Intel Develops AI Tool To Evaluate Game Visuals And Measure Impact Of Upscalers In Real-Time

July 17, 2025

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Intel has developed a new open-source AI tool that can objectively analyze game visuals to measure the impact of upscalers in real time.
The researchers trained AI on a large dataset with artifacts caused by upscalers to match the prowess of human perception.
The tool can help gamers better understand how upscalers affect visuals and let developers further improve these technologies.

With the emergence of upscaling technologies creating AI-generated artificial frames, issues like ghosting and aliasing have become all too common in visuals. However, a new Intel tool can help detect these anomalies much more easily.

Intel has developed a new AI tool that can objectively analyze image quality and measure the impact upscalers have on visuals in real time. A large dataset involving 20 participants was fed to the AI to help it match human perception in finding these anomalies.

Why it matters: The new AI tool by Intel is a great step towards objectively assessing game visuals, and its open-source nature means that developers can customize and expand upon it to automate detecting visual anomalies caused by upscalers for their projects.

As explained by Intel, the tool dubbed CGVQM (Computer Graphics Visual Quality Metric) can capture ‘complex artifacts introduced by modern rendering techniques.’ It is also able to detect how much each anomaly affects a certain part of the visuals.

By combining high accuracy, interpretability, and generalizability, CGVQM provides a powerful new tool for graphics researchers and game developers to evaluate rendering quality as perceived by an end user without the need for costly human studies.

The tool outperformed all state-of-the-art metrics in predicting human ratings so far, which means that it is also accurate enough for game developers to use. This could help developers further correct visual anomalies caused by upscalers and improve those technologies.

By analyzing how perceptual quality degrades across different input resolutions and upscaling configurations, developers can determine the sweet spot, where performance gains are maximized with minimal visual compromise.

The tool can detect distortions caused by neural supersampling technologies, such as DLSS, XeSS, or path tracing.

On the flip side, it can also help gamers select optimal quality settings in games because it can show at what level the image quality begins to drop noticeably.

Latest Updates

Do you think the new AI tool will help developers better measure the effects of upscalers on game visuals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

RoboCop Unfinished Business Review Roundup—Satisfying Gunplay Marred By Shoddy NPCs

July 17, 2025

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RoboCop Unfinished Business’ reviews are finally coming out, hogging only an unexpected average of 67 critic scores.
The game also only sits at a 69 top critic average on OpenCritic, with reviewers highlighting fun gunplay held back by other elements.
The sequel focuses on the OmniTower, but bad animations and generic NPCs make it difficult to enjoy the more linear experience.

Fun single-player shooters are always welcomed with open arms in the gaming scene, and RoboCop Unfinished Business is shaping up to be that next experience. The first game won over a lot of fans with gory, no-nonsense combat, so the sequel has had big shoes to fill.

The reviews for the sequel are finally coming out, which confirm some of the fans’ greatest fears. The game’s combat is a definite upgrade over the original, especially with the all-new cryo cannon, but it quickly devolves into a 10-hour monotonous corridor shooter.

Why it matters: After the success of the original RoboCop Rogue City entry, fans were expecting the team to elevate every aspect of the sequel. The gunplay is as satisfying as ever, but a lack of exploration and bad animations dampen the rest of the experience.

RoboCop Unfinished Business' Metacritic score is worse than the original game at the moment. — RoboCop Unfinished Business’ Metacritic score is worse than the original game at the moment.

The game currently only has an average of 67 critic scores on Metacritic, while it boasts 69 on OpenCritic. Here are some critical reviews from major media outlets:

Xbox Mag 8/10
Cultured Vultures 7/10
PlayStation Universe 7/10
PushSquare 6/10
IGN 6/10
Video Gamer 5/10

The new mini-sequel takes place in the infamous OmniTower, where RoboCop has to fight hordes of enemies with cutting-edge weapons on each floor. You also get to experience and play the slow, methodical flashbacks of RoboCop when he was just a normal police officer.

However, they don’t take much away from the action-oriented gameplay. The game’s constant barrage of gunfights does feel like a routine after a while, since there is not much exploration to lean back on this time around.

This standalone follow-up is disappointingly rough around the edges, and although its comically violent combat remains satisfying, it’s not varied enough to elevate the entire action-heavy campaign.

-Push Square

This flaw has been one of the biggest criticisms in reviews; paired with bad NPC acting and awkward facial animations, the mixed scores quickly become obvious.

