Home Blog Page 267

Fairgames’ Pre-Alpha Disappoints; It’s A Blend Of Battle Royale And Extraction Shooter

Story Highlight
  • Fairgames’ closed pre-alpha has disappointed the small number of playtesters because it is super clunky. 
  • It was described as a blend of battle royale and extraction shooter, with gameplay elements matching Fortnite and The Division.
  • Some developers have already expressed concerns about the project’s current state.

Despite some wins, Sony’s foray into the live-service genre is turning out to be an utter disaster. Many of the projects flopped or were canned mid-development, while the rest—like Marathon and now Fairgames—are struggling to live up to expectations.

More details about the competitive heist experience, Fairgames, have come out after the first introduction in 2023. A very limited and closed pre-alpha, Project Hearts, was tested by a select few users, and their feedback certainly does not paint a good picture.

Why it matters: After many controversies haunting PlayStation’s live-service roster, Fairgames might be the next polemical project on the list. The game has so far failed to generate the hype that was expected.

Fairgames
Fairgames is one of the few remaining upcoming PlayStation live-service titles.

As confirmed by the paywalled podcast Sacred Symbols, Fairgames is a blend of Fortnite and The Division games. However, the gameplay loop feels ‘super clunky’ and apparently fails to scratch the itch that the CGI reveal would have you believe.

It is a ‘Battle Royale crossed with an extraction shooter.’

-A playtester.

Fairgames features multiple teams in urban settings, where players steal from the vaults of rich folks while others attempt to do the same. This Robin Hood-themed extraction shooter gameplay sounds oddly familiar to many other extraction shooters out there.

The game is far from ready in its current state, a sentiment also reflected by a few developers when studio founder Jade Raymond recently quit Haven Studios.

Fairgames
The gameplay loop featured in Fairgames is a blend of popular genres. 

For those not in the know, Fairgames was initially set to launch later this year but was delayed to 2026 to get more development and polishing time. Given all these developments, it is best to be cautiously optimistic until Sony reveals the actual gameplay in the future.

Do you think Fairgames will fail to meet the expectations of players like many other live-service offerings across the gaming industry, or is it too early to tell? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

The Next Xbox Will Be The Last Microsoft Console, Says Reliable Insider

Story Highlight
  • Fans were concerned when Microsoft suddenly adopted the multiplatform strategy. 
  • Now, an insider has claimed that Microsoft’s next-gen console will be the last one.
  • He thinks many people will not buy an Xbox as all its games will be available on the PlayStation.

Xbox shocked everyone by announcing a change in its strategy a while ago. Microsoft has changed Xbox, and now “every device is an Xbox.” The gaming giant has also been focusing on multiplatform releases.

So, if eventually every Xbox game will release on the PlayStation, it may not leave much desire in the fandom to buy an Xbox. That is why a reliable insider thinks that the next-gen Xbox is going to be the last gaming console from Microsoft

Why it matters: Phil Spencer is cooking something different with the upcoming console, and it may surprise everyone. However, Microsoft’s strategy isn’t clear to many, which clouds their judgment. 

Next Console From Microsoft May Be The Last One We Are Going To Have
Next Console From Microsoft May Be The Last One We Are Going To Have

The writing is on the wall. This is it.

-Tom Henderson

The fandom seems to agree, but that may also be the case with the PlayStation. Fans think that the next PlayStation may also be the last one because of streaming. One fan pointed out that in a decade, consoles would be useless mainly because of streaming, which isn’t a reach. 

It will probably be 2034 by then no telling where streaming will be at that point. The ps6 might be the last PS too for that matter if streaming is native.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer
The upcoming Xbox may surprise everyone and give competition to PlayStation as it did in the PS3 era. 

While some fans share the streaming perspective, others believe that the next Microsoft console would be the last, mainly because Microsoft would be selling a PC just branded as an Xbox, which is what the rumors suggest. 

If the rumors are anything to go by, then Microsoft’s next console may also feature PlayStation games that have already been released or will be released on the PC. That said, no one is aware of the future, and the insider is just stating what he thinks, albeit saying the outcome is obvious.

What do you think about this take? Would you buy an Xbox if all of its games are already available on the PlayStation? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion

The Witcher 3 Initially Aimed For 6 Million Sales; CDPR Feared Competition From Batman Arkham Knight

Story Highlight
  • CDPR initially wanted to sell just 6 million units of The Witcher 3.
  • The team feared Batman Arkham Knight releasing in the same year would harm The Witcher 3.
  • CDPR eventually achieved its sales target in a single quarter and sold over 50 million lifetime units.

