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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Where Winds Meet is a free-to-play action-adventure RPG developed by NetEase.
The game has reached the massive milestone of 15 million players in just a month.
It also has a great reception sitting with ‘very positive’ reviews on Steam.
Developed by Everstone and NetEase, Where Winds Meet was a highly anticipated title. Its initial trailers and previews received a lot of positive reception, and what also helps is the game’s free-to-play nature, leading to a huge player base.
The studio has now announced that Where Winds Meet has reached 15 million players in just a month since its launch. It also averages over 150,000 concurrent players daily on Steam alone, highlighting its significant growth.
Why it matters: The open-world RPG became an instant hit with the fans based on its beautiful visuals, an engaging story, and even multiplayer elements, all in one complete free-to-play package.
Where Winds Meet has reached the milestone of 15 million players
Where Winds Meet has now reached the milestone of 15 million players in just one month across all platforms. It is available on a variety of platforms, including PS5, PC, Android, and IOS, and could launch for Xbox later down the line.
There are a lot of things that make the title a hit among the audience. Games can be F2P, but they only retain the player base if they are good enough, and Everstone’s RPG sits on very positive reviews on Steam.
The game has had a very positive overall reception
It is also truly a package as it offers multiple perspectives to play. You can either play solo and follow the story or become part of the multiplayer world and engage with others. Its in-game purchases are also optional.
All in all, Where Winds Meet has garnered huge praise from the players. If the studio continues to support it, it has the chance to carry on for a longer period of time.
What are your thoughts on Where Winds Meet reaching the 15 million players milestone? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official 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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Free Fire features numerous unique weapons to choose from.
The best weapons include the Groza, MP-40, M1887, and more.
Experimenting with different weapons and loadouts is a great idea.
Mobile gaming is growing with each passing year, with the likes of Call of Duty dominating the market. Similarly, Free Fire is incredibly popular among fans of shooting games on the platform.
Free Fire features a myriad of weapons and loadouts to choose from. This is one of the main reasons this third-person shooter has become so popular, with every player having the ability to pick from a unique loadout that best suits a situation.
For players who like to keep things tidy, from loadouts to weapons, BuffBuff is there to assist you when topping up without pulling away from Free Fire. Nonetheless, here’s a list of the best weapons in the game.
Why it matters: Because Free Free, like many other popular shooting games, has so many weapons, the selection process can seem intimidating at first.
Groza: The All-Rounder
The Groza Is Great For All Types of Players
The Groza is great since it effectively does a bit of everything. The weapon features stable recoil and is great at practically every range. The firing style can also be adjusted based on the distance of engagement since the weapon excels at the fire rate.
Ultimately, this is a strong choice for all players.
AWM: The Long-Range Master
The AWM Is Perfect For Sniper Fans
The AWM is an incredibly reliable sniper rifle that is used best when players prioritize positioning and careful strategy. In many instances, a headshot from the AWM leads to a clear victory.
When using the AWM, it’s best to wait for the perfect moment to strike. Needless to say, this weapon is most suitable for players who are patient and careful.
M1887: Close Combat Goodness
Free Fire’s M1887 Shreds At Close Range
Like many other shotguns, the M1887 is incredibly reliable up close. It offers huge burst damage that can take out enemies very quickly and can prove to be a decisive factor in hectic moments.
When using the M1887, it’s best to stay calm and let the enemies walk into the line of fire.
MP40: Rapid-Fire Specialist
This SMG Is Always Great In Any Game
The MP40 is great for players who like fast-paced combat and close-quarters engagements. Thanks to a high fire rate, the MP40 is great for winning gunfights and quickly moving in and out of cover.
This makes it ideal for close-range fights that require fast reactions.
AK-47: High-Damage Rifle
Free Fire’s AK47 Is Solid At Mid-Range Fights
The AK-47 is always incredibly strong in most games, but it particularly excels in Free Fire.
Managing its recoil is key, so firing in short bursts is a great way of making the most of what this weapon has to offer. When used right, the AK47 can deal big damage at both medium and long range.
M79: Massive Firepower
The M79 Can End Fights Before The Enemies Know It
The M79 is a grenade launcher that can often end fights before they even begin. It effectively clears rooms and tears through major defenses, ignoring cover and annoying campers. The M79 can be a great tool when going up against multiple enemies.
