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CS2 Skin Market Crash Becomes Cause For Concern Regarding Self-Harm

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  • The CS2 skin market witnessed a nearly $2 billion crash yesterday.
  • Since then, reports of potential self-harm within the community have begun to show up.
  • Many have also offered their support for those impacted by the market’s sudden crash.

The CS2 skin market underwent a record-breaking crash yesterday. Following Valve’s latest update, many rare knives and skins have dropped to less than half of their market value, creating concern among the community.

In particular, many members of the community have shown concern about the health and mental well-being of those heavily invested in the market. Some have even raised concerns about potential self-harm.

Why it matters: The Counter-Strike community is so big that millions invest in skins and knives. Many have even dedicated several years to this part of the game.

Counter-Strike 2 Market Crash Concerns via Reddit

Over on Reddit and Twitter, various social media users have shared a similar sentiment regarding the market crash.

Some traders have even made very concerning posts in the last 24 hours, highlighting how Valve’s latest update has affected this segment of the Counter-Strike community. In the most extreme cases, traders seem to be losing hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result of the latest changes. 

Another alleged case of a similar nature was reported on Twitter

Reports also suggest one Chinese student has already taken drastic actions. Although the validity of these reports remains questionable, it’s undeniable that the CS2 community is in disarray.

Many have even shared useful tips and helpline numbers for those suffering from disappointment and mental distress at the moment. Ultimately, the community is attempting to come together and help those in need at this difficult time.

Counter-Strike 2
The CS2 Market Is In Complete Chaos At The Moment

Because the situation is gaining a lot of traction, Valve could take note and offer an official comment in the near future. Many speculate that the gaming giant will revert the update, but the gaming giant needs to take swift action if this is indeed the plan.

What are your thoughts on the CS2 skin market debacle? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Bethesda Boss Reassures Fans More Fallout Games Are Coming

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  • Todd Howard recently appeared on the Fallout Day broadcast with a new announcement.
  • He said he acknowledges fans’ disappointment in the lack of Fallout games in recent times.
  • But he reassured that Bethesda is indeed working on more Fallout games.

Yesterday, Bethesda celebrated Fallout Day with Fallout 4’s 10th anniversary. The celebration came with the announcements of new versions of Fallout 4 and New Vegas, but no new releases; the studio head did have some good news. 

After years of radio silence regarding any new releases, Bethesda’s boss revealed that more Fallout games are indeed in the works. And while it isn’t the right time to reveal them, fans will find out about them soon. 

Why it matters: Most fans were disappointed because no new game was announced, but the boss’s comments will be somewhat reassuring, as there hasn’t been a new release since 2018’s Fallout 76.

Towards the end of the broadcast, Todd Howard came to the stage to talk about the future of the franchise. He acknowledged that fans are disappointed but reassured them that a lot more is going on with the Fallout franchise. 

Now, this could literally mean anything; it could mean remasters or even new titles. There are already multiple rumors going around, including a Fallout 3 Remaster, which is supposedly not launching anytime soon. 

Hey, we read it all (fan comments). Just know we are working on even more. We are looking forward to the day when we can share

– Todd Howard

fallout new vegas
Todd Howard has reassured disappointed fans that more Fallout games are indeed in the works

Moreover, reports of Fallout 5 also exist, which would be the next mainline entry. However, currently, all this is speculation, and we can only guess what Bethesda has in store for us, but Fallout 5 being in development is certain. 

Nonetheless, it is great to see that Bethesda is back with the Fallout franchise. Fans have been waiting for something for ages, but it seems even if the announcements come soon, the wait will be quite long

What are your thoughts on the Bethesda boss confirming that more Fallout games are coming? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

How to Turn Your Passion for Gaming into a Successful Career

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  • The gaming industry offers many career paths beyond streaming or esports.
  • You must find the specific area you enjoy most, such as competing, developing, writing, or community management.
  • Passion is not enough; you must learn practical skills relevant to your chosen field, like video editing, coding, or social media.

I’ve always believed gaming was more than just a hobby. For me, it started as long nights grinding ranked matches, editing highlight clips for fun, and spending way too much time arguing over patch notes with friends.

