Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
Stardew Valley fans are in for a treat with the unexpected confirmation of a new official release set for January 2027 on Steam. This upcoming iteration promises to revitalize the farming simulation experience. Details on what to expect are scarce, but the community is abuzz with anticipation.
The European Union has stated it cannot stop Sony from discontinuing physical disc releases for new PS5 games starting January 2028, citing commercial freedoms. Despite a petition nearing 300,000 signatures and backlash from gamers, Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision, which shifts focus to more lucrative digital sales. This move affects all new PS5 titles, though some upcoming games like God of War Laufey and Marvel’s Wolverine will still be available on disc.
Christopher Nolan, director of The Odyssey, weighs in on the rejection of "AI slop" by younger audiences, citing their preference for practical, tactile storytelling as seen in recent successes like Backrooms and Obsession. Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey, set to release on July 17, 2026, heavily features practical effects, including a 60-foot Cyclops puppet. This approach reflects a broader industry shift towards more real, less virtual, cinematic experiences.
The Andromeda Insights RTX 5080 Gaming PC, featuring a liquid-cooled Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus CPU and GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, is now available for $2,350 with free shipping. This prebuilt desktop can handle any game in 4K with high settings and ray tracing enabled. With the recent DLSS 4.5 update, it promises exceptionally high framerates.
Rockstar Games announces the Kortz Center Heist for Grand Theft Auto Online, set to release on July 14. This new heist challenges players to steal artworks from a museum, aided by an art studio for forgeries and the option to display loot in their mansion. Players can tackle the heist solo or with a crew of up to three others.
Roblox has unveiled its most unexpected crossover yet, teaming up with an iconic brand that's left fans surprised. This collaboration brings exclusive content to the platform, promising a unique gaming experience. Discover how this unlikely partnership is set to shake things up in Roblox.
Microsoft has dismissed allegations that the denial of foreign worker visas prompted the recent wave of layoffs affecting Xbox teams. The company asserts that visa issues were not a factor in its decision-making process. This clarification comes amid concerns over the impact of visa policies on the tech and gaming industries.
Dell Outlet has restocked its "Like New" Alienware Area-51 gaming PCs, equipped with an RTX 5090 GPU, 64GB of DDR5-6400MHz RAM, and a 4TB SSD, available for $5,592 with a 1-year warranty. This configuration offers substantial savings compared to buying individual components, which would cost over $1,400 for the RAM and SSD alone, plus the RTX 5090's $4,000+ price tag. For those with deep pockets, this refurbished deal provides top-tier gaming performance at a discounted price.
Star Wars: Unlimited's eighth set, Ashes of the Empire, releases on July 17, introducing over 260 new cards, two new mechanics (Advantage and Support), and spotlighting leaders Luke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine. This set shifts focus to the post-Empire era, appealing to fans of the original trilogy and beyond. Players can expect enhanced gameplay with the Advantage token and Support keyword.
Crimson Desert has dropped to its lowest price point on Amazon for both PS5 ($56.04) and Xbox Series X ($59.84), amidst Sony's end of physical disc production announcement. Despite mixed initial reviews, the game has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and remains beloved by its fan base. Grab the deal before prices potentially rise again.
