Author - Jerry Paxton

Dune: Awakening Launch Moved to June 10

2025/04/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

These are exciting times, we’re closing in on launch, and we’ve just initiated a major preview beta where hundreds of journalists and content creators are playing the early parts of the game and will be releasing their coverage on April 25th.

These past few weeks we’ve been steadily gearing up, releasing the Character Creator & Benchmark Mode back in February, starting pre-orders in March, and continuing to release new livestreams, videos, and details to keep you informed.

We want to thank everyone who has shared in our excitement. It’s been a joy reading all your comments across the various community channels.

Our ongoing Persistent Closed Beta is also continuing in full force, with regular updates, and the feedback we’ve been collecting from beta testers has been invaluable in making sure we can launch a quality game. We have a very active Discord going with our beta testers where our developers can interact directly with them to ensure we collaboratively make Dune: Awakening a better game.

Thanks to this process, we’ve concluded that with a bit more time to cook, we can act on a lot more of the feedback we know is important to our beta testers.

As such, we will be moving the release date of Dune: Awakening to June 10th, with head start launching on June 5th. This is not a decision we take lightly, we know everyone is very excited to get playing, but these three extra weeks will give us the time needed to make improvements that will lead to a better gameplay experience from day one.

We’re also excited about the fact that this will allow us to do a large-scale beta weekend next month where even more of you will get the opportunity to play the game and share your feedback. We will release more information about this soon.

Dune: Awakening is a beast of a game. This is multiplayer survival on a massive scale, and we’re making gameplay and technical strides not seen in the genre before. We want to make sure we stick the landing.

Also, don’t forget to tune in to today’s livestream on Steam, YouTube, and Twitch, where our developers will be showing and talking more about the combat in Dune: Awakening.

With best regards from the entire Dune: Awakening team here at Funcom

RIG M2 Streamstar Pro HD USB Microphone Launches in North America

2025/04/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

NACON, a leader in premium gaming accessories and parent of the RIG audio brand, today announced the availability of its first USB microphone, the M2 STREAMSTAR PRO HD.

Designed from the ground up for modern creators, the M2 STREAMSTAR is the world’s first wired USB microphone to include a Bluetooth audio gateway, allowing streamers to pair wireless earbuds directly to the mic for real-time monitoring without lag.

RIG M2 STREAMSTAR combines precision audio capture with unmatched creative freedom thanks to its Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX HD integration. Creators can connect wireless earbuds or headphones to the microphone, instantly adding the latest in Bluetooth audio to an existing PC or MAC.

Studio-quality 24-bit depth and 192kHz sampling rate provides more detailed sound, reproducing voices with enhanced accuracy and clarity.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The RIG M2 STREAMSTAR is available today for a suggested retail price of $129.99. See the list below for US retail availability.

For more information, please visit our website or connect with us @RIGGaming.

RIGGaming.com
M2 STREAMSTAR PRO HD

Amazon
M2 STREAMSTAR PRO HD

RIG M2 STREAMSTAR Features:

▪ World’s first USB microphone with Bluetooth low latency audio gateway
▪ Real-time wireless voice and audio playback via Bluetooth, traditional wired monitoring via 3.5mm audio jack
▪ 24-bit resolution with 48/96/192kHz sampling rates
▪ 16mm precision electret condenser with cardioid polar pattern
▪ 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range
▪ Integrated support for wireless Bluetooth 5.4
▪ Qualcomm® aptX HD low latency audio CODEC compatible
▪ On-mic gain, mute, and volume controls
▪ Plug & play setup with USB-C to USB-A cable included
▪ Discrete and portable design with included desktop stand

EVE Online’s Capsuleer Day XXII Starts Today

2025/04/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

The Drifter Crisis reaches its boiling point in Capsuleer Day XXII: Nexus Reckoning, launching 15 April in EVE Online. This full-scale seasonal event invites capsuleers across New Eden to take part in a faction-driven war that spans wormholes, Pochven, and empire space. Players will engage in high-risk combat, navigate lucrative challenges, and unlock exclusive rewards as the final phase of the crisis unfolds.

