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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Cyberpunk 2077’s disastrous launch is still a source of motivation for CDPR.
The developer does not aim to make the same mistake with the sequel.
CDPR is constantly thinking about its past mistakes and ways to avoid them in the future.
Cyberpunk 2077 was far from a great RPG at launch. The game was undoubtedly a mess, but the developers didn’t let the poor release stop them. Now, looking at the game, it’s completely unrecognizable.
Fans have even gone as far as claiming that it would have 100% won GOTY if it were released like this. This seems reasonable, as the reception of Cyberpunk 2077 is completely different today.
Because of all the events that transpired over the last few years, CDPR is now focused on avoiding the same mistakes for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel.
Why it matters: Phantom Liberty taught the developer many important lessons and served as a source of redemption. Its newfound confidence should lead to a much better sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Comeback Will Go Down In History As One Of The Most Iconic
This statement comes from the developer leading the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. Associate Game Director Pawel Sasko recently spoke to Dexetro about the game. He confirms that CDPR is constantly thinking about its poor release from 2020.
This is mainly because CDPR does not intend to let fans down for the second time. As Pawel Sasko puts it, the studio wants to make things right with the sequel.
To make sure we are not repeating any mistakes is something that is very much in our minds.
-Pawel Sasko
He also explained that the team has learned a lot of lessons after failing with Cyberpunk 2077. Therefore, CDPR is no longer the same studio that it used to be. Pawel Sasko hopes this growth will be reflected in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Disastrous Launch Has Served As The Best Source of Motivation For The Studio
Cyberpunk 2077 seems to have been an eye-opener for the developer, serving as the motivation everyone needed all along.
Because of how poorly received this game was, it’s unlikely that CDPR will ever forget about it. However, this isn’t necessarily bad since Sasko claims that the studio is now trying to make the best games in the world.
He says that this has always been the big goal, and it always will be. According to him, the consumers should be happy with their games. The sequel previously promised to merge film and game, highlighting just how ambitious the developer is for the Cyberpunk IP.
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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Xbox Game Pass has become controversial due to a recent price hike.
Analysts have predicted that another price hike is inevitable.
They also believe that Xbox is likely to add commercials to the subscription.
Recently, Xbox Game Pass underwent massive changes, and fans do not like it. The service is more confusing than ever, and many believe it has lost its biggest edge. With Call of Duty coming to the service, Xbox wants to maximize its revenue.
That seems to be a huge reason behind the new prices and removal of day-one releases from the base tier. With day-one games now limited to the Ultimate tier, analysts believe even more price hikes are inbound.
They also believe thegaming giant will incorporate ads in the service in the future.
Why it matters: Publishers like EA have previously shown interest in using ads to maximize gaming revenue. Therefore, this is certainly something Microsoft would also want to do.
Call of Duty May Have Played A Role In The Xbox Game Pass Price Hike
IGN has discussed analyst opinions on the price hike and what Xbox can do to improve its revenue further. First and foremost, analysts agree that this price hike was inevitable and that more are coming.
Therefore, fans should be ready for another price hike. However, another reliable analyst has claimed that there is more to it. He thinks that commercials will soon be added to the subscription service, which fans may not like too much.
According to Joost Van Dreunen, these ads will gradually settle into the service and eventually become the norm. The analyst believes these commercials will then start appearing in the games themselves.
The Recent Price Hike Has Caused So Much Confusion Among Fans
If this approach succeeds, they could be implemented in the loading screens, with Microsoft pursuing even more advanced advertisements. Imagine dying to a boss repeatedly and coming back to the same ad again and again.
We can already see fans disliking a future where this trend is the norm.
Previously, Capcom experimented with ads in Street Fighter 5. While they could be turned off, the implementation highlighted a future where publishers could benefit from in-game commercials.
Whatever Microsoft does next, another price hike seems inevitable, so fans should not be surprised if Xbox Game Pass is more expensive by 2025. Due to the recent price hike, many fans have stacked 13 months’ worth of Game Pass from CDKeys at a discount.
This seems to be a great decision for the time being.
At Tech4Gamers, I streamline helpful guides from my personal experience, ensuring swift resolutions for your PC or gaming console. My expertise extends to crafting beginner-friendly How-To Guides for everyday tech devices. Let’s get you back to gaming without delays!
