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US Announces Exemptions For Computers, Chips, Smartphones And Other Electronics From New Tariffs

Story Highlight
  • The US has revealed that computers, chips, smartphones, and other electronics will be exempted from the new tariffs.
  • These exemptions are said to benefit GPU and console manufacturers because many chips and semiconductors will be exempted.
  • Overall, many electronic consumers will likely not suffer the rumored price hikes that were supposed to go into effect because of tariffs.

The looming US tariffs were already having a negative effect across the gaming industry. Major Japanese game studios were rapidly losing stock value, and Nintendo Switch 2 was rumored to get a price increase up to $550 following the tariffs.

However, much of the gaming industry could be protected from the immediate effects of the US tariffs. The US has announced new exemptions for computers, chips, smartphones, semiconductors, and other electronics from new tariffs.

Why it matters: The exemptions announced will allow gaming console and GPU manufacturers to keep their costs low because many chips and semiconductors will not be affected by the US tariffs.

The US has announced new exemptions from the tariffs that include electronics, such as computers.

As claimed in the statement, many electronics, semiconductors, and chip-making equipment fall under the exclusions that will be protected from the reciprocal tariffs. This could help GPU and console manufacturers continue producing products while keeping a lower price. 

 All products that are properly classified in these listed provisions will be excluded from the reciprocal tariffs imposed under Executive Order 14257.

However, GPUs and consoles could still suffer from the ripple effects of the tariffs since they are not explicitly mentioned to be exempt from the list. Other products that are immune to the tariff include solar cells and memory cards.

These tariff exemptions also include various semiconductor and chip-making categories.

It is worth noting that these exemptions to electronics from the tariffs apply even if the products are made in China, which is important because the US is getting a minimum tariff rate of 145% on imported Chinese goods.

Latest Updates

Do you think these exemptions will make it easier for the gaming industry to go on amid the new US tariffs, or are the ripple effects still going to affect us? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Warner Bros. Already Working On A Second Minecraft Movie Following The Original’s Immense Success

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  • A sequel for A Minecraft Movie has been teased through multiple interviews after the original film’s huge success.
  • Warner Bros. Pictures co-CEO De Luca and the movie’s director, Jared Hess, have shown deep interest in the sequel.
  • A deal is already underway for the sequel, and Alex is expected to play a major role in it.

Despite hits and misses over the years, Hollywood is now focusing on video game IPs and successfully adapting most of them into blockbuster hits. However, no one expected A Minecraft Movie to shatter all estimates and earn hundreds of millions in a few days.

Warner Bros. is now looking to catch this lightning in a bottle before it vanishes, and plans for a sequel to the Minecraft film are already being discussed. Multiple interviews have revealed that we might see the sequel sooner than expected.

Why it matters: A Minecraft Movie’s success has surpassed the expectations of Warner Bros. and everyone involved, to the point that a sequel is already being planned a mere week after the film’s release.

hollywood video game movies vs superhero movies
Hollywood is now focusing on video game movies over superhero ones as preferred IPs of choice.

An interview by Deadline featuring Warner Bros. Pictures co-CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy confirms that deals for A Minecraft Movie sequel are being discussed along with other projects. Additionally, Warner Bros. sees it as a high-priority IP after the film’s success.

 Imminently. The ink might not be dry on the deals yet, but imminently.

-De Luca, Warner Bros. Pictures Co-CEO

Another recent interview by Deadline featuring A Minecraft Movie’s director, Jared Hess, reveals that talks for the sequel have been ongoing for a while, and he is super excited to work on it when development starts. 

 I would have a blast doing the sequel, and it seems like there’s already talk about it happening, so I’m super excited.

-Jared Hess, Director Of A Minecraft Movie.

A Minecraft Movie
A Minecraft Movie has already made hundreds of millions in the box office.

The movie’s end credits also teased a sequel by revealing Alex, causing fans to speculate about her role. The director confirms that she will play a central role in the sequel.

Latest Updates

Do you think A Minecraft Movie sequel will be able to reach a similar level of success as the original film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Battlefield 6 Won’t Include Heavy Skill-Based Matchmaking, Assures Dev

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  • Battlefield 6 won’t delve too much into heavy skill-based matchmaking mechanics. 
  • Leaks from the internal code suggested it to be a focal thing, but the devs assure it isn’t.
  • A general level of skilled matchmaking is still there to make balanced teams.

