Author - Jerry Paxton

The Last Caretaker – Announcement Trailer

Today, at IGN Fan Fest, Channel37 — a Finnish independent studio founded by industry veterans — unveiled its premiere title, The Last Caretaker. This first-person survival action-adventure takes players into a vast, uncharted ocean world where remnants of the past linger amongst the waves, and the future of humanity rests in the hands of a single caretaker.

The Last Caretaker invites players to explore, build, and uncover the secrets of this transformed world when it launches into Early Access on Steam and the Epic Games Store this summer. A console release of The Last Caretaker is planned for a later date.

A New World, A Forgotten Mission

The world has changed. An endless ocean stretches in every direction, its surface broken by the last remnants of those who stayed behind. Machines still hum with forgotten purpose, beacons flicker with old signals, and infrastructure continues its silent operations. But something else stirs — technology repurposed, reshaped to drift in silence.

As the Last Caretaker, a player must navigate this vast ocean, scavenging lost knowledge, reactivating dormant systems, and ensuring the survival of humanity’s final remnants. Deep within the Seed Vaults, the last human embryos wait for their journey to the stars. But not all that remains is dormant. Some machines still whisper, still move, still watch.

“At Channel37, we’re not just making a game. We’re building something deeply personal, something that reflects decades of experience and passion,” said Antti Ilvessuo, Co-Founder of Channel37. “Our team has been creating games for over 25 years, and with the backing of Supercell, we’ve had the freedom to craft something truly new. This is not just another survival game; it’s a story about duty, legacy, and the burden of carrying humanity’s last hope.”

He continued, “The Last Caretaker is our love letter to exploration, mystery, and resilience. We’ve built a world that reacts, evolves, and hides secrets in plain sight. This is a game we believe in, and we can’t wait to share it with players.”

The Last Caretaker: A World of Connection, Exploration, and Purpose

The Last Caretaker is built on four core pillars that shape gameplay and story: Connection, Exploration, Caretaking, and Resilience. Every action, choice, and discovery brings players closer to fulfilling their mission of ensuring humanity’s future.

Key Features of The Last Caretaker:
  • Create: Scavenge valuable resources to repair critical systems, upgrade your robotic capabilities, and craft tools essential for maintaining your operational capabilities.
  • Explore: Navigate an endless ocean dotted with towering remnants of another time. Weathered megastructures, decayed platforms, and forgotten stations still cling to purpose. Some structures hold valuable resources, others whisper with long-lost signals.
  • Discover: From encrypted recordings to long-dormant terminals, fragments of human history remain scattered across the ocean. Each piece recovered adds another thread to the story of what came before and what must come next.
  • Nurture: Balance nutrition, energy, and memories to cultivate the first new humans in centuries. Every launch to the orbital colonies is a step closer to completing the Caretaker’s ultimate directive.
  • Survive: The ocean is beautiful, but it is not safe. Rogue machines, biomechanical threats, and unknown forces seek to disrupt your mission. You must adapt, defend, and find a way forward, no matter the cost.

Select Monty Python Films and Series Available on Pluto Tv This February

Pluto TV, the leading free streaming television service delivering hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand, will be the exclusive home this February of the iconic, comic masterpieces Monty Python films Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), which marks its 50th anniversary in 2025, as well as the landmark sketch comedy TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969-1974)) lovingly restored and in full HD.

Monty Python comes to Pluto TV as one of the newest acquisitions from the Shout! Studios streaming service Shout! TV, a prominent leader in FAST programming and digital content.

During February 2025 Pluto TV is the only place to stream these Monty Python’s iconic movies and series completely free! These titles will be available on-demand and on channels including the new Sketchy AF channel and British Comedy.

“We’re thrilled to distribute these comic masterpieces and to have Pluto as a partner to feature and promote this timeless and sought-after content,” said Julie Dansker, SVP of Streaming and Content Strategy at Shout! Studios.

