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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Xbox has confirmed its annual showcase for 2025.
The Xbox Games Showcase will be held on June 8 this year.
It will also be followed by a Direct for The Outer Worlds 2.
Xbox stole the show last year with its annual showcase, leaving the competition in the dust. The gaming giant has now confirmed that it will host yet another event in just two more months, creating excitement among fans and general audiences.
Why it matters: Xbox Games Showcase events give Microsoft a chance to show off incredible first-party and third-party titles. With the gaming giant shifting toward a publishing focus, games will become an even more significant part of its push in the industry.
The Showcase Will Be Streamed Across Various Platforms | Image via Xbox
As per Xbox, this year’s showcase will go live on June 8 at 10 AM PT. Like last year, the gaming giant’s event will lead into a major Direct for one of its upcoming first-party titles. This year’s Direct will focus on The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian Entertainment’s next big RPG.
Not much else is known about the event, but Microsoft states that it will stream the Xbox Games Showcase in 40 languages for maximum global coverage. Fans can also expect updates on various already-announced games.
Among these, the likes of Fable and Gears of War E-Day will likely prove to be the most exciting. The latter, in particular, stunned audiences with its first reveal last year, so extended gameplay footage could show up in this year’s event.
Fans should also note that Summer Game Fest will be streamed live ahead of Xbox’s showcase this year. Geoff Keighley has already confirmed a June 6 date for this show, so fans are in for plenty of excitement during the first few days of June.
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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Nvidia has reportedly informed AIBs of the RTX 5060 Ti’s MSRP.
The GPU is said to be priced below $400, making it cheaper than the RTX 4060 Ti.
The 16GB variant will also be much cheaper than its predecessor.
Despite earlier rumors suggesting a March release for the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti, neither GPU has been officially announced yet. Leaks regarding these Nvidia offerings have also slowed down recently, but discussions around the pricing are beginning to show up again.
A reputed source suggests that Nvidia has now informed board partners about the RTX 5060 Ti pricing. According to the source, this GPU will be cheaper than its predecessor.
Why it matters: The RTX 5060 Ti is expected to perform similarly to its predecessor. However, this price could make it much more desirable for PC gamers.
The report comes from Board Channels, a reliable source in the past. Board Channels suggest that AIBs have been informed of a $379 MSRP for the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB.
If true, this would mark a small $20 discount over the RTX 4060 Ti. Moreover, it is said that the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB will cost $429, a price that would make it quite desirable as a mid-range GPU for modern AAA titles.
This price would also make the RTX 5060 Ti cheaper than 2020’s RTX 3060 Ti, which launched at the $399 price point. Additionally, the leak might be a sign of similarly discounted pricing for the RTX 5060.
Previous leaks revealed different prices for the RTX xx60 tier graphics cards, so it will be interesting to see how Nvidia moves forward.
The RTX 5060 Ti Could Solve Mid-Range Gaming’s Memory Problem
The Blackwell gaming lineup has not been the most popular recently due to various driver issues, stock shortages, and more. Well-priced mid-range graphics cards would give this lineup a much-needed break in this situation, making Nvidia’s latest offerings more acceptable for the general audience.
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 former Nintendo PR manager says its games don’t go on sale because it respects their value.
It isn’t like Ubisoft, where you wait a month because the price will be reduced.
Nintendo’s audience will buy the game if it wants to, regardless of sales.
Nintendo Switch 2 was just announced, and the notorious $80-priced Mario Kart World came with it. One thing Nintendo is constantly criticized for is its inflexibility in game pricing; its titles rarely go on sale.
A former Nintendo employee has explained that the company doesn’t put its games on sale because it ‘respects the value’ of its products.
Why it matters: Even if a game becomes a few years old, Nintendo mostly keeps the original MSRP, unlike other companies that slash the prices when it’s been a specific time since the title was released.
Speaking in their podcast channel, Kit and Krysta, former Nintendo PR manager, stated that the main mantra Nintendo has is that it respects the value, therefore the games don’t go as often on sales as other companies do.
It’s not like the Ubisoft situation, where I always tell myself I’ll wait a month, as it will get cheaper. As a Nintendo customer, I’m gonna buy it if I want to buy it.
– Ex-Nintendo PR Manager
Nintendo doesn’t put its games on sale because it respects the value
They also threw a slight shade at Ubisoft, saying that Nintendo isn’t Ubisoft, where you don’t buy the game at launch and wait a month for it to go on sale. So, generally, Nintendo’s audience doesn’t wait to purchase the games later because they know prices won’t change.
Many different things are associated with it, like the value, the effort behind the development, and more. However, this approach isn’t appreciated by many fans because, sooner or later, every major company does slash prices.
What are your thoughts on Nintendo games not going on sale as often as other companies? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.
Lead the comparison and blog writing teams at Tech4Gamers.
Oversee teams with a keen eye for detail and precision.
Ensure hands-on writing, with benchmarks and testing as guiding principles.
Guarantee the delivery of the best possible results in concise yet impactful tech tales.
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The RTX 50 series GPUs suffer from limited stock, leading to inflated prices on online marketplaces.
Nvidia claims strong sales, but many buyers struggle to find these GPUs, raising concerns about its hype.
With ongoing newer series issues, older GPUs like the RTX 3060, 4060, and 4070 Ti remain the best budget-friendly options.
At CES 2025, Nvidia launched the 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5090, the world’s most powerful GPU. Nowadays, 50 series GPUs are making headlines that these graphics cards are selling quickly. However, I don’t think this is entirely true, as many buyers and gamers struggle to find one.
RTX 5090 To Deliver 44% More Performance Than 4090 With DLSS
Limited Stock And High Demand
Nvidia claims that the RTX 50 series GPUs are selling quickly. However, many fans remain skeptical about this news. The main issue is that these GPUs are not accessible to everyday buyers. Tech enthusiasts, reviewers, and influencers mainly have access to high-end models like the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090.
There is also a limited stock of these GPUs, and there are reasons for this. First, Nvidia released the first set of GPUs at the end of January, followed by more batches over the following weeks. This slow rollout helps Nvidia to control the hype; however, it also indicates that GPUs are not available in enough quantity at once.
Another issue is the supply shortage, as Nvidia struggles to produce enough GPUs to meet demand. Additionally, many are reporting issues with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, leading to concerns about availability and quality control. These challenges further limit the number of RTX 50 series GPUs reaching stores.
At the same time, buyers who want these GPUs often turn to online marketplaces with extremely high prices. Sellers on eBay have listed some NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 units for as much as $6,000, far exceeding the original price. This pricing makes them unaffordable for the average gamer.
Nvidia’s Message And Consumer’s Reaction
During a recent media event, Nvidia’s VP of the GeForce Platform, Jason Paul, assured that the supply of the 50 series was improving. He also claimed that Nvidia sold twice as many 50 series GPUs in the first few weeks compared to a similar period for the 40 series GPUs.
However, comparing the 50 series to the 40 series is misleading. There was a significant gap between the release of the first model, the RTX 4090, and the launch of the second model, the RTX 4080. In contrast, the 50 series has multiple models, including the RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070, released within five weeks.
GeForce RTX 5000 Series Pricing
Additionally, many tech reviewers and influencers received early access to these GPUs for testing and content creation, generating fans’ excitement. However, the real challenge lies in whether the average consumer can buy an RTX 50 series GPU without paying excessive markups or waiting months.
Several media outlets have highlighted that only a few RTX 5090 and 5080 units have been spotted in public hands. Some critics have even labeled this as a “paper launch,” where the focus is more on media exposure rather than ensuring wide consumer availability.
So, what happens next? Nvidia is expected to release more models in the series. Some reports suggest that mid-range GPUs, such as the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060, will be announced soon and may hit the market in early to mid-April. Time will tell if they’re widely available or just for tech reviewers.
Should You Upgrade Or Wait?
Many gamers still use older Nvidia GPUs, which perform well and are available at lower prices. A recent Steam survey shows that the RTX 4060 remains one of the most popular graphics cards. Priced between $300 and $350, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
Moreover, when the 50 series GPUs hit the market, their prices were inflated due to limited availability. A user tracked and analyzed the prices of sold Nvidia GPUs, providing insight into how third-party sellers increased prices when stock was low.
The RTX 4070 Ti Super Is Still A Solid Option For 1440p Gaming
Until supply issues are fully resolved and GPUs become widely available, it’s advisable to stick with older models that are both affordable and easy to find. According to our testing, the RTX 3060 and RTX 4070 Ti still stand out as the best budget-friendly options.
The situation with the RTX 50 series GPUs highlights the gap between marketing claims and real-world availability. In the coming months, it will be crucial to see whether Nvidia can balance the excitement of a new release with the practical needs of its loyal gaming community.
Lead the comparison and blog writing teams at Tech4Gamers.
Oversee teams with a keen eye for detail and precision.
Ensure hands-on writing, with benchmarks and testing as guiding principles.
Guarantee the delivery of the best possible results in concise yet impactful tech tales.
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The sequel is expected to use Unreal Engine 5 and reuse cut content like the morality system and the companion’s quest.
The next game could have a storyline tied to HBO’s Harry Potter TV show, and it might be a live service.
A multiplayer coop mode should be added to play with your friends. The sequel should also make minor refinements from the previous games.
Hogwarts Legacy was a massive hit and proved that an open-world Harry Potter game was much needed. Now, its sequel is in production and is treated as a big priority at Warner Bros Games.
Hogwarts Legacy (Image Credits – Portkey Games)
Hogwarts Legacy Sequel
There are many things to expect in the sequel, some of which couldn’t make it in the previous game and are to be added. So, here is everything we know and expect from the sequel.
Graphics & Engine
The previous game looked phenomenal, but believe it or not, it was made in Unreal Engine 4. Now, a huge visual leap is expected from the sequel, as it will reportedly be made in Unreal Engine 5.
Sequel To Use Unreal Engine 5 (Image Credits – Unreal Engine)
This could mean that the game could have more complex mechanics, better environmental details, realistic lighting, and improved physics. A better day-night cycle can be integrated to give a more immersive feel to the game.
Connecting To The Harry Potter Lore
While Hogwarts Legacy’s story was good on its own, many fans felt that the game’s story could’ve been tied to that of the original Harry Potter, be it from the novel or the movies. But don’t worry—it might just be added in the sequel.
Since Warner Bros is behind both the game and the HBO TV show, it is reported that Hogwarts Legacy 2’s story will be tied to the Harry Potter TV show. This has more than just one interpretation.
Hogwarts Legacy Warner Bros (Image Credits – GameRant)
You could have a fixed event in a game, like saving a baby dragon, and then seeing that dragon grow up in the TV show. This way, we would have a history with this dragon, keeping the players hooked on the game and the series.
Live Service?
With the storyline being coordinated with the TV show, there is a chance that the game might be a live service. While there is a petition for the sequel not to have a live service, we believe it would be good if it were done correctly.
Cut Content
Apart from coming up with new things from scratch, the sequel could use cut content from Hogwarts Legacy. There were tons of things that couldn’t make it to the previous game that could very well be used in the sequel.
Cut Content (Image Credits – ScreenRant)
Morality System
One of these cut content includes the long-awaited morality system. We only had a handful of choices in the previous game, but players wanted a more elaborate morality system.
It would be interesting to interact with NPCs differently, such as being nice or rude to them. The consequences should also be significant, where you go the Dumbledore or Voldemort route.
Consequences For Crimes
An unused code in the game suggests that a wanted level system was intended for the previous game, with varying consequences and levels. It even had investigators searching for the players after they had committed crimes.
Morality & Crime System (Image Credits – GameRant)
One consequence was to be added in the last game, which was the possibility of being sent to Azkaban. We did have a portion in the previous game that used Azkaban, but it was short-lived, and the sequel could expand on that.
Companions System
Another feature was the companions, where you could summon a companion who’d join you on your adventure. Since it was found in the game files, it has been added to the previous game as a mod, which could be used for the sequel.
Other Features That Should Be Added
New Map & Locations
Since the developers already have tons of assets that they can reuse for the sequel, it would be great if they focus on adding new locations and or even a new map for the new game.
Hogwarts Legacy Map (Image Credits – Let’s Game Now)
For instance, it would be exciting if places like Diagon Alley, Ministry of Magic, and King’s Cross Station were all made as new maps that we can travel to from our previous map. This would tie back to the previous game as well.
Other Fixes
The previous game had sofas, chairs, and benches all over the place, but players couldn’t sit on them. The sequel should make these interactable where you sit on them. The facial expressions should also be refined for the next game.
Multiplayer Coop
One feature missing from the previous game is a multiplayer element. While it was a single-player game, it would be interesting to play with your friends. If not a full-fledged multiplayer, then a coop mode should at least be added.
Verdict
While industry insiders claim that the sequel is unlikely to meet expectations, we believe it could be promising since Harry Potter. The players repeatedly revisit the old game, which indicates their high interest.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
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The Apple App Store’s review system is broken and often displays outdated and irrelevant comments, misleading users.
With AI-generated summaries currently being tested in iOS 18.4, Apple aims to provide concise and up-to-date reviews.
While AI has the potential to fix the broken review system, it may still struggle with misinterpretation and outdated issues.
The Apple App Store is a crucial platform for users to discover games and apps. However, its review system is not as helpful as it could be. The review system is meant to inform users about an app’s quality and whether it is worth downloading. However, outdated and irrelevant reviews often make the system less useful.
The Problems With The Current Review System
One of the main issues with the Apple App Store’s review system is showing outdated reviews. On an app’s page, users often find irrelevant or years-old comments. Sometimes, users complain about issues already fixed in updates, but the review system still displays those old comments.
One Developer has raised concerns on Reddit that the negative reviews discouraging users from downloading his app are ultimately affecting the app’s success. These outdated reviews have been a major challenge for both users and developers, as they mislead users about an app’s current quality.
Apple sorts reviews by “most helpful,” but the algorithm does not consider how old a review is. As a result, reviews written years ago appear at the top, even though apps change over time. This causes old reviews to no longer reflect the current experience of using the app or playing the game.
Users have been frustrated with this issue for years, and even in 2025, complaints continue to surface in forums. Many still see outdated reviews labeled as “Most Helpful,” despite more recent and relevant feedback being available. This ongoing problem misleads potential users and negatively affects developers.
Additionally, it is unclear how the review system determines which reviews to highlight. There is no clear rule for why certain reviews appear at the top, as Apple’s algorithm displays some reviews by default, whether positive or negative. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for users to trust the system, making the process feel unfair or random.
Moreover, developers continue to face persistent issues beyond review sorting. Many reports Apple’s unclear or incorrect app rejections, with decisions varying between reviewers. Others struggle with delays, poor communication, and repeated rejections for issues they have already fixed. These problems make the overall experience worse for the developers.
How AI Could Change The Game
Artificial Intelligence could be a potential solution to these issues. According to MacRumors, Apple is currently testing a new feature that uses AI to generate summaries of app reviews. This feature is being tested in the beta version of iOS 18.4.
Instead of displaying outdated reviews at the top, the system will provide an AI-generated summary of the key points from multiple reviews on top. This will allow users to quickly understand what people think about an app or game. A user would no longer have to scroll through pages of reviews to find what they need.
iOS 18.4 Highlight Urgent Notifications On The Lock Screen With AI – Image Credit (MacRumors)
The AI analyzes numerous reviews and extracts the most important points. For example, if many users mention that a browser app is fast and efficient or praise a specific feature, the AI will highlight these details in its summary, making reviews clearer and more concise.
However, AI may not be a perfect solution. According to BBC research, AI-generated summaries have failed in the past. This suggests that AI-generated review summaries may also be prone to errors. There is also a risk that AI could highlight outdated issues or misinterpret casual language and slang in user reviews.
Despite these concerns, this AI-driven system has the potential to improve users’ interactions with app reviews. It could also make it easier to determine which apps are truly worth downloading. With time and careful development, AI might finally solve a problem that has plagued the App Store for years.
At Tech4Gamers, I’m a Tech Detective and Guides Writer, unravelling PC hardware complexities. With experience, I bridge the gap between novices and tech aficionados with informative content.
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GOG’s Game Preservation Program helps keep classic games playable on modern PC configurations, ensuring they aren’t lost.
Unlike many platforms, GOG offers DRM-free games, meaning players truly own their purchases and can access them anytime.
With digital gaming on the rise, preservation is crucial, and companies like Sony, and Microsoft also working to keep classic titles accessible.
Video games have been a part of many people’s lives. They bring back classic memories of childhood, and fun times with friends and family. However, as technology advances, many players are unable to play old PC games, like The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth, Silent Hill 2, etc, on modern devices.
GOG, a well-known PC platform, decided to do something about it. So, that’s why they launched their Game Preservation Program to keep classic games alive for future generations, though it currently focuses only on PC games.
Why GOG’s Game Preservation Program Matters
Atlas Rogues, A Game Lost Forever – Image-Credit (Rogue Lineage Wiki)
Unlike movies, or books, video games require specific hardware and software to run and without updates, they won’t work on all devices. According to a study, almost 87% of games released before 2010 are now unplayable. If nothing is done to save these gems, we or future generations will likely never experience them again.
Nowadays, Many games are sold online, with fewer physical copies available. This shift to digital gaming has affected game preservation because we don’t truly own the games we buy, giving companies more control over them.
As a result, developers sometimes stop updating old games, causing them to become incompatible with new devices. Additionally, companies may remove games from online stores, similar to what happened with Atlas Rogues, making them unavailable for purchase. This trend puts gaming history at risk of being lost forever.
To combat this, GOG’s Game Preservation Program ensures classic games remain playable on modern PC hardware, even if developers no longer support them. The program started with 100 specific games, including Diablo, System Shock 2, and Resident Evil 1-3. Hopefully, more games will be added over time.
This program ensures games run smoothly on current and future PC configurations and provides technical support for any issues. Players also get all the manuals, booklets, DLCs, and extra content, ensuring that the game is not only playable but also as complete and authentic as possible.
What Makes GOG’s Efforts Special
To make old games run smoothly and efficiently on the latest devices, GOG does a lot of work behind the scenes. This includes tweaking game files, updating compatibility settings, and sometimes even modifying emulators like DOSBox to enhance performance.
For example, Wing Commander III had issues with the German-language version, which GOG fixed in 2016. Later, in 2019, the company added cloud saves. Today, the game runs smoothly on Windows 10 and 11. These improvements allow players to enjoy the gameplay as before without the technical issues.
GOG is one of the few game preservation platforms taking action. One thing that makes GOG different from platforms, like Steam, is its DRM-free library. Once you buy a game, it’s yours forever, even if GOG shuts down in the future. You can download an offline installer, store it on your computer, and play whenever you want.
Nowadays, many companies prioritize selling new games over supporting older ones. In contrast, GOG acknowledges that older game preservation is essential to experience some of the best classics from the past. That’s why GOG is actively working to save these games, ensuring players can continue enjoying them for years.
Will GOG Keep Expanding This Program
Physical Copies Are One Way To Keep Games Alive
GOG wants this program to continue growing, and they have plans to support at least 500 games by the end of 2025. They will likely keep adding more in the future as well. If GOG continues at this pace, it will become one of the go-to platforms for game preservation.
Nowadays more gamers choose digital gaming over physical discs due to the ease. But gamers also want more backward-compatible games so they can continue playing classic titles on modern consoles and don’t lose access to their favorite titles.
That’s why, Sony and Microsoft also committed to the preservation of classic games with their backward compatibility with the latest hardware. If more companies take video game preservation seriously, the future of classic gaming will be much brighter.
While many companies focus on new games, GOG focuses on ensuring the past is not forgotten. For now, GOG remains one of the few major platforms actively working to keep beloved classic games from disappearing forever.
At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.
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Free-to-play games dominate the market, making it harder for expensive AAA titles to justify their high prices and sustain long-term success.
Subscription models like Game Pass offer value, but many players prefer free games with optional purchases over paying full price for new releases.
Indie games thrive with creativity and lower costs, while AAA developers must rethink pricing and long-term updates to stay competitive.
In recent years, the gaming industry has witnessed a dramatic shift in player habits and market dynamics. AAA games once dominated, but many believe the market is now unsustainable. Most players prefer free games, forcing gaming companies to rethink their strategies to remain competitive.
A quick look at SteamDB shows that Steam’s most-played games are mostly free, with Counter-Strike 2 among the top. Additionally, free games like Fortnite have millions of players, while expensive titles often struggle to maintain popularity after launch.
SteamDB’s Top Games Are Mostly Free Titles
The reason is simple: why would someone pay $60 to $70 for a game they might finish in a few hours when they can enjoy free games for hundreds of hours?
Why AAA Games Are Struggling
Thomas Mahler and Bioshock Creator say big-budget games now face significant challenges and risk losing players’ interest due to a lack of innovation. AAA games’ success is often tied to rapid sales; otherwise, they are seen as failures.
AAA games require massive budgets, and companies expect huge profits to justify these costs. If a game fails to sell as projected, it can result in financial losses. Meanwhile, free games remain relevant for years because developers continuously update them with new content to keep players engaged.
Concord Is One Of The Biggest Flops In Gaming History
In the past, Sony attempted to compete in the multiplayer market with Concord, a shooter meant to rival PUBG and Fortnite. However, at $40, it biggest flopped because free-to-play alternatives offered a similar experience at no cost.
In contrast, Microsoft has taken a different approach with its Game Pass subscription model, where players pay a monthly fee for multiple games instead of full-price purchases. While this model provides more value to players, the gaming market largely does not favour it.
Most players cannot afford to buy multiple expensive games every year. Instead, they prefer free games and spend on small in-game purchases. Therefore, many gaming companies fail to recognize shifting consumer behaviour, limiting their success. To compete in the market, they must rethink their strategy.
The Role Of Indie Games
Another significant trend in recent years is the rise of indie games, which generate significant revenue like AAA games. For example, games like Hollow Knight and Hades are widely recognized indie games as they prioritize creativity, unique gameplay, and niche appeal over costly marketing or massive development teams.
Indie Hits Like Hades And Hollow Knight Prove Creativity Can Rival AAA Budgets
Moreover, free games succeed because they consistently release updates and new content to keep players engaged. However, this model is not foolproof, and if developers fail to keep content fresh, players will quickly lose interest and move on to other games.
Yet, despite the dominance of indie and free-to-play games, big-budget AAA titles still have a place. Games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, one of the best games to experience in 2025, demonstrate that players still appreciate profound, story-driven experiences.
However, expensive games need to be reconsidered regarding how they are sold. Nowadays, purchasing AAA games at launch is unnecessary. Players wait for discounts or opt for used copies, making it harder for companies to generate immediate revenue.
The Future Of Gaming
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Microtransactions In A Paid Game
Following Sony’s recent State of Play event, some gamers believe Sony and Microsoft struggle to produce compelling titles. However, Microsoft has a strong lineup for 2025. The real challenge is the growing dominance of free-to-play games.
Free games have completely transformed how people play and spend money. Expensive games, like GTA VI, now struggle to justify their prices. Further, microtransactions shouldn’t be part of AAA games for their success because why should players pay $30 for a skin after purchasing an expensive game?
Big-budget games will not disappear. There will always be players who enjoy single-player adventures, RPGs, and deep storytelling. However, gaming companies must adapt to evolving consumer expectations by offering more value for their price tags.
The future of gaming lies in a balance between free-to-play, paid, and indie games. Companies that fail to adapt will struggle, while those that embrace change will thrive in a gaming industry that no longer follows the old rules.
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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Assassin’s Creed Shadows has performed well on Xbox nearly a month after launch, but the same can’t be said about PlayStation.
The game is at the 11th spot on the Xbox most-played games list, also being the 11th most popular title currently.
Conversely, Shadows is nowhere to be seen on the entire PS5’s bestsellers list, implying its worse performance on the platform.
A new comparison between PlayStation and Xbox reveals that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has allegedly performed quite differently across both consoles. Nearly a month after launch, the game has remained on Xbox’s most played games list.
