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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Assassin’s Creed Shadows was criticized for integrating highly-priced microtransactions.
The game director defends them and states that they help them with updates and support.
Ubisoft has followed this monetization model for years and has been successful with it.
Monetization strategies in games have always been a topic of discussion within the gaming community. While some outright hate microtransactions in games, others are fine with them. Ubisoft has also given its stance on the model.
While microtransactions are associated with free-to-play games, Ubisoft includes them with its single-player titles as well, the recent example is Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game director defends this, saying it helps them support games.
Why it matters: The microtransactions in Ubisoft’s single-player titles are mostly purely cosmetic, so you don’t need to buy them at all; however, fans label them as a cash grab that doesn’t belong there.
In a recent interview with Access The Animus, Assassin’s Creed Shadows director Simon Lemay-Comtois defended the in-game microtransactions, saying that they use them to update and support the game.
The microtransactions in Shadows attracted a lot of flak, considering how expensive they are. The game has a battle pass costing up to $50, almost the same price as you can get the full game on discount.
Microtransactions, for all the flak it gets, it allows us to do the Isu stuff, the quest stuff, the parkour updates, all of it.
– Simon Lemay-Comtois
Its recent Attack on Titan collaboration also failed to hit the mark
This model, nonetheless, has worked for Ubisoft in recent years and continues to do so. The studio also previously stated that microtransactions make the games more fun, a claim most fans loudly disagree with.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ recent DLC also failed, and Ubisoft has decided to skip the 2nd one. Their last collaboration with Attack on Titan has also garnered negative responses, so the updates aren’t doing them much good either.
What are your thoughts on the director defending Ubisoft for adding microtransactions? 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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Xbox’s BioShock-inspired first-person RPG, Clockwork Revolution, is set to launch next year.
The tidbit was leaked via the LinkedIn profile of former senior writer and narrative designer Nathan Long.
The game is set in the vibrant steam-powered metropolis of Avalon, with an art style similar to BioShock.
Despite multiple 2025 game releases, many fans argue that Xbox still hasn’t done enough for its current-gen portfolio. However, the brand’s take on a BioShock-inspired RPG, Clockwork Revolution, is expected to turn things around for the best.
New evidence now suggests that the project is far closer to completion than we anticipated. The game appears to be aiming for a 2026 launch, as made clear by one of the game’s former lead developers, Nathan Long.
Why it matters: The evidence corroborates fan expectations about Xbox launching its BioShock-like first-person RPG next year, even if it’s already jam-packed full of releases.
Nathan Long has worked as a senior narrative designer and senior writer at inXile Entertainment.
Nathan’s LinkedIn profile reveals that Clockwork Revolution is set for 2026. He has worked as the senior writer, narrative designer, and lyricist for the game. Therefore, the release window is likely correct unless Xbox internally delayed the game since October 2025.
It’s also worth noting that Xbox has already shown about 7 minutes of Clockwork Revolution gameplay during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, which implies it was already quite far into development about half a year ago.
Clockwork Revolution is described as a ‘time-bending steampunk first-person RPG,’ where the protagonist discovers an invention that lets them travel back in time. The game takes place in the vibrant steam-powered metropolis of Avalon.
By traveling back to key moments, your interactions and choices will have a butterfly effect on the deep, narrative-driven world and characters of Avalon, causing them to change and react in unprecedented ways.
Clockwork Revolution caught the attention of many gamers because of its BioShock-inspired art style.
The game boasts the culmination of inXile Entertainment’s experience thus far, bringing deep RPG mechanics, full character creation, a branching dialog system, and a bunch of dark humor to the table.
Do you think Clockwork Revolution will live up to the hype and expectations of fans, considering how much it resembles the BioShock series? 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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Assassin’s Creed Origins actor Bayek has criticized the collaboration between AC Shadows and Attack on Titan.
He thinks the new collaboration is completely whacky and makes no sense for either franchise.
Ubisoft is known for teaming with unexpected IPs for its AC titles, such as the Final Fantasy and Origins crossover.
