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Modern Warfare 3 Set To Join Game Pass On July 24

Story Highlight
  • Modern Warfare 3 is reportedly heading to Game Pass on July 24.
  • The game will not be available for cloud streaming through the service.
  • Season 5 of the game will debut on the same day.

Call of Duty’s arrival on Game Pass has been a long time coming. After investing more than $70 billion to buy Activision Blizzard, Microsoft promised a slew of new games for its subscription service.

Nearly a full year later, fans have been left waiting. However, recent reports suggested that Microsoft would begin its Call of Duty rollout with Modern Warfare 3 later this month. According to another leaker, the game is finally coming later this week.

Why it matters: Modern Warfare 3 will be a taste of Call of Duty on the subscription service. It should also highlight the impact of this IP joining Game Pass.

Call of Duty Xbox Game Pass
Call of Duty Could Change Game Pass Forever

As reported by reliable leaker extas1s, Modern Warfare 3 is scheduled to join the Game Pass catalog on July 24. This information comes after Xbox teased exciting news for the subscription not too long ago.

According to the leaker, the game won’t be available for cloud streaming through the service yet. This will likely require more time as Xbox continues to work with Ubisoft to bring the franchise to everyone around the world.

It is also important to note that unlike Black Ops 6, Modern Warfare 3 will be available on every tier except Game Pass Core. On the other hand, Black Ops 6 will be limited to Game Pass Ultimate and PC once it arrives later this year.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6
Black Ops 6 Could Be The Biggest Game Pass Launch Of All Time

Modern Warfare 3 will also kick off its latest season on July 24. These seasons typically attract new and returning players, so introducing the game to the subscription on the same day could be a great move from Microsoft.

Moreover, the Black Ops 6 beta is set to go live next month. As fans wait for this beta, last year’s Call of Duty entry will be the perfect game to play in preparation for Black Ops 6.

My Hands-On Experience Of The Asus VG27AQ3A

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  • The ASUS TUF VG27AQ3A has a strong build and sleek design, but unlike other ASUS TUF models, it lacks height adjustment and portrait pivot options.
  • The monitor’s relatively low brightness (250 nits) can limit the effectiveness of features like ELMB sync.
  • With a native 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time, this monitor delivers smooth gameplay. However, the ELMB feature significantly reduces brightness, affecting the overall experience.

A good monitor can significantly elevate your gaming experience with immersive visuals and fast response time. So, choosing your monitor wisely is a crucial aspect of your PC setup. Recently, I got my hands on the ASUS TUF VG27AQ3A gaming monitor. Here are my thoughts.

Design And Build Quality

Like its predecessor, VG27AQ1A, it shares the same design for the support bar and stand, which pales compared to some other ASUS TUF variants. For instance, the OG VG27AQ has better adjustment options, as it provides tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments, which enable you to find your ideal viewing position. So, I guess that’s one downside.

Front View
Front View Of The VG27AQ3A (Image by Tech4gamers)

You can tilt it down to 5 degrees and up to 20 degrees, and you can swivel it side to side up to 20 degrees on both sides. Unfortunately, this monitor has no portrait pivot or height adjustment options. However, the stand features an excellent cable management hole, which helps to keep your desk tidy.

Overall, the build quality is good. It features a robust stand and a durable chassis, which ensure reliability in construction, something ASUS is well known for. The design is sleek and functional, with a matte black finish that gives it a professional yet aggressive look.

Display Quality 

Display Quality Of The ASUS VG27AQ3A (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Now, let’s talk a bit about the display quality. As per the specifications, it covers up to 130 percent of the sRGB color space, which is more than enough for most social media and web applications. The only downside in terms of display quality is its relatively low brightness, at around 250 nits, which makes one of its key features almost unusable. I will explain more about that later.

This monitor’s image quality is excellent, especially in a dimmer environment. The colors are vibrant, the contrast and details are good, and the reflections are almost minimal. It features a 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) IPS panel, so viewing angles are outstanding.

