As a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I bring the latest findings from the tech industry to our readers. Specializing in processors, graphics cards, and more, I strive to deliver detailed insights that keep our audience well-informed and engaged. Periodically, I also delve into the vibrant world of gaming to share captivating stories.
Story Highlight
AMD introduced a 105 W TDP option for the Ryzen 7 9700X and 9600X with full warranty coverage, enabled through the latest UEFI firmware.
The AGESA 1.2.0.2 update reduces core-to-core latency by 60% for dual-CCD Ryzen 9000 CPUs, with only slight real-world performance improvements.
Official support for DDR5-8000 RAM is introduced, along with new AM5 motherboards featuring enhanced I/O capabilities.
Today, AMD announced significant announcements regarding its desktop Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, which are built on the Zen 5 microarchitecture. The primary goal is to enhance the August product launch.
Why it matters: The addition of a 105 W TDP option and improvements in motherboard features increases flexibility for users, allowing them to choose configurations that best suit their needs.
For starters, AMD revealed a 105 W TDP option with full warranty coverage for the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 7 9600X processors. The AGESA ComboAM5 PI 1.2.0.2 microcode, the most recent UEFI firmware version on a motherboard, can be used to enable this setting in the BIOS.
With this latest AGESA upgrade, AMD has also fixed a core-to-core delay issue. According to AMD, this update is an attempt to optimize for a “corner case” situation. That being said, this modification has been found to offer a 60% latency reduction in testing.
However, this patch affects only the Ryzen 9000 CPUs with dual-CCD, such as the 9 9900X and 9 9950X. According to AMD, this update only slightly improves “real-world” performance.
Thanks to the latest AGESA version, official support for DDR5-8000 EXPO RAM modules is now available for AMD AM5 motherboards. It should also be noted that even though DDR5-8000 is faster than DDR5-6000, DDR5-8000 support requires a 1:2 UCLK: MCLK ratio to function on AM5.
While DDR5-6000 operates at a 1:1 ratio, the advantages of increased memory speeds on the DDR5-8000 memory modules are offset by slower UCLK speeds. However, a 1:1 UCLK: MCLK ratio can enable memory rates greater than DDR5-6000. However, not every CPU can support these faster speeds.
AM5 motherboards based on the AMD X870E and X870 chipsets are now available. They offer better I/O features like 40 Gbps USB4, Wi-Fi 7 networking, and Ryzen 9000 support out of the box.
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.
Story Highlight
Cyberpunk 2077, launched in 2020, was one of the worst releases ever, but CDPR completely changed the game, and it looks completely different now.
However, the CEO seems to think the developer has lost its reputation, which it may never get back.
For what it’s worth, CD Projekt Red has already redeemed itself long ago, as the game has an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam.
After years of hype and anticipation, Cyberpunk 2077 was launched in 2020, but it was not in a playable condition. The game was a mess and unplayable on the consoles it was released on back then.
While it was in a slightly playable condition on high-end PCs, many didn’t give it a shot, and it hurt the legacy of CD Projekt Red. The developer didn’t give up, completely turned the game around, and just take a look at it now; it is a completely different game.
However, the CEO seems to think that the CDPR might never recover the reputation it lost due to that disastrous launch.
Why it matters:Cyberpunk 2077 comeback is arguably one of the best ones in gaming history and even though the developer didn’t meet fans’ expectations at the start it should be proud of what it achieved.
Cyberpunk 2077 is One of the Best Open World Games In Gaming History
Eurogamer reveals in an article how CDPR transformed the disastrous launch of this futuristic game into what it is now. The article highlights that the joint CEO, Michał Nowakowski, thinks the developer may never recover the reputation it lost due to the poor launch in 2020.
its perception amongst fans. And that’s something that, to be honest, we’ve probably lost forever.
it’s a certain perception of the company that’s never going to come back.
While whatever the CEO has said does make sense, we think CDPR has redeemed itself long ago. Just look at Cyberpunk 2077, and what a pretty picture it is. It is arguably one of the best video games in the history of gaming, featuring such beautiful and depressing storylines.
The developer has done everything in its power over the years to completely change fans’ perspective of the game. Now, the majority of the fandom loves it and is just waiting for the sequel.
The 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty were everything the fandom needed. Many fans have argued that it could have won the Game of The Year title if it had been released like this in 2020.
Some fans might be concerned as CDPR became very famous thanks to the legendary Witcher 3. However, with the amount of determination it showed and how it worked hard to make a comeback, the fandom seems to trust the developer again.
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.
Story Highlight
Producer Naoki Yoshida recently confirmed that Square Enix is dedicated to releasing Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox.
While a specific timeline isn’t available, the game is expected to be available on Xbox sooner rather than later.
Square Enix is still addressing technical issues to ensure the game runs smoothly on different systems.
Square Enix is planning to bring Final Fantasy 16 to Xbox, according to producer Naoki Yoshida. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, he confirmed that the company is working on an Xbox release, but he didn’t provide a specific timeline.
While they are progressing in this direction, details about when the game will actually be available on Xbox are still unclear. Yoshida encouraged Xbox players to stay hopeful for a future release.
Why it matters:A reputable insider recently reported that Final Fantasy 16 will eventually launch on Xbox. Now, comments from the game’s producer suggest the game might launch on Xbox sooner than later.
This aligns with Microsoft’s goal to build stronger ties with Japanese developers, which has helped bring titles like Yakuza and Persona to Xbox as well.
FF 16 looks stunning but requires a powerful system to run well.
Yoshida’s comments come after the recent release of Final Fantasy 16 on PC, which has led to more talk about it being available on other platforms. However, the team has stated that they are still addressing technical issues to make sure the game runs well on different systems.
