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.
Total War: Warhammer 40,000's latest gameplay trailer showcases unprecedented scale for the series, featuring orbital ship engagements and large-scale armies. The trailer highlights key features like Capital Ship Abilities and Environmental Interactions, though evident frame drops raise optimization concerns. With a release set for half a year to a year away, players anticipate a visually stunning and demanding strategy game.
Santa Monica Studio has officially confirmed a Physical Edition for God Of War Laufey on PC, sparking speculation of an earlier release window than anticipated. This move suggests a potential shift in the game's launch timeline. Players can now anticipate a tangible copy alongside the digital release.
Obsidian Entertainment, fresh from releasing Avowed, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and The Outer Worlds 2, addresses the aftermath of Microsoft's 1,600-strong gaming division layoffs, which saw 50 staff cut from the studio. Despite halted Avowed sequel plans in favor of a new Fallout game under Josh Sawyer's leadership, the studio pushes back against claims of a changed identity. Game Director Adler defends Obsidian's "DNA," emphasizing continuity despite external speculation.
Ryse: Son of Rome, a visually stunning Xbox One launch title, had grand plans to evolve into a franchise rivaling Assassin's Creed, with sequels set in diverse historical settings like the Viking era and Feudal Japan. Despite its short campaign and linear design, the team envisioned open-ended sequels with new mechanics. Unfortunately, the series stalled due to underperformance and a rights dispute between Crytek and Microsoft.
Star Citizen's Alpha 4.8 update introduced numerous bugs, prompting Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) to postpone new features for a bug-fixing update. Alpha 4.9 will focus on stability, pushing back content like Siege of Orison to Alpha 4.10 in mid-August. Despite surpassing $1 billion in funding, the game's full release remains years away.
Stardew Valley fans are in for a treat with the unexpected confirmation of a new official release set for January 2027 on Steam. This upcoming iteration promises to revitalize the farming simulation experience. Details on what to expect are scarce, but the community is abuzz with anticipation.
The European Union has stated it cannot stop Sony from discontinuing physical disc releases for new PS5 games starting January 2028, citing commercial freedoms. Despite a petition nearing 300,000 signatures and backlash from gamers, Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision, which shifts focus to more lucrative digital sales. This move affects all new PS5 titles, though some upcoming games like God of War Laufey and Marvel’s Wolverine will still be available on disc.
Christopher Nolan, director of The Odyssey, weighs in on the rejection of "AI slop" by younger audiences, citing their preference for practical, tactile storytelling as seen in recent successes like Backrooms and Obsession. Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey, set to release on July 17, 2026, heavily features practical effects, including a 60-foot Cyclops puppet. This approach reflects a broader industry shift towards more real, less virtual, cinematic experiences.
The Andromeda Insights RTX 5080 Gaming PC, featuring a liquid-cooled Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus CPU and GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, is now available for $2,350 with free shipping. This prebuilt desktop can handle any game in 4K with high settings and ray tracing enabled. With the recent DLSS 4.5 update, it promises exceptionally high framerates.
Rockstar Games announces the Kortz Center Heist for Grand Theft Auto Online, set to release on July 14. This new heist challenges players to steal artworks from a museum, aided by an art studio for forgeries and the option to display loot in their mansion. Players can tackle the heist solo or with a crew of up to three others.