Amazing Display of ASUS TUF VG27AQ3A
Amazing Display of ASUS TUF VG27AQ3A (Image by Tech4gamers)

Aside from the lower peak brightness, the display quality is good, especially considering its price. If you need a version of this monitor with a higher peak brightness, check out the ASUS TUF VG27AQL3A, which has the same features but a higher peak brightness rating of 400nits.

Gaming Capabilities

Unlike older TUF gaming monitors, which use overclocking to achieve higher frame rates, it features 180Hz natively, which also means that you can avoid any potential drawbacks of overclocking, like overheating and frame skipping. To be fair to ASUS, this has not been an issue with their monitors even in the past, but still having a higher refresh rate natively is always appreciated.

By default, the color depth at 180Hz is 8 bits, but if you want to take advantage of a higher color depth of 10 bits, you will have to decrease the refresh rate to 120Hz, and it’s totally up to you what you prefer.

Refresh Rate And Response Time

ASUS TUF VG27AQ3A offers you a 1ms GTG response time and a 180 Hz refresh rate, which means you will have a competitive edge over those who use 60 Hz monitors. But how about those who are using 144Hz already? Well, in my honest opinion, moving past 144 or 165Hz, the difference in smoothness is almost unnoticeable, at least based on my experience. Nevertheless, if budget is not an issue, upgrading to a higher refresh rate monitor will never hurt.

Further, this monitor’s response time is 1ms GTG compared to 1ms MPRT for its predecessor VG27AQ1A. Now, as 1ms MPRT is better than 1ms GTG, Asus has a built-in feature called ELMB to compensate for that. It enables you to make your 1ms GTG response time equivalent to 1ms MPRT.

The problem here is that ELMB significantly reduces the screen’s brightness due to the backlight strobing effect. With a mere 250nits brightness on this monitor, enabling this feature heavily affects the overall experience. If you are playing in a dark room, you may not feel that effect as much as when playing with lights on.

My Thoughts

If you are going to get this monitor with the ELMB sync feature in mind as your priority, forget about it. Instead, consider the VG27AQL3A or other higher-brightness ASUS TUF monitors. But if you want to get a bang for your buck gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms Gtg response time, tons of gaming-centric features, and an amazing color-accurate panel, the ASUS TUF VGQ27AQ3A is unbeatable for its price.

Here Are All The Improvements Razer Has Made With The Viper V3 Pro

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  • The Razer Viper V3 Pro makes for a worthy successor to the well-reputed V2 Pro, providing some welcome improvements.
  • The Viper V3 Pro has received a design overhaul, which accommodates more grip types compared to the older V2 Pro.
  • Other changes include a reduced weight of 54 grams, an upgraded Focus Pro 35K Gen 2 sensor, and a slightly different coating.
  • The Hyperspeed dongle is now included in the box with the V3 Pro, allowing users to switch to 8K Hz polling rate.

The gaming mouse industry has been stale, which is why I’ve mostly stopped caring about modern mouse releases. However, one launch that has been on my radar is the Viper V3 Pro, and for good reason. After all, Razer did completely switch up their design language for their 3rd Generation of Viper mice.

While we have already seen the newer design on the standard Viper V3 Hyperspeed, it looks like the Pro variant brings a lot more to the table. Here are all of the improvements Razer has introduced with the mouse.

A Simpler, Cleaner Look

Razer Viper V3 Pro
Razer Viper V3 Pro (Image Via DiamondLobby Reviews)

Let’s get the biggest and the most obvious change out of the way first: the revamped design. It seems to me that Razer has finally moved away from the striking angular design the Viper series was known for, now shifting to something that’s a lot more common on most other gaming mice these days.

With the aggressive design now gone, the Viper V3 Pro comes with an increased height, a slightly more pronounced hump, as well as less-angled curves on both sides. The gap on the side buttons also seems to have increased, which is a minor change compared to the rest its design.

If I had to pick the Razer Viper V3 Pro’s closest competitor in terms of its shape, then it’d have to be the G Pro X Superlight. Of course, there’s a lot that Razer does differently here, but it’s clear to me that they are targeting the same users who might be interested in getting something shaped like a Superlight.

