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COD: Black Ops 7 Sells 63% Fewer Copies At Launch Than Battlefield 6 In Europe

Story Highlight
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has unexpectedly sold 63% fewer units at launch compared to Battlefield 6 in Europe.
  • The game has also performed quite poorly compared to last year’s BO6, with 50% fewer copies sold. 
  • It has experienced similar low sales across the UK, along with poor ratings.

While Activision has hailed success for COD: Black Ops 7 in public, many industry reports paint a different and grim narrative. Whether it’s poor ratings, campaign criticism, or complaints about general gameplay, players have flamed BO7 for one reason or another.

New GSD data now shows that Black Ops 7 has had a mediocre launch across Europe. Its opening week sales have been so low that BO7 sold 63% fewer copies at launch compared to Battlefield 6. The latter has brought the series out of ruin with its immense success.

Why it matters: It’s been many years since Call of Duty faced true competition that directly impacted its performance and sales. BO7 has disappointed many fans with its repetitive gameplay paired with an erratic campaign. 

Call of Duty: Blacks Ops 7 vs. Battlefield 6 sales in Europe.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Has Sold 63% Fewer Copies Than Battlefield 6 in Europe.

As explained in analyst Christopher Dring’s new report, Black Ops 7 was not only crushed by unexpected competition but also failed significantly against its predecessor during launch week. The estimates found BO7 sold 50% less than last year’s BO6 

This GSD data covers both physical and digital releases but does not include downloads done through subscription services. It’s worth noting that, unlike Battlefield 6, Black Ops 7 is available through Game Pass, which is where a significant portion of its user base resides.

According to past reports, Black Ops 7 has also reportedly sold poorly across the UK region. It implies that the FPS had a rougher opening sales week globally compared to BF6 and BO6. 

Call of Duty Black Ops 7
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has disappointed both new and veteran series players.

This also becomes apparent when the day-one Steam player counts of BO7 and its predecessor are compared.

The signs of struggles were also noticeable during Black Ops 7’s beta period, where it failed to appear in Steam’s top 100 best-sellers list. Its pre-order numbers were also allegedly down compared to Black Ops 6.

On the flip side, Battlefield 6 dominated these metrics before launch and has now become the best-selling shooter game of the year yet. 

Do you think Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has sold significantly less than what Activision expected? Is Battlefield 6 the biggest reason behind its unexpectedly low sales? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

PlayStation Has Recorded A $1.2 Billion in Revenue From Steam Releases

Story Highlight
  • PlayStation has generated $1.5 billion from Steam sales, and $1.2 billion after Valve’s cut.
  • The highest-selling games have been Helldivers 2, followed by other releases.
  • Notably, the latest releases have severely underperformed compared to the originals.

PlayStation has now released almost all of its major franchises on PC, and some of them have been hugely successful. This is apparent from a new report that reveals the company has generated substantial revenue from the Steam releases. 

The latest report reveals that PlayStation has generated over $1.5 billion from Steam releases, and after Valve’s cut, it still pocketed a revenue of $1.2 billion, but primarily from the early ports. 

Why it matters: Sony previously stated that PC ports aren’t complicated to develop, so since they don’t spend too much on them, they make a great financial source to invest in newer games. 

PlayStation Steam Sales
PlayStation has recorded a revenue of $1.5 billion from Steam before Valve’s cut

According to Alinea Analytics, PlayStation has sold 43 million copies on Steam, with a revenue of $1.2 billion after Valve’s cut. The highest-selling game of all time is Helldivers 2 with over 12.7 million copies sold. 

It is followed by Horizon: Zero Dawn, God of War, Days Gone, and Marvel’s Spider-Man, respectively. Notably, all of these are older releases, and none of the new Steam ports generated significant revenue. 

The source has also revealed the sales of these games compared to their sequels. Among Horizon: Forbidden West, God of War: Ragnarok, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, all severely underperformed compared to their predecessors. 

This highlights an important point about the decline in the novelty of Sony’s Steam releases. Earlier, they used to feel like major events, but now the company needs to reevaluate its approach for the future. 

What are your thoughts on PlayStation generating $1.2 billion in revenue from Steam sales? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

 

How Black Ops 7 Uses Sound To Make The Gameplay More Immersive

Story Highlights
  • Black Ops 7 makes use of its audio design to enhance the overall experience.
  • It relies on dynamic tuning, occlusion, and more to present an experience that uses the brain’s survival instincts.
  • Using the right headset and exploring different audio presets is important when tuning these settings for the best results.

Black Ops 7 has become the subject of many criticisms lately. Between its campaign and AI-generated art, it seems gamers have found little to enjoy about the title.

Still, the overall multiplayer experience is a step in the right direction for Call of Duty. Black Ops 7’s sound design also plays an important role in the entire gameplay experience, utilizing tuned audio to make each firefight all the more immersive.

In typical Call of Duty fashion, directional footsteps help identify enemy positions, distant rumblings telegraph vehicles from afar, and gunshots echo throughout the game’s multiplayer maps. Ultimately, the game presents an auditory experience that tricks the brain into falling back on its primary instincts.

