Gaming - Page 37

Xbox's next-gen Project Helix console has everyone on edge with its exciting proposition. Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma has suggested that the system could play both Xbox and PC games, pointing to a more hybrid approach. However, the rumored $1,200 price tag hasn't gone down well with many gamers, especially former Xbox owners, considering it is more than double the Xbox Series X's $500 launch price. Still, some insiders believe the premium could be justified.

In the latest episode of the Broken Silicon podcast, leaker Moore's Law Is Dead claimed Project Helix justifies its $1,200 price tag by offering performance comparable to a $2,000 to $3,000 gaming PC. He emphasized that this level of performance could disrupt the console space, much as the MacBook Neo disrupted the laptop segment, by offering premium capabilities well beyond traditional consoles.

According to the leaker, while it won't match ultra-high-end PC rigs, it is expected to surpass the performance of your average console. The hardware is said to be similar to a high-end PC, reportedly using silicon comparable to AMD's RDNA 5 70- or possibly 80-class GPU. The APU is described as the biggest in console history, built on "something insane at 3 nanometers."

Last month, Microsoft announced it is bringing Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) for Windows to PC gamers via the latest AgilitySDK 1.619 release. The feature was originally unveiled by Microsoft's DirectX team at Gamescom 2025 to address shader stuttering, with ROG Xbox Ally handhelds set to receive it first. Now, ASD is seemingly rolling out to Unreal Engine 5, enabling developers to use it for reducing shader stuttering and long load times.

A recent UE5-main commit shared on X by MADFINGER Games tech programmer Ondrej Hrušovský, and highlighted by VideoCardz, shows Epic working on 'ASD Tool improvements,' such as graphics PSO serialization, new D3D12 helper code, and PSO compilation fixes. While Hrušovský describes the implementation as 'in progress,' Epic has yet to comment officially.

This isn't the first time we have seen UE5 and ASD mentioned together. Back in March, Mihnea Balta, director of rendering engineering at Epic Games, said that "as Unreal, we're excited about supporting advanced shader delivery in the ecosystem," adding that early SODB and PSDB testing for Advanced Shader Delivery was already underway with more details to follow.

Build A Rocket Boy's troubles are piling up, and the story around MindsEye is quickly turning into one of the most chaotic post-launch sagas in recent memory.

A fresh legal dispute over alleged employee surveillance has now been added to the growing list of issues surrounding the studio, but it's far from the only problem. In recent weeks, MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy has faced a wave of controversy that spans workplace complaints, leadership claims of sabotage, and the collapse of a major publishing partnership.

Employees are now pursuing legal action against the installation of monitoring software on devices without their consent, demanding transparency into how their data was used and an explanation for why the software was deployed in the first place.

Roblox is paying millions to settle child safety concerns, but the bigger story is how years of controversy are now catching up with the platform.

Roblox Corp. has agreed to a $35.8 million settlement with attorneys general in West Virginia, Alabama, and Nevada over child safety protections, marking one of the most significant regulatory actions against the platform to date. The agreements require Roblox to improve safeguards for younger users, including stronger age verification and tighter restrictions on how adults can interact with minors.

The settlements also direct funds toward child safety education, reinforcing the growing pressure on platforms that cater heavily to younger audiences following numerous reports of these platforms failing to maintain or even implement safeguards to protect their predominantly child-aged audience from harmful interactions with child predators. There was one instance where Roblox banned a Roblox creator from its platform who made content on catching predators on Roblox. The company argued the creator violated its terms of service.

Ubisoft's Black Flag remake might be grabbing the spotlight, but new reports suggest it's only the beginning of a broader Assassin's Creed remake push.

Alongside the upcoming reveal of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, fresh reporting from Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson, who has an extremely solid track record when it comes to Ubisoft's inner workings, claims the studio already has at least one more Assassin's Creed remake in development.

While details remain scarce, the existence of a second project may hint toward a longer-term strategy, with Ubisoft reportedly planning to greenlight additional remakes depending on how well Black Flag Resynced performs when it launches later this year.

Is Xbox teasing a next-gen cloud device powered by Hideo Kojima's new horror game, OD?