I never thought any of that would lead to something resembling a career, but it did. And honestly, the gaming industry today has more paths than ever for anyone serious about turning passion into something real.

Finding My Lane in Gaming

esports
Esports events have been gaining massive attention recently.

When I first started taking gaming seriously, I realized how important time management really is. Balancing practice, school, and personal projects isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to improve your skills and still keep up with deadlines.

Getting a bit of extra help from an assignment expert online can actually make a big difference. It frees up time to focus on what matters, like refining your gameplay, creating content, or building your online presence, without letting your studies slip. It’s all about finding that balance so you can pursue your gaming goals while staying on track academically.

The first thing I had to figure out was where I actually fit in. The gaming world isn’t just made up of pro players and streamers. There’s a whole ecosystem behind it.

Some people thrive behind the screen as developers, artists, or writers. Others, like me, start on the player side and slowly branch out.

At one point, I wanted to go pro. I spent hours every night trying to climb the ranks, watching replays, and studying strategies. But as time went on, I realized I was more drawn to talking about games than just playing them.

That’s when I started creating content, short clips, casual reviews, and eventually writing articles about video games.

The point is: you’ve got to find what excites you most. Whether it’s competing in esports, developing games, writing reviews, or managing gaming communities, there’s a place for every kind of gamer.

Learning the Right Skills (Beyond the Games Themselves)

Here’s something I wish I knew earlier. Being passionate isn’t enough. You have to treat gaming like any other creative profession and pick up the right skills.

For me, that meant learning basic video editing, understanding how social media works, and figuring out how to talk to an audience. Friends of mine who went into development had to dive into coding and design tools like Unity and Unreal. Others who write for gaming outlets had to master SEO and develop their own tone.

If you’re into streaming, get comfortable with OBS, lighting setups, and maybe a bit of branding. If your thing is esports, you need structure, set routines, practice schedules, and the discipline to treat it like a job.

No matter what path you choose, the idea is the same: build skills that make your passion sustainable.

Getting Noticed in a Sea of Gamers

Playing With Friends
Getting noticed requires consistent posting and audience engagement across platforms. – Image Credits (Valor Esports)

The internet is packed with talented players and creators, which makes standing out tough but not impossible. What helped me the most was consistency. Posting regularly, engaging with others, and building small communities around shared interests slowly turned into something bigger.

Streaming on Twitch or uploading to YouTube is the most obvious route, but don’t overlook platforms like TikTok or X (Twitter). Short clips, memes, and quick thoughts can help you grow faster than you think.

And if you’re more into writing or design, build a simple site or portfolio to showcase your work. The key is to stay visible, even if only a few people are watching at first.

If content creation or competitive play isn’t your thing, that’s fine. The gaming industry is full of traditional jobs that still keep you close to what you love. Developers, artists, community managers, and QA testers they’re all vital parts of the ecosystem.

Big studios like Riot, Blizzard, and Ubisoft are always hiring people who genuinely understand games from a player’s perspective. And honestly, even indie studios now value people who grew up gaming because that passion translates into better products.

Turning Passion into Pay

Let’s be real, making money through gaming doesn’t happen overnight. But it’s not some unreachable dream either. Once I built a small following, I started getting small sponsorships, ad revenue, and freelance gigs.

Some friends make their income through esports salaries, while others freelance as writers, editors, or social media managers for gaming brands.

There are tons of ways to make your passion pay off. Streaming and YouTube ad revenue. Brand deals and sponsorships. Competing in tournaments. Freelancing as a writer, editor, designer, or community manager. Selling merch or in-game guides.

It all adds up, but it takes time. The more value you bring, whether it’s entertainment, knowledge, or just personality, the more it pays off later.

The Patience Part Nobody Talks About

migraine-gamer
Patience is essential. Success doesn’t happen overnight. – Image Credits (Esports Health)

This is the hard truth. The gaming grind takes patience. It took me months before I saw any traction, and even then, it came in waves. You’ll question yourself a lot, especially when views are low or your content doesn’t perform as you hoped. But that’s just part of it.

Everyone I know who made it, whether they’re pros, creators, or devs, has one thing in common. They kept going when it was quiet. That consistency matters way more than any single viral post or big break.

