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.
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Leaker Kopite7kimi reveals the RTX 5090 will feature a 512-bit memory bus and 21,760 cores, while the RTX 5080 will have 10,752 cores and a 256-bit bus.
The RTX 5090 is set to have 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM and a TDP of 600W; the RTX 5080 will include 16 GB of GDDR7 memory and a TDP of 400W.
Considering the performance of the GeForce RTX 5080, the 80 series card no longer seems to offer the best value since the launch of the GeForce RTX 3080.
One of the most trustworthy NVIDIA leakers has finally verified the specifications for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 NVIDIA Blackwell graphics cards.
The next GeForce RTX 50 series from NVIDIA is anticipated to deliver significant performance improvements. However, till now, there have only been rumors about the GPU specifications.
Why it matters: The confirmed specifications for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 suggest significant performance improvements.
GeForce RTX 5090/5080 leaked specs
One of the significant tech leakers, Kopite7kimi, has finally disclosed the details of the top two cards, mainly the GeForce RTX 5090 & GeForce RTX 5080. Instead of the 448-bit memory bus that was previously stated, Kopite7kimi claims that the RTX 5090 will now include a 512-bit memory bus.
The flagship GeForce RTX 5090 is expected to run on the GB202-300-A1 GPU core. Instead of the full 24,576 cores, it will have 21760 cores active, with 170 SMs enabled out of 192 SMs.
Furthermore, the card will have 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM available over a 512-bit interface and a max TDP of 600W. However, it should be noted that actual power usage in games or the real world is far lower.
The GeForce RTX 5080, on the other hand, will feature the GB203-400 GPU core with 10,752 active CUDA cores. The card will also feature less memory and will come equipped with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory running on a 256-bit memory bus and a TDP of 400W.
As we witnessed with the RTX 4080, NVIDIA may not benefit from the large disparity between the 5090 and 5080 class graphics cards. The RTX 4080 was one of the least desirable options available, and we can only hope that the 5080’s price will be far more affordable than the RTX 4080 SUPER next year.
NVIDIA has not confirmed the release date of the new RTX 50 series; however, many still think it will be announced this year.
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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An insider has revealed that Blizzard Entertainment is working on a StarCraft shooter game.
This aligns with what the Xbox boss stated about bringing back the IP if there’s an opportunity.
Two different StarCraft shooter games have already been canceled by Blizzard over the years.
StarCraft was one of the most popular PC games back in the late 90s. First released in 1998, it was a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The last mainline StarCraft game was released in 2010, although some DLCs did launch after that.
However, it seems that Blizzard is taking a different route with the IP and is in the early stages of working on a new StarCraft shooter game.
Why it matters: The return of StarCraft has been heavily requested for a long time. After the cancelation of their ambitious survival game, Blizzard is finally returning to its old IP and delivering the fans what they want.
StarCraft is set to make a comeback as a shooter game by Blizzard Entertainment
Jason Schreier, speaking to IGN’s podcast, talked about his upcoming book and the future of Blizzard Entertainment. He revealed that most of the team was laid off after the cancelation of the survival game, and the ones left are working on the StarCraft shooter.
The title’s development is being led by Dan Hay, an Industry Veteran who previously worked on Ubisoft’s Far Cry franchise. Two StarCraft shooter games have already been canceled by Blizzard, so it’s difficult to assess the future of this one, too.
The game has been heavily requested by the fans for a very long time
StarCraft’s revival was a long time coming. Even Xbox boss Phil Spencer teased the classic series’ return if the opportunity arises. Moreover, an insider recently also revealed that Blizzard is working on a AAA FPS game, hinting at the return.
The potential that StarCraft brings to the table is huge. Especially now, with the success of shooting games like Space Marine 2, Blizzard should give the title a go. This also aligns with what the fans have longed for a very long time.
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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After the massive failure of The Day Before, its developer was closed but is now aiming to make a return.
Fntatsic is back and asking for $15K from the fans for its next game, Escape Factory.
The fandom isn’t happy with this return, and if the developer fails to collect this sum in the next 29 days, it won’t be able to return.
The Day Before was shown as a pretty good game before being launched last year. The game was being developed via Unreal Engine, and it looked so good in the trailers that fans didn’t believe it was a real game.
It was nothing like what was shown in the trailer, and due to that, the developer had to refund everyone. Now the studio is back and is asking for $15K to make their next game.