SCAR: The Old Reliable
Free Fire’s SCAR Is The Most Consistent Weapon You Can Ask For
The SCAR is very consistent at what it does, making it perfect for players looking for a reliable and trusty weapon.
It offers smooth and stable recoil for new players while also packing enough of a punch for most encounters. Ultimately, the SCAR is great for players who are starting and want to learn the ropes in Free Fire.
Desert Eagle: Precision Pistol
The Desert Eagle Packs A Punch For A Small Pistol
The Desert Eagle hits much harder than expected for a small pistol, so it usually works best when combined with precise aim and timing.
It works particularly well when aiming for headshots. This is why going slow is often a good idea when using the Desert Eagle, since missing crucial shots in a moment of panic can be devastating.
VSS: Silent Marksman
The VSS Is A Silent Killer
The great thing about the VSS is its built-in suppressor. As such, it works incredibly well with a stealthy playstyle.
Using the VSS means ignoring brute force attacks and focusing on slowly chipping away at enemies. This makes it great for third-partying, where players can use the perfect opportunity to strike from the shadows.
FAMAS: The Burst Rifle
This Burst-Fire Rifle Can Shred Opponents
The FAMAS is perhaps the best burst-fire weapon in the game. It excels at mid-range fights, with players who are comfortable with the burst-fire pattern being incredibly proficient with the weapon.
Of course, Free Fire has plenty of other weapons to choose from, so experimentation is very important for the best results. And when you eventually need a bundle or a quick diamond top-up, BuffBuff is your go-to place.
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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Samsung is reportedly gearing up to announce the end of its SATA SSD production.
This move could lead to yet another price hike in the SSD market due to lowered supply.
Samsung is said to be focusing on more profitable products in the current AI landscape.
The AI industry has spelled disaster for consumer hardware globally, particularly due to rising memory prices amid a focus on using the latest and greatest tech for more AI-focused research and investments.
RAM prices have risen by over 150% alone, and a large company like Crucial has exited the market following these events. A new leak further outlines how the AI focus is impacting the wider tech industry, with Samsung now said to be ending SATA SSD production altogether.
Why it matters: Between smartphones, graphics cards, and gaming consoles, practically everything has been impacted by the rising prices. This trend seems to be getting worse with time.
This update comes from Moore’s Law is Dead, who notes that Samsung plans to make an official announcement on the matter by January. The good news, if there is any in such a situation, is that production won’t be ended immediately.
According to sources, Samsung will end production gradually and halt sales of SATA SSDs. Moore’s Law is Dead states that this information has been backed up by multiple sources, and it is even said that SATA SSDs will be very hard to get by mid-2026.
Of course, Samsung has never shied away from its commitment to the latest technology, so it isn’t all too surprising that the company is more focused on memory solutions for AI purposes.
Samsung reportedly does not find budget products like SATA SSDs a priority anymore. The company is set to focus on more premium products moving forward, but unfortunately for the customer, this decision will lead to rising prices across the board.
Many Still Rely on Samsung SATA SSDs
Moore’s Law is Dead estimates that SATA SSDs still make up about 10-20% of the consumer market, so reduced supply will ultimately push prices higher. The good news is that prices are expected to come back down in around a year and a half.
Sources believe these tech giants will focus on bringing consumer hardware that can run AI-based applications to the larger public by then, leading to yet another massive pricing shift by 2027.
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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The reveal for the two Tomb Raider titles was the most viewed trailer from The Game Awards 2025 on YouTube.
Phantom Blade Zero also racked up over 6.3 million views with its top 3 uploads.
On the other hand, Control Resonant was only the 10th most popular trailer from the show.
YouTube statistics have now revealed which of the trailers from The Game Awards 2025 got the most attention from fans, and the No.1 entry could surprise a few people.
Why it matters: Tomb Raider is one of the most influential gaming franchises, so seeing so much love for it is certainly good to see.
Most viewed trailers from The Game Awards 2025 based on YouTube views.
The reveal for the two Tomb Raider games, the Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst, was the most viewedtrailer spot from The Game Awards 2025. The top 3 uploads for these teasers combined for over 6.6 million views, showcasing the appetite fans have for the franchise.
