Author - Jerry Paxton

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Year 1 Post Launch Roadmap

Today, Ubisoft revealed its Year 1 Post Launch Roadmap for Assassin’s Creed® Shadows, highlighting a series of regular updates that will expand the live game experience over time. These updates will contain free content for all players, including additional story content, special collaborations, updates made in response to community feedback, new rewards, and more.

The roadmap outlines specific details for the first few updates coming in May and June, introducing exciting additions to the game such as highly anticipated parkour improvements based on community feedback.

Additional details on these updates and future content will be revealed later. For more information on the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Year 1 Post-Launch Roadmap content, visit: https://assassinscreed.com/shadows/post-launch-Y1-roadmap-article

Launching later in 2025, the ‘Claws of Awaji’ expansion will introduce a brand-new open world region with over 10 hours of additional content. Details on the exact release date and pricing will be provided at another time.

For more information on the Assassin’s Creed Franchise, please visit: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed

StarRupture: The World of Arcadia-7 Showcase

Back in the latter part of January, the team at Creepy Jar revealed an all-new look at gameplay of their sophomore title, StarRupture. Today, the developer invites players back not for a mere trailer, but almost 10 minutes of footage taken from the latest build of the game showcasing the depth and detail of the world they’re building. Why tease you with a couple of minutes when they can simply show you what they’re working on? Join Creepy Jar as they put all of their collected experience from the development of their first hit, Green Hell, into practice on an all-new survival and base-building adventure.

See the beauty and lush landscapes of Arcadia-7, the stunning yet perilous planet where you, the player, are a prisoner, indebted to serving your sentence and gathering resources for a global corporation that doesn’t care if you live or die, but only if you deliver profit. You are nothing more than an asset. Built in Unreal Engine 5, StarRupture will stun players with its panoramic vistas, keep them on their toes in frantic combat with deadly monsters, and offer them the smooth satisfaction of expanding their factories across the planet’s surface. Playing solo or with up to four players in co-op, StarRupture pits players against the ruthless law of nature as the planet’s very own life-giving—and taking—star, Ruptura, counts down to its next catastrophic, fiery death.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Explore a Deadly Planet – Explore this vast open world, rich in resources, places, and secrets to be found. Discover the beauty of this constantly reborn dangerous world torn apart by repeated cataclysms.
  • Build to Thrive – Search, mine, and process resources to develop your complex industrial system. Unlock new technologies that will allow you and your base to survive the harsh conditions on the planet.
  • Fight to Survive – The planet will surprise you at every turn. Extreme temperatures are not the only things you’ll be challenged with. Get ready to defend yourself, your team, and your base from a horde of aggressive alien creatures.
  • Alone or with Friends – Experience and survive everything you encounter on this harsh planet. Do it alone or in a group of up to 4 friends. This world is waiting for you to discover.

REKA Roots & Remedies Update Trailer

Get in touch with nature and discover the magic of gardening with REKA’s brand new ‘Roots & Remedies Update’, coming to the beloved witchcraft adventure later this month.

Available as a free content update to all REKA players from May 12th, the Roots & Remedies Update gives budding witches all the tools they need to grow a blossoming garden. Plant seeds to grow pumpkin patches, cabbages, garlic, grain, sage, wolfsbane, poppy fields and more, using your new, trusty Old Watering Can to help your garden bloom.

Once harvested, head over to the new Herbalist Workshop to craft a very special potion that grants players the power to speak to animals. Become a witch capable of communicating with the wildlife of REKA’s woodlands: every animal in the game can be spoken to, including cats, goats, crows, deer, chickens, donkeys and more.

Also introduced in the Roots & Remedies Update, discover new challenges with the addition of ‘Lost Places’, hidden points of interest located across the game world that reward players with loot for successfully solving puzzles or navigating platforming sequences. Keep an eye out for intriguing-looking paintings and explore ruined buildings for a chance to discover hidden chests – you never know where Lost Places may be hiding.

Discover new equipment and wield the new Oil Lantern to help light up your surroundings, hold Swarog’s Torch to ignite small flames, and select the new Mortar and Pestle Talisman to quickly teleport home to your walking chicken-legged cottage. Plus, look out for more quality-of-life improvements, along with a new outfit, new trinkets, new interactable NPCs, and much more when the Roots & Remedies Update launches on May 12th.

REKA is available now on Steam Early Access. To keep up with the latest updates, join the community on Discord, follow @emberstorm_de on X, follow @emberstorm_entertainment on TikTok, and visit fireshinegames.co.uk.

