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How Virtual Assets In Games Are Becoming Serious Businesses

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  • The gaming industry has transformed its microtransactions and items into a digital economy.
  • Buying, selling, and trading such items can lead to huge benefits for those who know how to navigate the market.
  • This market is set to expand further in the future, with cross-game items expected soon.

Games have grown exponentially in terms of the depth offered by any particular title over the years. Between microtransactions, various battle passes, and other factors at play, the modern gaming ecosystem is not too different from a proper financial system.

Many players have even built full-blown careers around selling and trading valuable in-game items and bidding on marketplaces like GG Chest. In my opinion, this part of the gaming industry is bigger than most people realize.

Why it matters: Gaming’s rapid progress has opened up many big opportunities for enthusiasts of the industry.

Modded Accounts

Take-Two Grand Theft Auto
Take-Two Makes Billions of Dollars From GTA Online Alone

GTA Online is one of the biggest games on the market currently, and modded accounts are all the rage. I’ve seen more than a few players using these GTA 5 accounts to get a head start in the competitive landscape of GTA Online, and it’s always interesting to see how convenient they typically end up being.

Instead of mindlessly grinding for the best cars, weapons, and properties, players can skip straight ahead to the fun parts of GTA Online through these accounts. A service like GG Chest makes this process incredibly smooth and intuitive.

The Value of In-Game Items

Microtransactions and in-game items bring in billions of dollars for gaming studios across the globe. Whether it be a game like Fortnite, Valorant, or Call of Duty, people are spending tons of money on virtual items, and in many cases, these items serve as status symbols.

The rarer an item is, the more expensive it becomes. For example, consider a vehicle being removed from GTA Online in an update. Such an update would instantly lead to a demand spike for said vehicle, increasing the value of each account with the vehicle.

Much like the real economy, elements like inflation, scarcity, and speculation also impact these ecosystems. In many ways, gaming ecosystems are identical to the modern economic structure.

The Role of Communities

Not too long ago, communities dedicated to trading, buying, and dealing in such economies were scattered across forums and untrustworthy websites. However, I find that modern options like GG Chest make the whole process incredibly easy to go through.

Also, there’s no inherent law against the practice. Sure, games might not encourage selling and buying accounts, but rarely do they take action against doing so. This is precisely why there has been an increase in the number of platforms offering such services.

For many people, these items serve as statements of personal style and expressions. People may want others to notice them or respect them one way or another, and ownership of specific items can earn them the recognition they desire.

Whether it be a game like Call of Duty or GTA, the value of in-game items remains undeniable, and this is exactly why platforms that enable easy trading of these goods are so important.

Cross-Game Assets Are The Future

Ubisoft
Studios Like Ubisoft Are Investing In NFTs

With the way things are right now, gaming is headed toward NFTs and Blockchain being the future. Cross-compatibility between different games could also be a thing, allowing skins to carry over between different titles.

Because ownership of certain items will become even more valuable moving forward, platforms like GG Chest will become truly important.

At the end of the day, I believe everyone can become a part of the current gaming economic landscape with just a little bit of knowledge and caution, as the right approach is essential in guaranteeing a smooth ride into the future.

PS5 Prices Officially Going Up In The US Following Economic Changes

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  • All PS5 consoles have seen a price hike in the US.
  • The PS5 Pro now costs as much as $750, while the other two models are also more expensive now.
  • Sony says the new pricing has been put in place to combat the global economic crisis.

Major console manufacturers have raised pricing in some way over the last few months. Xbox has increased the cost of its consoles, while Nintendo has made Nintendo Switch 2 accessories more expensive.

This led to many questioning whether PlayStation would follow suit, and sure enough, the gaming giant has confirmed new prices for the PS5 family of consoles.

Why it matters: PlayStation has been selling consoles at a rapid pace, but this price hike could spell trouble for the gaming giant’s hardware business.

PS5 Pro Featured
PS5 Pro Is Now $750

According to Sony’s latest post on the PlayStation Blog, the PS5 family has seen a price hike of $50 across the board. The following are the new prices:

PS5 Digital $499.99
PS5 Disc Edition $549.99
PS5 Pro $749.99

Sony has pointed to changing economic conditions as the reason behind the new pricing. The gaming giant has also confirmed that accessory costs have remained the same for now.

These new prices will come into effect on August 21, giving consumers barely any time to buy consoles at previous prices. Also, this new price brings the PS5 Pro even closer to the cost of a proper gaming PC.