Why it matters: Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ performance has been hit and miss depending on various metrics and player sentiments, but the RPG appears to have stood its ground on the Xbox consoles since release.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has performed better on Xbox than expected nearly a month after launch.
On the official Xbox US store, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently at the top 11th spot in the most played games list, surpassing many multiplayer heavy hitters. It is also the 11th most popular title for the week ending April 6, as per TrueAchievements.
On the official PlayStation store, AC Shadows did not even appear in the entire PlayStation 5 bestsellers list of 171 games. This suggests the RPG suffered quite a major drop-off from the platform after the initial hype wore off.
On PC, our recent report revealed that only 2.6% of players were finishing the game’s second act, suggesting a huge decline in retention around the 10 to 15 hour mark.
Meanwhile, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is nowhere on the entire PS5 bestsellers list.
It’s worth noting that the absence of the game from the PS5 bestsellers list could also result from an unexplained glitch. So it’s best to be cautiously optimistic while concluding.
Do you think Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands a better chance on Xbox than PlayStation, or are these lists not enough to paint a picture? 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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Nintendo Switch 2 faces backlash from gamers for a higher price tag and costly games.
First-party PlayStation games are still region-locked on PC, and the gaming giant pushing live-service and unnecessary remasters has disappointed players.
On the other hand, fans have appreciated Xbox’s perks like Game Pass, Play Anywhere, and more.
The turmoil of the entire gaming industry has shifted in recent years. With inflation and higher development costs, video game and console prices have soared high, making consoles not a viable option for most budget gamers.
Amid such anti-consumer policies, multiple gamers are now calling Xbox the most user-friendly platform.
Why it matters: Microsoft has faced backlash for its anti-consumer approach. However, it’s surprising to see how they’ve transformed Xbox into the most gamer-friendly platform today.
Reaction To Switch 2’s Pricing And Details || Source: X
This realization comes as a result of several recent developments, including the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. Gamers have raised concerns about the pricing, set at $449, along with a dedicated button feature that appears locked behind a paywall.
Newly introduced tariffs will push this retail price even further. Moreover, many gamers are now second-guessing their decision to buy the console after the new emerging standard of $80 digital games.
On the other hand, Sony is also facing retaliation from gamers. Region-locking for first-party PlayStation PC ports remains unresolved, and fans are expressing disappointment over unwanted remasters.
Their shift toward live-service games and cinematic adaptations has also resulted in a noticeable gap in first-party exclusives compared to previous generations.
Xbox’s Advantages Listed Down By Gamers || Source: X
Meanwhile, gamers praise Xbox for its multiplatform strategy, which aims to serve multiple player bases. Its Game Pass subscription continues to provide access to major AAA titles on day one, along with a wide selection of other games.
The Xbox Play Anywhere program ensures players won’t have to purchase the same game twice when switching between Xbox and a PC.
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think Xbox is really the most consumer-friendly gaming platform right now? Let us know in the comments, or join the ongoing discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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
A recompilation tool to allow native PC ports of PlayStation 2 games is in development by Joaquín Lucas Nieto (njoacodev).
The C++ tool will allow developers to reverse engineer and recompile PS2 titles to bring them natively to PCs.
The project’s development has been paused for the next few months, so we won’t hear anything about it for a while.
Now, a new recompilation tool is in the works that might soon enable developers to create native PC ports of a vast plethora of PlayStation 2 titles. So, unlike an emulator like PCSx2, we might get native PC ports of fan-favorite PS2 classics.
Why it matters: The ambitious recompilation tool might enable developers to easily create native ports of PS2 games in the future, allowing for titles like the original Killzone and Jak and Daxter to run on PC effectively.
Navigating on Github I found a cool project (still in early stages) that's building a tool that'll allow the creation of PC versions of PS2 games, similar to the Nintendo 64 and Xbox 360 recompilations
PSRetrox is in development by Joaquín Lucas Nieto (njoacodev) on GitHub. It will allow developers to reverse engineer PS2 games and recompile them as native PC ports, similar to recompilers for other consoles like N64Recomp and Xbox 360’s XenonRecomp.