Why it matters: The Day Before was arguably one of the biggest scams in the history of gaming, so the fandom isn’t going to trust the developer after that incident last year.
Fnastic Is Back And Asking For $15K From Fans For Its Next Game
The developer has made a return on Twitter, stating that everyone deserves a second chance. While that is true, given how fans gave CDPR a second chance to change Cyberpunk 2077. However, these two are completely different situations, and the developers know it.
We deeply apologize to everyone for The Day Before and take full responsibility for what happened.
Fntastic
The developer has also asked fans to check out their plan for Fntastic 2.0, which aims to fix past mistakes. However, as expected, the fandom didn’t welcome the developer after such a horrendous release last year.
Many are questioning the developer’s audacity to come back like nothing happened. The fandom has clearly stated that they can’t trust Fntastic again, and that is the end of it. However, despite that, it has launched a Kickstarter campaignasking for money for its next game.
The Day Before Is Arguably The Biggest Scam of 2023
Fntastic aims to collect $15K for their next game, which honestly doesn’t look that great. As of the time of writing, only $382 has been collected.
The new game it is developing is called Escape Factory. The developer aims to collect $15K, but if it can’t collect this much money in the coming days, it won’t be able to make a return. Fntastic has clearly stated that if the fundraiser doesn’t meet this specific goal, then all of the funds raised for their new game will be refunded.
While the developer has shown courage and tried to make a return, it is highly unlikely that they will be able to collect such an amount after what happened with The Day Before.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
[Press Release] AVerMedia has succeeded in establishing the GO Series with the X’TRA GO (GC515), and the company is now ready to expand further. Announcing the VERSATI go (AM310G2) and FLEXI go (BA311L), the company continues to offer essential products for streamers and content creators.
The former is a microphone made for creators who value quality over everything else. Thanks to a 96kHz/24-bit sample rate, the microphone is able to capture rich audio recordings while reducing background noise.
The VERSATI go (AM310G2) also sports a USB-C connection for unparalleled convenience. Additional features include a mute button and LED indicator, a compact design, and an included tripod for extra versatility.
The GO Series Is Steadily Growing With New And Exciting Products
On the other hand, the FLEXI go (BA311L) is a flexible mic arm that fulfills all types of needs. It comes with a multi-angle joint that offers precise adjustments for those looking to find the right angle for microphones, cameras, and other devices.
As per AVerMedia, the FLEXI go (BA311L) is capable of supporting weight as high as 1.5kg, making it perfect for various devices. When combined with the X’TRA GO (GC515), these two products help the GO Series shine further.
For pricing information and other details, follow these links to view Amazon’s product pages for the VERSATI go (AM310G2) and FLEXI go (BA311L). More information about AVerMedia’s future offerings can also be found on the company’s official website.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Persona 5 is back again, as Joker makes an appearance in the Persona 3 Reload Aigis DLC.
With countless collaborations and multiple spin-off titles, Atlus can’t move on from Persona 5.
While a legendary game, no doubt, it’s about time Atlus thinks about the future, like Persona 6.
The name Persona 5 holds significance not only for Atlus but also for the entire JRPG genre. Atlus was always creating impactful and entertaining JRPGs, but it was Persona 5 that brought mainstream recognition to the developer.
Featuring a thought-provoking story regarding the evils of society, eye-catching visuals, flashy turn-based combat, a beloved and impactful cast, and a majestic score to back it all up, Persona 5 is indeed JRPG at its best. That’s all well and good, but don’t you think Atlus ought to move on now?
Why it matters: Persona 5 is certainly magnificent, but it has got a little too much attention from Atlus. It’s time to move on to Persona 6 now.
Even Persona 3’s DLC Features Joker
As I’ve established, Persona 5 is indeed a fantastic game, and I can see why Atlus cares for it so much. However, I feel Atlus’ treatment of Persona 5 goes way beyond “care” at this point.
The one that started it all (Image by IMDB)
I won’t even contradict if you say that Atlus has overused Persona 5 and its likeness. It’s like the developer just can’t bring itself to move on from this particular title. Look at the latest scenario.
As you’re aware, Persona 3 has recently received a complete overhaul. It’s a beautiful game; you should definitely give it a try, especially since the DLC of the original game is also here for the remake now. But wait, there’s a little twist.