PS5 Pro Price Tag
PS5 Pro Pricing Could Become Even More Controversial Now

With games like GTA 6 coming next year, Sony is likely expecting a major surge in PS5 sales over the next few months. However, the new pricing could push consumers toward more budget-friendly options like the Xbox Series S. 

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft’s console itself saw a price hike not too long ago. Still, it remains quite a bit cheaper than the least expensive PS5 model.

What do you think about the new pricing? Share your opinions in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Ubisoft Has No Major Games To Show Until Summer 2026

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  • Ubisoft has various games in development, including three high-profile remakes.
  • An insider states that the gaming giant will remain fairly quiet about its lineup until the summer of 2026.
  • Till then, Ubisoft will continue supporting already released titles.

Ubisoft has had quite an interesting year so far. Following the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the French gaming giant has gone through a major restructuring and continues to face low stock prices.

At the same time, this particular game has sold well. Multiple exciting projects are also in development for the future, but an insider states that Ubisoft will not share much until next year.

Why it matters: Ubisoft typically carries out extensive marketing cycles for its biggest releases, announcing them over a year in advance in most cases. It seems the studio is not repeating the same trend.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Ubisoft Seems To Be Taking A Small Break After AC Shadows

As per Tom Henderson, Ubisoft will not have much to share until the summer of 2026. This statement came in response to a gamer asking why Ubisoft was missing from the recent Gamescom event.

The insider’s statement suggests that both Assassin’s Creed 4 and Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake will launch later than summer 2026. This is interesting since both titles were expected to launch earlier until recently.

The latter is also known to have entered the alpha stage after going through a major shift in development not too long ago. Anyhow, this means that projects like Splinter Cell Remake and Ghost Recon will not show up this year either.

Ubisoft gaming
Ubisoft has faced financial turmoil over the last year

As it waits for 2026, the French gaming giant is supporting existing titles with new DLC and multiplatform releases. Star Wars Outlaws is set to launch on the Switch 2 later this year, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows will return to the Templars vs. Assassins conflict with its upcoming DLC.

What do you think about Ubisoft’s upcoming games? Were you hoping to see something from the company this year? Head to the comments below to share your thoughts, or visit the Tech4Gamers Forums for more discussions.

Resident Evil 9 Draws Comparisons With Silent Hill PT Amid Positive Previews

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  • Resident Evil 9 previews are out now, following the gameplay reveal at Gamescom. 
  • A preview has highlighted that the game draws heavy inspiration from Silent Hill PT.
  • In the first-person mode, chase sequences and jump scares feature many similarities. 

Resident Evil 9 was officially revealed at Summer Game Fest, instantly sparking massive hype. At Gamescom, Capcom showcased a new gameplay trailer that, while light on details, still managed to keep the fandom engaged.

Now that the preview embargo has lifted, early impressions are overwhelmingly positive. Some are even comparing it to Silent Hill PT, a game often remembered as one of the most heartbreaking cancellations in gaming history.

Why it matters: Fans still mourn the cancellation of Silent Hill PT to this day, but they’ll be glad to know that a game promising a similar level of horror is finally on the horizon.

The preview by VGC draws a comparison of Resident Evil 9 to Silent Hill PT. It seems like Capcom has taken a lot of inspiration from the cancelled horror title, as the similarities seem uncanny, especially because of the first-person mod.

As I play the demo for Resident Evil Requiem over a decade later, it’s hard not to feel a sense of deja vu, as it seems that Capcom has turned to P.T. for inspiration once again.

-VGC

The cancelled horror game’s demo was in first-person, and the previewer seemed to have found many similarities playing Resident Evil 9 in the same mode, especially the chase sequence and jump scares.

re9-screenshot
Capcom’s Upcoming Horror Title Is Receiving Praise From Almost Everyone

Silent Hill PT remains one of the few cancelled games to leave such a lasting impact, continuing to inspire developers to refine the horror genre even over a decade later. Its influence is evident even in major titles like Capcom’s upcoming release. But the question lingers: what if the full game had ever seen the light of day? Sadly, we’ll never know.

That said, the previews of the upcoming survival horror from Capcom are pretty positive. The game is set to release on February 27, 2026.

What are your thoughts on the previews? Share them with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

Black Ops 7 Trailer Already Has 124K Dislikes; Comments Also Full of Negativity

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been hit by a wave of negativity across all platforms.
  • The gameplay trailer on YouTube has already gathered over 120K dislikes, and the comments are also extremely negative.
  • Many gamers are praising Battlefield 6 in the comments, potentially spelling trouble for Call of Duty.