Since Final Fantasy 16 is a graphically intense game, it was made for next-gen consoles. This raises questions about its performance on less powerful platforms like the Xbox Series S.
There’s no official release date for Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox yet, but recent comments from Square Enix hint that Xbox players might get the game eventually. For now, fans will need to be patient and watch for more updates from the company.
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.
Dr. Usman Saleem
At Tech4Gamers, I’m the PC Hardware Specialist, primarily contributing to the “Best-Ofs” section. I provide thoughtful buying advice based on thorough testing and personal expertise. I also review hardware products and games to keep things fresh.
AMD’s flagship 800-series chipset motherboards are out and about, and we’ve gotten our hands on one of them: the MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi. This is the first 800 series motherboard we’re reviewing. The motherboard carries a price tag similar to the MPG X670E Carbon WiFi (at launch) but comes with upgraded VRMs and other improvements to the platform.
Of course, we know that the chipset doesn’t offer anything new other than mandatory USB4, improved memory support, and Ryzen 9000 support out-of-the-box, and you should be, too. In any case, let’s dive into the review!
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards 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.
Key Takeaways
The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi is MSI’s high-end X870E offering, only behind the GODLIKE, that offers good performance and VRMs, a wealth of convenient features, and I/O that should be plenty for most.
You should buy the MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi if you’re after a high-performance board on which you can overclock, have plenty of USB and storage devices, and/or prioritize easy installation.
Don’t get the MSP MPG X870 Carbon WiFi if your budget is limited or you expect a 10G LAN port to be part of the package.
The motherboard comes shipped inside a standard, fairly colorful cardboard box. Key features being highlighted are WiFi 7 and USB 4 additions, and a warning against ingestion of the CMOS battery.
Box
Cables and Accessories
Let’s take a look inside the box. We get:
EZ Wi-Fi Antenna
EZ M.2 Clip II
EZ M.2 Clip Remover
1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2)
1x MSI USB drive (containing drivers and utilities)
2x SATA 3.0 cables
A-RGB extension cable
1 to 2 RGB extension cable
EZ front panel cable extension
EU Regulatory Notice
A quick installation guide
Cable stickers
A shout-out flyer
I would like to credit MSI for the 1 to 3 EZ Conn cable, which covers the front panel headers, an RGB header, and a PWM fan header. We also get a front-panel cable extension for even better cable management. It should make some of the cable management easier, which we’ll get into in a bit.
Design
MSI MPG X870E CARBON WiFi design. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The X870E Carbon WiFi is part of the 800 series chipset, which offers support for the latest Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, as well as Ryzen 8000 and 7000. It consists of 2x Promontory 21 chips. Coming from the chipset are the SATA ports, the majority of the USB ports, the dual LAN ports, and the lower-end PCIe slots.
Meanwhile, the AM5 socket powers the DIMM slots, USB4 controller, HDMI port, and audio. The motherboard features a durable 8-layer PCB using server-grade NPG-170D material that enables ideal transmission speeds. It features over-current protection and transient voltage suppressors (TVS) to protect your components against current and voltage spikes.
We’ll dive into more specific elements of the design, starting with the VRMs.
Power Delivery To Socket
MSI MPG X870E CARBON WiFi CPU socket. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi features an 18+2+1 phase design with Smart Power Stages (SPS), with each VCore and SoC stage delivering 110A. R2209004 HBD S2408E2W are the power stages being used for them, while the PWM controller is Renesas RAA 229620. Note that the design is a duet-rail power system (DRPS), meaning that each controller sends signals to two stages at once, eliminating the delay of traditional “doublers.”
The single MOSFET for the misc voltage is Alpha & Omega’s AOZ5516QI. This is a Dr. MOS stage providing up to 55A and is controlled by Realtek’s RT3672EE chip.
That equals 1980A of current for the CPU Vcore, plenty for running the most powerful Ryzen CPUs, even with overclocking. The power supply is connected to the CPU through dual 8-pin EPS connectors.
VRM and I/O heatsinks (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Cooling the beefy VRM setup of the board are the two chunky carbon-black extended heatsinks, both of which are connected by a long aluminum heat pipe. The heatsinks are using a stacked fin design. They also feature 7 W/mK thermal pads. The setup should be more than enough to keep things chill, even under heavy loads. We’ll make sure to test that in a bit.
The heatsinks look neat, with subtle branding and multiple grooves on each of them. I also have to give credit to MSI for the beautifully illuminated dragon logo. This and the second RGB zone seems to be controlled by a microcontroller named “NUC1262Y.”
DIMM Slots
DIMM Slot Latches
DIMM Slots and 24-Pin ATX Connector
To the right, we have four DIMM slots, each capable of 64 GB for a total of 256 GB supported. The speed support is up to 8400+ MT/s (OC)(single-rank at 1 DIMM per channel) as we begin to push past 8000 MT/s with the Ryzen 9000 series.
These DIMM slots are soldered onto the PCB using Surface mount technology. They, of course, support EXPO, dual-channel mode, and non-ECC memory. Also, there’s support for CUDIMM, but only with Clock Driver bypass enabled. The clock driver is the main advantage of CUDIMMs, so there’s not much to be excited about yet, as the CUDIMM will function as a UDIMM without the driver.
Memory (UCLK) and controller (MCLK) ratio possibilities with Ryzen 9000 (Image Credits: TechPowerUp)
Editor`s Note
What You Should Know About Ryzen 9000’s Memory Support
With the Ryzen 9000, AMD has tuned its memory controller slightly to allow for improved memory support. This not only means better JEDEC and EXPO speeds being supported, but the “sweet spot” for DDR5 memory can now be considered as DDR5-6400 at a 1:1 ratio between memory and the controller.