The Aegis DLC for Persona 3 Reload brings back, you guessed it, Persona 5’s protagonist, Joker. While I certainly don’t have a problem with it as a standalone event, look at the overlying issue and the bigger picture.
It’s like Persona 5 alone gets special treatment from Atlus. There are plenty of other titles, but none of them get as much exposure and number of games and crossover appearances as Persona 5. Don’t believe me? Watch.
First, there was Persona 5, the OG, the one that started it all. Next came Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, a rhythm game as per Atlus’ tradition. All’s well so far. Next up was Persona 5: Royal, a massive expansion that took the already fantastic game to perfection, an overwhelmingly welcome addition.
Royal completed things pretty nicely (Image by Steam)
At this point, a game of this caliber deserved a spinoff, right? Atlus thought the same and gave us Persona 5: Strikers, a unique twist featuring action combat. Couple this with all the collabs it got, and I was pretty satisfied with Persona 5 as a whole and wondered how great the sequel would be.
However, With some more collabs, Persona 5: Tactica, a chibi tactical spinoff, and Persona 5: The Phantom X, a mobile gacha game, Atlus said, “I’m not done yet.” By the time Phantom X was announced, I was sighing in frustration. And now with the Persona 3 DLC, Atlus shows it’s still not moving on from its favorite child.
That’s enough Persona 5 for a lifetime (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The Time Of Persona 5 Is Over
I can’t stress this enough I don’t have anything personal against Persona 5. In fact, it’s one of my favorite JRPGs still. I have nothing but praise for it, but even I’m saying that Persona 5 needs to be put to rest as a fan.
Persona 5 and its characters are genuinely beloved, but there’s a limit to how much you want to see something repeated. Even something you adore feels frustrating when it overstays its welcome. You start to hate it if it’s being shoved in your face continuously instead of something new.
Where’s Persona 6?
What I don’t understand is why isn’t Atlus ready to move on. It’s not like Persona 5 is the only thing that will sell. In the post-Persona 5 era, the entire franchise is now just as desirable. Look at Persona 4 Golden and 3 Reload; did they not perform exceptionally as well?
Then what’s the holdup? Persona 5 has already done its job, hyping people up and letting them know of this franchise. Now, the time is ripe for Atlus to bring in the next entry. The anticipation and hype for Persona 6 are already through the roof.
Thus, it’s high time Atlus moved on from Persona 5 and put it to rest as it looked towards the future. This legend has done its job; it deserves a rest. And it’s better to strike while the iron’s hot rather than testing the fans’ patience as to how much more Persona 5 they can stomach.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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It’s been 14 years since Bungie presented the magnificent Halo: Reach, concluding an era.
From Combat Evolved to Reach, Bungie made every subsequent entry memorable and entertaining.
Though 343 Industries did a solid job, Bungie’s time with Halo will remain unsurpassed.
I still vividly remember the day I got my Xbox 360. Sitting through school anxiously in anticipation and finally coming home to boot up Halo 3 is one of my fondest memories. Looking back, Halo has been an integral part of my childhood, and I’ve certainly enjoyed my time with this legendary series.
Halo’s popularity during the 2000s-10s was unlike any other game. A complex and entertaining shooter you could enjoy in couch co-op or online, we owe it all to Bungie’s efforts. Today, I’ll be paying my respects to Halo: Reach, Bungie’s final work.
Why it matters: Halo is undoubtedly among the biggest video game franchises, and we owe it all to Bungie, who concluded its time with the series with Halo: Reach 14 years ago.
14 Years Of Halo: Reach
I still can’t believe it’s been 14 years since Halo: Reach, way to make you feel old. When I first got it, all I had was a big smile on my face, not knowing of the upcoming change. I was free of these worries and just wanted to live in the moment.
I’m still blown away by Halo: Reach (Image by Steam)
While I write this, that iconic main-screen theme and visuals are vividly playing in my mind. It was set before Combat Evolved, but I was too busy blasting foes in what I considered mind-blowing visuals. Shooter campaigns were a different breed back then.
Looking back, the plot and characters weren’t the game’s strongest suit, but that doesn’t make it a less worthy “best Halo game” contender. It’s the gameplay where it shined the brightest. With additional maneuverability features and smooth combat, while feeling the same Halo you know and love, Reach is still one of my all-time favorites.
