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![Unveiling the Exciting Lineup of PlayStation Plus Essential Games for May 2023 img]()
Apr 28, 2023 Benjamin Carter Unveiling the Exciting Lineup of PlayStation Plus Essential Games for May 2023 The moment avid gamers have been waiting for is finally here! Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the PlayStation Plus Essential games for May 2023. This fantastic lineup comes as a confirmation of the earlier leaks and is set to enthrall players with its impressive selection of titles. With gamers eagerly anticipating the upcoming offerings, let's dive into the details of the much-awaited games.
Kicking off the essential games roster for May are GRID Legends (PS5, PS4), Chivalry 2 (PS5, PS4), and Descenders (PS4). Available for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers from May 2 until June 6, these games promise to keep players engaged with their captivating gameplay and stunning visuals. As a part of the entry-level PlayStation Plus membership tier, subscribers can access and enjoy these 'free' games throughout the month.
Continuing the excitement, April 2023's PlayStation Plus Essential games include Sackboy A Big Adventure (PS5, PS4), Meet Your Maker (PS5, PS4), and Tails of Iron (PS5, PS4). Gamers can claim these incredible titles until May 1, ensuring a seamless transition between the monthly game offerings. As long as players maintain their PlayStation Plus Essential subscription or opt for a higher tier, they can continue to enjoy these games even after their availability period ends.
In conclusion, the PlayStation Plus Essential games lineup for May 2023 is a testament to Sony's commitment to delivering top-notch gaming experiences to its subscribers. With exciting titles covering a range of genres, players are sure to find something that piques their interest. Moreover, the inclusion of these games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue for Extra and Premium tier subscribers ensures that gamers can enjoy them on day one of their releases. So, gear up and get ready to dive into the exhilarating world of PlayStation Plus Essential games for May 2023! Read More ![Ghost of Tsushima 2: A Journey of Redemption Inspired by The Last of Us img]()
Apr 27, 2023 Alison Harvard Ghost of Tsushima 2: A Journey of Redemption Inspired by The Last of Us The phenomenal success of Ghost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch has left fans craving for a sequel. This beautiful open-world game set in feudal Japan was a fitting tribute to the PS4 era, and with the recent announcement of a film adaptation, the excitement is palpable. As we look forward to a potential sequel, it seems fitting that Ghost of Tsushima 2 should take inspiration from another Sony franchise, The Last of Us, not only in terms of developing a riveting narrative but also in the portrayal of the game's central characters and themes.
The Last of Us centered around the powerful bond that developed between Joel and Ellie, two characters from different walks of life who found solace and purpose in each other's companionship. Ghost of Tsushima 2 could adopt a similar approach by introducing a new character who would learn the ways of the samurai under the tutelage of Jin Sakai, the protagonist of the first game. This approach would simultaneously give Jin a reason to continue fighting – despite the hardships he has faced – and provide fertile ground for the growth of a compelling father/son dynamic reminiscent of Joel and Ellie's relationship.
As Jin's journey unfolds in the sequel, his status as an outlaw could serve as the catalyst for his redemption. A young samurai seeking to bring Jin to justice could form an unlikely partnership with him, eventually discovering the depths of his honor and the true worth of the samurai code. This journey of redemption would not only depict Jin's struggle to regain his honor but also explore the challenges of being true to oneself in a world fraught with deception and loss.
The introduction of a new protagonist in Ghost of Tsushima 2 opens the possibility of a third game in the series, which could see this character taking center stage, akin to how Ellie took up the mantle in The Last of Us Part II. This narrative arc would allow for a satisfying conclusion to Jin's story, giving the character a chance to pass on his legacy and wisdom to the next generation of samurai.
In... Read More -
![Seeing Voldemort's Ruthless Power in Hogwarts Legacy img]()
Apr 14, 2023 Benjamin Carter Seeing Voldemort's Ruthless Power in Hogwarts Legacy Hogwarts Legacy is the latest game to put players into the magical world of Harry Potter. Players can roleplay as a student at Hogwarts and explore the world of witchcraft and wizardry. However, one player took their roleplaying to the next level, playing as the infamous Voldemort and displaying his ruthless power by defeating Professor Matilda Weasley in a no-holds-barred beatdown.
