At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
EA previously announced that it would shut Anthem down on January 12, 2026.
As of today, the game has just six full weeks of life left.
Anthem will become completely unplayable in 2026 since it launched as an online-only title.
EA is no stranger to shutting down its older titles, with the likes of Need for Speed Rivals no longer being playable online. Earlier last year, the publisher also confirmed a similar fate for Anthem, the controversial multiplayer sci-fi title from BioWare.
With 2025 drawing to a close and the new year just days away, Anthem’s fate is now set in stone. In fact, the game just has a few more weeks of life left.
Why it matters: Despite its many weaknesses, many fans still appreciated Anthem for what it did well. Some fans even asked EA to save the title following this announcement.
Anthem Won’t Be Around For Too Long
On July 3, EA shared an official update regarding Anthem. The gaming giant noted that servers for Anthem would be pulled offline on January 12, 2026.
Because Anthem is an always-online title, this means that the game will be permanently unplayable following this update. Effectively, the sci-fi multiplayer title has just over six full weeks of life left.
EA’s statement implies that players who already purchased the game will not lose access to it. For context, Ubisoft did the opposite when it shut down The Crew’s servers last year, leading to immense backlash.
This news is most disappointing for those who stuck around and played Anthem despite all its problems. Soon, these players will have nothing to show for the hours spent in BioWare’s ambitious sci-fi universe.
Anthem Will Be Lost Forever
For those hoping to see Anthem survive, there is a small silver lining to the situation. Fans brought The Crew back from the dead, so a similar custom solution could ensure Anthem survives EA’s official closure.
However, for most people, Anthem will effectively be lost to the void of shut-down and disabled games forever, starting next month.
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.
Story Highlight
Borderlands 4 has failed to retain over 95% of its all-time peak Steam active players since launch.
The game had 304k peak Steam players at launch two months ago, and its last 24-hour peak only reached 13.8k.
Its launch was considered a success after boasting the highest all-time Steam peak in the franchise.
The game has suffered a massive drop-off in players, losing over 95% of its all-time active Steam peak in only two months and 20 days after launch. Only a couple of thousand users seem to be playing the game daily, a steep decline from its earlier grandeur figures.
Why it matters: Borderlands 4 lost nearly all its players due to a slew of problems despite Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford’s initial confidence in the game. In other words, the franchise’s historic launch is becoming irrelevant.
Borderlands 4’s active player count reflects dwindling interest in the game, only 2 months after launch.
As recorded by Steam tracker SteamDB, Borderlands 4’s all-time peak of 304,398 plunged to a 13,815 player count in the last 24 hours. This disparity means that the RPG has lost almost all its fans since its eventful launch.
One might argue that it’s expected for a single-player experience, but multiple other single-player RPGs at a similar price range have retained way more players over the years, let alone just two months.
Many found Borderlands 4 to be overpriced compared to its predecessors. This led to a drop in sales and loss of players after the initial hype died down.
Borderlands 4 has also been criticized for its performance.
The RPG was also loaded with performance issues that made the game nearly unplayable for users across multiple platforms. Additionally, a lack of interesting post-launch content also influenced many players to quickly move on to other games.
The project will likely only see an increase in players after the major DLC packs start coming out next year.
Do you think Borderlands 4 will see a resurgence in players after one of the major updates in the future, or is the game already being forgotten? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
The AI boom has driven RAM prices up exponentially.
As such, RAM kits are now being reported stolen by many.
A 64GB DDR5 kit costs the same as a PS5, and this trajectory only hints at bleaker times coming for PC builders.
We’re certainly living in strange times, with the rise of AI contributing to a global chip shortage that’s hitting the consumer market hard. Specifically, the DRAM shortage has driven RAM prices to outrageously high levels, making them as valuable as gold.
As a result, RAM kits are now being reported stolen. This bizarre news came from a user on Reddit who posted that their parcel disappeared somewhere between delivery and dispatch.
Why it matters: Upgrading or buying a new PC has become practically impossible for most due to artificial inflation caused by the AI boom. This shortage is expected to last throughout 2027, and this is just the start of worse things to come.
Funnily enough, the parcel was delivered 300 miles from his home at 4:15 AM, which is an unusual time for delivery. Fortunately, the user has now received a refund from the seller. However, numerous other users worldwide have reported similar cases.