With the conclusion of the Race for the Hives, the top-scoring factions are now establishing footholds in Drifter wormhole systems—marking the beginning of a wider offensive that will require support from capsuleers of all stripes. Two new high-stakes sites, the Labyrinth Complex and the ominous Nexus Point (both gated to Tech II battlecruisers and below), will challenge even the most seasoned pilots, while the Drifters prepare a brutal retaliation.

Key features of Capsuleer Day XXII:

  • Faction-Driven War – Support the top factions as they battle to secure Drifter wormhole systems.
  • New Combat Zones – Explore two high-risk sites: the Labyrinth Complex and the Nexus Point.
  • All Playstyles Welcome – Combat, hacking, industry and trade all shape the outcome.
  • Exclusive Rewards – Earn Drifter-themed SKINs and SKINR components
  • Daily Login Bonuses – Log in each day for growing rewards, including Omega rewards from Day 1 and a significant Skill Point reward unlocking 6 May.
  • Agency & AIR Integration – Find challenges easily via both in-game interfaces

Every capsuleer has a chance to make a meaningful impact. Whether you fight on the frontlines, disrupt enemy logistics, speculate on loot markets, or build the engines of war, your actions will influence the final outcome. Long-running Drifter Crisis content remains active and expands to more regions, while the Horizon Siege Point site returns with new twists inside Pochven and wormhole space.

Capsuleer Day XXII: Nexus Reckoning concludes on 15 May. For more information visit the blog.

Final Baldur’s Gate 3 Update Drops Today with Crossplay, Photo Mode & New Subclasses

2025/04/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Larian Studios is proud to announce Baldur’s Gate 3’s final major content patch is now available on PC, consoles, and Mac. This last patch is a hefty handoff to players, delivering crossplay, a dedicated photo mode, 12 new subclasses and more.

Patch 8 highlights include:

  • Crossplay: Introducing crossplay between PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Mac, so players can party up with friends no matter what platform they play on.
  • Photo Mode: Adventurers can snap photos of their escapades during cutscenes, dialogue, and combat, and edit them to their hearts’ content with a slew of post-processing effects (and stickers…)
  • 12 New Subclasses: Brand-new subclasses; new abilities, VFX, animations, summons, and Oathbreaker Knight voiced dialogue; each class has a new way to play.
  • Modding Toolkit Update: Patch 8 brings partial level editing and quality-of-life updates to BG3’s official Modding Toolkit.

Today’s patch delivers some of the most-requested community features for Baldur’s Gate 3 since launch in the form of crossplay and photo mode, while throwing in 12 new subclasses, as a treat. Patch 8 also adds Steam Trading Cards, allowing those playing on the platform to craft badges and unlock exclusive profile backgrounds and emoticons to use there.

A guide to getting started with crossplay can be found here: https://youtu.be/qX4ffv7xLsI?si=hrBHaYuMtE3eAarE

A video guide to get started with photo mode is available here: https://youtu.be/2RrZaWrZG-8?si=Vb1QMy9C4c_IZfA5

Each of Baldur’s Gate 3’s 12 playable classes gets a new subclass following today’s update, featuring new abilities, animations, VFX, unique summons and powerful cantrips. In the case of the new Paladin subclass, the Oath of the Crown Paladin, new voiced dialogue for the Oathbreaker Knight is also included.

The full list of new subclasses and their corresponding class are:

  • Bard – College of Glamour
  • Barbarian – Path of Giants
  • Cleric – Death Domain
  • Druid – Circle of Stars
  • Fighter – Arcane Archer
  • Monk – Way of The Drunken Master
  • Paladin – Oath of the Crown
  • Ranger – Swarmkeeper
  • Rogue – Swashbuckler
  • Sorcerer – Shadow Magic
  • Warlock – Hexblade
  • Wizard  – Bladesinging

More information on the new subclasses can be found in the below videos:

Bard, Barbarian, Cleric, Druid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa9lqZr113w
Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJyJt97EOFk
Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh6XxfmHJWA

As the final major content update for Baldur’s Gate 3, Patch 8 passes the torch for future additions to the community. To aid them in this endeavour, the official Modding Toolkit Update is launching today, bringing with it quality-of-life updates, partial level editing for existing items, characters, and triggers, all of which will allow increasingly ambitious projects to be realized. For instructions on how to get started modding, and for tips and tricks, those interested should visit the Official Baldur’s Gate 3 Toolkit Documentation.