FATSHARK AND OWLCAT UNITE IN WARHAMMER 40K CROSSOVER EVENT

Today, Fatshark and Owlcat Games announce their collaboration to collide the worlds of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader in a first-of-its-kind crossover event. To celebrate this limited-time grimdark union, all Darktide players will be granted a weapon trinket – the Koronus Charm – to flaunt their allegiance to House Von Valancius within the Mourningstar. Meanwhile Rogue Trader will introduce a free DLC weapon, the Sapper Shovel, bringing a piece of Darktide’s relentless combat to the Koronus Expanse.

The Koronus Charm – The Prestige of House Von Valancius

This ornately-wrought charm is thought to have once belonged to a prominent member of the storied Rogue Trader dynasty House Von Valancius. Though knowledge of its function has long been lost to posterity, whirring mechanisms can be heard inside if you listen closely. Players will simply have to log into Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on April 30, to claim their reward.

Limited-Time Offer: The Void and Hive Crossover Bundle

For a limited time, fans can grab both critically acclaimed titles in one bundle on Steam. Whether you’re a Lord Captain commanding a dynasty or a hardened Reject purging a hive city, this is the perfect chance to dive deeper into the grim darkness of the 41st millennium.

Don’t miss the chance to claim the Koronus Charm and delve deeper into the Imperium’s darkest corners.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is available now on Steam, Windows Store, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 5.

NASCAR 25 Dev Diary #4 Released

iRacing has debuted a new developer diary for NASCAR 25, NASCAR’s flagship racing title releasing on PC and consoles this fall. The new “Sights and Sounds of Race Day” video shines a light on the authentic presentation of NASCAR 25, where you’ll experience a full day at the race track from a driver’s perspective – from the pits to the garage to the speedway. Check out the video to hear from racing legend and Executive Producer Dale Earnhardt Jr., as well as NASCAR Cup Series spotters TJ Majors and Josh Williams, both featured in-game. Learn how the game captures the sport’s sounds and emotions, and discover how NASCAR 25 is creating the most immersive NASCAR video game experience yet.

NASCAR 25 will feature all four premier NASCAR series – the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and, appearing along NASCAR series in a standalone title for the first time, the ARCA Menards Series. All four series, along with real drivers from each, will feature extensively in NASCAR 25’s Career Mode, where you’ll customize your own driver and vehicles, manage contracts, money, facility, and staff, and make strategic choices on and off the track that play a pivotal role in your journey to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series champion. The four series are also playable in other gameplay modes such as quick races, seasons, and online multiplayer.

NASCAR 25 is the first standalone NASCAR console title produced by iRacing, the developers behind the most authentic motorsport racing simulation in the world. iRacing is bringing decades of racing expertise to NASCAR 25, including developers who worked on fan-favorite NASCAR games like NASCAR Racing 2003, NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona, and entries from the NASCAR Thunder series.

For updates on NASCAR 25, visit www.nascar25.com.

Corsair Void Wireless v2: Budget Price, Beastly Performance? (Headset Review)

When my trusty old gaming headset finally started showing its age, I began the hunt for a worthy wireless successor. I wanted something comfortable for long sessions, versatile enough for different platforms, and crucially, wouldn’t break the bank. After some searching, the Corsair VOID WIRELESS v2 caught my eye, promising premium features at a surprisingly reasonable $119.99 price point. Unboxing it, I was immediately struck by the feel – the matte finish, available in both a clean White and a stealthy Carbon black, felt sturdy and pleasant to the touch. What really surprised me, though, was the weight. Or rather, the lack of it. Compared to some gaming headsets that feel like you’re wearing a helmet, the VOID v2 felt refreshingly light.

Putting it on confirmed my initial positive impression. The comfort is simply outstanding. The earcups, covered in a soft, breathable microfiber fabric rather than the often sweaty faux leather, enveloped my ears gently. The memory foam padding in both the cups and the headband provided just the right amount of cushion without creating pressure points. I have a fairly large head, and I often find myself maxing out the adjustments on headsets, but with the VOID v2, I had room to spare. Even after several hours deep into a gaming session or working through the day, I experienced no discomfort, no excessive heat buildup – sometimes I almost forgot I was wearing them. This level of comfort is a massive win, especially at this price.

