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How GTA 6 Could Change the Open-World Genre?

Story Highlights
  • GTA 6 is expected to enhance gamers’ experience in the open-world genre.
  • According to Rockstar’s history, GTA 6 can improve its dynamics while integrating virtual reality.
  • Previous GTA titles impacted other games through enhanced gaming features such as NPC’s interaction and multiplayer options.

GTA is a leading franchise renowned for its innovative and open-world gameplay by Rockstar Games. Talking about its upcoming release, GTA 6, according to the trailer released last year, is heading to Vice City’s neon-lit streets.

It appears to be taking things up a notch, thanks to the existence of two protagonists, an enhanced open world, real-life similarities to the locations, and more. I can’t hold my excitement to experience the upcoming enhancements in the game. GTA 6 will surely be a unique experience.

Rockstar Games have always pushed the limits by improving minor details, such as hair physics, the wind acting quite realistically, and the character’s clothes getting wrinkled when they move in the air. Also, the buildings, beaches, and hotels all have a tremendously realistic approach. 

GTA V - Rockstar Games
GTA V – Rockstar Games

To me, analyzing how GTA 6 could change the open-world genre is purely theoretical until its launch. However, we can speculate about possible advances based on Rockstar Games’ history and current gaming trends.

Dynamic Environment

GTA 6 should emphasize players’ freedom in this new title. Unlike traditional scripted gameplay, gamers can explore places, engage, and craft their narratives. Players can create their adventures in GTA 6, whether they go on heists, speed chase on streets, or create chaos around them.

Expanded Interactivity

Through advanced AI, GTA 6 may feature interpersonal interactions and dynamic behaviour patterns amongst NPCs. Depending on in-game variables, weather patterns, traffic, and pedestrian behaviour might also add a more realistic look to the environment. Rockstar might improve interactivity with detailed and engaging landscapes in GTA 6.

Multiplayer Experience

GTA 6 will most likely include a multiplayer option, following GTA Online, which gained popularity globally. If single-player and multiplayer modes are fully integrated, players should also be able to switch between competitive or solo gameplay.

Storytelling

Rockstar Games has excelled at storytelling since the beginning, and we hope that GTA 6 will maintain that standard. Rockstar Games should introduce characters with touching backstories to develop players’ engagement.

AR and VR

GTA 6 should integrate virtual and augmented reality to enhance its gameplay as technology advances and people become more into VR headsets and AR environments. Providing innovation and immersive experiences to the players will give the GTA series new hype. The game will become more fascinating when they experience it by being present in it virtually!

Moving forward, let’s examine the impact of the previous GTA titles on the open-world genre. I have always seen Rockstar setting a mark by pushing its boundaries whenever a new title is launched through new features, improved storytelling, and technological advancements in gameplay.

GTA 3

Before GTA3, open-world games had a limited approach to 2D or simple 3D environments. GTA 3 marked a turning point for the gaming industry by offering a complete 3D and realistic open-world environment in the series. Players can explore Liberty City, which features dynamic weather, a day-night cycle, and the city’s being surrounded by non-playable characters (NPCs).

GTA 3
GTA 3 – Rockstar Games

GTA3’s narrative, immersive environment, freedom to players, and side quests impacted and influenced the development of open-world genre games. The sandbox environment gained popularity. It redefined players’ expectations and pushed developers to step out of the traditional open-world environment.

GTA – San Andreas

San Andreas title features character customization, skill development, and a deep storyline addressing social concerns and Gang culture. Following the success of its predecessors, San Andreas set a new standard for the open-world genre by integrating a realistic AI environment into the game.

NPC’s reactions to the player’s action and their engagement, introduction to dynamic mechanics such as swimming and bicycling, RPG-like mechanics and diverse ecosystems have a great impact on the games of the open-world genre.

GTA - San Andreas
GTA San Andreas – Rockstar Games

GTA Five

It impacted open-world genre games by offering unparalleled realism through dynamic cities, interactive NPC behavior, and traffic systems. Moreover, three switchable protagonists and a multiplayer option were like the cherry on top in GTA 5, influencing many developers to implement this feature.