Hideo Kojima was recently seen meeting with Xbox's gaming leadership team, including with executives CCO Matt Booty and CEO Asha Sharma, and the photo has sparked some speculation among fans. The Metal Gear creator is holding a mysterious box etched with "Xbox for Kojima" on the front, which seems noteworthy, but what could it refer to?

Is Kojima holding an early prototype of Microsoft's next-gen Project Helix console? Perhaps some sort of next-gen cloud device, maybe an upgraded version of the scrapped Keystone, or the Sebile direct-to-cloud controller that was uncovered in the FTC trial documents? It's tough to say for sure, but Microsoft has confirmed it's working on next-gen cloud devices using custom silicon that it's co-created alongside AMD.

Ubisoft might be bringing back one of Assassin's Creed's most divisive features, with new leaks suggesting Black Flag Resynced won't ditch the Animus after all.

According to a leaked presentation for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft is once again leaning into the series' modern-day narrative, confirming that Animus sequences will return in the remake. The leak, which also revealed details such as the lack of multiplayer and DLC, indicates that the modern-day component hasn't been scrapped, despite years of mixed fan reception.

For a franchise that has increasingly shifted focus toward fantastical historical storytelling, the decision signals Ubisoft isn't ready to abandon the connective tissue that's defined Assassin's Creed since its early days. What's changed, however, is how it's being handled. The presentation suggests a more streamlined approach, with the modern-day segments tied more closely to Edward Kenway's personal journey rather than broader Abstergo-centric storytelling.

Microsoft's next-gen Xbox plans might be bigger than expected, with Project Helix shaping up as both a console and a new class of OEM-powered gaming machines.

Fresh reports surrounding Project Helix, the codename for the SoC powering Xbox's next-generation hardware, suggest Microsoft is preparing a dual-pronged approach to its next-generation platform. While the company has already confirmed a first-party Helix-based console is on the way, new rumors indicate that PC OEMs like ASUS and MSI could also build their own custom systems around the same silicon. That would effectively turn Helix into more than just a console chip, and enable the creation of a new foundation for a broader ecosystem.

The key detail here is flexibility. Unlike traditional console hardware, which is tightly controlled and standardized, Project Helix is rumored to support a more open design philosophy. OEM partners could create their own "Xbox-like" machines, which is akin to pre-built PCs but with a console-style experience. The approach would be similar to what we've already seen with devices like ASUS' ROG Ally, which integrates Xbox's interface.

Announced earlier this year, NVIDIA's DLSS 4.5 update is a pretty big one for the technology, reaffirming its position as the gold standard for neural rendering. In addition to introducing a powerful new Transformer model that delivers impressive upscaling (Super Resolution) results, it brings updates to Frame Generation and introduces the new Dynamic Frame Generation mode for GeForce RTX 50 Series gamers.

Dynamic Frame Generation is definitely one of the stand-out features of the update, as it presents a natural evolution of what Multi Frame Generation brought to the table. As Frame Generation is all about improving performance and the overall smoothness of a game's presentation, Dynamic Frame Generation allows users to set a specific frame-rate target, which they can match to their display's refresh rate.

And with that, Dynamic Frame Generation adjusts the Frame Generation intensity on-the-fly, from 2X to 6X, to maintain consistent performance. And when paired with the improvements to image quality and latency, it's a big step forward for the technology. Check out our full hands-on here. And now, all game developers can natively integrate DLSS 4.5 into their games thanks to the new DLSS 4.5 SDK.

Setting aside the multiplayer offshoot Fallout 76, it's been over a decade since single gamers have gotten a proper single-player Fallout game to sink their post-apocalyptic teeth into. Even so, the franchise remains as popular as ever, thanks in part to the success of the Amazon Prime Video adaptation, which has delivered two seasons of acclaimed wasteland action so far.

When it comes to Fallout 5, the current word from Bethesda Game Studios is that the team will tackle that after it completes development on the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls 6. And with that, when you factor in that modern games are taking longer and longer to develop, there's a good chance it could be 20 years between mainline Fallout releases. Which is why rumors are pointing to remake-style remasters for both Fallout 3 and fan-favorite Fallout: New Vegas.

