All articles tagged with #gamingtechnology
Microsoft plans to add BNPL options for Xbox purchases via Klarna and PayPal, allowing players to spread costs over weeks or months with no interest. The feature appears to be in development, hinted by code on the Xbox site, and aims to improve affordability amid rising console and game prices and broader cost-of-living pressures in the gaming industry.
The PlayStation 5 Pro's 10% CPU performance boost over the base model is unlikely to significantly improve performance in CPU-bound titles or enable 40 FPS modes, with developers needing more CPU overhead for a 33% boost. While the new console's better CPU may offer improved stability for 40 FPS modes, it's unlikely to be widely implemented due to limited demand. Despite questions about its necessity, a known AMD leaker suggests there are reasons for Sony to release the mid-generation system, dispelling myths about untapped potential in the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation 5 Pro has yet to be officially announced.
Moon Studios' upcoming ARPG, No Rest For The Wicked, will be playable on the Steam Deck and other handhelds at launch, with expected performance of 30-40fps on the Deck. The game's PC specs suggest a forgiving minimum requirement but a demanding recommended spec for 1080p 60fps, although the studio assures that the game performs better than suggested. The developers are transparent about performance and have handhelds in mind, making the game suitable for couch gaming. The launch trailer promises no microtransactions, always-online, or anti-cheat.
The PlayStation 5 Pro is seen as necessary to advance visuals and performance for current generation games, as the notion of untapped potential in the base model is debunked. With hardware vendors converging on similar designs and tools enabling efficient performance extraction, the need for a significant leap in visual fidelity will likely be met by the next generation of consoles. The PlayStation 5 Pro, featuring an improved GPU, better ray tracing, and the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution upscaler, is expected to bridge the gap until the release of the PlayStation 6, with compatibility for upcoming games anticipated from August 2024.
Sony is reportedly instructing developers to prepare their games for the rumored PS5 Pro, emphasizing improved ray tracing support. The new hardware is expected to feature a "Trinity Enhanced" label for games with significant enhancements, similar to Microsoft's optimization label for the Xbox Series X. Leaked specifications suggest improved CPU and GPU performance, including a "High CPU Frequency Mode" and a PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling feature. This technology aims to enhance performance without requiring additional horsepower, potentially addressing concerns about running demanding games like GTA 6 at 60FPS. While an official release date for the PS5 Pro has not been announced, analysts suggest a potential launch later this year.
Square Enix released the Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail benchmark, showcasing graphics improvements and the addition of AMD FSR 1.0 and NVIDIA DLSS 2.0. The game now supports dynamic interaction with grass, denser foliage, improved textures, and enhanced character models. A new anti-aliasing option called TSCMAA has been added, but it cannot be used with DLSS and FSR. Users can set DLSS to "Always On" with a frame rate threshold setting. The expansion will be released on July 2 for various platforms.
Discord has reportedly taken action against Nintendo Switch emulator developers and servers, shutting down accounts and servers connected to the emulators Suyu and Sudachi. The developers received vague messages about violating IP rights, with Discord citing compliance with DMCA requests and a court-ordered injunction. Emulator developers claim they were working to comply with legal requirements and question the deletion of their servers. This move reflects Nintendo's continued efforts to combat emulation, as seen in recent actions against Yuzu and ongoing challenges with unauthorized game downloads.
Fallout 4's new-gen update, arriving on April 25 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, brings 60 FPS, increased resolutions, stability improvements, and more. PC players will also receive a free update with widescreen support, quest updates, and bug fixes. Additionally, Bethesda Game Studios is releasing free Creation Club items, including the Enclave Remnants quest and various workshop items.
Ubisoft's upcoming game Star Wars Outlaws will require an internet connection to install, even for those who purchase physical copies. While offline play will be supported after installation, concerns have been raised about the long-term playability of physical copies, especially as servers shut down and companies go out of business. This move highlights the ongoing challenge of preserving video games for future generations.
YouTuber Serg Pavlov has managed to run Red Dead Redemption II on a Red Magic Pro 9 Android phone using a Windows PC emulator, although the performance is far from ideal. While some games like GTA IV run impressively well, others won't even start. This showcases the increasing power of mobile devices, but also highlights the current limitations in running high-end games smoothly on phones.
YouTuber Ross Scott launches "Stop Killing Games" campaign to pressure publishers to stop making titles unplayable after shutting down servers, highlighting the legal gray area and lack of clear laws regarding the issue. The campaign aims to convince authorities to examine the legality of this practice and hold AAA publishers accountable, petitioning multiple governments including France's DGCCRF, with plans for the UK, Canada, and Australia. The campaign addresses the frustration of gamers and the legal disclaimers, hoping to bring an end to this practice.
NVIDIA has acquired the Xbox brand from Microsoft, signaling a seismic shift in the gaming industry. The next-gen Xbox is set to feature dual GPUs and advanced AI capabilities, posing a direct challenge to Sony's upcoming PlayStation 6. With promises of unprecedented gaming experiences and cutting-edge technology, NVIDIA aims to dominate the console market, setting the stage for an epic showdown with Sony. The new Xbox is expected to launch in 2025, two years ahead of the PlayStation 6, and could redefine console gaming as we know it.
Pokemon Go players are frustrated with the ongoing issue of cheaters, particularly spoofers, who manipulate GPS tracking to steal in-game rewards, dominate Gyms and Raids, and negatively impact local communities. Despite Niantic's policies and reporting measures, players feel that the problem persists without effective intervention, leading to calls for change and concerns about the game's future.
Jim Ryan, the outgoing CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, expressed confidence that the PlayStation 5 is on track to become the company's most successful console across various metrics. Despite a record-breaking quarter in terms of revenue and 54.7 million PS5 sales, Sony has lowered its sales forecast for the year due to falling behind its hardware target. Ryan also mentioned the abundance of games published for the PS5, but the decision to release major titles on both PS4 and PS5 has drawn criticism. He is set to retire from Sony on April 1st after nearly thirty years with the company.
Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is leaving the company after a 30-year tenure, expressing pride in the success of the PlayStation 5 and the strong leadership team he's leaving behind. He believes the PS5 is on track to become the most successful console ever, citing the quality and quantity of games from PS Studios as a key factor. Hiroki Totoki will temporarily take over as CEO until a permanent replacement is found.