All articles tagged with #gaming
The New York Times released Strands puzzle No. 963 for October 22, 2026, rated as moderate difficulty. The theme is 'Any Relation,' with the spangram 'FAMILYTIES.' Non-spangram answers include BLOOD, KINFOLK, BRETHREN, OFFSPRING, and ANCESTORS. Hints reveal initial letters 'b,' 'a,' and 'k' with specific directions.
Microsoft has introduced paid 'Cloud Playtime' packs for Xbox Insiders, offering ad-free streaming without a Game Pass subscription. Introductory prices range from $3.99 for 10 hours to $11.99 for 50 hours. This preview precedes a broader November rollout where Game Pass subscribers will face monthly streaming limits.
CD Projekt Red released Update 2.5 for Cyberpunk 2077 on October 22, 2026, coinciding with the Netflix premiere of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. The free update introduces cross-platform mod support via Mod.io for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, alongside a new 'Double Trouble' perk allowing dual-wielding of pistols and revolvers. Additional features include Edgerunners-inspired quests, cyberware customization, and technical improvements like DLSS 4.5 support.
Manuel Otto, the 30-year-old German creator of the viral game 'Stick Run,' died on October 20, 2026, following an incident during a Twitch livestream. Official statements confirm he died by suicide, with reports indicating he set himself on fire in his Bavarian home. Twitch removed the broadcast immediately, while the game’s team urged the public to respect privacy and avoid spreading unverified details.
Nintendo is providing a free 40th Anniversary digital wallpaper to customers who purchase the digital version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 before November 23. The game launches on November 5, featuring voice-controlled ocarina mechanics and orchestral music. Physical pre-orders at major retailers are currently discounted by $10, though limited-edition hardware remains largely sold out despite promised restocks.
Manuel Otto, the 30-year-old German creator of the popular mobile game Stick Run, died on October 20, 2026, following an incident during a livestream on Twitch. Authorities in Bavaria confirmed a fatal fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, while the game’s developers stated Otto appeared to take his own life. Twitch removed the broadcast, and officials are investigating the circumstances.
Microsoft has opened a preview of its new hourly 'Cloud Playtime' passes to Xbox Insiders, allowing users to stream games without an active Game Pass subscription. The introductory pricing offers 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99, and 50 hours for $11.99, with a free ad-supported tier also available. This move precedes a November rollout where Game Pass subscribers will face strict monthly streaming caps of 5 to 15 hours depending on their tier.
One More Level announced that its first-person Soulslike, Valor Mortis, has achieved break-even status within seven days of its October 13 launch. The game, priced at $40 and available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, succeeded despite a highly competitive release window featuring titles like Control Resonant and Silent Hill Townfall. While the studio celebrated the financial milestone, critical reception remains mixed, with reviewers praising the innovative first-person perspective and combat mechanics but citing significant technical issues and narrative inconsistencies.
Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Super Smash Bros. and Kirby, has discontinued his 16-year-old Game Designers Award at the Tokyo Game Show, citing a lack of originality in modern development. In interviews, he warned that AI will exacerbate this trend by flooding the market with derivative, 'unplayable' titles. Sakurai noted that while Steam releases have surged from 275 in 2010 to over 19,000 annually, AI will likely increase this volume further. He argued that true innovation, such as the unique visions of designers like Fumito Ueda, cannot be replicated by algorithms, making human creativity essential for the industry's survival.
Manuel Otto, the 30-year-old German creator of the popular mobile game Stick Run, died on October 20, 2026, following a livestream on Twitch. The game’s team confirmed his passing on October 21, stating he appeared to take his own life during the broadcast. Local authorities reported an apartment fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Bavaria, where Otto’s body was found. Twitch removed the stream and associated videos, while the Stick Run team urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified details.
Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Super Smash Bros. and Kirby, has discontinued his 16-year-old Game Designers Award at the Tokyo Game Show, citing a lack of originality in modern development. In interviews, he warned that AI will exacerbate this trend by flooding the market with derivative, 'unplayable' titles. Sakurai noted that while Steam releases have surged from 275 in 2010 to over 19,000 annually, AI will likely increase this volume further. He argued that true innovation, such as the unique visions of designers like Fumito Ueda, cannot be replicated by algorithms, making human creativity essential for the industry's survival.
Dominique 'SonicFox' McLean withdrew from Nexcon 2026 after the event organizers used generative AI to create promotional materials featuring their likeness. The convention, held in Norman, Oklahoma, is organized by Ninjutsu Entertainment. SonicFox terminated their contract immediately upon seeing the AI-generated flyer, which also included distorted images of other attendees. While the organizers apologized and cited financial constraints, SonicFox refused to return, suggesting they use the contract funds to hire human artists instead.
Sony Interactive Entertainment released PS5 system software update 26.07-14.20.00 on October 21, 2026. The patch, which is approximately 1.2 GB, focuses on minor usability improvements and message clarity. This release follows the 14.10 update from October 1, which was reportedly compromised by homebrew developers. The timing is critical as Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19, and reports suggest the game requires the 14.10 firmware to run. While the new patch aims to address security vulnerabilities, it does not yet include a wider rollout of the Quick Spectral Super Resolution feature for base PS5 consoles.
Sony has activated the 'Planet of Deals' promotion on the PlayStation Store, offering discounts on over 3,500 games and DLCs for PS4 and PS5. The sale runs from October 21 to November 4, 2026, featuring deep cuts on major franchises like Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, and Borderlands. While some outlets report up to 75% discounts, the primary source notes that certain titles, such as A Plague Tale: Requiem, are marked down by 70%, and others like 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim by 75%. The event follows the recent 'Player's Choice' sale and precedes the holiday season.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV launches on December 3, 2026, marking a return to the series' original real-time strategy roots after the divisive third entry. Developed by KING Art Games and published by Deep Silver, the game features four distinct factions—Space Marines (Blood Ravens and Dark Angels), Orks, Necrons, and Adeptus Mechanicus—across more than 70 campaign missions. The title emphasizes deep base-building, large-scale unit management, and a revamped co-op survival mode called The Last Stand. A nine-minute overview trailer highlights the game's scope, while pre-orders offer a 10% discount and early access for Commander Edition buyers.