Today, Stellar Blade developer Shift Up announced it’s acquiring Unbound, the studio founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. Shift Up plans to publish and create new games for PC and consoles, aiming for a worldwide audience.
Darksiders Warmastered Edition is out now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, Switch, and PC. It’s coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S next month, but it’s currently unknown if owners of the older version will receive an upgrade. After this release, Darksiders III and Darksiders Genesis will be the only games in the series not available on current-generation consoles.
Sound design is a surprisingly important part of gaming, often going unnoticed. While players usually focus on graphics and gameplay, sound truly brings a game to life. A recent post by Nathan_SFX gives a fascinating look into creating impactful sound effects, like realistic rocket noises. He highlights the power of sound to create emotion – a perfectly timed explosion, for example, can instantly heighten the excitement and pull you deeper into the game. By sharing his process, Nathan encourages us to recognize the skill and artistry behind even the smallest sounds, turning simple effects into thrilling moments.
It’s become common for Valorant patch notes to upset players, but the reaction to the latest changes, particularly regarding the agent Neon, feels especially strong. One player, SMFCTOGE, jokingly asked if the developers only play Neon with shotguns in ranked matches, highlighting their confusion over why she hasn’t been adjusted while other agents have been weakened. While the comment seems playful, it points to a bigger concern: how Neon’s fast-paced style fits into a game that’s usually about careful strategy and patience. Many players aren’t necessarily against Neon herself, but question if her mechanics are right for a tactical shooter. Some have even compared her to characters from Rainbow Six, suggesting her speed clashes with the slower, more deliberate gameplay that Valorant fans expect.
The main point of discussion is how surprisingly low Ranked Rating (RR) gains seem to be. One player, Tough-Departure4578, shared an example of getting only +17 RR and a +3 performance bonus after a match with 26 kills, which many others agree feels unfair. Players feel their good performance isn’t always recognized, leading to a frustrating experience where it feels like they’re penalized instead of rewarded. This inconsistency in RR gains, whether winning or losing, is causing players to question if their time and skill are worth investing in the game.
A post from user “Curious_Smile7057” is helping Valorant players better understand the game’s ranking system. They shared an article from the game developers explaining how Rank Rating and Matchmaking Rating work, which many players found confusing. It often feels like Riot Games changes the ranking system just when players think they understand it. This post and the linked resources clarify common questions, particularly about how individual performance and teamwork affect rank.
A new post on the PlayStation Blog shows video comparisons of how an upcoming update will improve graphics in all three visual modes on the PS5 Pro. This news comes shortly after Ubisoft announced they are finishing support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) weighed in with the kind of advice that sounds like a middle-school teacher telling you not to panic after a fire drill. “All crypto has to do is upgrade to Quantum-Resistant Algorithms,” he said, as if replacing a lightbulb were as simple as swapping out a lightbulb.
Lo, the Sharpe-like ratio of Ethereum, that most esteemed of metrics, now teeters at a mere -0.0012, a number so infinitesimal it might as well be zero, yet so insidious it whispers of peril. And the 30-day average return, that most fickle of companions, has turned tail with a negative -0.00039, a harbinger of doom for those who dare to place their faith in this digital serpent.
The Sim Racing subreddit is a great example of how a strong community can make gaming more enjoyable. The moderators have created a welcoming space for newcomers, with clear guidelines and a willingness to answer any questions. As one user put it, don’t hesitate to reach out to the moderators for help! This friendly atmosphere means that whether you’re an experienced sim racer or just starting out, you’ll find the support you need. The community is constantly sharing tips and information, making it an incredibly valuable resource, and new members are always greeted with enthusiasm – you’ll often see posts like “I’m new to sim racing” quickly followed by helpful advice and recommendations.