Call of Duty’s latest entry marks a return to the Black Ops 2 timeline. Set 10 years after the events of 2012’s Call of Duty title, Black Ops 7 appeals to nostalgic Call of Duty fans and newcomers alike.

However, it seems Activision has been unable to create as much excitement as it hoped. Between competition from Battlefield and rising negativity around the series, Black Ops 7 has already accumulated thousands of dislikes on YouTube.

Why it matters: Call of Duty executives believe the franchise will always do well no matter what, but it has only ever seen this amount of negativity once in the last decade.

Black Ops 7 Dislikes
Black Ops 7 Dislike Count via YouTube

Over on YouTube, the recent Black Ops 7 trailer has racked up over 13 million views since its release. However, it currently stands at 124K dislikes and 30K likes.

Since the YouTube dislikes extension only provides an estimate, the actual number of dislikes is expected to be much higher. As such, the general sentiment regarding the game does not appear too positive, and the comments tell a similar story.

In the comments, many YouTube viewers noted that Battlefield 6 appears to be the superior first-person shooter. One user even reminisced about the comparisons between Infinite Warfare and Battlefield 1, noting that the current scenario is similar.

This actually made me pre-order Battlefield 6.

-Southpaw3020

Similar comments have been made about the game on social media, and it seems very few fans are interested in Call of Duty this year.

Call of Duty Black Ops 7
Comments About The Latest COD Are Not The Most Encouraging

With the franchise being as big as it is, it will be interesting to see how Call of Duty stacks up against the competition once it arrives later this year. Battlefield 6 reached 20 million players in the beta alone, so it should offer some intense competition.

What did you think about the Black Ops 7 trailer? Did you have a similar reaction? Share your opinions in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Activision Confirms Black Ops 6 Content Carryover to Black Ops 7, But Fans Aren’t Happy

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 gameplay trailer was revealed yesterday, and it is facing immense backlash.
  • Activision recently confirmed that content from Black Ops 6 will be carried over to the upcoming game. 
  • Fans are urging the developer to reconsider and retract its decision.

Last night at Gamescom, the show debuted with the trailer of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The trailer was bizarre and failed to impress the fandom. The mega jump feature, especially, received a lot of criticism as the fandom thinks it would become just another means to cheese.

Activision also recently confirmed that the Black Ops 6 XP Tokens and GobbleGums will carry forward at the launch of Black Ops 7, along with Weapons, Operators, and Operator Skins. However, fans aren’t happy with this decision either

Why it matters: Call of Duty isn’t what it used to be, and that could be because the developer isn’t actively implementing the fandom’s feedback.

Carry Forward Is Coming To Bo7
According to Activision, Carry Forward Is Coming To Bo7

The official account of Call of Duty recently posted on Twitter that a variety of content will be coming from Black Ops 6 to the next instalment, and fans are totally against it

Please do not transfer the OPERATOR SKINS WE DONT WANNA SEE TURTLES AND BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD in Bo7. Thank you

please do NOT transfer over operators, this game’s visuals are aesthetically beautiful and this will tarnish it.

If it were only a handful of complaints about the design, it might not have been a big deal. However, the thread is filled with fans urging the developer to walk back this decision and not include Black Ops 6’s content.

While the studio has teased that Black Ops 7 won’t include overly cartoonish skins, importing cosmetics from the previous game could undermine that promise. Still, the developer mentioned there will be some exceptions, so the full picture should become clear once Season One begins.

It is also worth noting that the Black Ops 7 gameplay reveal trailer was heavily bombarded with dislikes. Fans are dropping comments like ‘EA is probably going to throw a giant party tonight’ and ‘I expected nothing, and they still managed to disappoint.’

With the game facing constant backlash, many believe Battlefield 6 is almost guaranteed to stomp Call of Duty this year.

What are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

Valve Steam Console Potentially Spotted With Custom AMD Hawk Point 2 SoC & RDNA 3 GPU

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  • Valve is reportedly preparing to enter the home console market as a direct competitor to Microsoft and Sony’s next-gen systems.
  • The device, codenamed Fremont, has surfaced with a custom AMD Hawk Point SoC and an RX 7600 RDNA 3 GPU.
  • Current specs suggest this may be a test unit, as the hardware seems underpowered compared to the upcoming Xbox and PlayStation.

Many insider reports have suggested that Valve is secretly working on a brand-new home console. According to these claims, the project is being designed to directly compete with the upcoming consoles from Microsoft and Sony, a move that, if successful, could mark a huge turning point for the gaming industry.

Up until now, Valve’s only major hardware success has been the Steam Deck. While it’s certainly popular among PC gamers, it can’t compete head-to-head with Nintendo’s dominant Switch in the handheld market.