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Mobile game ads have become so annoying that users often prefer deleting the game rather than enduring these unskippable, gross ads.
Some ads promote fake games, depict violence, and are inappropriate for children.
Prevent in-game ads by disabling WiFi connection, enabling Airplane Mode, or paying for Premium membership.
Are you annoyed by the irrelevant and cringe ads that come between your mobile games? We are all on the same page. Why am I forced to watch these mobile game ads for at least 5 or 10 seconds, with some games not even allowing me to skip them?
Ads In Mobile Games
Ads are the easiest and one of the most profitable ways for developers to earn money from a game. These days, even the most basic games like Ball Blast, which previously supported offline gameplay, require an internet connection for the game to proceed.
To some extent, in-game ads make sense because they are a source of income for the game developers. From a player’s perspective, I am bombarded with useless ads instead of being able to enjoy these fun games.
Another strategy to increase ad viewership is to provide incentives by watching ads. Most games offer extra coins, power-ups, and customizations after watching an ad lasting anywhere between 30 seconds to a minute. Incentivized ads, like those in 8 Ball Pool, are mainly optional.
Speed Up The Mystery Box Timer By Watching An Ad (Image By Tech4Gamers)
How They Ruined My Favorite Games
For me, Ball Blast was the best source of entertainment during boring moments, especially when I was outside without internet access. Unfortunately, the game had to go from my phone because of this terrible update.
Other games that I adored, like World Cricket Championship 2, now force me to watch an entire ad to unlock cricket stadiums. Watching an ad before every game is the only way I can proceed to the cricketing gameplay apart from purchasing it with real money. It became so frustrating that I got rid of the game.
Moreover, they are so repetitive. I get the same ad at least thrice in a 10-minute gameplay, and it gets very annoying. Puzzle games, such as Brain Test, show a dead-long ad after every 2 or 3 levels, which becomes a legitimate source of distraction and disrupts the gaming flow. Some games even have banner ads on the edges, ruining visual appeal and taking up screen space.
Banner Ads Ruin The Game Appeal (Image By Tech4Gamers)
So, let’s be honest: mandatory ads are the worst thing to happen in the world of gaming. No matter how much I enjoy the game, I will quit immediately rather than be coerced into watching an unskippable ad for minutes.
Inappropriate Ads
Not only this, but some of them are even demos and trailers for games that don’t even exist on the internet. Fake game ads are highly misleading and might even redirect users toward harmful websites or content.
Additionally, some mobile game ads contain adult themes, bloodshed, and violence, which are extremely inappropriate for children. Ads in children’s games can expose them to unethical content, so parents should remain vigilant.
I think optional ads that offer in-game incentives are better and more bearable because the choice to watch them is in my hands. This is a better approach to mobile game ads than forcibly making us sit through a 30-second ad, which is a plain waste of time.
Optional Ad To Earn Extra Life (Image By Tech4Gamers)
While I understand that ads are necessary for developers to earn revenue from their games, forcing us to watch long ads after every few levels is excessive.
Is There A Way To Block Ads?
You can remove the pestering ads by purchasing or subscribing to Premium plans within the game. Personally, I would rather delete the game than spend money to eliminate ads.
Remove Ads In Premium (Image By Tech4Gamers)
On the other hand, AdBlockers are a free way to block unwanted in-game ads. For games that support offline gameplay, I turn off the WiFi on my device to prevent ads. Enabling the Airplane Mode also effectively stops them.
Tired of watching these ridiculous ads, fans are leaving negative reviews and ratings on the game stores. And I agree with them a hundred percent. All in all, the developers need to seriously consider how excessive in-game ads adversely affect the ratings of an otherwise well-made game.
At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.
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Mastering Valorant requires understanding your Agent’s abilities and how to use them effectively.
Valorant has higher APM gameplay than CS2, where you constantly manage abilities on top of aiming and strategizing.
Valorant focuses on a precise aim, whereas CS2 focuses on spray, which is significantly easier than the former.
I love a good tactical shooter. Putting my aim to the test, strategizing with my team, andthat rush of adrenaline when the clutch round comes down to the wire. But lately, I’ve been feeling lost in the world of Valorant.