Other design changes include a slightly different coating that’s more grippy and larger mouse feet, which cover a decent chunk of the mouse’s bottom.

Personally, the design does seem a lot more bland when compared to previous offerings in the Viper lineup, but there’s no denying that this will appeal to a wider audience, which is exactly what Razer might be aiming for.

Solid Performance Upgrades

WOOTING 60 HE+ With Razer Viper V2 Pro
WOOTING 60HE+ With Razer Viper V2 Pro (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Performance upgrades are always a welcome addition to top-tier mice such as this one. After all, if you are going to pay a premium for a gaming mouse, then getting all of the bells and whistles along with it is a must.

The most obvious among these upgrades is the sensor change to the Razer Focus Pro 35K Gen 2 sensor, which, as the name suggests, goes up to a whopping 35K DPI while also providing a sensor accuracy of 99.8%. That essentially means that performance discrepancies on the Viper V3 Pro are almost going to be nonexistent.

In addition to that, the weight has also dropped down to 54 grams, a 4-gram reduction from the previous generation Viper V2 Pro. Razer has also decided to include the Hyperspeed wireless Dongle inside the box with the V3 Pro, meaning you won’t have to spend an extra $120 to get the 8K Hz functionality.

Of course, most casual gamers might not even notice the jump from 4000 Hz to 8000 Hz; however, it is still a nice addition, especially considering the premium you have to pay to obtain the 8K Hz dongle separately.

Massive Improvements At A Premium

So, Razer has opted for a much simpler design with the V3 Pro while also including sensor upgrades, a better coating, and upgraded mouse feet. As I mentioned previously, the mouse also gets bundled with the Hyperspeed Dongle, allowing you to take advantage of the 8K Hz Polling Rate right out of the box.

All of that is of course going to come at a premium, and while its price tag is mostly in line with the competition, it is still fairly high for a gaming mouse. Having said that, considering the features it comes with, it’s safe to say that you are not going to regret purchasing the mouse, even at this price. 

Studios Need To Have More Faith In Live Service Games, Says Dev

Story Highlight
  • While many believe live service games are unsustainable, the Warframe boss has a different opinion.
  • He says that massive publishers turn away too soon from the genre and don’t have enough faith in their titles.
  • He urges teams to stick with their work for longer.

Everyone has a different opinion on live service titles. While most publishers believe the genre is not sustainable and only works when done right, others are in favor of live-service gaming.

Not too long ago, the former Halo lead defended the genre, stating that such titles are better than single-player games. Now, the Warframe boss has also shared a similar opinion, stating that publishers move away from the genre too soon.

Why it matters: Live service gaming is still the most successful in the modern era. Over 73% of all the time spent on video games was based on this genre last year.

Live Service Games
Live Service Games Have Seen Great Success Over The Past Few Years

During a recent interview with VGC, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair talked about the genre, stating that publishers and developers should have more faith in their releases.

He discussed how big publishers abandon their games soon after a poor launch, thinking they won’t do great despite spending years on their development.

It comes out, doesn’t work and they throw it away.

-Steve Sinclair

He explained that publishers are terrified because the operating cost of live service titles is high, and they back off way too soon. This leads to many games being unable to realize their full potential.

We’ve seen this with amazing releases that I  think have massive potential.

-Steve Sinclair

Live Service
Live Service Titles Are Quite Risky For Studios Today

There is truth to Steve Sinclair’s words since various live-service titles have found success later down the line. For instance, Battlefield 2042 saw a notable resurgence after suffering from a poor release.

On the other hand, several examples also show that recovering from such a launch can be very challenging.

Nonetheless, most developers remain interested in exploring the genre. It was recently reported that 95% of developers are currently experimenting in the live service genre despite the high risk.