Not only did Reach take mechanics and elements from all past games, but it blended them perfectly to create a magnificent send-off. Featuring improved visuals, gameplay strengths, and impressive multiplayer elements, Halo: Reach was a living proof of Bungie’s years of efforts.
Bungie practically shook the world with Combat Evolved, and no, this is not an overstatement. Halo 1 was, in a single word, legendary. More so than any other game before it. Forget GoldenEye 007; Halo 1 was the true turning point of multiplayer shooters.
Where it all began (Image by Steam)
Flexing creative sci-fi gameplay where everything feels unique, a jaw-dropping single-player campaign, and both couch and online multiplayer elements, Halo: Combat Evolved started a decade-long influx of Halo clones. By the time Halo 2 came out, the series had blown way out of proportion compared to what it had so far.
Along came Halo 3, and everyone was just dying to play it on the Xbox 360, myself included. Then Halo: Reach was released, and it was so much of a love letter to all the fans and Bungie’s years of history with the series.
343 Industries Didn’t Quite Reach That Bar For Me
After Halo: Reach, 343 Industries picked up the mantle of the series, beginning with Halo 4. Subsequent entries aside, I think we can agree that Halo 4 was a job really well done. There’s a lot of pressure when you’re in charge of a legendary series like this, but 343 Industries handled it with finesse.
343 Industries preserved the Halo name well (Image by Steam)
Halo 4 is right up there with Bungie’s titles for me, but that absence of the original was felt. This became stronger as we moved to Halo 5 and, ultimately, Infinite. While solid titles, no doubt, they weren’t Halo in its prime time, that’s for sure.
343 Industries has done a great job, but it couldn’t reach the heights Bungie set for the series. From the overall atmosphere to level design and iconic moments, the OG Halo levels are unbeatable.
Thank You, Bungie
Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that 343 Industries is doing well with the series, and that’s all that matters. If it had devolved into something completely different and insulting, that would’ve been heartbreaking.
Anyway, today’s about Halo: Reach and how Bungie brought the series to where it is today. From Combat Evolved to Reach, the developer was constantly dedicated to making each subsequent Halo excel and pushing the boundaries of design and gameplay.
For the 14th anniversary, I urge you to go back and play Halo: Reach, be overwhelmed by how complete and perfect a send-off it was, and then join me as we appreciate one of the best video game series ever.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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God of War Ragnarok comes to PC with the same PSN requirement as its fellows.
Sony’s current strategy region-locks games in countless countries, disappointing fans worldwide.
Losing potential consumers and earning the wrath of fans is hurting no one but Sony in the long run.
In every era, competing platforms have existed that promise the best gaming experience. Then why do people seem to prefer one over the other? The answer isn’t as multi-faceted as it seems. The one who offered better games triumphed.
PlayStation is picked by many because of its lineup, especially the PS4, which still has plenty to offer. Thus, it was a pretty big deal when Sony decided to reward PC users with ports. Almost every PS exclusive is now on PC, including the latest God of War: Ragnarok, but I wish I could tell you things are all good.
Why it matters: Sony’s PSN requirement strategy leads to a region lock, and by doing so, the tech giant is hurting its own image and losing potential consumers.
Sony And The Peculiar PSN Requirement
Sony’s first-party titles are now consistently released on PC after a fixed time. Unfortunately, there’s a major catch: the absurd region lock. Let’s look at its history a little. Not too long ago, Sony released the magnificent Helldivers 2 simultaneously on PC, which took the world by storm and garnered worldwide fame.
Seeing this, Sony decided to put a little check on PC players by introducing the “PSN account is needed to play”. This led to people getting locked out of a game they legally bought, creating a dire situation. PSN account regions aren’t as widespread as Steam, and thus users in non-PSN countries lost their access.
Helldivers 2 player base revolted following the decision (Image by Steam)
Outrage ensued, hatred spread like wildfire, and mass refunds were issued, forcing Sony to back out. The damage was done, but at least the corporate giant caved. Unfortunately, it was a minor defeat. Sony came in strong next, prior to announcing its intent that the PSN requirement is here to stay. And as promised, it is.
Sony recanted its decision for Helldivers 2 because it wasn’t pre-informed. However, starting with Ghost of Tsushima, it timely announced to “prepare yourself.” The long-awaited samurai action title came to PC, but people in non-PSN countries couldn’t enjoy it— legally, that is.