Keeping the Fun Alive

At the end of the day, I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t lose sight of the fun. Once gaming starts feeling like a chore, it’s time to step back and remind yourself why you fell in love with it in the first place.

If you stay authentic, people notice. Whether you’re writing, streaming, or developing, the audience connects with real passion.

So yeah, turning gaming into a career takes work, time, and a lot of patience. But it’s absolutely possible. If you’re willing to learn, adapt, and stay consistent, you can build something that not only pays the bills but keeps that spark alive.

And if you ask me, there’s nothing better than doing what you love, especially when that something is gaming.

Xbox Adoption In Japan Has Increased By 20% Over The Last Year

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  • The playtime on Xbox devices has increased by 20% in just one year, according to Phil Spencer.
  • Xbox is growing in a balanced way across PC, Cloud, and consoles.
  • The CEO believes that including Japan in its biggest games, such as Forza Horizon 6 and Black Ops 7, will attract more Japanese gamers.

Xbox has been under severe scrutiny for the last few weeks, with fans and developers criticising anti-consumer practices such as the 50% increase in the price of Game Pass. Unfortunately, the company has only dug itself a deeper hole, insisting that the next-gen Xbox will be an expensive product, twice the cost of PS6.

As debates around the gaming giant’s future in the hardware market rage on, CEO Phil Spencer is still promoting the brand and its new handheld, the Xbox Rog Ally X, and has stats to back up the platform’s growth in Japan.

Why it matters: Xbox has always struggled in Japan due to Sony/Nintendo’s dominance, so the brand’s thriving there is a good sign for competition. 

the number of hours played on Xbox in Japan has grown by about 20% over the past year. This figure includes console, PC, and cloud play.

-Phil Spencer.

Xbox
Xbox Cloud Gaming is helping the brand grow in Japan.

In an interview with Famitsu, the Xbox chief revealed that the number of hours played on Xbox devices in Japan has increased by a whopping 20% In Just one year. According to Spencer, this number includes console playtime, Cloud Gaming, and the Play Anywhere initiative on PC.

The CEO explained further that all these platforms are growing in a balanced way, but PC is slightly edging out the others as its importance among Japanese fans is increasing.

Phil Spencer also believes that Xbox will continue to grow in Japan if the company creates content centered on the region. This initiative has already begun, as Forza Horizon 6 will be set in the country, and the Xbox CEO thinks fans worldwide will enjoy the game and its Japanese Motif.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Xbox Japan map
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has maps inspired by Japan.

Other titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Microsoft Flight Simulator are also getting content set in Japan. Hence, Xbox is undoubtedly trying to challenge Nintendo and Sony in their home ground.

Do you think Xbox can one day edge out Sony and Nintendo in Japan? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Resident Evil Requiem: What to Expect

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  • Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, 2026, and will launch on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
  • We will see a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, and a return to Raccoon City.
  • Players can shift from first and third-person perspectives at will thanks to a dual-camera system.
  • The game will also introduce a new threat titled the “Harbinger Virus”.
Resident Evil Requiem is one of the most anticipated games of 2026. Set to release on February 27, 2026, on Steam, when Capcom Studios first revealed the game at Summer Game Fest 2025, fans grew ecstatic. The game was immediately seen as more than just a sequel, and many fans started contemplating what they might see in the new entry. Let’s dive right into what we know so far.

A New Protagonist

Resident Evil Requiem will introduce a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent with a dark family history, alongside 2 other playable characters, Leon S. Kennedy and Alyssa Ashcroft. Grace’s story begins far from Raccoon City, but she inevitably finds her way to the city, a location that fans thought had been left behind. The mysterious death of Grace’s mother forms the base of the narrative. The game involves her investigating the Umbrella Corporation and Raccoon City.

Grace as a New Protagonist – Image Credits (Pinterest)

Early footage of the game shows Grace navigating the remains of a hotel tied to her family secrets. Here, psychological horror meets the bio-terrors the franchise is known for. Capcom has said that Grace’s character will explore themes of trauma, loss, and obsession, which is far different from established heroes such as Leon and Chris.