The sequel also does not shy away from showing gore and blood in any way.

The drop in overall quality is a major concern for the new sequel. So, RoboCop Unfinished Business is a definite try for fans of the original game, as long as these mishaps can be ignored. The game is launching on 17 July 2025, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

Latest Updates

Do you think RoboCop Unfinished Business stands out as a worthy sequel, or have the reported shortcomings made it less interesting in your eyes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Silent Hill Creator Confirms Work On His Next Project Has Begun Already

July 17, 2025

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Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama opened his new studio in 2020 and launched Slitterhead.
Following this release, the team has begun the initial stages of its next project.
The director hopes to prioritize freedom and different concepts with this studio in the future.

The Silent Hill creator is long known as an icon of the gaming industry. Keiichiro Toyama also formed his own studio in 2020, releasing Slitterhead as the team’s first original release.

Although the game did not end up being as big of a hit as Keiichiro Toyama would have liked, it set the stage for things to come. Following this release, the Silent Hill creator has begun working on his next game.

Why it matters: Many gaming industry veterans have formed or joined new studios in recent years. These changes stem from efforts to try something new within the industry.

Speaking to Famitsu, Keiichiro Toyama confirmed that the next project is not related to Slitterhead. The team is instead attempting to do something completely different, but the developer did not provide any further details.

Bokeh Game Studios is in the initial phases of this project, so Keiichiro Toyama will have more to share in the near future. However, he teases that the team is looking to pour all their efforts into this project.

I can’t reveal the exact details, but we have started working on our next title.

Keiichiro Toyama also discussed plans to experiment with different approaches with each new release. This is the same approach that led the developer to switch from a franchise like Silent Hill to Gravity Rush.

Still, he believes Bokeh Game Studios needs to earn more recognition and establish itself before it can achieve such a level of freedom.

silent hill 2 maria — Silent Hill Has Become Relevant Again After The Recent Remake

Elsewhere, the Silent Hill creator discussed long-term plans, stating that he hopes to pass the baton to the next generation of horror game developers. Toward that end, the studio is making rapid progress as it continues to prepare a new era of game designers.

Anyhow, it will be interesting to see how the veteran developer’s future title comes to life and what it brings to the already thriving horror games genre.

Latest Updates

Did you play Slitterhead? Do you think the developer’s next game will be worth keeping an eye out for? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Ubisoft CEO’s Son Appointed To Lead Tencent-Backed Subsidiary, Sparking Nepotism Concerns

July 17, 2025

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Ubisoft is under fire yet again as the CEO appointed his son to lead the Tencent-backed subsidiary.
Charlie, as per his track record, isn’t competent enough for the responsibilities he has been given.
Instead, the other CEO is far more competent, but seems to be left in the shadows.

Ubisoft has been the center of controversies for a pretty long time now. The company had hoped that Assassin’s Creed Shadows would save it, but even after a huge delay, the game ultimately disappointed the majority. It also flopped on the PC.

Before the release, the company may not have been feeling confident in the game’s ability to save it, so Ubisoft decided to give Tencent a 25% stake in some of its biggest franchises. Needless to say, Ubisoft faced a lot of criticism for that, too.

However, the company is under fire again, as the CEO has appointed his son to lead the Tencent-backed subsidiary, which has sparked concerns about nepotism.

Why it matters: Cases of nepotism in any industry should never be ignored, as incompetent people usurp positions from those who deserve them.

Ubisoft Bankruptcy — Ubisoft May Go Bankrupt This Year If It Continues To Go Against The Fandom’s Demand

Insider Gaming received the internal memo that Yves Guillemot sent to the staff, which revealed that the new Tencent-backed company holds 25% shares in the Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry franchises, making it the first house in the new organisational ecosystem of Ubisoft.

This subsidiary is being led by two CEOs. One of the CEOs is Christophe Derennes, who seems pretty competent, given that he has already been with the company for almost 30 years and has served as the General Director of Ubisoft North America.

However, the other CEO has raised quite a few eyebrows, and he is the son of Yves Guillemot. The memo further reveals that Charlie Guillemot is responsible for almost everything related to the three games. This leaves the much more experienced CEO with almost nothing except cleaning the mess Charlie leaves behind.

While Charlie has already rejected the case of nepotism, no one would go out of their way to admit that, honestly. Yves has given his son way too much favor over the other CEO, which has raised concerns regarding nepotism and almost proved it.