GTA V
GTA V – Rockstar Games

Gamers worldwide are waiting desperately for this release because of the team’s innovative take on open-world dynamics.

As a player and a big fan of GTA, I’m eagerly awaiting incredible graphics, realistic character animations, and improved game dynamics. It can be a game changer, and the world is looking forward to gameplay that will make distinguishing between virtual and real-world experiences harder. It might be a challenge, but I believe if anyone can pull it off, it’s Rockstar Games.

Why ASUS ROG 8 Pro is The Best Gaming Phone

Story Highlights
  • The Phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and up to 18GB RAM to allow for the best gaming experience.
  • A 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate helps create a great immersive experience.
  • The phone is equipped with a 720Hz touch sampling rate for rapid in-game reactions.
  • A 6,000mAh battery capacity helps ensure hours of uninterrupted gaming.

Gaming has become easily accessible in the last decade with people having gaming devices literally in the palm of their hands in the form of gaming mobiles. Mobile gaming is most definitely changing the gaming industry as we know it with more and more players taking to it on a daily basis.

If you are a mobile gamer, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is a great option. It combines cutting-edge technology with gamer-centric features to accommodate players. Let’s dive straight into why I think the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is one of the best gaming phones.

Delivering Unmatched Performance

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is known due its performance and efficiency. Other than the processor the phone is equipped with up to 18GB of RAM allowing it to handle even the most demanding titles.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor – Image Credits (Mobilesyrup)

The processor and the RAM along with other modern state-of-the-art specifications of the phone let it deliver a seamless experience without any lag or stuttering.

The device is also equipped with an advanced cooling system which ensures optimal temperatures during gaming sessions. ASUS’s GameCool 6 Technology utilizes a vapor chamber and strategic thermal placement to effectively dissipate heat allowing continuous high frame rates and less throttling.

Stunning Display

The Rog Phone 8 Pro is equipped with a 6.87-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, leading to incredible visuals that help bring games to life. Every detail is rendered sharply with a resolution of 2448 x 1080 pixels and the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection screen is nothing to be taken lightly.

The display also supports HDR10+ which ensures vibrant colors and deep contrasts, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, why the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the best gaming phone and also has a touch sampling rate of 720Hz. This is essential in competitive fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts.

Exceptional Battery Life

ASUS has been trying to up the battery life game of its devices as announced for the upcoming Lunar Lake laptops claimed to have 27hrs battery life. Similarly, one of the reasons why the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the best gaming phone is its battery life.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro – Image Credits (Techcodex)

With a massive battery of 6000mAH, the phone can easily last many hours of gameplay. Additionally, the phone also boasts a 65W fast charging capibilty which ensures minimal down time during gaming sessions.

Gamer-Centric Features

The phone was designed keeping gamers in mind. The device comes equipped with customizable Air Trigger buttons, providing a console-like experience by mapping to various game actions. This feature comes in really handy while playing first-person shooter games or racing games as it allows for better control and responsiveness.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Accessories
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Accessories – Image Credits (AnandTech)

Other than this the phone also comes with other gaming accessories such as the ROG Kunai gamepad and mobile desktop dock. There is also a dedicated gaming mode that minimizes interruptions and generates the optimal gaming environment making it nothing but perfect for many gamers. 

Definitely Buying the ROG phone 8 Pro
byu/Blackirean inROGphone

Software and Ecosystem

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro utilizes ASUS’s ROG UI which offers a user-friendly experience to gamers. The interface is mostly customizable allowing users to adjust the settings based on their own preferences. 

Additionally, the phone also supports game optimization features such as Game Genie, which offers quick access to tools such as screen recording and phone performance monitoring.

The ASUS ecosystem is designed to integrate seamlessly with other ROG products, meaning ROG products are fully compatible with one another.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is not just a smartphone it’s a gaming powerhouse. The phone brings top-tier performance, an exceptional display, innovative features and so much more making it one of the best gaming phones.