While I spent years climbing the ranks in CSGO and having played the new CS2, Valorant feels like another beast and, honestly, a much harder one to master. Mastering Valorant requires a different kind of sweat compared to its tactical rival.
Why it matters: Valorant might be harder than CS2 because Valorant’s ability-focused gameplay and precise aiming create a distinct tactical challenge that requires a different skill set to master.
The Agent Factor
The first and most obvious difference is the presence of Agents in Valorant. These agents add a whole new layer to the gameplay with their unique and distinct abilities. While CS2 focuses purely on raw gun skill and map knowledge, Valorant throws in different kinds of smoke walls, teleports, recon drones, dogs, and especially Ultimates that can shift the round in your favor. These abilities change entirely how rounds play out.
All Agents In Valorant – Image by Tech4Gamers
In CS2, you can master the spray patterns of crucial weapons, such as AK47 and M4A4, and be good to go. In Valorant, mastering an Agent involves understanding their abilities and how they interact with the environment, enemy abilities, and, most importantly, with your teammates’ picks. It’s a constant mental puzzle, figuring out how to use your abilities effectively while anticipating the enemy’s setups.
Outsmarting, Not Just Outgunning
This Agent system also alters Valorant’s tactical approach. In CS2, you can rely on smokes and molotovs to execute a site. In Valorant, enemy Agents might have ways to counter those smokes, requiring on-the-fly adjustments and mind games. It’s a battle of outsmarting your opponents rather than outgunning them.
Take, for example, a simple smoke grenade thrown to block a common enemy entry point in CS2. Effective, sure, but predictable. In Valorant, an enemy Viper might have a Poison Cloud and Snakebite to stop your push completely.
However, Jett can easily updraft and dash into the site and kill Viper. Similarly, Yoru can teleport to the back of the site, catching enemies off-guard. This use of abilities adds another layer of complexity to mastering tactics in Valorant.
The High APM Dance
Another aspect that makes Valorant feel harder for me is the number of actions per minute (APM) required. In CS2, your focus is primarily on aiming, firing, and occasionally throwing a grenade. In Valorant, you’re constantly managing your abilities, thinking about when to use them to set up your teammates for success, all while keeping an eye on enemy positions and your crosshair placement.
Don’t get me wrong, mastering high APM can be rewarding. Pulling off a well-coordinated execution with your team, utilizing abilities to create openings and secure kills, feels fantastic. But it also means that the learning curve for Valorant feels steeper. There’s simply more to keep track of and master to excel truly.
The Aiming Phenomenon
Even the act of aiming feels different in Valorant. While CS2 focuses on mastering spray patterns to control the recoil of rifles, Valorant’s weapon mechanics often focus on first-shot accuracy.
Valorant’s Vandal Spray Is More Erratic Than CS2’s AK47 – Image from WIN.gg
The Vandal, for instance, boasts excellent damage but punishes missed opening shots with an unstable spray. This pushes players towards prioritizing precise aim and headshot attempts, making raw gun skill feel less forgiving in Valorant compared to the spray-centric approach of CS2.
Is Valorant harder than CS2? In my experience, absolutely. While the core principles of aiming and map control remain, the Agent system, the tactical mind games, and the high APM gameplay create a steeper learning curve and a different kind of challenge. It’s less about pure gun mastery and more about mastering the interplay of abilities, tactics, and teamwork.
But that’s also what makes Valorant so intriguing. It’s a constant learning process, pushing you to think creatively and adapt your strategies. While I might whiff a few more shots in Valorant compared to CS2, the satisfaction of pulling off a well-coordinated play with my Agent makes the climb all the more rewarding.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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The Gravity Rush creator recently discussed Japan Studio’s closure.
He states that Sony wanted big-budget games from the developer, but the team was interested in unique games.
This seems to have been the reason behind the studio’s eventual closure in 2021.
The team behind Gravity Rush was once one of PlayStation’s most renowned studios. Japan Studio was known for delivering various high-profile IPs for PlayStation, but the team was eventually closed down in 2021.
Reflecting on this closure, Gravity Rush creator Keiichiro Toyama recently highlighted a major reason for Japan Studio’s decline. He outlined that PlayStation wanted big-budget games from the team despite the studio’s knack for more creative and experimental releases.