Whether or not you’ll be able to run your particular RAM at DDR5-6400 (1:1) will depend on your luck in the silicon lottery (with our 9950X, we couldn’t). In any case, though, it’s the ideal speed in a best-case scenario. Beyond it (or beyond 6000 MT/s if you’re not lucky enough), the ratio switches to 1:2, which introduces latency, and hence, those higher memory speeds really won’t be that beneficial.
– Dr. Usman Saleem
Storage
The motherboard supports 4x SATA 3.0 ports, all coming from the chipset. There’s also room for 4x M.2 drives; the top two come from the CPU and the bottom ones from the chipset. All the M.2 slots will be cooled by MSI’s signature M.2 double-sided Frozr heatsinks. Double-sided here means that there are thermal pads on both ends.
Slots #1, #2, and #4 support 2280/2260 SSDs, while the third slot can support either 22110 or 2280 devices.
The lower section of the board highlighting the PCIe slots (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Both the primary and secondary heatsinks feature incredibly convenient “EZ” removal and installation mechanisms. You don’t even require both hands! I have to say, I’m a fan of MSI’s commitment to making installation and removal mechanisms a breeze, and it’s also something for PC-building newbies to appreciate.
Both the heatsinks look nice in carbon black. The primary M.2 heatsink features RGB lighting on the MPG logo and the “Carbon” text and also has channels on the left side. The other heatsink, cooling the remaining three slots, features an enlarged MPG logo, and a groove in between divides it into two colors. A nice look.
We also get an M.2 clip II that makes SSD installation quite convenient. The included clip remover allows you to remove the clip and install it on another slot if needed.
PCIe Slots
Motherboard Design
EZ PCIe Release Button
Here, we can spy the 3x PCIe slots, which, from top to bottom, are PCIe 5.0 x16 (CPU), PCIe 5.0 x4 (CPU), and PCIe 4.0 x4 (chipset). The first two PCIe slots are metallic. Note that the bandwidth is shared between the two PCIe slots coming from the CPU (E1 and E2) and the M.2_2 slot (also coming from the CPU).
For the Ryzen 9000/7000 series, if the PCIe 5.0 x8 and M.2_2 slots are utilized, then the primary PCIe 5.0 slot will operate at PCIe 5.0 x8 (instead of x16). The primary PCIe slot uses Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and is built on MSI’s Steel Armor II, which offers enhanced weight endurance.
On the right, we can see the EZ PCIe latch for the primary PCIe slot. Removing your GPU from a tight space is a breeze; all you need to do is press the button!
USB Connectivity
You get a total of 22 USB ports with the MPG X870E Carbon WiFi, including:
4x USB 2.0 (Front)
4x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front)
9x USB 10Gbps Type A (Rear)
2x USB 10Gbps Type C (Rear)
1x USB 20Gbps Type C (Front)
2x USB 40Gbps Type C (Rear)
The USB4 connections are provided by, of course, ASMedia’s ASM4242 chip, and 4x of the USB 10Gbps Type-A connectors come back from Realtek’s RTS5420 chip. Under the primary VRM heatsink is another heatsink tasked with cooling the USB4 controller. Six of the USB 10Gbps Type-A ports in the rear come from a secondary, removable PCB on the board.
Network and Connectivity
The motherboard comes with dual LAN ports: 5G and 2.5G, powered by Realtek’s 8126 and 8125 controllers, respectively. You get WiFi with the wireless module, which supports WiFi 7 (Windows 11 24H2 and onwards). MU-MIMO transmission and reception are supported. Older WiFi standards (2.4GHz/ 5GHz/ 6GHz) will work just fine, too.
Bluetooth 5.4 is supported, and it requires Windows 11 24H2. Multi-link operation (MLO) and 4K QAM modulation support are available.
Audio Solution
The motherboard uses Realtek’s ALC4080 chip as its audio solution, a chip we’ve seen in many mid-to-high-range motherboards. Two separate PCB layers feature the left and right audio channels for an isolated signal. The audio comes from the chipset but is connected through a USB bus rather than the traditional direct connection.
7.1 surround sound is supported, and up to 32-bit/384kHz output is supported through the front panel jacks.
Internal Connectors
Pictured below are the 24-pin ATX connector and the debug LED panel. In front of the DIMM slots are two of the fan connectors and a pump connector. Beside the CPU_FAN 1 connector, we have Nuvoton’s NCT39482S whose function is to drive the fan. Meanwhile, we spy Nuvoton’s NCT3961S chip beside the PUMP_SYS1 connector which regulate voltage and also provides overcurrent protection.
24-Pin ATX Connector
Debug LED and Connectors
We have the following connectors:
1x Power Connector(ATX_PWR)
2x Power Connector(CPU_PWR)
1x Power Connector(PCIE_PWR 8pin)
1x CPU Fan
1x Combo Fan (Pump_Sys Fan)
5x System Fan
1x EZ Conn-header (JAF_2)
2x Front Panel (JFP)
1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1x Front Audio (JAUD)
1x Thermal Sensor connectors(T_SEN)
3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2)
1x RGB LED connector(JRGB)
4x USB 2.0 ports
4x USB 5Gbps Type A ports
1x USB 20Gbps Type C ports
EZ Debug LEDs
Debug LED panel
For troubleshooting, the motherboard features LEDs and has a debug LED panel (which can also function as a temperature monitor).
NUVUTON’s NCT6687D serves as the main controller chip on the board. Its main function is hardware monitoring (voltages, temperatures, and fan speeds).
