GameStop is prepared to offer buyout terms to auction titan eBay, the premier commerce point for the second-hand used gaming market.

New reports from The Wall Street Journal say that retailer GameStop seeks to acquire eBay to help advance ambitious expansion plans. GameStop was the de facto depot of generations of interactive entertainment and now company CEO Ryan Cohen seeks to make the company into a $100 billion brand that goes beyond games and collectibles.

eBay currently has a market capitalization of $45-46 billion, and it's said that GameStop's CEO is prepared to make a hostile takeover bid if the initial offer is refused. GameStop has been securing stock in eBay for months now, and while its cash is ample at $9 billion, the group would still need additional partners to make the buyout happen.

World of Warcraft players are sending a clear message to Blizzard by protesting the prices of the new housing store, which has a bundle for $75, which is just $2 more than it costs to subscribe to the game for half a year.

WoW's new player housing economy has become controversial, which seemed inevitable, given that it's built on the game's second-ever virtual currency. While the game's community is usually contentious, gamers seem unified in their feelings about the new $75 Cozy Treehouse Retreat Bundle that's being sold on the Battle.net store.

The more expensive retreat bundle includes a ton of different cosmetic options wrapped up in one package, and it saves users on average $0.50 versus buying everything separately. Fans aren't entirely happy about the presentation, positioning, and general pricing of the new player housing content, which was a big selling point of World of Warcraft's latest Midnight expansion.

YouTube is apparently working to integrate more AI features into its user interface. Shortly after increasing the price of YouTube Premium, they launched AI avatars for Shorts creators and began asking users whether they felt their feeds were filled with "AI slop". However, presumably after getting the answer that we weren't getting enough AI on our feeds, they are reportedly doubling down on AI features.

A new AI-powered search feature called "Ask YouTube" is reportedly in the works. Users will now get a tool in the search bar that uses AI to find the perfect answers to their queries, integrating videos into the answers. If you searched for a "how-to" style video, you might get a step-by-step instructional answer with multiple videos curated by AI to best answer your question.

In the demo, a user asks YouTube to "plan a 3-day road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara". The feature then proceeds to do its "AI magic" and provides a result with a mix of text, short videos, and long-form videos that are tailored to the user's specific query. This might seem like a red flag for discoverability, but YouTube claims it will show videos and relevant segments, along with channel details, to point users to the sources. You can then ask follow-up questions to the original query and get more video suggestions, much like the conversations we are now used to holding with large language models.

The developers behind coreboot have provided an update on their progress developing a port of the open-source BIOS to a consumer AM5 motherboard, the MSI Pro B850-P. Phoronix reports that 3mdeb, the company behind coreboot, has successfully ported several important blocks required to support AMD (Phoenix) Ryzen 8000 APUs, featuring MPIO, SMU, NBIO, FCH SD, FCH ACPI, and RcMgr. The company also addressed the missing USB initialization code that was causing USB failures to occur on the board previously.

All these changes have made the open-source port almost fully functional, with the team stating that its open-source BIOS implementation now almost makes it to the Linux login screen. In addition to the aforementioned USB fixes, the team also resolved a system hang caused by a bug in the PCIe enumeration process. The main issue that remains is a problem (or problems) surrounding the promontory B850 chipset, causing hard faults to occur.

Development of this port has taken a couple of months so far, split into multiple parts. Part one involved enabling bootblock and romstage and mapping all of the USB, SATA, and PCIe ports on the motherboard. Part 2 involved adding USB and PCIe devicetree descriptors and integrating Ryzen 8000 series openSIL code into the port.

Benchmark results of Intel's recently launched Core 300 "Wildcat Lake" processors are slowly starting to come out. These Core 300 CPUs are aimed at mid-range mobile and edge applications, with Panther Lake targeting the high end. We recently reported on the Core 5 320 being spotted on PassMark, and delivering superior multi-threaded performance to the Apple A18 chip that powers the MacBook Neo.