“Monty Python’s timeless wit and absurd brilliance have shaped comedy for generations, and now Pluto TV audiences can enjoy their iconic films and series for free on our new Sketchy AF channel,” said Kevin Sullivan, VP Content Partnerships, Pluto TV. “Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering them for the first time, these classics have never been more accessible—completely ridiculous, brilliantly satirical, and now streaming for all.”

The comedy troupe of Monty Python was formed in 1969 by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Their dry humor and comedic genius propelled them to international stardom and through decades of performances, which became quintessential symbols of the zeitgeist. Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python team was one of the most ingenious and imaginative comedy shows ever to grace British television. A hysterical, historical tour-de-force loosely based on the legend of King Arthur, Monty Python and the Holy Grail grossed the highest box-office of any British film in the US when released in 1975. Notorious religious satire, Monty Python’s Life of Brian tells the story of Brian (Graham Chapman), a reluctant would-be messiah who rises to prominence as a result of a series of absurd and truly hilarious circumstances.

The War of the Worlds: Siberia Timeline Story Trailer

A new The War of the Worlds: Siberia Timeline asset was revealed by IGN Fan Fest today. The new story-focused trailer illuminates the inner dealings among survivors of the alien invasion – to what end and consequence?

First declassification of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS: SIBERIA from 1CGS. The assets recovered indicate a third-person view of action, adventure, suspense set in an alternate universe version of 1896, where an alien invasion much like the one described in The War of the Worlds by Herbert G. Wells, takes place. Our central agents must accomplish their missions and escape, at any cost. It is the first of many pieces of intelligence to become public as THE WAR OF THE WORLDS: SIBERIA continues to develop for the Personal Console (PC).

The Alters Official Trailer

Survival may be a familiar challenge in games, but 11 bit studios’ upcoming ambitious sci-fi title, The Alters, takes it to an intensely personal level. In The Alters, survival isn’t just about enduring the unknown—it’s about confronting yourself in the most personal way possible; face-to-face. After all, what could be more personal than navigating life-or-death decisions alongside alternate versions of who you could have been?

Jan Dolski is an ordinary worker—now the sole survivor of a crash landing on a distant, unforgiving planet. Stranded and alone, he faces an impossible task: operating a massive mobile base designed for an entire crew all while escaping the relentless, burning sun. His only chance lies in the Alters—alternate versions of himself, shaped by pivotal choices he never made, each with different skills, different memories, and different lives.

As revealed in the latest trailer, which subtly plays with the notion of breaking the fourth wall, working with these different Jans is anything but straightforward. They are not just copies. Some took different paths and look upon the first Jan’s choices with pity. Others succeeded where he failed, living lives he never had the chance to—and now, maybe, they don’t even believe he has the guts to be a leader.

But none of that matters when survival is at stake. Like it or not, they must find a way to work together—one way or another.

The Alters blends a meaningful, emergent narrative—where choices truly matter—with survival gameplay, exploration, resource gathering, and base-building and management mechanics. Developed by 11 bit studios’ in-house team, which includes members behind the bestselling This War of Mine, the game is set to launch in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It will also be available on Xbox and PC Game Pass.

The Alters will be released in 2025 for PCs and consoles. It will also launch on PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass.

Heartworm IGN Fan Fest Trailer

As part of IGN Fan Fest, solo developer Vincent Adinolfi and horror publisher DreadXP have revealed that Heartworm, the retro survival horror, will be coming to PC this spring. Fans of classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill and those new to the genre will be able to enjoy mechanics, controls, and graphics inspired by games from the late 90s, with the option to turn some effects off for a slightly more modern experience. Check out the new trailer to get a look at some of the gameplay, including the camera-based combat, exploration, and puzzles.

Grief-stricken over the death of her beloved grandfather, Sam falls down an internet rabbit hole, driven by the hope of reconnecting with him. Following a lead from a mysterious forum, she ventures to a supposedly supernatural house in the mountains, desperate to make contact with the other side.