PSRetrox is a C++ application designed to reverse engineer PlayStation 2 games. The primary goal of this project is to extract and process game files, enabling native PC ports of PS2 games.
The C++ recompilation tool will come with ‘built-in tools for decompiling and decoding game assets,’ such as audio, 3D models, source code, etc.
Currently, PSRetrox is only 8% finished, and it is supposedly being developed to recompile Crash Twinsanity for now. So, it’s uncertain whether the tool will be used for other PS2 titles.
Additionally, the developer has recently announced that the project is paused for the next few months. We’ll likely not hear anything about PSRetrox until later this year, so it is best to be cautiously optimistic, given all these caveats.
Do you think bringing native ports of PlayStation 2 games to PC will be possible using the recompilation tool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on 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.
Story Highlights
Balatro became a 2024 hit by mixing poker mechanics with roguelike elements, proving unique gameplay can rival AAA titles.
Despite being a solo-made indie small-budget game, it got nominated for GOTY and won multiple awards at different events.
With ongoing updates, crossovers, and strong player support, Balatro is set to remain a major hit in 2025.
Big gaming companies like Take-Two, Microsoft, and Sony often develop top-tier games, such as Astro Bot, the 2024 Game of the Year. They invest heavily in development, focusing on ultra-realistic graphics, long gameplay hours, big worlds, and expensive advertising.
However, even AAA games can fail due to repetitive gameplay and a lack of creativity, as seen with Concord. On the other hand, small, independently developed games can become as popular as AAA titles if they offer unique gameplay and innovative mechanics.
This is exactly what happened with Balatro, which was released on February 20, 2024, by a single developer, LocalThunk. Despite having no big budget, it became one of the most popular games of 2024.
How Balatro’s Simplicity Made It A Standout Hit
When Balatro launched, it didn’t rely on flashy trailers or an elaborate story. Instead, it introduced a simple yet engaging card game that blended poker mechanics with roguelike elements. While other games, like Solitomb, have experimented with similar ideas, Balatro executed them freshly and excitingly.
What makes Balatro stand out? The answer is simple: smart design and fun gameplay. Many deck-building games, like Slay the Spire, can feel overwhelming for new players. However, Balatro is easy to grasp due to its poker-style hands, but as players progress, the game becomes increasingly challenging and rewarding.
Like Stardew Valley, Balatro started as a small indie project but quickly became one of the most highly praised games by the community in 2024. Despite not having cutting-edge graphics or a massive open world, its deep, engaging gameplay captured players’ attention.
2024 was an incredible year for indie games. Titles like Palworld and Helldivers 2 sold millions of copies, and Balatro arrived at the perfect time. By the end of 2024, Balatro had sold over 5 million copies and was nominated for numerous game awards. It competed with titles like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Astro Bot.
Winning Big At The Game Awards
Balatro Stands Among AAA giants With Multiple Game Awards Nominations, Including The Steam Awards!
One of Balatro’s biggest moments was its Game of the Year 2024 nomination. While it wasn’t the first indie game to be nominated, it was the first solo-developed game in history to receive this honor. This achievement showed that Balatro could stand toe-to-toe with AAA games.
Although it didn’t win the GOTY award, Balatro secured victories in three major categories: Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie, and Best Mobile Game. Beyond The Game Awards, Balatro also received nominations at events like the Golden Joystick Awards and the Steam Awards, further proving its widespread acclaim.
While most AAA studios heavily focus on stunning and ultra-realistic graphics, Balatro has shown that simple and smart design is sometimes all you need. Its success reminds us that game studios should focus on strong storytelling over chasing ultra-realistic graphics or costly marketing campaigns to stay competitive in the industry.
Despite already being a massive success, the game isn’t slowing down. New updates have introduced crossovers with different other games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Stardew Valley, and Dave the Diver, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. With ongoing support and new content, Balatro is set to remain a standout title in 2025.
The big question now is: What will LocalThunk do next? Will Balatro get a major expansion? Could there be a sequel? Nothing is confirmed yet, but the game’s success means the creator has many opportunities to explore.