Now, a new Wildcat Lake result has been listed on PassMark, this time for the Core 5 330. Bear in mind that the Core 5 330 has the same core configuration as its lesser sibling, the Core 5 320. Both CPUs have 6 total cores in a 2P+4LPE setup, with "Cougar Cove" P-Cores and "Darkmont" LPE cores, but no traditional E-cores. These processors can boost up to 4.6 GHz on the P-cores and have 6MB of L3 cache with a 15W TDP. The only notable difference between the two CPUs is that the Core 5 330 supports Intel SIPP, while the other does not.

Since the underlying specs are so similar, the Core 5 330 performs similarly to the Core 5 320, as backed by the PassMark results. It gets a single-thread score of 4215 and a multi-threaded rating of 14947. To put these numbers into context, the Core 5 320 scored 4047 in single-core performance, while its multi-threaded rating is slightly higher at 15222. We can chalk that difference up to the lack of samples for the Core 5 330, as ratings tend to become more accurate as more benchmarks are submitted.

Rockstar Games has been steadily building a user-generated content framework for Grand Theft Auto, including investing and supporting its active GTA Online community with practical delivery and commerce systems.

Rather than trying to tackle everything themselves, Rockstar actually bought modding group Cfx.re, the team that hosts special standalone online versions of GTA V and RDR Online, which are respectively known as FiveM and RedM. Rockstar then established a dedicated storefront, the Cfx Marketplace, that sells digital content and items for these separate, standalone and user-monetized online versions.

That got us thinking: Will GTA 6 operate in the same way, with an official online mode operating separately but in tandem with a custom version (SixM)? Or will Rockstar try to combine the two, offering UGC within the official version?

Microsoft is hiring a new financial expert to help lead transformational change at Xbox and keep a close eye on game budgets and sensitive profit margins.

Xbox is being primed for its next phase shift. The platform will evolve with Project Helix, a hybrid system that plays both PC and console games, as well as expansion into cloud-native games and off-console content. These ambitions won't come cheap, and the latest Game Pass price drop means Microsoft might have to get more creative to squeeze out extra revenue--especially at a time when Xbox earnings continue to drop every quarter.

That's why Microsoft is now hiring more bean counters to help keep Xbox's spending under control. Games are more expensive to make now than they've ever been, and it's also a very bad time to plan a next-gen console launch, what with the RAM and storage scarcity driving up prices to eye-wateringly high levels. Microsoft is currently hiring a senior finance lead to help identify solutions to these problems while making sure Xbox stays a profitable, growing business.

AMD unveiled its in-house AI development platform, the "Halo Box," at AI Dev Day yesterday, rivaling NVIDIA's DGX Spark. AMD initially presented the platform at CES and plans to release it in June. The system features the powerful Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 chip and an extensive 128GB of soldered RAM.

While the Strix Halo family debuted at CES 2025 to much fanfare, the following year, third-party systems saw higher prices due to rising memory costs. Likewise, NVIDIA launched its first-party DGX Spark mini-PC to deploy local AI models. In response, AMD introduced the Halo Box reference system at CES this year.

The first-party nature of the Halo Box should offer seamless operation on both Windows and Linux, preloaded models, quality control, and possibly subsidized pricing. The Halo Box can be portable enough to be carried by hand, as evidenced by the executives holding it on stage with little effort. It features an LED strip that can be controlled via software (even on Linux, according to some early patches).

A Battlefield movie starring Michael B. Jordan is already sparking a bidding war, highlighting just how valuable major gaming IP has become in Hollywood right now.

According to recent reports, multiple studios are competing for the rights to the project, which aims to bring EA's long-running Battlefield franchise to the big screen. The involvement of Michael B. Jordan has reportedly elevated the project's prospects, positioning it as more than just another video game adaptation and instead as a potential blockbuster with mainstream appeal, but also seemingly a shoo-in with gamers.

Video game adaptations are no longer treated as risky experiments, with several franchises making the jump to either film or TV shows, and many becoming successful. For example, there is the God of War TV show in development, along with Activision's Call of Duty movie, which was recently confirmed. There is also The Last of Us TV show and the super-successful Super Mario Bros. Movie. These successes have proven that gaming IP can translate into major box-office hits. Battlefield, with its large-scale warfare, cinematic set pieces, and global recognition, is now going to join the silver screen.

NVIDIA is pushing into the next phase of artificial intelligence with OpenClaw agents, signaling a shift from passive AI tools toward systems that can actively perform tasks.