It Was You – Official Announcement Trailer

Snowfall Games has unveiled the first full trailer for their upcoming multiplayer murder mystery game, It Was You as part of IGN Fan Fest 2025. Catch the first glimpse of this murder mystery-themed Halloween party, where 5-12 players will be given a role—detective or killer—and tools to manipulate, uncover, or plant evidence. Deduce the murderer or sow discord amongst your fellow party attendees when It Was You launches on Steam later this year.

Detectives have a range of tools at their disposal to uncover the truth—whether it’s using a magnifying glass to trace footprints, a blacklight to reveal hidden blood splatters, or even a lie detector to expose a suspect’s role. Meanwhile, killers rely on deception, using items like a spray bottle to erase their fingerprints or tape to plant someone else’s. They can even drag a body into a closet, hoping it remains undiscovered. At any moment, players can call for a discussion and vote to exile whoever they believe is guilty.

Acoustic proximity voice chat introduces lifelike reverberation and occlusion, causing voices to echo in the long corridors of the Tylock Estate. When a player enters a room and shuts the door, conversations from outside are naturally muffled, adding an unprecedented degree of immersion. To execute the perfect murder, killers must ensure the door is closed and no one is around —or risk detectives overhearing the victim’s scream echoing through the halls.

Every party feels alive with the addition of non-player guests. Killers must eliminate these NPCs first, creating a buffer that allows real players to investigate and participate in the narrative of every game before they risk becoming victims.

Razer Monitor Stand Chroma: Is RGB Worth $200? (Review)

The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma enters a market saturated with simple, often utilitarian monitor stands, aiming to redefine the category with a blend of premium build quality, integrated functionality, and the signature Razer aesthetic. At a retail price of $199.99, it certainly positions itself at the higher end of the spectrum, prompting the question: does it justify the cost?

From the moment you unbox the stand, the emphasis on quality is immediately apparent. The anodized aluminum construction exudes a sense of durability and refinement, a stark contrast to the flimsy plastic or thin metal found in many cheaper alternatives. The matte black finish adds a touch of understated elegance, making it a seamless addition to any modern workspace, whether it’s a dedicated gaming battlestation or a professional office setup. The stand’s robust build instills confidence, capable of supporting monitors up to 44 pounds, ensuring stability even with larger, heavier displays.

Functionality extends beyond simply elevating your monitor. The integrated 4-port USB-C hub is a welcome addition, addressing the ever-present issue of port scarcity in today’s increasingly streamlined devices. This hub provides a convenient way to connect peripherals, external drives, and even charge devices, all while minimizing cable clutter. The inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C ports caters to a wide range of devices, while the HDMI 2.0 port allows for seamless connection to a secondary display. While some might lament the absence of HDMI 2.1, the 2.0 standard still provides ample bandwidth for high refresh rate gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.

Of course, no Razer product would be complete without its signature Chroma RGB lighting. The integrated light strip running along the underside of the stand adds a subtle yet impactful touch of ambient lighting, customizable through the Razer Synapse software. Users can choose from a wide range of pre-configured lighting effects or create their own custom patterns, syncing them with other Razer peripherals for a truly immersive experience. The ability to quickly cycle through lighting presets or reprogram the RGB button for other functions, such as launching applications or muting audio, adds another layer of convenience. While some might find RGB lighting garish, Razer has struck a balance, providing a tasteful and adjustable illumination that enhances rather than overwhelms the desktop environment.

The stand’s ergonomic benefits cannot be overlooked. By raising the monitor to eye level, it promotes better posture and reduces neck strain, particularly during long hours of work or gaming. The additional storage space beneath the stand provides a convenient place to stow away keyboards, mice, or other peripherals, further decluttering the workspace. The stand’s dimensions are carefully considered, providing ample space for most monitors while maintaining a compact footprint.

However, the elephant in the room remains the price. At $199.99, the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma is undoubtedly a premium investment. Cheaper alternatives abound, often offering similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. Yet, these alternatives often compromise on build quality, durability, and aesthetics. The Razer stand distinguishes itself with its superior construction, integrated hub, and customizable lighting, creating a compelling value proposition for users who prioritize quality and design.