AC Shadows has been a hit or miss, depending on who you ask. While the game satisfied many players, it still lacks the oomph that the classic entries were praised for. However, Ubisoft is doing its best to keep players’ interest alive in the game with major updates.
One of these updates includes an unexpected collaboration with Attack on Titan. However, the popular AC Origins Bayek actor is unhappy with the partnership, calling it a completely ‘whacky’ experience that does not suit the game.
Why it matters: The AC Origins actor is reflecting the sentiment of many fans who argue that Ubisoft is not taking Shadows seriously anymore, as the new Attack on Titan crossover makes no narrative sense.
Assassin’s Creed Origins actor Bayek thinks the new collaboration between Shadows and Attack on Titan is really odd.
On Twitter, Bayek actor Abubakar Salim says the new collaboration is completely nonsensical for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. He believes it takes away from the serious undertones of the game, as it makes no sense for the Titans to appear in feudal Japan.
Abubakar also found the Final Fantasy crossover with Origins borderline mad when it happened, so this one is beyond acceptable for him.
Many fans have also criticized Shadows’ unpredictable collaboration with Attack on Titan, bashing Ubisoft for not choosing a more conventional series like Nioh.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has also been criticized for a mediocre story.
Ubisoft has been exploring weird crossovers for a while in Assassin’s Creed games, so we can expect more bizarre crossovers for Shadows in the future.
Do you think the new Attack on Titan collaboration does not suit Assassin’s Creed Shadows at all, or should the developers go for these wild partnerships in the future? 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.
[Press Release] Colorful has added three new micro-ATX boards to its B850 motherboard family: the CVN B850M ARK FROZEN, BATTLE-AX B850M-PLUS S WIFI7, and COLORFIRE B850M-MEOW WIFI7. These boards support AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 Series processors, deliver stronger power delivery, and introduce fresh design identities meant for gamers and creators.
The updated lineup focuses on faster networking, improved cooling, DDR5 support, and PCIe 5.0 storage, with each model offering a different style. The MEOW Series brings a clean white look with cat-themed elements, the CVN ARK FROZEN targets overclocking with high-phase power delivery, and the Battle-Ax model offers a sharp black design aimed at stable gaming performance.
COLORFIRE B850M-MEOW WIFI7
This model keeps the playful MEOW theme with a white heatsink, iridescent accents, and a themed BIOS. It uses a 10+2+1 phase power design with 55A DrMOS, supports high-speed DDR5 memory, and includes PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. Its 5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7 networking ensure smooth online performance, and a one-click BIOS update simplifies setup.
CVN B850M ARK FROZEN
Built for heavy workloads, this board features a 14+2+1-phase layout with 80A DrMOS and supports DDR5 speeds up to 8400 MHz. A hardware clock generator gives more tuning options, and its three M.2 slots help expand storage. It also offers 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and a frosted white design.
BATTLE-AX B850M-PLUS S WIFI7
This model features a bold black heatsink design and a 10+2+1 power-phase setup suited for high-end Ryzen CPUs. It includes PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, improved cooling armor, and 5G LAN + Wi-Fi 7 for competitive gaming.
These new boards show Colorful’s push to combine performance with clear visual identity, giving AMD builders stronger options for next-gen PCs.
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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Remedy has filed a trademark for Control Resonant.
With The Game Awards around the corner, the sequel could be revealed at the show.
However, this filing could also hint at the Control TV series Remedy has in production.
This past year has been highly challenging for Remedy, with its premium titles, such as Alan Wake 2 and FBC: Firebreak, failing to meet internal sales expectations.
Why It Matters: Remedy is a talented studio that has recently become the victim of bad luck. Hence, a sequel to Control is the perfect way for the developer to come back.
The Control Resonant trademark from Remedy.
Remedy has filed a trademark under the name Control Resonant on the official EUIPO website, which tracks most European intellectual properties. This trademark was filed by Nordia Attorneys, a law firm the studio has previously used to register its Max Payne series.
