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.
Microsoft unveils its Xbox Game Pass lineup for June, featuring new additions like Herdling, a "grand alpine expedition" game, and Frog Sqwad, a co-op puzzle-platformer. Persona 5 Royal also joins the service, despite criticisms of dragging on more than its predecessor. Several titles will leave the library on June 15th.
The latest Official PlayStation Podcast (Episode 543) dives into the recent State of Play announcements, highlighting upcoming PS5 titles like God of War Laufey and Marvel's Wolverine. The episode also previews next week's releases, including Solarpunk, NBA The Run, and Beastro. Exclusive insights from Cory Barlog and Ariel Lawrence offer a deeper look into God of War Laufey.
The PS5 Pro has finally started to receive notable attention in PlayStation's State of Play events, with the recent June 2nd showcase featuring seven games with Pro footage. This marks a significant increase from previous events, indicating a shift in Sony's promotional strategy. After a muted launch, the PS5 Pro is belatedly taking center stage.
Valve has confirmed the highly anticipated Steam Machine and Steam Frame will launch in Q4 2023, offering PC gamers a streamlined, console-like experience with advanced hardware capabilities. The Steam Machine is designed for living room gaming, while the Steam Frame enhances existing setups. Both promise seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem.
Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) inadvertently exposed the deadnames of several transgender employees during the Magic: The Gathering Arena union election process, causing emotional distress. Despite an initial apology and correction, the company repeated the mistake during the in-person vote. Employees express feelings of betrayal against the otherwise supportive work environment.
Valve's powerful new Steam Machine and versatile Steam Frame are set to ship this summer, promising enhanced gaming experiences. The Steam Machine, six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, is designed for seamless living room gaming, while the Steam Frame offers VR capabilities with both streaming and local play options. With pricing concerns looming, especially after the recent Steam Deck price hike, the success of these devices hinges on their affordability.
Elden Ring is coming to Switch 2 on August 28th as the Tarnished Edition, including the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, two new starting classes, new armour, and customisation options for Torrent. This enhanced package is also available on other platforms. FromSoftware's masterpiece, first released in 2022, promises a more welcoming experience than its predecessors.
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced introduces a wave of fresh community-driven missions to GTA Online, promising deeper player engagement. These immersive quests, crafted with community feedback, offer a renewed sense of adventure in Los Santos. Dive into the enhanced gameplay with new challenges tailored for veteran and new players alike.
Valve has confirmed that despite the wait, both the Steam Machine and Steam Frame are indeed on track for their summer shipping window. This reassurance aims to alleviate concerns among eager gamers and tech enthusiasts awaiting these innovative Steam-powered devices. The upcoming release is poised to integrate seamlessly with the Steam ecosystem, offering a unique gaming experience.
No Rest for the Wicked, the highly anticipated action RPG, faces an Xbox release delay due to optimization challenges with the Xbox Series S. Developer Universal Studios Hollywood Hub cites the console's limitations, particularly its 10 GBs of shared memory. The game is still set to launch on PS5 in October for its 1.0 version.