Depending on the source, both games are reportedly getting overhauled similarly to last year's The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered release, which, naturally, has Fallout fans excited. However, according to Fallout: New Vegas designer and writer Chris Avellone, a remake or remaster is unlikely.

NVIDIA's RTX Remix platform has ushered in a new era for modding and remastering classic PC games, with a tool that offers unprecedented control and access to in-game assets and environments. And by converting everything you see to a modern physically-based rendering system, it opens the door to advanced path-traced lighting that can transform a game like Half-Life 2, Portal, or the original Max Payne, into a cutting-edge visual showcase.

NVIDIA announced earlier this year that the next major update for RTX Remix, Advanced Particle VFX, is now available to developers and modders everywhere. This update, as the name suggests, adds a modern path-traced particle system with accurate physics and simulation capabilities. With tens of thousands of particles on-screen that can collide and react to gravity and their surroundings, while also casting their own shadows and reflections, it's another impressive addition to RTX Remix.

This is a feature modders have been asking for, and with the official launch of RTX Remix Advanced Particle VFX, NVIDIA has added new features based on community feedback and requests. One of these is Dynamic Animations for particles, which lets modders tinker with color, size, transparency, and speed, so particles change and evolve over time.

Capcom is set to replicate the positive transmedia effect from the Devil May Cry TV series, and this time around they have a new product ready to capitalize on the buzz.

Season 2 of the Devil May Cry TV series will premiere on Netflix on May 12, complete with eight episodes lasting 30 minutes each. This roughly 4-hour series will continue Adi Shankar's take on the series, which is described as a non-canon re-imagining of the games.

The show has significantly boosted full game sales in the Devil May Cry game series, with DMC5 passing the 10.5 million sales threshold following the upbeat reception of the first season. Capcom hopes to recapture this effect once more, using season 2 to hopefully spark sales within the series.

It seems like not a day goes by without a new price increase for gaming hardware. First, RAM prices went through the roof due to the ongoing global DRAM shortage, which is expected to last until 2030. CPUs quickly followed suit with both Intel and AMD announcing price hikes. Storage started to join the trend, and even Netflix and YouTube Premium got in on the action. Not to be left behind, the Windows gaming handhelds are next to join the party.

Lenovo has increased the price of its Legion Go S gaming handhelds. The price of the Z1 Extreme version with 32GB of RAM has increased from $899 to a whopping $1579 with SteamOS and $1679 with Windows. The latter currently has a discount running that reduces its price to $1049, but that's still a noticeable bump over the release price. The lower-end Z2 Go model with 16GB of RAM is now priced at $989, up from a launch price of $649.

This comes on the heels of a price hike for Lenovo's Legion Go 2, which raised its price from $1349 to $1999 recently. Mind you, the Legion Go S is supposed to be Lenovo's budget-oriented handheld gaming console, and even that is now priced at nearly $1700.

Microsoft just put an end to one of the biggest Xbox rumors of the year, and in doing so, may have quietly reshaped what the next generation of consoles actually looks like for the company.

Microsoft has officially confirmed that Project Helix will launch as a first-party Xbox console, pushing back against growing speculation that the company might abandon traditional hardware in favor of third-party or OEM devices. The confirmation came directly from Xbox's Jason Ronald, who stated plainly that "Project Helix will be available as a 1st party Xbox console," reinforcing that Xbox isn't stepping away from making its own hardware anytime soon.

What makes this announcement particularly interesting isn't just the hardware itself, it's the timing. Xbox has spent the last few years aggressively expanding beyond the console, leaning into PC, cloud, and subscription ecosystems. With Helix, Microsoft appears to be pursuing that even further, doubling down on first-party hardware while simultaneously redefining what that hardware actually is when building an Xbox console.

The new Mass Effect TV show at Amazon Prime might not fall into the same trap as Paramount's Halo show after all--writer and executive producer Daniel Casey clarifies that he was never asked to adapt the fan-favorite series to appeal to broader audiences.

Weeks ago, Hollywood newsletter The Ankler published a report about the upcoming Mass Effect TV series. The report said that Amazon MGM Studios head of global TV Peter Friedlander was closely scrutinizing all script projects, and that the Mass Effect show might not actually get greenlit without being re-written to appeal to non-gamers.