The events of Hogwarts Legacy take place in the late 1800s, decades before Voldemort ever attended Hogwarts in 1938. It is unknown how Voldemort would have fared against the strongest witches and wizards of the time, but his rise to power likely would have been the same whether he attended Hogwarts during this time or not.
A Reddit user nicknamed doomed_lifeform shared a video of his character, Voldemort, battling Professor Weasley. The professor is quickly defeated by an onslaught of powerful spells, leaving her face down on the ground as Voldemort walks away. The video reveals two different mods used, one of which being a Voldemort character mod and the other allowing players to attack fellow students and professors. The Voldemort mod is available on NexusMods, and the Attack mod is exclusively for Jedijosh920 subscribers on Patreon.
The video also includes a few spells that players may not recognize, which is the result of a mod adding those spells to the game. Mods like this one open up a wide range of possibilities for PC gamers, often allowing them to do things that the developers didn't have in mind.
In conclusion, Voldemort's merciless attack on Professor Weasley may be uncomfortable for some to watch, but thankfully, there are plenty of friendlier mods for players to enjoy as well. Some of them are downright silly and entertaining, offering comedic relief for those who don't appreciate the darker side of Hogwarts Legacy. With mods, the game is truly whatever you make of it. -
![TikTok’s Bold Move Into In-Stream Shopping img]()
Apr 13, 2023 Alison Harvard TikTok’s Bold Move Into In-Stream Shopping TikTok, the short-form video app, is making a bold move into in-stream shopping. Following its success in China, the platform is launching a new push with retailers to try to get more Western audiences interested in shopping with the app. With free shipping and discount coupons, TikTok is hoping to make in-stream shopping a reality.
Though Western audiences have yet to truly embrace shopping via TikTok, the platform is not giving up. TikTok is inviting select retailers to participate in its in-app shopping program and offering them big subsidies on shipping and sales to boost interest. This initiative looks to push items in videos with the help of influencers by offering commission sales in a new affiliate-marketing program.
TikTok’s success with Lemon8 – a product-focused platform – is a good indication of the app’s ability to influence usage trends. Lemon8 was downloaded over 650,000 times in the US over the last week and a half, making it reach the top 10 in the ‘Lifestyle’ category.
Meanwhile, in China, Douyin reported a 320% increase in eCommerce sales last year, largely driven by live-stream shopping. While the Chinese live shopping economy is projected to be worth more than $500 billion in 2023, it’s not certain if TikTok will be able to achieve the same success in the Western market.
In conclusion, TikTok’s new in-app shopping push is an ambitious attempt to bring in more revenue for the platform. With free shipping and discount coupons, the company is looking to capitalize on the growing trend of live-stream shopping. While it may take some time for western audiences to really warm up to TikTok shopping, the app’s success with Lemon8 gives some hope to the initiative. -
![The Last of Us Part 1 on PC Has Unacceptable Loading Times img]()
Mar 30, 2023 Alison Harvard The Last of Us Part 1 on PC Has Unacceptable Loading Times The Last of Us Part 1 is a remake of the PS3 original from 2013, released for PC on March 28, 2023. It was initially met with excitement, but gamers have reported experiencing hour-long load times while playing. This has resulted in The Last of Us Part 1 receiving a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam and has caused many players to express their disappointment with the game’s optimization.
While the recommended hardware specs for The Last of Us Part 1 on PC are fairly reasonable, many gamers are still experiencing crashes due to the poorly optimized game. MP1st reported that a PC slightly above the recommended specs took around an hour to build shaders, and a high-end system required just under 45 minutes to do the same. Furthermore, the report states that The Last of Us Part 1 seems to be using 100% of the CPU, resulting in the hardware running hot for an extended duration. Even with GPUs that are well above the recommended system requirements, the game is still struggling to maintain a 60 FPS rate.
Naughty Dog has taken notice of these issues and stated that they are working on an upcoming patch. Until then, most players will have to continue dealing with these lengthy loading times and other optimization problems.