Ultimately, the Razer Monitor Stand Chroma is a product designed for a specific audience: those who demand the best and are willing to pay a premium for it. It’s a luxury item, but one that delivers on its promises of quality, functionality, and aesthetics. It elevates the humble monitor stand to a statement piece, seamlessly integrating into a high-end desktop setup. While it may not be for everyone, for those who are already invested in the Razer ecosystem or simply appreciate the finer things in life, the Monitor Stand Chroma is a worthwhile upgrade.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Razer Monitor Stand Chroma: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Premium Build Quality
  • Integrated USB-C Hub
  • Customizable Chroma RGB Lighting
  • Sturdy and Stable

Cons:

  • High Price
  • Lacks the latest HDMI 2.1

Wicked Characters to be Featured at Universal Fan Fest Nights

Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ blockbuster hit Wicked will have a chance to rejoicify with Wicked characters, Elphaba and Glinda, when they make their West Coast theme park debut as part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s imaginative all-new, after-hours, separately ticketed event, Universal Fan Fest Nights, beginning Friday, April 25, 2025.

Tickets are now on sale and are selling fast for the inaugural event which takes place on the following dates: April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11 and 15-18, 2025.

The Elphaba and Glinda characters, fully adorned in familiar costumes from the film, will greet guests at the theme park’s existing vibrant Wicked themed photo op, currently situated near the main entrance. As guests make their way into Universal Fan Fest Nights, they can look forward to defying gravity with these two popular characters.

The Feature Presentation store located within the theme park will offer guests a memorable Wicked experience with its large collection of exclusive Wicked inspired merchandise, from elevated apparel, home goods and accessories to toys and more.

Launching exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all-new, uniquely curated experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime. Guests will really go there as they tap into their inner fandom and join forces with their favorite characters while sharing their enthusiasm with like-minded fans. They will also have a chance engage in cosplay (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines) while experiencing such renowned favorites as Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. Additionally, theme park favorites, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ will offer special additions and introduce character and interactive elements during Universal Fan Fest Nights.

All in-world experiences and activations will be included every event night for guests to enjoy when they attend Universal Fan Fest Nights (subject to change).

An energetic block party will invite fans across every genre to share their passions and enthusiasm in fandom celebration, and an array of interactive activations will take place throughout the theme park, including live entertainment, cosplay and photo opportunities.

Here’s what guests and fans can expect at Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025:

  • Star Trek: Red Alert—Inspired by the Star Trek universe that has entertained millions of fans, this daring walk-through experience will boldly take guests on an immersive adventure aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D on a mission to prevent an interstellar threat. Guests will find themselves transported to the year 2403, just as an otherworldly entity wreaks havoc on the ship. As the chaos ensues, guests will venture further into the Enterprise, navigating familiar Star Trek environments, from the ship’s engineering room to transporter pads, to the soul of the Starship Enterprise, the bridge—an original set piece featured in the third and final season of Star Trek: Picard—in a desperate quest to stop the perceived danger and restore peace aboard the ship. Laden with special effects, audio-visual effects, multi-sensory activations and themed performers, this all-original experience will create an unforgettable, awe-inspiring moment that will elevate Star Trek fandom to new levels.
  • Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley—This nostalgic experience is based on the 1985 Back to the Future blockbuster movie and invites guests to time travel back to 1955 Hill Valley alongside the film’s iconic characters. Time travel begins the moment guests climb aboard the Studio Tour “Fan Tram” and venture towards Courthouse Square, the original filming location for this classic film located on the Universal Studios world famous backlot.

Brimming with authenticity, Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley will pay homage to this groundbreaking film by inserting guests into many familiar scenes with iconic props. From Hill Valley with the original Lyon Estate monuments to the Time Machine on display, guests will have the sensation of going back in time as they partake in the energetic recreation of the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and Hill Valley Festival plus experience a stunning recreation of the Clock Tower lightning strike, sending Marty back to the future multiple times each event night.

  • DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep—Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.

In creating this unique experience, Universal Studios Hollywood is collaborating with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create the legendary beholder Xanathar that will come to life within DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.

  • One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering—This unique experience is inspired by the long-running global hit anime series, One Piece, from creator Eiichiro Oda, that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew, including Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Sanji, on their quest to find “One Piece,” the legendary treasure of the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger.  The Grand Pirate Gathering will transport guests into the series’ fictional world of pirates through an immersive and interactive experience, complete with iconic visuals and scenic environments that place fans at the heart of the action. Guests will also have time to enjoy uplifting meet and greet opportunities with different characters and as well as participate in themed interactive photo ops.
  • Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed—This anime experience, inspired by a widely popular Japanese manga and its anime adaptation, follows high school student Yuji Itadori after he accidently becomes the host of a powerful curse and joins Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses. This epic adventure will be transformed into an exciting film-based experience, which first debuted at Universal Studios Japan.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Guests and fans will have a chance to further engage in the theme park’s immersive land with all-new magical creature interactions, including the opportunity to meet the Niffler, a Baby Dragon and grand Occamy. The centerpiece of the experience will feature the visually spectacular Hogwarts™ Always light projection show designed to take guests on a whimsical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. Weaving together unforgettable music and incredible moments of wizardry, Hogwarts Always will shine bright as it comes to life set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts™ castle.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Let’s Go, Yoshi—This exciting addition to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will mark the debut of beloved fan favorite Yoshi as a brand new meet and greet character within the land during Universal Fan Fest Nights. As part of Yoshi’s welcome to the land, guests will have a chance to interact with Yoshi as they engage in a scavenger hunt to locate all five colorful Yoshi eggs.  After completing this original quest, guests will reap the benefit of a very special reward with the unique opportunity to meet a different colored Yoshi. Plus, guests will be treated to celebratory drone moments that will illuminate the night sky throughout the evening.
  • WICKED—This engaging meet and greet opportunity will feature the first-ever addition to Universal Studios Hollywood of the Elphaba and Glinda characters from Universal Pictures’ blockbuster movie.

Additionally, fans can look forward to an enticing menu of themed foods that Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash will elevate to meteoric levels. New merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, drinkware, accessories and more, will debut in tandem with the grand opening of Universal Fan Fest Nights, inviting guests and fans to display their fandom during the event and beyond.

Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.

  • General Admission: General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
  • Universal Express: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
  • Universal Express Unlimited: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
  • After 2PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
  • After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express: Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event.
  • 2-Night General Admission: 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Blockout dates apply to second visit.
  • Ultimate Fandom Pass: General Admission pass to enjoy up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights. No blockout dates on return visits. Does not include early event access.
  • Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 5:30pm (subject to change) to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket must be purchased separately.
  • Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour: Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking.
  • Pass Member Special Pricing:  Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select nights.

Adding to the adventure, guests will be able to experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.

For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.

Elgato and OBS Partner to Streamline Creator Workflows

Elgato, a CORSAIR brand, today announced it’s sponsoring the OBS Project, developers of Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). With the sponsorship, Elgato will help fund new innovations on the free, open-source platform for streamers and video creators. Additionally, Elgato revealed a brand-new plugin, making it easier for users to add and share OBS Studio setups.

“This partnership builds on a long history of collaboration,” says Taylor Ward, Director of Ecosystem at Elgato. “Elgato tools and OBS Studio have always gone hand in hand—now we’re taking that connection to the next level. Together, we’re excited to bring creators new ways to enhance and streamline their workflows.”

Elgato x OBS Image2
For now, creators can learn more about the Marketplace Connect plugin or get it on Elgato’s website.

The sponsorship

The OBS Project is largely community-driven and relies on sponsors for the resources needed to maintain and improve its software. Elgato’s Diamond-tier sponsorship delivers immediate funding to support key areas. These include developing new features, such as an expanded plugin infrastructure. It also helps cover operational costs, from fixing bugs to hiring developers.