It should also be noted that Charlie’s track record isn’t anything impressive and is definitely not the reason behind his promotion.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts about the CEO of Ubisoft appointing his son as the leader of the new subsidiary? Do you think this is an obvious case of nepotism? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

Multiple New Lollipop Chainsaw Games Are In The Works At Dragami Games

July 17, 2025

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Dragami Games is developing multiple new projects related to the Lollipop Chainsaw IP.
The publisher is partnering with Nada Holdings, an investment firm whose chairman is a fan of the action game and wants to preserve the original’s identity.
The projects will be based on collaboration with other industries, meaning we might get movies and TV shows in addition to games.

As far as Japanese auteurs go, Goichi Suda is up there with the very best for making influential titles like No More Heroes and the more popular Lollipop Chainsaw. Ever since the remastered version of the game was released last year, there has been a renewed interest in the IP.

And now, the cult classic action title is going to get a new life thanks to publisher Dragami Games investing in creating more projects.

Why it matters: Seeing a cult title with a unique art style like Lollipop Chainsaw get investment is a big win for the Japanese industry.

Multiple new projects based on the Lollipop Chainsaw IP are now in the works thanks to a collaboration between Dragami and Nada Holdings, A Taiwan-based company that invests in manga and anime-related properties.

According to the press release, the chairman of the holding company is a big fan of the IP and wants to preserve the style of the original game in future projects. Moreover, Nada Holdings specialises in trans-media ventures, meaning we might be seeing Lollipop Chainsaw on the small screen or even as a film.

James Gunn was a major collaborator on Lollipop Chainsaw alongside Goichi Suda, while Warner Bros published the 2012 version worldwide. Hence, a film based on the action title isn’t too far-fetched,

Lollipop Chainsaw RePop, the remastered version that came out last year, massively outperformed expectations and took the overall sales of the title to 1.5 million copies. Therefore, the cult title has a fan base behind it, and collaborating with other industries is a brilliant way to expand it, as the press release states.

No other specifics about the nature of these projects were revealed, but it’s safe to say they won’t lose the edge of the original, especially with Lollipop Chainsaw’s original game designer being starkly against censorship.

Latest Updates

Are you excited for new films and games based on the Lollipop Chainsaw franchise? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Gamers Are Developers Now: The Rise of No-Code Game Tools

July 17, 2025

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No-code tools are turning everyday gamers into game creators.
Game development no longer requires coding skills.
Platforms like Roblox and Dreams make game creation accessible to all.
Gamers are now building, designing, and monetizing their own games.

Game development is no longer limited to developers fluent in C++ or Unity veterans with years of experience. With the rise of no-code game development tools, a new generation of creators is stepping up, and many of them aren’t traditional developers at all. They’re gamers.

Platforms like Construct 3 are unlocking the ability to build games without writing code, inviting players to become creators. Whether you’re a longtime RPG fan or a teen building on Roblox, no-code tools are your path to game development. Platforms like Godot and Roblox are now letting players’ imaginations run wild.

What Exactly Are No-Code Game Tools?

At their core, no-code game tools let users design, build, and publish games through visual interfaces without needing to learn programming. Instead of trying your luck with coding, you’re dragging and dropping logic blocks, customizing assets, and connecting gameplay systems like puzzle pieces.

Tools such as GDevelop, Construct 3, Core, and Roblox Studio are at the forefront of this movement. These tools empower creators to build everything from 2D platformers to multiplayer experiences.

Minecraft world — Minecraft World Building – Image Credits [Minecraft]

In some cases, like Manticore’s Core, creators can even monetize their work and access professional-grade features without touching a single line of code. The tools are powerful and easy to use, basically letting anyone make a game.

Why More Gamers Are Becoming Game Creators

The shift is being driven by more than just accessibility; it’s driven by passion. Gamers have a deep understanding of what makes a game fun. Whether it’s balancing difficulty, crafting engaging stories, or designing immersive worlds, many players are already thinking like designers and imagining how the game could be better.

Now, they pretty much have the tools to bring those ideas to life. Imagine a Minecraft player using Block Bench to design custom models or a high schooler crafting an original RPG in RPG Maker. In Roblox, young players are creating games enjoyed by millions. This alone shows that every player can be a developer. These tools make the leap from player to creator feel natural.

Unlocking Creativity through Simplicity

What makes these platforms so powerful isn’t just ease of use, it’s the way they encourage Creativity. By removing the steep technical learning curve, they open the door for experimentation and exploration.