The Battlefield franchise hasn’t seen its best years since the last few titles. However, Dice is hard at work trying to integrate the elements that previously worked with older titles with Battlefield 6. There have also been various leaks revealing details about the game. 

One of the recent leaks suggested that Battlefield 6 might focus on skill-based matchmaking, which was heavily criticized by fans. However, the developers have assured that this won’t be the case. 

Why it matters? Hardcore implementation of skill-based matchmaking often makes the gameplay frustrating, which leads to a not-so-enjoyable experience. 

Battlefield 6
Leaks suggested a heavy focus on skill-based matchmaking

The leak emerged from internal code obtained through Battlefield 6 playtests, revealing a heavy emphasis on skill-based matchmaking. However, the game’s Lead Producer, David Sirland, weighed in on the situation. 

It has a factor of skill, it’s used, but ping and time to game is the TOP priority, and in a 64 player game our want is to spawn a server that starts as soon as possible, thus the skill factor is negligible in terms of sorting into servers.

He stated that while the game does have a factor of skill, ping and time to game are main priorities; they want the servers to start as soon as 64 players spawn, thus the skill factor isn’t the focal point. 

Battlefield
Battlefield 6 playtests have shown promise

He defended the concept of skill-based matchmaking as well, stating that it isn’t exactly a bad thing, although its heavy implementation makes things wrong. Using skills to put players of similar class together is essential to make balanced teams. 

The playtesting had similar levels of skilled matchmaking, and players generally liked it, therefore, it’ll be the same with the final version of the game. Battlefield 6 doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s expected to launch before April 2026. 

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Battlefield 6 not having heavy skill-based matchmaking mechanics? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum. 

Death Stranding 2 Is 95% Complete; No Delay Expected

Story Highlight
  • Death Stranding 2 arrives on June 26.
  • Hideo Kojima states that the game is 95% complete, with just a few more things left.
  • This update means that a delay at the last moment is very unlikely.

Death Stranding 2 is quickly approaching its June 26 release date, and fans worldwide are excited to see where the franchise goes. Hideo Kojima has also shared details regarding plans for the future, stating that the studio’s next projects will blend films and gaming.

Sharing an update on Death Stranding 2, he stated that the game is nearly ready to be shipped.

Why it matters: While fans are confident in Kojima Productions’ ability to deliver the game on time, the fear of a potential delay always looms over AAA games.

During the latest episode of his TBS podcast, Hideo Kojima shared that Death Stranding is 95% complete. This leaves the studio just over two months to add the finishing touches to the game.

The update also suggests that the game is unlikely to be delayed at this point. Although it is not uncommon for games to be delayed close to their release, Kojima Productions seems to be very close to the finish line.

It’s about 95% (complete) now.

-Hideo Kojima

Hideo Kojima compared the game’s development to a 24-hour period, stating that Death Stranding 2 is currently around the 10 PM mark. Therefore, the team is nearly ready to release its latest work worldwide.

Death Stranding 2
Death Stranding 2 Should Receive New Marketing Very Soon

Fans can also expect to learn about Death Stranding 2 going gold soon. This typically happens one month before release, so more information about the title, including potential hands-on previews, should be coming soon.

Elsewhere, the director revealed a new accessibility feature for the game during the same podcast. This feature allows skipping boss batltes without missing important story context.

Latest Updates

What do you think about this information? Will you buy the game in June? Let’s discuss it in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Online Games Don’t Need To Be Free To Succeed, They Just Need To Be Good, Says Sifu Dev

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  • Sifu developer Sloclap believes that online games don’t need to be free to succeed; they must be good.
  • The developer is releasing its next title, Rematch, for just $30 this summer.
  • With a reasonable price tag and the suggested quality, Rematch could follow in the footsteps of other AA online titles like Helldivers 2 and Palworld.

The number of free-to-play online games has increased substantially over the past few years, with publishers trying to achieve the similar success of other free titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, or PUBG.

While many may think that online games in this era need to be free to succeed, Sifu’s developer suggests otherwise. According to the developer, video games just need to be good to succeed, and the price factor doesn’t count.