Most are either receiving empty boxes or their deliveries are marked without even receiving a package at their doorstep. Since RAM and most other PC components are tremendously expensive these days and arrive in smaller packaging, stealing them seems rather convenient.
For those who plan to buy PC components anytime soon, we recommend ordering them in nondescript shipping, which keeps them in unmarked packaging and reveals nothing about their contents, ultimately keeping them safe.
Also, ensure you record yourself opening these boxes, just in case they don’t have your orders inside, to be on the safe side and have enough proof to warrant a refund.
Not just PC builders, but AIB partners are also affected and told by Nvidia to source VRAM on their own following this deficit. Furthermore, the Xbox Series consoles are set to face another price bump soon.
As Tech4Gamers’ Wiki Editor, I dissect gaming products, offering detailed perspectives on a variety of PCMR hardware ranging from the Best Motherboards and CPUs to the Best GPUs, RAM, and PSUs.
Story Highlight
AI Data Centers are drastically driving RAM demand, causing manufacturers like Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix to max out their production lines.
Consumer-grade RAM prices have more than doubled since September, and the situation is likely to get worse as OEMs’ safety stocks are bound to run out in 2026.
RAM, SSDs, and GPUs will be subject to supply-demand mismatches as brands like Samsung and AMD formally announce price hikes due to scarcer quantities, whereas Nvidia stops supplying VRAM to AIBs.
Redirected Resources: Why Your Next PC Is Losing The RAM War
Right now, behind the scenes, a massive and quiet struggle for memory is underway.
To begin with, major OEMs; the household names like Asus, MSI, Lenovo, and Dell are in a frantic race to secure their share of a rapidly shrinking pie.
They aren’t just ordering what they need for next month; they’re stockpiling. They’re building inventories in a desperate attempt to insulate themselves from the inevitable drought.
The cause? An astronomical surge in demand from data centers worldwide, primarily thanks to OpenAI’s Stargate Project, which is estimated to consume up to 40% of total DRAM output.
These vast server farms are the engines of the AI revolution, and they are voraciously consuming two specific types of memory: High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for training complex AI models and RDIMMs for the servers that run them.
Consequently, the production lines at giants like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are being re-routed. Wafers that would have gone into the DDR5 sticks for your next gaming PC are now being allocated to multi-billion-dollar tech corporations.
The priorities have shifted, and we, the consumers, are about to become collateral damage.
The Manufacturer’s Dilemma: Record Profits And Paralyzing Fear
Meanwhile, the memory manufacturers are caught in a paradox of their own making.
On one hand, they are reaping record-high earnings and profits. The laws of supply and demand are working spectacularly in their favor, for now.
Prices for DDR5-6000 32 GB RAM Kits have nearly quadrupled in less than 18 months. (Image Credits – PCPartPicker)
You’d think the logical step would be to expand, to build new production facilities to capture this booming market. But they are wary, and frankly, I understand their hesitation.
Many industry experts are loudly sounding the alarm about a potential AI bubble. They warn that the current breakneck investment and demand could be volatile, potentially leading to a sharp correction.
Therefore, manufacturers are therefore caught between cashing in on today’s gold rush and risking billions on new factories that could become white elephants if the bubble bursts. It’s a high-stakes gamble, and their hesitation has profound consequences.
The Inevitable Lag: You Can’t Wish A Fab Into Existence
Furthermore, even if they decided today to flip the switch and build, it would take memory manufacturers months, if not years, to construct new production facilities.
Case in point, Samsung recently announced its plan to build a new chip production plant in Pyeongtaek, South Korea as part of its $310.79 billion domestic investment deal that will be executed over the span of the next five years.
Unsurprisingly, Samsung estimated that the plant would commence operations in 2028, which makes me wonder what’s going to happen until then.
Adding on, Micron is also not far behind as it just announced its $9.6 billion plan to build a dedicated HBM fab in Hiroshima which is expected to become operational in 2028 akin to Samsung’s upcoming Pyeongtaek-based production line.
Needless to say, this inherent lag time showcases that even a sudden, decisive move to increase supply might prove too late to avert the shortage that is already locking its sights on 2026.
Unfortunately for us, the delay is baked into the system.
The Domino Effect: Widespread Industrial Inflation
The panic is already manifesting in tangible ways. Samsung has already announced up to a 60% price hike across its RAM lineups where 16GB and 32GB DDR5 RAM are now being sold at a contractual price of $135 and $240, up from roughly $70 and $140, respectively speaking.
