Category: Gaming

GameStop, a prominent player in the gaming industry, is strategically closing over 400 stores across 42 states as part of its cost-cutting measures. The company aims to potentially reach a $100 billion market cap, which would allow CEO Ryan Cohen to earn $35 billion in stock options. GameStop had previously shuttered 590 stores in fiscal year 2024 and is now accelerating this trend by planning additional closures in fiscal 2025. With the imminent end of the fiscal year on January 31st, the company is working to meet its targets by reducing its retail footprint significantly.

As of the latest update on January 11th, GameStop has identified 435 stores for closure, marking a substantial reduction from the 2,325 stores it operated in the US as of February 2025. Concurrently, the company is winding down its international presence, already exiting several countries with plans to depart from France within the coming year.

Despite facing challenges in recent years, GameStop seems to be on a path to financial recovery. However, these store closures will result in job losses for thousands of employees. The company has not provided any comments on these developments.

Source: The Verge

Larian Studios, the team behind Baldur’s Gate 3, recently addressed the use of generative AI tools in their game development process. During an AMA on Reddit, CEO Swen Vincke confirmed that the upcoming title, Divinity, will not feature any AI-generated art. This statement follows backlash from the gaming community after initial reports suggested the studio was exploring AI for concept art and writing.

Vincke explained that while they had experimented with AI tools for various purposes like idea exploration and presentation development, they decided to avoid using generative AI for creating concept art. This decision came after facing criticism online for considering AI-generated assets in their creative process.

In response to concerns, Vincke clarified that any potential future use of generative AI assets would involve data owned by the studio. The team also confirmed that text generation tools were not utilized for writing dialogues or journal entries in Divinity, emphasizing their restricted use for research purposes only.

By openly discussing their stance on AI integration, Larian Studios aims to maintain transparency and address community feedback regarding the use of AI in game development. While leaving the door slightly ajar for possible future utilization, the studio’s commitment to ethical and controlled AI implementation sets a precedent for responsible technology adoption in the gaming industry.

Source: The Verge

Xbox Game Studios’ upcoming title, Towerborne, a side-scrolling action RPG, is set to launch on February 26th. Originally planned as a free-to-play online game, the studio has announced a significant shift to a paid model that offers offline play capabilities.

Trisha Stouffer, CEO of Towerborne developer Stoic, highlighted the transformation required to enable offline play, emphasizing a more robust and player-friendly experience. This decision follows feedback from the gaming community during Early Access and Game Preview, expressing a desire for a complete game experience without ongoing monetization mechanics.

The move to a premium model aims to deliver a polished game upfront, devoid of live-service elements such as pay-to-win systems, catering to players seeking a different gaming experience from the prevalent live service games like Fortnite and Roblox.

With the upcoming 1.0 release, Towerborne promises a full story, new bosses, a revamped difficulty system, and the ability to earn in-game cosmetics through gameplay without the need for additional purchases. Existing early access players will retain access to the game post-launch.

This strategic shift in Towerborne’s monetization approach signifies a departure from the trend of live-service games, offering players a one-time purchase option with offline play convenience, potentially reshaping the landscape of gaming monetization strategies.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft is set to host its annual Xbox Developer Direct event on January 22nd, offering an in-depth look at several highly anticipated Xbox games. The event will feature previews of Forza Horizon 6, which will take players on a vibrant open-world adventure in Tokyo City and beyond. Additionally, the event will provide insights into the upcoming Fable title, promising a fresh start for the beloved franchise.

Game Freak, known for its Pokémon RPG series, will also present gameplay from its action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation. In this game, players will embark on an adventure alongside the protagonist Emma and her loyal canine companion. The Xbox Developer Direct event, starting at 1PM ET on January 22nd, will be live-streamed on Twitch and YouTube, giving fans an exciting glimpse into the future of Xbox gaming.

Source: The Verge

Sony has announced a new Hyperpop Collection for the PlayStation 5, featuring eye-catching neon console covers and controllers in three vibrant color options: techno red, remix green, and rhythm blue. Designed with RGB lighting in mind, the collection aims to bring a burst of color to gaming setups.

According to Sony’s color, material, and finish design team lead, Leo Cardoso, the new colors are inspired by the mesmerizing glow of RGB lights found in modern gaming setups, offering a captivating visual experience for enthusiasts.