A Mix of Old and New Horror

One of the standout features of Resident Evil Requiem is its dual camera system. This system allows players to switch from first to third-person perspectives. The game mixes up the two eras of Resident Evil: the over-the-shoulder style that defined Resident Evil 4-6 and the first-person horror style introduced in Resident Evil 7 and Village.

Resident Evil 9 Requiem
Resident Evil 9 Requiem – Image Credits – (Pinterest)

The developers have called this “the definitive way to experience horror”. Older fans of the series can play in third-person mode, while those craving a claustrophobic horror feel can play in first-person, allowing players to shape their experience. 

Setting the Tone

The Return to Raccoon City is a bold move. The city, which has now been taken over by nature, served as ground zero for the outbreak of the original virus. Capcom has stated that the city will now be more open and explorable than ever, encouraging scavenging and environmental storytelling.

The game will use the RE Engine, which was praised for its stunning realism in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. The game will run on 60 FPS, but dynamic lighting, decaying architecture, and ray-traced shadows will boost the realism and dread of the series to new heights. The sound design also takes centre stage. The game will use binaural audio technology to amplify distant screams, eerie echoes, and rustling debris to boost in-game immersion significantly.

Requiem Setting
Resident Evil Requiem Setting – Image Credits (Steam)

The Threat

Every Resident Evil game has a threat that defines itself. Requiem introduces the Harbinger Virus, which, unlike the T-Virus or Las Plagas, not only manipulates flesh but also memory and perception. The victims of the virus suffer from blurred lines between what is real and what is a hallucination, making both the protagonist and player question what is real.

The leaked glimpses of the game show monstrous figures that shift and reform before the players’ eyes. Developers have also indicated that this virus will be the most invasive and personal threat the series has ever faced. Also, the game will feature a combat system similar to The Last of Us 2. 

Connection To The Wider RE Universe

Fans far and wide are already wondering how Resident Evil Requiem fits into the franchise’s existing lore. The return to Raccoon City indicates that we may see some cameos of past characters, such as Claire Redfield and Jill Valentine. Developers have been careful not to leak any information; however, Capcom’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, mentioned that the game will connect old and new timelines in a way players won’t expect.

Resident Evil Requiem
RE Horror – Image Credits (Steam)

Let’s consider the ending of Resident Evil Village and the introduction of Rosemary, Ethan’s daughter. People believe that the new game could bridge the Winters saga with the earlier storyline of the series. If true, this new game could serve as a narrative conclusion and a reboot for the franchise.

Final Thoughts

The excitement around Requiem isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about reinventing the franchise. After nearly three decades since the first game, the series continues to evolve while maintaining its identity. The new game is the perfect opportunity for Capcom to deliver an experience that gamers will remember for decades. As the release date draws ever so near, all we can do now is wait and see how everything pans out.

How I Ensure Solitaire Always Remains A Fun And Satisfying Experience

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  • Solitaire has shown plenty of staying power in the gaming industry.
  • The core loop of engaging yet simple card gameplay from Solitaire remains just as fun as it used to be.
  • Relying on the right techniques can ensure the game stays fun in the long run.

Games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, Fortnite, and more dominate the industry today, but many still prefer the relaxing experience provided by more casual titles.

I personally love a great single-player title like Doom Eternal or a multiplayer anime game like Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, but my go-to relaxing option remains Solitaire to this day.

This game is still played by millions daily, with the likes of Klondike Solitaire providing an accessible experience while still testing problem-solving and various other skills. For those looking to get up and running, here are a few tips on how to win at Solitaire.

Why it matters: Solitaire may seem very simple on the surface, but the game has more depth than one may initially perceive.

Best Play Area

Solitaire
Solitaire Can Seem Tricky At First

I believe knowing the play area is important to each Solitaire game. Every pile—tableau, stock, waste, and foundations—has a specific role.

Experienced players know that one must uncover underlying cards and form sequences in advance. Similarly, moves that open tableau columns should be used first to gain greater control of the game.

I also recommend players make use of careful observation to anticipate future moves more efficiently.

Strategies To Conquer

The following strategies should be mastered when attempting to win as many Solitaire games as possible:

  • Reveal hidden cards prior to the sequences progressing
  • Clear columns of the tableau starting with the Kings
  • Alternate colors carefully when stacking cards
  • Draw from stock in the best way to avoid blocking moves
  • Minimize non-progress contributing blocking moves
  • Maintain a record of face-down cards to anticipate future actions
  • Set low-value cards to be revealed first
  • Practice regularly will help you recognize patterns more rapidly

Gaining The Upper Hand Immediately

After mastering the basics, I found that it was possible to win many Solitaire games in as little as 30 seconds. For context, planning 2-3 moves prevents deadlocks, while employing a basic strategy prevents unnecessary moves.

Making use of these strategies can allow even the newest players to outshine the competition.

Solutions For Challenging Moments

Solitaire
Solitaire Can Lead To Many Intense Games

When in a pickle, I suggest playing through the tableau carefully. Additionally, I believe one should avoid random moves and carefully think about options to uncover concealed cards.

Reversing the last moves for better directions is also a good strategy, and focusing on unblocking columns for kings can end tough scenarios. Mastering these strategies can make challenging situations much easier to deal with.

Choosing The Right Platforms

Because Solitaire is so popular as a game, there’s no shortage of platforms to play the game on. However, from my experience, the best websites offer an ad-free and player-friendly experience.

Various sites even record statistics to allow for reviews later down the line. Ultimately, the right platform provides an all-in-one package. A popular option among players remains Solitaire turn 3 version since it provides more speed and control while allowing for better planning and movement.

As for popular strategies used in this version, I like to set the stock to reveal three cards per turn. Moreover, I find it useful to organize moves in advance to progress faster through the tableau.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to become familiar with the animations and interface before starting a game. This makes for more optimized gameplay.

At the end of the day, Solitaire provides a mentally stimulating and relaxing experience. This is why millions, myself included, continue to return to the game.

Applications like Klondite Solitaire even make it possible to play the game from the comfort of a smartphone, so there is really no excuse for those who enjoy the experience not to be playing the game whenever possible.

CS2 Update Wipes Nearly $2 Billion Off Skin Market, Dropping From $6 Billion To $4.2 Billion

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  • Valve’s latest update has completely disrupted CS2’s skin market.
  • Valve has made it so skins are no longer exclusive to cases and the trading market.
  • The entire market cap has dropped by nearly $2 billion, with some skins dropping to 1/3 of their value from a few days ago.

Counter-Strike 2, or CS2, remains Valve’s most popular title to date. Dominating Steam charts, the first-person shooter has become famous for its competitive gameplay, weapon skins, and custom knives.

The last two, in particular, are very popular, but Valve’s latest update has led to concern among those interested in this element of the game. Following this update, the skin market has lost nearly $2 billion in market cap.

Why it matters: This part of Counter-Strike has grown so much that it has attracted an entirely separate fanbase. Many people engage with CS2 simply to trade skins without playing the game.

Counter Strike 2 Skins Market Cap
Counter-Strike 2 Skins Market Cap.

According to Price Empire, CS2’s entire market cap has taken a huge nosedive by nearly 30% following this update.

This has happened because Valve now allows players to trade a certain number of various rare skins for a knife of their choice. Effectively, this means that five covert rarity skins can be traded for a fairly rare knife.

Previously, the same knife would have been attainable through CS2 cases or one of the many real-world trading platforms dedicated to the game. As a result of this update, a knife like Stilleto Slaughter, which previously sold for $662, is now available for just $450.

Valve’s update has essentially increased the volume of these knives, lowering the demand and prices. The community has also had very interesting reactions to the latest update from Valve.

Counter-Strike 2 Skins
CS2 Has Completely Shifted The Skin Market | Image via Twitter

For instance, some have raised concerns about potential mental and physical stress to those very invested in the market. Many dedicated skin traders are clearly upset with CS2’s update.

Others are less worried about the market, but it remains to be seen whether Valve will take note of the community.

