Good, grief.

Exploring the Depths of Sadness in ‘Under the Waves’ – A Relaxing Oceanic Journey

Febin MathewJune 15, 23Games, Gaming

Under the Waves by Parallel Studio is a calming game that I played while surrounded by the sounds of Crash Team Rumble players, potentially employees. As I dove deeper into the dark blue waters, pursuing a shipping container that had been thrown off course and scattered stuffed animals, I stumbled upon an abandoned submarine that was concealed even further below. Despite feeling relaxed, I couldn’t shake off a slight sense of unease. First announced at last year’s Gamescom, Under the Waves has you playing as Stan. And he doesn’t seem…

Sony has unveiled new games for the PS Plus Catalog Games exclusive to PS Plus Premium/Deluxe and Extra subscribers for June. Here are all the details.

PlayStation Plus Announces June 2023 Game Lineup

Febin MathewJune 15, 23Games, Gaming, PlayStation Plus, ps5

Sony has introduced fresh games for the PS Plus Catalog Games, which are exclusively available to PS Plus Premium/Deluxe and Extra subscribers this month. In addition to the new games, users will receive complimentary avatars, and PS Plus Premium subscribers will be able to access PS5 cloud streaming as part of the PlayStation Plus Celebration. This event commemorates the one-year anniversary of the upgraded subscription service’s launch for users. The PS Plus Premium/Deluxe and Extra Games Catalog is steadily growing and now offers a selection of first and third party…

LVMH Group managing director Toni Belloni said Epic’s tools will also help the company “engage more effectively with young generations who are very much at ease with these codes and uses.” (REUTERS)

LVMH and Epic Games Team Up to Provide Immersive Virtual Experiences

Jim HendlerJune 15, 23epic games, Metaverse, VR

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, a high-end French goods company, has collaborated with Epic Games Inc., the developer of Fortnite, to attract customers through virtual fitting rooms and fashion shows. LVMH will use Epic’s 3D creation tools to create immersive products and experiences, as well as new collections and advertising campaigns, according to a Wednesday announcement. For example, Epic’s Unreal Engine graphics platform can be used to create “digital twins” that allow customers to see how a physical product looks and behaves before it’s manufactured. LVMH Group CEO Toni…

Valve has turned on hardware acceleration for Mac and Linux users, too.

Steam updates notifications, user interface and in-game overlay

Adriana MaraisJune 15, 23Games, Gaming, Steam

Valve has finally released a major update for the Steam desktop client, which many users have been eagerly anticipating. The update includes several features that have been tested in the app’s beta channel, such as updated fonts and menus, a revamped notification system, and a redesigned in-game overlay. Additionally, Valve has rebuilt the platform with a new framework that allows for simultaneous feature releases across all versions of Steam. This means that some of the new features added to the desktop app are already available in Steam Deck as well.…

Pricing starts at $2,400 for the base model.

Razer Blade 14 Laptop Updated with Ryzen 9 and RTX 4070 Processors for Enhanced Performance

Nitin MisraJune 15, 23Gaming, Laptop, Razer Blade 14

Razer has unveiled an updated version of its highly sought-after Blade 14 gaming laptop series, boasting impressive specifications that surpass expectations. The processor that would power the latest Razer Blade had been a topic of speculation, but it has now been confirmed that it will feature AMD’s Ryzen 9 7940HS, which boasts eight cores, 16 threads, and a 24MB cache. The entry-level model comes with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, but it can be upgraded to the RTX 4070. That’s a lot of power for modern gaming applications. The…

There’s a short trailer to prove it.

Animated Series Based on ‘Dead Cells’ to be Released in 2024

Adarsh V.KJune 14, 23Animation, Entertainment, Games, Gaming

Motion Twin, the developer of Dead Cells, has recently revealed that an animated series based on the game will be released in 2024. The series is being produced by Bobbypills, a French studio that has previously worked on the game’s animated trailers and DLC releases. The show appears to follow the game’s storyline, taking place on a cursed island inhabited by monstrous creatures and featuring prophecies of a flame-headed hero. The series is co-produced by the French anime distribution service Animation Digital Network. The first season of the Dead Cells…

It's been hard to watch this iconic publisher's slow, freemium-driven collapse.