While work at Larian Studios now shifts onto new projects, the Larian: Channel From Hell will help ease the wait by starting regular live streams. The first will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, at 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. EDT / 6 a.m. PDT with a special Patch 8 launch celebratory live stream, with additional ones following weekly on Wednesdays at the same time. The streams will offer a behind-the-scenes look at life at Larian and the creation of Baldur’s Gate 3, all while sharing some secrets and introducing the devs that made it a reality. As for what’s next…we promise we’ll share more on that when we can!

Full patch notes for Patch 8, including myriad quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes, can be found here: https://larian.club/Patch8

Baldur’s Gate 3 is out now, with full crossplay and cross-save, on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Mac. More information on Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on the official website. You can stay up to date with the latest Larian Studios news via Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and the official Discord server.

CORSAIR Announces Call of Duty: Warzone Collection

2025/04/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News, Trailers / Videos

CORSAIR® (NASDAQ:CRSR), a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, proudly announces the continuation of its multi-year, cross-brand collaboration with the critically acclaimed and award-winning Call of Duty franchise with the Call of Duty: Warzone Collection. Celebrating the 5th anniversary of Call of Duty: Warzone and the highly anticipated return of Verdansk, CORSAIR and its family of leading brands are delivering an exclusive collection of high-performance gaming products for the Call of Duty community to fully engage with on their way to victory.

“We are thrilled to team up with Activision again as our world-class brands come together for the return of Verdansk,” said Thi La, President and COO at CORSAIR. “This powerful collaboration extends across multiple product categories at CORSAIR including Drop, Elgato, ORIGIN PC and SCUF Gaming, bringing true high-performance to true Call of Duty: Warzone fans as they squad up and drop in.”

“Call of Duty: Warzone fans are some of the most passionate gamers in the world, and we couldn’t be more excited to once again team up with CORSAIR to deliver best-in-class products built for this incredible community as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Call of Duty: Warzone,” said Brooke Carpenter, Senior Director, Global Consumer Products at Activision.

From top-tier SCUF controllers to Drop enthusiast keyboards and powerful CORSAIR gaming PCs, the Call of Duty: Warzone Collection is designed to bring fans even closer to the action. Whether players are leading their squad to victory or streaming the latest Verdansk moments, this line-up of premium gear and accessories ensures next-level immersion in and out of the game. Along with these new high-performance products, CORSAIR will be offering in-game rewards with select purchases, including calling cards, weapons charms, large decal, and emblem.

Beginning with the launch of the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Warzone, featured products that will be launching soon and throughout 2025 include the below. Select products are also now available for pre-order.

CORSAIR

  • VENGEANCE a7500 CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION GAMING PC: Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Radeon RX 9070 XT, powered by unified AMD RDNA 4 compute units, with 3500X Mid-Tower Case with a stunning wraparound glass aesthetic. Features a NAUTILUS 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler that delivers faster performance and enhanced cooling.
  • VENGEANCE RGB DD5 DRAM CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Delivers DDR5 performance, higher frequencies, and greater capacities optimized for AMD and Intel® motherboards while lighting up your PC with dynamic, individually addressable ten-zone RGB lighting.

SCUF Gaming

  • REFLEX PRO CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Stay unstoppable with ergonomically designed remappable paddles, adaptive triggers, and onboard profiles that allow you to quickly switch from one game to another with SCUF Reflex for PlayStation 5.
  • REFLEX FPS CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Designed for fast responses and the ultimate control in the game. Featuring four customizable rear paddles, instant triggers, interchangeable thumbsticks, and a non-slip performance grip.
  • INSTINCT PRO CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Engineered for better performance and responsiveness, SCUF Instinct Pro for Xbox Series X|S provides four remappable paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers that switch from regular to a mouse-like click at the flip of a switch.
  • VALOR PRO CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Pushes performance on Xbox with optimized ergonomics and game-changing features. Stop sacrificing your aim. Keep your thumbs on the thumbsticks while you jump, slide, reload, and more.
  • ENVISION PRO CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Designed to deliver the best experience for controller PC gamers. SCUF Envision is equipped with 11 additional remappable inputs, ultra-fast wired/wireless connectivity, and advanced software for macros and endless customization options.
  • UNIVERSAL CONTROLLER PROTECTION CASE CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: This case has an impact resistant exterior and a soft, padded interior to protect your controller from dents and scratches, even while traveling. It works to protect any Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, or Xbox One controller.