The Witcher 3 raised the standard for RPGs worldwide, introducing the genre to an all-new audience. This iconic CDPR release recently turned 10 and has sold more than 50 million units alone.

However, CDPR did not initially see this success coming. In fact, the studio initially set a very modest sales target and feared that The Witcher 3 would be overshadowed by another AAA hit from the same year.

Why it matters: The Witcher 3 completely changed CDPR’s stature in the industry, cementing its legacy as one of the industry’s biggest studios.

The Witcher
The Witcher 3 Has Sold Significantly More Than Batman Arkham Knight Since its Release

As per joint CDPR CEO Michal Nowakowski, the studio’s initial sales target for The Witcher 3 was set at just 6 million units. This target was considered “super ambitious” at the time, but the team ended up smashing through the figure in about a quarter.

Michal Nowakowski told PC Gamer that CDPR was fearful of Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham Knight, another fan-favorite title from the same year. The developers thought Batman Arkham Knight would “roll over” The Witcher 3.

However, a shoddy PC port and potential Batman franchise fatigue at the time meant that The Witcher 3 comfortably pulled ahead. Both studios have also found themselves in a very different position today.

While CDPR’s next title, The Witcher 4, is all but set up for success following Cyberpunk 2077’s comeback, Rocksteady’s fate hangs in the balance after an abysmal attempt at breaking into the live-service genre.

Batman Beyond
Rocksteady Is Working On A New Batman Game

Both teams are moving full steam ahead, and with Batman rumored to be Rocksteady’s next title, perhaps the stars will align yet again, pitting Batman and The Witcher against each other again in the same year.

What are your thoughts on the studio’s initial sales target? Do you think CDPR was right to fear Batman Arkham Knight? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

The Original Fallout Remaster Could Be Too Hard To Develop, Says Creator

Story Highlight
  • The creator of the original Fallout game says he destroyed all the source codes.
  • Fallout Remaster will be challenging without the source code and other legal issues.
  • It seems highly unlikely that Bethesda will remaster the game at this point.

The original Fallout left a huge impact on the gaming industry and has a place amongst the classics of the RPG genre. Since the success of Oblivion Remastered, many fans have been asking for a Fallout Remaster, but that could be a bit tricky. 

The original Fallout creator revealed that when he left the studio, he was asked to destroy all of his work on the game, due to which the remaster could be ‘too challenging’ even if Bethesda asks for it. 

Why it matters: The first Fallout game was released back in 1997, therefore, it is massively outdated at this point, and a remaster would be very logical to reach the modern audience. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Timothy Cain, one of the creators of the original Fallout game, talked about the possibility of a Fallout Remaster. When he left Interplay, the studio behind the game asked him to get rid of all source material. 

However, that isn’t the only issue; Cain has enlisted a lot of legal issues that can make the remaster very tricky to make. These include music licensing issues, and the source code was compiled using tools that aren’t available anymore. 

Fallout 1
The original Fallout Remastered will be too challenging to make

Moreover, the cutscenes will also need to be remade because they used proprietary tools. There are also bugs in the game that can’t be removed through patches because of the source code issue. 

So, all in all, it seems very unlikely that we’ll get an original Fallout Remaster. Nonetheless, for the fans waiting on something, Fallout 3 Remastered is rumored to be in development, and will receive a major overhaul over the original. 

What are your thoughts on the original Fallout Remaster being a challenge to develop? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

 

 

While Other Companies Practising Mass Layoffs, Capcom To Hire 100 New Devs Every Year

Story Highlight
  • Capcom is expanding development efforts to promote more talent in the industry.
  • The company plans to construct a new building near its headquarters and hire 100 developers annualy.
  • This is a breath of fresh air at a time when studios are laying off thousands of developers.

Capcom reported impressive numbers this month yet again, further cementing its place as one of the industry’s greatest giants today. Between releases like Resident Evil 4, Monster Hunter Wilds and more, the publisher has had more than a few hits in recent years.

This success has also given Capcom an opportunity to deviate from industry trends. The gaming giant has confirmed plans to continue hiring new developers each year, expanding its team by 100 developers annually.

Why it matters: The gaming industry is in the worst state possible this year, with developers facing poor working conditions, the threat of AI taking over jobs, and more.

Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds is now the fastest-selling title in Capcom’s history

According to a new report, Capcom is rapidly expanding its development capacity. The gaming giant’s plans include setting up a new building near its headquarters in Osaka, which is expected to be completed by 2027.

The studio states that these efforts are part of the larger goal of helping game developers unleash their full creativity. As mentioned above, Capcom will also hire 100 additional developers each year, viewing the new talent as essential for driving growth.