Ubisoft Requires a Fresh Start

Sanjay PatilJune 14, 23Gaming, Ubisoft

During the previous console generation, Ubisoft underwent a gradual loss of identity that began in 2015 and culminated in a complete collapse of its essence. This was evident in the studio’s unironic introduction of in-game NFTs and the repeated postponement of Skull & Bones. Despite having a 40-year history of producing AAA hits and unique licensing agreements, Ubisoft has devolved into a provider of uninspired live-service games, mobile ports with microtransactions, and undependable release dates. The question remains: what has become of Ubisoft? Ubisoft has been around longer than most…

It's for Grimace's 52nd birthday.

McDonald’s Launches Grimace-Themed Game Boy Color Video Game

Adriana MaraisJune 14, 23Games, Gaming, McDonald

It may come as a surprise that McDonald’s has released a retro game this year, especially if you were asked to guess which company would do so. The fast food giant has partnered with Krool Toys to create a 2D platformer reminiscent of Game Boy Color, in honor of Grimace’s 52nd birthday. The game can be played on modern PCs or mobile devices, and follows Grimace on a skateboard as he searches for his lost friends and collects enough milkshake for his guests before his birthday celebration. Although I fumbled…

Several more indie titles are on the way to Game Pass, including 'Little Kitty, Big City.'

Xbox to Receive Fast-paced Platformer ‘Neon White’

Adriana MaraisJune 14, 23Gaming, xbox

At the Xbox Games Extended Showcase, it was revealed that Game Pass will be receiving additional indie titles, including Neon White, which was among ReturnByte’s top games of 2022. Although it was initially released on PC and Nintendo Switch in June of last year and on PlayStation in December, an Xbox release date has not yet been announced. However, once it becomes available on Microsoft’s consoles, Game Pass subscribers will have the opportunity to try it out without any additional fees. Neon White is a fast-paced platformer that can help…

Play a version of the PlayStation 2 classic straight from the browser.

Google’s Search Results Can Now Be Rolled Up with ‘Katamari Damacy’ Easter Egg

Adriana MaraisJune 14, 23Games, Google

For a while now, Google has been known for incorporating hidden surprises, such as games or animations, into its search engine. The latest addition to this trend is a mini-game that appears when you search for “Katamari” (as reported by Kotaku), a popular game series that was first released on the PlayStation 2. This game allows you to roll up everything on the page into a virtual ball, and can be accessed by clicking on the Katamari ball icon located on the right side of your screen. To play, simply…

The co-op ghost hunting game will also be available on PSVR2.

Console Version of Popular Pandemic Game ‘Phasmophobia’ to Launch in August

Jim HendlerJune 14, 23Games, Gaming

During the pandemic, games such as Phasmophobia, Among Us, and Animal Crossing became popular as they provided a means of connection through co-op ghost hunts when in-person meetings were too risky. If you have missed out on playing Phasmophobia or have fond memories of it, you will be pleased to know that Kinetic Games is launching the game on PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, and Xbox Series X/S in early access this August. The game will have cross-platform support, allowing players to seek help from others while exploring spooky houses from…

This could be the last game in the series.

‘Endless Driving Awaits You in Forza Motorsport’

Nitin MisraJune 14, 23Gaming, xbox, Xbox series s, Xbox series x

Essentially, we have no intention of creating a separate follow-up. Dan Greenawalt, the GM of the Forza franchise, has been working on motorsport games for two decades, but his remarks at the post-Xbox Showcase press conference on Sunday hinted that this next release could be the series’ last. Forza Motorsport is the eighth game in Turn 10 Studios’ driving sim series and the first newcomer in nearly half a decade. Forza has been one of Microsoft’s most reliable first-party properties. Ignoring Playground Games’ spinoff Horizon series, the original Xbox had…

Playing with six people was fun, but you'll be able to team up with 32.

’33 Immortals’: Team Up to Challenge the Gods!