Moving on, AMD is also planning to raise its GPUs’ collective prices by at least 10% thanks to the surge in memory pricing, according to this report from Taiwan’s UND.
What’s even more shocking is that Nvidia has supposedly stopped supplying VRAM with their GPU Dies to AIBs, i.e., board partners must now source VRAM themselves.
Nvidia has reportedly halted VRAM supply to its board partners. (Image Credits – Golden Pig Upgrade via Weibo)
Moreover, I’m hearing reports that manufacturers are now venturing into the spot market to buy RAM in order to guarantee smooth operations for 2026, regardless of the massively inflated prices.
In fact, if you’ve shopped for RAM recently, you’ve already witnessed the first tremors. For example, the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB CL30, i.e., the Best AMD EXPO RAM as per our testing will now run you $380 for a 32 GB DDR5-6000 kit as compared to its all-time low price of $205.
The G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB is one of the Best DDR5 RAM Kits that money can buy. (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
On top of that, retailers such as those based in Japan are now limiting the sales of RAM modules amongst other PC parts on a per-customer basis as per this report from Akiba PC Hotline.
This is a direct tactic to prevent hoarding and scalping, a clear sign that the market is becoming dangerously strained.
Global RAM Shortage: A Pipeline Running Dry
As I look ahead, the PCMR’s pathway seems to be littered with higher prices, limited choices, and frustrating delays when it comes to RAM, SSDs, and even GPUs.
The data centers’ thirst is unquenchable, the manufacturers are paralyzed by profit and fear, and the clock is ticking down to 2026.
We might see a brief respite thanks to manufacturers’ stockpiling in advance and maintaining buffer inventories, but they will deplete sooner than later.
My advice? Don’t wait. If you’ve been considering a RAM purchase, the time to act was probably yesterday.
As a Senior Hardware Reviewer at Tech4Gamers with over a decade of hands-on experience, I dive deep into benchmarking GPUs, CPU coolers, and motherboards, pushing hardware to its limits. Passionate about overclocking and fine-tuning performance.
We previously reviewed one of their memory modules, the KLEVV Urbane V RGB 32GB 6000MT/s CL28, and were thoroughly impressed by its performance and compact design. It stood as one of the best-performing modules we’ve tested. Now, Klevv is taking things a step further with its new Cras V RGB memory. Cras V not only offers a thicker heatsink but also the lowest RAM latency and potentially better overclocking potential, which is sure to intrigue performance enthusiasts. This RAM is designed for those who want the best memory performance out of the box. However, our memory has CL28 latency, but they also have CL26 in the lineup at 6000 MT/s.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Sheikh is one of our most senior and experienced hardware reviewers. He loves spending hours (sometimes days) in his lab testing and comparing different GPUs, CPUs, coolers, and more.
70+ RAM tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
200+ hours spent testing different RAM kits for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
The CRAS V RGB series is available in a variety of timing and frequency configurations ranging from 6000MT/s to 8400MT/s, with capacities of 32GB (16×2), 24GB (24×2), and 64GB (32GB x 2). However, it’s important to note that 64GB kits are not offered at speeds of 7200MT/s or higher. At those frequencies, only 32GB and 48GB kits are offered.
In this review, we are looking at the 32GB (16GB x 2) 6000MT/s CL28, a dual-channel kit that supports EXPO and Intel XMP 3.0. Let’s talk about the specifications.
Category
Specifications
Speed
6000 MT/s
Capacity
32GB (16GB x 2)
Primary Timings
28-36-36-76
DRAM Components
Hynix-A, 16GB A-die
EXPO Support
Yes
XMP 3.0 Support
Yes
Dimensions (L x W x H)
133.3 (L) x 44 (W) x 8 mm (H)
Features
High End Binning, Futuristic Tone-on-Tone Design, RGB , Low Clearance , Aluminum Heatsink
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
[toc]
What Makes KLEVV CRAS V RGB 32GB (16×2) DDR5-6000 CL28 Kit Different?
CRAS V is Klevv’s high-performance and overclocking line, focusing on the highest speeds and the lowest possible latency, with RGB features. We have reviewed their previous Urbane V series, which was fast; however, the CRAS V is even better thanks to its large heatsink, which improves heat dissipation.