In conclusion, the Last of Us Part 1 is yet another example of a poorly optimized game coming out on PC. Even though the game was released after many of Sony’s other titles, it’s still facing technical issues that should have been addressed prior to release. This is especially unfortunate, as The Last of Us Part 1 offers a fantastic gaming experience, with many praising its vibrant visuals and slick new character models. Hopefully, the upcoming patch will fix these issues and allow players to fully enjoy The Last of Us Part 1 on PC. -
![Upgrading from Old Windows Versions: Steam to Officially Stop Support img]()
Mar 29, 2023 Alison Harvard Upgrading from Old Windows Versions: Steam to Officially Stop Support Steam, the popular video game platform, has announced that it will abandon support for current versions of the Windows OS – Windows 7 and 8.1 – starting January 1, 2024. This is because the latest features of Steam rely on the built-in version of Google Chrome, which no longer works on these older versions of Windows. Furthermore, future versions of Steam will require updates to Windows features and security present only on Windows 10 and above. As such, for those still running on older Windows systems, the only thing left to do is upgrade to newer software.
Data from the February survey reveals that Windows 7 holds a market share of 1.52%, while Windows 8.1 has 0.34%. These systems have not been supported by Microsoft since January 10 of this year, and the decision of Valve Software to terminate their support for the old systems is understandable.
The app, which is essentially a browser, works completely differently in the Windows 10 system. It is able to use certain features of Chrome, and as such, it can make use of a much more sophisticated set of features. For instance, the app has virtual reality support and game-streaming, which works much better in the newest version of Windows.
In addition to the features and upgrades, Windows 10 also provides a more secure environment. The newer Windows OS is equipped with features such as Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, which add extra protection to the system against malicious attacks. Furthermore, this OS also has better overall performance and stability, making it much more efficient.
Overall, it’s clear that Steam’s decision to end support for older versions of Windows is justified. These systems are no longer supported by Microsoft, and the latest features in Steam require the built-in version of Google Chrome, which does not work on such systems. As such, for those still running on Windows 7 and 8.1, the only option is to upgrade to Windows 10. This will provide not only the latest features for Steam but also overall better performance, stability, and security for the system. -
![A Safer and Easier Way to Enjoy Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 with Inverted Flash img]()
Mar 16, 2023 Alison Harvard A Safer and Easier Way to Enjoy Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 with Inverted Flash Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 players can now enjoy a better gaming experience thanks to Beenox's latest patch. The new setting, called Inverted Flash, makes flashbang grenades easier on the eyes by turning the screen completely black instead of completely white when it is activated. This minor but much-requested feature was released as part of Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare2's Season Reloaded on March 15th.
Beenox, an Activision subsidiary known for its work on games such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remaster, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, Call Of Duty Black Ops Cold War alongside Infinity Ward’s new Call Of Duty Modern Warfare2 from which Call Of Duty Warzone2 spun off unveiled this feature via a short clip posted on Twitter. The video showcases how enabling inverted flash works in the game; in conventional circumstances throwing a flashbang grenade at the feet would make the screen go completely white for a second before fading back in. However, with inverted flash enabled, the screen goes immediately dark, then fades out partially before switching over to a white effect until it eventually wears off entirely. This should protect gamers from becoming blinded because they will remember to turn it on beforehand.
Inverted Flash mode can be enabled in the game’s options menu under “Graphics Settings”, where it appears as a checkbox labeled “Reduce Screen Flashes On Impact”; when enabled, this setting will reduce the intensity and duration of those flashes significantly.
All in all, Beenox has once again managed to impress with yet another impressive update making sure that players are able not only to play safely but also enjoy themselves even further, knowing that developers are doing everything possible so everyone may continue having fun no matter where they stand concerning skill level. Hopefully, future updates will bring about even more improvements than what we have seen thus far, building upon what is already an amazing foundation and resulting in something truly special down the line. -
![Microsoft Brings Back Much-Needed Taskbar Functionality to Windows 11 img]()
Mar 15, 2023 Benjamin Carter Microsoft Brings Back Much-Needed Taskbar Functionality to Windows 11 Microsoft is finally giving users the control they wanted over their taskbars with the upcoming release of Windows 11. The newly found code in the 25314 build points to a more personalized experience for users, and exciting features like grouping modes and label support are set to make a comeback.