Elgato

  • STREAM DECK MK.2 CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Features 15 customizable LCD keys to control apps and platforms. Hit the Elgato Marketplace for app plugins, icons, tracks plus effects, and keep your setup fresh with interchangeable faceplates.
  • FACEPLATE CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Make Stream Deck your own with the official Call of Duty Faceplate by Elgato, designed exclusively for the 15-Key Stream Deck MK.2.

Drop

  • CSTM80 CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION KEYBOARD: This standard fully built CSTM80 comes with an exclusive decorative top case and matching black ABS shine-through keycaps.
  • ARTISAN KEYCAP CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: A 1u artisan keycap featuring the iconic Verdansk stadium encased in clear acrylic.

ORIGIN PC

  • ORIGIN PC NEURON CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: A gaming powerhouse engineered for intense action and precision. Equipped with cutting-edge hardware including powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and more. With fully customizable options and up to 8TB of storage, you’ll have the space and speed to dominate every game. Encased in a sleek design, the NEURON brings unparalleled power and style to your gaming setup.
  • ORIGIN PC EON16-X CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE EDITION: Experience unparalleled performance and immersive gameplay in a sleek, custom design. Fully customizable, add on a plethora of storage and high-quality DDR5 memory with components by CORSAIR.

Bungie Premieres Marathon Gameplay Trailer

2025/04/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Bungie, the creators of Halo and Destiny, revealed gameplay of their upcoming team-based extraction shooter Marathon. As part of the live Marathon Gameplay Reveal Showcase, Bungie developers premiered Alpha gameplay of the tactical and fast-paced FPS, explored the mysterious and cutthroat world of Tau Ceti IV, and discussed how to join the Marathon Closed Alpha Test.

In addition, Bungie announced Marathon will release on September 23, 2025, on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S with full cross play and cross save.

In the meantime, players can join the Marathon community Discord, where they can sign up for a chance to be one of the first to playtest Marathon. The Bungie team will be actively engaging in Discord, holding live Q&As, and evolving the game based on player feedback for launch and beyond.

City Bus Manager Console Edition Announcement Trailer

2025/04/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Following a successful PC release and a series of popular DLCs, bus simulation experts PeDePe and publisher Aerosoft are proud to announce that City Bus Manager is making its highly anticipated leap to consoles!

City Bus Manager will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 on May 15, 2025!

Since its PC release, City Bus Manager has seen hundreds of thousands of players worldwide create their very own bus routes, thanks to its innovative use of OpenStreetMap data, allowing you to construct bus depots and design routes in any real-world location on Earth. From the bustling streets of metropolises such as New York and Tokyo, to the charming Tuscan hills, isolated Amazonian villages, desert towns along the River Nile, or even your very own hometown, the game’s strong management style realism, depth, and replayability have earned it a devoted community, now ready to welcome console players aboard!

In the game, players can manage every detail of their bus company, from fleet maintenance to employee happiness, work schedules, bus routes, timetables, and so much more. With over 20 bus models, custom paint jobs, and realistic passenger behavior powered by live data, the game offers endless possibilities. Will you revolutionize public transport in your city, or will you face the challenges of unhappy passengers and tight schedules? The choice is yours.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the love and creativity our PC community has poured into City Bus Manager since its launch,” said Niklas Polster, co-founder of PeDePe. “Bringing this experience to consoles has been a dream of ours, and we can’t wait to see how Xbox and PlayStation players approach building their own bus companies.”

“Renewing our work on City Bus Manager with PeDePe to bring the game to consoles feels like the perfect next stop on our journey together,” added Maarten Janello, Product Manager at Aerosoft. “We’re excited to welcome a new wave of tycoons into the fold and hope to see the entire City Bus Manager community continue to contribute as the game grows and thrives.”