Hobbyists are prototyping ideas in Construct 3 within minutes. Many platforms come with built-in templates, tutorials, and asset libraries to get creators started. These spaces offer environments for creative growth, allowing young players to use their imagination to create something truly worth remembering. Games such as Wandering Cat, made by solo developers, are now becoming a niche enjoyed by many.

Building Games and Careers

What started as a creative outlet is now becoming a legitimate career path for many. Platforms like Roblox and Core offer creators the ability to earn real income through game sales, in-game purchases, and user engagement. What this means is that you can now earn through creating games without ever learning how to code.

The no-code movement aligns perfectly with the rise of the creator economy, where digital artists, influencers, and developers can make a living independently. For some, this means pocket money. For others, it’s a full-time job or the launchpad for an indie studio.

Endless Possibilities in a Minecraft World – Image Credits [Pinterest]

How AI Is Taking No-Code Even Further

Artificial Intelligence is also starting to play a role in reshaping no-code development. We’re seeing early integrations that make the process even more intuitive, like natural language prompts that generate logic or AI tools that auto-create game assets or animations.

Unity’s Muse, for example, lets developers type a description such as “create a boss that chases the player” and then builds that behavior automatically. While still in processing, AI-assisted tools are expanding what no-code creators can accomplish with just an idea and a sentence.

A Glimpse into the Future of Game Creation

As no-code tools continue to improve, the idea of who can build games is rapidly expanding. Game creation is no longer reserved for coders with years of experience. It’s becoming more inclusive, more community-driven, and more creative.

Lastest Updates

Following Helldivers 2 Release on Xbox, Fans Are Asking Insomniac For A Spider-Man Port

July 17, 2025

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Sony recently released Helldivers 2 on Xbox, and it has received a positive reception from the fandom.
Following that, fans are speculating that the gaming giant may release even more games on the rival platform.
With that in mind, the fandom is asking Sony to release Spider-Man games on the Xbox, too.

Xbox has released a lot of its games to the PlayStation 5, and according to some reports, the gaming giant is considering releasing its classic exclusives like Halo on the rival console, too. Xbox seems to have let go of the exclusivity banner and aims to capitalise on the profits as much as it can.

PlayStation seems to be following the same trend, as it recently released Helldivers 2 on Xbox. Following the release, fans are asking Insomniac to release Spider-Man on the Xbox, too.

Why it matters: Exclusivity is the leading cause of the console war, which has been full of toxicity for the past few years. However, it also allows the company to sell its console more than its competitor.

Insomniac Games Spider-Man Post On Twitter

Recently, Insomniac posted a photo of Spider-Man on Twitter with a victory hand pose. The Twitter account posted this out of the ordinary, which made many fans make up a lot of speculations, with the most common one being a Spider-Man port for Xbox.

There are some fans who are also speculating that the developer might be teasing a DLC or has plans to reveal some information about the sequel. However, if you open the thread, you will find a ton of people asking the developer for an Xbox port.

Doing well, here… Looking forward to seeing you releasing on my console of choice… Xbox! It’s definitely a day one buy for me!

top with the exclusives! We want to play wherever we want, on the hardware we choose. Let us be free! Seeing it on Xbox would be truly amazing, thank you

-Fans

As of now, the developer has not confirmed anything, or it may never will, as Sony probably won’t allow them to release the game on a rival console, at least for now. However, a reliable insider has claimed that the gaming giant will follow Xbox’s footsteps sooner or later.

Latest Updates

What do you think about fans begging Insomniac for a Spider-Man port on Xbox? Have you played the game yet? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

ASRock Launches Next-Gen DeskMini B860 and DeskMini X600/USB4 Mini PCs

July 16, 2025

[Press Release] ASRock has introduced two new additions to its mini PC lineup: the DeskMini B860 and DeskMini X600/USB4. Designed for work, education, home entertainment, and signage, these compact systems pack serious performance.

The DeskMini B860 runs on Intel’s next-gen platform, offering Thunderbolt 4, quad-display support, and dual DDR5 CSODIMM memory. It’s also Energy Star 9.0 compliant, ensuring efficient operation in business and office environments.

Built for AMD AM5 processors, the DeskMini X600/USB4 replaces the legacy D-sub port with USB4, delivering faster data speeds and better expansion. It supports triple displays and is ideal for AI tasks, classrooms, and multimedia setups.