This RAM offers a base latency of CL28, one of the fastest available on the market at this frequency. It’s slightly larger than Urbane V by 2mm. Still, this increase in size is due to the large, superior aluminum heat spreader compared to its siblings, which makes sense, as with such fast speeds and lowest timings, you need better heat transfer across the module, which could also improve signal integrity on the PCB.
Packaging
Let’s take a look at the packaging.
Front – KLEVV CRAS V RGB
Back – KLEVV CRAS V RGB
The RAMs come in cardboard packaging. The rendered image of the memory is visible on the front of the box, in the top corner. The box also mentions the capacity and transfer speeds. The Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO compatibility badges are also visible, indicating this RAM is compatible with both platforms. On the back of the box, it also highlights the RAM features.
Unboxing – KLEVV CRAS V RGB
Upon unboxing, the memory is securely packed in a sealed plastic tray. However, the RAM does not include any other accessories, such as a manual, a warranty card, or stickers.
Closer Examination & Build Quality
Taking a closer look at the sticks.
KLEVV CRAS V RGB
KLEVV CRAS V RGB
Klevv CRAS V RGB features a matte black aluminum body, which strikes a balance between form and function, as this RAM is only 44mm tall. It also houses a 10-layer PCB and a Hynix-A ICs, which Klevv calls “Strictly Selected IC” in their specifications. Under the shroud, each module is composed of 2GB x 8 memory ICs, which is standard for the DDR5-16GB module.
The aluminum frame has a thickness of 2mm. On the back side, there is also a sticker that reveals the speeds and timings of this RAM. However, we don’t see the linear grooves on the heat sink as we have seen in the Urbane V series. I liked that design a lot, though, in this ram it’s missing.
There is also a branding “CRAS V RGB” carved in chrome finish lettering on the heat spreader towards the top center on each stick; the Klevv logo is also prominent on the bottom corner in a darker tone.
KLEVV CRAS V RGB
KLEVV CRAS V RGB
If we look at the top, the RAM features the hollow linear design, the defuser bar runs the full length of the top heat spreader, and it also has the Klevv branding on the defuser.
RAM Timings and Further Details
Let’s begin with the primary timings: this RAM offers a base latency of CL28 at a transfer speed of 6000 MT/s. The timings seem identical to those of their Urbane V RGB CL28 6000MT/s that we reviewed earlier. We report no change in timings whatsoever, so my complaint remains the same: secondary timing is still loose, and tertiary timing is loose, leaving the juice on the table. However, these timings can easily be customized.
DRAM Details
Timings
The tRFC could have been better here; a couple of other timings will be adjusted in our tuned memory results. Thankfully, these RAM modules use Hynix ICs, which are heaven for overclocking. Upon closer inspection, the DRAM carries the part number H5CG48AEBDX018, indicating it’s a Hynix-A die and paired with the Richitek RTQ5132GQWF PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit), which handles on-module power regulation for DDR5. Each module is composed of 2GB x 8 Memory ICs and manufactured in October 2025.
RAM Overclocking
We have overclocked the transfer speeds and adjusted a few loose timings. Although this overclock may be aggressive, it also demonstrates the potential of this memory. Here is what we did: first, we increased the memory transfer speed to 6200MT/s and adjusted a few timings, such as tRAS, tRC, tRFC, and tREFI, to stabilize these timings at the desired frequency. To do so, we increased the voltage slightly from 1.4V to 1.45V. We feel there is more room for overclocking and tuning, but that would be time-consuming and would cause more stability issues. All the benchmark charts also include the tuned results.
Here is the structured table of what we have tuned.
Timing/Speed
EXPO
Adjusted Timings
Transfer Speed
6000 MT/s
6200 MT/s
tRAS
76
32
tRC
112
68
tRFC
884
421
tREFI
11677
50000
RGB Lighting
Let’s take a look at the RGB.
ARGB
The lighting on this ram is well diffused; you can see a smooth, continuous glow rather than individual LED hotspots. The LEDs on this RAM are capable of a wide range of colors. The light bars also span most of the ram height, and they don’t appear cut off from any angle. The Klev branding can also be observed on the defuser. Overall, it’s a modern design that would appeal to many users.
Testing Methodology
How Do We Test Rams:
We test the RAMs in various workloads, including synthetic, gaming, and real-world productivity tests, as AIDA memory bandwidth benchmark alone is not sufficient. Rams can be complicated at times, as faster speeds do not always translate into better performance. Therefore, we have tested various software to evaluate the performance of the RAMs.