What do you make of the CS2 skin situation? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

The Outer Worlds 2 Review Roundup – A Sequel Better in Every Way Imaginable

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  • The Outer Worlds 2 has received a generally favorable score of 85 on Metacritic.
  • Reviews are calling it a step-up from the first game in every way possible.
  • 2025 has been great for Xbox, at least in terms of first-party releases.

Xbox’s hardware may have suffered a complete defeat against PlayStation, but that doesn’t mean the gaming giant is completely out of fuel. Going full publisher route, the gaming giant is finally in a place where it can say that it has a strong portfolio of first-party video games.

The latest addition to this catalog is The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian Entertainment’s sequel to 2019’s RPG set in an alternate future of a corporatist dystopia, which is also considered a spiritual successor to their 2010 title, Fallout: New Vegas.

Days before its release, the review embargo on the sequel has been lifted, and reviewers are calling it nothing short of perfection.

Why it matters: Obsidian Entertainment needed this comeback, especially after Avowed, which released earlier this year and didn’t live up to the rest of the studio’s work.

the outer worlds 2 metacritic
93% Reviews On Metacritic Are Positive

Currently, The Outer Worlds 2 holds a generally favorable score of 85 on Metacritic. Other than that, here are a few scores the RPG has received from various outlets.

  • Inverse 9/10
  • Screen Rant 9/10
  • GamesRadar 9/10
  • IGN 8/10
  • TheGamer 8/10
  • Eurogamer 8/10

In every way, The Outer Worlds 2 is a step-up from the first game, and Obsidian has managed to polish out the nicks and dings. For those who haven’t played the first game, jumping into the sequel won’t be a problem, since it isn’t connected to the original.

The plot appears to be much better, and Obsidian took a humorous approach, which most reviewers seem to be praising. Furthermore, the character creation is also expanded quite a bit, with nearly 100 perks to choose from the start and more settings.

The game presents you with three factions: The Protectorate, Auntie’s Choice, and The Order of the Ascendant, each distinct. Each faction has a different story to tell, a different theme, and different quests to offer.

outer worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 Features Jaw Dropping Visuals

Leading to the companion part, The Outer Worlds 2 also manages to top off the concept from the first game. Companions are regarded as the standout part of this game, adding heart to the story.

Help from Halo Studios definitely paid off with snappier gunplay, fluid movement, and, in general, combat being more fun. Even though the open-world may not be as explorable as the first game, it is still beautiful with tons of discoveries and opportunities awaiting players.

Are you excited for Outer Worlds 2? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Microsoft Now Pushing For 30% Profit Margin On Xbox – Significantly Higher Than Industry Average

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  • Microsoft has instructed its Xbox division to charge a profit margin of over 30% on its projects.
  • This puts them way above the industry standard, which ranges from 17% to 22%.
  • The number is usually reserved for companies doing exceptionally well with hit projects.

For the longest time, the profit margin in the gaming industry has ranged from 17% to 22%, depending on quality. While it is still standard for most, Xbox has taken a different direction, raising it quite a bit.

Amid falling sales and inflated prices, a new report reveals that Microsoft is now pushing for an over 30% profit margin on Xbox, across both consoles and software. This reportedly led to mass layoffs and the cancellation of multiple projects.

Why it matters: For a company that is primarily a publisher now, it is weird that Microsoft favours higher profit margins over making great projects that could generate huge future revenue.

Xbox
Xbox will now charge much higher profit margins on its projects.

Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is asking the Xbox gaming division to increase its profit margins above the industry standard. So, now they’re pushing for 30%, up from the 20% mentioned above. 

For context, in recent years, Xbox’s profit margin ranged from 10% to 20%, so this is a significant increase. The same thing led to the cancellation of Perfect Dark and more, as well as the recent rise in console prices. 

Perfect Dark
The higher margins reportedly cost game cancellations and layoffs.

The source remarks that a 30% or above margin is usually reserved for a publisher that is nailing with all its projects, and we can’t really say the same for Xbox. There has also been a shift in the overall policy, as previously, numbers weren’t involved.

This will also lead Xbox to prioritize cheaper, high-yield games with a lower risk of failure. Not every project has been given the new target, but many in-house studios will now aim for it in future releases. 