Why it matters: PlayStation has recently been criticized for playing it too safe with some of its games. This is partly because of the big budget and risks associated with AAA gaming.
Gravity Rush Was One Of PlayStation’s Biggest IPs A Few Years Back
Speaking to VGC, Keiichiro Toyama explained that he does not necessarily need big budgets to deliver great games. However, PlayStation may not have been fond of such projects.
He highlighted that Sony envisioned a future similar to its other big teams for Japan Studio.
There was an increasing incentive to make more highly budgeted games.
-Keiichiro Toyama
The developer eventually went on to form his own independent studio, and he believes this decision has been for the better. Keiichiro Toyama says that he can now make games to express himself better.
Ultimately, it sounds like Japan Studio closed down due to different visions. PlayStation’s fixation on creating high-profile games has become a problem for the gaming giant lately, resulting in a mostly barren first-party lineup this year.
Budgets growing out of control are also becoming an industry-wide problem, so Keiichiro Toyama’s approach is a breath of fresh air.
The Gravity Rush creator is currently working on Slitterhead, a brand-new horror game. Another one of his IPs, Silent Hill, is also set to make a comeback with Konami’s remake later this year.
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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AMD is preparing to launch the Ryzen 9000 series soon, including the Ryzen 9 9950X with Zen 5 architecture.
The Ryzen 9 9950X scored 53,557 points in benchmarks, making it the fastest 16-core CPU, though it still trails Intel’s Core i9-14900KS.
The Ryzen 9000 lineup will be available on July 31st, with pricing yet to be announced.
Later this month, AMD will introduce its Ryzen 9000 CPUs based on the Zen 5 architecture. AMD’s Zen 5 range will comprise the Ryzen 9 9950X, Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, Ryzen 5 9600X, and a new function dubbed Curve Shaper for overclocking and undervolting.
Among the bunch, the flagship Ryzen 9 9950X was recently tested both in stock and overclocked settings, showing some excellent performance compared to its competition. AMD has now released several performance benchmarks for the Ryzen 9 9950X during its Tech Day.
Why it matters: This lineup of CPUs is shaping up to be quite exciting for gamers worldwide, who are looking forward to major upgrades in the CPU department.
Based on the benchmarks revealed, the Ryzen 9 9950X scored 41,924 points. This score is nearly identical to Intel’s current flagship, the Core i9 14900KS. However, after the chip is optimized, it significantly outperforms the Intel CPU.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X now has a leading score of 43,905 points with a PBO+EXPO tune, 45,303 points with Curve Shaper, and the highest LN2 overclock to date of 53,557 points, making it the fastest 16-core CPU on Cinebench R23.
That being said, the Ryzen 9 9950X could not surpass the global record set by the Intel Core i9-14900KS, which ran its 24 cores at a frequency of 7.5GHz, leading by 5% when comparing LN2 scores.
AMD has announced that the new CPUs will be available on July 31st; however, the pricing of the different processors has not yet been disclosed. Since the launch is just two weeks away, pricing and other information should follow soon.
At Tech4Gamers I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy
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Zen 5 offers a 16% IPC improvement over Zen 4, with notable gains in applications like Blender.
Zen 5 mobile CPUs feature dedicated NPUs, providing significant AI processing power and efficiency.
Not a must-buy if you have upgraded recently.
It wasn’t long ago when AMD launched Zen 4 and transitioned to LGA circuits, but now the release of Zen 5 is almost here. AMD announced some time ago that Zen 5 will be available in July, and the anticipation is building. Everyone eagerly awaits its release, but the big question is: Is it a worthwhile investment of your money? Let’s take a closer look.
Significant Performance Boost
AMD claims a 16% performance increase over Zen 4 regarding instructions per clock cycle (IPC), with Ryzen 9 9950X delivering the fastest consumer desktop performance globally. Seeing as the speeds in Megahertz are like what we got with the Ryzen 7000, that should hopefully translate to a somewhat comparable average performance increase. However, this will depend heavily on the application, with Blender being the program that benefited the most, according to the stats provided by AMD itself.
Performance Stats (Image from AMD COMPUTEX 2024)
It’s worth mentioning here that AMD itself stated that the IPC improvements are primarily due to better branch prediction, which is pretty standard for a new generation of CPU.
