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.
Far Far West, the sci-fi fantasy co-op shooter, has achieved a remarkable milestone by selling over 1 million copies in just three weeks on Steam Early Access. Publisher Fireshine Games has simultaneously made a strong stance against the use of generative AI in core game creation, echoing sentiments similar to Hooded Horse. This move contrasts with the industry's mixed approach to AI tools.
Sony is reportedly shifting its single-player, story-driven games back to being PlayStation exclusives, a move that could impact the gaming landscape. This decision may enhance the console's appeal with unique titles. Players can expect iconic franchises to remain PlayStation-only.
Fortnite players can log in to watch an exclusive 12-minute excerpt of The Mandalorian featuring the titular character and Grogu. This live event showcases Epic Games' continued use of the platform for cross-media experiences. The event highlights Fortnite's robust live event capabilities and cross-platform play.
Hidden Depths, a roguelike game from a solo developer, has achieved unprecedented success on Steam, generating roughly $1.8 million in sales in just three weeks. The developer's share of $220,000 underscores the title's unexpected surge in popularity. This breakthrough highlights the platform's potential for indie games to thrive with the right reception.
Valve has updated Steam with 17 new game tags, including "Bullet Heaven", a name for the frenetic, upgrade-focused genre popularized by Vampire Survivors. This move reflects industry trends and aims to improve game discovery. The update also removes 27 tags, streamlining the platform's categorization.
Nintendo's 'Choose Your Game' Switch 2 Bundle offers a console plus one of three exclusive titles (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia) for $499.99, saving up to $30. With a price increase to $499.99 set for September 1, this bundle is highly recommended for those considering a purchase. The Switch 2 boasts a vibrant 7.9-inch LCD display, enhanced performance, and compatibility with first-party titles and select third-party games without downgrades.
Kadokawa, a manga publishing giant, reports a 51.3% drop in operating profits, blaming its excessive reliance on isekai-type works for lacking originality and quality. The publisher of notable titles like Isekai Quartet acknowledges the strategy failed to produce new hits. This shift mirrors the gaming industry's retreat from live-service dominance.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Nintendo's newest Switch 2 exclusive, has garnered mixed reviews from critics, earning a 80 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic. While praised for its unique free-form 2D platforming and imaginative gameplay, the title is criticized for its lack of challenge, repetitive structure, and unfulfilled potential. The game's charm, however, remains a consistent point of admiration across reviews.
Xbox Game Pass's May 2026 Wave 2 lineup brings notable additions despite a quieter second half of the month. Jurassic World Evolution 3 and The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition headline the arrivals, alongside day-one releases like Luna Abyss and Echo Generation 2. These titles bolster the service ahead of the anticipated Xbox Showcase on June 7.
Fortnite has made a surprise return to the App Store globally, marking a significant moment in Epic Games' lengthy legal battle against Apple's App Store practices. As the final court battle approaches, Epic sees this as a step towards ending the "Apple Tax" worldwide. The move comes amidst challenges for Fortnite, including declining interest and costly legal wars.