Gaming Performance:
We have two popular games in our suite, and we’re intentionally running them at slightly more CPU-bound scenarios to see how much their performance scales with memory. Most of the time, the average FPS won’t scale as you’d like, but minimum frames, such as 1% lows, can significantly impact the gaming experience. The faster rams with the lower timings can generally smooth out the frame time graphs.
Preparing System:
We test the RAMs at the EXPO or DOCP at the stock voltages and timings.
We use the stock BIOS configuration, so memory context restore (MCR) / latency killer are enabled by default on the AM5 platform for the base benchmarks. However, while tuning the CPU or Memory, we might turn off some features, such as MCR, to achieve the highest performance possible.
In Windows, we have disabled certain security features, including Core Isolation/Memory Integrity, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), as these can occasionally impact system performance and increase latency.
The CPU and GPU are operating at the stock configuration.
We’ll first check the RAM’s speed in raw numbers. Overclockers and enthusiasts generally use AIDA64 to validate memory tuning or performance.
AIDA64
AIDA 64 Bandwidth
AIDA 64 Latency
Test – Office Productivity
PCMark 10 benchmarks overall system performance in real-world workloads, such as browsing, video conferencing, and Application start-up. Also, it tests Microsoft Office workloads, including Excel and PowerPoint. Faster RAMs can have an impact on productivity performance.
PCMark10 Applications
PCMark10
Test – Compute Performance
When you talk about RAMs, most people would only think of bandwidth and latency, as AIDA64 shows. Faster RAMs may yield better scores, such as higher bandwidth, but can those bandwidth scores translate into real-world performance? That’s where compute tests come in to see how fast the CPU can access the data in the memory.
Cinebench 2024 – MT Scores
Cinebench 2024
Based on Maxon’s Cinema 4D Rendering Engine, this tool measures how fast your CPU can render a complex scene. However, faster RAM can make a slight difference in the scores.
Y-Cruncher – Pi 2.5b Digits
Y Cruncher
Y-Cruncher can push the CPU and memory to their limits. This tool is very effective as it demonstrates how the system performs in extreme scientific/computational workloads. Y-Cruncher’s primary function is to calculate mathematical constants to a vast number of digits, which can simultaneously stress the CPU and memory. It’s an excellent tool for testing memory stability.
3D Mark CPU Profile – Max Threads
CPU Profile
3DMark CPU Profile is an excellent tool for testing CPU Cores and Threads. However, faster RAMs can improve scores as the processor needs to access more data from memory in a multi-threaded workload, but the difference won’t be massive.
Test – Gaming
1920×1080 – Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk-2077
1920×1080 – Counter Strike 2
CS2
In CS2, we removed the other RAMs from the charts due to frequent game updates that have caused some performance regression. In the future, we will add the other rams for comparison.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅ You Want the Best Possible Performance Out Of The Box: This RAM offers a CAS latency of only CL28 at a transfer rate of 6000 MT/s, delivering excellent gaming performance and smoother responsiveness in everyday tasks.
✅ You Need A Compact Design: This RAM is only 44mm tall, which will not interfere with large CPU air coolers.
✅ You Need RAM That Overclocks Well: We have seen up to a 15% improvement in FPS at 1% Lows.
Don’t Buy It If
❌If You’re On A Tight Budget: This is a premium RAM, targeted towards enthusiasts, and the lowest timings or higher transfer speeds might not benefit everyone. Spend the extra money on the GPU or CPU instead.
Final Thoughts
These RAM kits are very hard to find these days due to limited availability and low inventory at the store level, which affects our conclusion and final thoughts on their value. However, let’s focus on their features and performance. This RAM comes with tight primary timings (CL28, 6000 MT/s) and can be overclocked to 6200 MT/s at the same CAS latency with minor timing adjustments, resulting in up to a 15% performance improvement. However, your mileage may vary, as not all chips are created equal.
On the EXPO profile, the RAM performed very well across our benchmark suite. Despite its tighter timings, we had no stability issues at the EXPO profile. If you’re a high-FPS gamer, this RAM might be an excellent option, but again, the question is whether you should invest in it, given its availability and pricing that are going out of hand.
Klevv uses HYNIX ICs in our memory, which are known for excellent overclocking performance. We also appreciate the minimalist design approach. However, the RAM is only 2mm taller than the Urbane V ARGB from Klevv that we have tested before. Still, it fits most ITX builds without any interference.