This is such an interesting commitment because companies like Microsoft are laying off thousands of workers each year. Other gaming giants like EA have followed a similar trend, making Capcom one of the few exceptions to the rule in today’s industry.

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories Pricing
Like Capcom, Nintendo Is Hiring More Developers

Perhaps this approach is why the publisher continues to find success with each new release.

Capcom is currently working on Resident Evil 9, which is expected to be the biggest new release for the series to date. An official Resident Evil 9 reveal is also expected this year.

What are your thoughts on the studio’s new expansion strategy? Feel free to discuss in the comments below or visit the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Fan Campaign For Star Wars Battlefront 3 Pushes Petition Close To 10K Signatures

Story Highlight
  • The Star Wars franchise has gained a lot of traction recently with Battlefront 2 reaching a new player peak on Steam.
  • Fans now demand that EA make Battlefront 3 via a petition that has gained almost 10k signatures.
  • Former Battlefront devs would love to get back together and make Battlefront 3.

The entire Star Wars franchise has gained quite a bit of traction recently. With Andor’s season 2 release and Sith’s 20th anniversary, the same momentum is carried to the gaming world with Fortnite’s Star Wars collaboration and Star Wars Battlefront, too.

Regarding Battlefront, fans have seized this moment as a perfect opportunity to demand a third entry in the series from EA. An entire petition was started that has now gained almost 10K signatures.

Why it matters: Battlefront is arguably the best Star Wars video game series, and after recent failures like Star Wars Outlaw, EA needs to revisit the Battlefront franchise, especially since it has such a large fan following.

star wars battlefront 3 petition
Petition For EA To Make Battlefront 3 On Change.org

Battlefront 2 has also seen a significant bump in popularity, with the game hitting 10k concurrent players on Steam for the first time ever. Now, a producer from Battlefront 2 said on Reddit that he and the other developers would love to get back together to work on a threequel.

Anor actor, Muhannad Ben Amor, has also joined the campaign on Instagram, hoping for a Battlefront 3. The actor has a whopping 469 hours for Battlefront 2 on PS5.

Still, if fans were to expect a Battlefront 3, it wouldn’t happen anytime soon. The same producer has also suggested that EA won’t announce a new entry even at the end of this rally, since DICE currently has its hands full with Battlefield 6.

Star Wars Battlefront II
It Took Several Patches And Updates For DICE To Redeem Themselves With Battlefront 2 After A Disastrous Launch

Moreover, multiple developers from the original Battlefront 2 team have left to join other studios, scattering the team and making a new entry highly improbable. Still, hope remains as long as the original vision endures, and a new instalment is still possible.

Would you love a Battlefront 3? Let us know in the comments below or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Fans Are Not Happy With Lies of P New Difficulty Settings Update

Story Highlight
  • Lies of P is considered one of the best, if not the best, soulslike games in the gaming industry. 
  • The game is pretty difficult, and defeating its bosses gives a sense of accomplishment. 
  • However, the game has announced difficulty settings, which raised a lot of controversy. 

Many consider Lies of P the best Soulslike game, and there are many reasons why. It was a brilliant Souls game that was even compared to the legendary FromSoftware game Bloodborne. 

Of course, this game is, like other Souls-like games, pretty difficult, but the developer has taken a controversial step. Round 8 Studio has added a difficulty mode, which has angered many fans and led to controversy

Why it matters: Difficulty options do not belong in the Souls titles, and that goes without saying. That is exactly why this developer’s step has received a lot of hate, and that’s fair. 

Lies of P: Overtune will introduce difficulty settings in the game

Lies of P is receiving its first-ever DLC, which includes around 30 hours of additional content. So, there will be many new bosses and, of course, much more to explore. It will also feature a boss rush mode, and the difficulty settings, which the fandom is just straight up hating

You may not remember, but back in 2023, the director of Lies of P said, “We believe Souls-like games shouldn’t have difficulty options.” So what has changed now? The game has received a pretty solid reception from the fandom, so why settings that would lower the difficulty are what the fandom can’t understand. 

Imo default/no difficulty option keeps me invested to play the game as it is. I would never have tried Nameless Puppet 30 times before win. Would have just set it to easy after 2 or 3 attempts. No big hype moment for myself when I win.

-Random Fan

These new settings directly contradict what the director told fans back in 2023. While some fans think the developer has done well by detailing that it aims to target a wider audience, it just takes away the essence of a souls-like game. 

I want a challenge, I don’t want to whack at a health bar for 15+ minutes because I’m playing on a difficulty that turns enemies into damage sponges.