Jim HendlerJune 14, 2333 Immortals, Games, Gaming, PC, xbox

Have you ever faced difficulty in assembling a team of four for Overwatch? Have you attempted to find a way for you and your friends to play Destiny 2 together at the same time? Can you imagine gathering 33 players for a 25 minute track? 33 Immortals intends to do just that. Channeling the animation style of retro comics (and a little Banner Saga), 33 Immortals is a massively multiplayer roguelike top-down action game from the creators of Spiritfarer. In this week’s session following the Xbox Showcase at Summer Game…

It's focusing on big-budget projects and plans to make The Lord of the Rings a major gaming franchise.

Embracer Group suffers losses following failed $2 Billion deal

Febin MathewJune 13, 23Business, Embracer, Games, Gaming

Embracer Group has revealed plans for a significant overhaul of its operations, involving the cancellation of games, staff layoffs, and the closure or sale of studios. The aim of the restructuring is to streamline the business and cut costs. The announcement follows the collapse of a potential deal that would have generated $2 billion in revenue over six years, despite Embracer having received a verbal agreement from the unnamed partner. It will take until March next year to complete the restructuring process. It is “too early to give an accurate…

It'll also be available on newer platforms like the PS5 and Switch.

Atari 2600 to Release First Cartridge in 30 Years – ‘Mr. Run and Jump’

Jim HendlerJune 13, 23Atari, Atari 2600, Games, Gaming

In the console industry, Atari was the dominant player before Nintendo and its famous plumber mascot entered the scene. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Atari released several notable games for its 2600 console, including Pitfall and Pac-Man. However, the console lost its popularity and was forgotten until recently when Atari revealed a new physical cartridge for it. The cartridge features a 2D platformer game called Mr. Run and Jump, which draws inspiration from modern indie games like Celeste. Atari says this is the first 2600/VCS cartridge release for…

You can drive the latest supercars as well as classics and off-roaders.

Hawaii to be the Ground of Open-World Racing Brought by ‘The Crew Motorfest’

Jim HendlerJune 13, 23Games, Gaming, Ubisoft

Ubisoft is gearing up to release its primary competitor to Forza Horizon, with The Crew Motorfest set to launch soon on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. While it’s a follow-up to 2018’s The Crew 2, there are notable gameplay modifications in this third installment. Instead of covering the entire United States, The Crew Motorfest focuses on a scaled-down version of the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, where you compete in a Forza-style driving festival with a variety of on- and off-road events, including: street races and beach…

It’s exclusive to the Quest platform at launch.

Ubisoft announces ‘Assassin’s Creed: Nexus VR’ to be released in time for the holidays

Febin MathewJune 13, 23Games, Gaming, Ubisoft

During the Summer Game Fest, Ubisoft Forward streaming event unveiled the first official glimpse of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR for the Meta Quest platform and announced its release window for the holiday season. The game will be available for Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2, and the newly-revealed Meta Quest 3, but unfortunately, OG Quest users will not be able to play it. We knew this was coming, as Meta just held a game launch event showcasing Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, but now there’s a trailer of its own. This…

The long-delayed game is scheduled to arrive by the end of March.

Closed Beta of ‘Skull and Bones’ Scheduled for August

Adarsh V.KJune 13, 23Games, Gaming, Ubisoft

Ubisoft has assured fans that Skull and Bones is still in development and will be offering a closed beta to demonstrate its progress. From August 25th to 28th, interested players can sign up for the beta on the game’s website. The beta will be accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with the full game also being released on Amazon Luna. Ubisoft announced the beta with a sea shanty performance. To give you an idea of how long the game has been in the works, we got our…

Ubisoft’s ‘Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora’ Set to Launch on December 7th 2023

Adarsh V.KJune 13, 23Avatar, Games, Gaming, Ubisoft

The release of Ubisoft’s open-world Avatar game is imminent, as we were given a detailed preview of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora at the Summer Game Fest preview event. James Cameron made an appearance in a pre-recorded segment, hinting at the introduction of “new environments, flora and fauna, and characters” in the game. The cinematic trailer shows how this story fits into the Avatar movies. In short, it spans the events of both games, with the main character being kidnapped during the events of the first film and being trained by…