AMD RDNA 4 GPUs To Debut Several New Ray Tracing Features

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  • AMD is improving its ray tracing engine for RDNA 4 GPUs, which is expected to debut with the PS5 Pro and Radeon RX 8000 series.
  • AMD aims to improve efficiency and ray tracing performance against Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series, focusing on differentiating strengths.
  • The flagship Navi 48 GPU is expected at CES 2025, with Navi 44 in Q2 2025.

While AMD is still working on its next-generation RDNA 4 GPU design, leaks have pointed to an improved ray tracing engine for the GPU series, which will be compatible with the PS5 Pro console and graphics cards from the Radeon RX 8000 series.

There have been earlier reports that the ray tracing engine in AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs would undergo significant modifications. The PS5 Pro and Radeon RX 8000 graphics cards will be powered by GPUs with these improved RT blocks.

Why it matters: AMD has historically struggled with ray tracing despite efforts to improve in this department. If the RDNA 4 can make major leaps, AMD will be closer to competing with Nvidia than it has been in recent years.

View post on imgur.com

According to leaker Kepler, the PS5 Pro console will host “most, if not all,” of the new RT features offered with RDNA 4. Some of the features listed by the leaker include:

  • RT instance node transform
  • 64B RT node
  • Double Ray Tracing Intersection Engine

The other improvements can be seen in the document shared by Kepler.

Given that Nvidia’s Blackwell-based GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, such as the GeForce RTX 5090 and GeForce RTX 5080, are next-generation performance titans, AMD may not be able to compete with these GPUs.

That being said, it is encouraging to see AMD making strides in this department. A focus on performance and efficiency for RDNA 4’s ray tracing should prove to be quite useful, especially with modern games relying on this technology. AMD may have a competitive advantage with these latest RDNA 4 GPU modifications.

The flagship Navi 48 GPU is anticipated to debut at CES 2025 in January 2025, and the Navi 44 GPU is anticipated to debut in Q2 2025. As a result, AMD will likely launch RDNA 4 GPUs by 2025.

However, the PS5 Pro is expected in late 2024. Therefore, those looking to get an early look at RDNA 4 should anticipate this console’s release.

FromSoftware Voted Best Game Developer Of The Industry

Story Highlight
  • Many developers make quality games for fans to enjoy.
  • FromSoftware is one of them and has been picked as the fan favorite on social media.
  • Other developers that were rated highly include Rockstar, CDPR, and Larian Studios.

Creating games has become extremely complicated, with all games being riddled with problems on release. Various developers have struggled to keep up with modern demands, falling short in one area or another.

However, some teams can still reliably offer high-quality experiences without fail. Rockstar, CDPR, Naughty Dog, FromSoftware, Remedy Entertainment, and Larian are some of the most famous ones. However, one of them stands out as the best.

According to the fans, that privilege goes to none other than FromSoftware.

Why it matters: FromSoftware is the only studio that has managed to make two GOTY award-winning games since The Game Awards began in 2014.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Anime
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Was The First FromSoftware Game to Win GOTY

The Game Awards’ official Twitter page posted a tweet asking fans about their favorite game development studios. Unsurprisingly, FromSoftware was mentioned in many of the replies, including the most-liked one.

The other studios that often showed up included CDPR, Remedy Entertainment, Naughty Dog, Larian, and Playground Games. All of these teams have multiple big games to their names, including Game of The Year winners like Baldur’s Gate 3.

However, it is hard to deny FromSoftware as the clear winner in this instance. Over the last decade, the studio has released five incredible games. Elden Ring also propelled the team to new heights after winning Game of the Year and selling millions of copies.

Much of this success can be credited to Hidetaka Miyazaki. His unique approach to game design has made Dark Souls and Elden Ring a hallmark of the industry, spawning an entire genre.

Elden Ring
Elden Ring Introduced A Massive New Audience To FromSoftware

Games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Armored Core 6 also highlight the fact that FromSoftware is far from a one-trick pony. Its ability to produce different types of combat systems and gameplay scenarios without sacrificing the quality makes it one of the finest teams in the industry right now.

All in all, it might not be wrong to put FromSoftware above the rest. The studio’s games certainly aren’t for everyone, but the sheer quality on display has meant that audiences are willing to ignore the challenging nature to discover what makes them so special.