Rear I/O Panel
On the rear, we get:
Rear I/O (Image by Tech4Gamers)
USB 10Gbps Type-A
Flash BIOS Button
Clear CMOS Button
Smart Button
2.5G LAN
5G LAN
Audio Connectors
HDMI™
USB 40Gbps Type-C
USB 10Gbps Type-C
USB 10Gbps Type-A
USB 10Gbps Type-C
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Optical S/PDIF Out
The I/O shield is anti-corrosive and comes pre-installed. As usual, the Smart button serves as a restart button by default. However, you can reprogram it to control the onboard RGB, safe-boot your system, or enable/disable turbo fan mode through the BIOS.
There’s no 10G LAN port, which is disappointing considering the price. Although we understand that a 10G LAN port would require even more cooling on the board, at $499, we can’t be wronged for expecting it.
The X870E Carbon WiFi is among the quickest boards in Windows 11 boot time.
VRM Temperatures and Power Consumption
For VRM temperatures, our MSI board maxed out at 57°C during the Cinebench run. The temperatures are well in the safe range, so there’s nothing to worry about. MSI has done a great job with the cooling design.
As for CPU and motherboard power consumption, the MSI X870E Carbon WiFi is among the top three hungriest motherboards.
Should You Buy It?
Let’s break it down.
Buy It If:
✅You’re seeking a stylish motherboard: The motherboard features a beautiful black theme and RGB that provides the perfect amount of illumination.
✅You need plenty of USB connectivity: The MPG X870E Carbon WiFi should fulfill your USB connectivity needs, no matter how excessive. It has 22 ports, including 2x 40Gbps Type-C, 1x 20Gbps Type-C, and 11 10Gbps.
✅You prioritize convenience: The motherboard offers plenty of features for convenience, including the pre-installed I/O shield, EZ PCIe release, the debug-led panel, and one-click overclocking.
✅You’re looking for excellent memory support: The memory support of DDR5-8400+ (OC) is class-leading for the chipset.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌You want a 10G LAN port: Despite its $499 price tag, no 10G LAN port is available.
My Thoughts
The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi is MSI’s new high-end board for the new chipset, standing only behind the MEG X870E GODLIKE. With that, it offers a fairly premium feature set that sits behind only the GODLIKE. For the VRMs, we get an 18+2+1 duet rail power system with 110A smart stages. The setup is plenty for any Ryzen CPU and is cooled well by the extended VRM heatsinks.
In the aesthetics department, we get a mostly “carbon” black theme with hints of grey. There are two RGB zones: one for the MSI dragon logo atop the I/O heatsink and the other for the primary M.2 heatsink. The look is quite nice, but I would have liked less branding across the board.
On the connectivity front, the motherboard has dual PCIe 5.0 slots (x16 and x4) and a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, providing plenty of bandwidth for any add-on cards you may have. The primary PCIe slot is built on MSI’s Steel Armor II and is very durable, enough for even the heaviest cards.
There are 4x M.2 slots (2x 5.0, and as many as 4.0) and 4x SATA ports. All the M.2 slots are cooled by MSI’s Shield Frozr heatsinks with double-sided thermal pads. The heatsinks are decent enough (just make sure your chassis’ airflow is good) and are easy to remove and install, courtesy of MSI’s “EZ” designs. It was extremely easy to work with and set up with this and plenty of other mechanisms (pre-installed I/O shields, Smart Button, EZ-Conn, and more).
There are plenty of USB ports (22x) in total, and of course, we get 2x USB4 slots thanks to ASMedia’s ASM4242 chip. That’s plenty for even the most demanding users. Realtek’s ALC4080 chip powers the audio solution and should be adequate for casual users. There are dual LAN ports (2.5G and 5G), but it would have been nice to see a 10G one at this price.
The MPG X870E Carbon WiFi is priced at $499 and is in the high-end (but not top-of-the-line) range of X870E motherboards. We’re thankful to MSI for sending us this model for review.
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.
Story Highlight
Star Wars Outlaws soft launch caused the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
However, it has been an opener for publishers as it is now releasing games on Steam, too.
Apparently, every team at Ubisoft has been pushing for Steam releases for years now, but the gaming giant has never listened to them.
Due to the recent failures of Ubisoft, the gaming industry is full of nothing but different types of news regarding this publisher. First, it reveals that Star Wars Outlaws sales didn’t meet expectations, which caused the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
While Ubisoft will not change Yasuke as the main lead, it will address the concerns of the Japanese fandom and improve the overall game. However, the company has been missing on some major scale due to its game not being available on Steam.
A reliable insider has now revealed that every Ubisoft team has been pushing for Steam releases for years now.
Why it matters: Steam is the biggest and most loved platform on PC, and the fans don’t prefer any other launcher. So, not releasing games on this platform would mean losing the potential of millions of sales.
Star Wars Outlaws’ Disappointing Performance Is The Main Reason For Steam Releases
A reliable industry insider recently revealed that Yasuke won’t be replaced as the main lead, and the game is still targeting the February 2025 release window. He also revealed that every team has been pushing for releases on Steam for years now, and yet Ubisoft just realized the importance now.
Star Wars Outlaws’ performance has led to the approval of Assassin’s Creed Shadows being delayed to Q1 2025 but to finally putting games back on Steam
(a request that every Ubisoft team has been pushing for years).
-Industry Insider
It seems like the team has been asking Ubisoft to do Steam releases for years now, but the gaming giant has never listened. Star Wars Outlaws’ performance was seemingly the eye-opener that has led to day one Steam releases now.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Be Coming To Steam On Day One
Star Wars Outlaws will also be coming to Steam next month, so it is good to see the gaming giant finally realizing the worth of releasing games on Steam.
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
With companies like RGG and FromSoftware frequently reusing assets in games, the point has become a well-debated topic.