Getting connected was straightforward. On my PC, I plugged in the included 2.4GHz USB dongle, pressed the power button on the headset, and it connected instantly. The low-latency connection felt indistinguishable from a wired headset during gameplay. What really boosts its versatility, though, is the addition of Bluetooth. Pairing it with my phone and Nintendo Switch was quick and painless. Switching between the 2.4GHz connection on my PC or PS5 and Bluetooth on my phone is done with a simple press of the power button, making it incredibly convenient to take a call or listen to music without swapping headsets. The wireless range was solid too; I could walk around my room without any dropouts. Just remember, while it covers PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices brilliantly, there’s no native support for Xbox consoles.

Now, let’s talk about battery life, because this is where the VOID v2 truly excels. Corsair claims up to 70 hours on the 2.4GHz connection, and based on my experience, that’s not an exaggeration. I charged it fully when I first got it and then proceeded to use it for several days – intense gaming sessions, listening to music while working, joining voice chats – and the battery indicator barely seemed to budge. It easily lasted through multiple long days before needing a top-up. Forgetting to charge it overnight is no longer a panic-inducing event. And if you do get caught out, the fast charging is fantastic – just 15 minutes plugged in genuinely provides hours of extra playtime. Plus, you can charge it while using it, which is always appreciated.

Sound quality-wise, I was quite pleased. Out of the box, the 50mm drivers deliver an energetic, engaging sound profile. It leans towards that fun, slightly V-shaped signature common in gaming headsets – the bass has a satisfying punch and presence, making explosions and deep sound effects feel impactful, while the highs are clear and crisp, helping with detail retrieval. I did notice that the midrange can feel a bit recessed compared to the bass and treble, which means vocals in music might not sound quite as forward or natural as on more neutral headphones. However, for gaming, this tuning works well, adding to the drama and immersion. I did encounter one instance during an extremely chaotic, bass-heavy moment in a shooter where the bass seemed to slightly distort, but this was rare. Thankfully, you can dive into Corsair’s iCUE software on PC and tweak the equalizer to dial the sound exactly to your preference, perhaps pulling back the lower mids slightly if you find them a touch muddy, or boosting the mids for more vocal clarity.

The real star of the audio show, however, is the Dolby Atmos support. After installing the Dolby Access app on my PC and enabling Atmos in the Windows sound settings, the difference in supported games was night and day. The sense of space and directionality is incredible. Sounds aren’t just coming from left or right, but from all around, including above and below. Pinpointing enemy footsteps, hearing the direction of gunfire, or just being enveloped by the environmental sounds in games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Battlefield 2042 added a whole new layer of immersion and tactical awareness. It preserves the headset’s core sound quality without adding weird reverb, just accurately placing sounds in a 3D sphere around you.

For communication, the omni-directional microphone gets the job done well. My friends reported my voice coming through clearly in Discord, and recordings sounded perfectly understandable, albeit with that slightly thin, recognizable “gaming headset mic” quality. It’s not broadcast-grade, but it’s more than adequate for team chat. The flip-to-mute function is incredibly convenient and intuitive. I did encounter a minor quirk a couple of times where the mic didn’t seem active immediately upon powering on when it was already flipped down, requiring me to flip it up and back down – hopefully, something easily addressed in firmware. The integration with NVIDIA Broadcast via iCUE for noise suppression is a great bonus if you have a compatible RTX card. My only slight wish here is that the mic was detachable for times I just want to use Bluetooth for music on the go.

Using the iCUE software is essential for unlocking the headset’s full potential – firmware updates, customizing the subtle forward-facing RGB strips, adjusting EQ, and enabling NVIDIA Broadcast features all happen here. The software is powerful but can feel a bit overwhelming or clunky to navigate at first until you get used to it. On-ear controls are convenient, with a volume rocker that also clicks in for a customizable function (defaulting to EQ cycle), and the power button that doubles as the wireless mode switch. Some might find the power button’s placement a little awkward, and it’s a slight shame the media control button below it isn’t remappable for more gaming-focused commands.

In conclusion, the Corsair VOID WIRELESS v2 has genuinely impressed me. It delivers exceptional comfort, especially for those of us with larger heads, class-leading battery life that removes charging anxiety, and highly versatile dual-wireless connectivity. The sound quality is engaging and great for gaming, elevated significantly by the fantastic Dolby Atmos implementation. Considering its $119.99 price, the value here is outstanding. Yes, the microphone isn’t detachable, the default sound might benefit from minor EQ tweaks for some listeners, and the iCUE software could be more intuitive, but these are minor points in the face of its significant strengths. If you’re a PC, PlayStation, or Switch gamer looking for a comfortable, long-lasting wireless headset with excellent spatial audio, the VOID WIRELESS v2 is incredibly easy to recommend.

