Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Kojima’s next title will mark a return to the action espionage genre.
PHYSINT is said to transcend the barrier between films and games.
The project will enter phase 2 of development after Death Stranding 2 and OD.
Following his departure from Konami, Hideo Kojima made his independent studio titled Kojima Productions, which went quiet for a few years before releasing Death Stranding. The famous auteur is now working on a sequel for the game alongside OD, a horror game in collaboration with Xbox.
While Kojima’s expertise lies within many genres, he’s best known for his work on the action espionage games such as Metal Gear Solid. As such, Kojima is marking a return to the territory with a brand new IP titled “PHYSINT.” The project is said to transcend the barriers between film and video games.
Why it matters: Hideo Kojima is considered one of the best video game creators ever. For him to return to the action espionage genre and redefine it is exciting for the gaming industry since it has lost its creativity.
Kojima Partnering With PlayStation For PHYSINT
In the latest episode of Koji Pro Radio Broadcast, Hideo Kojima confirmed that PHYSINT will enter phase 2 of its development after they’re done working on Death Stranding 2 and OD. He also mentioned that he’s unsure if PHYSINT will be a video game or a movie.
Judging by his words, the title appears early in its conceptual phase. With Kojima’s creativity and thinking outside the box, there’s no explaining where he’ll head with the project.
Kojima Not Involved With Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake
Kojima’s decision to work on PHYSINT resulted from fans’ demanding another Metal Gear Solid project. The famous auteur also fears his creativity may run out soon, so he’s doing his best to work on his projects as quickly as possible.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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The Last of Us games have received 8 different versions across the two games in the series.
The first game was released in 2013, and the most recent release was the Complete Edition a few days ago.
The franchise is the most remastered and remade game in all of PlayStation’s franchises.
The Last of Us is undoubtedly among some of the best PlayStation franchises to date. The two titles are praised for their emotional storytelling and gorgeous visuals. However, it seems that Sony is just too obsessed with the franchise.
From 2013 to now, PlayStation has released a massive 8 iterations of The Last of Us games. Notably, there have been just two titles in the franchise, and all the rest are either remakes or remasters.
Why it matters: PlayStation has become notorious for remastering games that don’t even require the treatment, but with The Last of Us, the company seems to have gone too far.
The First The Last of Us Game came out in the year 2013.
Hefe is a list of all the different versions of the game we’ve seen so far:
Funnily enough, the two games in the franchise spread from the PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 5 and PC, where each platform got its version of the game. This is especially disappointing for fans who wanted a sequel to the second game.
The franchise has since received 8 different iterations of 2 games.
Neil Druckmann recently confirmed that there are currently no plans for The Last of Us 3, so fans will have to do with the existing ones. Luckily, the TV show is showing great promise and has already been renewed for season 3.
Overall, a sequel will remain an idea, as PlayStation is too adamant about remakes and remasters. However, for fans wanting a Naughty Dog game, you can look forward to their new IP, Intergalactic.
What are your thoughts on PlayStation releasing multiple iterations of The Last of Us? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Naoe’s actress in AC Shadows, Masumi Tsunoda, claims she had no idea what the series was before securing the role.
Masumi was unfamiliar with the IP because she does not play video games, so she prepared for the role like she does for TV.
Since then, she has spent over 2 years developing the character and has come to love her experience with Naoe.
Naoe’s actress, Masumi Tsunoda, clarified that she had landed the role without knowing what the series was about. She was unfamiliar with the Assassin’s Creed franchise because she does not play video games.
Why it matters: Naoe’s actress landing her role without experience shows that she still created a well-written character, but not everyone agrees with this notion.
In an interview with Insider Gaming, Masumi says that she slowly realized over time what she was getting into while auditioning to be the actress for Naoe. However, she felt ‘excited’ and ‘honored’ for her first video game role.
I didn’t know what Assassin’s Creed was before I booked it, because I don’t play video games.
Masumi further adds that she prepared for the role of Naoe’s protagonist like any film or TV character. She has since spent over two years developing the shinobi character.
I got an audition for it but I prepped the role just like I would for film or TV. I had to spend two years.
While gamers have appreciated Naoe for being a fresh character with a fun narrative arc, many gamers and critics—including our own review—also claimed that Naoe feels one-dimensional and flat through emotional scenes.
Masumi’s performance has drawn mixed responses from gamers, especially after learning that she lacked knowledge about what Assassin’s Creed was about. However, the other side argues that she did well for her first video game role.
Do you think Masumi Tsunoda nailed her role as Naoe despite her first go at video game acting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Minecraft’s player base rose by 30% following the film’s release.
The free DLC before the film’s release helped in the surge.
Minecraft sales were also boosted on Nintendo Switch.