For those looking to understand why Black Ops 7’s audio is so important, grabbing the game is as easy as picking up a  Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 PC key and joining a multiplayer match. Once the match begins, it’ll become obvious how Treyarch has used carefully crafted audio to ensure your brain prioritizes all the useful information.

Why it matters: Black Ops 7 may not be as popular as past Call of Duty titles, but the game is still likely being played by hundreds of thousands of people.

Audio Tricks Emulating Reality

Raul Menendez In Black Ops 7
Black Ops 7 Brings Back Menendez For The Campaign

It’s important to understand how exactly Black Ops 7 produces audio that effectively tricks your brain.

For starters, 3D audio processing allows for directional audio that makes it instantly obvious where a specific sound is coming from. Designers also add additional layers of audio to guns for an added sense of oomph to each shot. These can consist of a real-world muzzle crack, mechanical action, and an added low-frequency thump.

Moreover, occlusion ensures the game accurately reflects how sound is perceived as it passes through a room or walls. This can keep the player’s brain guessing where a sound is coming from, whether it be a bathroom or a hallway.

Black Ops 7’s dynamic mix also plays an important role in uplifting the entire experience at the end of the day. For example, a nearby bullet barely missing the player typically takes precedent over ambient music, and this is managed through the dynamic mix.

Let’s not forget the user interface sounds, either. Everyone knows how satisfying basic sounds from hitmarkers, scorestreaks, and medals can be since they play an important role in ensuring the gameplay loop remains endlessly satisfying.

How The Brain Reacts

call-of-duty-black-ops-7-featured
The Theme of Mind Tricks Is An Important One Throughout The Game

Effectively, Call of Duty makes use of how the human brain works in the context of survival skills. When hearing bullets from different directions, the mind instinctively focuses on audio cues and treats them as the primary subject.

To make the most of these instincts, however, one must own a solid pair of headphones. Using audio presets that best suit your needs is also a good idea, as is turning down in-game music to focus on other important things.

Ultimately, Call of Duty’s sound design is all about focus and using the brain’s instincts to maximum effect. For those interested in testing this sound design firsthand, grabbing a Black Ops 7 PC key through trusted vendors like Eneba digital marketplace is a great idea.

Goyojo Launches GH340 Thermal Image Camera For Incredible Price of $219

[Press Release] Goyojo Tools has just unveiled the brand new GH340 handheld thermal imager. Combining thermal infrared and visible light imagery, the new camera boasts unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.

Making use of a 256×192 thermal resolution, a 25Hz refresh rate, an all-day battery life, and an incredibly durable outer body, the GH340 offers immense value for just $219.

Goyojo GH340 Dual Spectrum Fusion
The GH340 Is Great At Identifying Problems Quickly

The GH340 combines thermal imaging and visible light imagery to make it capable of detecting heat anomalies.

This makes it easier than ever to detect anomalies like leaks, electrical faults, insulation gaps, and more.  Ultimately, this combination results in faster identification and more reliable diagnostics.

Goyojo GH430 Sharp Resolution
The GH340 Supports A 256×192 Resolution

The 256×192 resolution allows the GH340 to produce accurate measurements that meet professional demands for industrial equipment monitoring and outdoor operations.

Similarly, the 25Hz refresh rate improves the viewing experience through faster and smoother image captures. Also, enhanced target tracking makes for precise movement trajectories.

Goyojo GH430 Battery 3300mAh
The Massive 3500mAh Battery Can Last Hours Upon Hours

Goyojo Tools has packed a 3500mAh battery into the GH340 for up to 7 hours of continuous operation. This is more than enough to meet a single day’s requirements without any hitches.

The IP54-rated water and dust resistance also makes for unparalleled durability. Moreover, the thermal imager can survive drops from heights as high as 2m. To make the offering even more enticing, the GH340 is compatible with precise temperature measurement between -20°C and 550°C.

The 6 color palette also adapts to different scenarios for enhanced recognition. Finally, the GH340 flags abnormal temperatures and offers auto-shutdown features. To learn more about everything the thermal imaging camera offers and view purchase details, visit this link to the official Goyojo product page.

Blackview MP100 Review: A Compact Mini PC Built For Everyday Productivity

Mini PCs have come a long way in the last few years. Honestly, it still surprises me how much performance brands are squeezing into these tiny boxes. They have quietly been taking over the space once occupied by bulky desktops. For me, it makes sense since most people don’t need a giant tower taking up half their desk anymore. A while ago, I reviewed a similar mini PC before: the Blackview MP80. That’s why I am genuinely excited to review the new MP100 and see what Blackview has in store this time around.

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  • Objective testing criteria.

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.


Key Takeaways

  • The Blackview MP100 is a pocket-sized mini PC offering smooth everyday performance, reliable multitasking, and flexible upgrade options for storage and memory.
  • You should buy the Blackview MP100 if you want a quick and easy setup, versatile connectivity, and appreciate a compact design for space-saving workspaces. 
  • You should skip the Blackview MP100 if you’re looking for a gaming mini PC, need maximum GPU power, and require high-speed LAN. 