Ghost of Tsushima wasn’t spared either (Image by Steam)
Of course, people vehemently opposed it, but Sony refused to back down. It was clear about its stance and wasn’t going to budge, not then, not now. The next entry in the “PS exclusives on PC” catalog was God of War: Ragnarok, and as expected, the PSN requirement stayed.
Sony itself is at fault (Image by Steam)
Ragnarok was officially released on PC a few days ago, but countless gamers are locked out of it. A severe backlash is currently trying to fight back against these circumstances, but you and I both know what little good it can do. The game’s sitting on thousands of negative reviews on Steam.
Look at the bigger picture for a moment. The sheer popularity of the God of War reboot is insane, especially Ragnarok. I mean, it was a GOTY contender that went toe-to-toe with Elden Ring, what other proof is needed? A game of this magnitude and you think making it unavailable in hundreds of countries was somehow a good idea?
Who exactly is Sony hurting in the long run? People will protest for now, but they’ll eventually move on to other things, and Sony will lose potential customers.
No matter how you look at it, Sony’s risking a heavy loss. Despite the region lock, Sony’s titles are still selling like hotcakes. Imagine the number without this restriction.
Or what, does the approval of a particular group mean everything for Sony, the rest of the world is nothing? Sony’s so full of itself that it doesn’t care if gamers around the world can’t play it, as long as the PSN-centered countries are happy.
Stuff Like This Leads To Piracy
I know I’m about to say something controversial, but these absurd decisions by big companies leave no choice for the affected but to resort to piracy. You’re more than willing to give Sony your money, but since it decided it doesn’t want your money, what else can you do?
When legal channels are purposely blocked, what other route remains? The desire to play a game and then be denied every opportunity makes you want to rebel. Look at how popular the “remove PSN” fan mod is becoming, and for good reasons. These anti-consumer decisions are forcing the hands of determined fans.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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The next entry in Sony’s remasters is the barely 7-year-old Horizon Zero Dawn.
The Last of Us, Until Dawn, and now this, the PS5’s library is full of illogical re-releases.
Rather than wasting resources on pointless remasters, Sony should give something more deserving a chance.
Today, let me ask you a question. What’s your stance on remakes and remasters? I believe remasters are fine and even necessary in certain cases to preserve a game. Remakes, on the other hand, are a little more risky and should only be done if necessary and if they stay faithful to the original.
However, this all applies when there’s a genuine need. Remasters of merely a few years old games can never be justified. You barely get any new titles in years, and then the company says, “Have this completely needless re-release instead.” This is Sony’s PS5 era in a nutshell.
Why it matters: Sony has consistently produced the most needless re-releases in a time when the next-gen console is already suffering from a lack of meaningful titles.
Horizon Zero Dawn Is Getting A Remaster
At this point, Sony has made it a habit of green-lighting the most ridiculous re-releases. Just look at the most recent one. After a briefly spotted ESRB rating, Sony made the Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster real with the recent State of Play. Featuring improved visuals and mo-cap, the PS4 game is getting a glow-up.
But the question is, was there even a need for this? Horizon Zero Dawn is a 2017 game released on the PS4, subsequently receiving a PC port as well. If you give it a try, you’ll see that the game is pretty solid visuals-wise. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s barely a 7-year-old game, so why on earth would it need a remaster?
Did this game even need a remaster? (Image by PlayStation)
How Many Useless PS5 Re-Releases Does This Make?
What baffles me is how this isn’t the first time. It started back when Sony decided to remaster Marvel’s Spider-Man. It was a perfectly good-looking game, and only a few years had passed, yet the tech giant felt it needed a visual overhaul.
It still wasn’t as bad as when Sony diverted its attention to The Last of Us series. Boy, was that a bad one. The remaster of The Last of Us 2 has to be the most absurd re-release in gaming’s history, not to mention the remake of the first one, all of which made no sense.
And did that stop Sony? No sir. Next up was Until Dawn. Sony couldn’t just release a simple PC port, it had to “remaster” it for the PS5 too, to charge a whopping $60. Granted, it’s practically a remake, but I would much rather see a new game than this needless overhaul.