Elgato is committed to keeping OBS free and available to anyone. It joins industry leaders like NVIDIA, AMD, and YouTube in supporting the project’s continued success.

The plugin

Luckily, streamers don’t have to wait—new tools are already here. Elgato’s OBS Studio plugin, Marketplace Connect, links the two ecosystems for the first time, making workflows faster and easier than ever.

Returning visitors to Marketplace, Elgato’s digital storefront, will spot a new, dedicated OBS section. Here creators can browse full broadcasting setups, called “scene collections,” and install them directly to OBS Studio. This process used to take hours of manual setup and troubleshooting—now everything’s ready in just a few clicks.

Elgato x OBS Image3
Even more, creators can now easily share their own OBS setups too. The export tool automatically gathers files and settings, bundling scenes in a few quick steps. It’s then ready to be shared with other creators on Marketplace.

Elgato isn’t stopping here—future updates will bring support for widgets, Stream Deck, and more powerful integrations.

The legacy

For over a decade, Elgato and OBS have helped shape the creator landscape, making easy-to-use tools that work together. Elgato capture cards were among the first with native OBS Studio support, giving gamers a more seamless way to share. When Stream Deck debuted in 2017, it came with built-in OBS integration, allowing streamers to manage scenes and sources with a press. Later, Wave Link streamlined creator audio, delivering pro control and a cleaner OBS Studio interface.

Elgato x OBS Image4
Today, millions of creators run OBS Studio alongside Elgato tools to enhance their production quality. It’s a partnership that has made broadcasting more accessible than ever. And after today’s announcement, it’s clear there’s much more to come.

Framework Unveils Ryzen AI Max Powered Mini-PC and Ryzen AI 300 Laptop

Today, we introduced the Framework Desktop, a tiny 4.5L Mini-ITX desktop powered by AMD’s massive new Ryzen AI Max processors.  Pre-orders are open now, with first shipments in early Q3 2025.  When AMD shared the Ryzen AI Max with us, we immediately knew we had to use it.  It has up to 16 CPU cores at 5.1GHz boost clock, discrete-level Radeon 8060S graphics, and support for up to an insane 128GB of unified LPDDR5x.  That enables 1440p or higher gaming on the heaviest titles, big creative and workstation workloads, and true local AI use cases.  This is an absolute monster of a processor, and we shifted our roadmap a year ago to make space for it.  In a desktop form factor, we get to unlock every bit of its performance with 120W sustained power and 140W boost while staying quiet and cool.

You may still be wondering, why does Framework need to build a desktop?  Aren’t desktops already modular and upgradeable?  They are.  In fact, the desktop PC ethos is part of what inspired the Framework Laptop to begin with.  The desktop world is amazing.  There is a broad, long-lived, interoperable ecosystem with hundreds of brands and hundreds of millions of consumers participating.  You can build, upgrade, repair, and personalize to the limits of your imagination (and budget, and desk space), and share your amazing creations with all of the other true believers.  We want to make this space as accessible as we possibly can by building a desktop that is simultaneously small and simple and incredibly powerful and customizable.  Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the culture around PCs and PC gaming first-hand.

With that in mind, we leveraged all of the key PC standards everywhere we could.  Framework Desktop’s Ryzen AI Max-powered Mainboard is a standard Mini-ITX form factor with ATX headers, a PCIe x4 slot, and a broad set of rear I/O (including 2x USB4, 2x DisplayPort, HDMI, and 5Gbit Ethernet), so you can drop it into your own case if you prefer.  We developed a semi-custom 400W power supply with FSP in a standard Flex ATX form factor.  We use standard 120mm CPU fans with a thermal system co-developed with Cooler Master and Noctua, and you can choose to bring your own fan as well if you prefer.  We enabled two PCIe NVME M.2 2280 slots for up to 16TB of storage and Wi-Fi 7 through an RZ717 Wi-Fi module.