Design-wise, there are small details, such as the ‘CRAS V RGB’ branding, which is carved in chrome finish on the heat spreader. The RAM also supports ARGB and features the hollow linear Design. The defuser bar runs the full length of the heat-spreader. Now coming back to the value, the RAM was available for retail at $105 USD on the release.
However, it’s unlikely you’ll find this RAM at that price nowadays due to shortages and limited availability. We generally don’t recommend spending much over the original cost, but if you can find this RAM for only a little more than its launch price, I’d call it a day.
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.
Story Highlight
CDPR says it has figured out the Unreal Engine 5, reducing development cycles.
This will allow them to release the next The Witcher trilogy within 6 years.
The Witcher 4, for now, is expected to release somewhere in 2027 or later.
Almost 10 years after The Witcher 3 arrived, CD Projekt Red surprised everyone by announcing the sequel. The reins have been handed over to Ciri as the main protagonist, and just like Geralt’s games, this will be another trilogy.
CDPR has revealed that the wait between the games won’t be long at all, as they plan to release the next The Witcher trilogy in a time span of just 6 years, which will be incredible if it actually happens.
Why it matters: The Polish studio does take its sweet time with its AAA titles. Cyberpunk 2077 took so many years to develop; even The Witcher 3 took about 4 years, so releasing all in 6 years will be something fresh.
CDPR aims to launch all of the Witcher 3 trilogy within 6 years
In a Q&A session that followed the studio’s Q3 report, the joint CEO of CDPR, Michał Nowakowski, discussed the development cycle for the next Witcher games. He says they’re now 4 years into developing the Witcher 4 using Unreal Engine 5.
Our plan still is to launch the whole trilogy within a six-year period, so yes, that would mean we would plan to have a shorter development time
– Michał Nowakowski
They have now cracked the code with the engine and are well-versed with all its features and tech. He is confident that the next Witcher trilogy will be released within 6 years, so a much shorter development period.
The studio showed its work on the Unreal Engine 5 with a tech demo
Now, there is no doubting CDPR’s prowess; we did see the work they’ve done with Unreal Engine 5 with the tech demo they released. It was reportedly running on a base PS5 at 60 FPS, which is a huge step up for the engine.
However, the studio has struggled with optimization issues in the past, as seen with Cyberpunk. So, if they do take the shorter development route, and games end up unoptimized, it wouldn’t be a good look for them.
What are your thoughts on CDPR stating that the next The Witcher trilogy will be released within 6 years? 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.
Story Highlight
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake will feature an enhanced open world with a Shadows-like weather system.
The game will feature combat similar to modern AC RPGs, with a loot system and character stats.
Ubisoft has reduced other RPG elements from the remake due to poor reception after leaks in the past.
Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag Remake is one of Ubisoft’s worst-kept secrets, being nearly confirmed at this point. Many scoops have come out since its existence was discovered, suggesting that the studio is designing its gameplay similarly to modern AC titles.
New details now reveal that the remake will have an enhanced open world much closer to Shadows than its original counterpart. In other words, it will allegedly have a Shadows-like weather system and an improved map that is filled with more activities and content.
Why it matters: Ubisoft is aiming to reimagine the Black Flag remake through an RPG scope instead of being faithful to the original, which has upset many fans.
These tidbits come from content creator and insider J0nathan, who reiterates that the game’s combat and loot mechanics will resemble modern AC RPG titles.
However, Ubisoft has apparently reduced many other RPG elements from the remake after the overwhelmingly negative response to the original leaks about 3 months ago.
Older leaks revealed that the remake will not feature any loading screens. It will also replace the modern-day content with extra storyline from Edward’s pirate era. More cut content, like parts of Mary Read’s storyline, is also rumored to appear.
The performance of the Black Flag remake could make or break the future of the franchise.
The remake is more of a faithful reimagining with a budget smaller than Resident Evil 2 or Silent Hill 2 remakes.
We can expect Ubisoft to reveal the Black Flag remake at The Game Awards 2025 show, with rumors suggesting a release window around March 2026.
On a side note, the publisher is allegedly developing another AC remake simultaneously. It is rumored to be a remake of the original Assassin’s Creed and is anticipated to launch near the end of the decade.
Do you think Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag Remake will live up to the expectations of fans with all these modern changes, or will it end up as a failure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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.
Story Highlight
Intel might start building chips for Apple again, but this time only as the factory (foundry), rather than as the designer.