Both models support dual DDR5 memory, various USB options, and flexible storage. With strong performance in a small form factor, ASRock’s DeskMini series is built for users who need efficiency without compromise.

Check out ASRock’s official website for more details.

Oblivion Remaster And MGS3 Remake Developer Virtuos Studio Reportedly Cutting 300 Jobs

July 16, 2025

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Virtuos Studio, the developer behind Oblivion Remastered and Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake, is laying off 300 employees.
The layoffs affected offshore specialists, most of whom were responsible for the development of Oblivion Remastered.
The studio is implementing Generative AI in their development and ceased bonuses and pay raises earlier this year.

The gaming industry is no longer a safe career despite being the biggest entertainment medium. Every so often, publishers and studios continue to lay off employees, and the situation isn’t expected to improve anytime soon.

Whether a studio is successful or a flop, layoffs are imminent. The latest victim of downsizing is Virtuos Studio, which is reportedly laying off 300 employees soon, according to a new report.

Why it matters: Recent layoffs have left many talented employees jobless and even forced some to leave their careers permanently. With continued layoffs, the industry will only spiral downwards.

INFO : des licenciements de masse sont est cours chez Virtuos, studio derrière Oblivion Remastered et le futur Metal Gear Solid Δ.300 postes (7% de l'effectif) sont à risque chez ce spécialiste de la sous-traitance implanté en Asie, aux USA et en Europe, dont trois antennes en France.🧵 1/10

— Gauthier 'Gautoz' Andres (@gautoz.cool) 2025-07-16T14:45:45.778Z

According to Gauthier Andres, a video game journalist and co-founder of Origami, sources have informed him that Virtuos Studio will lay off 300 employees, representing 7% of the studio’s total workforce.

The affected employees will be based offshore, located in Asia and Europe, as well as at three different branches in France. The initial downsizing will start in China but will later expand to French regions as well.

Those will be the same employees who had developed Oblivion Remastered. Despite the game’s success, which has made it the US’s third-best-selling game of the year, the studio is still laying off employees.

We've seen too many layoffs lately (Image by Tech4Gamers) — We’re Not Even Halfway Through All The Layoffs In 2025

The studio is also co-developing the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake, scheduled for release next month.

The same report also revealed that the studio announced a freeze on raises and bonuses back in February. They’re also planning to implement Generative AI in their development, which is why they’re implementing layoffs.

Currently, Virtuos Lyon, located in France, is under strike by employees against this layoff and for future actions by the studio.

Moving forward, Virtuos Studio plans to implement itself as a major developer for larger projects and licenses. They plan to adopt a strategy similar to PlayStation’s Bluepoint Studios.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on this decision by Virtuos Studio? Let us know in the comments or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Nvidia And AMD: USA Approves The AI GPU Exports To China

July 16, 2025

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The US government has allowed Nvidia and AMD to resume selling hardware to China.
Nvidia will sell specific GPUs in China, including the H20 and a new RTX PRO series, which are designed to meet US performance regulations.
AMD will now sell its Instinct MI308 GPU in China.

Following the meeting between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and President Donald Trump at the White House, Nvidia has secured a double pardon regarding the restrictions on selling hardware in China. This pardon was also extended to AMD, which was also harmed by the US government’s actions.

The Nvidia CEO made a trip to China last weekend, where he made statements assuring that the United States should not fear the Chinese military using its GPUs. He indicated that for the US to be a leader in AI, it would have to sell its hardware to China, which is one of the primary drivers of the global AI market.

Nvidia is still awaiting the required authorization to resume its AI business with China using its H20 GPUs, despite being given the all-clear, just like AMD. Furthermore, the CEO of Nvidia declared that the RTX PRO series, a new dedicated AI GPU, would be introduced in China.

This was created to satisfy the Trump Administration’s demands, which include capping AI’s performance. Following the release of this information, Nvidia’s stock price rose by nearly 5%.

Naturally, the company’s revenue is expected to rise by billions of dollars this quarter as a result of resuming operations in China. AMD will sell its Instinct MI308 in China after getting the license. The approval of Instinct MI308 could be crucial, as AMD has limited influence in China’s AI market.

Latest Updates

AMD’s shares are experiencing a growth rate of almost 7% currently. This will be beneficial for both companies. The only companies that are at a disadvantage are Huawei and other domestic manufacturers, which had increased their market share due to the bans on AMD and Nvidia.