Xbox Game Pass Has Now Lost Its Main Selling Point

Story Highlight
  • Xbox Game Pass Standard subscribers don’t have day-one access to new games, a feature that was Microsoft’s main selling point for the subscription.
  • The price hike and removal of key features could alienate Microsoft’s loyal consumers.
  • The increased cost adds to the financial burden for consumers who already pay for multiple subscriptions.

Xbox Game Pass, once dubbed “Netflix for games,” has taken a substantial hit with its recent price hikes and restructuring. With price hikes and the removal of key features, many are left wondering if the service is still the unbeatable deal it once was.

Once a great deal for gamers, providing unmatched access to new releases on day one, it now appears to be losing its main selling point. Moreover, this won’t be the last time we see a price hike.

Analysts predict Xbox’s subscription service might become more expensive in the future. Lower tiers might also come with ads, which doesn’t look good for Xbox.

Why it matters: The changes have raised doubts about whether Xbox Game Pass can still deliver on its initial promise as a budget-friendly, all-inclusive gaming solution.

Changes to Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass Tier System
Xbox Game Pass new tier system | Image via Klobrille.

Xbox has introduced major changes to its subscription service. These updates include new tiers, adjusted prices, and rules that might confuse many users.

Game Pass Ultimate, the top-tier option, now costs $20 per month, up from $17. It includes access to games on console and PC, EA Play, cloud streaming, and day-one access to new Xbox AAA releases.

The $11 console tier, which gave players access to the console library and day-one Xbox exclusives, is now being replaced by Xbox Game Pass Standard. This new tier, priced at $15, does not include day-one access to new AAA titles.

The timing of these changes is particularly noteworthy. Amid recent layoffs and studio closures, and with highly anticipated releases like Call of Duty Black Ops 6 on the horizon, the decision to raise prices and reorganize carries significant risk.

The Loss of Day-One Exclusives

Xbox Games Showcase 2024 Game Pass Day One
Several new titles from Xbox Showcase will come to Game Pass on day one, but only for Ultimate tier subscribers.

Xbox’s subscription used to stand out because it included day-one access to new games from studios like Bethesda and Ninja Theory.

Now, this perk is limited to the Ultimate tier only. This change removes a key feature that made the service so appealing, leaving Standard tier subscribers without the immediate access they once enjoyed.

The loss of day-one exclusives is a deal breaker for me. I enjoyed titles like Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, and Hellblade 2 day one on Game Pass, making the service much more valuable than I initially anticipated.

The addition of multiple tiers has made the subscription more complex. Core, for $9.99 a month, offers a smaller game selection and online multiplayer. Standard, priced at $14.99, gives access to a larger library but without day-one exclusives.

Ultimate combines all features, though at a higher cost. Consumers may find it more confusing to know what they’re getting with each tier and which one best fits their needs. In my opinion, this more complex setup will overshadow the simplicity and broad appeal of the original tier system.

Testing Customer Loyalty

Call of Duty Black Ops 6
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 will be playable at launch on Game Pass.

Xbox continues its trend of complicating subscription options, and this recent overhaul only adds to the confusion. With price hikes and the removal of key features, Xbox runs the risk of disappointing its loyal fanbase.

The original charm of this service – affordable access to a huge game library and day-one titles – is getting lost in complex tier systems and confusing communication. These changes probably stem from Game Pass numbers leveling off.

Despite launching major exclusives like Starfield and Hellblade 2, Xbox hasn’t seen the growth it expected. Increasing prices might look like a way to make more revenue, but it risks taking advantage of Microsoft’s most loyal customers.

Asking $20 a month to keep the core Game Pass benefits could make it less appealing to a broader audience.

It might become a choice mainly for hardcore gamers who see the value in keeping their subscriptions year-round, while more casual players could switch to cheaper options or cancel altogether.

As subscription services become more common and expensive, the cost of Xbox Game Pass changes adds to the financial strain. Consumers who already pay for multiple entertainment and software subscriptions might struggle to justify the higher price, especially with competitors like PlayStation Plus vying for their attention and money.