After a few failures with their live-action projects, Xbox had to return to the drawing board before re-entering Hollywood. With many doubting the gaming giant’s decision to choose Minecraft for the next film adaptation, the film’s results have proven them wrong thus far.
A Minecraft Movie has already become one of the top 5 grossing film adaptations just a week into its launch. Moreover, the film’s success did wonders for the video game, boosting the overall player base for Minecraft by more than 30%.
Why it matters: Minecraft already boasts 170 million monthly players, making it one of the most played video games ever. With the film’s success, the player count has only increased, showcasing its impressive reach.
A New Minecraft Game May Be On The Horizon.
A new report by The Game Business revealed that Minecraft had an impressive last couple of weeks. Developer Mojang released a free film-themed DLC for the game a week before the movie’s release to generate more excitement for the franchise.
This strategy resulted in a 25% increase in daily average players on the Saturday before the movie’s release and a 14% increase on the following Sunday. Both of these figures are week-on-week comparisons.
After the film’s release on Saturday, April 5, the player count rose by 9%, with another 14% increase on Sunday, April 6. Again, these percentages are week-on-week comparisons.
Elder Scrolls Deserves A TV Show Adaptation Next.
While the post-release numbers may seem modest, it’s important to note that Minecraft had already seen a surge in player activity thanks to the free DLC launched in the week leading up to the film.
As for sales, Minecraft experienced a 25% boost in sales on the weekend before the movie release, thanks to the DLC launch. Sales continued to rise by 8% on the weekend following the release of A Minecraft Movie.
With such a resounding success, Xbox plans to double down on its Hollywood strategy and has already teased similar projects for the future.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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According to a leak, Mafia: The Old Country could be released on August 8, 2025.
An official Spanish Steam post on the Game Hub has led to this development.
If the report is true, 2K could officially reveal the release date soon.
Mafia: The Old Country made an appearance at The Game Awards 2024, showcasing a brilliant trailer that revealed its rural setting. It was supposed to launch in the summer of 2025, and the release date has now surfaced online ahead of the official announcement.
Why it matters: If GTA 6 does come out in 2025, it will join Mafia in the same year, marking an action-packed year for 2K and massive hype from the fan base.
According to a Spanish Steam post on the official Game Hub, Mafia: The Old Country is set to release on August 8, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This means we must wait 3 months for the title to release.
If the Steam post is to be believed, we can expect Hangar 13 and 2K to make the release date official soon. The last we saw of the franchise was in 2020 with Mafia: Definitive Edition; however, the last mainline entry came out over 9 years ago.
Mafia: The Old Country could be released in just a few months, according to a leak.
Nonetheless, fans will be delighted to hear about this new development. The title impressed many people with the initial trailer based on the classic Mafia elements, breathtaking visuals, and great character models.
In addition, Mafia: The Old Country will also ditch the company’s tested Fusion Engine in favor of Unreal Engine 5. The latter delivers breathtaking visuals but is notorious for performance and optimization issues.
What are your thoughts on Mafia: The Old Country releasing on August 8, 2025? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
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Soulframe’s development is progressing well, with player feedback from Pre-Alpha “Preludes” significantly influencing its direction.
Digital Extremes isn’t aiming for Soulframe to replicate Warframe’s success but hopes it will resonate with its own unique player base.
Drawing from Warframe’s model, Soulframe intends to be free-to-play, with all core gameplay accessible without payment.
We recently got the chance to speak with Sarah Asselin, Senior Community Manager at Digital Extremes, about the current state of Soulframe—the studio’s ambitious new fantasy RPG. In this interview, Sarah shared insight into how development is progressing, how player feedback shapes the game through ongoing Pre-Alpha “Preludes,” and what kind of long-term vision the team has for Soulframe.
She also talked about what sets Soulframe apart in a crowded genre and how the team is working to balance accessibility with depth.
We also touched on some lighter moments, like the fan-favorite “bonk” sound from throwing weapons and how a developer’s dog helped bring the game’s wolf pups to life. From art direction and potion crafting to how Digital Extremes handles the balance between Soulframe and Warframe, Sarah’s answers gave a clear look at the studio’s community-driven approach and focus on building a fresh, fair, and player-first game.
Soulframe’s art direction is inspired by high fantasy works like Team ICO and Studio Ghibli.
Can you provide an update on the current development status of Soulframe? Are there any recent milestones or challenges you've encountered?
Sarah Asselin: Development on Soulframe is going smoothly! Our community of players in our closed Pre-Alpha playtests, which we call Preludes, has been essential to the development process. Their feedback is shaping the game up for the better. We just debuted some new features coming to the game for those testers in our 9th Preludes build, which is expanding out the world map, adding two new factions and social hubs, along with a new Caster weapon type.
These Preludes updates are the best kind of milestones since we get immediate feedback in a Pre-Alpha state from players saying, “Oh yeah, more of this stuff please” or “I think you missed the mark on this feature.” It all makes Soulframe a better game in the long run before we “officially launch.”
It is clear that Digital Extremes has established a long-lasting legacy with Warframe. Are the developers looking to achieve a similar scope and potential milestones for Soulframe?
Sarah Asselin: We have hopes and dreams, as any developer does for any game they create, but we aren’t trying to make Warframe again. We believe Soulframe will find its own audience, but there is never a way to predict a game’s lifespan either. Our main focus right now is looking at the present and what’s in front of us, which is making a game that welcomes players looking for an experience they haven’t found before and satisfying their current desires from a co-op fantasy action RPG experience. What comes after that can only be dictated by our players.
Does Soulframe aim to be more of a long-term live service game like Warframe, or is there a stronger emphasis on a complete, self-contained experience at launch?
Sarah Asselin: We have a development structure that we think works, and that’s building out a game alongside the community that forms around it. People joked in the past about Warframe being in “Beta” for years and years, but that was just the team listening intently to our players and trying things that did and didn’t work, adding and removing ideas. It’s a scary and vulnerable approach to making a game that just happens to work really well for Digital Extremes. So Soulframe is taking that same approach. Our Pre-Alpha closed tests will eventually open to the public, and then as we keep building out the game, it will slowly enter the “Alpha” and eventually “Beta” builds as we try more things and get more feedback from that ever-growing pool of players. Please come join us and give your thoughts!
Unlike the more established Warframe, Soulframe is going to launch among many other popular MMORPGs that already boast a strong community. How is Soulframe looking to stand out amidst the already-existing tough competition in the MMORPG genre?
Sarah Asselin: We aren’t looking to stand out to a wide audience. We are focused on making something that people have been looking to play. We trust our players and believe that building this game alongside them creates a bond that is hard to find in live service games. Making players happy and surprising them is more interesting to us than beating the competition.
Going free-to-play for such an ambitious game is certainly hard; will the gameplay feel fair and player-friendly for F2P players?
Sarah Asselin: Warframe is sort of a model you can look towards when it comes to our methodology around free-to-play. Digital Extremes believes that all of the “fun” should always be accessible with no paywalls. Practically all content in Warframe can be obtained through gameplay for free. We want the same for Soulframe but haven’t made it that far in development yet. The team is still so focused on making a good game first and foremost. When we’re ready to share more on its free-to-play model, we will, but that player-first mindset is very important to us, and Warframe is a testament to that.
How is the team balancing the development of Soulframe with ongoing support for Warframe? Are there shared resources or distinct teams for each project?
Sarah Asselin: We do have dedicated development teams for Warframe and Soulframe and a few specialist members that cross over between projects. Doing things in an untraditional way is just the Digital Extremes way sometimes!
The ‘bonk’ sound from throwing weapons has become a community favorite. Were there any fun or unexpected sound design choices the team enjoyed implementing?
Sarah Asselin: I am consistently blown away by our sound team! In Preludes 8, with the Shewolf Snared Fable (Orengall’s quest), one of the members of our sound team used their very talented voice actor, their dog Misha, to help record the wolf pups’ howls.
The character designs have been well received. What inspirations shaped the current art direction, and can we expect more customization options in the future?
Sarah Asselin: The team has been inspired by a wide variety of high fantasy works, some of which we’ve mentioned on past Devstreams, like Team ICO’s games or Studio Ghibli films like Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. You can see some of those things plainly on the surface, like the giant wolf mount, Orengall, but some of them are hidden deeper in narrative dialogue and environmental design that we can’t wait for people to see for themselves.
Are there plans to introduce potion crafting recipes, particularly for buffs like increased movement speed and healing?
Sarah Asselin: Verminia, our Ancestor tied to Elixirs, will be key to this! There’s much more to come with her in mind, so stay tuned.
Many MMORPGs struggle with balancing accessibility for casual players while maintaining depth for hardcore fans. How is Soulframe addressing this challenge?
Sarah Asselin: We strongly feel that Soulframe should be a very accessible experience for new players, both for the game and the multiple genres we are playing around in. That being said, the team also doesn’t want to entirely hold the player’s hand either by telling them everything to do at every step. Warframe is a game where you can find your own fun in many different ways, and we want Soulframe to be similar in that regard. There is just a balance to be found, and the team is finding that alongside our Preludes players right now.
Talking to Sarah Asselin gave us a clear view of how Soulframe is shaping up—not just as a game but as a project built with the community at its core. It’s not trying to copy Warframe or chase trends. Instead, the team is focused on creating something new and meaningful, with systems and ideas that evolve through real player feedback. That’s a bold move in today’s gaming space, but one that fits Digital Extremes’ style.
There’s still a long way to go, but seeing how much care is being put into every part of the game, from sound design to gameplay balance, is exciting. Soulframe is shaped by people who care about games and the players who love them. Thanks again to Sarah Asselin for taking the time to share these insights.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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The Last of Us Season 1 boosted the games’ sales by 75%.
The games also saw a playercount surge up to 1000%.
With Season 2’s release next week, another boost is expected.
The Last of Us TV show is praised as one of the best video game adaptations, becoming the most-streamed series across Europe and Latin America with 32 million average viewers per episode.
The TV show adaptation also boosted the games’ popularity significantly. With the first season’s release, The Last of Us video games saw a surge in player count of up to 1000%.
Why it matters: Cinematic adaptations of video games have just started to be successful. Such massive achievements help introduce new audiences to video games—a clear win for the gaming industry.
The Last Of Us Complete Is The Third Time PlayStation Is Re-Releasing The Game In Just 2 Years
According to a new report published by The Game Business, The Last of Us game series saw a boost of 38% in sales when the show first aired. At the end of the show’s run, the sales jumped to 78%, a comparison level to before the show started to air initially.
The Last of Us Part 1 Remastered saw a staggering 1.8 million monthly players in January 2023 when the show started to air, marking a 1000% increase. The vanilla version of the game reached 600k players—a 347% rise from pre-show numbers. Meanwhile, the sequel reached 1.4 players, reflecting a 440% increase.
The post-show numbers saw a significant surge, with The Last of Us Part 1 Remastered reaching 2.2 million players in February, marking a 417% increase compared to January. In contrast, the vanilla version experienced a 62% drop, while the sequel gained approximately 1.6 million new players, reflecting a 178% rise.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Will Introduce Several New Plot Changes Compared To The Source Material
The Last of Us Season 2 will air next week and will possibly bring another surge to the gaming franchise, possibly an even higher one compared to 2023.
With the Last of Us franchise becoming one of the most prized gaming IPs ever, Naughty Dog still isn’t willing to proceed with future entries. Neil Druckmann has repeatedly stated that he won’t be working on a threequel, suggesting it may never happen.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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PlayStation previously released a remake and remaster for The Last of Us.
The gaming giant has returned with yet another re-release for the series.
This re-release is immediately available digitally and will launch in a physical form factor in July.
The Last of Us has been a prominent part of PlayStation’s recent gaming lineup. Despite Naughty Dog’s last entry being nearly five years old at this point, the series has been kept relevant through a remake, a remaster, and a popular TV series.
It seems PlayStation is not done re-releasing the series for its latest console. Following The Last of Us Part 1 and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, the gaming giant has just announced yet another re-release of the series for the PS5.
Why it matters: Fans previously complained that Naughty Dog was becoming too reliant on this series. Although the team is currently working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, re-releasing the same games over and over again could further this sentiment.
Dubbed The Last of Us Complete, this new release bundles The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2 Remastered together for those new to the franchise.
The game is available for purchase immediately, and PlayStaton has also announced a physical Collector’s Edition. This package offers a steelbook case, the American Dreams comic, and four lithographic art prints for $109.99.
It should be noted that the physical edition is available exclusively through PlayStation Direct and may run out of stock quickly. Following pre-orders, the physical edition will be available on July 10, featuring both games on disc.
Anyhow, this marks the third time The Last of Us has hit the market in the form of a re-release within just two years.
Both Games Are Now Available On PC
Naughty Dog has also said that a third entry in the series is not guaranteed, but this statement does not seem believable, given PlayStation’s fondness for the IP.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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A new report reveals that 58% of PC gaming revenue comes from microtransactions.
Live service titles like Minecraft, Roblox, and Call of Duty drive most microtransactions.
The PC gaming revenue saw an overall boost of 0.8% over the last year, with an increase in revenue from DLCs.
The gaming industry has been booming in the past few years, with the most notable jump during the pandemic era. PC gaming has been in the lead for generating the most revenue.
Now, a new report has revealed that 58% of PC gaming revenue came from microtransactions alone. The revenue generated from microtransactions amounts to a whopping $24.4 billion.
Why it matters: Microtransactions have been plaguing the gaming industry. However, with most of the revenue coming from the money used in-game, it’s no wonder publishers continue pushing in-game purchases.
Activision Admits Crossover Skins In Call Of Duty Is Making The Game Look Stupid
A new report from Newzoo reveals that the titles leading these microtransactions are Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Roblox, and Fortnite. Moreover, the overall PC gaming revenue increased by 1.4% compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the report reveals an increase in DLC revenue for PC, which accounts for $5.3 billion, an increase of 0.8% from last time. Elden Ring Shadow of The Erdtree and Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred contributed to this boost.
However, the gaming revenue did fall in one aspect. 2024 saw a 2.6% drop in the premium category over last year.
Steam Hits Over 40 Million Concurrent Users For The First Time, Huge Milestone For PC Gaming
Overall, PC gaming revenue saw a minor boost of 0.1% over the past year and is expected to rise by a further 1.61% in 2025.
The PC gaming market is made up of almost a billion players today. With live-service games leading in microtransactions and playtime, it’s no surprise that developers keep pushing the model.
One out of three AAA developers is currently working on a live-service title despite the genre’s massive decline. Gaming giants like Ubisoft and PlayStation are still prevalent in making live-service games despite the setbacks endured from doing so.
What are your thoughts on this report? Do you find yourself spending money on microtransactions? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
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A reliable leaker has suggested that Hollow Knight: Silksong will appear at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025.
Titles like Gears Collection, Persona 4 Remake, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Minecraft Dungeons 2 may also appear at the show.
He also stated that Xbox is doing only a digital show to possibly avoid the backlash for releasing titles on multiple platforms.
Just recently, Microsoft officially announced the Xbox Games Showcase, which will be held on June 8. Following last year’s massive show from Xbox, fans are yet again excited for this year’s show.
While titles like The Outer Worlds 2 have already been confirmed to appear on the show, a reliable leaker has now suggested that Hollow Knight: Silksong will also appear at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025.
Why it matters: Since the game is already confirmed to be released in 2025, appearing in it during the Xbox Games Showcase would bring much more hype.
Earlier today, one of the most reliable leakers in the industry, extas1s, released a new YouTube video about the games he’s heard would appear on the Xbox Games Showcase 2025.
He states that his sources have told him that Hollow Knight: Silksong will appear at the show.
as of today, what they convey to me, April 10th at the time when, I’m recording this video is that Hollow Knight: Silksong is set for the Xbox Game Showcase.
-extas1s
Not only the Hollow Knight: Silksong, the leaker stated that titles like Gears Collection, Persona 4 Remake, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Minecraft Dungeons 2 are also likely to appear at the show.
Although the leaker has proven reliable in the past, it’s best to take this news with a grain of salt, as Xbox has officially confirmed nothing.
Xbox Games Showcase 2025 Happening In Two Months
Extas1s also speculated that Xbox is doing a digital-only show because of the possible backlash they might receive for releasing titles on multiple platforms, especially the Gears franchise.
Previously, the same leaker claimed that Hollow Knight: Silksong would be released in June. So, there are also chances for the title to be shadow-dropped if we go by the recent leaks.
Nonetheless, are you excited about Hollow Knight: Silksong? In the comments, let us know your thoughts, or join the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
MSI showcased new Project Zero series cases at last Computex including Velox 300R Airflow PZ. This case is available in black and white. This is a mid-tower case that supports regular motherboards up to E-ATX size and backplug motherboards in ATX form factor. I have already tested two of their PANO series cases under the PZ category.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Nauman Siddique is the most senior hardware tester at Tech4Gamers. He brings an ocean of knowledge to the table, including unmatched expertise in PC cases.
40+ PC cases tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
600+ hours spent testing different PC cases for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
This case has an MSRP of USD 149 and comes with a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Key Takeaways
The MSI MPG Velox 300R Airflow PZ is a versatile, airflow-focused case that supports ATX backplug motherboards and comes with two 160mm dual-layered A-RGB fans for better cooling.
You should buy the MSI MPG Velox 300R Airflow PZ if you want a backplug motherboard with good performance and plenty of specs.
The only reason to skip the MSI MPG Velox 300R Airflow PZ is if you already have a backplug motherboard.
Front: 3x120mm or 3x140mm or 2x160mm [Pre-Installed]
Top: 3x 120mm or 3x 140mm*
Rear: 1x 120mm [Pre-Installed]
Side: 3x 120mm
Bottom: 1x 120mm
PSU Shroud: 2x 120mm
Radiator Size Support
Top: 120/140/240/280/360mm
Rear: 120mm
Side: 120/240/360mm
Top: 120/140/240/280/360mm
[toc]
Packaging And Unboxing
Packing Box
Unboxed
The unit is shipped inside a standard brown color cardboard box. A picture of the PC Case can be seen on the front. The salient features are listed on the side of the packing box. This case comes under the MPG series from MSI.
There are two thick black color Styrofoam pads encapsulating the PC Case.
Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The following are provided with the case:
1x Quick Installation Guide
1x Regulatory Notice
1x Shout Out Flyer
1x Sticker Decal
Stand-off Screws
5” HDD Screws
Stand-Off Mounting Tool
PSU Screws
5” SSD Screws
Motherboard/SSD Screws
Fan Screws
Clips
Zip Ties
Velcro Strips
Design
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The MSI MPG Velox 300R Airflow PZ is a mid-tower case that has a dimension of 485x235x518mm. It is made of SPCC, Glass, and Plastic materials. This is a feature-rich design from MSI that includes an EZ Mount Rail on the front which is a smart implementation, multi-purpose bracket, backplug motherboard support, Removable PSU Cover, GPU Support Bracket, USB 3.2 20Gbps Type-C port on the front IO, etc. Let’s start taking a closer look from inside and outside views being our major categories.
Exterior
Unlike the PANO series cases that I have tested, this case does not support a 270ᵒ panoramic view. Being an airflow edition, it has a vented front panel with fine-quality mesh. The side panel has a light-tinted tempered glass with a bolt mechanism. The overall look and feel of this case are luxurious.
Front Panel
Front Panel Design
1 of 4
Front View Main
Front Panel Side View
Front Panel Cover Removed
Front Panel Dust Filter
This case does not have a glass panel on the front which is obvious from its name “Airflow”. The front has a stylish, vented cover with MSI and MPG branding. It has diamond cut design for the vented portion. You can see two 160mm fans through it. The main frame has line pattern making it quite stylish and bold design.
You can easily pop the front cover out. This will show a fine quality dust filter with magnetic attachment. Removing this dust cover will finally show the two 160mm fans. The mounting rail has two brackets placed on top and bottom sandwiching the fans. This creates a complete outlook covering the exposed area on the rail.
Front Panel Covers Removed
Front Fans
You can remove the two covers from inside of the PC Case for which you will have to remove the side glass panel. The two tabs or lockers are needed to be pressed so that covers are released. You can see the inside view of the case from the front after removing the EZ Bracket.
Front Panel Mounting Rails
Front Panel Fans Removed
The EZ Bracket is a smart design. This case does not have a fixed rail mounting design where in multiple rails are available as per size (120mm, 140mm etc). Instead EZ Brackets are two individual brackets that can be attached to 120mm, 140mm or 160mm size. There are mounting holes on the main frame that will adjust according to size. Just install the brackets on the fans and then install it on the case.
Rear Panel
Rear Design
Dust Filter Removed
Looking at the rear, you can see stylish vented area on the top right that faces the top mounted radiator. There is a cutout providing area for the rear IO panel of the motherboard. There are is a rail mount design for the 120mm. 1x 120mm non-RGB fan comes pre-installed.
The middle section has 7x PCIe slot covers that are removable and reusable. This case does not support the vertical graphics mount. The bottom area has a standard ATX PSU mount. The PSU can be placed from the left or right side of the case and secured using 4x Philips screws on the back.
A dust filter for the bottom of the case is non-magnetic and it can be taken out from the rear. This is my gripe with this design. It should have been design to either come out from the front or from the side.
Top Panel
Top Design
Filter Removed
The top has a single large-size metallic panel that is vented. It is hoped on using two captive thumb screws on the rear. This panel covers the top-mounted IO ports as well.
Taking the top panel off will show a fixed fan bracket. Here you can install 3x 120mm or 3x 140mm fans and up to 360mm size radiator. You can adjust the fan position as well. Installing a 360mm radiator on top leaves no room for any adjustment given the length of this case.
There is a cutout towards the front. It can be used to refill the reservoir from the top if opting for a custom loop setup.
IO Ports (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The IO ports include:
1x USB 20Gbps Type-C Port
2x USB 5Gbps Type-A Port
1x Mic In/Audio Out Port
1x LED Switch Button
1x Power Button
Bottom Panel
Bottom Panel
Bottom Filter Removed
A single large size non-magnetic dust filter covers the vented design on the base of this case. This cover can be removed from the rear. The PSU bay and multi-purpose bracket have vented design. Large size feet have anti-slip paddings.
Side Panel
Side Panel
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Sideview Main
Sideview TG Panel
Sideview Inside
The side panel has thick tempered glass which is light tinted. It sits flush with the frame of the case. It uses a bolt mechanism for latching with the frame. The base has two covers that sit in the slits provided inside the frame.
The case has a spacious layout to work within and by moving the cables to the back (optional), we are no longer contended with the cable related decisions on the front except for the graphics card. Even that can be killed if using ASUS BTF graphics card.
Interior
Sideview Motherboard Tray (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This case supports motherboard in ITX, mATX, ATX (regular and backplug), and E-ATX form factors. The motherboard tray is quite sturdy and well-built. There is a large cutout that has a removable cover on the backside. Standoff screws come pre-installed for ATX form factor. A maximum CPU Cooler height is 165mm.
The cut outs without rubber grommet are strategically designed to accommodate backplug motherboards. The top two cutouts with rubber grommets can be used for cable routing. The side of this tray has inset towards the side frame. There are cutouts on this side with rubber grommets that would come handy for E-ATX size motherboard.
PSU Cover
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PSU Cover
PSU Cover Screws
PSU Cover Removed
The PSU shroud is a two-fold design. There is a fixed portion attached to the motherboard tray that has three cutouts for cable routing. The main cover is removable. Two screws secure it on the main frame. Optionally, you can install two 120mm fans over the PSU shroud.
MSI has provided a smart design here. Removing the PSU shroud will give you a good clearance to work conveniently on the PSU bay. It has two large size pads on which the PSU is placed. A maximum PSU length is 200mm in ATX form factor.
GPU Support Bracket
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GPU Support Bracket
GPU Support Bracket Screws
MSI has provided a GPU support bracket that is secured using two screws from the backside. The height of this bracket is adjustable as per the requirement.
Fan Mounts
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Front Fans
Rear Fans
Stand
Two dual-layer blade fans in 160mm size and one same design 120mm fans are pre-installed. These fans generate double airflow in a focused pattern. The speed reported in BIOS was 1942 RPM. However, I am not sure if this speed is for the 160mm fans or the 120mm fan. The front fans are A-RGB backlit as well.
The side mount is for 120mm size fans and radiators only. A maximum of 360mm radiator is supported here.
This case has 7x PCIe slots that are removable/reusable. They are vented as well. These can be accessed through the cutouts on the main frame. The case has a multi-purpose EZ bracket on the floor. You can install a 2.5”/3.5” drive combo here or alternatively use 120mm fan for air intake as well.
MSI has taken the feedback from PANO series case reviews and implemented the bracket with fans handling from the top, unlike the bottom mount on PANO cases for which the case has to be screwed from the bottom.
Backside
Backside View
Backside Side Cover
The backside panel is made of steel material and has a dual sided perforation for effective ventilation. The left side perforation faces the fan mount on the side. The right side perforation area faces the motherboard tray where you can install storage drives on the backside.
The perforation or vented areas have magnetic dust filters. You can see tapes. These are there for added protection during shipping. This panel has the same mounting mechanism as on the glass side.
Backside Panel Removed
Backside Covers Removed
Now, we are taking a look at the main area of action on the backside. You can see a rail mount design for the side fans (120mm only with 120mm sized radiator up to 360mm). A storage bracket is installed over the CPU cutout in the main motherboard tray area. A second storage bracket is below the first one. MSI has wisely utilized the space. A total of 4x 2.5” or 1x 3.5” drives can be installed.
I have removed the storage bracket and showing the backside view again. There is an ample cable management space on backside.
Backside PSU Bay
Backside Controller
The PSU bay can house a unit up to 200mm length. You can see two large rubber pads on which the unit is to be placed. A total of 260mm is available for the user to install and handle the PSU and its cables.
A 4-port ARGB and fan control hub is installed on the top. You can see that all three pre-installed fans are connected to this hub. You can still add one more fan and two more A-RGB devices to this hub.
This control hub is SATA-powered and has 4-pin headers for the fans. It is wired to the LED button on the front IO Panel. This is the reason this case does not have a Reset button on the front panel. You can connect this hub to the motherboard using a standard A-RGB connector and a 2-pin fan connector.
IO Cables
IO Cables
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Connectors - USB
Connectors - SATA
Connectors - Front Panel
Connectors - Fans
MSI has provided:
1x USB Type-E 3.2 Connector
1x USB Type-A Connector
1x HD Audio Connector
1x Front Panel Connector
1x SATA Connector for Hub
1x 3-pin ARGB Connector
1x 2-pin Fan Connector
Test Build And Experience
I have used the following configuration for testing of this case:
Building a PC in this case is a convenient process. I started with the backplug motherboard. It was a comfortable fit. I pre-installed RAM and cooler’s mounting hardware on the motherboard. Usually my next step is PSU but this time, I went with the liquid cooler.
The length of this case is not enough so you will have to wiggle the radiator by tilting it so that it can go inside the case. Once inside, you can easily install it over the top though its position can’t be adjusted as such due to length limitation.
Next, the PSU was installed which is a convenient solution in this case. Then the graphics card was installed and in the last step, cables were routed and connected. I did not do any cable management as I needed to see if the side panel could still be closed with the bulk of cables in the center. It does easily.
RGB Lighting
RGB Showcase
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RGB Lighting
RGB Lighting
RGB Lighting
The above are a few pictures of the test build.
Thermal Testing
The thermal testing was done with an ambient temperature of 27ᵒC and I have used AIDA64 Engineering Stress Test software for this purpose using FPU and GPU.
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)
As you can see, we have good thermal performance on the graphics card and the CPU.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You need a case for a backplug motherboard: This case is designed for backplug motherboards like MSI Z790 and B560M Project Zero for example. If you are aiming for such motherboards, this case is the best option for you.
✅You are looking for a good airflow case: The Velox 300R Airflow PZ features a diamond-cut vented front panel with a fine-quality dust filter. It has two 160mm fans on the front. This combination generates good airflow to cool your components.
✅You want good specs: The Velox 300R Airflow PZ carries a good feature set including a GPU support bracket, up to 13 fan mounts, pre-installed three fans, EZ Bracket, USB 20Gbps Type-C port, backplug motherboard support, multiple radiators support, etc.
Don’t Buy It If
❌Your current case supports back-plug motherboards: If you already have a case that can house a back-plug motherboard, then you can skip this case.
Final Words
After testing MSI MAG PANO series PZ cases, this time we tested a premium PZ category case from MSI in MPG line. It is Velox 300R Airflow PZ. As the name indicates, it is designed around airflow concept hence we have a vented front panel with good quality magnetic dust filter. The last weapon in the arsenal providing perfection is in the form of two 160mm A-RGB fans that generate focused air flow.
This case is available in white and black. It supports backplug motherboards in ATX form factor and regular motherboards in up to E-ATX form factor. It has a light tinted tempered glass panel on the side which uses bolts for latching.
The cooling department of this case is quite strong as this case can house up to a 360mm radiator on the top, side, and front. A total of 13 fan points are provided and it already comes equipped with two powerful 160mm fans on the front and a 120mm non-RGB fan on the rear. Optionally the user can install 2x 120mm fans over the PSU shroud. All fan mounts have a rail design.
The front has EZ Fan Bracket which is a concept that I saw on the Fractal Design Torrent case. Both brackets are independent and can be configured in 120mm, 140mm, or 160mm sizes for which there are mounting holes on the main frame.
The top panel is removable and has a fine mesh which is not removable and non-magnetic. The bottom area has a full-size dust filter which is not magnetic. The only caveat is that this dust filter is operated from the rear of the case. The PSU shroud is removable which gives a lot of convenience to the user.
You can install 4x 2.5” drives, 1x 3.5” drives, and a combination of 1x 2.5” and 1x 3.5” drives. The storage department is adequate in this case though only two 3.5” drive mounts could be lacking for some. The graphics card supported length is 400mm and the case comes equipped with a GPU support bracket. The supported height for a CPU cooler is 165mm. The supported PSU is ATX up to 200mm in length.
Another key feature is the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C port on the front IO Panel which I saw on PANO series cases as well. MSI has also provided a dedicated Fan ARGB controller hub that can house up to 4x ARGB fans and also control their speed using a motherboard. Last but not least is the multi-use bracket on the floor which can be handled from inside the case.
I have a good time with this case and the ability to provide a clean outlook on the front side is the next big thing in the PC industry. MSI has improved small things from the PANO series and perfected the PZ category case in the form of Velox 300R Airflow PZ. The maximum temperature on my graphics card was 68ᵒC under load and the CPU was at 88ᵒC.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
The former Sony executive Shawn Layden claims that Nintendo can charge $80 for Switch 2 titles if they are exclusives.
He believes exclusivity justifies the new controversial price tag because you cannot play those games anywhere else.
The new $80 pricing has been met with a lot of criticism and controversy, showing that gamers disagree with this sentiment.
Amid the growing controversy against Nintendo, the former Sony executive has now stepped in to justify the new $80 price tag for Switch 2 games. He argues that Nintendo can set that price standard because those are its exclusives.
Why it matters: The ex-Sony executive argues that the new $80 price tag is justified for Switch 2 games if they are exclusives because Switch consoles are the only official place where gamers can play them.
During a recent episode of the PlayerDriven podcast, Shawn Layden defends Nintendo and says gamers should not be upset with the price hike from Switch 1 to Switch 2 and the new $80 pricing standard for its games.
He believes that if you can only play Mario, Zelda, or Donkey Kong on Switch consoles because of exclusivity, then the $80 price is justified.
Wow, 80 bucks for a game? But if it’s the only place where you can play Mario, then you get your wallet out and you buy into it.
Shawn says that these exclusives being limited to Switch consoles should be enough to justify the $80 price. Nintendo recently offered a similar defense against the controversy by claiming it wants to respect the value of its releases.
However, many gamers have disagreed with these justifications on social media and spoken against the $80 pricing for Switch 2 exclusives since it may compel other game developers to increase the price of their AAA games.
Do you think the former Sony executive’s words justify Nintendo inflating the pricing of its games? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