Remedy stated earlier this year that Control 2 is in full production and also revealed that the sequel is being made with a lower budget than Alan Wake 2. With The Game Awards around the corner, the timing of this trademark does feel a little convenient.
Control Resonant is also listed as a computer gaming software under the goods and services section of the trademark, further solidifying that this is indeed the sequel.
Control has earned universal acclaim from fans and critics alike.
However, this filing could also be about the Control TV Show in production from Remedy. Hence, nothing is specific as of yet. Still, the TGA could undoubtedly use a surprise reveal, considering how The Witcher 4 and Intergalactic are not going to debut any trailers at the award show.
Are you excited about a sequel to Control after the mess FBC: Firebreak turned out to be? Tell us in the comments below, or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion
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
Nvidia has reportedly stopped supplying VRAM with GPU dies amid memory shortage.
The tech giants previously used to bundle both these things together.
AI boom has caused a lot of issues that are affecting GPU manufacturing as well.
The tech industry is currently going through a major memory crisis. Amid the AI boom, a massive shortage has occurred, and prices have skyrocketed. This has even led to issues in GPU manufacturing as well.
A new report suggests that Nvidia has stopped supplying VRAM to GPU board partners. Typically, Nvidia used to bundle the GPU dies and VRAM together; however, now partners will have to source memory themselves.
Why it matters: The global memory shortage is affecting the entirety of the tech industry. After big increments in memory prices, GPU prices are expected to shoot up as well.
Nvidia no longer provides VRAM with the GPU die to AIB partners
Leaker Golden Pig Upgrade has revealed that with Nvidia stopping to supply VRAM, AIB partners are left to source memory on their own. For context, the tech giants don’t make memory themselves; they instead buy it from others.
These manufacturers include Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix, and others. All of these have their backlogs booked and reportedly aren’t even taking any new orders as they already have at least a year of orders in advance.
GPU prices could see a hike in the future as well
Since bigger AIB partners already have a lot of sources in the industry, this might not affect them much, but with the smaller ones, this could be hugely concerning. Nonetheless, this is how things currently stand.
Anyhow, Nvidia is yet to confirm this, so take this news with a grain of salt for the time being. We wouldn’t be surprised if it does turn out to be true, considering how bad things have been lately.
What are your thoughts on Nvidia stopping VRAM supply with GPU dies? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I work as a guides expert. My role involves writing about solving different gaming and tech-related topics that pique my interest and that I believe more people should know about. This position allows me to share my insights and discoveries with a broader audience, enriching their gaming experiences with the unique perspectives I bring.
Story Highlights
Despite Overwatch being responsible for popularizing the hero shooter genre, the game gradually died out.
The fundamental difference between Overwatch and Marvel Rivals was that the latter focuses on fun.
Overwatch isn’t a bad game, but Marvel Rivals focusing more on casual players makes it a lot more successful.
Everyone loves a good hero shooter, which is why so many studios have tried recreating the spark that Overwatch ignited upon release. Unfortunately, no matter how much Blizzard tried to revive Overwatch or how deeply games like Paladins tried to recreate that feel, the genre’s death seemed inevitable.
Marvel Rivals shows what the genre should’ve been doing years ago. It focuses on one thing above all else: the game should feel fun, even if that means giving up some balance in higher ranks. Here’s how the game revived a dying genre by focusing on things that should’ve been obvious.
Marvel Rivals Doesn’t Repeat Overwatch’s Fall
Overwatch Was One Of The Most Popular Games Of Its Time (Image Credits – Blizzard)
Overwatch didn’t crash because it turned bad. The game still has solid gameplay today, including new features like Perks, new maps, and new heroes. The present-day Overwatch isn’t bad by any means.
The problem was the game’s philosophy as a hero shooter. When you’re developing a live-service game, it’s a given that certain patches will have things that are too strong, be it characters or niche unintentional techs.
Having a single hero dominate the game isn’t good, so Blizzard did what any company should: rebalanced said newly overpowered thing, nerfing it to the ground to make the game better for everyone.