Granted the phone has been getting mixed reviews but, without a doubt, the phone is an excellent option for gamers. The phone promises power, performance, and reliability to all those willing to accept it.

Gambit’s Revival: Why This Underrated X-Men Deserves A Spin-Off

Story Highlights
  • Gambit’s unique character and rich backstory make him ideal for a spin-off.
  • Recent MCU appearances have reignited interest in Gambit, highlighting his potential.
  • With the success of recent Marvel projects, now is the perfect time for Gambit to get the spotlight.

The impressive 52K first-day players of Marvel Rivals and Capcom’s renewed interest in reviving Marvel vs. Capcom underscores the increasing popularity of Marvel’s characters.

As someone who’s always gravitated toward the overlooked heroes in the Marvel universe, I’ve found myself drawn to characters who don’t often get the recognition they deserve. Heroes like Wolverine and Magneto often steal the show. However, there’s one X-Men who has consistently been sidelined.

Wolverine
Wolverine Destroys Everyone & Everything – Image Credit (Tech4Gamers)

Despite being one of the team’s most intriguing and charismatic members, Remy LeBeau, better known as Gambit, rarely gets the spotlight.

The Charm Of Gambit: Why I Love Him

Gambit is the smooth-talking, card-flinging, trenchcoat-wearing Cajun with a mysterious past and a roguish charm that sets him apart from the more stoic or brooding heroes. He’s the kind of character who steals every scene, not just because of his unique powers but also because of his magnetic personality.

X-Men animated series
X Men The Animated Series – Image Credit (Movie Web)

For those of us who grew up watching the X-Men animated series in the ’90s, Gambit was a standout, according to fans. He wasn’t just a fighter; he was a lover, a charmer, and a complex character with a heart of gold beneath his gruff exterior.

Gambit has never quite broken into mainstream consciousness like some of his peers. He had a brief appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Despite being a favorite of many, Gambit remains an underrated gem in the X-Men universe.

The MCU’s New Love For Mutants

The past year has been a game-changer for mutant fans. With the introduction of mutants into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through projects like Deadpool & Wolverine and the continuation of the beloved X-Men ‘97 series on Disney+, Marvel has finally started to give these characters the attention they deserve.

And among these, Gambit’s recent cameo has reignited interest in the character in a big way. Gambit’s Revival in Deadpool & Wolverine saw the character brought to life in a way that felt true to his character. Channing Tatum’s brief but impactful appearance was everything fans had been waiting for.

It wasn’t just about the cool factor, though. Let’s be honest: Gambit oozes cool. It was about seeing a beloved character finally getting his due.

Why Gambit Deserves A Spin-Off

There are a few reasons why I think Gambit is more than deserving of his own spin-off, be it a movie or a series. First, his backstory is rich with potential. Born into the Thieves Guild in New Orleans, Gambit’s early life was marked by crime, betrayal, and a struggle to find his place in the world.

Gambit’s Revival
X-Men Origins: Gambit – Image Credit (Marvel)

Secondly, Gambit’s powers are visually stunning, perfect for creative action sequences. He can charge objects with kinetic energy, and his combat skills and signature bo staff promise dynamic fight scenes. A spin-off could highlight Gambit’s unique visual flair, distinguishing it from other superhero projects.

Lastly, Gambit’s complex relationships, especially his tense, passionate romance with Rogue, offer the rich, dramatic potential for compelling storytelling.

Time For Gambit To Shine

Gambit has been a fan favorite for decades, and it’s high time he got the recognition he deserves. With the success of X-Men ‘97 and his recent appearance in the MCU, the stage is set for Gambit’s revival and to finally step into the spotlight.

With its rich backstory, unique powers, and complex relationships, Gambit’s character has so much potential that it seems almost criminal not to explore it further.