Fable Has Made 2025 Way More Exciting For Me

Story Highlight
  • 2024 is over halfway done, and 2025 is already shaping up to be the biggest year for gaming.
  • While there was plenty of reason to be excited, Fable is also returning after over a decade next year.
  • The latest trailer for the game looks incredible, hinting at a strong return to form for the IP.

2025 is shaping up to be another huge year for gaming, full of incredibly exciting experiences. Games like GTA 6 and Death Stranding 2 had already created so much hype, but after the Xbox Games Showcase, there’s even more to anticipate.

Games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Fable will be released in 2025, making an already solid year for gaming even better. While I am quite excited about multiple titles, Fable is the main highlight for me.

The launch of this RPG in 2025 has made the year much more exciting, and I am looking forward to it.

Why it matters: Fable has always been a renowned RPG series, and its absence from the market has left a major gap since no other RPG provides quite the same experience.

Gaming In 2025
Gaming Looks Solid In 2025 | Image via Tech4Gamers

An Already Solid Year For Gaming

Even if Microsoft had not hosted an incredible showcase last month, I am pretty sure next year would have already been a solid one for gaming. However, Microsoft exceeded everyone’s expectations with its marvelous showcase, and the year is more exciting than ever.

Doom: The Dark Ages is set to release in 2025. Rumors also suggest Gear of War: E-Day could arrive next year, in addition to State of Decay 3. There are over 100 games already confirmed for 2025, so there is already enough reason to be excited. 

Let’s not forget that GTA 6, arguably the most anticipated game of all time, is set to release next year, too. Everyone wants to avoid a clash with this game in 2025 for obvious reasons. All in all, there’s so much to look forward to.

I know most people are looking forward to a game like GTA 6 or Doom: The Dark Ages the most. However, Fable holds a special place for me as one of my all-time favorites, so its arrival in 2025 has given me just one more reason to look forward to 2025.

Fable
Fable Has The Potential To Be One Of This Generation’s Best RPGs

Fable As A Franchise

Fable debuted back in 2004, and the last one was released in 2010. So, it has been way over a decade since we played a new game from the series. Having been a fan of this franchise, I longed for a new entry, and it seems like my wishes came true.

Microsoft finally announced a new entry in July 2020, and I still remember the thrills I felt that day. Since then, the anticipation has only grown, and Microsoft’s decision to keep the game under wraps until recently has helped increase the buzz.

To me, Fable has always been about a journey of constant growth and progression. The series prioritizes decision-making and change as primary themes, with players turning into grand heroes by the end.

Unique mechanics like the morphing system further reflect these traits, portraying a sense of evolution rarely seen in other RPGs. How many RPGs have your character’s physique changing based on their diet and actions?

Elsewhere, combat has always been a highlight of the series, with well-animated and satisfying melee attacks, spells, and abilities coming together for deeper-than-expected battle systems.

Fable’s story was also very interesting since it often balanced dark and humorous themes so masterfully. Even when complex subjects were tackled, the franchise never leaned too far in one direction. As a huge fan, I can’t wait to see how Playground Games evolves from here.

Trust In Playground Games

Fable’s recent trailer has topped all my expectations, and I am extremely excited about the franchise. The graphics and animations seem top-notch, and Playground Games seems to be capturing the IP’s humor with unparalleled precision.

I would also point to Playground Games’ track record here. The studio has constantly delivered, even if it has been limited to the Forza Horizon franchise in the past. Looking at its latest releases, I am filled with nothing but confidence.

There isn’t much to say about recent trailers so far, but the tone and combat look promising so far. Similarly, Playground Games’ take on Albion shows a lot of heart, even if it leans toward a photorealistic style compared to the more stylized aesthetic of prior games.

The fact that Fable is already portraying legendary British humor so well gives me a reason to have high hopes. If this reboot can nail everything else in a similar manner, we are in for a huge treat next year.