What do you think about the new difficulty options added in Lies of P? Do you think this is fair? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion

AMD Defends 8GB RX 9060 XT Variant; States Most Gamers Don’t Need More Than 8GB VRAM

Story Highlight

  • AMD is being criticized for the RX 9060 XT 8GB.
  • The gaming giant states that this amount of memory is still adequate for most PC gamers playing at 1080p.
  • Fans do not like that Nvidia and AMD are still releasing cards with 8GB of VRAM.


AMD recently unveiled its latest RDNA 4 offering. Following the positive reception of the RX 9070 XT, the RX 9060 XT is set to offer a mid-range gaming experience at a starting price of $300.

However, those looking for a GPU with more than 8GB of memory must look toward the 16GB variant priced at $350. While most gamers are most excited about the 16GB variant, AMD states that 8GB of memory is still enough for the vast majority of PC users.

Why it matters: Nvidia has received plenty of flak for offering the mid-range RTX 5060 with 8GB of memory. Therefore, AMD’s statement is controversial at a time when Team Green is being criticized for being stingy about VRAM in its GPUs.

AMD 8GB of VRAM
AMD Defends Choice of Using 8GB of VRAM | Image via X

Responding to a Tweet asking why companies insist on releasing graphics cards with 8GB of memory in 2025, AMD’s Frank Azor stated that most gamers do not require more than this amount.

He highlighted that the biggest part of PC gamers is still playing e-sports titles at 1080p, so there is a major market for these graphics cards. As per Frank Azor, those not fond of the 8GB option should look toward the RX 9060 XT 16GB.

Majority of gamers have no use for more than 8GB of memory.

-Frank Azor

As expected, this response did not go over too well with most PC gamers. Many suggested that 8GB of memory should be reserved for graphics cards priced below $200, while others stated that companies are out of touch and do not recognize what the average gamer wants.

9060 Specs
RX 9060 XT Specs via AMD

Ultimately, it seems both AMD and Nvidia are unwilling to move beyond 8GB of memory. The RX 9060 XT 16GB still seems to be an interesting GPU for the $350 launch price, but it remains to be seen if the MSRP will be indicative of real-world pricing.


The RX 9060 XT 16GB is expected to perform like the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, making it a better value proposition at the $350 MSRP.

Neil Druckmann Doesn’t Care About Intergalactic Hate Despite Past TLOU2 Controversy

Story Highlight

  • Neil Druckmann received a lot of hate after the release of TLOU2. 
  • Even after facing such backlash, he doesn’t seem to care about the controversy surrounding Intergalactic. 
  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows faced a similar controversy before launch, so Intergalactic may suffer from negative reception. 

Intergalactic was previously revealed, and it instantly received a lot of backlash for featuring a woman lead who didn’t look appealing to the fandom. A massive fandom showered the trailer with dislikes and took their concerns to social media. 

Due to the backlash, the game’s lead said some controversial things online, which just added fuel to the fire. The game is still receiving hate from the fandom, but Neil Druckmann doesn’t seem to care.

Why it matters: Neil Druckmann is no stranger to hate, as after releasing The Last of Us Part 2, he was targeted for a long time. So, he should know better that ignoring the fandom’s demand isn’t the right answer, ever. 

In a recent interview with Last Stand Media, Neil Druckmann was asked about the controversy surrounding his upcoming game, Intergalactic. Initially, he said that there wasn’t much he could add to the conversation, but later, his comment implied that he didn’t care about the controversy at all

There’s stuff happening with media right now that you just have to ignore for the most part, just stick to your guns, and do what you believe in. And I feel like that’s how I want artists to carry themselves.

-Neil Durckmann

If a game receives pointless hate, the best method of dealing with it is to ignore it. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case with Intergalactic, as the controversy is constantly increasing

Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet
Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet Has Been Under Fire Since Its Reveal

We have already seen how massive the Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ controversy was, mainly because of its main character and other DEI elements. If Naughty Dog follows suit, the reception may not be as Druckmann is expecting. 

That said, Naughty Dog is a master in its niche, so we can’t really judge the game based solely on its main character. We will have to wait and see what Naughty Dog cooks.

What do you think about the upcoming game from Naughty Dog? Do you think the controversy surrounding this game is valid? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion

2K Reportedly Gearing Up For A New BioShock Announcement Before Summer’s End

Story Highlight

  • New report suggests that 2K is gearing up for a BioShock announcement before this summer ends.
  • Reports heavily lean towards the city of rapture, implying a remake of the first game.
  • It’s possible that multiple entries are being worked on, but that remains to be seen.


BioShock Infinite was the last we ever saw from the franchise almost a decade ago. 2K confirmed the existence of a fourth entry a few years ago, but they’ve yet to give an update on the project.