This seems like the right thing to do, and for the most part, it is. Unfortunately, being right isn’t always fun, and not every genre needs to be equally competitive.
How Marvel Rivals Manages To Be Fun
Ever Since Release, The Marvel Rivals Team Has Prioritized Fun Over Everything Else (Image Credits – Marvel)
Executive Producer Danny Koo from Marvel Games stated in a past interview, “This game is built to be more acceptable for casual play.”
To this end, Marvel Rivals features many characters that are quite frankly impossible to balance fully and wouldn’t work in any other game.
From a Spiderman pulling you off the map the moment you leave spawn to a Jeff catching your entire team in an Ultimate, some of these abilities don’t belong in a multiplayer game.
people just want to have fun at the end of the day – danny koo
Yet, somehow, each hero works. Even when certain characters feel too strong, it’s easier to get back into the game because the main purpose is to have fun. Each character has a couple of things that make them uniquely difficult to deal with, some that shouldn’t even belong to certain roles, like a flying tank Vanguard in Angela.
Hero Availability From The Start
No One Is Overpowered If Everyone Is (Image Credits – Marvel)
Another glaring edge Rivals has over Overwatch is how you unlock characters. In Overwatch, you don’t have the entire roster unlocked by default. This has an advantage, as it incentivizes players to put more hours into the game.
Unfortunately, the majority of any game’s player base will always consist of casuals. These casuals would want to try out new heroes and synergies, which is something that isn’t possible immediately with Overwatch 2.
This makes Marvel Rivals just an objectively more fun experience for people who are new to the game.
Changing Times
One factor that was perhaps out of Blizzard’s control was just how times change. Overwatch was one of the most fun games of its time, and it’s what popularized hero shooters as a genre. It did a lot of things right then, but now, the gaming landscape has changed.
Nowadays, people want shorter, faster games. Hero shooters in general are a lot more chaotic than games like Counter-Strike, and Overwatch certainly isn’t slow by any means, but it still can’t compete with how in-your-face matches in Marvel Rivals feel.
Is Overwatch Dead?
Overwatch 2 Had Its Lowest Player Count Following Marvel Rivals Launch (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)
As someone who got into Overwatch when the game first came out, I’d have to admit it might never see the glory it once had ever again. Despite that, the game still has everything that made it fun and much more, having improved on a lot of things that made me stop playing it.
I still occasionally play the game, but not nearly as much as I play Rivals. Unless Blizzard somehow fundamentally changes the game, it’s probably going to stay that way.
Lead the comparison and blog writing teams at Tech4Gamers.
Oversee teams with a keen eye for detail and precision.
Ensure hands-on writing, with benchmarks and testing as guiding principles.
Guarantee the delivery of the best possible results in concise yet impactful tech tales.
Story Highlights
Gaming headsets are good but not studio-grade.
Marketing tags such as “studio grade” or “broadcast quality” exaggerate their capabilities.
True studio-level headsets are tuned to offer better neutrality and audio quality.
Gaming headsets have evolved significantly from the flimsy accessories of the early 2000s. These days, almost every brand claims to have studio-grade sound, professional monitoring quality, and audiophile tuning. This, however, is not the case at all; most gaming headsets are not studio-grade, and no amount of branding, RGB lighting or boosted bass curves can change that fact.
Instead of trying to be something they are not and to compete with something entirely different, gaming headsets should embrace what they are. Gaming headsets are made for immersion, convenience, and team communication, rather than being studio-grade.
They Can’t Match Real Studio Equipment
Studio headsets are engineered with strict accuracy. They allow the user to trust what they hear by exposing flaws, highlighting mixing details, and delivering neutral sound.
Gaming headsets such as the Logitech G733 Lightspeed, on the other hand, are made specifically for entertainment purposes. The boosted base is designed to enhance immersion and to make the experience more fun for the user. These features make perfect sense for gaming, but go against what studio-grade means.