Higher RAM Speed And Faster Motherboards
Zen 5 has official support for high memory speeds. This means you can now set your speeds up to DDR5 5600 while remaining within warranty. This is an upgrade from the 5200 memory speed supported by Zen 4.
A new CPU architecture also means new and faster chipsets. So far, AMD has announced the X870E and X870 chips. Both chips differ quite a lot in terms of their specifications, and the main difference is probably in terms of the usable PCI express lanes, with X870E offering more usable PCI lanes than X870.
Another thing to remember about this new set of motherboards is their support for the latest USB standard. USB 4 support is standard for both chipsets, as is support for Wi-Fi 7.
What Does Zen 5 Actually Offer?
The launch lineup will be fairly similar to what we have seen in the past. There will be two nine-series models, one seven-series, and one five-series model. The core counts are also similar to those offered in Zen 4. Personally, I feel like there should have been an increase in core counts and threads with this new generation of CPU to convince me to upgrade.
One thing that most of you, including myself, would like is that apart from the very top-end 9950X, the TDPs (thermal design power) offered by the rest of the modules are quite low. This makes sense, considering that Zen 5 is on a smaller process node than Zen 4.
Introduction of Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors
The first couple of Zen 5 mobile CPUs will have a different branding than in the past, as they will be called Ryzen AI. Yes, you guessed it right, these CPUs are going to have a dedicated Neural processing unit (NPU) and I believe that’s primarily to compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips as well as the Intel chips that will also feature AI processors.
These Ryzen AI CPUs will support up to 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second), which makes them more than three times as powerful as the NPUs we got with the Ryzen 8000 series. These NPUs are more than strong enough to support the Windows Co-pilot Plus feature, including the controversial AI Recall feature, assuming, of course, Microsoft actually releases it at some point (pun intended).
Worth It?
Ryzen 7 7800X3D – The King Of Gaming CPUs In 2024 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Do I recommend buying a Zen 5 chip or a laptop with one included this summer when they come out in the market? Well, you do get a nice little performance bump, but seeing as the last Zen 4 already had optional support for newer standards like PCI Express 5.0 and USB 4.0, I personally don’t think they are an absolute must-buy if you have already upgraded recently.
The general attitude towards AI seems rather negative, especially considering there isn’t yet a compelling use case for local NPUs on desktops or laptops, which means you don’t need an AI PC just yet. However, if you want Microsoft’s AI features on a traditional X86 system, then have at it, as laptops save power running AI tasks on NPUs.
While AMD has somewhat ridden the wave of AI excitement and may continue to do so, I am not sure if they can close the gap against NVIDIA. For now, we wait to see whether Zen 5 will meet AMD’s claimed performance boosts.
At Tech4Gamers I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy
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Not shutting down the PC allows users to keep their important files and applications open and get back to work the way they were the day before.
For gamers, utilizing the hibernate mode can be a lifesaver as games can get updated overnight and be ready to play the next time the PC is used.
Frequency shutdowns and power outages are more harmful than leaving the computer on for longer periods.
There is only a minimal difference in the electricity bill when the PC is idle versus when it is shut down.
I’ve never been a fan of waiting for my computer to boot up even though my Windows is installed in an SSD. Leaving it on hibernate mode means I can jump right back to working or gaming whenever I want without the annoying wait time. One of the primary reasons why I haven’t shut down my PC in years is because of the instant access I get. Let me emphasize more.
Increased Productivity
Hibernate Mode (Image By Tech4Gamers)
One of the main reasons why I like to put my PC on hibernate mode is because it improves my productivity. To explain, I don’t have to wait for the PC to reboot and reopen all my applications and important files every day. Rather, everything is the same as I left it the day before and I can hop back to work without wasting time.
On the other hand, on the off-chance I have to reboot my PC, there’s a greater chance I’ll get distracted while opening my applications and won’t be able to concentrate on work. Even if I don’t get distracted, I can’t maintain my workflow without any interruptions.
Benefits For Gamers
Much like my increased productivity, it’s easy if my PC is ready for my spontaneous gaming sessions without requiring a reboot. Moreover, my teammates usually call me for a game at odd times, so starting my PC from hibernate mode is quicker and easier without making anyone wait.