Unlike traditional AI models that generate responses, OpenClaw agents are designed to execute workflows, make decisions, and operate across systems with minimal to no human input. Picture a virtual assistant that controls your entire machine, can take instructions, and carries out tasks. NVIDIA positions this as a major evolution in how organizations will use AI, particularly in enterprise environments where automation and efficiency are critical.

AI is moving beyond chat interfaces and into agent-based systems capable of handling complex operations across multiple platforms. NVIDIA even went as far as to call OpenClaw agents the ChatGPT moment for AI agents. Companies are increasingly looking for solutions that do not just assist users but actively complete tasks, reducing manual effort. NVIDIA's involvement suggests this shift could accelerate quickly, especially given its strong position in AI hardware and infrastructure.

MindsEye's post-launch saga is taking an even stranger turn, with the studio now doubling down on sabotage claims while turning the controversy into in-game content.

Build A Rocket Boy has continued to insist that MindsEye's troubled launch was not purely the result of internal issues, claiming it has identified individuals behind a coordinated campaign to sabotage the game's launch.

The studio alleges more than €1 million was spent on efforts to damage the game's reputation and squander its launch, and that the accusations range from paid influencers to internal interference. Studio leadership recently said it has enough evidence to pursue legal action.

Huawei is pushing the boundaries of what a car can do with a new vehicle that can project movies directly from its headlights, turning everyday parking into a potential cinema experience. Waiting in the car for someone? No worries, just start playing videos with your headlights.

The system integrates projection technology into the car's lighting hardware, enabling video content to be displayed on walls or other external surfaces. It is part of Huawei's broader push into smart mobility, where vehicles are no longer just about transportation but also serve as a mobile entertainment hub.

As automakers explore autonomous driving and longer in-car dwell time, the focus is increasingly shifting toward entertainment and lifestyle features, as passengers who experience autonomous driving will need features they can interact with during the commute.

Intel is suddenly back in the spotlight after delivering its strongest monthly performance in years, signaling a potential shift in the long-running narrative dominated by rivals like NVIDIA and TSMC.

The company posted its best stock surge in over a decade, driven by renewed investor confidence in its turnaround strategy and aggressive push into AI and advanced chip manufacturing. After years of falling behind in process technology and losing market share, Intel is now being viewed through a different lens, with its long-term roadmap starting to gain traction.

This momentum ties directly into broader industry shifts. AI demand is exploding, and while NVIDIA still dominates the GPU market, Intel is positioning itself across both compute and foundry services. Its push into domestic manufacturing and partnerships with governments and enterprise clients is also helping reshape sentiment.

Windrose continues its rapid rise, with the breakout pirate survival game now surpassing 1.5 million copies sold, cementing one of the strongest early access video game launches of 2026.

The Kraken Express title has steadily built momentum since launch, following an explosive debut that saw it hit 1 million copies in under a week and reach more than 200,000 concurrent players on Steam. The SteamDB charts are also painting quite a healthy story, as the title peaked at 222,000 players, and is approximately averaging more than 100,000 concurrently since it entered early access on April 14. This latest milestone reinforces just how quickly Windrose has gone from a promising indie to a major player in the survival crafting space.

Windrose did not just spike at launch; it sustained growth, driven by strong word of mouth, a successful Steam Next Fest demo, and a co-op-focused PvE experience that stands out in a genre often dominated by PvP. Earlier reports highlighted over 1.5 million wishlists before release, indicating that quite a bit of groundwork had already been laid for this kind of breakout success.

With several credible leaks and rumors pointing to a big Computex 2026 reveal for Intel's new PC gaming handheld processor, called the Arc G3 Extreme, we're now starting to see actual evidence of the device out in the wild. The first one arrives via PassMark, which offers CPU performance of the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor.

The listing confirms the leaked CPU specs, including a Panther-Lake 14-core design with 2 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 4 LP (low-power) cores. As the listing doesn't include information on the 12-core integrated Xe3 GPU and focuses purely on CPU performance, we now know that the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor is notably more powerful than the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme found in the ROG Xbox Ally X and other Windows-based PC gaming handhelds.