Framework Desktop brings the PC ethos around customization as well.  You can choose between black and translucent side panels, select an RGB fan, and attach an optional carrying handle to bring it with you to LAN parties (or just to your living room).  We also designed the front panel of the case to be made up of 21 color-customizable tiles, and we’ve open sourced the design so you can 3D print your own too.  We also brought over the Expansion Card system from Framework Laptops, with two slots at the front of Framework Desktop enabling front port customization.

There is one place we did have to step away from PC norms though, which is on memory.  To enable the massive 256GB/s memory bandwidth that Ryzen AI Max delivers, the LPDDR5x is soldered.  We spent months working with AMD to explore ways around this but ultimately determined that it wasn’t technically feasible to land modular memory at high throughput with the 256-bit memory bus.  Because the memory is non-upgradeable, we’re being deliberate in making memory pricing more reasonable than you might find with other brands.

The top-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration with 128GB of memory starts at just $1999 USD.  This is excellent for gaming, but it is a truly wild value proposition for AI workloads.  Local AI inference has been heavily restricted to date by the limited memory capacity and high prices of consumer and workstation graphics cards.  With Framework Desktop, you can run giant, capable models like Llama 3.3 70B Q6 at real-time conversational speed right on your desk.  With USB4 and 5Gbit Ethernet networking, you can connect multiple systems or Mainboards to run even larger models like the full DeepSeek R1 671B.

The base Framework Desktop comes in even lower, with the 8-core Ryzen AI Max 385 configuration with 32GB of memory starting at $1099.  All of the systems are DIY Editions, meaning you can choose to bring your own storage and operating system.  This is the easiest PC you’ll ever build, and we’ll be publishing step-by-step guides and videos to get you there.  Framework Desktop supports both Windows 11 and a range of popular Linux distros like Ubuntu and Fedora, along with gaming-focused OS’s like Bazzite and Playtron.  You can also pre-order the Mainboard on its own today, starting at $799.  This is truly a game-changing processor from AMD, and we’re excited for you to see what we’ve done with it in the Framework Desktop!

AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Powered Framework Laptop 13

We’re excited to announce the new AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series-powered Framework Laptop 13, available for pre-order today with first shipments in April.  These bring new processors, Wi-Fi 7, a revamped thermal system, a next-generation keyboard, and new Bezel and Expansion Card color options.  It looks (mostly) the same on the outside, and we’re glad!  It means we can continue to deliver on the promise of longevity by keeping Framework Laptop 13 fully upgradeable and repairable in a thin, light 13.5” form factor.  That means that any Framework Laptop 13 owner, going all the way back to the original 11th Gen Intel Core version in 2021, can pick up the new modules and upgrade the computer they already own to the latest technology.  We’ve kept all the great improvements from the last generation too, with a 61Wh battery and optional 2.8k 120Hz 13.5” 3:2 matte display.

First, the biggest change is of course our move to AMD’s new Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, which bring a fantastic jump in performance.  These use Zen 5 CPU cores along with Radeon RDNA 3.5 graphics.  In addition to 6-core Ryzen 5 and 8-core Ryzen 7 configurations, for the first time, we also have a top-end Ryzen 9 HX 370 option that brings 12 CPU cores at up to 5.1GHz boost and 16 GPU cores.  That means you can play modern game titles at a surprising framerate.  Historically, this level of graphics performance would have needed a discrete GPU, and it’s amazing to see it now in an ultraportable, efficient laptop.  Because this processor also has a 50 TOPS NPU, it supports Copilot+ and an increasing number of ROCm-compatible open source AI toolkits.

Alongside that performance, we’ve kept the system quiet and cool with a revamped thermal system.  This now leverages one large 10mm heatpipe and Honeywell’s awesome PTM7958 phase change thermal interface material.  Also on the Mainboard, we’ve kept support for two slots of DDR5-5600 memory, upgradeable to 96GB, and one PCIe 4 M.2 2280 storage slot, upgradeable to 8TB.  We’ve additionally brought connectivity up to Wi-Fi 7 using AMD’s RZ717 module.  Finally, on the four Expansion Card slots, the rear two support USB4 and both of the front two now handle USB 3.2 plus DisplayPort, enabling up to four simultaneous display outputs.