So here’s my plea to Marvel: give Gambit his own spin-off. Whether it’s a film or a series, I guarantee it will be a hit. After all, who can resist the charm of a card-throwing Cajun with a heart of gold? I know I can’t. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

Why Premium ChromeBook Models Are Falling Behind

Story Highlights
  • Premium Chromebooks have struggled to compete with advanced Windows and Mac systems.
  • Challenges include limited software support, reliability issues, and lack of innovation.
  • Significant improvements in hardware, software, and overall value are needed to justify their place in the market.

As someone who has always been intrigued by Chromebooks’ potential, I’ve followed their evolution with a mix of hope and frustration. Chromebooks could be the perfect choice for anyone seeking lightweight, efficient machines that provide a streamlined computing experience.

But recently, I’ve noticed a growing disconnect between the expectations for premium Chromebooks and their performance in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Here’s why I think premium Chromebooks are struggling to keep up.

A Stumble In The Premium Market

When I think about premium Chromebooks, I remember the excitement surrounding the Google Pixelbook. Launched in 2017, it was an ambitious attempt to redefine what a Chromebook could be.

Google Pixelbook
Google Pixelbook – Image Credit (Amazon)

With its sleek design and impressive specs, it certainly stood out. However, with a hefty $999 price tag, comparable to laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop, many users questioned whether the cost was justified. As a result, it felt more like a bold experiment than a definitive new direction for Chromebooks.

Fast-forward to now, and I see that Google’s follow-up models, like the Pixel Slate and the Pixelbook Go, haven’t quite managed to capture the same excitement among users. They express that while the Google Pixelbook Go has great features, its high price doesn’t justify its limited capabilities.

Software Longevity: A Major Concern

One of the most significant issues with Chromebooks, especially for educational institutions, is their limited software lifespan. Chromebooks are typically designed with expiration dates for software updates, after which they stop receiving critical updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks.

Google Pixelbook Go
Google Pixelbook Go – Image Credit (Amazon)

Many users report lower-end Chromebooks tend to have a lifespan of about 3 years, though this can vary. This forced obsolescence often renders devices unusable prematurely, leading to unnecessary replacements and waste.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) pointed out that extending the software support could save millions of dollars and significantly reduce environmental impact.

Recently, Google extended the automatic update expiration (AUE) date for Chromebooks to 10 years from the release date. This applies to devices released from 2021 onward and retroactively adds 1 to 3 years to existing models. 

While this extension improves lifespan and trade-in value, premium Chromebook models may still appear less forward-thinking, as their benefits are overshadowed by the limitations in the overall Chromebook ecosystem.

User Experience And Reliability Issues

Reliability is a key factor. I’ve seen users experience app crashes on Chromebooks like Pixelbooks, which frustrates anyone who relies on their Chromebook for different tasks.

Google Pixel Slate
Google Pixel Slate – Image Credit (Amazon)

Such issues undermine the reliability that premium devices should offer. While Chromebooks are known for their simplicity and low cost of older models, premium models are expected to deliver higher performance and stability.

Unfortunately, when users encounter these problems, it detracts from the value proposition of investing in a premium Chromebook.

The Rise Of Competitors

The game has changed significantly with the advent of new players in the market. Microsoft’s AI PCs, like Copilot+ laptops, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X, have raised the bar for efficiency and performance in Windows laptops.

Surface Laptop 7th Edition
Surface Laptop 7th Edition – Image Credit (Microsoft)

It’s not just about the hardware; the software ecosystem plays a significant role, too. The seamless integration of Windows with Microsoft’s productivity suite has created formidable competition.

Meanwhile, the robust performance of Apple’s MacBook Air with Apple Silicon adds to the challenge. Apple’s new iPad Pro, powered by the M4 chip, also achieved record-breaking Geekbench performance, particularly in single-core tests.

Both ecosystems present compelling alternatives to Chrome OS, making it challenging for premium Chromebooks to justify their market position. This leaves us questioning whether Chromebooks can compete effectively.

Looking Ahead: A Call For Innovation

The future of premium Chromebooks depends on key factors: investment in hardware and software innovation, creating a seamless ecosystem, and offering clear value for their higher price tags.