Also, all my games can get updated on the go, instead of when I boot my PC and get stuck with the bi-weekly Fortnite updates. Games are updated overnight and I can play in the morning if I wish, without wasting any time.
Busting Myths
My Power Settings (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Contrary to popular belief, leaving your computer on for longer periods isn’t going to damage the hardware or consume too much power. That’s why the concept of the CPU and GPU being idle and under load exists. Even if a game is being downloaded in the background, most of your components won’t use too much power.
Frequent shutdowns and power outages can be more harmful to the PC than letting it run for weeks or months on end. Also, you don’t have to worry about the electricity bill because I found out that the difference is only minimal when the PC is idle versus when it’s shut down.
The Psychology Of Never Shutting Down
Personally, shutting down my computer regularly is equivalent to shutting myself off from the world. I’m a frequent user of social media, and in most cases, I need to have instant access to my tools without any delay to spread news.
Overall, the reason why I haven’t shut down my PC in years is because of the convenience, productivity boost, and reliability, making it practical for my lifestyle. Therefore, if you also need access to your digital tools at any time of the day, I recommend using hibernate mode instead of a full power cycle.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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The Coalition previously teased multiplayer for Gears of War E-Day but did not confirm it.
This studio is now hiring a developer to work on the online experience of this title.
Fans can expect the game to ship with a horde mode and various other staple online modes.
The Coalition is doing plenty of exciting things with Gears of War E-Day. However, at the center of the experience lies the team’s focus on taking the series back to its roots.
This means a more gory and horror-like experience. Moreover, The Coalition previously teased the return of the multiplayer mayhem that fans have come to expect, with a new job listing providing more details on this subject.
As spotted by insider CindieStarlight on the Tech4Gamers forums, the team is hiring a Senior Online Client Engineer, with the job description confirming online multiplayer.
Why it matters: Gears of War E-Day is considered a mainline entry, so multiplayer was already expected. However, The Coalition has yet to confirm its inclusion.
Gears of War E-Day Won’t Be Skipping Out On Multiplayer. Image via Tech4Gamers Forums
After the initial reveal last month, the studio has begun hiring for various roles. A job listing for a Senior Online Client Engineer states that the new employee will handle the online experience for this Gears of War entry.
The Senior Online Client Engineer will help build the multiplayer and online experiences in our games.
-The Coalition
Moreover, the job listing points to online elements like microtransactions, matchmaking, and user-generated content. While it does not confirm how the multiplayer will play out, fans will be glad to know that this part of the series isn’t being left out.
Fans currently hope to see the return of Horde mode and the fantastic PvP that this series is known for. Since the developer has talked about sticking closely to the IP’s legacy, these are more or less guaranteed to show up.
However, Gears of War E-Day is also expected to introduce a number of new elements to offer a fresh feel to the online experience.
While this job listing certainly seems exciting, fans should not expect more information on the title before 2025. Some reports point to a 2025 launch for Gears of War E-Day, but Microsoft’s in-engine reveal suggests that the project needs more time.
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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343 Industries will reportedly take the backseat when it comes to work on future Halo games.
They will only be responsible for the concept stage and pre-production, but the main development will be done by another team.
The Halo franchise has been going downhill for the last few years, so this shake-up could be good news.
343 Industries has been behind the Halo franchise for a very long time. With the franchise peaking with Halo 3 and going as low as Halo: Infinite, 343 Industries has not been able to live up to Microsoft’s expectations.
Following repeated failures, a new report claims that they might no longer be at the helm of Halo.
Why it matters: 343 Industries has released three mainline titles so far. However, this team’s best work is still considered The Master Chief Collection. This game’s foundation came from Bungie, making it unfair to give 343 Industries all the credit.
Halo’s development will no longer be handled by 343 Industries.
Bathrobe Spartan, a reliable source for details on the franchise, has revealed new information on Halo’s future. Microsoft reportedly no longer trusts 343 Industries with Halo, so they don’t want them to work on the franchise anymore.
According to former and current 343 Industries employees, the studio has been downsizing since 2023. It went from being a team of over 500 employees to just 280 developers.
The marketing and communications team was also cut, with Microsoft now directly managing the studio. New job listings reveal that the developer is currently hiring for the concept and pre-production phases of new games.
However, the report also says that they won’t be involved in development beyond pre-production and supervision.