The Hyperpop Collection is slated for launch on March 12th, with preorders starting on January 16th at Sony’s PlayStation Direct website and select retailers. The console covers are priced at $74.99, while the matching DualSense controllers will be available for $84.99, albeit in limited quantities.

Source: The Verge

Intel has announced plans to revolutionize the handheld gaming market with its upcoming Panther Lake processors. The company is developing a dedicated ‘handheld gaming platform’ powered by these new chips, signaling Intel’s entry into the competitive handheld gaming space, which has seen growing interest from competitors like Qualcomm and AMD.

According to reports from IGN and TechCrunch, Intel is set to introduce custom Intel Core G3 variants optimized specifically for handheld devices. These variants are expected to deliver superior performance, potentially surpassing the capabilities of the recently unveiled Arc B390 GPU. By leveraging the new 18A process, Intel aims to tailor the chips for enhanced GPU performance in targeted areas.

While specific details about the gaming platform are limited at this stage, Intel’s Dan Rogers hinted at forthcoming updates from hardware and software partners later this year. The success of the Intel-based MSI Claw following the transition to Lunar Lake indicates promising advancements, suggesting the potential for the upcoming handheld gaming platform.

Source: The Verge

Corsair has announced the Galleon 100 SD gaming keyboard, which features a fully integrated Elgato Stream Deck. This wired mechanical keyboard boasts 12 customizable buttons, a 5-inch 720 x 1280 IPS screen, and two rotary dials, providing gamers with a versatile and interactive experience.

The Galleon marks the integration of Elgato’s Stream Deck technology within Corsair products. Previously seen in the Corsair Voyager gaming laptop, this integration showcases a significant advancement, offering users a seamless Stream Deck experience.

Priced at $349.99 and set to launch on January 29th, the Galleon offers top-tier specifications, including an 8,000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable PCB with MLX Pulse switches, and FlashTap support. However, the standout feature remains the advanced Stream Deck integration. Elgato’s general manager, Julian Fest, highlights the keyboard’s larger, higher-resolution screen and improved viewing angles compared to existing Stream Decks.

While the Galleon requires separate software control for different sides, Corsair’s web hub browser tool manages one side, while Elgato’s Stream Deck software controls the other, ensuring a cohesive user experience.

Source: The Verge

Nvidia has announced the latest update to its Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, introducing DLSS 4.5 with significant advancements. The new iteration incorporates Nvidia’s second-generation Super Resolution transformer model and introduces a 6x Multi Frame Generation mode tailored for RTX 50-series GPUs, leveraging AI to generate up to five additional frames for each rendered frame.

DLSS 4.5 is designed to enhance image quality and address artifacting issues encountered in the previous version. This update is compatible with all RTX GPUs, with optimized performance on Nvidia’s latest RTX 40- and 50-series cards. The refined transformer model boasts a 5x increase in compute power over its predecessor, trained on an expanded high-fidelity dataset, and fully capitalizes on the capabilities of GeForce RTX 40- and 50-series GPUs, featuring faster and more advanced Tensor Cores.

The improved DLSS model is adept at interpreting in-game scenes, utilizing game engine data to enhance lighting effects, edge sharpness, and motion clarity. Nvidia showcased the enhancements of DLSS 4.5 across various games, demonstrating reduced ghosting in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, enhanced anti-aliasing in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and diminished shimmering in select scenes in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

Additionally, Nvidia will introduce a new 6x Multi Frame Generation mode specifically for RTX 50-series users in the spring, catering to 240Hz 4K gaming by generating five additional frames per rendered frame.

Source: The Verge

Nvidia is set to release a new line of G-Sync Pulsar monitors that feature automatic brightness and color adjustments based on ambient lighting conditions. Similar to laptops, these monitors come equipped with a built-in light sensor that gauges the brightness and color temperature of the surroundings to optimize the screen accordingly.

According to Nvidia’s product marketing manager, Michael McSorley, the monitors will increase brightness and shift to cooler colors in bright daylight to enhance visibility, while reducing brightness and using warmer tones in darker environments to reduce glare and eye strain.

Although the adjustment is automatic, users retain full control over the feature, allowing for customization or the option to disable it through the monitor’s on-screen display.