Japanese Historian Defends Yasuke And Says He Was A Samurai

Story Highlight
  • Yasuke, one of the main characters of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has been highly criticized.
  • Many believe he was not a samurai, and reports indicate that Thomas Lockley fabricated information about his life.
  • However, a Japanese historian has defended the black samurai by saying he served Oda Nobunaga. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the hottest topic right now in the gaming industry. Recently, the game faced criticism after the developer confirmed LGBTQ relationships.

Shortly after, it was reported that Thomas Lockley fabricated Yasuke’s story, which led to a major problem in Japan. However, another Japanese historian has chimed in, claiming that Yasuke was indeed a samurai.

Why it matters: The historian’s latest statement has sparked another debate about Yasuke’s status as a samurai. The character remains a hot topic ahead of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ release in November.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Has Been Surrounded By Controversy Ever Since Its Announcement

A Japanese historian, Yu Hirayama, defends Yasuke and says that he was an actual black samurai at that time. He also says that very few documents talk about him, but there is no doubt that he was a samurai who served Nobunaga.

For reference, Yu Hirayam specializes in historical research of the many historical Japanese eras. This gives his opinions more weight than most, adding a new element to the whole controversy around Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

There’s no doubt that he was a “samurai” who served Nobunaga.

-Yu Hirayama

Hirayama clearly stated that Yasuke was a samurai and was promoted to the rank of samurai. He also discussed the various requirements that make one a samurai.

According to Hirayama, Nobunaga gave Yasuke a Stipend and a house. He also received a sword. Hirayam says that Yasuke served Nobunaga closely, and the Stipend title proves that they were both masters and servants.

However, Yasuke was more than a servant since he was allowed to carry a sword. Back then, servants weren’t allowed to carry swords, but Yasuke was an exception, and he was given a house.

So, Yu Hirayama concluded that Yasuke was indeed a samurai who served the legendary Oda Nobunaga.

He also states that Yasuke wasn’t killed because the Akechi did not recognize him as a samurai. However, this seems to have been an instance of discrimination against the black samurai.

As the story continues to develop, author Thomas Lockley is still being accused of spreading false information in his book. Therefore, many are still confused about the situation.

Capcom Wants To Make Another Marvel vs Capcom Game

Story Highlight
  • Capcom confirms that it is still interested in Marvel vs Capcom.
  • The team also states that Marvel knows this series has a huge community.
  • The studio is hoping to revive the legacy games as it works toward the potential dream of a brand new entry.

Very few studios can rival Capcom’s legacy in fighting games. Apart from the legendary Street Fighter IP, the publisher has various crossover games to its name, positioning the studio as one of the biggest in fighting game history.

Last year, Capcom released Street Fighter 6 to an incredible reception. Millions played the latest iteration of this entry, thanks to an incredibly strong game from the very beginning. The team has now set its sights on another franchise, expressing interest in revisiting Marvel vs Capcom.

Why it matters: The series has not received a new entry since 2017’s Marvel vs Capcom Infinite failed to live up to its predecessor.

Speaking to Dexerto, the producer of Marvel vs Capcom’s recently released classic collection confirmed that the team still wants to create something new for the IP.

According to his statement, the team has big dreams to fulfill. Both Capcom and Marvel are still aware of the attention this series commands, with Marvel vs Capcom 3 staying relevant as one of the fighting game community’s favorite titles.

For reference, this game was Evo’s fourth biggest by number of entrants last year, beating highly popular titles like Mortal Kombat 11 and Dragon Ball FighterZ. The producer stated that there are multiple things Capcom wants to do for this IP.

The development team has big dreams. Maybe there is an opportunity for a new Marvel vs Capcom game.

-Shuhei Matsumoto

Marvel vs Capcom 3
Marvel vs Capcom 3 Features A Huge Roster

Shuhei Matsumoto admits that any plans to revive the series would take time to fulfill. However, the studio is currently focused on doing what it can. This is why the recently announced collection has taken up everyone’s attention.

For those interested in Marvel vs Capcom, the franchise still has a thriving community. Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 has become the entry of choice for the community, with various mods being released in recent years to support the game.