Reusing assets isn’t a problem as long the quality and ingenuity of subsequent titles aren’t impacted.
If it helps reduce development times and enables efforts on other frontiers, it’s a valuable tool.
Over the years, video gaming has evolved exponentially, both visually and mechanically. From pixelated graphics and still backgrounds to gorgeous visuals and animations, the landscape is very different now. However, with evolution comes the difficulty of designing such complex assets for the game world.
In fact, the focus on extreme graphical fidelity and realism has led to the enormous budgets and development cycles of today’s AAA games. I believe gaming ought to focus more on fun gameplay and design quality than visuals, and studios that do so have adopted a way to circumvent the large development cycles, which is reusing assets.
Why it matters: Reused Assets in games may be controversial, but in the right hands, it leads to quality titles without the excruciatingly long development periods.
The Matter Of Reusing Assets
What exactly is reusing assets? Let me explain a little. A company develops a game set in a particular region with specific elements. For its sequel or spinoff, instead of creating all these recurring elements from scratch, the developers just use the data from the past game. This significantly reduces workload and development times.
It’s a rather controversial topic because of its implications. Still, certain developers have publicly acknowledged reusing assets to deliver their games in a timely and consistent manner. The most recent example is RGG Studios, the masterminds behind the legendary Yakuza series.
Releasing quality titles back-to-back is a feat (Image by Tech4Gamers)
This point has sparked quite a discussion. Let me ask you this: do you think it’s right to reuse assets of past games for subsequent titles and then sell them at full price? The gaming community is still divided on this. Some believe it’s right if used correctly; others say it’s just finding an escape and making quick money with less effort. What do you think?
If you ask me, it’s the purpose for which something is used that makes it good or bad, and the same situation applies to reusing assets. You cannot call it inherently right or wrongunless you see its implementation.
If a company reuses assets solely to escape the effort and release more games to make more money, this intention will eventually be reflected in its products. You’ll see dwindling quality and more of the same with nothing innovative, and in this case, reusing assets will become a plague.
On the other hand, if someone plans to reuse assets simply because they want to redirect efforts on more important aspects, the new title will still feel like a refreshing product despite having elements of past games. Plus, it’ll significantly shorten development time. Isn’t this a win-win?
Thus, there’s no single answer to this. But if you ask me, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks if the intentions are sincere. RGG frequently reuses assets, but are its games boring and stagnant? Quite the contrary, Yakuza is a magnificent franchise. On top of that, RGG has delivered more games in the past two years than other studios, all brimming with quality.
There’s another studio that frequently reuses assets in its games. Can you guess? It’s none other than FromSoftware, and you and I both know just how legendary its games are. Can you call RGG and FromSoftware lazy developers who just want quick cash? Their works speak for themselves.
Did FromSoftware ever compromise on quality? (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Besides, look at the gaming industry of today. Absurd-level budgets and equally massive development times lead to years without new games and extensive waiting periods between subsequent AAA titles. How long has it been since Sony’s last game? How long ago was Marvel’s Wolverine teased? You can connect the dots.
Extensive development cycles need to be cut down (Image by Tech4Gamers)
In a time when development periods of games are becoming extremely unsustainable if reusing assets can solve this problem, I don’t see any issue as long as the developer isn’t compromising on the quality.
So far, the studios that have indeed reused assets have produced nothing but fantastic results. So, if others can produce the same results by reusing assets, I’m all up for it.
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
Sony’s next title, Ghost of Yotei, has been announced with a 2025 release.
It’s a welcome surprise, considering how Sony’s blockbusters are characterized by lengthy development cycles and early reveals.
Pre-mature reveals of games only cause problems, which is why this shorter reveal-release window needs to become the norm.
When it comes to gaming, everyone has their preferences. Some want their game to be extremely photorealistic, some prefer gameplay depth, while others come for a meaningful story; the spectrum continues. This is why certain people complain about the “cinematic movies” nature of today’s AAA games, but there is also a group who is okay with it.
Regardless, all this becomes a moot point when these AAAs take a little too long to release. The greatest problem of today’s blockbuster titles is not the cinematic nature but the lengthy development cycles and extremely early reveals of projects that can’t happen for years. This is why the recent Ghost of Yotei reveal has a silver lining.
Why it matters: Sony has occasionally revealed its games very early, and taken too long to deliver, but Ghost of Yotei comes with a short release span, which is great news.
A 2025 Release For Ghost Of Yotei Is Perfect
Sony’s recent State of Play hid a surprise that certainly caught me off guard. The highly popular samurai-action game Ghost of Tsushima is getting a sequel with some big changes, like the protagonist. But the greatest shock was neither Ghost of Tsushima receiving a sequel, nor the stark changes, but the release date, which was an unbelievable 2025.
Ghost of Yotei is here with a 2025 release (Image by PlayStation)
Wait, why is 2025 unbelievable? Well, considering the lengthy development periods of AAA blockbusters like this and how Sony has a habit of revealing its titles a little too early, I was expecting 2 years minimum. Seeing Ghost of Yotei get a 2025 release was a surprise, true, but a highly welcome one.
Take a look at some of Sony’s past titles. Marvel’s Wolverine was teased back in 2021, but we didn’t even get a single detail in all these years, let alone a release date. Spider-Man 2 was released 2 years after the reveal; the same is the case with God of War Ragnarok. Some of the delays were indeed due to COVID-19, but not all.
The Last of Us Part 2 was revealed in 2016, but Naughty Dog expressed in 2018 that it won’t set a release date until the game’s ready. Why reveal it so early, then? Even Ghost of Tsushima had 3 years between reveal and release. All of this is why this 2025 release has me hopeful for the future.
