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.
EVE Online's developer, formerly known as CCP, rebrands to Fenris Creations to distinguish itself from the Chinese Communist Party. After over 20 years of operation, the name change aims to resolve growing brand collision issues. The new name draws inspiration from Norse mythology and reflects the game's themes of destruction and creation.
Valve's introduction of a reservation system for the Steam Controller, to combat reseller activity and alleviate consumer frustration, sets a precedent that many argue should be applied to other highly anticipated, hard-to-get tech products, including Valve's own Steam Machine and Steam Frame. This approach, similar to the successful Steam Deck launch strategy, could mitigate the chaos often surrounding new tech releases. By adopting a reservation system, companies can better manage supply and demand, reducing the likelihood of stock shortages and reseller price gouging.
PlayStation 5 sales have dropped sharply, down nearly 50% in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, following two price hikes by Sony. This significant decline, from 2.8 million to 1.5 million units, suggests the price increases may not have been well-received by consumers. The drop could impact Sony's future sales forecasts, already threatened by AI memory shortages.
Skywind, the ambitious Morrowind remake mod in Skyrim's engine, progresses steadily with 10 out of 13 exterior Vvardenfell regions completed and key mechanics implemented. Despite advancements, the mod team acknowledges a handful of development bottlenecks, notably in voice mastering. The project remains on track, with post-launch plans for Bloodmoon and Tribunal DLCs.
The HP Omen Max 45L (2026) is a behemoth of a gaming PC, boasting an RTX 5090, 12-core 9900X3D CPU, and innovative cooling, all for a hefty price over $6,000. While it delivers unparalleled performance and quiet operation, its design and accessibility leave some room for improvement. For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience without budget constraints, the Omen Max 45L is a strong, albeit pricey, contender.
Final Fantasy 14's director Naoki Yoshida revealed that the newest expansion, Evercold, almost didn't follow the series' 12-year compound word naming tradition. Yoshida had alternative names in mind, including Absolute Zero for Evercold, which was ultimately rejected. The expansion promises a unique icy journey for the Warriors of Light.
With Punisher: One Last Kill arriving on Disney+ May 12, revisiting Jon Bernthal's definitive portrayal in Netflix's The Punisher series offers a compelling precursor. The show, now on Disney+, masterfully explores Frank Castle's humanity amidst violence. Re-watching highlights the character's depth ahead of his new solo outing.
The PlayStation 2, with 160 million units sold, is poised to remain the best-selling console of all time as Nintendo Switch sales significantly drop off. The Switch has sold 155.92 million units, with a forecasted addition of only 2 million in the next financial year, leaving it short of the PS2's record. This gap is unlikely to close, especially with the Switch 2's launch on the horizon.
Takashi Tezuka, renowned for his work on iconic Mario and Zelda titles, is stepping down from his executive officer role at Nintendo as of June 26. With a career spanning over 38 years, Tezuka's contributions have shaped the gaming landscape. His future plans, whether retirement or a new role within Nintendo, remain unclear.
Takashi Tezuka, the visionary behind iconic Nintendo titles, is retiring after over 40 years, leaving an unparalleled legacy in the gaming world. His contributions to The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario series are indispensable. Tezuka's retirement is set for June 26th, alongside three other notable Nintendo directors.