Why it matters: With growing competition in the online video game market, publishers have been chasing trends. This comes at the cost of making a good video game. In this context, the developers’ standpoint holds true.

rematch game
Rematch Is A 5v5 Football Game That Plays Like Rocket League

In a new interview with PC Gamer, Sifu developer Sloclap discussed the release of their new title, Rematch. Rematch is a 5v5 competitive football game that will be released this summer for just $30. 

Referring to the pricing of the game, the creative director for Rematch said: 

I never considered free-to-play—the only real way to succeed commercially is to just make a very good game

The director’s opinion is valid here, as price rarely determines the success of an online video game. The AA market sees the most success in this regard, with titles like Helldivers 2 and Palworld outpacing most other AAA releases despite having a $30 price tag.

Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2’s Success Comes Due To Its Affordable Price Tag

Considering the studio’s solid track record and the creative director’s confidence in making a good game, Rematch could also enjoy success levels similar to Helldivers 2 and Palworld.

Latest Updates

Do you think that online games need to be free to succeed? Let us know your opinion in the comments below or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Death Stranding 2 Lets Players Skip Boss Battles For An Easier Time

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  • Death Stranding 2 is going beyond an easy mode for those who struggle with action games.
  • Hideo Kojima’s upcoming title will allow players to move past challenging bosses without losing important context.
  • Players who skip bosses will be explained important story details and events in a visual novel-like format.

Death Stranding 2 is positioned as PlayStation’s next major console exclusive. Arriving in June, Hideo Kojima’s upcoming blockbuster promises a more complex narrative, ambitious gameplay, spectacular visuals, and memorable boss battles.

The boss battles, in particular, might test players’ skills in unexpected ways. However, Hideo Kojima has included accessibility options to combat this problem, allowing newcomers to practically skip boss battles.

Why it matters: Following the success of the first game, Death Stranding 2 is expected to attract a huge audience. According to Hideo Kojima, the appeal of various actors being featured in the game attracted fans of films and television to the IP.

As revealed by Hideo Kojima on the recent TBS podcast, Death Stranding 2 is going above and beyond to help those new to action games. This was done because the director received plenty of emails about the game’s difficulty, resulting in this latest addition.

It is said that upon failing a boss battle, players will be given more options than just continuing. The new option will serve as a skip button, giving players text and image descriptions of the battle and its events.

When you press it, it’s like a novel with pictures and text.

-Hideo Kojima

This will allow players to receive the necessary context of a battle without actually engaging in combat. Essentially, Death Stranding 2 will allow players to treat its bosses like novels instead of gameplay events.

Although this option will exist only on the lower difficulty setting, more casual audiences might appreciate Hideo Kojima’s consideration. Of course, those interested in clearing battles the traditional way will have the option to do so.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Death Stranding 2 Will Feature Several Memorable Boss Battles

As expected, the reactions to this feature have been mixed. While some appreciate the extra options for different players, others believe games should not try too hard to appeal to everyone. They also state that Death Stranding’s bosses were never too hard to begin with.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on skipping boss battles? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Ex-PlayStation Exec Says Consoles Have Bridged Gap Between Them And PC; Both Now ‘Quite Similar’

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  • Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden claims modern consoles have closed the gap with PC.
  • He says only the dogs can hear the differences in enhancements.
  • Layden envisions a future where games are universally compatible across platforms, much like DVDs or Blu-rays.

The console vs. PC debate has been a never-ending one, but it has intensified in recent years thanks to the significant leap in hardware offered by the latest generation of consoles.

A former PlayStation executive has added more fuel to the fire in this debate with a bold take. According to him, modern consoles have narrowed the gap with PCs, making both platforms more similar than ever.

Why it matters: With rapid technological advancements, consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5 now deliver impressive performance for their price. Their capabilities are so strong that many now argue there’s little difference left in the console vs. PC discussion.

In a new podcast, Shawn Layden had this to say when referring to the console vs. PC comparison:

The architecture in the current version of [consoles] and of high-end PCs are quite close now, they’re all quite similar

He acknowledged that there are some differences graphically, but his following statement implies that the changes aren’t that drastic.

And any changes or any enhancements to that—like we like to say in the studios, only the dog can hear that. Like, We’re gonna have 20% more ray tracing’. Okay?

Layden’s bold take on the comparison came from his idealized dream where developers would create a unified format for video games that can be played on any platform.