An official announcement may be coming soon, though. Whether it’s for BioShock 4 or a separate entry, 2K Games is preparing for a BioShock reveal before the end of this summer.

Why it matters: A new BioShock entry would introduce one of the greatest franchises to an entirely new roster of players since the last entry was released two console generations ago.

Bioshock
BioShock 4’s Development Was Reportedly In A State Of Hell A Few Years Ago

According to a report from MP1st, the city of Rapture from the first two BioShock games will play an essential role in the reveal. Their report further suggests that this could very well be a remake of the first game.

To further support this argument, a BioShock RTX remaster was also mentioned during the Nvidia GeForce leaks in 2021.

Previously, images from BioShock 4 were revealed, hinting at a dark and gritty atmosphere set in Antarctica. This setting is entirely different from the one being discussed above. However, nothing is confirmed yet, and the city of Rapture could also be part of BioShock 4.

Bioshock
Next BioShock Game Targeting ‘Jaw Dropping’ Visuals Based On Unreal Engine 5

It’s also possible that a remake and a fourth entry coexist at the same time. All will be revealed soon, possibly at the Summer Game Fest next month. BioShock 4 is not expected until 2028 so a remake of the first title would surely ease the wait till then.


What are your thoughts on this story? Do you expect a remake of the first game, a new entry, or both? Let us know in the comments below or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

God of War Dev’s New Sci-Fi IP Has Been In Development For 7 Years

Story Highlight

  • The God of War director is said to be working on a new sci-fi IP.
  • New reports reveal this project has been in the works for seven years.
  • It could be one of the big games featured at next month’s PlayStation State of Play.

Santa Monica Studio continues to be one of PlayStation’s most premium developers, releasing multiple critically acclaimed titles over the last two decades.

Following two massively successful new God of War entries, Santa Monica Studio was said to be working on a new IP alongside more God of War titles. As per new reports, it seems the former project has been in development for much longer than expected.

Why it matters: The Santa Monica team has yet to deviate from God of War in its 20 years of PlayStation history. Therefore, a new IP is a massive deal.

As reported by Jeff Grubb, PlayStation is set to skip a big showcase and host a State of Play later next month.

When discussing potential big games that could show up at this event, the reputed insider discussed Santa Monica Studios’ new sci-fi IP. For context, this project is being led by Cory Barlog, the same director who revitalized God of War in 2018.

As per Grubb, the game has been in development since 2018, with the studio likely begning to conceptualize the project immediately after God of War’s release on the PS4.

This also means that the new IP has been in development for a whopping seven years at this point. However, Santa Monica Studio has split resources between the various ongoing projects till now.

The sci-fi game that he’s been working on since God of War 2018. Maybe we get a teaser for that.

-Jeff Grubb

God of War Egypt
Santa Monica Studio Isn’t Leaving Behind God of War Either

Recent rumors also discussed the existence of potential God of War remasters, but it remains to be seen if these actually exist within the Santa Monica development studio.

What are your thoughts on the team potentially gearing up to reveal its new IP? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Starfield PS5 Announcement Expected Before Year’s End, Claims Reliable Leaker

Story Highlight

  • Starfield will be another title from Xbox that will be released on PS5.
  • A reliable leaker suggests that an official announcement will be made before the end of the year.
  • He further stated that the gap between the announcement and release would be minimal, so the title will likely be released in the same year. 

Xbox has been releasing most of its first-party titles on PS5, and while many fans have been waiting for the Starfield announcement, it appears to be coming out soon.

A reliable leaker recently tweeted that Starfield will be announced for PS5 before the end of the year.

Why it matters: Not too long ago, the developers also stated that the team has exciting updates for the fans that will be shared before the end of the year, so working on a PS5 port could be one of them.

Starfield PS5 Announcement
Starfield PS5 Announcement To Be Made Soon. – Source: X

Recently, one of the industry’s most reliable leakers, NateTheHate2, tweeted in reply to a user who asked him about the PS5 port of Starfield.

The leaker stated that the title is planned for the PS5 and that an official announcement will be made before the end of the year.

Starfield is coming to PS5 & intent should be announced this year. It’s just a matter of when will the announcement happen.

-NateTheHate2

When further asked whether the game would also be released this year, the leaker replied that it is possible, as he believes the gap between announcement and release would be minimal.

I would expect the gap between announcement and release to be minimal.

Starfield
God of War Creator “Adores” Starfield.

Therefore, fans can expect to enjoy Starfield on PS5 by the end of the year, or it could also be released in early 2026. However, it is still best to wait for an official announcement, which will likely be made soon.

Nonetheless, are you excited to try Starfield on PS5? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, or join Tech4Gamers forums.