The Last of Us re-releases make zero sense (Image by PlayStation)
And now comes Horizon Zero Dawn. I don’t even want to waste my breath telling Sony how absurd this is because I know it’s pointless. Oh, and rumors suggest Days Gone is next, which shows Sony has no plans of stopping.
The PS5 Era Is A Disappointment
Imagine being a “proud” owner of PS5, and Sony rewarding your loyalty with a completely useless remaster. If nothing else, the PS5 will surely go down in history as the console with the most needless re-releases. That, and the “it has no games.”
It’s nothing but a massive waste of resources. If Sony wanted a remaster/remake, there were a billion other titles more deserving than Horizon Zero Dawn. Gravity Rush, Killzone, Infamous, and SOCOM are worthy of re-release. But no, Sony would rather remaster PS4 games.
Alas, this is all the PS5 is good for these days. A handful of new games, but hey, you can play PS4 games with better visuals. That’s something, right? Give me a break. If you can’t fix your absurd development cycles of big-budget AAAs, at least remaster titles worthy of the upgrade.
PS5, the console of re-releases (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Plus, there’s the massive failure of Concord. Sony probably plans to recoup these losses with barebones re-releases of a few years old games. The future of the PS5 looks grim.
Is This What To Expect For The PS5 Pro?
Sony has recently unveiled a very absurdly priced PS5 Pro despite the extreme deficiency of titles on the next-gen console. How does it expect the masses to react when the first game announced after the pricing fiasco is a ridiculous remaster?
The PS5 Pro is already receiving plenty of criticism. Sony should’ve planned out a strong library and consistent future releases as damage control. The PS5 Pro cannot justify its existence if all it has are remasters of PS4 games.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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In addition to a price hike, the new Xbox Game Pass Standard lacks attractive features.
PC Game Pass, on the other hand, costs less while providing all the benefits.
Microsoft’s focus on Game Pass as a service and drifting away from Xbox is apparent from this decision.
In a time when gaming is becoming an expensive hobby, subscription services are a godsend. A ton of games for a small monthly or yearly fee? Sign me up. Even more so when they also include big releases on day one, like Microsoft offers with Game Pass. Sounds pretty attractive, right?
Microsoft knows the potential of this fully and has staked everything in your desire to get this service. And by everything, I mean even its signature console, the Xbox. Despite the platform’s rich history, I believe the time of Xbox is approaching an end, and Game Pass will be all that remains.
Why it matters: After losing its exclusives, Xbox also lost to PC when it comes to the value of Game Pass, which reinforces Microsoft’s changing priorities.
Game Pass On Xbox Is Changing
Microsoft’s priority is Game Pass, but it doesn’t necessarily mean Game Pass on Xbox. In fact, it looks like it’s the opposite. From multi-platform releases to tier changes, it seems like even Microsoft’s new champion is now slowly conditioning you to abandon Xbox as a platform.
Why’s that? There are two reasons. First, Game Pass on Xbox is going through some integral changes, which were inevitable the moment Call of Duty was added to it. These include a price hike and a new tier. The ultimate tier is the same, with all its benefits intact, but it now costs $19.99 a month. Don’t like the pricing? Microsoft’s got a milder option for you.
CoD on Game Pass came at a price (Image by Xbox)
The Standard tier is here, which costs less but has a massive downside of no Day-One releases and big titles like Call of Duty, etc. It costs $14.99 a month, a little more than Core despite being essentially similar in value. No Day-One releases, no important titles, can you even call this “Game Pass” anymore?
The new tiers further devalue Xbox (Image by Xbox)
PC Game Pass Has Xbox Completely Beat
Now, for my second reason, I will discuss how the service is presented on what will probably be Microsoft’s focus now: the PC platform. Not only did Game Pass get a hefty price hike and a “dwindled features” tier on the Xbox, but it also made the PC one that much more of a killer deal. Why’s that, you ask? Let me explain.
Xbox Standard costs $14.99 monthly with no big titles and day-one releases, just basic online play features and a less impressive catalog. On the other hand, PC Game Pass costs $11.99 a month while including everything that makes it such an attractive service. What did Microsoft mean by this?
PC Game Pass is the way to go (Image by Xbox)
I think this was Microsoft’s way of saying, “It’s time to leave Xbox behind and move to PC.” I mean, you’re getting all the features at a low price, making the Game Pass on Xbox a blatantly worse deal. Microsoft used these changes to promote PC indirectly.