This makes the latest development even more intriguing: Valve Fremont has reportedly been spotted running on a custom AMD Hawk Point 2 SoC paired with an RDNA 3 GPU, strongly suggesting that a powerful home console could indeed be in the works.

Why it matters: This new console could finally bring real competition to Microsoft and Sony while leveraging Steam’s massive library. If priced right, it has the potential to blur the line between PC and console gaming and reshape the industry.

Valve Home Console Specs
Valve Developing a Console Seems More Likely Than Ever

The Valve Fremont, spotted in the Geekbench database, has some surprising specs. It’s powered by a custom AMD Hawk Point 2 SoC, with Zen 4 CPU cores paired with an RX 7600 RDNA 3 GPU.

According to the listing, the CPU features 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.2 GHz and boost speeds up to 4.8 GHz. Compared to the Steam Deck’s hardware, this is a massive leap forward and strongly suggests that Fremont is designed as a home console rather than a handheld.

It’s worth noting that a console powered by the RX 7600 likely wouldn’t be able to compete with the performance targets of the next-generation Xbox or PlayStation. This suggests that the current model could simply be a test unit.

Bloodborne Steam Deck
Steam Deck 2 Is More Likely To Be A Console Rather Than A Handheld

Valve may be experimenting with different hardware configurations before finalising the specs, making it interesting to see how the company moves forward.

What are your thoughts on this new finding? Share them with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

PS5 Outsells PSP, Set To Catch Game Boy Advance Sales Figures Soon

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  • The PS5 has now outsold the original PSP, and is on its way to cross the Game Boy Advance.
  • The console is also expected to overtake Xbox 360 and PS3 sales by the end of 2025.
  • The numbers are truly impressive considering the slow start due to the pandemic.

The PS5 launched in 2020 during the pandemic when there was a chip shortage, resulting in a limited supply of the console. However, despite the slow start, the latest Sony console has managed to rack up a great number of sales.

It is claimed that the PS5 has outsold the PSP and is now on track to catch the Game Boy Advance as well, which is among the best-selling consoles of all time. This is a huge feat considering the slow start of its life cycle.

Why it matters: The PS5 has slowly become the definitive console for almost every household as Xbox is backing out of the console game. It not only has its exclusives, but is also actively getting Xbox games

PS5 Xbox Series S|X
PS5 sales numbers have left Xbox Series in the dust

PS5 has now crossed 80.3 million units sold, which is just above PSP’s 80 million units. The Game Boy Advance comes in at about 81.5 million, so the PS5 is expected to overtake that in the future, entering the top 10 best-sellers of all time. 

The console is also expected to surpass the Xbox 360 in just a few months and might even catch up PS3 by the end of this year. It still has a year or two of its life cycle left; it wouldn’t come as a surprise if it crossed the original PlayStation as well.

PS5 Pro Featured
The PS5 family of consoles has already crossed 80 million units in just 5 years

Selling over 80 million consoles in just 4 and a half years is certainly a huge achievement. This generation has cemented Sony as the best home console maker, as Xbox finally admitted defeat after underwhelming console sales. 

What are your thoughts on PS5 outpacing the PSP’s sales in just around 5 years? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Callisto Protocol Reportedly Sold 7 Million Copies But Was Still Considered A Failure

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  • Callisto Protocol director said that the game has sold around 7 million copies.
  • However, the publisher Krafton didn’t even estimate 2 million sales within the first year of its release.
  • Callisto Protocol was a letdown in the publisher’s eyes, with the studio Striking Distance having faced layoffs earlier this year.

Made by the creator of Dead Space and regarded as its spiritual successor, Callisto Protocol failed to live up to his earlier work.

The game’s publisher, Krafton, also considered it a huge letdown, as it missed its 5 million sales mark. Following this claimed failure, Krafton laid off most of the Striking Distance team, the studio behind the game.

Interestingly, Glen Schoefield, the director behind the game, had other claims. According to him, Callisto Protocol sold around 7 million copies, which is more than three times the amount of sales that Krafton had previously expected.

Why it matters: There’s a huge disparity in the sales figures reported by the director and Krafton themselves. If a game is still considered a failure even after 7 million sales, then the industry is ruined.

Glen Schoefield recently discussed Callisto Protocol in a podcast with The Game Business, admitting that they pushed out a rough release, which led to the negative reception. Still, over time, the team worked and redeemed themselves with DLCs and 86 patches until the game was in a playable condition.