You see, most gaming headsets rely on smaller drivers, narrower soundstage designs, and closed-back construction, which tend to limit spatial precision. Even the most premium gaming headsets are all about the exaggerated audio that creates suspense and increases immersion. Calling these headsets studio-grade is misleading to consumers.
The Microphone Is Also Lacking
The same bad marketing issue persists with the microphones as well. Most brands promise “broadcast-quality voice clarity,” however, this is not the case. Gaming headsets use condenser capsules that help capture a narrow bandwidth signal. This is intended to enhance the user’s audio quality on Discord or during team coordination, not to replace a professional microphone setup.
Studio-grade headsets are much more advanced and offer depth, clarity, and detail that gaming headset mics can’t replicate. This is due to size limitations, power requirements, and acoustic design, which make studio microphones better. Marketing departments may claim that their gaming headset microphones are on par with studio microphones, but those who have used both know that the difference is night and day.
Gamers Don’t Even Need It
The funny thing is that gamers don’t even need studio-grade equipment in the first place. Competitive gamers require positional accuracy, comfort during long sessions, and low latency. Casual players need immersion, fun sound profiles, and wireless convenience. Neither of these groups actually benefits from that “studio-grade” promise.
A well-tuned gaming headset only needs a controlled base, clear mids, and enough high-end detail to make directional audio stand out for gamers. Headsets like XPG Precog Studio, though excellent, shouldn’t try to be something they’re not meant to be.
Studio-Gear is Better For Pure Audio Quality
For individuals who want pure audio fidelity, whether for music, editing, or other purposes, studio headsets remain unmatched. Even the most affordable studio-grade headset outperforms most expensive gaming headsets in terms of range, neutrality, and detail.
Pair this headset with a standalone microphone, and you get a setup that can easily beat most high-end gaming headsets on the market.
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO Studio Headset – Image Credits (Rtings)
The irony is that most streamers and professional players have already shifted to this setup. This is not because gaming headsets are unusable; it is because they do not meet the claim of studio-quality in real usage.
Professionals want something that complements their needs, not something that is trying to be everything at once. Regardless, if your goal is just immersion and entertainment, gaming headsets like the Corsair Wireless V2 Pro are the way to go.
Gaming headsets do not need to be studio gear; instead, they need to be the best gaming gear. Manufacturers should refrain from applying false labels to their products that do not accurately represent them, as this will help the entire product category. Clearer marketing will help consumers know what they are buying and choose the right product for their needs.
Gaming gear deserves its own category and should not borrow promises from the music industry. The sooner manufacturers accept what gaming headsets really are, the sooner they can evolve free from the pressure of being something that they were never meant to be.
Lead the comparison and blog writing teams at Tech4Gamers.
Oversee teams with a keen eye for detail and precision.
Ensure hands-on writing, with benchmarks and testing as guiding principles.
Guarantee the delivery of the best possible results in concise yet impactful tech tales.
Story Highlights
The high pricing of this gaming gear is mostly for the branding and sponsorships.
The technology that these Pro gear offer is good, but often hyped up.
Pro gamers use this sponsored gear due to business deals and to boost their marketing.
When it comes to the competitive gaming scene, every millisecond counts. The quest of manufacturers for even the slightest gaming advantage has led to a massive industry of gaming peripherals. From mice that promise fast flicks and responses to keyboards marketed with lightning-fast switches. The market is oversaturated with gaming peripherals having that “pro” or “Esports” label.
These peripherals are marketed with a premium price tag, giving aspiring gamers and amateurs the illusion that spending hundreds of dollars on these peripherals is the only way to climb the ranks. These pro-gaming gears are not as superior to standard gaming equipment, as most of the time, they are just hype and expert branding. Let’s dive right into the truth of pro-gaming gear.
Selling A Dream
The marketing strategy employed by these pro-gaming gear manufacturers is straightforward. They sponsor the world’s best players and teams, then they put their names and logos on their products and let the player/team wins speak for themselves.