Microsoft’s Plans Do Not Include Xbox
All of this further cements that Microsoft is no longer interested in maintaining the Xbox platform. It can potentially gain much more from cross-platform sales and Game Pass subscribers, and PC is a much larger market, so providing better features on it only makes sense.
Microsoft’s abandonment of Xbox is practically a done deal now. All of it started when the tech giant started doubling down on its subscription service. It gave away Xbox’s exclusives and released big games on its subscription service rather than counting on normal sales, and this recent change just might be the nail in the coffin.
I understand Microsoft’s desire to pursue something it is confident in, but that doesn’t make the loss of Xbox less painful. Microsoft is potentially abandoning decades of history, all for more profits. Xbox is essentially a hollow shell now.
It’s Sad To See Xbox Go
Instead of looking for an escape route, Microsoft could’ve fought for Xbox’s future. But no, it decided to shift focus, and because it did, Sony is free to control the market and issue ridiculous $700 mid-gen refreshes.
Alas, nothing I say is going to change this. All I know is that I’ll genuinely miss Xbox if Microsoft pulls the plug. I had one hell of a time with my Xbox 360. I’m not happy with Microsoft abandoning it, but that’s the cruel reality.
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
It’s been 7 years since the last Ace Attorney game was released.
In all this time, Capcom has only done re-releases of the series’ past games.
With every entry now remastered and available on modern consoles, it’s about time Capcom released a new Ace Attorney.
Visual novels might not have been trendy worldwide, but they were an important piece of entertainment media for Japanese audiences. In fact, most of the PC games in the late 2000s in Japan were visual novels or similar titles. This unique mode of storytelling with varying degrees of interactivity carries its own charm.
While the genre is particularly niche, it doesn’t mean it didn’t reach the West at all. Games like Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney pioneered its exposure to the world, and Professor Layton further reinforced its popularity. The genre now has a substantial following. And speaking of Ace Attorney, when will Capcom present a new game?
Why it matters: Ace Attorney is a magnificent series that is responsible for popularizing the visual novel genre, but it has only received re-releases lately. A new entry is long overdue.
Ace Attorney, The Charming Legal Drama Everybody Loves
First, let’s discuss visual novels a little. This genre features a complex narrative delivered primarily through texts augmented by animated or static illustrations of characters. Interactivity exists but is generally pretty limited. However, don’t let the minimalistic gameplay fool you, the narrative depth and quality usually more than makeup for it.
Even among visual novels, Ace Attorney is a different breed. Capcom’s legendary simulation of courtroom trials is as enjoyable as it is suspenseful, presenting a nerve-rackingly accurate sensation of being a defense attorney. Looking for missable details, cross-examining witnesses, catching them in a lie, and making their lives hell, it’s an utmost thrill.
Besides, Ace Attorney is not just a minimalistic VN. It lives up to the “adventure” in its genre list by introducing many exciting gameplay mechanics. From the Perceive system to notice people’s says to the rather supernatural-ish Divination Seance that lets you visit memories before death, it’s as much a game as it is a story.
It’s Been Nothing But Re-Releases Lately
Ace Attorney has essentially become a landmark in the visual novel genre alongside Professor Layton. Characters and elements of the series have appeared as collabs and references in many other media. So, the question arises. If the series is so popular, where’s a new game?
Capcom has indeed released titles consistently over the years, but all re-releases. The last mainline game which would be Ace Attorney 6, called Spirit of Justice was a 2016 game, while the last new game was The Great Ace Attorney 2, released back in 2017. It’s been over 7 years without a new title.
Yet there were plenty of remasters and compilations released. First, the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, the first 3 games, originally released in 2012 for phones only was brought back to modern systems in 2019. Next, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles spinoff duology came out in 2021.
The beginning of the re-releases (Image by Steam)
Time passed and 2024 came. I thought now a new game was imminent, but Capcom said “Let me remaster the remaining first.” And so, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, games 4-6 of the main series was released, followed by Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, the second spinoff series.
The entire series is now remastered (Image by Steam)
Where’s Ace Attorney 7, Capcom?
At this point, every game in the Ace Attorney series, including spin-offs, has received a remastered re-release. Well, except for Professor Layton. Don’t take this as a “challenge accepted” Capcom; I don’t want more re-releases. It’s about time for a new game, and you know it.