Here are the technical specifications:

Color Grey, Blue
Dimension 127*127*45mm
Weight 492g
CPU AMD Ryzen™ 5 7430U, 6 Cores, 12 Threads
GPU AMD Radeon™ Graphics
Display 4K UHD, Max 144Hz Refresh Rate
Cache L2 + L3, 4M + 16M
Burst Frequency 4.3GHz
Base Frequency 2.3GHz
RAM 16GB/32GB DDR4, 3200MHz
Dual Channel, Max 64GB Expansion Support
SSD 512GB/1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD Expandable via dual NVMe SSDs up to 4TB total (2TB per drive)
OS Windows 11 Pro
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6
Wireless BT 5.2
LAN Support 10/100/1000Mbps
I/O
  • Display Port (Max 4K 144Hz)
  • HDMI 2.0 (Max 4K 60Hz)
  • Type-C*2 (10Gbps/Max 4K 60Hz)
  • USB 3.2 Gen2*2 (10Gbps)
  • USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
  • 1x RJ45 LAN (1000Mbps)
  • 3.5mm Audio-in/out Jack
  • Clear CMOS Button
  • Power Button
  • 5.5/2.1mm DC Jack
[toc]

What Makes Blackview MP100 Different?

The Blackview MP100 takes a noticeable step up from earlier models like the MP60 and MP80, thanks to its Ryzen 5 7430U chip. This gives outstanding multitasking and productivity capabilities, especially when paired with its dual‑slot NVMe storage support. It supports two M.2 drives and a 2.5‑inch HDD or SSD, giving you a much more flexible upgrade path.

Packaging

The Blackview MP100 arrives in a clean, all-black box. On the front, you’ll see the Blackview Mini PC branding in gold, with subtle line patterns running across the surface. The same gold Blackview text appears on both the top and bottom sides of the box. Flip the box over, and the back side lists the key specs along with the usual manufacturer information.

Unboxing

Lifting off the lid, everything inside is neatly organized. The Blackview MP100 is the first thing you’ll notice, wrapped in a protective plastic sleeve. The box is split into two sections: the device on the left, and all the accessories tucked under a cardboard cover on the right. Here’s everything you’ll find inside the box:

  1. Blackview MP100
  2. Power Adapter & Cable
  3. HDMI Cable
  4. VESA Mounting Bracket
  5. VESA Mounting Bracket Screws*2
  6. Mini PC Copper Fixing Screws*2
  7. User Manual

Design & Build Quality

The Blackview MP100 chassis is made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel flimsy at all. There’s no flex when you pick it up or press on the sides, which is always reassuring for a device this small. The finish on it is a mix of glossy and matte textures. The top has a shiny surface, while the sides and bottom are matte, helping reduce fingerprints and keeping it clean. On top, there’s also an RGB strip that acts as a subtle LED indicator.

It’s not over-the-top, just enough to let you know the device is powered on, and it adds a tiny bit of flair if you like that kind of thing. Moreover, you’ll find air vents on the underside and both the front and back, which help with passive intake and exhaust. The heat vents are well-positioned, allowing hot air to escape. Cleaning dust won’t be a chore either, as the vents are easily accessible, and since it’s a mostly plastic shell, wiping it down or using a can of compressed air is easy.

Aesthetically, the MP100 leans more toward office-friendly than gamer-like. It appears clean and minimal, suitable for workspaces, classrooms, or even media setups in the living room. Even with the RGB Strip, in most use cases it’s hardly distracting, and if you choose to mount it behind a monitor, the lighting is barely visible anyway. In terms of options, it comes in grey and blue colors. It’s also incredibly compact, measuring 127 × 127 × 45mm and weighing 492 grams, making it easy to fit into tight spaces and move around.

Underside

Underside
Underside

On the underside, the Blackview MP100 has four rubber feet, one at each corner. They keep the mini PC firmly in place so that it won’t slide around on your desk. If you want an even cleaner setup, you can use the VESA bracket to mount it to the back of a monitor, making it easy to attach the device without taking up any desk space. There are two screw holes on the underside for installation. The process is simple and once mounted, you get a very compact setup with almost invisible footprint, which is ideal for crowded workspaces.

Ports & Connectivity

Front Ports
Front Ports

The Blackview MP100 comes well-equipped with ports, covering pretty much everything most users will need. On the front, you’ll find a power button, a 3.5mm audio-in/out jack, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps), and two USB-C ports that support 10Gbps data transfer and up to 4K at 60Hz of display. These front-facing ports are super convenient for plugging in peripherals or connecting external drives without having to reach behind the unit.

Back Ports
Back Ports

Moving to the back, there’s an RJ45 LAN port for 1Gbps wired networking, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps), a USB 2.0 port (480Mbps), a DisplayPort supporting up to 4K at 144Hz, an HDMI 2.0 port for 4K at 60Hz, and a 5.5/2.1mm DC power jack. This makes it easy to connect up to three displays simultaneously. All ports are spaced well, so you don’t have to deal with crowded connections or blocked ports when using larger USB drives.

Under the hood, it has 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes, which is plenty for a device of this scale. Notably, PCIe lanes are mostly allocated to the dual four-lane M.2 NVMe slots, leaving only four lanes to handle all USB and LAN ports. This explains why the LAN port is limited to a gigabit speed. While 1GbE may feel a bit restricted, the presence of four 10Gbps USB ports means you could easily use one to add a 2.5GbE LAN adapter if needed.

Internal Layout

Opening up the Blackview MP100 is surprisingly straightforward. The underside is held in place by four screws that aren’t hidden under rubber feet, so getting in is relatively easy. A small rubber tab helps lift the bottom once the screws are out. Underneath it, you’ll find a SATA terminal where you can install a 2.5-inch SATA drive or SSD by simply sliding it onto the connector. Removing the tray itself requires a few more screws, and you do need to be careful.

There’s a delicate ribbon cable connecting it to the device. Breaking that would leave you in trouble. With the tray removed, you can access the RAM and M.2 storage. It comes with two 2280 M.2 NVMe slots, which is excellent if you want to expand storage down the line. One minor drawback is that the drives don’t have dedicated heatsinks, and airflow around this section is a bit limited, so temperatures can climb under heavy load.

Setup & Software

Getting started with the Blackview MP100 is pretty beginner-friendly. You only need to connect your display via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C, then plug in the power adapter and attach your keyboard and mouse. For internet access, you can use a wired network connection or Wi-Fi, though Wi-Fi needs to be configured after turning on the PC.

When you power it up for the first time, Windows guides you through the initial setup. One thing I appreciate is that it comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, so you don’t have to deal with any installation hurdles. You’ll select your language and region, choose your keyboard input method, accept the license agreement, create a user account with a password, and the desktop will be ready to use. 

For those who want to go in-depth, the BIOS can be accessed by pressing Del or ESC during boot. In most cases, the default settings would be sufficient for most users and ensure reliable performance. You generally won’t need to change anything unless you’re adding new hardware. If so, any BIOS adjustments should be made carefully, since incorrect changes could affect its stability.

System Specifications

Before getting into benchmarks and real-world tests, it’s worth taking a closer look at what the Blackview MP100 offers. My review unit is built around AMD’s Ryzen 5 7430U, a 6-core, 12-thread processor based on AMD’s 7nm process. It can boost up to 4.3GHz, which, in simple terms, means it has enough headroom for normal day-to-day usage and creative work when needed. It’s the same chip type you usually see in thin-and-light laptops.

Therefore, getting it in a desktop form factor gives it a bit more thermal breathing room. Speaking of thermals, Blackview made bold claims about its cooling system. The chassis uses a larger-than-usual fan, copper heat pipes, and a dense fin stack. They rate the fan at around 3.8 CFM, paired with a heat sink that supposedly helps the chip maintain stable temperatures even under heavy workloads.

Moreover, Blackview states that the fan stays under 20dB during light tasks and only ramps up to mid-30dB under full load. Of course, these are all manufacturer numbers, and I’ll test their accuracy in the performance section later. On the graphics side, it relies on integrated AMD Radeon graphics. If your workload leans more toward office tasks and regular productivity, the iGPU is more than capable.

Furthermore, Blackview offers the MP100 in several configurations. I have the base variant with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD that comes in at around $428.99. If you want a bit more memory and storage for heavier tasks, you can go for the 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD variant, priced at $506.99. Considering the increase in specifications, the price difference isn’t unreasonable, especially if you prefer buying a fully maxed-out system rather than upgrading later.

Productivity & Workflow

RGB Strip
RGB Strip

One of the first things I noticed was how responsive multitasking feels. Even with multiple browser tabs open alongside Office apps and Spotify, the system remained responsive with no issues. Beyond general usage, I pushed it a bit harder to see where it stands. Starting with a Chrome stress test, running 20 tabs at once didn’t faze the system much. However, around the 30 tab mark, you can tell the iGPU is working a little harder when scrolling through heavier pages.

On the productivity side, applications like Excel performed as they should. Notably, spreadsheets with multiple pivot tables or formulas load quickly, and navigating them doesn’t feel sluggish. Moreover, Lightroom and Photoshop both run fine for basic editing. For instance, cropping, adjusting exposure, and editing a batch of photos is smooth. Surely, heavy RAW processing or multi-layer PSDs will push it beyond its boundaries, but that’s normal for an iGPU-powered mini PC.

Thermals & Sound

The Blackview MP100 performed adequately in terms of heat and noise handling, since mini PCs can get surprisingly hot in a compact chassis. At idle, the device stays comfortably cool. Surface temperatures hover in a range where it feels just slightly warm to the touch, and the fan is essentially silent with just a faint hum if you’re really paying attention. On the other hand, under heavy CPU stress, temperatures rise predictably.

The fan ramps up gradually, spinning faster as the CPU and GPU workloads increase, but it never feels abrupt or annoying. Even at peak load, the fan produces a noticeable but reasonable sound. At the same time, the chassis slightly increases its warm temperatures. I also paid attention to fan curve behavior during longer sessions. The ramp-up is consistent, and once the device hits a sustained load, the RPM stabilizes rather than constantly hunting up and down.

Gaming

I spent some time testing a few esports titles to see how far the integrated Radeon graphics could be pushed. Starting with Valorant at 1080p on the lowest possible settings, the game gave around 60–70 FPS, but you can tell the iGPU is pushing its limits to keep things playable. Frame times weren’t terrible, but there were dips in busier gunfights, and the overall experience didn’t feel as smooth as you’d want for competitive play.

The results were pretty similar to other esports titles, such as League of Legends and Rocket League. One thing worth noting is that the 16GB variant comes with a single memory stick rather than a dual-channel setup, and this actually has a noticeable impact on performance, especially in games. Since the iGPU relies on system memory, running everything through a single channel reduces available bandwidth, slowing graphics workloads.

Benchmarks

To get a clearer picture of how the Blackview MP100 performs beyond everyday use, I ran a series of industry-standard benchmarks. These tests help quantify things that aren’t always obvious during casual use. Starting with CPU workloads, it scored 1198 in single-core and 5332 in multi-core on Cinebench R23. Similarly, Geekbench had scores of 1736 (single) and 5155 (multi). Whereas, GPU-accelerated workloads gave 11809 in OpenCL and 9876 in Vulkan.

PCMark 10, which simulates real-world office use, scored 4535. For graphics performance, 3DMark provides a much clearer picture of what the integrated GPU can and cannot do, with entry-level scores of 2227 in Fire Strike, 870 in Time Spy, and 870 in Night Raid. Lastly, I ran CrystalDiskMark, which gave read and write speeds of 3254 MB/s and 2654 MB/s, respectively.

Should You Buy it?

Buy it if

You want a compact, everyday workstation: It handles office tasks, studies, and media smoothly in a small, quiet footprint.

You need reliable productivity: The Ryzen 5 7430U and integrated Radeon graphics manage multitasking, spreadsheets, browsing, and light work without issues.

Don’t buy it if

You’re looking for a gaming mini PC: Only basic esports titles run at low settings; not suitable for demanding games.

You need maximum GPU power: Integrated graphics struggle with heavy video editing or creative workloads.

Final Verdict

The Blackview MP100 isn’t trying to be a powerhouse mini PC. Once you approach it with the right expectations, it turns out to be a pretty solid compact device, as its expertise lies in everyday usability. It is for those needs a small, efficient desktop for studies, office work, browsing, and multimedia with minimal interference. If your workload matches the MP100’s capabilities, it’s easy to recommend. It’s not made for benchmark chasers or gamers, but for everyday computing; it gets the job done. 

 

Why AAA Games Can’t Control the Market Anymore

Story Highlights
  • There’s been a big shift over the years in how much AAA titles dominate the gaming market.
  • Larger game studios can’t risk experimenting with a game that might not succeed.
  • The sheer number of indie games released can overshadow major releases.

For most people who grew up in the 90s or even the early 2000s, they’d remember their favorite games at the time being attached to a big company. Nintendo was on the rise, Street Fighter was making waves all over, and GTA was the greatest thing ever.

Fast-forward to today, and the market’s flooded with indie games that often end up being most people’s game of the year. There are many reasons behind this, and I believe this is a good sign for the industry.

Why Indie Games Weren’t A Thing Back Then

Pokemon Fire Red Version
Pokémon Fire Red Was One of the First Games I Played (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

To say indie games weren’t a thing wouldn’t be accurate. However, they didn’t exist in the same manner as they do today, and they certainly weren’t as popular.

This makes sense, since game development had just emerged as a dedicated field. Not everyone had their own personal computer, and even fewer knew anything about how to program. 

This let companies like Nintendo, which themselves were quite small at the time, hold a complete monopoly over the market for the next decade or so.

This was up until games like Undertale and Stardew Valley completely changed how people viewed indie projects. This led to the big shift we have today, where titles like Balatro and Silk Song are just as popular as established franchises.

The Risk Factor

mario 3d game new
Nintendo Still Continues To Release New Mario Games (Image Credits – Nintendo)

The funds it takes to produce a single entry in a triple-A franchise have grown rapidly over the years. Nowadays, it’s not surprising for a game’s production to take millions of dollars.

If you’re the Director or Lead for a game in a company that has to pay for a team of hundreds of programmers, graphic designers, composers, and advertisers, all while regaining the interest of stakeholders, chances are you’re not in a position to take risks.

Undertale Concert
Undertale’s Popularity Led to Orchestral versions Of Its OST (Image Credits – Polygon)

Due to this, the philosophy behind larger-scale games is completely different from what it used to be; passion is secondary to widespread interest. It’s just a lot more profitable to have a million people somewhat like your game than it is to have a thousand who really love it.

This isn’t an issue for most indie developers, which means they can take risks and experiment with new ideas.

Quantity Births Quality

Balatro gameplay
Balatro Dominated The Game Awards In Its Debut Year (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

You often hear the phrase “quality over quantity” being repeated. This is why it takes years and an absurd sum of money to produce a single game in any big franchise.

In any given year, there are now at least 10 times more indie games being produced than there are big titles, according to a Statista page. This compares indie Steam releases to those of AAA or AA titles.

While the ratio is already absurd, with indie games counting for 99% of all releases, the actual number is likely much, much higher.

Vampire Survivors - Indie Game Gameplay
Vampire Survivors’ Popularity Is Still Giving Birth To More Copies (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

This means that if even 1% of all indie games are successful, it’d be the same as every triple-A title released in a year being a GOTY contender.

The sheer number of games being produced cannot be overcome with funds alone, and so there’s bound to be more indie gems being released than there are worthwhile larger-scale games.

So, Are Bigger Titles Dead?

God of War Egypt
God of War Egypt Looks Promising (Image Credits – Sony)

I don’t think so, and I don’t think they’ll be dying anytime soon either. There are specific genres where indie developers can’t compete, mainly multiplayer games that require large sums of money to keep servers running.

With the most popular games being long-running FPS games like Valorant and Call of Duty, MOBAs like Dota and League of Legends, or recently, third-person shooters like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals, it’s clear the big-hitters are still extremely profitable.

Alan Wake 2 Profitable
Alan Wake Was A Phenomenal Game (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

Even for non-multiplayer titles, it’s not that they’re no longer good; Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 are some of my favorite games from recent years.

There are still just as many good games coming out of bigger studios; the indie scene is just a lot livelier than it was back then.

Silk Song coming out earlier this year further inflates the perception, but all things considered, it’s not that triple-A titles aren’t as good anymore; just that indie games are just as good.

Whatever the future holds seems bright for games, and I’m very excited to see what kind of games come out.

Marvel Rivals’s Season Five Trailer Might Be Hinting At Cyclops

Story Highlights
  • Marvel Rivals: Love is a Battlefield trailer has an unnamed character that resembles Cyclops.
  • This strongly suggests his addition to the game, potentially as a Duelist.
  • Cyclops’s skills in Marvel Rivals aren’t revealed, but we can speculate what he might do.

The Marvel Rivals season 5: Love is a Battlefield trailer revealed a lot of things, the most important of which was the new character, Gambit, alongside some other neat details that the developers put a focus on.

However, one subtler thing that many fans noticed was a character who looks suspiciously like X-Men’s Cyclops, Scott Summers, appearing in multiple scenes. This almost fully confirms his eventual addition to the game, and hints at some other things as well!

Is Cyclops Going To Be In Marvel Rivals?

Wolverine fixing Gambit's tie with Cyclops in the background
Cyclops Can Be Seen As A Guest (Image Credits – Marvel)

Cyclops is a part of the X-Men about as popular as Wolverine or Storm, both of whom were among the game’s release roster. As an X-Men fan, I was surprised when I saw characters I’ve never even heard of in the game, but no sign of Cyclops.

This was a sentiment shared by many fans, so it was just a matter of time until he got added to the game. As for how likely it is from the trailer, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it’s all but confirmed.

Scott Summers is shown in the background of a scene alongside Wolverine and Gambit. This has to mean something, since he’s the only unannounced character being shown in the trailer who isn’t already in the game.

Cyclops's reflection being shown in a Marvel Rivals trailer
Taking Up An Entire Frame Confirms Cyclops Is Coming (Image Credits – Marvel)

For further confirmation, we see another frame where Scott took up the majority of the screen. This happens near the end of the trailer, when he’s reflected in the wedding ring as it flies off.

Is That Not Daredevil?

daredevil marvel rivals
The Characters’ Builds Also Seem Different (Image Credits – Marvel)

Many fans think this might just be Daredevil, but it’s clear that that can’t be the case. First, the entire trailer and the ongoing arc are about the X-Men. Having an unrelated character there would make no sense.

Similarly, Krakoa is a safe haven for mutants. While humans can be invited, Daredevil has no reason to be there.

Cyclops’s Skills In Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals Fan Concept by Augusto Quirino
Marvel Rivals Cyclops Fan Concept (Image Credits – Augusto Quirino)

Cyclops would almost certainly be a Duelist, though with characters like Gambit, Rocket Raccoon, and even Ultron being Strategists, you can never be too sure.

We know nothing about what his skills would look like in-game, but we can speculate from what we know about Scott in the comics.

He’s got a fairly straightforward mutant ability: shooting laser beams from his eyes. There’s a high chance he’d be able to switch between projectile shots and a continuous laser, depending on his primary or secondary, or using an ability like Iron Man’s.

Like with many laser-type abilities in other games, I also speculate a mechanic being implemented that increases the damage dealt to enemies the longer the laser is channelled.

Marvel Snap Cyclops fan concept by Jaime Ortiz
Marvel Snap Cyclops Abilities Fan Concept (Image Credits – Jaime Ortiz)

There might be a cooldown on this channeling where if you do it for too long, you can’t use it again, making it feel similar to managing your webs with Spiderman or your cards with Gambit.

Of course, Marvel Rivals characters aren’t usually so straightforward. A duelist without a way to peel himself away would not survive the game as it is. I don’t see Cyclops having a dash, but something to do with the recoil from his laser could work.

This could work by his lasers propelling himself away from where they’re being fired. This can let him go up in the air as well, an idea showcased by Jaime Ortiz.

There’s also a chance his kit would include an ability that lets him ricochet beams after they hit a wall, like Sova from Valorant, as it’s something Cyclops has done many times in the comics.

Other Reveals In The Trailer

Marvel Rivals Invitation card hint
Zooming In Reveals A King, A Queen, And A Rook (Image Credits – Tech4Gamers)

Cyclops isn’t the only Hero we’ve been hinted at; Rogue’s already been confirmed. With Loki already being in the game, I’m not sure how they’ll differentiate her copying abilities from his ultimate.

Players also received an invitation to Gambit and Rogue’s wedding. In the background of this card, you can see several chess pieces. This might be hinting at characters from the Hellfire Club, like the Black Queen or Sebastian Shaw, or even someone like Kingpin.

Shift Up Begins Mass Hiring As Stellar Blade Sequel Enters Development

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  • Shift Up has confirmed that the next Stellar Blade game has entered development.
  • The studio is now actively mass-recruiting developers to work on the sequel.
  • The original game was critically received and was a big commercial hit as well.

Stellar Blade was released last year to an immensely positive response from both the critics and the audience. It has been monumental for the Korean studios, and the studio is already starting work on the next installment.

Shift Up Entertainment has announced that it is conducting large-scale open recruitment as the next Stellar Blade game enters development. There are currently over 10 positions available for applicants.

Why it matters: Stellar Blade was a massive hit and a revolutionary title for Asian developers. The sequel aims to broaden the scope, and fans will be hoping for an even grander experience than before.

Stellar Blade Sequel
The next Stellar Blade game will be multiplatform and has entered development

On its official website, Shift Up has revealed that the development of the next Stellar Blade is set to begin. The original Stellar Blade was a timed-exclusive for the PS5, but the new one will be multiplatform at launch. 

Although the report doesn’t mention many details about the next entry, it does state that it’ll be a ‘AAA multiplatform action game aiming for release on various platforms, including consoles and PC’, clearly suggesting the new approach. 

Stellar Blade Steam
The original game was both a critical and commercial success

The studio further states that the game will inherit the original’s stylish action and narrative-driven style, but will be evolved in every way. It also doesn’t explicitly say that it’ll be a sequel, instead calling it the ‘next installment’

Nonetheless, the original Stellar Blade is still quite fresh and fun, and considering the formal development is only now beginning, the sequel could be years away, as the original took a total of 5 years to develop. 

What are your thoughts on Stellar Blade entering development? Are you excited for it? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake Reportedly Launching Around March 2026

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  • Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake reportedly launches in March 2026, according to Ubisoft’s report.
  • The report has an ‘Unannounced Game’ for March, which sources say is the AC4 Remake.
  • The title is still unannounced, but a lot of new details have leaked.

Ubisoft just released its financial report after previously delaying it. Surprisingly, the company has recorded higher-than-expected results in the last few months, led by the Assassin’s Creed franchise, but the report also hides a big announcement. 

On Ubisoft’s titles for this fiscal year, there is a blank slate titled ‘Unannounced Game’. A new report reveals that the game is the much-awaited Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake and will launch in March 2026. 

Why it matters: Black Flag is widely considered one of the best entries in the franchise. The remake will provide a modern experience while keeping the nostalgia and opening the title to a whole new audience. 

Black Flag Remake
The unannounced game in Ubisoft’s lineup is reportedly Black Flag remake set for March 2026.

Insider Gaming has confirmed that the unannounced game on Ubisoft’s H2 lineup is none other than Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake, which, interestingly, has been leaked extensively but remains officially unconfirmed

Certain aspects of the title are already known from the leaks. For starters, Black Flag Remake will feature gameplay similar to modern Assassin’s Creed titles, so there could be heavy emphasis on RPG elements. 

Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag Remake
The original is widely considered the best Pirate game ever made

This also makes March 2026 an exciting month for gamers. It already has Crimson Desert, Saros, 007: First Light, and now Black Flag Remake. So, overall, 2026 is set to be an extraordinary year for the gaming community. 

What are your thoughts on Assassin’s Creed Black Flag launching in March 2026? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

CDPR Strengthens Its Talent Pool For Cyberpunk 2 As Bioshock 4 Writer Joins Studio

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  • CDPR has hired a former BioShock 4 Narrative Lead to work on Cyberpunk 2.
  • The studio is on a hiring spree, acquiring the best talent from all over the industry.
  • It is working on multiple titles, the biggest of which include Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2.

CD Projekt Red is working on 2 of the biggest franchises in the industry, The Witcher and Cyberpunk, simultaneously. As the studio delves deeper into the development, it is also looking to fill its team with more talented individuals. 

After previously hiring Insomniac Games’ veteran gameplay programmer, CDPR has now brought on board a former BioShock 4 writer as a Senior Writer to strengthen the core team working on Cyberpunk 2’s narrative. 

Why it matters: It appears that CDPR wants to hire every talented individual available to grow its talent pool wider than ever, which is great for the fans, as we can expect some great things from the sequel. 