The single-thread score of 4288 for the Arc G3 Extreme is roughly 8% higher than the Ryzen Z2 Extreme's score of 3964. In addition, the full multi-threaded score of 29622 for the Arc G3 Extreme is about 25% higher than the Ryzen Z2 Extreme's 23649. Having more cores and threads helps, and these results indicate better overall gaming performance, as CPU performance plays a role when playing at lower resolutions like 1080p.

It's no secret that Valve's Steam Machine hasn't launched yet because of the current memory and storage crisis affecting the consumer technology market. With prices doubling and tripling and availability becoming scarce, the discourse surrounding an affordable entry-level 'gaming console' PC from Valve has shifted from anticipation to questions about price and availability.

For those gamers out there excited about the idea of a more powerful Steam Deck that connects to your TV as a SteamOS-powered gaming console, there is some great news. According to Brad Lynch, a well-known leaker of all things Valve, the company has been receiving "a ton" of shipments at its various US-based warehouses, with all of them marked as "Game Consoles."

Although there's no specific mention of the Steam Machine, odds are this is exactly what's being received. And as a "ton" implies a lot of stock, potentially in the tens or even hundreds of thousands, there's a good chance this means Valve is set to announce and launch the highly anticipated Steam Machine very soon.

Lian Li has launched an impressive new compact mATX case with the VECTOR V150 INF. Not only in terms of its hardware support and cooling design, but also its physical look, which includes a tempered glass infinity-mirror front panel with two large pre-installed 140mm ARGB PWM fans. Lian Li's integration of fans into tempered-glass front panels sets its case lineup apart from the pack by enabling direct airflow intake while delivering a unique, stylish look.

Of course, the new Lian Li VECTOR V150 INF is all about cooling, with an additional pre-installed 120mm ARGB PWM fan at the rear joining the two on the front panel. Even though it's an mATX case that supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, including back-connect m-ATX motherboards, the VECTOR V150 INF is designed for modern high-performance hardware. This includes enough space to install a 360mm radiator and up to 10 fans, which is impressive for a case this size.

The three included fans also feature infinity-mirror hubs and can sync lighting and speed with the motherboard. There's also the option to go full wireless with Lian Li's innovative L-Wireless controller, for cable-free lighting and fan control.

You'll never guess what game inspired The Elder Scrolls Online--it's a real shocker, but Blizzard's mega-hit MMORPG was the blueprint that Bethesda followed.

Bethesda was actually the one who came up with the idea to adapt The Elder Scrolls into an online game. In a new interview with games publication 80.lv, former ZeniMax Online Studios founder and lead Matt Firor says that ESO was originally created as a direct answer to World of Warcraft's success.

They didn't need any convincing! Seriously, they recruited me to found ZOS and build Elder Scrolls Online, and were very upfront about it from the first interview. They saw the success of WoW and wanted to turn their own fantasy single player IP into a massively multiplayer experience," Firor said.

Icelandic video game studio CCP Games has secured its independence from South Korean MMORPG giant Pearl Abyss for significantly less than what was paid for the group years ago.

CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson has re-acquired private ownership over the studio. As per reports from The Chosun Daily, Pétursson paid 177.132 Billion Won (roughly $120 million) for CCP Games, nearly half of what the South Korean firm paid nearly a decade ago. Back in 2018, Pearl Abyss acquired CCP Games for an upfront buyout price of $225 million, with the potential of an extra $200 million in bonus payouts.

Now 8 years later, CCP Games has secured its independence for nearly half of the price that Pearl Abyss had originally paid. The group created Eve Online, one of the most popular MMORPGs on the market and a game that caters to a very niche audience.

Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma appears to say that the games segment has better profit margins than before, or at the very least there's been progress made in that regard.

While Microsoft reports another consecutive quarter of a drop in gaming earnings, this time a -$380 million year-over-year dip in total gaming revenues, it appears that Xbox has become more profitable. Division CEO Asha Sharma indicates that Xbox now has its operating margins under better control, and this could support recent reports that Microsoft's board and CFO have eased pressures on Xbox to deliver strict quarterly margin targets.

"While we have made progress expanding the business and our margins, player and revenue growth has not yet met our ambition. We know we have work to do to earn every player today and into the future," Sharma said on Twitter, the same day Microsoft announced its Q3'FY26 results.