It’s time for the 7th entry (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Leaks and rumors of a new game have been floating around for quite a long time now. It goes to show just how much fans want a new game in the series. No doubt, bringing these titles back as re-releases ultimately serves as an effective method of preserving them on a modern platform, and I’m all up for it.
But this shouldn’t happen at the cost of a new game. One or two remasters in between regular releases is fine, but when a series goes on for 7 years with nothing but re-releases of old titles, things start feeling a little depressing.
Besides, Capcom is out of games to remaster now. Every entry has successfully been re-released and thus preserved. Now, it’s time for a new one. One that builds upon this legendary saga and is just as fun as what we’ve got so far. As I write this, Capcom has announced a Product trailer for the 29th, so fingers crossed it’s Ace Attorney 7.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
The Californian government is passing a new law that will force companies to admit digital content is merely a license.
Companies that don’t comply could face false advertising charges.
This law is being implemented after Ubisoft revoked access to The Crew purchases a few months back.
Digital gaming has taken over the industry today but has some glaring drawbacks. The most obvious is the issue of licenses, with many fearing for the protection of their digital libraries.
It has long been said that digital purchases can never be equated to proper ownership. Fans have argued that buying digital games is more akin to purchasing a license, and it seems the government agrees.
A new law requires stores to highlight this fact from the beginning, removing the ambiguity that still exists in such purchases.
Why it matters: Companies that refuse to comply with this law will face charges of false advertising.
Ubisoft Recently Delisted The Crew And Took The Game Offline
Californian Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law. This law aims to combat the sudden disappearance of digital purchases, something that has been observed in the gaming industry.
While it won’t prohibit companies from taking down digital content, the law requires stores to refrain from using terms like “buy” or “purchase”unless they also clearly state that customers won’t receive unrestricted access.
This effectively means that stores must clarify that these purchases can be taken away at any point. The law will come into effect next year and is said to be a direct response to Ubisoft’s decision to take The Crew offline.
As retailers continue to pivot from physical media, the need for consumer protection has become increasingly more important.
-Assembly Member From California
Physical Media Isn’t Nearly As Popular As It Used To Be
As stated earlier, The Crew was rendered completely useless earlier this year after Ubisoft removed the game from libraries. Elsewhere, the likes of Marvel’s Avengers and Spec Ops: The Line have been delisted in the past.
These instances show why this law could be so important for the gaming industry moving forward.
Ultimately, this is an attempt at ensuring consumers know what they’re buying with digital content. Companies will still retain the right to take content down at any moment, but the customer will be aware that this can happen.
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
Ubisoft’s value has been recently dropping every day due to failed releases.
Recently, the company revealed that Star Wars Outlaws sales failed to meet expectations.
Due to that, it delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which has caused its stock to drop by over 13% in just a single day.
Ubisoft has become a highly controversial company that has lost many fans over the years. Recent games associated with the name Ubisoft haven’t really clicked with the fans except for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Recently, the company revealed that Star Wars Outlaws failed to meet sales expectations, causing the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. As a result, Ubisoft’s stock plummeted by over 13% in just a single day, which is extremely concerning.
Why it matters: Ubisoft is not in a good condition right now as the investors are also pressuring the company due to poor releases.
Ubisoft Stock Value Has Dropped By A Lot After AC Shadows Delay
In just one day a company losing over 13% worth of its shares is brutal. This is happening because of the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and lower sales of Star Wars Outlaws. At this rate the company might not be able to make a combeback.
However, the board of directors has launched an internal investigation to determine what’s wrong and what needs improvement. Ubisoft has acknowledged the fandom’s feedback and will improve Star Wars Outlaws accordingly.
On the other hand, the gaming giant has also finally decided to release its games on Steam. Hopefully, sales will increase now as the majority of PC gamers prefer to play on Steam.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is The Still Most Controversial Title of 2024
That said, the company’s situation is really grim right now, and we expect it to get even worse. Even after all of this, the CEO has claimed that it isn’t their goal to push any specific agenda when the company has launched some controversial programs.
Even a legal analyst said that Ubisoft was committing something illegal, yet it got away. The CEO also claimed that they want to make games for the broadest possible audience, which doesn’t seem right given the controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The game has been delayed to 2025 and will launch on Steam on day one, but fans are unlikely to forget about the controversy until then.