Surprisingly, the trailer at No.3 was Marvel Rivals- Deadpool Reveal, which clocked in 4.3 million fans. Resident Evil Requiem and Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic followed at No.4 and No.5, respectively.
Despite all the hype around Remedy Entertainment, Control Resonant wasn’t able to rack up a lot of views on YouTube, ending up as the 10th most popular trailer from The Game Awards 2025 with 1.6 million views.
Divinity ended up one spot above Resonant at no.9, with the trailers for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and Lord of the Fallen II garnering more fanfare than these titles.
With millions of views for all these video games on other platforms too, we can suppose that the studios do not regret paying The Game Awards $1 million for a trailer.
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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Future budget phones will drop to 4GB of RAM and smaller storage to cut costs.
MicroSD slots are coming back so users can manually expand the minimal built-in space.
Android must be optimized to run smoothly on weaker hardware, similar to Apple’s iOS.
Previously, it was reported that smartphones would come back with microSD cards, and we now know that they will be accompanied by 4GB RAM options. Basic configurations will be used to ensure the operating system has sufficient RAM to work properly.
All of this, combined with expanding storage capacity, is designed to make up for the fact that a future generation of devices will be inferior to the current one in some ways.
As we approach 2026, most entry-level or low-end smartphones (about €150) have 6 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage. At €300, we enter the mid-range, with devices that already use OLED displays, greater resolution, 6-8 GB of RAM, and 128-256 GB of storage.
The top mid-range costs roughly €500 and has 8 and 12 GB of RAM. The high-end model, priced at €800, already has 12 GB of RAM, with upgraded versions available with 16 GB. In the premium or top-of-the-line market, which is priced above €1,000, 12 GB remains the standard, but there are unique variants of smartphones with 16 to 24 GB of RAM.
The difference now is that entry-level versions will start with 4GB of RAM. Storage options often reach 64GB, albeit at a premium cost. As a result, the microSD card slot has returned to prominence in smartphones. Companies can sell phones with extremely minimal storage capacity to reduce manufacturing costs.
If customers need more storage, they may easily insert a microSD card to store additional photos, videos, or games.
Low-end smartphones used to have up to 8GB of RAM, but now they all have only 4GB. This also means that Google will have to optimise its Android operating system to use less RAM. Essentially, this is what Apple has done with iOS, where iPhones use nearly four times less RAM than Android devices.
On the other hand, app creators may need to perform optimisations or cuts to ensure their programs or games are functional with smartphones with 4GB of RAM. It’s remarkable to see how the AI craze has affected the entire tech industry, including the development of Half-Life 3, which is related to the Steam Machine. This computer (or “console”) has been delayed due to concerns with high costs and RAM availability.
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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Intel plans to introduce its “Arrow Lake-S Refresh” desktop processors at CES 2026.
Detailed specs for the 290K Plus and 270K Plus emerged via an Indian retailer.
The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus now matches the Ultra 9 with 24 total cores.
Top speeds reach 5.8 GHz on the flagship; efficiency core speeds have also increased.
Intel is preparing a move ahead of the year’s end, with plans to debut its next-generation CPUs at CES 2026. Today, we have an early confirmation of the specifications for two of its flagship gaming processors after an Indian retailer, PrimeABGB, published or leaked product listings for the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus.
These listings are more than a simple sighting: the level of detail provided offers a remarkably clear look at what Intel’s Arrow Lake-S Refresh line-up will bring to the high-end gaming market.
According to leaked specifications from the retailer, both models of the processor feature an 8 P-Core and 16 E-Core configuration (24 cores and 24 threads). This represents a significant upgrade for the smaller model, which moves beyond its previous 12-core design by adding four additional cores.
The Core Ultra 9 290K Plus offers P-Core turbo speeds of up to 5.6 GHz and E-Core turbo speeds of up to 4.8 GHz, with Thermal Velocity Boost up to 5.8 GHz. In comparison, the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus reaches turbo clocks of 5.5 GHz on the P-Cores and 4.7 GHz on the E-Cores, but it lacks Thermal Velocity Boost, a feature reserved for its higher-end sibling.
Both configurations keep a similar base clock (3.7 GHz on the P-Core and 3.2 GHz on the E-Core), as well as a 36 MB L3 cache, the LGA 1851 socket, and standard K-series power limits (125W TDP and 250W MTP), as specified.
However, the 290K Plus equals the 285K in all of the above specifications, while the 270K Plus lowers its base frequency by 200 MHz on the P-Core and 100 MHz on the E-Core, while raising the Turbo Boost frequency of these efficiency cores by 100 MHz.
This is due to the switch from 12 x E-Cores to 16 x E-Cores, therefore, it is a very advantageous adjustment to lose MHz in base and slightly gain it in Boost in return for four of these extra cores, which is why the 290K Plus remains unchanged because its number does not change.
The second notable figure is DDR5 capability at 7,200 MT/s, which is higher than existing models that hit 6,400 MT/s in the basic Arrow Lake-S range, according to JEDEC. If we analyse the intention behind this, boosting the Boost clock speed of the E-Core processors, as leaked for the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, while simultaneously raising the IMC frequency to support DDR5 at 7,200 MT/s, appears to be a highly planned decision.
Specifically, greater clock speeds for the cores that rely most on data flow, and more accessible bandwidth to power the overall system. Remember, the core configuration of the Tile CPU with the unified Ring Bus was as follows:
P-Core -> 4 x E-Core Cluster -> P-Core -> P-Core -> 4 x E-Core Cluster -> P-Core
This leak does not confirm that Ring Bus or D2D speeds would increase in these Plus models; therefore, we can only debate it as a technical possibility rather than a proven truth.
If these technical specifications are accurate, the question will not be whether Arrow Lake-S Refresh reinvents the range, but whether Intel has discovered the optimal combination of E-Core, memory, and internal adjustments to reduce weaknesses without increasing power consumption or changing the platform.
These Core Ultra 9 290K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus are flagship CPUs that will demonstrate the true potential of Arrow Lake-S, even though they’re arriving late and in refresh mode. But they still won’t be able to surpass the current AMD X3D processors, as AMD has an enormous advantage in the vertical cache.
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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Leaker reveals Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer is a copy of 2022’s Modern Warfare 2.
There have been very minor changes, but mostly the games are identical.
This is despite Activision recently stating that it will now focus on creativity.
Update: Infinity Ward has clarified that the rumors are not credible, and keep an eye out for official word only.
The Call of Duty franchise has seen a steep decline in recent years. With the competition getting better and the game quality deteriorating, players have a lot of complaints. But they haven’t seemed to have learnt anything, according to a new development.
A reliable leaker has revealed that the next Call of Duty game will be Modern Warfare 4, but more importantly, its multiplayer will be exactly the same as Modern Warfare 2 despite complaints of creativity stagnation.
Why it matters: Fans have voiced their concern as to how the franchise is stuck in a loop. Each new release gets worse and doesn’t do anything new to warrant a new title each year. Next year could be more of the same.
Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer will be identical to Modern Warfare 2
Reliable Call of Duty leaker, TheGhostOfHope, was asked about changes in the Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer, to which he replied that it’s a total copy of Modern Warfare 2, which came out back in 2022.
Players have been asking for a lot of changes with multiplayer, including less noticeable visual recoil, red dots, and other quality of life updates; however, for now, it doesn’t feel like Activision is hearing them.
Fans complain that the franchise has now stopped being creative
2025 has been an abysmal year for the series, based on low sales and a much shrunken player base. Battlefield 6 highlighted how players are hungry for something different, and that is the success formula.
As things currently stand, next year could be another struggle for Call of Duty. The company has vowed that it will now focus on creativity, and we are still a year away from launch, so let’s hope they work on it.
What are your thoughts on Modern Warfare 4 being a copy of Modern Warfare 2? 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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Major chip manufacturer, SK Hynix, has warned DRAM shortage will last till 2028.
The recent AI boom caused a major memory shortage, leading to inflated prices.
A NAND shortage is also predicted, which could inflate SSD prices a lot more, too.
The DRAM shortage has become so severe that memory and storage prices have skyrocketed to extremely inflated levels. The memory situation, especially, is so bad that scalpers are selling RAM sticks for over 9x their actual MSRP.
If things couldn’t have gotten any worse, a major chip manufacturer, SK Hynix, has warned that the DRAM shortage could continue till 2028, whereas previously it was claimed that it could go till 2027.
Why it matters: So, while previously the prices were expected to stay inflated till 2027, now it could extend further beyond that, suggesting that RAM and memory prices won’t be coming down at least till the next 2-3 years.
The mass memory shortage is expected to continue till 2028
An X user reportedly got internal files from SK Hynix, which reveal that the DRAM shortage will continue till 2028. The demand is at its highest, but the supply is expected to be limited, which will lead to higher prices.
The AI PC market is expected to continue in the same direction in the upcoming years, so there will be no decline in demand, and therefore, the continued shortage. This has majorly affected DDR5 RAM, which is used in data centers.
RAM and storage prices have reached a new high due to the recent AI boom
The server share is expected to grow from 38% to 53% by 2030, and the AI PCs share is expected to reach 55% in 2026. They have even revealed a NAND shortage, which could even SSD prices even more due to the AI boom.
What are your thoughts on the DRAM shortage continuing till 2028? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official 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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Phantom Blade Zero launches as a PS5 console exclusive on September 9, 2026.
The latest trailer also reveals that the game won’t be on rival consoles for at least 12 months after this release date.
S-Game previously expressed interest in developing an Xbox port, but this version won’t come to fruition until at least late 2027 due to the contract.
Phantom Blade Zero has continuously impressed with each new showing, and its latest trailer is no different. Now confirmed for launch in 2026, the game has fans more excited than ever for what seems to be one of the most action-packed gaming experiences in recent memory.
Phantom Blade Zero launches on PS5 and PC on September 9, skipping the Xbox platform. In fact, it has also been confirmed that the title won’t be on Xbox till 2027.
Why it matters: Phantom Blade Zero continues the trend of third-party exclusivity from PlayStation, highlighting how the platform utilizes its leading position in the market to its advantage.
Phantom Blade Zero Exclusivity Window Revealed via Latest Trailer
The latest Phantom Blade Zero trailer features a small disclaimer at the end. It reveals that the game won’t be available on other consoles for a minimum of 12 months after its release, meaning that PlayStation has console exclusivity locked till September 2027.
This means that the game won’t be on Xbox till the last quarter of 2027. Similarly, Phantom Blade Zero won’t show up on the Nintendo Switch 2 due to PlayStation’s exclusivity contract being in place.
This exclusivity window is similar to that of Silent Hill 2 Remake. The title originally launched on the PS5 and PC in October last year and was set to remain exclusive for at least 12 months. It wasn’t until November 2025 that the game finally showed up on Xbox.
In the past, discussions regarding an Xbox release for Phantom Blade Zero became quite controversial. However, the studio did note that it would consider the platform for a potential release.
Therefore, the team may begin work on an Xbox port soon after the PS5 release to ensure it can bring Phantom Blade Zero to Xbox players not long after the exclusivity period ends.
Meanwhile, Xbox will have plenty of big games to offer in 2026, including new Halo, Forza, and Gears of War entries.
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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Digital Foundry has revealed a list of 2025-released games with the best graphics.
The top 3 include Doom: The Dark Ages, AC Shadows, and Death Stranding 2.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 or Expedition 33 failed to even get an honorable mention.
Every year, it feels like video game graphics have peaked, but then we get new titles with breathtaking visuals that are huge upgrades over the previous ones. This year, we’ve seen some outstanding releases, but some have stood out more.
Popular analysts have released an in-depth video crowning the best graphics of 2025, led by Doom: The Dark Ages and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Other notable names include Death Stranding 2, Ghost of Yotei, and more.
Why it matters: Visuals play a huge part in immersing players into the gaming experience. With technologies advancing beyond imagination, players expect the visuals to feel as realistic and tuned as possible as well.
Digital Foundry has revealed the list of the best-looking games in 2025. They have ranked the top 10 graphics, but only the first 3 are ordered, while the rest are in no specific order:
Doom: The Dark Ages
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Death Stranding 2
The rest of the top 10 list includes Ghost of Yotei, Dying Light: The Beast, Metroid Prime 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Silent Hill f, Earthion, and Rotuine, all of which offer really striking and well-designed visuals.
Doom: The Dark Ages is crowned as the best graphics of 2025.
Doom uses the new IDTech engine, and not only offers great graphics but also quite decent optimization. Some have argued that Death Stranding 2 deserves the top spot, but Shadows and Doom edge out with additional tech features.