One other quality of life change is on our new second-generation keyboard.  We kept the same awesome-feeling 1.5mm key travel and worked with our keyboard partner Lite-On on a new key structure on the wide keys (e.g. spacebar and shift) that reduces buzzing when your speakers are cranked up.  For our pre-built configurations pre-loaded with Windows 11, we have updated keyboard artwork with a Copilot key.  Don’t worry though; as always we have our DIY Edition where you can bring your own memory, storage, and operating system.  These come with an alternate set of keyboard artwork options with no Windows logo for all of you using Linux and BSD.  We continue to prioritize Linux, with official support for Ubuntu and Fedora and community support for a broader set of distros.

One last area we’re especially enthusiastic about is expanding color customization options.  We’re bringing transparency back to consumer electronics!  We kicked off new injection molding tooling to re-enable the Translucent Bezel, and we’re taking this opportunity to add Translucent Purple, Green, and Black too.  We have a new set of Translucent USB-C Expansion Cards to go with them as well.  The combination looks truly fantastic and reflects back to a golden age of consumer electronics industrial design.

We can’t wait to see what you think of our latest updates.  AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series starts at $899 (USD) for DIY Edition and $1099 for pre-built systems.  You can pre-order the new Mainboard on its own starting at $449.  This is our seventh iteration on Framework Laptop 13, and we’re excited to continue making it better every year.  To make Framework Laptop 13 more accessible, we’re also keeping previous generation AMD Ryzen 7040 Series systems in production, starting at a newly discounted price of $749.  All of these products are available to pre-order or order today, shipping to all 32 countries we deliver to.

Framework 12

Today, we shared an early preview of the new Framework Laptop 12, a durable, repairable, upgradeable, 12.2” touchscreen convertible notebook.  This computer is the purest manifestation of our vision and product philosophy at Framework, and is in many ways the product I started the company to create.  We build products to fix what we see as a broken industry, and few categories are as emblematic of the problems with consumer electronics as entry-level laptops.  They tend to be janky, locked-down, disposable, underpowered, and frankly, boring machines.  Shamefully, these are the products that PC brands market for use by students and young people around the world.  Instead, we believe these are the people who most need thoughtfully designed, long-lasting computers.

That brings us back to Framework Laptop 12.  We designed this computer from the start to take all of the upgradeability and longevity of Framework Laptop 13 and bring it into a smaller, lower cost, more flexible, and more colorful form factor.  We’re introducing it in five bold colorways, each with an optional color-matched stylus.  The two-tone look isn’t just for show, either.  We overmolded shock-absorbing TPU over rigid PC/ABS plastic with an inner metal structure for robustness.  In the event you ever do manage to break it, it’s also our easiest product ever to repair.  We took all of the design for repairability learnings from Framework Laptop 13 and 16 and pushed them even further in Framework Laptop 12. We’ll be sharing more on that on the path to launch.

We also designed this laptop to be unusually powerful for its class.  Instead of using a typical small-core processor, we brought in the full 13th Gen Intel Core processor in i3 and i5 variants.  We enabled support for up to 48GB of DDR5-5200, 2TB of NVMe storage, and Wi-Fi 6E, all of which are modular and upgradeable.  We also customized the 1920×1200 display to deliver >400 nit brightness along with touch and stylus support.  As always, we’re supporting both Windows 11 and Linux too.

Even though we had students in mind when we began developing this product two years ago, we found as we iterated through prototypes that every adult who tried it wanted one too!  I’ll personally be switching to a Framework Laptop 12 as my primary laptop now that we’ve announced it.  We’ll be sharing much more detail on specifications and pricing as we get closer to the launch of Framework Laptop 12.  We’ll open pre-orders in April, with first shipments in mid-2025.  This is a defining product for us, and we can’t wait for you to try it.