Sony’s lengthy reveal-release periods (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The Cons Of Early Reveals
I firmly believe the industry’s ever-growing obsession with photorealistic visuals and extreme graphical detail is hurting gaming as a whole. All this leads to absurd budgets and extremely lengthy development times, which in turn skyrockets the companies’ profit expectations. And when the game performs even slightly less than expected, it curtains.
What good is a hyper-realistic, cinematic game with breathtaking visuals and production quality if you have nothing to play for 4-5 years after it? Wouldn’t it be better to create less intensive titles with more focus on engaging gameplay and player entertainment, all the while maintaining a steady supply?
But even more important is not making this lengthy development time known. Sometimes, ignorance is indeed bliss, and this is the perfect case.
When these tech giants reveal their game a little too early, knowing it can never be finished in 2-3 years, they indirectly make the public suffer. On the contrary, revealing a game at the last minute will maintain the illusion that “Wow, this game came out pretty quick,” which ultimately benefits these companies the most.
I’ve already discussed this matter in pretty detail: why it is counterintuitive to reveal titles a little too early. All I’ll say now is that revealing games closer to release is a win-win for both the companies and us consumers.
This heartbreak shouldn’t happen again (Image by Tech4Gamers)
This is exactly why I was so impressed by the 2025 release of Ghost of Yotei. It shows that Sony might finally be fixing its marketing cycle. Instead of revealing its titles too early and ultimately disappointing fans, it’s shifting to a shorter reveal-release cycle, thus preserving the hype of its blockbuster AAAs.
Sony isn’t the only one that has revealed its games early. There are plenty of examples in today’s gaming industry. And almost 100% of the time, it didn’t turn out well for the game. Thus, a change on the industry level is the need of the hour.
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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Assassin’s Creed Shadows was recently delayed so Ubisoft could further polish it.
A recent rumor suggested another delay and that originally, a Japanese male was hired as the main lead, suggesting that the developer could be replacing Yasuke.
However, a reliable insider has confirmed that Ubisoft won’t be replacing Yasuke, and there isn’t going to be any delay.
However, recently, a rumor surfaced online stating that a Japanese male was originally featured in the game as the main lead. This raised many concerns, and fans were wondering whether Ubisoft will be replacing Yasuke now.
Now, one of the most reliable insiders has spoken on this topic and said that Yasuke would not be getting replaced, but Ubisoft is working on addressing the historical and cultural concerns.
Why it matters: Yasuke is the main reason for all of this controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and so many were wondering whether he will be removed from the game.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Now Be Coming To Steam On Day One
Recently, a YouTuber revealed that he had spoken to some insiders, claiming that the game could be delayed further. So, due to this, many speculated that with another delay, Ubisoft could have enough time to change the main lead.
However, one of the most reliable industry insiders has revealed that no delay is currently planned, and Yasuke won’t be replaced. He said that the team is working on polishing the game and will be addressing the historical and cultural inaccuracies.
Yasuke—he’s not going to be removed. However, the team has been actively addressing many of the historical and cultural concerns
-Industry Insider
The insider has a solid track record in the industry, so what he says is believable. He has claimed that while the main lead won’t be changing, the studio will change his story and his portrayal. Also, some architectural details will be fixed with developers ensuring that the game is historically grounded.
Many Developers Were Reportedly Asking Ubisoft To Delay Assassin’s Creed Shadows For Some Time
He also revealed that these issues mainly occurred because Ubisoft brought historical experts much later. There was also miscommunication between the team, so without proper teamwork and historical experts, the game was bound to be delayed.
The insider has also revealed that while the pre-orders don’t match Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, they are still pretty strong and that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is likely to sell well.
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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Hideo Kojima revealed at the Tokyo Game Show that Death Stranding 2 is just 30-40% complete.
Despite not even being halfway done, he is confident about the 2025 release window.
Earlier Kojima claimed that Death Stranding 2 is going to be even weirder than the first game.
Hideo Kojima has been gradually teasing his upcoming Death Stranding sequel. We’ve had a detailed gameplay trailer and a recent showcase of the game’s incredible photo mode. However, Kojima says that Death Stranding 2 is only 30-40% complete at this point.
Why it matters: The game is planned to be released in 2025, and while it may seem like it won’t meet the deadline due to not even being halfway done, Kojima seems quite confident that they will be able to meet the release window.
Death Stranding 2 is not even halfway complete at this point
Kojima made an appearance at the Tokyo Game Show and went into detail about Death Stranding: On The Beach. He revealed that the game isn’t even halfway done, but that isn’t something that concerns him as he’s confident about meeting the release window.
He still hasn’t explicitly revealed a release date but has reiterated that 2025 window. The exact date will be revealed next year because it couldn’t be announced right now due to some unforeseen circumstances.
Hideo Kojima is still confident about the 2025 release window despite the development update.
I haven’t said the release date today, but the release date has already been decided, and I’m currently working on it in preparation for that
Death Stranding 2 will, of course, join a year full of excellent games. These include GTA 6, Fable, Gears 6, and much more. Initial trailers for the game have revealed much upgraded graphics and some new characters for the sequel.
Furthermore, Kojima states that the sequel will be more weirder than the original game. This makes us wonder what the legendary game creator has in store for us. Unfortunately, the wait for a solid release will have to last a little longer. Still, it’s good to find out that the 2025 release is intact.
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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Xbox turning full publisher could be a beneficial move for both PlayStation and Xbox.
PlayStation sales could largely benefit from the wider variety of games available on the platform.
With less hardware sales, Xbox software sales could benefit a lot from the availability of PlayStation.
Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo have been the primary console platforms for a long time. These remarkable consoles we’ve had over the years put a lot of people toward gaming, me included.
However, while the home console category was a head-to-head competition between Xbox and PlayStation, the tides have now turned. Xbox sales have gone so downhill, leading to Microsoft thinking about its future strategy.
The situation has become so worse that Microsft is now going more of a publisher than a console marker. Although gaming has confirmed that it won’t be exiting the hardware market, publishing would be its primary focus.
But, with this shift in strategy, who does it really benefit? Will Microsoft take the cake, or will Sony be the ultimate benefactor from this? I’ll delve into the details of what I think will happen in the future.
Why It Matters: I think this could be great for both companies, as PlayStation would have an even wider library of games, and Microsoft would be able to sell more games as their primary sales are already on PlayStation, with the hardware sales failing.
PS5 sales are obliterating the Xbox Series X|S Sales
A Win-Win Situation For Both The Companies
It is no secret that Microsoft has lost the console wars. Xbox One had decent sales figures, but even that couldn’t dethrone the PS4 sales. With the PS5, the numbers have become so distant that there isn’t even any competition left.
This lack of competition even led Sony to release the PlayStation 5 for a ridiculously high $700 price tag. But that is a topic for another day. With the fall in hardware sales, Microsoft could benefit a lot from its multiplatform strategy.
The last Xbox Games Showcase was unarguably one of the best presentations we have seen in years. Now, rumors suggest that most of those games are coming to PlayStation as well, so you may be able to play the likes of Gears or Doom on the PS5 soon.
Xbox games to PlayStation could benefit both platforms
Microsoft also announced that its upcoming flagship, Indiana Jones, will be coming to PS5 soon. An important point to note here is that most of the popular and best-selling games on PS5 are Xbox-owned titles.
This means that if more of the popular IPs launch on PlayStation, Xbox could be looking at a huge flux of sales from the platform. With low hardware sales but higher game sales, Microsoft could be looking at a profitable future ahead.
Hardware sales aren’t always the primary source of revenue for a company. In fact, at launch, consoles are sold at a loss and the margin is covered by software sales. So, the move towards publishing could be a blessing in disguise.
For PlayStation, the story is a little different. Even though PS5 sales have somewhat fallen in the last few months, the overall sales numbers are still solid. Despite PlayStation becoming the primary console for many, it doesn’t have many games for now.
Popular Xbox names will be introduced on PS5, which will boost console sales further. So, PlayStation would be the ideal console for those who want to access all the releases. These include the already present PlayStation exclusives as well as Xbox-published games.
Gamers Will Benefit The Most
This ultimately comes down to gamers, who will undoubtedly have a lot more options. Xbox’s move to publishing will eventually increase the competition in the industry, which can lead to more innovation and creative games.
Gamers are real winners from companies going multiplatform
Since PC and PlayStation are the primary gaming hardware these days, both platforms will have excellent choices. Especially for PC gamers, as Sony now eventually releases its games on PC after a limited period of exclusivity.
But the industry is in a very strange sport right now. With Sony’s inflated PS5 Pro not getting many sales and Microsoft second-guessing its every move, the future of the industry is very uncertain.
Nonetheless, Xbox’s shift towards a full publisher will certainly be interesting to see. All these were personal opinions, but the true results will be seen as soon as Xbox-published games start arriving on the PS5.
But for context, the games released so far, including Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves, did incredibly well on the PS5. This indicates a similar fate for the upcoming ports as well.
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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Sony’s recent State of Play failed to showcase major first-party games other than Ghost of Yotei, relying heavily on third-party titles and remasters.
This disappointing event was the last thing Sony needed, especially since the PS5 Pro doesn’t seem to be selling well.
Fans were hoping for announcements from studios like Naughty Dog and Santa Monica Studio, but these were absent.
Sony already has a lot of less new first-party IPS for its recent-gen console, and the State of Play event in September left me extremely disappointed. The timing couldn’t have been worse, really.
With the PS5 Pro reveal facing backlash due to its steep price tag and perceived lack of significant upgrades, the showcase failed to reignite excitement in me. I’m sure other PlayStation fans feel the same way I do.
Instead of generating hype, the event has raised more worries about the company’s future.
Why it matters: The way things are going, Sony will need to make big changes to win back fan trust.
A Lackluster Lineup and Missed Expectations
The 2024 State of Play felt like a swing and a miss.
The 2024 State of Play event didn’t showcase any major first-party games, except Ghost of Yotei. Expectations were high, and I was anticipating hearing from studios like Naughty Dog and Santa Monica Studio.
Instead, the event mostly highlighted third-party games and smaller projects that didn’t generate the excitement I hoped for. While titles like Astro Bot DLC and Dragon Age: The Veilguard had some appeal, they fell short of the big announcements Sony needed at this time.
This State of Play showcased several niche games and remakes, like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered and the Lunar Remastered Collection. While these may attract retro gamers, they don’t provide the standout content PlayStation needs to promote the upcoming PS5 Pro release.
If there’s one remake or a remaster the fans want from Sony, it’s Bloodborne. I have no clue what Sony was thinking by expecting fans to be excited about what might be the most unnecessary remaster of the decade.
PS5 Pro Controversy Still Lingers
PS5 Pro pricing is absurd, and this boring State of Play only adds fuel to the fire. (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The disappointing State of Play is made worse by the ongoing backlash over the PS5 Pro. Sony’s choice to launch this mid-generation upgrade at a high price of $699.99 has raised questions about whether it’s really needed. Many think that this upgrade over the base PS5 isn’t worth the price.
With only slight improvements over the original PS5, I see the Pro model as more of a cash grab than a meaningful upgrade to an already powerful console.