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

Pros:

  • Versatile dual wireless connectivity (Low-latency 2.4GHz + Bluetooth)
  • Excellent Dolby Atmos spatial audio implementation
  • Great overall value for the price
  • Solid build quality and lightweight design

Cons:

  • Microphone is not detachable
  • Default sound signature has slightly recessed mids (adjustable via EQ)
  • No native Xbox compatibility
  • iCUE software can be complex for beginners

Sniper Elite: Resistance – Striking Range Mission, Weapons and Skins Pack DLC Trailer

Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video game developers and publishers, has today launched additional content for Sniper Elite: Resistance, the latest entry in the smash hit Sniper Elite franchise. The Striking Range Mission, Weapons and Skins pack adds new story content for the main campaign, as well as two new weapons, two character skins and a weapon skin: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2169200/Sniper_Elite_Resistance/

Rebellion has also launched additional free content for all Sniper Elite: Resistance players: the Commando Weapon and Skin Pack.

Striking Range Mission, Weapons and Skins Pack $15.99

Prevent a devastating V1 rocket barrage from decimating the Allied invasion fleet ahead of D-Day while also attempting a covert rescue of the captured Resistance operative, Carillon. Extract the asset and employ whatever means necessary to sabotage the launch site and put it beyond use, permanently.

To assist you on your mission, the SVT-40 and Mars Automatic Pistol have been added to your armory. Also known as the Tokarev self-loading rifle, the SVT-40 is a Soviet semi-automatic battle rifle that features a refined, light design with a folding magazine release. Whereas the Mars Automatic Pistol was billed as the most powerful handgun in the world at the time.

The Striking Range Mission, Weapons & Skins Pack includes:

  • Striking Range Campaign Mission
  • SVT-40 Rifle
  • Mars Automatic Pistol
  • Resistance Fighter Character Skin (Harry)
  • Ghillie Suit Elite Character Skin (Harry)
  • Ghillie Rifle Wrap Elite

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Premieres Exclusively in Fortnite Ahead of its Disney+ Debut

Epic and Disney are embarking on their most expansive Star Wars collaboration in Fortnite to date with the first entirely Star Wars-themed Battle Royale Season and the in-game premiere of “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld” on May 2, two days ahead of its Disney+ launch. This marks the first debut of a Disney+ series in a game.

Recently announced at Star Wars Celebration, Fortnite: GALACTIC BATTLE begins May 2 and introduces new Star Wars content and gameplay to Battle Royale each week. Fans can play as Darth Jar Jar or Emperor Palpatine, while piloting ships like X-wings and TIE Fighters. The season will culminate in an epic in-game live event, Death Star Sabotage.

The Star Wars Watch Party island will also go live on May 2, and beginning at 10am ET, players will have a chance to view the first two episodes of Lucasfilm Animation’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni focusing on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains: Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane. Beyond the Star Wars Watch Party theater, players have the opportunity to fight off incoming waves of Stormtroopers using blasters and lightsabers. The standalone Star Wars Watch Party island was built in Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) and uses official Star Wars assets to create a breathtaking environment inspired by a galaxy far, far away.

To further bridge the worlds of Fortnite and Disney, starting today players and fans can link their Epic Games and MyDisney accounts. Eligible players who choose to link their Epic and MyDisney accounts will unlock a First Order Stormtrooper Outfit to further celebrate the upcoming Star Wars season of Battle Royale – with more benefits to come. This is a first step to enable Fortnite players and Disney fans to seamlessly move between Epic and Disney’s ecosystems, bringing more value to streaming subscribers as we work to build an all new Disney games and entertainment universe connected to Fortnite.

“For the first time, Disney+ is premiering a show inside a game, launching alongside our largest Star Wars collaboration with Fortnite to date – giving fans and players an exciting first look at the kinds of experiences they can expect as we shape a new future together,” said Sean Shoptaw, Executive Vice President, Disney Games & Digital Entertainment. “We’re building the next era of digital entertainment, where fans can play, watch, create and connect – and we’re just beginning to tap into what’s possible.”

“Disney and Epic are pioneering the future of social entertainment together, and this expansive Star Wars collaboration offers a glimpse into the type of interactive experiences we envision,” said Adam Sussman, President, Epic Games. “We are reimagining what’s possible with immersive storytelling in Fortnite with one of the world’s most beloved franchises – stay tuned for a lot more to come.”  

You can read more about how to join the Star Wars Watch Party island and Epic and MyDisney account linking on the Fortnite Blog here.