Donkey Kong Bananza Review Roundup – Another Excellent Nintendo Platformer

July 16, 2025

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Donkey Kong Bananza has received excellent reviews across the board.
Critics have dubbed the game Donkey Kong’s most important adventure in two decades.
This release marks the second big first-party title for the Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 did not immediately impress fans with its first-party offerings, but Mario Kart World still ended up being one of the best-rated games of 2025.

One month later, another major hit for the console is now on the horizon. Ahead of its release, Donkey Kong Bananza has also received an incredible critical reception, continuing the trend of Nintendo’s platforming dominance.

Why it matters: Donkey Kong’s return to the 3D platformer genre was met with a lot of excitement, and the positive reception means that the character could receive several future entries in this genre moving forward.

Over on Metacritic, Donkey Kong Bananza has gathered nearly 80 reviews in the last hour or so. The game currently holds an average score of 90/100 on the platform, already making it one of 2025’s best-rated releases. The following are some of the review scores:

VGC – 4/5
IGN – 10/10
Gamespot – 9/10
Dexerto – 8/10

Although the score does not quite match a release like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Donkey Kong Bananza has pulled ahead of recent AAA offerings like Death Stranding 2 and Mario Kart World.

Critics have referred to the game as Donkey Kong’s most significant outing in the last two decades. Nintendo’s decision to rely on the Super Mario Odyssey formula has also gone over well with reviewers, earning the platformer praise for its chaotic yet straightforward nature.

The game boasts a similarly satisfying movement system as other Nintendo platforms, and the destruction, in particular, has garnered praise from multiple critics. However, the game is not without its flaws.

Multiple reviewers have discussed performance-related issues in the review build. Others have also pointed to the game often doing too little with its best ideas.

When combined, these flaws hold Donkey Kong Bananza back from matching the peak of Nintendo’s flagship Mario platformers. Still, as a whole package, the game appears to be worth buying for fans of Nintendo’s first-party titles.

It should also be noted that Donkey Kong Bananza is not priced at $80, unlike Mario Kart World. This may make it more appealing for some fans than the only other big first-party title currently available on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Latest Updates

What do you think about Donkey Kong Bananza’s reception? Do you intend to buy the game? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Avalanche Still Hiring For Contraband Despite Rumors of Cancellation

July 16, 2025

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Xbox’s latest cancellations and hidden trailer sparked concerns regarding Avalanche Studios’ Contraband.
We have spotted a job listing that seems to confirm the project is moving forward despite recent layoffs.
The game was first announced in 2021 and has yet to receive much information since then.

Xbox’s latest round of layoffs led to multiple cancellations. Perfect Dark, Rare’s Everwild, and ZeniMax Studios’ unannounced online project led these cancellations, but the announcements sparked concerns regarding other already announced projects.

Among these projects, fans were curious to learn about Contraband’s fate after the game’s trailer was made private by the official Xbox YouTube channel. However, Tech4Gamers has spotted that Avalanche Studios is still hiring a Product Lead for Contraband, following the layoffs. This means that the game is likely safe for the time being.

Why it matters: Neither Xbox nor Avalanche Studios provided much information about the project following the recent layoffs, so fans were eager to learn what had actually happened.

Avalanche Studios Contraband Job Listing — Avalanche Studios Is Hiring A Product Lead For Contraband | Image via LinkedIn

We spotted this job listing on LinkedIn, and it basically confirms that Contraband lives on for now.

The job ad was posted around 1 week ago, and Xbox announced its layoffs exactly two weeks ago. This means that Avalanche Studios continued to hire more developers for Contraband after the cancellations of Perfect Dark and Everwild.

It should also be noted that this job posting is a repost from Avalanche Studios, which was intentionally reposted after the layoffs were announced. Therefore, it seems very unlikely that this is an error on the developers’ part.

Regarding the job’s requirements, Avalanche Studios is seeking support for Contraband’s live-service elements. Although little to nothing is known about the game, Contraband is said to be a co-op multiplayer experience designed to last for multiple years.

Nonetheless, the good news is that the project appears to be moving forward. The game was first announced in 2021 and has been largely absent since then, sparking concerns within the Xbox fandom.

As mentioned earlier, the announcement trailer is currently not viewable on the official Xbox YouTube channel; however, the video remains available on other channels. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Xbox restores the trailer in the coming days.

Latest Updates

What do you think about Contraband? Are you still interested in what becomes of the project? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.