However, there are some notable omissions, like the Best Art Direction winner at TGA, Expedition 33. Even Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 couldn’t make the list, and surprisingly, neither got honorable mentions.
What are your thoughts on Doom: The Dark Ages and Assassin’s Creed Shadows leading the best-looking games of 2025? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers.
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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The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley conducted a poll to ask gamers about their opinion on the show.
The majority of votes (38.9%) are for rating D or below, with only 15.1% of gamers choosing the A rating.
Many gamers were unhappy with the show’s boring reveals towards the end.
The Game Awards 2025 was arguably the most explosive gaming event of the year, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 winning GOTY and many other awards. While its first half met the expectations of many fans, the second half lacked the same oomph.
The event’s executive producer and host, Geoff Keighley, has now launched a poll asking gamers how they would grade this year’s show. Unexpectedly,38.9% of viewers have rated the show D or lower, the lowest rating available.
Why it matters: The Game Awards had incredible showings in the first half, with the quality declining towards the end. The show’s final reveal was especially criticized for being a free-to-play hero shooter that failed to generate the expected hype.
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A majority of 38.9% gamers rated The Game Awards D or lower in the poll.
Many users have criticized the show's final hour, which lacked exciting reveals compared to the first two.
Some viewers also joked about Geoff's highly exaggerated reactions to game announcements.
On Twitter, the poll shows that only 15.1% of viewers gave TGA 2025 an A rating. It is quite a surprising outcome since many massively enjoyed most of the event. 24.6% of gamers have given it the modest B rating.
Some gamers also joked that Geoff exaggerated his reactions to a few less appealing reveals. At the same time, many found the widely predictable wins and the fact that most important announcements were leaked beforehand to be negative, which sullied their experience.
However, the most criticized part about TGA was its last game announcement, Highguard, which was hyped as the ex-Titanfall team’s new project but turned out to be a generic free-to-play hero shooter according to many viewers.
The Game Awards saw multiple incredibly exciting reveals this year.
Regardless, The Game Awards had incredible showings this year despite setbacks, including Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, Control Resonant, multiple Tomb Raider games, and more.
Do you think The Game Awards 2025 was much better than last year’s event? Is the majority’s opinion justified, or is the hate just an overreaction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the 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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Only one month after launch, retailers like GameStop have slashed the price of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 from $70 to $35.
The game is currently panned by players, holding a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam and a 1.7 user score on Metacritic.
Since the game is available on Xbox Game Pass, fewer people are paying the full retail price for a standalone copy.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, one of the most talked about shooter games of 2025, is already selling for half its retail price – just a month after hitting stores. Retail listings at GameStop now show the standard edition of the game at $35, down from its usual $70 price in the US, marking a nearly 50% drop.
This comes at a time when the game is struggling to compete against Battlefield 6. Currently, the game’s review score has fallen to “Mostly Negative” on Steam, and the user score is falling to 1.7 on Metacritic.
Why it matters: Normally, big discounts this early are unusual for blockbusters. Most new games hold close to full price for at least a few months. But Black Ops 7’s early price cut appears tied to how the game has been received so far.
Those who paid the full price at launch are likely unhappy seeing a 50% discount offered so quickly. | Source: GameStop
Sales data and reports show the title has struggled compared to previous entries and rival shooters like Battlefield 6. Industry trackers report that Black Ops 7’s Steam sales fell sharply compared to Black Ops 6 last year, and that overall player engagement numbers lag behind former franchise peaks.
Games such as Battlefield 6, Arc Raiders, and others in the genre have performed strongly, giving players more options and possibly pulling attention away from the latest Call of Duty.
Many players are accessing the game through Xbox Game Pass or other subscription services rather than buying full retail copies. This can reduce demand for new physical or digital purchases at full price.
Black Ops 7 is already seeing early discounts, and it comes at a time when Activision is rethinking how it handles the series. After the game seemingly failed to meet expectations, the company announced it would stop releasing Modern Warfare and Black Ops games in back-to-back years. For Activision, the goal is to give future releases more room to stand out and feel less repetitive.
Anyhow, players who bought the game for the full $70 price would probably feel hard done by this 50% discount just one month into the game’s lifespan. Are you going to grab this deal and get on the grind? Let us know in the comments, or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