343 Industries will now focus on the concept and pre-production phases.
According to recent reports, various Halo projects are currently in the works. A remake of Halo: Combat Evolved could be coming up soon. Additionally, it seems work on the next mainline entry has also begun.
Whatever the case may be, this could be a fresh start for the franchise. Considering Halo hasn’t seen the best of days in recent years, this change could put the series back on track.
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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The gaming market is expected to reach $307 billion by 2027, a significant increase from $184 billion in 2023.
The 13-17 age group is a major player in this expansion, spending significantly more free time playing video games.
Smartphone usage drives the mobile gaming market, which already accounts for over 40% of industry earnings.
The gaming industry is rapidly transforming into a colossal economic powerhouse. Global gaming revenue is projected to reach more than $300 billion by 2027, according to a recent analysis by Bain & Company.
The gaming world is changing fast. Free games with microtransactions and more money spent on the industry are reshaping how we play.
Why it matters: In the coming years, this industry is set to cement its place as the biggest market for entertainment. Not even Hollywood comes close.
The gaming industry will become a dominant force in the global entertainment landscape.
The global gaming market is expected to see huge growth in revenue by 2027. Bain & Company predicts that by 2027, revenue will jump from $184 billion in 2023 to a whopping $307 billion.
This growth represents a 9% annual increase. Young gamers aged 13-17 are playing an important role in driving this surge, dedicating 40% more of their free time to gaming rather than committing to other leisure activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly boosted the industry, speeding its growth as people sought entertainment and social connection during lockdowns. This surge is likely here to stay, as many new players enjoy games even as pandemic restrictions ease.
In-game purchases and subscription services are becoming more and more common, providing developers with diverse revenue streams. Games like Genshin Impact and Apex Legends owe their success to the free-to-play model, while subscriptions, though not loved by everyone, continue to gain traction.
Mobile gaming continues to lead the market, thanks to more people using smartphones than ever. In 2022, mobile gaming made up over 40% of the industry’s earnings, and this share is predicted to keep growing.
Shift Up’s shares rose by 50%, thanks to Stellar Blade’s success.
The ease of access, convenience, and high-profile titles coming to smartphones are drawing in a growing group of players.
Moreover, the excitement over new game launches is boosting the industry’s strong financial outlook. Big-name releases such as GTA 6 are projected to rake in billions, breaking records in gaming revenue.
GTA 6 is expected to introduce a new audience to gaming, which will generate more revenue.
Overall, with its ongoing popularity, the gaming industry is on track to outpace traditional entertainment sectors such as movies, music, and television in both earnings and impact.
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CDPR is working on The Witcher 4 and collaborating with Epic Games for Unreal Engine 5 improvements.
While the engine allows some stunning visuals, it has certain limitations.
The studio is confident that it can overcome these limitations as it works on various games based on the technology.
Unreal Engine 5 promised a huge overhaul in many departments when announced. Multiple games have now used the engine, reaching a level of realism never seen before, particularly in cases like Hellblade 2.
However, the technology has certain issues, just like it did in its previous iteration. Therefore, CDPR, also using the same technology for The Witcher 4, is collaborating with Epic Games to bring various improvements to Unreal Engine 5.
Why it matters: Unreal Engine 5 still presents challenges regarding optimization, traversal stutter, and more. Therefore, CDPR needs to ensure its biggest upcoming games aren’t plagued by these problems.
In an interview with Flow Games, associate game director at CDPR, Pawel Sasko, shared some information on his experience working with Unreal Engine 5. He praised the ‘amazing’ engine but didn’t go into much detail to avoid spoiling future projects.
He further said that each technology comes with its limitations, and the same is the case with Unreal Engine 5. Certain things with the engine could be improved, but he stated that the same could be said for the studio’s in-house engine, Red Engine 4.
Sasko explained that engine improvements can be a matter of perspective. Therefore, working with Epic Games was a great idea. Both teams are now working to bring structural improvements to the technology, leading to an improved development cycle.
All Future CDPR Games Will Be Based On Epic Games’ Latest Engine
While moving away from the proprietary engine to the new technology is a big shift for CDPR, the studio is confident about the move. The team has previously argued it won’t lead to development restarting from scratch, with many things carrying over from the previous engine.