When these Pro-players dominate at tournament games such as CS: GO and League of Legends, consumers automatically link their success with that product. To them, success equals having that product.
These products sell a dream, an identity, or the feeling of being part of an elite group. The reality, however, is that pro gamers are paid handsomely just to advertise this gear. They don’t give an honest review of what the product actually is, but rather exaggerate.
While the gear of choice may be a high-quality product such as the HyperX Cloud II headset, it’s essential to consider the context of preference.
Real Tech Vs Fake Hype
It would be wrong to say that pro gaming peripherals are sub-par. High-end gaming gear does include some real advantages that competitive gamers truly do benefit from. For example, a gaming mouse like the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT typically features a high-end optical sensor to accurately track hand movement, which is essential during FPS gaming.
It also features a much higher polling rate to eliminate lag. Similarly, gaming keyboards like the Womier SK75 TMR are equipped with high-quality switches that are designed for fast and consistent key presses.
XPG PRIMER RGB Gaming Mouse – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
This is where the truth unfolds. Mice shipped with 8,000Hz polling or a 30,000 DPI sensor may sound impressive and may even have the tech, but in all honesty, no one uses these extremes.
The difference between 1000Hz and 8000Hz polling is virtually indistinguishable for the majority of players. Manufacturers push these numbers not because gamers need them but because they need a selling point in an already saturated market.
Branding and The Illusion of Product Value
The difference between normal gaming gear and pro-gaming gear is just in the aesthetics and branding. These peripherals do not offer any better performance in most cases. RGB lighting, branded packaging, and special editions signed by esports players do not help at all when it comes to competitive gaming. It’s all done for the sake of marketing to grab more attention from consumers.
Consumers are not just paying for the device, but also for the strategic advertising and entire machinery behind the brand’s competitive image. This is exactly why mid-level gaming gear offers nearly identical performance to the so-called “Pro gear”. The internal components are often the same, but the marketing tax significantly boosts prices.
Do We Actually Need “Pro” Gear
At the end of the day, skills rise with practice, consistency, and comfort rather than with expensive branded equipment. The gear does indeed matter, but only up to a certain point. Once a gamer has a responsive mouse, a stable keyboard, and a comfortable headset, that’s already 90% of what they need.
Most Esports gamers do not even need Pro-gaming gear; they can do just as well with mid-tier gear. This shows that skills stem from hours of dedication and practice, rather than having branded gear.
Pro-gaming gear isn’t necessarily a scam, but the way it is often marketed is. To attain sales, companies often rely on the fantasy that success is tied to equipment. In reality, however, these products sell more of an identity than revolutionary technology that guarantees a win. At the end of the day, the best gear isn’t what your favourite Esports star is paid to use but what fits in your hand, your playstyle, and your budget.
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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EBL’s Focus Charger presents a sturdy and reliable option for those on the lookout for AA and AAA batteries.
The charger also comes with a handful of goodies, making for an interesting unboxing experience.
Currently, EBL is offering a slew of Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts to make the proposition all the more appealing.
Being environmentally friendly is a huge goal for almost every company today, and one easy way to serve the environment is to cut down on single-use batteries. Unfortunately, most devices still rely on batteries today, including gaming peripherals like mice, controllers, etc.
It’s clear, then, that getting rid of batteries altogether is not feasible, at least not right now. This is where the EBL Charger and its rechargeable AA and AAA battery sets come in.
We’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on the Focus Charger, and at first glance, it’s impossible not to admit this is an undeniably cool piece of kit.
The Focus Charger Is Built To Withstand Rough Use
For starters, the Focus Charger is incredibly sturdy, with recesses for both AA and AAA batteries. At the same time, it doesn’t feel tacky like other cheaper battery chargers we’ve used in the past.
The display showing how much charge each battery has left also ends up making the charger incredibly impressive. This element alone makes it superior to competitors, which usually sport a single light to indicate a full charge.
Of course, the batteries are no slouches either, as they last for hours on a single quick charge and outperform other rechargeable batteries.
