This week marked a significant shift in the gaming industry as Pokémon Go became the property of the Saudi government. The mobile game maker Scopely, part of the Savvy Games Group and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, announced its acquisition of Niantic, the developer behind the hit game, for a staggering $3.5 billion. This acquisition follows Niantic's struggle to replicate the success of Pokémon Go, which has remained one of the defining games of the last decade.
In other gaming news, Steam has kicked off one of its best sales in recent years, offering significant discounts on a range of beloved titles. Games like Undertale, Doom (2016), and Spiritfarer are currently available at incredibly low prices. This annual Spring Sale presents an excellent opportunity for gamers to expand their library without breaking the bank.
ZA/UM Studio, renowned for its critically acclaimed detective RPG Disco Elysium, has finally unveiled its next project nearly six years after the original game's release. Instead of a sequel, the studio has introduced a spy RPG titled Project C4. However, details about the game remain largely under wraps, raising questions about how it might connect to the studio’s previous work following a period of internal turmoil.
The upcoming Battlefield title, often referred to as Battlefield 6, is currently undergoing an early beta phase. Despite participants having to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), leaked footage has surfaced online, generating positive reactions from players. Enthusiastic responses highlight new features and a return to the modern combat that defined some of the series’ most beloved entries.
This month, PlayStation Plus has added a variety of new games to its Extra and Premium tiers. Fans of arcade-style games, 2D platformers, and retro robot warfare can look forward to an exciting lineup that caters to a wide range of gaming preferences.
In a nostalgic reflection, this week marks the 30th anniversary of Chrono Trigger, an RPG for the SNES that revolutionized the genre. Its creation is a testament to the magic that happens when a talented group of creatives come together. Personally, experiencing Chrono Trigger has been a formative moment in my gaming journey, and I remain grateful to have played such a groundbreaking title.
In the world of Monster Hunter Wilds, hunts typically last anywhere from 10 minutes to half an hour, depending on difficulty and player preparedness. However, a recent discovery has shown that it is technically possible to complete a hunt in just two seconds. While this exploit may not actually save players time, fans are having fun experimenting with this new finding.
The Dungeons & Dragons community has expressed skepticism towards generative AI, particularly after Wizards of the Coast faced criticism for incorporating AI-generated art in their game materials. Despite this backlash, the CEO of the company continues to advocate for AI technology, describing himself as “an AI bull” and exploring its potential applications within D&D subscription services.
In a more personal story, a Mountain Dew enthusiast recently shared devastating news on the Mountain Dew subreddit. A leaky can caused considerable damage, ruining a significant portion of his collection, including 60 cans of the sought-after Thrashed Apple variant. After sharing photos of the incident, the collector recounted the emotional toll of losing such a treasured collection.