This partnership would likely start with the next generation of processors, specifically the M7 series expected around 2027.
Apple is looking at using Intel’s 18A-P manufacturing process for these chips.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known analyst with contacts to Apple’s supply chain, believes Intel might manufacture future CPUs for Apple’s M-Series family. This means Intel will develop the next generation of SoCs to power Apple’s laptops and desktops. As a result, if Apple sticks to its launch schedule, Intel may be behind the future M7 processor series.
With this, Intel will be together with Apple once again. It is worth remembering that Apple created its own chips based on the ARM architecture to replace Intel processors. And it must be admitted that this was one of Apple’s best moves in history.
They’ve used it to make extremely powerful laptops with some of the highest energy efficiency on the market, which is no minor feat. Intel and Apple’s paths will cross again, but this time with Intel working as a foundry, bringing to life the company’s future chips with the bitten apple logo.
According to these reports, Apple is considering commissioning Intel to manufacture its entry-level M-Series CPUs beginning in 2027. Given the schedule, this would involve producing Apple M7 chips. Since “entry-level” is mentioned, it’s pretty likely that Apple will employ TSMC for its Apple M7 Pro and Max variants, utilizing Intel’s innovative 18-angstrom manufacturing process, better known as Intel 18A-P.
Analysts suggest that Intel and Apple have already signed a confidentiality agreement. With this collaboration, Apple has gained access to an early version of the Intel 18A-P node development kit. The stable version of the kit is planned for release in early 2026.
If all goes as planned, Intel’s initial chips could ship in the second and third quarters of 2027, possibly coinciding with the Apple M7.
For context, the Apple M3 was released in October 2023, the Apple M4 in May 2024, and the Apple M5 in October 2025. As a result, the Apple M6 should come no earlier than mid-2026, with the Apple M7 following in October or late 2027. This corresponds to the delivery timetable for the first batch of Apple M-Series CPUs made by Intel.
The expected annual production volume ranges between 15 and 20 million chips. This would minimise their dependence on TSMC while also lowering the manufacturing costs of their most basic chip, which is used in laptops, desktops, and even tablets.
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 Expedition 33 team is still in disbelief that they’ve equalled Baldur’s Gate 3’s awards.
Both titles won 7 awards at the Golden Joystick Awards.
The actors involved in the game praise the studio and the love they put into the game.
Sandfall Interactive is just fresh from multiple award wins at the Golden Joystick Awards 2025, including the Ultimate GOTY for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the team is still in awe. They’ve also managed to equal Baldur’s Gate 3’s wins at the venue.
Expedition 33 team stated that all this is ‘quite surreal’ as they never expected all those awards, and as the game equals the highly successful Baldur’s Gate 3′s record. They just made a game they liked and thought fans would too.
Why it matters: Expedition 33 bagged 7 awards at the Golden Joystick, winning in every category it was nominated in, and equalling the number of awards Larian’s critically acclaimed RPG won.
Expedition 33 has equalled Baldur’s Gate 3’s 7 wins at the Golden Joystick Awards.
Speaking to Radio Times Gaming, Art Director Nicholas Maxson-Francombe stated that the team never intended to win all these awards; they just wanted to create something enjoyable, but it exceeded expectations.
We never intended for all these awards, we just wanted to make a game that we thought that we liked
– Nicholas Maxson-Francombe
Actress Devora Wilde, who had roles in both games, praised Sandfall, stating she’s shocked they’ve already won this many awards, just a couple of years after Baldur’s Gate 3’s humongous success.
Baldur’s Gate 3 was the most successful release of 2023.
After Baldur’s Gate 3, I didn’t think we’d be in this position so soon, and so it’s absolutely wild to be here
– Devora Wilde
Other actors, including Ben Starr and Aliona Baranova, also praised the studio and the love they’ve put into the game. Expedition 33 is a magical adventure that continues to do well, and it is also expected to sweep its TGA nominations as well.
What are your thoughts on the Sandfall team in shock at equalling Baldur’s Gate 3’s award wins? 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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AMD has confirmed the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a refreshed version of the 9800X3D.
Most of the specs remain the same, but it boosts clock speeds by 400 MHz.
It is expected to be officially launched at CES 2026 alongside the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.
AMD has been dominating the gaming CPU market in recent years. Specifically, its 3D V-cache offerings deliver the best gaming performance available, and it seems the company is ready to launch the subsequent iterations.