The taskbar in Windows 11 has been one of its most controversial aspects since its release. Users have long complained about the lack of control afforded by it compared to previous iterations of Windows OS, so much so that many resorted to using hacks just to get back some functionality. Thankfully, Microsoft seems to be listening and bringing back requested features in an upcoming update.
XenoPanther was one of the first people on Twitter who reported finding strings related to changes coming up for Taskbar in the 25314 build. Among other things, they mentioned potential returns for grouping modes as well as labels being visible again – something which has not been seen since before Windows 10's launch. Leaker PhantomOfEarth also confirmed these findings on Twitter shortly after XenoPanther's post went live, commenting that we might be seeing the "never combine" feature returning soon, too – giving users full control over how their tabs are grouped together on their taskbar(s).
The "never combine" option allows users can turn off Windows OS's automatic merging function which groups tabs from the same programs together when placed horizontally across your taskbar; instead, you'll be able to view all your programs separately without them getting merged into one rectangular box (which is what happens if there isn't enough space). This new feature should please a lot of people who want less clutter but still need access to multiple tasks simultaneously with no hassle!
Overall it looks like Microsoft is responding positively to user feedback regarding Window 11’s interface issues while making sure everyone gets exactly what they want out of their desktop experience! It will be interesting to see how this development shapes up once the official update rolls out later this year – stay tuned! -
![Gears of War 6: The Coalition Is Hiring for Upcoming Title img]()
Mar 03, 2023 Benjamin Carter Gears of War 6: The Coalition Is Hiring for Upcoming Title The Gears of War franchise is one of Microsoft’s most beloved franchises, having been around since 2006. The last release was Gears Tactics in 2020, with the last mainline title being Gears 5 in 2019. Now, it looks like The Coalition, the developers behind the franchise, is hinting at a new project.
Rumors have been circulating since February 2021 that The Coalition has canceled two projects to focus on what is assumed to be Gears of War 6. Now, new job listings from The Coalition and Microsoft’s career page indicate that the team is looking for a Senior Gameplay Designer for a Gears of War game. The job listing asks for experience in Character, Camera, and Controls (3Cs) as well as AI systems.
This isn’t the first job listing from The Coalition for a Gears of War game, either. They were looking for a Gameplay Designer in July 2022. All of this points to the fact that the team is indeed working on a brand new Gears of War title. But what form will it take?
Some have speculated that the team is working on a Gears of War Remastered Collection, which would be an interesting take on some of the franchise’s earliest entries. Others are hoping that it’s a brand new Gear of War title, a true sequel to Gear 5. It’s still too early to tell, but all signs point to the fact that Gears of War 6 is indeed in the works.
At the end of the day, what fans really want is something new. Whether it’s a full-fledged sequel or a remastered classic, we can’t be sure until The Coalition officially reveals the game. But with the amount of evidence being put forward, it’s safe to say that it won’t be too long before we get more information on this hotly anticipated title. -
![Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Inspirations: Escape from Tarkov as an Ingenious Multiplayer Design img]()
Mar 02, 2023 Benjamin Carter Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Inspirations: Escape from Tarkov as an Ingenious Multiplayer Design Gaming fans were thrilled when, today, Elden Ring's creator Hidetaka Miyazaki sat down for a chat with IGN, and even more excited when the announcement of a 2023 expansion was made. While talking to IGN, Miyazaki revealed that one of the games he has been looking to for inspiration recently is Escape from Tarkov, and he even went on to explain why this particular title has caught his eye.
When Miyazaki was asked what trends, ideas, or technology he finds inspiring, he responded that he has been keeping a close eye on how other developers are approaching multiplayer network design and game design. He went on to explain that he has been observing the changes as both a creator and a fan of the game and mentioned how players are now being used as a resource for the game's design itself. It is worth noting that the Souls series' multiplayer has been a major part of its experience for quite some time, so Miyazaki's interest in Tarkov is only to be expected.