The G-Sync Pulsar monitors featuring Ambient Adaptive Technology will be available starting January 7th, with prices beginning at $599. These monitors, designed with professional esports players in mind, offer 27-inch IPS displays at 1440p resolution and refresh rates of up to 360Hz. Acer, AOC, Asus, and MSI are among the manufacturers launching models with this automatic brightness capability.

This feature builds upon Nvidia’s previous G-Sync monitor offerings, which now leverage MediaTek scalers to integrate G-Sync features without the need for separate modules. The original G-Sync technology, introduced in 2013, synchronized display refresh rates with GPUs to eliminate screen tearing, stutter, and input lag.

Source: The Verge

Nvidia has announced the expansion of its cloud gaming service, GeForce Now, with the introduction of native apps for Linux and Amazon’s Fire TV devices. Additionally, the company is implementing full flight control support for Microsoft Flight Simulator on the platform.

The addition of a native Linux app is a significant development for GeForce Now users, who previously had to rely on unofficial apps or browser workarounds to access the service. The new app will initially be available as a beta for Ubuntu 24.04 and newer, providing stable graphics drivers and consistent system libraries.

Nvidia is also broadening the accessibility of GeForce Now by introducing support for Amazon Fire TV devices. The upcoming app will debut on Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and 4K Max, allowing users to stream PC games to their television screens using just a controller.

For enthusiasts of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Nvidia is set to implement full flight control support on GeForce Now, enabling compatibility with devices from Thrustmaster and Logitech. This enhancement will allow users to connect joysticks or yokes to devices like laptops and stream the game with fully functional controls.

Source: The Verge

Dell-owned Alienware announced two new gaming laptops at CES 2026 aimed at expanding their reach to a broader audience. One model will feature a sleek, ultra-slim design, while the other will target entry-level gamers with a more affordable price point.

The slim model will be available in 14- and 16-inch versions, boasting a remarkably thin profile of around 17mm and discrete Nvidia graphics for enhanced performance. Regarding the entry-level variant, Alienware’s head of product, Matt McGowan, hinted at a price point significantly lower than current offerings, potentially falling below the $1,000 mark.

In addition, Alienware is introducing anti-glare OLED panel options for its existing 16-inch Area-51 and Aurora 16X laptops. These displays are designed to reduce gloss by 32% and minimize fingerprint smudges, featuring HDR True Black 500, peak brightness of 600 nits for HDR content, and built-in pixel protection to mitigate burn-in risks.

Source: The Verge

Asus has announced a collaboration with Kojima Productions to create a limited-edition version of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet. The tablet features a striking design by Yoji Shinkawa, with angular lines and a two-tone metallic gold and black color scheme reminiscent of the Death Stranding games.

The ROG Flow Z13-KJP is equipped with AMD Strix Halo and boasts a carbon fiber rear panel cover, as well as military tech-style warnings. The Kojima Productions edition includes a white attache hard case, with optional matching accessories like a headset, mouse, and desk mat. Exclusive variants with a special metallic keycap keyboard are also in development for the Kojima Productions team.

The limited-edition tablet is set to launch in mid-to-late Q1 2026, with pricing details expected closer to availability. The unique design elements inspired by Kojima Productions’ iconic style have generated excitement among tech enthusiasts and gaming fans alike.

Source: The Verge

Asus has revealed the latest iteration of its ROG Zephyrus Duo gaming laptop, featuring significant enhancements to its dual-screen setup. The new model boasts two full-size 16-inch 3K 120Hz OLED HDR displays with edge-to-edge design, offering peak brightness of 1,100 nits. The laptop is equipped with Intel Panther Lake and Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs, including the powerful RTX 5090, catering to gamers’ performance needs.

The innovative design of the Zephyrus Duo allows for versatile usage with a detachable keyboard/trackpad that can be used wirelessly or on the secondary display. This gaming laptop offers various viewing modes such as two-up, side-by-side, tent, flat, or traditional single-screen laptop mode. With a range of ports including HDMI 2.1, USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and a full-size SD card slot, connectivity options are abundant.

The Zephyrus Duo aims to provide a unique gaming experience by combining functionality and performance in a portable package. Asus’ focus on dual-screen technology enhances multitasking capabilities for users, offering new levels of immersion and productivity in the gaming environment.

