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.
Square Enix announced two significant Dragon Quest updates during the Dragon Quest Day livestream: the upcoming Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World with dual protagonists from Dragon Quest V, coming soon to multiple platforms, and Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition arriving on Switch 2 September 24 with enhanced features. These announcements promise to delight both new and veteran fans of the series. The Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest XI S boasts impressive new modes, further enriching the gaming experience.
Despite generating $1 billion in revenue, Red Dead Redemption 2's online component, Red Dead Online, has been deemed a "missed opportunity" by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. The statement highlights the gap between the game's overall success and the online mode's underperformance. Players and investors alike await clarification on future support.
Empire Earth 1, 2, and 3, the beloved classic strategy games, have made their way to Steam, offering a new generation of players a chance to experience their iconic gameplay. With their arrival, fans of the series can once again delve into the strategic depth that defined the franchise. This release brings the trilogy to a modern platform, ensuring accessibility for both veteran players and newcomers alike.
Taiwanese buyers of Gigabyte's RTX 5090 Infinity 32G can receive 1 gram of 999 pure gold. This luxury promo celebrates Gigabyte's 40th anniversary. The RTX 5090 itself boasts a max boost clock of 2730 MHz and a hefty price tag of around $5,250.
Red Dead Online, despite being immensely successful in its own right, failed to surpass the monumental success of GTA Online, highlighting the challenges of following in a giant's footsteps. With its last major update in 2022, the game's three-year run, though profitable, pales in comparison to its GTA counterpart. Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, defends its legacy, acknowledging the shadow of GTA Online.
Take-Two Interactive has ordered the shutdown of GTA 5 modding platform Rage:MP, citing its Platform License Agreement (PLA) that designates FiveM as the sole authorized multiplayer modding platform. Server owners must migrate by August 31, 2026. The move sparks concern among modders about losing freedom, reminiscent of past tensions between Take-Two and the GTA modding community.
Paralives, the indie life sim from Canada, has launched to immense success with 250,000 copies sold in just 8 hours and an 89% positive Steam rating. Despite its early-access jank, it promises a refreshing, paid-DLC-free alternative to The Sims series. Players and critics alike are drawn to its charm, including its plethora of humorous bugs.
A Scottish politician's embezzlement scheme took an unexpected turn with the revelation that part of the stolen funds were used for a gaming spree. Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) for PlayStation 4 was among the purchases, alongside multiple consoles and accessories. The $2,500 gaming haul is just a fraction of the over $500,000 embezzled.
In a move targeting niche gaming communities, Russian censors have begun flagging and restricting access to several yuri-themed visual novel titles on Steam, citing violations of the country's strict content regulations. This crackdown affects titles known for their same-sex female relationships, sparking concern among gamers about growing censorship. The impacted games remain available in other regions.
Respawn Entertainment's latest update for Apex Legends dropped on May 26, 2026, bringing significant changes to the battle royale's meta. This update promises to shake up competitive play with nerfs to dominant legends and the introduction of a revamped ranked system. Players can expect a more balanced experience across all platforms.