Miyazaki's admiration for Escape from Tarkov could be associated with the challenge of completing an area only with the help of a full squad of players. It may also have something to do with the harsher consequences for dying to an enemy invader. Miyazaki’s quote about “using players as a resource for the game” is also reminiscent of other games, such as EVE Online, where players can influence the game world. The implications of Miyazaki's comments could potentially be seen in the upcoming Elden Ring expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
In conclusion, it has been confirmed that Elden Ring's success will not be influencing Hidetaka Miyazaki's upcoming projects, and he won’t be swayed by its remarkable popularity. The development team at FromSoft plan to keep on creating the games they want, and it appears that one aspect they have taken a particular interest in is multiplayer design. Tarkov's ingenious multiplayer design caught Miyazaki's eye, and it remains to be seen what kind of implementations will be made in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. -
![New Hearthstone Expansion – March of the Lich King Mini Set img]()
Feb 16, 2023 Benjamin Carter New Hearthstone Expansion – March of the Lich King Mini Set Blizzard Entertainment recently announced a new mini set for its popular card game, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft. The set is called “March of the Lich King” and will feature 38 new cards that introduce some exciting new mechanics. Some iconic characters from the Warcraft universe, including Arthas the Lich King, will be included in the set. This new expansion is sure to be a great addition to the already vast collection of cards in Hearthstone.
The "March of the Lich King" mini set is set to bring two fresh keywords into the game: "Assault" and "Horde." Assault cards are powerful minions that can attack your opponent's hero directly, while Horde cards are minions that can be summoned with a single card. These two mechanics will undoubtedly introduce an additional strategic dimension to the game, enhancing its excitement.
Alongside these new mechanics, this set will include some iconic characters from the Warcraft universe. Arthas the Lich King is one of the most iconic characters in the Warcraft lore and will make an appearance in the set. He will be accompanied by other powerful characters such as Sylvanas Windrunner, Jaina Proudmoore, and Uther Lightbringer. Each of these characters will bring their own unique powers to the game.
The set will also introduce some new cards with the “Quest” keyword. Quests are special cards that require you to complete certain tasks in order to gain rewards. These rewards can be powerful cards that give you an advantage over your opponents. Completing quests will add another layer of depth and strategy to the game.
The "March of the Lich King" mini set is certain to bring about some thrilling new mechanics and characters to Hearthstone. Players can look forward to powerful Assault and Horde cards, iconic characters from the Warcraft universe, and special Quest cards that offer unique rewards. This set is sure to be an excellent enhancement to the game and will definitely keep players enthralled for numerous hours. -
![PUBG Mobile Announces Partnership Program for Southeast Asia img]()
Feb 15, 2023 Benjamin Carter PUBG Mobile Announces Partnership Program for Southeast Asia PUBG Mobile, the popular mobile version of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, has announced its new partnership program for Southeast Asia. The program seeks to bring together local organizations and influencers to help promote the game in the region. This comes as part of PUBG Mobile's growth strategy for the region, which is becoming one of the most important markets for the game.
The partnership program will focus on creating new content, events, and campaigns that will help drive awareness and engagement with the game in Southeast Asia. Partners will be given access to exclusive in-game items, events, and rewards. They will also be able to collaborate with PUBG Mobile to create exclusive content and experiences that they can share with their audiences.
The program will also provide partners with the opportunity to network with other influencers and organizations, allowing them to create mutually beneficial relationships that can help them further their reach. PUBG Mobile is also looking to create more local tournaments and events for Southeast Asia, giving players the chance to compete for prizes and glory.
The program is open to influencers, streamers, teams, and organizations from all countries in the region. Those interested in applying can do so through PUBG Mobile's official website.
PUBG Mobile's partnership program for Southeast Asia is an exciting opportunity for local influencers, teams, and organizations to get involved in the game and help promote it in their region. With the help of these partners, PUBG Mobile can continue to grow and become one of the most popular mobile games in the region.