Unboxing Experience
The Unboxing Experience Is Far From Basic
Let’s also discuss the unboxing experience. In addition to the main kit, EBL ships the charger with various pieces of merchandise and its mascot, Flik.
Moreover, the package comes with a bucket hat, wristband, magnet, pin badge, and a basic guide on using the box as a planter. This unboxing experience highlights the company’s commitment to staying environmentally sustainable. If this sounds interesting, the box can be brought through this link.
Black Friday And Cyber Monday
Black Friday Discounts Promise Big Savings
To make the deal even more appealing, EBL is currently running a Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion from November 13th to December 2nd. Ongoing bundle discounts promise savings of up to 55%.
Elsewhere, some deals offer buy one get one free options, and others use percentage reductions to increase the savings as the amount spent on products goes up. For example, a 15% discount on a product worth $60 can turn into a 20% discount when spending $100.
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
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not receive a second DLC on par with Claws of Awaji.
Ubisoft plans to support the game with smaller content pieces moving forward.
The team will use player feedback to judge how well this strategy will work for the future.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows received its first major piece of additional content last month, but the reception was not as positive as Ubisoft had hoped for.
The DLC was immediately met with a wave of negative reviews, with fans citing bugs and a slew of other technical issues. Although a second DLC was also in the works as a follow-up to Claws of Awaji, Ubisoft says it is no longer happening.
Why it matters: The gaming giant previously released multiple big DLCs for its RPGs, so Assassin’s Creed Shadows will end up being the exception to this rule.
In an interview with JorRaptor, Assassin’s Creed Shadows associate game director Lemay-Comtois revealed that a second expansion on the scale of Claws of Awaji is not happening for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
He highlighted that Ubisoft could still divert from these plans since the company has previously changed plans in major ways, with Assassin’s Creed Mirage being the biggest example of such a shift. However, fans should not expect such a DLC for the time being.
Moving forward with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft still plans on releasing post-launch content. The studio intends to keep things ‘small and reactive’ with the game, testing how audiences respond to this style of post-launch support.
At this moment, for year two, there is no expansion on the size of Awaji that is planned.
-Lemay-Comtois
AC Shadows Is Almost One Year Old Already
For future updates, therefore, fans should expect content like the parkour upgrades and Attack on Titan crossover. The team will then use player feedback to determine its next moves.
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
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was released in October after multiple delays.
It failed to capture the essence of the original, leading to a mixed reception.
It has led the publishers towards a write-down value of $37 million of capitalized development costs.
The first Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines was a very well-received game, so when Paradox Interactive announced the sequel, fans were quite excited. However, their excitement soon turned to disappointment when the title was finally released after multiple delays, to a mixed reception.
Fans complained that the sequel doesn’t replicate the magic of the first game and is an overall underwhelming experience. Paradox has taken the blame for this failure and now reveals it has suffered $37 million in losses.
Why it matters: The publishers expected the game to do a lot well, but since it didn’t meet the initial expectations, they’ve had to rearrange their targets, leading to a massive loss.
Vampire Bloodlines 2 couldn’t hit its forecasted sales number, leading to losses
Paradox has issued a financial note revealing a write-down value of 355 million SEK ($37 million) of capitalized development costs of Bloodlines 2. The money wasn’t lost in an instant but gradually throughout the development.
The forecast aims were a lot higher, and the sales didn’t even come close to the expectations. However, instead of blaming the developers, The Chinese Room, publisher Paradox has held itself responsible.
Fans Waited 2 Decades For This Sequel, Only To Be Let Down
For context, the IP was acquired by Paradox in 2015 and was handed over to Hardsuit Labs to develop a new title. Initially, the target was a 2020 release, but the studio was removed from the project because Paradox concluded it couldn’t deliver the game’s ambitious scope.
The Chinese Room then took charge of the project in 2021 and, after taking their sweet time, launched the title last month, which wasn’t anything the fans or the publisher expected. Even after this underwhelming launch, the publisher aims to make up to fans with post-release content, including two planned DLCs.
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