What are your thoughts on Microsoft pushing for a 30% profit margin with Xbox? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Xbox ROG Ally X Sees Up to 32% Higher FPS on Linux vs. Windows Among Other Benefits

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  • One YouTube user swapped Xbox ROG Ally X’s Windows OS for Bazzite, a Linux-based OS, and saw a considerable performance increase.
  • Up to 32% higher FPS were noticed on the handheld with Linux installed.
  • The handheld has a lot of untapped potential, and Microsoft needs to work on the software aspect.

Microsoft’s entry into the handheld market is off to a strong start, as the Xbox ROG Ally X debuts with impressive reviews. Despite the $1,000 price tag, the device has sold out among all retailers.

However, if there is one thing to fix with the Xbox ROG Ally X, it’s the software. Microsoft’s Xbox experience seems unpolished and lacking so far. Fortunately, one YouTuber has managed to replace the default Windows OS with Bazzite, a Linux-based OS, and achieved up to 32% higher FPS, along with other benefits.

Why it matters: The Xbox ROG Ally X still has considerable untapped potential, as shown by this new benchmark. Microsoft needs to improve its software experience if it wants a bright and stable future in the handheld market.

Cyber Dopamine, a YouTuber mainly known for his content on handheld PCs, did this experiment of swapping the OS on the Xbox ROG Ally X. The results are as follows.

GamePower ModeWindows FPSLinux FPSDifference
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 217W4762+15 FPS (+31.91%)
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 213W3537+2 FPS (+5.71%)
Hogwarts Legacy17W5062+12 FPS (+24.00%)
Hogwarts Legacy35W6065+5 FPS (+8.33%)
Hogwarts Legacy13W3837−1 FPS (−2.63%)
Average FPS gain (Linux vs Windows)+6.6 FPS (+13.47%)

Overall, an average performance increase of 13.47% was noted across all these titles on Bazzite when tested on different configurations.

Other than that, overall FPS were much stable and waking up from the sleep state is pretty fast compared to the sluggish wait on Windows. 

This also raises the question of whether the Xbox ROG Ally X has a lot more potential waiting to be unleashed. If the Xbox PC software experience were to be refined, the output would be a lot better since it would be tailored for the handheld itself.

Still, the device is pretty capable even with its current OS state. When running Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, testing reveals the Xbox ROG Ally X performs closer to PS5 rather than the Steam Deck.

What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Microsoft Now Actively Watches Your Gameplay On PCs To Train Its Gaming Copilot

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  • New findings reveal that Microsoft is watching users play games on PCs and sending data back to train its Gaming Copilot. 
  • In late September, Windows 11 PC users received the Gaming Copilot app to provide help during gameplay.
  • It screenshots everything in games and sends the data back to train AI models. This option is turned on by default.

Microsoft’s interest in AI has been evident for some time, with the company actively working on various initiatives for its Xbox brand and PC gaming experience. It is already being used in the development of the upcoming Halo games, for example.

New findings suggest that Microsoft’s recently introduced Gaming Copilot, introduced in September for Windows 11 PCs, actively observes our gameplay and sends the data back to train its AI models. The worst part is that everyone is enrolled in this option by default.

Why it matters: This decision from Microsoft appears to infringe heavily on the privacy of everyday gamers.

Some users on gaming forums claimed that their network traffic indicated data was being sent back to Microsoft. This data sharing even included a game under NDA that a user had been playing, which raises some extreme privacy concerns. 

A user explained that Gaming Copilot captures screenshots and records texts in games using OCR before sending the data back to Microsoft for AI model training. This is possible because the ‘Model training on text’ option is automatically turned on in Gaming Copilot’s settings.

We at Tech4Gamers also found this setting to be toggled on by default. You can opt out by pressing ‘Windows+G’ to open Game Bar, navigating to Gaming Copilot, and toggling it off in privacy settings.

Xbox Muse AI
Microsoft’s Xbox brand is also working on the generative Muse AI.

Users are furious at Microsoft for calling the setting a vague name and argue that it should be more descriptive and turned off by default. The other, “Model training on voice,” option is fortunately off by default.