With Capcom opening up the possibility of another entry, fans will be glad to know that the studio hasn’t given up on this series.

God of War Creator Says Concord Character Designs Are Horrible

Story Highlight
  • Concord’s open beta was recently released to mixed reception.
  • The creator of God of War also played the game and heavily criticized its character designs.
  • On the other hand, he praised the overall gameplay.

Concord is PlayStation’s latest live service title. While the game was recently launched in open beta, it has peaked at around 3K players only, and most seem to be already moving on.

Following the beta, audiences have shared their opinions on the hero shooter. The creator of God of War also joined the discussion, and he had a few harsh words to share about Firewalk Studios’ character designs.

Why it matters: Concord is a huge release for Sony as it continues to explore live-service gaming. However, all signs currently point to a complete failure from the gaming giant.

Concord
Fans Believe Concord Offers The Most Generic Hero Shooter Experience

David Jaffe has recently played a few Concord matches and shared his first impressions on Twitter. Using an image of the victory screen, he has criticized the game’s character designs, calling them a disaster.

Fu****g HATE the character designs in this game. What a disaster.

-David Jaffe

However, he states that the gameplay is really fun.

While his opinions are typically different from the majority, it looks like fans agree with David Jaffe in this regard. Most Concord players in the comments share similar opinions, stating that the character designs indeed look horrible and generic.

They look like someone hit the randomize button on a character creator.

– Venom Johan

Concord
Concord’s gameplay trailer focused on standard multiplayer aspects and offered nothing new.

Concord has faced an uphill battle ever since its first reveal. The game has constantly been compared to Overwatch and Guardians of The Galaxy since it struggles to find a separate identity.

While it remains to be seen how the hero shooter will perform at launch, the current reactions are quite concerning.

Live service titles already face so many challenges in the market that success is never guaranteed. Concord is facing more challenges than most games, making its situation even worse.

Game Pass To Achieve $5.5 Billion Revenue By 2025, Says Analyst

Story Highlight
  • Xbox has increased Game Pass prices following the Activision merger.
  • Analysts say this change will net a 200% revenue increase for the gaming giant’s subscription by 2025.
  • The average revenue from each user is estimated to rise by up to 35% by then.

Xbox is doing its best to make Game Pass a sustainable source of revenue for the future. While the service has no shortage of AAA titles, it hasn’t been able to avoid the plateau that such subscriptions eventually run into.

Following these problems and the Activision merger, Xbox raised Game Pass prices last week. According to analysts, this won’t be the last price hike, but these measures will lead to the service generating $5.5 billion next year.

Why it matters: Microsoft no longer relies on console sales alone to generate revenue. As such, Game Pass has become even more important for the gaming giant.

Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass Offers A Huge Library Of Games

Following the recent price hike, Ampere Analysis’ head of research, Piers Harding-Rolls, gave an interesting prediction regarding Microsoft’s revenue forecasts. According to his analysis, Game Pass revenue is expected to rise to a whopping 5.1 billion by 2025.

To put things into perspective, the service made up to 1.7 billion in 2022. This figure comes from Phil Spencer, who stated that Game Pass accounts for about 10-15% of Xbox’s annual revenue.

According to the analyst, Game Pass Ultimate’s price hike will be the catalyst for this growth. In total, Microsoft would see its revenue going by more than 200% compared to 2022.

Following the changes, Game Pass Ultimate is the undisputed best deal on consoles. Whether it be for day-one games or online access, this tier offers the best bang for your buck.

Meanwhile, Game Pass on PC remains the best deal overall. However, this tier has seen a price hike of its own.

Xbox Gamepass
Activision Blizzard Will Add New Value To Game Pass

As per the analyst, consumer spending on the service will grow by up to 15.3% in 2025. A smaller increase of 5.4% is expected this year.

Nonetheless, Game Pass seems to be heading toward a major turning point. The library in 2025 seems like Xbox’s best first-party output in years, so the service should be able to reap the benefits of several years of planning soon.