Source: The Verge

At CES 2026, MSI introduced the latest iteration of its gaming laptop lineup, the Crosshair 16 Max HX. The new model boasts a 14.3% slimmer chassis compared to its predecessor, while incorporating enhanced specifications into a more compact design.

The updated Crosshair 16 Max HX features a second-generation Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series GPU, up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 16-inch 240Hz OLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. Users can leverage the MSI OverBoost Ultra technology to increase GPU power by up to 115W and CPU power by 85W (or 140W for CPU exclusive mode).

Despite these hardware upgrades, the Crosshair 16 Max HX maintains a discreet design with minimal RGB elements on the keyboard and subtle mecha-style accents. The laptop is anticipated to hit the market in April 2026, with prices starting at $1,649, offering gamers a blend of performance and portability.

Source: The Verge

Audeze, the headphone manufacturer owned by Sony, has unveiled an updated version of its Maxwell gaming headset at CES. The new model, the Maxwell 2, features magnetic ear pads for convenient replacement.

The Maxwell 2 is priced at $329 for the PlayStation variant and $349 for the Xbox model, and supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. Retaining the 80-hour battery life of its predecessor, the headset incorporates 90mm magnetic drivers offering a frequency range of 10Hz to 50Hz, ensuring precise audio reproduction from subtle sounds to intense explosions with minimal distortion.

Enhancements in the Maxwell 2 include a wider ventilated strap, integration of Audeze’s SLAM technology for enhanced bass, and a detachable boom microphone with AI-driven noise cancellation capabilities. The headset connects wirelessly via USB-C dongle or Bluetooth 5.3, supporting LDAC and LE Audio.

Source: The Verge

Asus has announced the launch of three new OLED gaming monitors at CES, featuring an innovative ‘RGB stripe’ technology aimed at enhancing texture clarity and color rendering consistency. This new technology aligns the colors of subpixels in vertical RGB stripes, promising improved viewing experiences across various activities, including gaming, everyday computing, and content creation.

The flagship model, the 27-inch ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM, incorporates Tandem OLED technology for exceptional brightness, color gamut coverage, and extended display lifespan. It supports 4K 240Hz or FHD 480Hz options, true 10-bit color, a DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 port with 80Gbps bandwidth, and an HDMI 2.1 port.

The 34-inch ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDN and the ROG Strix OLED XG34WCDMS utilize quantum dot OLED panels, offering up to 360Hz refresh rates, true 10-bit color support, and various connectivity options, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with power delivery. These monitors also feature 40% deeper perceived black levels compared to previous models.

Asus’s latest OLED gaming monitors represent a significant advancement in display technology, catering to the needs of gamers, content creators, and everyday users seeking top-notch visual experiences.

Source: The Verge

Belkin has unveiled an updated version of its Charging Case Pro for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new case retains the original 10,000mAh internal battery capacity but now allows for charging without removing the battery, providing enhanced convenience for users. Unlike its predecessor, the redesigned case features a front-facing USB-C port, enabling users to charge the internal battery while the case remains closed. Additionally, a small display on the case shows the remaining battery life, giving users essential information at a glance.

The Charging Case Pro also boasts an integrated adjustable stand, eliminating the need for the Switch 2’s flip-out stand. By connecting the console to a USB-C port on the stand, users can power up their devices effortlessly. The case includes compartments for game cartridges, accessory storage, and trackers like AirTags or Tile devices. Despite the new features, the Charging Case Pro comes with a $30 price increase compared to its predecessor, now retailing at $99.99.

Source: The Verge

Valve has announced the winners of the 2025 Steam Awards, with Hollow Knight: Silksong taking the coveted Game of the Year title. The game, known for its captivating gameplay and dedicated fan following, has been a standout since its launch in September. Its success has culminated in this recognition, solidifying its position as a favorite among gamers.

In addition to the top prize, Hollow Knight: Silksong also received the ‘Best Game You Suck At’ award, adding a unique touch to its accolades. The Steam Awards also honored Hades II as the Best Game on Steam Deck, recognizing its gameplay mechanics and graphics that offer an engaging experience in short gaming sessions.

Furthermore, Silent Hill f secured the Outstanding Visual Style award, highlighting its stunning visuals. Despite its merits, some may argue that Dream BBQ, with its unique and mesmerizing graphics, could have also been recognized.

Source: The Verge