When people talk about powerful consoles, PlayStation is always in the discussion. It’s what console gamers prefer. Yet, no one seems interested in the PS5 Pro, as the console is still not sold out in the UK and US.
What’s more, the PS5 Pro’s launch lineup doesn’t have any exclusive first-party titles to showcase its power. I suppose only Alan Wake 2 will be able to fully utilize PS5 Pro’s “upgraded” hardware, but that’s not even Sony’s exclusive title.
In fact, Sony’s current lineup mostly features third-party games that will run slightly better on the Pro but without revolutionary improvements.
Timing Couldn’t Be Worse
What good is PS5 Pro when there are no games for it? (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Timing is crucial in the gaming industry, and Sony’s recent missteps show how disconnected the company is from its fans. The PS5 Pro’s weak reception, along with a disappointing State of Play, has led to widespread frustration.
Sony needed to challenge the idea that the PS5 Pro wasn’t necessary, and this event was their chance to win over fans. Instead, it showcased the absence of exciting new experiences.
Additionally, with competitors like Microsoft putting a lot of money into new games, Sony seems to be falling behind in innovation. What’s funny is that 12 out of 21 games shown in this State of Play are coming to Xbox, too.
The PlayStation system still depends mainly on traditional console sales, but their recent strategy with unnecessary remakes isn’t going to help.
Without any big game announcements, this State of Play did little to reassure fans that Sony is ready for the future.
Even with all these setbacks, I’m still being hopeful. Many of Sony’s top studios are developing unannounced projects, which means there could be exciting reveals coming soon. Hopefully, some of them would be new IPS but who knows?
It’s clear that Sony can’t afford another disappointing showcase or product launch. With the holiday season approaching, the company needs to move quickly to rebuild its relationship with gamers.
Being a keyboard enthusiast, I specialize in reviewing, modding, and critiquing them for the people. If you’re a Razer fanboy, my only goal is to convert you to the dark side 😈.
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Low-profile mechanical keyboards help improve your typing posture because your wrists are angled lower than when using a standard keyboard.
You’ll feel a lower response time with a low-profile mechanical keyboard because there’s not much to press. Doing so can improve your gaming capabilities.
While low-profile keyboards are great, they can be difficult to mod and may not have a satisfying clicky sound.
A keyboard might not be one of your priority upgrade choices for PC components, and I can understand why. But you can’t deny that you use a keyboard for multiple hours daily, either for gaming, productivity tasks, or simply for writing assignments. I’m the same, and when my typing requirements increased, I started stressing my wrists. That was also when I shifted to a new, smaller keyboard. Now, for someone who has experienced both ends of the spectrum, are low-profile mechanical keyboards worth the hype?
Improving Typing Posture
I have been typing on a computer for as long as I can remember. For a long time, it was on a membrane keyboard, but then I shifted to a Redragon mechanical keyboard, and my life felt complete. That was until I started working as a freelancer. My daily typing requirements increased exponentially, and even with a wrist rest, the strain on my hands was unbelievable.
I switched to a laptop to keep up with work, and the strain on my wrists vanished after a few days. After some contemplation, I realized the wrist angle difference between my keyboard and laptop made the difference. That’s when I decided to buy a low-profile mechanical keyboard, allowing me to work on my PC without the wrist strain.
It took me some time to get used to the new keyboard, but eventually, I got back to my original typing speed and have been loving the comfort it provides. If you shift to a low-profile mechanical keyboard, there’s not much to lose, especially if your primary use case is hacking away at the keys for countless hours daily.
Besides typing endlessly daily, I have a fair history of playing games since childhood. Naturally, I was used to a membrane keyboard until I experienced gaming on my first Redragon Vara K551 mechanical keyboard. Most of my time would be spent playing League of Legends and World of Warcraft, where timing is vital. Of course, your mouse matters more for League of Legends, but if you mistime your abilities, your mouse play won’t matter at all.
However, playing games became problematic when I shifted to my laptop because of the keyboard. I couldn’t get the same button-pressing sensation and kept messing up. So, when I moved to my low-profile mechanical keyboard, the lower response time felt like a godsend. The clicky sensation isn’t the same as a standard mechanical keyboard, but you can find a few low-profile clickier ones, like the Logitech MX Wireless keyboard.
While I do love low-profile mechanical keyboards for their dexterity, less chunkiness, and better posture, they shouldn’t be placed on a gold plate. For example, I miss the deep keystrokes that a traditional mechanical keyboard switch provides. The shorter travel distance is great, but it doesn’t have the clicky feeling I love.
Moreover, low-profile switches often have unique stem designs that aren’t compatible with other keycaps available on the market. Therefore, it has been painful even to attempt customization with my keyboard. In easier words, low-profile keyboards are difficult to mod. So, if you’re part of the custom keyboard community, you may want to think about your purchase decision again.
Seriously, I’m Never Looking Back
So, are low-profile mechanical keyboards worth the hype? I agree that they have their downsides, but what product doesn’t? If you look past that, you’ll realize that low-profile mechanical keyboards are pretty decent. My wrist posture is the best it’s ever been. My gaming abilities are improving because of improved accuracy, and I can work longer than before.
It’s quite literally a win-win situation, with not much to lose. Sure, I can’t mod a low-profile keyboard as easily as I could a standard mechanical, but it’s good enough. If you want to customize your keyboard, buy the Wooting 80HE or the Wooting 60HE; both have impeccable modding possibilities, especially thanks to the Wootility software.
In any case, if you have ever used a laptop keyboard and want something similar but on a mechanical level, it’s about time you looked at low-profile keyboards. The Logitech G915, Logitech G515, and Corsair K100 Air are decent options to start browsing from.