While I believe some Chromebooks will still be worth purchasing in 2024. However, premium Chromebooks clearly face significant challenges. Addressing these issues will require a concerted effort to innovate and differentiate in a competitive market.

To succeed, they must compete effectively with Windows and Mac systems, offering unique features, superior performance, or long-term support. Until then, the premium Chromebook remains a promising but underachieving segment in the tech world.

Sweet Baby Didn’t Work on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Says Former Narrative Director

Story Highlight
  • Fans have been claiming that Sweet Baby Inc. worked on Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
  • The game features a lot of ‘woke content,’ which has earned the company a lot of hate. 
  • However, the former narrative director revealed that Sweet Baby didn’t work on the title. 

Ever since the controversy regarding Dragon Age: The Veilguard started, fans have been claiming that Sweet Baby Inc. worked on the title and has plagued it with forced DE&I.

The consultant has been under some serious fire for ruining games, but its former employee has revealed that studios are the ones that approach Sweet Baby, not the other way around. 

Fans have claimed that the consultancy company is behind all the ‘woke things’ in the latest Dragon Age game. However, the former narrative director has claimed that the company didn’t even work on this title.

Why it matters: Dragon Age: The Veilguard seems to have a lot of inclusivity and diversity, which fans have highly criticised. Due to that, the game’s user score has dropped to 2.5 on Metacritic. 

Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguard Has Been Receiving A Lot of Hate For ‘Woke Content

Sweet Baby Inc. has arguably received a lot of hate due to the latest Dragon Age game, even though it wasn’t even involved. Many fans have claimed that the consultancy company orchestrates the game’s forced agenda

I would have loved to work on Dragon Age: The Veilguard. That series is great. But no, we did not work on Dragon Age. 

-Grant Roberts 

While the former narrative director would have loved to work on the game, he didn’t. So, it seems like a lot of misinformation was spread online, which Roberts explains is nothing new. 

He further says that there are many games that Sweet Baby didn’t work on but still receives hate for. 

I think if it wasn’t Sweet Baby that was the target of all this, then it probably would have been someone else.

Roberts’ claims seem to make sense. However, there have been many moments where Sweet Baby’s actions started the controversy, like one of its employees stating the company’s main goal is to burn the gaming industry down

What do you think about Dragon Age: The Veilguard as a game? Did you think Sweet Baby Inc. was involved in it? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or join the discussion on Tech4Gamer’s official forums

Audience Move On From Games After 6 Months Leading To Death Of DLCs, Says Skyrim Director

Story Highlight
  • Skyrim and Starfield director says most people move on from games after 6 months. 
  • This has led to the death of DLCs because they don’t recoup the development costs. 
  • However, there are exceptions with huge franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is one of the best games Bethesda has ever released. Skyrim brought in a lot of expansions making the game even more popular. However, the game’s director says DLCs don’t make much sense as people move on from games after 6 months. 

Why it matters: While we have seen some outstanding DLCs in recent years like Phantom Liberty and Shadow of Edtree, they have mostly been on a decline, and the Bethesda veteran has explained the reason for that. 

The Skyrim director says DLCs are dead because gamers move on quickly

Talking to Videogamer, Skyrim lead, and Starfield systems designer Bruce Nesmith explained why DLCs or expansions have become less existent in recent years. He says the audience doesn’t stick to a game for much longer which makes expansions unnecessary.

There are a lot of games out there that after six months, the audience has moved on to another game

– Bruce Nesmith

Expansions do make sense for games like Fallout or Elder Scrolls that sell millions of copies and have a huge fan base. However, for smaller titles, it is difficult to recoup costs as most people won’t be interested in buying the DLCs. 

Fallout, Elder Scrolls, And Starfield
Bethesda games retain a lot of players, says the director

He further stated that if a game sells 10 million copies, that doesn’t guarantee that the DLC will follow similar figures. While this isn’t always true, this is the fact in most cases. There are exceptions when a DLC drives the sales of the main game, but it’s rare. 

Even massive games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 didn’t receive DLC. The development costs have indeed become so massive that launching an expansion could, at most, be bad for business. 