This would be similar to how DVDs or Blu-rays work. This approach would ensure that developers are focused on creating great content rather than exclusives tailored to each platform.

Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Will Retain Its Exclusivity Approach Opposed To Xbox And PlayStation

Xbox seems to be embracing Layden’s vision somewhat, with reports hinting its next console may be a PC in disguise—aligning with its multiplatform push. Meanwhile, PlayStation and Nintendo will stick to exclusivity, which drives their console sales.

Latest Updates

Do you agree with Shawn Layden’s statement? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Atomfall Reaches 2 Million Players in Just Two Weeks

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  • Atomfall was released around 2 weeks ago.
  • The developers have confirmed that over 2 million players have already played it.
  • The title sales have yet to be shared by the developers.

Atomfall was released just over two weeks ago with a fair score of 75 on Metacritic. The title had a great start, as it became the fifth most played Xbox title during its debut week, thanks to day one release on Game Pass. 

Even though the game isn’t even two weeks old yet, the developers have confirmed that over 2 million players have already played Atomfall.

Why it matters: It is a significant achievement for everyone who worked on the title, as it is likely to achieve even more success in the future. 

Atomfall 2 Million Players
Atomfall Has Been Played By Over 2 Million Players – Source: X

Just now, the Rebellion posted on the official Atomfall Twitter account, confirming that Atomfall has already attracted over 2 million players.

During its debut week, the developers stated that over 1.5 million players had played the game. So it appears that around half a million players have jumped into Atomfall’s post-apocalyptic adventure in the second week.

The numbers are massive for the title, and since it has only been released for two weeks, it is likely that the game will reach even more success.

Atomfall Beautiful Atmosphere
Atomfall Was Relaesed Just Two Weeks Ago

The developers have yet to confirm the title’s sales. Since the game was released on day one on Game Pass, most players have likely played it through the subscription service.

Therefore, it remains to be seen if Atomfall has done well financially for the developers.

Latest Updates

Nonetheless, have you played Atomfall already? Did you enjoy it? Share your opinion in the comments or join Tech4Gamers Forums. 

Steam Users Play More Non-Competitive And PvE Games Than Console Players, New Report Reveals

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  • A new report by Newzoo reveals that Steam users play more non-competitive and PvE-focused games than console players.
  • 58% of the titles played by Steam players were PvE last year, compared to 41% on Xbox and 42% on PlayStation.
  • The interest of Steam users in PvE games has steadily grown over the last few years, seeing an increase of 47% since 2021.

Despite the convenience of consoles, the PC platform continues to be a more diverse and affluent market for gamers. This tidbit has been highlighted again by Newzoo’s new industry report, which confirms that Steam users prefer PvE games more than console players.

The detailed ‘PC & Console Gaming Report 2025’ clarifies that 58% of titles enjoyed by Steam players last year were PvE. In contrast, only 41% of games played on Xbox were non-competitive, and 42% for the PlayStation ecosystem.

Why it matters: This trend of Steam users playing more PvE titles is attributed to the rise of smaller co-op and social-focused games on the platform over the last few years.

Steam has become more PvE-friendly over the years because of social-focused games.
Steam has become more PvE-friendly over the years because of social-focused games.

Newzoo reports a 47% rise in Steam players’ interest in PvE/non-competitive games since 2021. For consoles, there has been a rise and fall in the interest of PvE games instead. 

This growing liking for non-competitive games for Steam players can be attributed to an upsurge of co-op indie experiences and social-focused titles, such as REPO and Schedule 1. The roster of these similar types of games is quite limited on consoles.

This survey is based on the raw telemetry data from over 1 million players and gauges interest on different platforms. Newzoo’s findings also revealed that Steam players were likelier to go for a PvE title after engaging with multiple other games.

Steam players are more likely to play PvE titles after engaging with multiple games.
Steam players are more likely to play PvE games the more time they spend playing.

It is worth noting that the Newzoo report does not include the Chinese and Indian markets; it also does not gauge interest by playtime. So, the results might differ in the non-Western gaming scene. 