Key Features:
  • Build and manage your bus empire in nearly any city worldwide
  • Real-world satellite data, bus stops, and POIs from OpenStreetMap
    Design custom routes and track buses live with realistic passenger volumes
  • Customize your depot with repair stations, washing facilities, and more
  • Choose from 20+ bus models with custom repaints
  • Hire and manage staff, balance wages, and respond to passenger feedback
  • Optimized for consoles with enhanced visuals and controller support

Vindictus: Defying Fate – Alpha Test Teaser Trailer

2025/04/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, developer and publisher NEXON announced that Vindictus: Defying Fate will be holding Steam alpha test in June 2025, following the successful pre-alpha test from March 2024. The alpha test build features numerous changes based on player feedback from the pre-alpha, including the addition of two new playable characters, a companion NPCs, multiplayer mode and a new village zone to explore and gather.

To mark the announcement, a brand-new trailer has been released, showcasing the characters in visually stunning environments as they prepare for battle. The battlefield is set—only survival remains!

Vindictus: Defying Fate combines brutal, skill-driven combat with a dark and immersive world. Players must read their enemies’ moves, dodge and counter with precision, and unleash powerful combos to dominate the battlefield. With unique characters and fluid action mechanics, the game offers an ARPG experience where skill defines survival, and only those who defy fate will seize victory.

Vindictus: Defying Fate Details:

Feel Every Strike – Experience the True Thrill of Combat

  • A single moment separates victory from defeat.
  • Dodge with perfect timing, counter with crushing force, and feel the weight behind every strike – every impact, every clash, surging through you.
  • Master each character’s distinct fighting style, unleash seamless combos, and experience the raw, unfiltered thrill of combat.

Express Your Unique Character in an Intense 3D World

  • From treacherous dungeons to war-torn battlefields, the meticulously crafted 3D world draws you deeper into the fight.
  • High-quality outfits and expressive gestures make your character stand out.
  • Battle fiercely, customize freely, and forge your legend in blood and steel

New changes since Pre-Alpha include:

Two new characters

  • Now featuring four playable characters
  • Familiar characters from the pre-alpha, Lann and Fiona, will return in the alpha build with new additions Delia and Karok joining the fray.

Companion NPC

  • Companion NPCs will assist you in battle

Combat System

  • In addition to the single-player content in the pre-alpha build, the alpha introduces new multiplayer raids.

New Village & Inventory System

  • New Village and inventory systems added

Story

  • New narrative elements including main storyline and key NPCs

 Added Various Growth Systems

  • Various progression mechanics have been added, including leveling, weapon crafting, ability system, and more.

Bendy and the Ink Machine to Launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X

2025/04/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Silver Lining Interactive, along with Joey Drew Studios, are looking to make this official Bendy Day one to remember with the announcement of Bendy and the Ink Machine’s upcoming digital release onto Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5! Coming at the end of Q2 2025, players will be able to descend into the inky abyss on both digital platforms with the added option of a physical format for PlayStation 5 players (if you dare to let it into your collection!)

The boxed edition of Bendy and the Ink Machine brings the spine-chilling, retro-cartoon horror experience off the screen and into your hands, perfect for fans of fright, collectors of chaos, and those brave enough to face the Ink Demon in person.

Set within an abandoned 1930s animation studio, Bendy and the Ink Machine draws players into a disturbing tale of forgotten characters, haunted reels, and living ink. It’s a first-person puzzle-action-horror adventure soaked in atmosphere, built to unnerve with every step… and now it’s coming to your favorite console in glorious physical form.

The retail edition includes a download code for the game’s haunting original soundtrack, letting players immerse themselves even further in the eerie ambiance of Joey Drew Studios, where every note hides a dark secret.

Whether you’re a seasoned horror veteran or just starting to unravel the mysteries behind the ink, the physical edition is your key to the workshop’s darkest corners.

Pre-orders are live now, exclusively at Silver Lining Direct, so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of the horror.

EA Teases New Star Wars Tactics Game – Star Wars Zero Company

2025/04/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Electronic Arts has announced the title for a new Star Wars single player turn-based tactics game: Star Wars Zero Company.

The first look is set for this weekend on April 19 at Star Wars Celebration Japan. Tune in for the panel, hosted by Lucy James, where leading developer Bit Reactor, along with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, will share a world-exclusive first look at Star Wars Zero Company.

Learn more: https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/zero-company