Still, the game went on to sell around 7 million copies, and Schoefield confirmed that his sources were pretty accurate. Additionally, he noted that the total downloads were significantly higher, which may be attributed to the title’s availability on Game Pass.

Sony PlayStation
Ex-PlayStation Boss Says That 10 Million Sales For AAA Games Is An Ordinary Benchmark

Initially, Krafton targeted 5 million sales for the game but lowered their estimates to 2 million within just a year, which led to the belief that the game was a flop.

It’s quite possible that the game went on to sell several million copies after its updates and Final Transmission DLC. Callisto Protocol had a budget of $162 million, and as Schoefield says, Krafton recovered the development budget and made well over that. 

Still, the layoffs at Striking Distance studio came earlier this year, which doesn’t make sense.

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

Dead Space Creator 100% Behind AI; Now Using It For Next Project

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  • The Dead Space creator has confirmed work on a new project after previously considering retirement.
  • He states that Midjourney AI is helping him test world-building concepts.
  • The director believes AI will raise the bar for game development and should be embraced.

Glen Schofield, the Dead Space creator, has been involved in the gaming industry for well over three decades, working on various titles, with the most recent being The Callisto Protocol.

Although this project ended up being underwhelming and led to Glen Schofield considering retirement from the industry, the developer has decided to continue moving forward. He has now begun planning a new project and intends to use AI during development.

Why it matters: AI’s role in gaming development has become a major point of contention. While many acknowledge its benefits, others believe AI will replace jobs and professionals.

Glen Schofield recently discussed the conception of AI and its larger impact on game development.

He noted that AI is yet another major development, like the internet or motion capture years ago. The developer advised aspiring creators to embrace the technology and work with it rather than running from it.

Glen Schofield also believes AI will raise the bar. He is currently using Midjourney AI generator as an additional tool when trying to come up with game worlds for his next project.

Moreover, the director wishes it were easier to import ideas or worlds into Midjourney to pick out the best ones for even more freedom with game development. 

I dig really deep now with AI stuff. The biggest problem I have is trying to cull through some of these. I’m going in different directions, and then I’m taking it into Midjourney.

Of course, Glen Schofield does not support the idea of AI producing fully functional games without human input. He noted that artists and other developers would still be needed to take the AI’s work and produce a proper game.

The Callisto protocol
The Callisto Protocol Was Considered A Letdown

Not much is known about the director’s next game, but he seems excited about the opportunities to come. Although his experience with The Callisto Protocol was not the most eventful, the game still had a few key strengths.

What do you think about AI and its uses for game development? Share your thoughts in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

TeamGroup Launches T-CREATE EXPERT CKD DDR5 Memory

[Press Release] TeamGroup has launched the T-CREATE EXPERT CKD DDR5, a high-performance desktop memory designed for professional creators. Debuting in a 7200MHz 2x24GB kit, it uses Client Clock Driver (CKD) technology to deliver stable high-frequency performance, solving the limitations of traditional U-DIMMs under heavy workloads and overclocking.

The module supports up to 64GB per stick and 256GB per kit, with XMP 3.0 one-click overclocking for easy performance boosts. It excels in demanding tasks like AI training, 3D rendering, and music production, providing the speed and stability needed for multitasking workflows.

The memory is built on a 10-layer PCB with custom high-temp capacitors and a slim aluminum alloy heatsink, which ensures strong power delivery, signal integrity, and effective cooling even in compact AI PC builds. Each unit undergoes patented IC selection and testing, guaranteeing top-tier stability and reliability.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, it delivers confidence and long-term value for creators pushing the limits of modern computing. Check out the product page for more details

Drop Latte75 Mechanical Keyboard Brings Performance and Elegance Together

[Press Release] Drop has introduced the Latte75, a compact 75% mechanical keyboard designed to combine premium build quality with wireless versatility. Featuring a CNC aluminum chassis and PBT dye-sublimated keycaps, it comes in four finishes: Classic Latte, Vanilla Latte, Matcha Latte, and Mocha Latte.

The Latte75 supports tri-mode connectivity with USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless options. Its gasket-mounted design with five layers of dampening ensures a refined typing feel.

At the same time, pre-lubed all-POM linear switches and hot-swap compatibility offer smooth performance and easy customization. South-facing RGB lighting completes the setup.

Drop Latte75

Powered by the Nordic NRF52840 chipset, the keyboard provides full QMK and VIA support in both wired and wireless modes. A 4000 mAh battery delivers up to five months of standby time, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

The Drop Latte75 will be available for preorder on Drop.com starting 20 August 2025, priced at $149.