Latest Updates

Do you think the growing number of PvE and social titles on Steam over the last few years means PC gaming is headed in the right direction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

COLORFUL CVN X870 ARK FROZEN: The Ultimate AM5 Motherboard for Ryzen 9000

[Press Release] COLORFUL has revealed the CVN X870 ARK FROZEN, its first AMD X870 motherboard built for the Ryzen 9000 Series. The CVN X870 ARK FROZEN features frost gray heatsinks, a titanium gray PCB, and bright orange accents.

Its M.2 heatsinks are designed with lines that mimic a runway, completing its military-inspired aesthetic. Built for the Ryzen 9950X3D, the motherboard uses a 14+2+1 power phase design for stable power delivery.

It supports DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz with C28 latency, includes Wi-Fi 7 and 5G networking, and introduces a new X3D Game Mode in the BIOS for better gaming performance.

Colorful CVN X870 ARK FROZEN Motherboard
COLORFUL CVN X870 ARK FROZEN Motherboard.

Installation is easier thanks to the CVN Pullout Switch, a rear latch that allows one-click GPU removal while protecting the PCB from damage.

Key specifications include an AM5 socket, AMD X870 chipset, Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Ethernet support, multiple M.2 and SATA storage options, and large heatsinks covering the VRMs, chipset, and M.2 slots. The board also features hi-fi-grade audio components for a better sound experience.

Check out the product page for more details.

Video Game Movies Are on Track To Replace Superhero Movies As Hollywood’s Preferred IPs of Choice

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  • A senior box-office analyst suggests that video games will replace superhero movies as Hollywood’s preferred genre.
  • He argues that A Minecraft Movie’s recent success shows the power of game IPs in the wake of failing superhero movies.
  • An executive of a studio rival to Warner Bros. claims that A Minecraft Movie succeeded by doing everything that fans wanted. 

It’s clear that with the foray of massive video game franchises into successful movies, the trends are shifting fast in the Hollywood scene. A senior box-office analyst now argues that games are already on track to replace Hollywood’s preferred movie genre. 

Jeff Bock clarifies that Hollywood has continued to milk superhero movies despite recent failures. Still, the giant industry has shifted its attention to game IPs as its new preference. This tidbit comes as A Minecraft Movie’s success crushes all estimations.

Why it matters: A senior box-office analyst argues that video game franchises have already started to replace superhero movies as Hollywood’s preferred genre of choice. The recent success of game movies cements this notion. 

The Last Of Us TV Show
The Last of Us TV show adaptation is receiving rave reviews.

In a new detailed report by Vulture, the senior box-office analyst clarifies that A Minecraft Movie’s success amid Marvel Cinematic entries producing diminishing returns highlights Hollywood’s shift towards game IPs.

Video-game movies are overtaking superhero movies as the genre of choice. […] While gaming may not be as cool or as flashy [as film], if you make the right movie based on a game, this shows the people will come.

The new Minecraft film was successful because it nailed everything that fans desired. An unnamed executive from a studio rival to Warner Bros. even argues that WB was ‘super on-brand’ to do everything fans wanted from the movie.

Super Mario Bros Movie Review Roundup
Super Mario Bros. also crossed a massive milestone by making $1 billion at the box office.

The executive also says fans are excited about Sony’s live-action adaptation of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda, due in two years. And with the new Angry Birds Movie 3 trailer, the future of video game movies looks brighter than ever.

Latest Updates

Do you think Hollywood will abandon superhero movies in favor of video game ones, or is this a phase? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

TEAMGROUP Announces T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5 Memory Kits

[Press Release] TEAMGROUP has launched the T-FORCE XTREEM CKD ARGB DDR5 and DELTA CKD RGB DDR5 memory modules. Both use upgraded Client Clock Driver (CKD) tech, reaching speeds up to 8400 MHz. The modules support Intel Core Ultra and 800 series platforms, offering stable performance during demanding tasks.

The memory kits feature a thick aluminum heat sink with a sandblasted black finish. Its dual light pipe creates a smooth aurora-like ARGB glow.

Teamgroup XTREEM DDR5
T-FORCE XTREEM CKD ARGB DDR5.

Both modules support Intel XMP 3.0, enabling one-click overclocking without manual tweaks. The T-FORCE XTREEM memory modules are equipped with PMIC and thermal silicone for better heat dissipation. On-die ECC adds stability by correcting errors in real time.

These DDR5 memory kits are compatible with major RGB control software, including ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, etc.

Check out the product page for more details.

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