Do you agree that most people move on from most games after 6 months? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

PS5 Pro Is ‘Not A Next-Gen’ Console; CEO Urges Fans To Curb Expectations

Story Highlight
  • PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has asked the PS5 Pro fans to curb their expectations as it is ‘not a next-gen’ console.
  • He clarified that the new model is a consumer choice for gamers who want the best current-gen experience. 
  • The PS5 Pro will experience a short but realistic leap in game visuals and performance.

PlayStation 5 Pro has been all the rage ever since its announcement—well, for various reasons. While some are excited to have a new model, others have questioned its necessity and the exorbitant price that comes with it. Therefore, the reveal led to a motley of excitement and controversy. Now, even the PlayStation CEO, Hideaki Nishino, has joined to curb everyone’s expectations.

He has asked PlayStation users to curb their anticipation regarding the PS5 Pro, as it will ‘not be a next-gen’ console. Instead, we are getting a grounded upgrade that is only meant for a certain audience.

Why it matters: PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino’s remarks serve as a nice disclaimer for gamers expecting the PS5 Pro to change the gaming console scene.  

Alan Wake 2 PS5 vs PS5 Pro Comparison (1)
Many games have noticeably improved visuals on the PlayStation 5 Pro.

While speaking in an interview with Variety, Hideaki Nishino pointed out that PS5 Pro is a consumer choice meant for players looking for the best visuals and gaming performance. In other words, he does not suggest grabbing the new model with expectations that it will be from a completely new generation.

” just wanted to say that the Pro is not a next gen. It is still in the PS5 generation. PS5 Pro will do everything what PS5 does. So it’s a consumer choice.

-Hideaki Nishino 

Hideaki clarified that the PS5 Pro is only meant for current-gen consumers who are willing to spend a pretty penny.

Over 80 Titles Confirmed PS5 Pro Enhanced
Over 80 games have been confirmed to have PS5 Pro Enhanced versions already.

You can grab yourself a PS5 Pro from November 7, 2024, as it will be available in most retailers. 

The PlayStation 5 Pro has been hyped up by some, so the warning serves as a nice reminder for these folks to have grounded expectations. But do you think spending over $700 is worth it for the new model? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forum.

Red Dead Redemption PC Version Looks Great With Overhaul Mod

Story Highlight
  • The Reality Redemption mod has been released for Red Dead Redemption Remastered on PC.
  • It offers better visuals, improved animations, and smarter AI.
  • The mod is also being improved further and promises enhancements to textures, memory allocation, and more.

Rockstar launched Red Dead Redemption Remastered for PC last month to a lukewarm reception. The PC version brought various graphical upgrades over its console counterpart, but these weren’t enough to attract a large player base.

For PC users, a mod already existed that offered a similar experience with various enhancements via the Xenia emulator. This version has now been ported to the official PC release, making Red Dead Redemption Remastered even better.

Why it matters: Red Dead Redemption debuted more than 14 years ago. Because of its age, the game clearly needed more than a few touch-ups, so some fans were left underwhelmed by the remaster.

According to creator BadassBaboon, the Reality Redemption mod was originally designed for the Xbox 360 port of Rockstar’s classic take on the Wild West.

Enhancements included improved vegetation draw distances, enhanced shadows, and more. The mod also improved core systems like the in-game AI and Euphoria physics.

Similar upgrades exist in Red Dead Redemption Remastered, but with the mod now being officially available for this version, the game is one step closer to the definitive release that fans have been longing for.

As seen in the video above, Reality Redemption makes the title look better than ever. The water surfaces, in particular, show a notable improvement, while the addition of higher-quality textures makes the game more detailed overall.

Red Dead Redemption Remastered
Both Red Dead Redemption Games Are Finally On PC Now

 It is also important to note that Reality Redemption is currently a work in progress, with more improvements to come in the future. These will range from memory allocation fixes to a proper PostFX system.

All in all, Reality Redemption highlights how far the game could have been pushed on PC. Studio Double Eleven still did a solid job with the port, but the team ultimately went for a more refined take on the existing console version.

