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Gamers Still Pick Consoles for Exclusives, New Data Finds
New data from Circana indicates that exclusive games remain the primary reason for consumers choosing a specific console, with 41% of US players citing them as their main decision factor. While this figure has slightly decreased from the previous year, it still outweighs factors like friends and family owning a particular platform. Sony appears to be re-evaluating its strategy of porting major PlayStation 5 exclusives to PC, focusing more on hardware-driving titles and upcoming exclusives like Marvel's Wolverine and Grand Theft Auto 6.
Extraction RPG Wildgate’s 1.5 update overhauls its co-op PvE mode
Moonshot and Dreamhaven have released update 1.5 for their extraction game Wildgate, significantly overhauling the co-op PvE mode with five progressive zones that increase in difficulty. The update also aims to improve matchmaking and overall game feel based on community feedback. Wildgate is available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Epic Games Store, with a limited-time 75% discount on Steam.
CGM Recommends: Mother's Day Gifts 2026
CGMagazine presents a curated list of technology and gaming gift ideas for Mother's Day 2026. The guide features a range of products from smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10a, to laptops such as the Apple MacBook Neo and ASUS Zenbook S14, and gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch 2. It also includes accessories like the Belkin BoostCharge Pro power bank, Razer Iskur V2 chair, and EPOMAKER TH99 PRO keyboard, alongside other tech gadgets and a board game.
Bringing a Love of Renaissance Art to Life in The Immortal John Triptych
The Immortal John Triptych, an anthology of Joe Richardson's critically acclaimed games Four Last Things, The Procession to Calvary, and Death of the Reprobate, is now available on Xbox. This collection features deleted scenes, updated language parity, an expanded soundtrack by Eduardo Antonello, and new features for each title. The games are known for their unique art style, which uses collage techniques with Renaissance paintings to create a humorous and profound vision of medieval Europe.
The Best Star Wars Games Of All Time
This article ranks the best Star Wars games of all time, spanning various genres from flight simulators to RPGs and VR experiences. It highlights titles like Star Wars: TIE Fighter, Knights of the Old Republic, and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, discussing their impact and gameplay.
No More Backseat Driving! Buckle Up for Taxi Chaos 2 Physical Release Date & Splitscreen Update
Taxi Chaos 2 will receive a physical release for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on May 22, 2026, with pre-orders now available. A new splitscreen mode, featuring two players against rival "TaxiBots," will launch on May 21, 2026, for PlayStation and Xbox platforms, though it will not be available on Nintendo Switch due to performance limitations.
Subnautica 2 pulls a Hollow Knight Silksong, shoves one of Steam's most-wishlisted games out of its original release date: "We need to dodge the Leviathan"
Subnautica 2's early access release date of May 14 has forced the indie survival game Outbound to shift its own launch to May 11 on Steam and Xbox to avoid direct competition. Outbound, which was previously the 13th most-wishlisted game on Steam, will still launch on PS5 and Nintendo Switch on May 14, as Subnautica 2 is not yet confirmed for those platforms until its 1.0 release.
Subnautica 2's early access has chased a campervanning game about starting fires and hacking PCs into an earlier release
Square Glade Games has moved up the early access release of their campervanning game Outbound to May 11th to avoid direct competition with the highly anticipated Subnautica 2, which is launching on May 14th. The demo for Outbound will be removed from Steam on May 8th.
I've tested GameSir's 8K wireless controller and it's good but not as good as its cheaper sibling
The GameSir G7 Pro 8K controller offers premium features like 8,000 Hz polling and programmable buttons for $90, but its benefits over the standard G7 Pro are negligible for most players. While it boasts a solid build, comfortable design, and a charging dock, its niche 8K polling rate and higher price point make the cheaper standard model a better value for the average gamer.
Microsoft's Xbox mode starts making its way to Windows 11 PCs
Microsoft is rolling out an Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs, which provides a console-like interface. This feature aims to integrate the Xbox experience more seamlessly into the PC operating system.
Naraka: Bladepoint Unveils New Hero Tara Gan, Gameplay Enhancements, and a Remake of a Classic Map - GameHaunt
NetEase Games and 24 Entertainment announced the Naraka: Bladepoint Oracle Season update, launching April 29. This update introduces a new hero named Tara Gan, who can manipulate time, and restores the Morus Isle map to its original layout. The Rift Traversal mode also receives enhancements, including a Public Furnace system for crafting and item theft mechanics.
Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS Gaming Headset Review
The Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS is a wireless gaming headset offering excellent audio quality and comfort, comparable to high-end competitors like Astro A50. It features a 60-hour battery life, a magnetic charging dock, and customizable earpiece plates via the Snap-Lock system. While it lacks active noise cancellation, its passive noise isolation and clear microphone make it a strong contender for online FPS and general gaming use.
How To Unlock The Totenreich Easter Egg Song In Black Ops 7 Zombies
This guide details how to unlock the secret Easter egg song, "No One There," in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's new Zombies map, Totenreich. Players must find three hidden blue headphones scattered across the map. The song is performed by Kevin Sherwood and Vicky Psarakis.
GameMaker says AI coding is inevitable, Sony clarifies DRM confusion, and how video games are helping Rikers inmates - Patch Notes #50
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry developments, including GameMaker's integration of AI coding assistance, Sony's clarification on PlayStation DRM updates, and the use of video games for inmate rehabilitation at Rikers. The article also touches on Ustwo CEO Maria Sayans' comments regarding job security, the closure of Spiders studio, and changes to GitHub Copilot's billing model.
Original Xbox 360 Boot Screen Triggers Gaming Nostalgia Wave | HappyGamer
A viral tweet showcasing the original Xbox 360 startup screen has sparked a wave of nostalgia among gamers, reminiscing about the console's design and the era of online gaming. The article contrasts the 360's deliberate and elegant boot sequence with the faster but more cluttered interfaces of modern consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, arguing that current designs prioritize engagement metrics over player experience.
Squad-building, twin-stick shooter roguelike Survivor Mercs out now on PlayStation and Xbox
The squad-building, twin-stick shooter roguelike Survivor Mercs has launched on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, coinciding with its 1.0 release on PC after leaving Early Access. Developed by Wolpertinger Games and published by Wandering Wizard, the game features procedurally generated maps, customizable mercenary squads, and fast-paced horde survival gameplay.
Wild Sheep Studio Builds Xbox Game Around Boar's Nose | HappyGamer
Adorable Adventures, developed by Wild Sheep Studio, is an upcoming Xbox game that focuses on exploration and curiosity, centering on a young boar named Boris who uses his sense of smell to find his scattered family. The game eschews modern gaming conventions like objective markers and timers, instead encouraging players to wander and discover at their own pace, embodying the principles of the cozy gaming movement.
Subnautica 2 is the latest behemoth to mess with other games' launch plans at the last minute: 'we need to…
Subnautica 2 has announced its release date for May 14, directly conflicting with the planned launch of the indie title Outbound. To avoid competing with the highly anticipated Subnautica 2, Square Glade Games has moved Outbound's PC and Xbox release to May 11, while its PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch versions will still launch on May 14.
Survivor Mercs Completes Early Access
Survivor Mercs, a twin-stick shooter, has officially exited Early Access and is now available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The game is described as a 'merc or be merced Survivors-like'.
Evening Consolidation
Sony has confirmed that the Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy for games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 requires only a one-time check. The game Strange Antiquities is now available on Xbox and PlayStation platforms.