CDPR Hiring Talent
CDPR has hired a former BioShock 4 writer for Cyberpunk 2

Former Cloud Chamber Games writer, Liz Albl, who worked on BioShock 4 as the Narrative Lead, has now joined CDPR. Liz apparently left CCG in August, about the same time the company saw widespread layoffs

Her former credits include Ghost of Tsushima, Watch Dogs: Legion, and Monolith’s cancelled Wonder Woman game. With CDPR, she’ll be working on Cyberpunk 2 as a writer, so she’ll be focusing on the game’s narrative. 

Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2 is officially in very early development at this stage

The title is currently in very early development stages and is unlikely to be released in the next few years. As for The Witcher 4, it is expected to be released in 2027 or a bit later, and the studio has also hired a former KCD2 Quest Designer to work on it. 

So, CDPR is on a hiring spree, ensuring it has the best people working on all its projects. The studio is known for high quality, and even made up for the bad Cyberpunk 2077 launch with the title’s massive redemption. 

What are your thoughts on the BioShock 4 writer joining CDPR for Cyberpunk 2? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

Xbox Play Anywhere Boosts Player Activity by 20%, Says Microsoft

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  • Xbox president Sarah Bond has revealed that Xbox Play Anywhere has been a staggering success for the brand.
  • Players using Xbox Play Anywhere are spending 20% more time playing games supported by the service.
  • Players are also spending a lot of money on XPA-supported games compared to those not included in the feature.

With the evolving console market over the last decade, Xbox has made the most drastic changes to ensure it keeps growing and earning profits. While its platform-agnostic approach is certainly controversial, the Xbox Play Anywhere feature has been widely praised.

Now, Xbox President Sarah Bond reveals that Xbox Play Anywhere is making more than just a noticeable difference for its portfolio spread across all devices. Players using the XPA service are spending 20% more time playing games compared to titles that are not included. 

Why it matters: These newly revealed metrics show that Xbox Play Anywhere is a staggering success for the gaming brand, despite critics claiming otherwise over the years.

In an interview with Fortune on YouTube, Sarah Bond reveals that users are taking full advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere. The service allows gamers to buy a game on a single platform and enjoy it across other devices.

The convenience of a one-time purchase naturally attracts players to these XPA-supported titles, and in return, they spend more money and time on those games.

When we actually looked at the player behavior of people who were playing XPA games, we saw that they were spending 20% more time. We said, ‘okay, people actually really love this feature.’

-Xbox President Sarah Bond.

Based on these metrics, Xbox decided to go all in and invest more in Xbox Play Anywhere. This has resulted in a more amplified roster over the years that includes games of all scales and genres.

The publisher has also announced a bunch of new games for the service in the latest Xbox Partner preview event. 

Xbox Play Anywhere Games
Xbox Play Anywhere Games support a vast variety of games.

XPA has been such a success that PlayStation is now also following in Xbox’s footsteps with its alleged new ‘Stream Your Games Anywhere’ system, which already boasts a bigger catalogue than what the former brand has had to offer over the years.

Do you think the Xbox Play Anywhere feature is viable enough for the gaming brand to focus on in the future, or are the gains not worth it in the long term? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Take-Two CEO Says Gaming Is Moving to PC — GTA 6 Still Debuts on Consoles First

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  • Take-Two CEO says that gaming is moving towards PC, which is set to be the main platform moving forward.
  • Despite this, GTA 6 will launch on consoles first, and the PC port will arrive a year later, as per tradition.
  • As such, expect huge console sales right around the time GTA 6 launches.

With the console wars coming to an end, almost everyone is adopting the third-party publishing route, ultimately scoring a victory for PC players, who are benefiting the most. The debut of Valve’s Steam Machine, essentially a PC in a console-like casing, and the upcoming Xbox mini-PC, changes things for the gaming industry moving forward.

Take-Two CEO shared his thoughts on the industry’s current situation, saying that gaming is moving towards PC as the central platform. Despite this statement, their upcoming release, GTA 6, is set to launch on consoles first and on PC in 2028, so how does that add up?

Why it matters: Rockstar has a tradition of launching its flagship titles on consoles first and then commencing work on PC versions, which take an additional year to release. This is to avoid any potential burden and ensure that the final product is satisfactory and polished.

GTA 6 on PC
A New Generation Of Console-Like PC Will Usher In The Near Future

GTA 6 has been delayed thrice now, going from a fall 2025 release to a March 2026 release, and is now pushed back all the way into November 2026. Being Rockstar’s most ambitious release to date, it makes sense that the developers want to take their sweet time with the title in order to maintain expectations.

Development on the game began in 2018, and back then, consoles were the main platform for gaming. However, the PC market has grown significantly over the years, and this shift isn’t what Rockstar had expected

Hence, they must be following their previous plans to release on consoles first and then PC. Furthermore, with the majority of gamers now on desktop, Rockstar must expedite the progression of the PC port in order not to create a FOMO element for these gamers.

GTA 6
GTA 6 May Even Launch On The Nintendo Switch 2

This console-first launch will also give the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles their final sales boost before they approach the end of their lifecycles. PlayStation VP also says that the PS5’s best-selling game is yet to launch, and it’s probable that he may be referring to GTA 6.

If anything, we can expect future Rockstar releases to launch simultaneously on PC and other platforms.

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you agree with Strauss Zelnick’s take? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.