What are your thoughts on this mod? Will you try it for your PC? Let us know in the comments, and join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamer Forums.

Apple and Samsung Might Be On The New List To Acquire Intel

Story Highlight
  • Companies like Qualcomm, Apple, and Samsung are rumored to be considering purchasing Intel amid its declining stock.
  • Acquiring Intel could benefit Qualcomm with x86 licensing and allow Apple to bypass Arm licensing for its chip production.
  • Intel faces issues such as poor reception of new processors, layoffs, and financial strain from heavy investments, making it a potential acquisition target.

Though it appears that this move is on hold until after the U.S. elections, speculations circulating a few weeks ago suggested that Qualcomm was interested in purchasing Intel.

According to recent claims from Moore’s Law Is Dead, Apple and Samsung may be among the other tech giants considering acquiring Intel.

Why it matters: The potential acquisition of Intel by companies like Qualcomm or Apple could reshape the semiconductor industry. 

Despite Intel’s substantial position in consumer and commercial markets, these rumors surface as the company’s stock faces a downward trend. Due to issues with its Arm licensing, Qualcomm one of the first businesses mentioned, would greatly benefit from an x86 license for its upcoming projects.

Apple, on the other hand, may be able to manufacture its chips without requiring Arm licensing if it purchases Intel. Furthermore, there are also rumors that Samsung is considering purchasing Intel.

A merger between Samsung and Intel might produce major benefits because both companies are major players in different industrial sectors. One cannot overlook Intel’s difficulties. According to certain suppliers, its Core Ultra 200S desktop processors have not been warmly accepted since their recent launch.

Intel also had to reduce expenses, which included laying off employees and canceling well-known events from prior years. That said, Intel has spent a lot of money developing discrete graphics cards and updating its semiconductor production facilities.

Since Intel appears to be in financial distress as a result of these expenditures, other large corporations may wish to seize this chance.

Assassin’s Creed Boss Says Shadows’ Diversity Backlash Is ‘Devastating’

Story Highlight
  • The Assassin’s Creed franchise boss has claimed that Shadows’ diversity backlash is devastating for the devs.
  • The creative team has seemingly faced personal attacks online due to the ensuing controversy in the industry.
  • The game development is progressing smoothly, as it is still set to release on February 14, 2024.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is stuck in a deep controversy, which will only end when it eventually releases. Many facets of the upcoming entry have been criticized by the industry, birthing widespread hate campaigns against the devs. However, now the franchise boss, Marc-Alexis Cote, has come forward to address the negative effects the diversity backlash has had on the studio.

The AC series head honcho clarified that the creative team has faced the brunt of all the harassment, leading to ‘personal attacks online.’ He also said that the hard work of the devs is seemingly turned into ‘a symbol of division.’

Why it matters: The Assassin’s Creed boss claims that the backlash because of the diversity controversy has been a nightmare for the development team, leading to disheartenment in the studio.

Assassin's Creed Bafta Games
Assassin’s Creed Franchise Was Discussed At BAFTA

While speaking at an event organized by BAFTA, Marc-Alexis Cote tried to justify the decision to go for diversity and inclusion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. He noted that Ubisoft has always embraced diversity—and since history is diverse—it wants to accurately portray the nuances of the history and the struggles faced by the protagonists in the game.

The current climate is tough on our creative teams. They face lies, half truths and personal attacks online. […] It’s not just disheartening, it can be devastating. 

-Marc-Alexis Cote 

Citing examples from past AC games, Marc also claimed that Ubisoft’s commitment to inclusivity is grounded in historical accuracy, not driven by modern agendas.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Ubisoft has tried its best to defend the controversial decisions that it has made regarding Shadows so far.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is still set to launch on February 14, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

The reactions to Shadows have mostly been negative in the community. But how do you think the game will hold up in the grand scope of the franchise? Do let us know your opinions in the comments below, or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forum.