Now we have clarifications from Daniel Casey, who is producing and writing the series for Amazon--Casey says that the report is bogus and he was never asked to do rewrites tailored for people who didn't play the Mass Effect games.

When the Steam Machine was announced in 2025, it was introduced alongside the new Steam Controller. At the time, many assumed both devices would launch together as a complete gaming system. Now, a recent discovery on SteamDB suggests the Steam Controller may debut independently, giving us a clearer picture of what to expect.

The SteamDB file was found by reliable VR leaker Brad Lynch on X under the name "steam_controller_unboxing_2026," which appears to have been uploaded but not yet made publicly available. The entry surfaced on April 20, and the video itself remains unplayable, returning the message: This video has not been processed for streaming.This suggests Valve uploaded the asset without publishing it for general access.

This comes shortly after the same leaker reported on public import records showing a wireless PC controller among Valve's incoming packages. With two clues landing back-to-back, the signs are pointing toward a Steam Controller launch in the near future. Lynch himself said on X that he expects the controller's arrival to happen soon.

Microsoft is officially lowering the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and will no longer launch new Call of Duty games day and date into the service.

Today, Microsoft announced a price reduction for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, with the service dropping from the $29.99/month rate to $22.99/month, a -23% reduction in price. PC Game Pass is also decreasing from $16.49/month to $13.99/month, which represents a -15% reduction.

Content has been adjusted to reflect this lower price, and new Call of Duty games will no longer launch day and date into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.

Microsoft is making an effort to turn Xbox's public image around, plotting out a team of marketers and specialists to help build up the gaming brand.

Xbox is under new leadership under CEO Asha Sharma, and Microsoft is currently hiring for an interesting position that's centered around uplifting Xbox's reputation--it's actually right in the job title. The company has put out a job listing for a Senior Manager, Xbox Brand & Reputation that aims to better control the narrative around Xbox.

"Reporting to the Xbox Head of Brand and Platform Communications, you will partner closely with the Xbox comms and marketing teams as well as Xbox Leadership, Social Media, Public Affairs and engineering teams to drive storytelling to protect and elevate the Xbox brand," the post reads.

Ever since Microsoft confirmed that its next-generation Xbox 'Project Helix' console would essentially be a PC hybrid that would feature a dedicated Xbox mode to play for both console and PC gamers, the rumor mill has been going wild. One of which revolves around Microsoft going the ROG Xbox Ally route and partnering with companies like ASUS, MSI, and others to release 'Project Helix' hardware.

This approach was recently reiterated by well-known leaker and insider KeplerL2 over on the NeoGAF forums, where they said that Microsoft wouldn't be selling 'Project Helix' direct to customers, and that for those wanting a next-gen Xbox, they'll have to buy one from ASUS or MSI. "It won't be sold directly to consumers, but you will be able to buy an ASUS/MSI/etc Helix machine," KelperL2 writes.

Now, as far as game consoles go, this would be another unprecedented move on par with 'Project Helix,' transforming Xbox into a PC-console hybrid device. Now, for Xbox fans, this could be a disturbing thought, as no official box would dilute the very Xbox name. The good news is that Jason Ronald, the VP of Xbox Gaming Devices and Next Generation, has chimed in to squash this rumor before it takes hold.

Ubisoft is far from its glory days, and in recent years, the company has faced everything from repeated layoffs and game cancellations to studio closures and even a crumbling share price. Despite that, it continues to stack new titles onto an already crowded pipeline, and that plan seems to have come right back to bite it.

Rumors indicate the Splinter Cell remake and the new Far Cry installment have been hit by serious delays. On the Insider Gaming Podcast, Tom Henderson and Mike Straw stated that the Splinter Cell Remake is now internally targeting a 2027 release window. The project was originally announced in 2021 and was slated for a 2026 launch, but ongoing hurdles have made it difficult for the remake to come to fruition.

Meanwhile, the next mainline entry in the Far Cry series, codenamed Blackbird, reportedly centers on a protagonist whose main objective is to rescue their family members. According to Henderson, the project is "going through hell and back right now." We already know little about Far Cry 7, except that CEO Yves Guillemot said last February that the franchise has "two very promising projects," with the second being Maverick, an extraction-shooter spin-off set in Alaska.