almost the same share.
The gaming industry is the largest in the entertainment sector, even surpassing the likes of Hollywood. As the number of gaming hardware and players continues to increase, so does the overall revenue, which is now expected to hit a new high in 2026.
According to a new report, gaming revenue is expected to surpass a whopping $200 billion in 2026, which will set a new record, and will be up significantly from 2025, which is expected to end with a total revenue of $196 billion.
Why it matters: 2026 will be a massive year for gaming, with sales largely driven by GTA 6, which is also expected to boost PS5 and Xbox Series sales. Other significant releases will help with the cause.
The gaming revenue is expected to grow substantially in 2026 based on new releases and high prices
Newzoo reports that the gaming revenue is expected to hit $208.2 billion by 2026. Mobile games will still hold the biggest market, whereas PC and Console market share will almost be the same in the upcoming years.
2025 also saw a big increase in revenue, with Nintendo Switch 2 being the biggest generator. Moreover, we also saw inflation play a major role as both Sony and Microsoft increased their console prices.
GTA 6 will be one of the biggest growth drivers for the industry in 2026
Nonetheless, in 2026, the revenue will hit new highs never seen before. However, it won’t be an easy year for consumers as PC gaming will be its most expensive in years, no thanks to the AI boom causing chip shortages globally.
The saving grace is that the next year is packed with epic releases. Although a new console hardware isn’t expected, we will be getting titles like GTA 6, Resident Evil Requiem, Wolverine, and a lot more.
What are your thoughts on gaming revenue reaching a record of over $200 billion in 2026? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
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Game moderators maintain order in online spaces by handling bad behavior and cheating.
Community managers handle public relations and translate player feedback into actionable data for studios.
Localization specialists go beyond simple translation to ensure a game’s humor and tone are understood across cultures.
There was a time when gaming felt smaller. Fewer players, fewer platforms, and way less noise. These days, games are massive projects with global communities, constant updates, and millions of players online at once. And yet, when people talk about the gaming industry, the same roles always get the spotlight.
Streamers. Developers. Big-name studios.
What rarely comes up are the people quietly keeping games playable, enjoyable, and worth coming back to. Games don’t just run on code and hype. They run on teamwork, patience, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort that most players never think about.
Here are some of the most overlooked roles in gaming or game development, and why they matter more than we realize.
Game Moderators
Being a game community moderator can be a challenging but rewarding role.
Moderators are basically the frontline workers of online games. They deal with cheaters, toxic chats, exploit reports, and player complaints on a daily basis. If someone is ruining a match or abusing a system, chances are a moderator is the first person to look into it.
Game moderator jobs aren’t just about hand out warnings or bans. Moderators track patterns, flag serious issues, and pass critical info to developers so problems can actually get fixed. Without them, online games would turn chaotic fast.
It’s not a flashy role, but it’s one of the reasons multiplayer games don’t completely fall apart.
Community Managers
If moderators enforce the rules, community managers build trust. They’re the ones posting updates, responding to feedback, and calming things down when players are upset (which happens a lot).
This role lives in a tricky space between players and developers. Community managers don’t just share news, they listen. They pick up on trends, concerns, and moods within the player base and try to keep the relationship healthy.
When a game feels like it actually cares about its community, there’s usually a good community manager working behind the scenes.
Localization Specialists
A localization specialist’s goal is to make the experience feel native to players worldwide.
Bad translations stand out instantly. Jokes fall flat, dialogue feels awkward, and references make no sense. Good localization, on the other hand, is almost invisible, and that’s exactly the point.
Localization specialists don’t just translate words. They adapt humor, cultural references, and tone so the game feels natural no matter where you’re playing from. A line that works in one country might be confusing or meaningless in another, and fixing that takes real skill.
When a game feels like it was “made for you” in your language, that’s their work paying off.
Sound Designers
Arc Raiders’ sound design makes the whole experience so much fun.
Sound is one of the most underrated parts of gaming. Footsteps, background music, menu sounds, ambient noise, character themes – all of it shapes how a game feels.
Great sound design pulls you into the world without you even noticing. Think about how certain game soundtracks help you focus, relax, or feel tension during a fight. That’s not accidental.
Sound designers spend countless hours tweaking audio so every moment hits the right mood. When sound is bad, players complain instantly. When it’s good, it often goes unnoticed. That’s how you know it’s working.
Narrative Designers
Not every game needs a deep story, but when a game does have one, narrative designers are a big reason it works. They shape dialogue, missions, and small story details that make worlds feel connected and believable.
They often work quietly alongside writers, adjusting pacing, adding context through NPCs, and hiding little story clues in places most players don’t expect. Those “optional” conversations players skip? They’re usually packed with world-building.
If a game’s story feels consistent and engaging, someone spent a lot of time making sure it all made sense.
Most players see games as entertainment, and that’s fair. But behind every smooth update, fair match, emotional soundtrack, or memorable character is someone doing work that rarely gets praise.
These roles don’t trend on social media, and they don’t get fan pages. But without them, games wouldn’t feel complete, welcoming, or even playable in the long run.
The next time a game feels polished, immersive, or just “right,” it’s worth remembering that it wasn’t only the developers who made it happen. The gaming industry runs on a lot more than just code, and these people are proof of that.
As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.
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DDR5 costs are rising rapidly, with high-capacity kits now reaching prices over €1,000.
Because DDR5 is too expensive, buyers are reverting to DDR4-based systems to save money.
High demand for DDR4-compatible hardware has caused the price of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D to skyrocket, making it more expensive than the newer, faster 9800X3D.
RAM costs are increasing, and as you can see, instead of falling, they are steadily growing with no end in sight. A month ago, we were seeing 32GB of DDR5 RAM for under €150, but now it can easily triple that price, with 64GB, 96GB, or larger packages costing over €1,000. Until about a week or two ago, we could still locate good deals, but now it’s becoming progressively more challenging, and soon impossible.
We’ve reached the stage where DDR5 RAM is so expensive that customers no longer want current PCs and instead choose DDR4. As a result of the huge demand for a gaming CPU with DDR4, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D has soared in price, surpassing the 9800X3D.
Now is not a good time to buy a computer, especially because RAM is more expensive than full systems or a PS5 Pro. As a result, we had to consider alternatives to obtaining DDR5 RAM, one of which was to purchase laptop SODIMM memory and a U-DIMM adaptor to utilise it in a PC.
This wasn’t a great answer, either, because we were limited to the memory’s base speed and had higher latency. It is also crucial to note that DDR5 SO-DIMMs are substantially more expensive than DDR4.
In fact, the new option is to purchase older DDR4 CPUs, and the only AMD Ryzen X3D processor compatible with this is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, so you can understand why its pricing has changed. Some stores are offering this CPU for nearly $800 new, and if you think the used market will be cheaper, think again. On eBay, this CPU is going for $500-$600.
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D has evolved from a CPU we only suggested if you were low on funds and didn’t plan to upgrade your entire PC to a luxury item. In fact, it costs more than twice what it used to, and compared to its all-time low of $269 in 2023, merchants now sell it for more than four times that.
Second-hand costs were reasonable; however, AMD discontinued manufacturing, and due to the RAM problem, it is currently more expensive than a 9800X3D, while being substantially slower.
Ryzen 7 5800X3Ds are already available for pre-order at Wallapop for 450 euros. As you can see, the escalating prices of RAM, DDR4 CPUs, SSDs, and HDDs make this situation unsustainable. On Reddit and other platforms, users are requesting that AMD resume manufacturing the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at a reduced price to avoid costly expenditures.