‘Studios Approach Sweet Baby Inc. To Make Their Games Better,’ Says Ex Narrative Director

Story Highlight
  • Sweet Baby Inc. has received a lot of hate because of its involvement in video games. 
  • Fans think that the company forces agendas into video games and ruins the overall experience. 
  • However, the company’s former narrative director revealed that the developers approach Sweet Baby to improve their games, not the other way around.

Sweet Baby Inc. has been under a lot of heat lately, mainly because fans think the company ruins a game’s narrative. While there might be a lot of misunderstanding, some of the company’s employees have said quite controversial things.

One of the employees said that the company’s aim is to burn down the gaming industry. So, given how massive the controversy is, the company is likely to get a lot of hate for it. That said, a former narrative director of Sweet Baby recently revealed that the company doesn’t approach developers.

According to the former narrative director, it is the other way around as studios approach and hire Sweet Baby to make their game better

Why it matters: If there is anything found in a video game, most of the fans blame Sweet Baby Inc. for that, as the company’s main aim is to add DE&I into the narrative. 

Sweet Baby Inc Threat To Gaming
Sweet Baby Inc. is One of The Most Controversial Companies In The Industry 

Grant Roberts, the former Narrative director, explains in an interview with The Gamer how the controversial company is similar to other consultant companies.

 People hire us to do the work. […] Studios come to Sweet Baby because they want help, because they want to make their game better.

-Grant Roberts

Roberts explained that Sweet Baby is a work-for-hire company, so studios approach it just like they would any other consultant company. 

Companies Like Square Enix Have Moved Away From Sweet Baby

Even with such claims, fans are unlikely to believe the company as they think it has been forcing DE&I into video games. Normally, diversity and inclusion won’t hurt a video. However, when they are forced, they don’t seem like a part of the game, and it causes a lot of controversy. 

Assassin’s Creed Shaodws is the best example of that. Also, Black Myth: Wukong received negative reviews because it lacked diversity and inclusion, even though the game has many characters of different races. 

What do you think of the company’s former narrative director’s recent comments? Do you agree with them? Let us know your thoughts about the situation in the comments section or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers forums.  

Assassin’s Creed Shadows To Restore Balance Between Modern And Historical Stories, Says Ubisoft

Story Highlight
  • Assassin’s Creed games have struggled to find a great storyline for the last few years.
  • The overall reviews of the beta are mostly positive, but it has performance issues on consoles. 
  • The balance has been disturbed since the death of Desmond in 2012’s Assassin’s Creed 3.

Assassin’s Creed games have found themselves in an identity crisis for the last few years. The plots have struggled to combine modern and historical stories well, but Ubisoft says that this will change with Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Why it matters: Fans have actively complained regarding the stories of the recent Assassin’s Creed games. While the older ones felt like a perfect balance between modern and historical plots, the new ones struggle with it. 

Assassin's Creed Bafta Games
Assassin’s Creed Franchise Discussion At BAFTA Games

Speaking at a BAFTA keynote, series executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté discussed the creative crossroads they faced when Desmond died in Assassin’s Creed 3. He says that the franchise has struggled with the modern aspects of its narratives ever since then

After that, there was a continued focus on finding Isu artifacts that made the narratives more predictable. It shifted the focus away from the conflict between Templars and Assassins to just the pursuit of power over magical relics.

We aim to restore the balance that was once the hallmark of the franchise, and help people feel this vertigo of history. 

– Marc-Alexis Côté

He admitted that this led to a more repetitive approach which was rightfully called out by fans and critics. And because about 15 years of complex lore surrounded the series, it also made it less appealing to newer audiences. 

ASSASSINS-CREED SHADOWS Horse Riding
Shadows will be the first game to restore the balance

However, with the Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft is looking to restore the balance between modern and historical storytelling. The modern narrative will nicely complement the story rather than overshadowing the historical elements. 

This will also be a continued focus point for all Assassin’s Creed games after Shadows. Long-time fans will be delighted to hear this as they’ve regularly voiced their concerns that the stories went nowhere after Desmond’s death. 

Do you think AC Shadow can restore the balance between the modern and historical elements of the franchise? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum