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.
Valve is discontinuing physical Steam gift cards at retailers due to ongoing scam concerns, despite their continued honoring of existing cards. Digital gift cards will remain available through the Steam storefront. This move aims to mitigate the impact of scams targeting gift card users.
Nintendo may strategically pit its highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake or The Duskbloods against GTA 6 in November, leveraging its typical pre-Black Friday release strategy. This move, if confirmed, would place one of Nintendo's strongest titles directly against the impending release of Rockstar's behemoth. The decision hinges on whether Nintendo aims to capitalize on the holiday rush by releasing a major title in November.
In a bizarre case involving a dispute between Tom Withers and the city of Aberdeen, both sides' lawyers relied on hallucinating AI for citations, leading to a judge barring them for 2 years and fining all parties involved. The incident highlights the risks of unverified AI use in legal research. The case has been halted for 60 days, requiring both parties to find new counsel.
Steam will no longer sell physical gift cards worldwide due to persistent scam issues, despite efforts to mitigate the problem. Digital gift cards remain available. The move follows a 14-year run for physical cards, introduced in 2012, with digital options added in 2017.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discusses the industry's hardware cost crisis, suggesting innovative solutions are in the works. Sharma hints at "radically different business models" and possibly a more affordable console by the end of the year. This move could significantly impact the console's accessibility amid rising prices.
Franklin Richards, son of Mister Fantastic, becomes a Legendary Creature in the new Marvel Super Heroes Commander deck. His card, Franklin Richards, Ascendant, is a powerful 6/6 Mutant Hero with a unique spell-casting mechanic. This marks a unique crossover, inspired by a 1998 comic where Franklin teaches his father to play Magic.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic, an upcoming title from [Developer], has been verified for the Steam Deck ahead of its release, ensuring a seamless gaming experience on the portable device. This verification promises optimized performance and compatibility, catering to players eager to enjoy the game on-the-go. With its Steam Deck Verified status, the game is poised to attract both PC and portable gamers alike.
Xbox is exploring unconventional business strategies to ensure its next console is more affordable. This move aims to make the upcoming hardware accessible to a broader audience from day one. The approach underscores Xbox's shift towards consumer-centric pricing models.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hints at radical new business models for the next console generation, including ad-supported consoles and cloud-streaming innovations, to combat rising component costs. Project Helix's future hinges on finding affordable solutions without sacrificing performance. Sharma also outlines a cautious approach to exclusives, tying their expansion to the platform's overall health.
In an exclusive partnership, Hyundai Motor, FIFA, and Epic Games are collaborating to bring World Cup 2026 excitement to Fortnite and Rocket League, offering unique in-game experiences. This tie-in promises to blend sports and gaming in unprecedented ways, attracting both gamers and football fans alike. The collaboration underscores the growing intersection of global sports events and popular gaming platforms.