While not a formal announcement, AMD has confirmed the Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU on its website, an even faster version of its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the company’s best-selling CPU of all time.
Why it matters: Since AMD’s 3D V-cache processors are already ruling the gaming space, even faster versions of their chips will undoubtedly push them further ahead of Intel.
AMD’s official support page has confirmed the Ryzen 7 9850X3D.
There were rumors that AMD would soon reveal updated versions of its CPUs. The webpage for the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is now live, and it reportedly provides a decent upgrade over the last one.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has a base clock of 4.7 GHz, boosting up to 5.2 GHz. The new iteration will keep the base frequency the same but feature a 400 MHz increase, bringing it to a whopping 5.6 GHz.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D is AMD’s best-selling chip of all time
The rest of the specs look pretty similar, with both featuring 8-core and 16-thread 3D V-cache technology. TDP is the same up to 120W, but since the 9850X3D offers higher clock speeds, it will be more efficient.
AMD is also expected to drop Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, its top-of-the-line gaming CPU, but that isn’t official yet. The formal announcements are expected at CES 2026, set to take place in just a few months.
What are your thoughts on the Ryzen 7 9850X3D? Will you be upgrading? 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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Dan Houser says he left Rockstar Games due to the long and tough development cycles.
He stated that he was fatigued after so many years and couldn’t continue like that.
He later found another studio, Absurd Ventures, which is set to release a novel soon.
It is no secret that AAA game development is a long and cumbersome process. Games can take years and years to complete, which at times puts a lot of pressure on developers, leading to burnout and exhaustion.
Rockstar co-founder says he left the company because of this, as GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 took so many years to develop. He doesn’t think he has any more of those games in him, so he left the studio.
Why it matters: Developing major AAA titles means you are bound to them for so many years, and you’re locked out of anything else. This wasn’t something the Rockstar co-founder wanted to continue.
Red Dead Redemption 2 had a development cycle of about 8 years.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Dan Houser went candid about the reasons he left Rockstar Games in 2020. That was a big moment for the studio, as Houser is credited for almost every title the studio has ever released.
The scale of the last couple (GTA 5 and RDR 2) was beyond any imagining. The projects take a long time to make. I don’t know if I had another one of those games in me.
– Dan Houser
He stated that the scale of GTA 5 and RDR 2 was beyond their imagination. He added that he leveraged the talents of many people during development, which was why he stayed at the studio for so long.
GTA 6 has taken 13 years to develop, which is what Houser wanted to avoid.
However, he was fatigued by the cycle and didn’t have the energy to do more. After leaving, Houser founded a new studio, Absurd Ventures, which is set to release a new novel, A Better Paradise, next year.
Houser did make the right call in the end, as GTA 6 has now been in development for 13 years, which goes against his ideology, but considering how pivotal he has been in all projects, we hope GTA 6 captures the same magic.
What are your thoughts on the Rockstar founder leaving the studio due to lengthy development cycles? 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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Metal Gear producer Noriaki Okamura has revealed that Konami is unsure about where the IP is heading next.
The producer has said that the next title can be a remake or a new entry.
According to Okamura, a remake of MGS4 will be difficult due to the game’s complex code.
However, the IP’s future remains uncertain, with Konami not sharing any details about where Metal Gear is headed. If you ask franchise producer Noriaki Okamura, that is because even the Japanese company is unsure.
Why it matters: Metal Gear is one of the most influential names in the gaming industry, so one can only hope that Konami will get its bearings in order and figure out its future.
Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake launched successfully despite performance issues.
In an interview with Real Sound, Okamura stated that Konami is still considering what comes next for the Metal Gear franchise. The nature of future projects is undetermined, and it could be a remake or a new mainline entry, according to Noriaki Okamura.
Right now, we’re still in the stage of thinking about what to make next. It could be another remake, or we might take on something entirely new.
But the producer commented that he would like to keep the momentum of new releases going, as it’s bringing in a new audience for Konami.
A remake of Metal Gear Solid 4 was also brought up in the discussion, with the producer claiming that making a modern version of the title will be a real challenge because the game’s code is very unconventional.
The producer also delved into how Konami is approaching remakes, explaining that the company doesn’t want to apply the Metal Gear Solid 3 formula to every game, as the series has a wide range of titles.
The Metal Gear franchise has been producing iconic titles for decades.
Do you think Konami should make a brand new Metal Gear title without Kojima? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.