Do you think the new Gaming Copilot sharing your gameplay data by default to train its AI models is ethical? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Why Split Fiction Could Be 2025’s Sleeper Hit

Story Highlights
  • Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios combines its co-op mastery with a new storytelling twist.
  • Early sales and reviews have shown that the word has spread far and wide.
  • The dual sci-fi and fantasy setting helps broaden the game’s appeal.
  • The authenticity of the game could earn it a long-term sleeper hit potential.

Hazelight Studios, the studio that launched the infamous It Takes Two, has stepped into 2025 with a new game titled “Split Fiction”. Considering the success of the earlier title, the new game is worth a look. But, it is showing itself to be a wolf in a sheep’s costume. Let’s dive right into why Split Fiction could be the sleeper hit of 2025.

The Right Setup

Hazelight Studios has already cemented its reputation for cooperative experiences, considering its last hit title, “It Takes Two”. Split Fiction builds on the base of the earlier game sets but tries to hit new directions and has managed to redefine the cooperative game genre. The game was released on March 6, 2025, and launched on the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Split Fiction
Split Fiction – Image Credits (Pinterest)

It follows a premise of two contrasting authors, one who writes sci-fi and the other who writes fantasy. They become trapped in the worlds they have created and must rely on each other to escape. This narrative, however, isn’t just for flair; it is a creative way for the authors to merge two genres, allowing them to reach a greater audience. The game seems familiar enough to attract Hazelight’s fans from earlier titles, but is different enough to deliver something fresh. 

A Strong Start

As we are all aware, a sleeper hit thrives from word of mouth, and Split Fiction shows all the right signs. Experts have hailed the game as one of the best-reviewed games, praising its creativity and other aspects. From a sales point of view, the game has been doing far better than expected, gaining 200k players in its first two days and crossing the two million sales mark in the first week. 

split fiction steam chart
Split Fiction Hitting Almost 200k Players in First Two days On Steam – Image credits (Highcharts)

This kind of success rarely comes from hype alone. People are discovering the game, finishing it, and then immediately recommending it to others. The game quickly gained popularity through word of mouth, with the player count only rising. This kind of organic growth is just what a game needs to become a sleeper phenomenon.

The Co-op Design

Hazelight has mastered the art of keeping players connected, and just like It Takes Two, Split Fiction is also based around two-player cooperation. In the game, every puzzle, challenge, and level demands communication and teamwork. As a result of this base, a social experience worth remembering is created.

This has also helped boost the reliability of the game significantly. Players are coming back with new partners, exploring different paths, and revisiting favorite moments. Seeing as the market is flooded with solo-focused titles, the collaborative aspect of Split Fiction makes it both refreshing and timeless, allowing it to get perfect scores on all platforms. 

Film Adaptation Appeal

Few games ever generate Hollywood interest so quickly. Reports have suggested that Sydney Sweeney might star in the film adaptation, and Jon M. Chu is reported to direct. Now, whether or not the movie materializes is not known; however, the mere prospect of the idea has pushed the game into mainstream media conversations.

Fantasy Theme
Split Fiction Fantasy Theme – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

This kind of attention gives the game a second life beyond just gaming, and for a sleeper hit invaluable. A successful adaptation or even a continued media buzz can help make Split Fiction into a cultural phenomenon. 

The Involved Risks

Every game faces challenges, and that is also true when it comes to Split Fiction. The 2025 release calendar is crowded with major franchises so which makes it hard for small titles to hold their own.

Split Fictions’ early sales and reviews are great; however, long-term success for the game depends on the ability of the developers to keep players engaged through updates, new content, or events. The game has also managed to gain 90+ on Metacritic and is the first game to do so after Mass Effect 3.

Co-op games generally live or die based on their active player count. If the player matchmaking becomes sloppy or the novelty fades, the momentum can become slow. Regardless of this, Hazelight’s track record and ability to deliver emotional resonance give Split Fiction a chance of enduring the test of time. 

Final Thoughts

Split Fiction is a game that has gained much unexpected attention worldwide. Whether it may be due to its dual genre nature attracting more players, or its replayability and charm, the game is here to stay and may be the official sleeper hit of 2025. Where it will go however, is yet to be seen but for now the game is doing amazingly.