Borderlands 4 Unveils Action-Packed Gameplay Deep Dive

Today, during a dedicated PlayStation’s State of Play, 2K and Gearbox Software shared an extended look at the action-packed gameplay coming in Borderlands® 4, the next entry in the iconic looter-shooter franchise. Borderlands 4 will launch on September 12, 2025 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®) console, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. It will also be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025.

In the extended gameplay footage, players were treated to a first look at two of the four new Vault Hunters that will be featured in Borderlands 4. Vex the Siren is a powerful Siren who can empower herself or manifest deadly shades to fight alongside her, while Rafa the Exo-Soldier shines as a former Tediore trooper who wears an experimental exo-suit capable of digistructing an arsenal of weapons. Each Vault Hunter offers a unique playstyle, further augmented through the most advanced skill tree system in a Borderlands game to-date.

Across the vast and seamlessly connected planet of Kairos, players will face the oppressive Timekeeper. For thousands of years, he kept the planet hidden, controlling its inhabitants with cybernetic implants called Bolts and an army of synthetic soldiers known as The Order. Players will travel across the planet where they’ll encounter new and returning characters, creatures and inhabitants to battle, and unique factions spread across four distinct regions that seek freedom from the tyranny of the Timekeeper. The friends discovered along the way will be recruited by players to their cause while enemies will experience first-hand the arsenal of weapons and abilities wielded by the Vault Hunters.

As seen in the explosive footage shared during PlayStation’s State of Play, Vex and Rafa tear a path through a secret blacksite in Terminus Range, a frigid, mountainous region. This extended gameplay segment showcases the destructive power of the updated gear system in Borderlands 4, fueling the wildest loot chase ever, including:

  • Deadly weapons from across eight new and returning manufacturers, each boasting their own devastating strengths;
  • Licensed Parts system that combines the behaviors and abilities from multiple manufacturers into a single weapon;
  • Enhancements gear slot to augment weapons based on their manufacturer, rewarding extra firepower with an optimized gear loadout;
  • Ordnance, a shared slot for Grenades and Heavy Weapons like rocket launchers, recharges on a cooldown to keep you locked and loaded during especially tough encounters;
  • Rep Kit gear adds utility by letting players heal themselves or activate temporary buffs to help turn the tide of an intense battle.

Borderlands 4 makes it easier than ever for friends to jump into co-op multiplayer with a new system for players to form parties online and stay together when switching game modes.* The game is designed for co-op from the ground up, with instanced loot for each player, dynamic level scaling, and individual difficulty to keep the party together and having fun through the whole campaign.

Be sure to check out the full dedicated PlayStation’s State of Play for additional never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes insights from the development team.

For the latest information on Borderlands 4, wishlist the game, visit www.borderlands.2k.com, and follow the game across YouTubeFacebookXInstagram and TikTok.

Borderlands 4 is currently rated RP for Rating Pending by the ESRB.

Gearbox Software is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Online play requires an Internet connection and a SHiFT Account. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.

Frostpunk 1886 Teaser Trailer

11 bit studios is proud to draw back the curtain and present the first glimmer of a brand-new title in the Frostpunk franchise; a project that revisits and expands upon the beloved city-builder and society survival experience of the original Frostpunk, now fully reimagined in Unreal Engine. This is Frostpunk 1886.

With the studio’s proprietary Liquid Engine, which powered not only the original Frostpunk but also This War of Mine, no longer in development, the team has long sought a new foundation to carry forward the legacy of the first game. While Frostpunk 2 continues to forge ahead with free major content updates, a console launch, and DLCs, this newly announced project marks a return to the franchise’s roots, offering both newcomers and longtime citizens of New London an evolved take on the harsh, morally challenging survival experience that started it all.

But Frostpunk 1886—so titled to honour a pivotal moment in the timeline of the universe, when the Great Storm descended upon New London—is no mere visual overhaul. It builds upon the core of the original, expanding it with new content, mechanics, laws, and—perhaps most excitingly—an entirely new Purpose path, offering a fresh experience even for the most seasoned players.

Reimagining Frostpunk in Unreal Engine also allows the game to become a living, expandable platform, bringing with it long-awaited mod support—a community request that was previously impossible to realize due to technical limitations of the original engine—as well as the possibility to add future DLC content.

Frostpunk 1886 is set for release in 2027, with development having already begun in early 2025. The title marks the start of a new era for 11 bit studios—one focused on delivering in-house projects more frequently than ever before.

More details, including a deeper look at the game, will be unveiled in the months ahead.

In the meantime, fans can look forward to a future where Frostpunk 2 and Frostpunk 1886 evolve side by side—two paths forged in parallel, each carrying the vision of survival into unrelenting cold.