Gaming News: Weekly Discussion on What Gamers Are Playing – May 18, 2025

Kick things off by focusing on the main attraction: “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”. Players are captivated by its intriguing plot twists, none more so than the shocking disclosure that the game’s universe is embedded within a real-life magical painting, set in the 1920s Paris. One player, *WorkAway23*, beautifully conveyed their amazement, highlighting the story’s emotional impact. “I can’t remember ever tearing up at the *start* of a game,” they confessed, appreciating how the game progressively escalates from tranquil to tumultuous. It’s evident that this game is resonating with its audience—one player even declared, “It could sweep Game of the Year awards everywhere!” Not everyone finds it all sunshine and daisies, as the emotional ups and downs can be like a rollercoaster, but it’s this very intensity that keeps players hooked and yearning for more.

Gaming News: FTC Drops Fight Over Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal

In specific areas of the gaming world, there’s a sense of jubilation prevailing. As people delve into the discussion, it seems like cheers are echoing from the keyboards as enthusiastic typists express their excitement. User MetalBeerSolid aptly summarized the enthusiasm when they stated, “It’s great to see so many Reddit users thrilled that Microsoft, one of the largest corporations, now owns Bethesda, Blizzard/Activision (and King), and Mojang.” The acquisition of these prominent studios is perceived by many as a move towards an impressive gaming collection, potentially leading to more collaborations and creative game concepts. There’s optimism that Microsoft will offer benefits to gamers, such as improved services, exclusive games, and enhanced quality due to their financial investment in numerous successful franchises. It’s challenging not to feel a wave of positivity in this environment, particularly for Xbox devotees who are taking advantage of the new monopoly’s pledge.

🤯$325K Bitcoin?! You Won’t BELIEVE When! 🚀

This audacious prognostication emanates from the digital lips of one Gert van Lagen, a name redolent of, well, nothing particularly trustworthy. Mr. van Lagen, a “prominent crypto analyst” (as they all are, until proven otherwise), has scrawled upon the digital ether a chart, a veritable palimpsest of lines and angles, purporting to chart Bitcoin’s trajectory from its humble, almost embarrassing, origins in 2009 to the imagined glories of 2025. He invokes the mystical Elliott Wave Theory, a concept as reliable as a politician’s promise 🤥, to argue that Bitcoin is currently surfing Wave 5, the “last wave” of this “mega-cycle.” One shudders to think what the “mega” prefix entails.

“A tariff of 25% must be paid by Apple” Tim Cook threatened by Trump for continuing to invest in India

For a while now, the U.S. has imposed exceptional taxes (tariffs) on many countries worldwide, causing turmoil in the global economy. However, President Trump introduced a 90-day suspension of these tariffs, which ends this August. This delay was significant in discussions about pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2, as Nintendo postponed pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada due to these tariffs. After the delay, Nintendo did not raise the console’s price but increased their accessory line by around $5-$10. Following this, both Sony and Xbox have incrementally boosted the prices of their digital goods and hardware respectively. Given that the 90-day pause is ending soon, it wouldn’t be unexpected to witness additional price hikes in the near future.

Josh O’Connor Is at His Hangdog Dirtbag Best in The Mastermind

As a devoted admirer of Reichardt’s work, I find that “The Mastermind” is initially subtle in its impact but leaves an indelible impression once it’s digested. Her films are so immersive and candid, they seem to unfold organically, making the intricacies of their narrative structure more evident over time. For this particular film, what struck me repeatedly was how James, though present, seemed to hover above his life rather than truly inhabit it. A skilled carpenter with a strong sense of pride, he doesn’t seem to secure many projects. When his father (Bill Camp) criticizes the success of another local carpenter at the dinner table, James dismisses him, labeling his rival’s focus on accounts and schedules as a foolish waste of time – a sentiment echoed by a man who spends his days dreaming of an easy windfall. Married to Terri (Alana Haim) with two sons, James doesn’t seem fully committed to his role as a caregiver. He’s been borrowing money from his mother (Hope Davis), fabricating stories about needing equipment and supplies for jobs he doesn’t have. The year is 1970, the Vietnam War is in full swing, and protesters fill the streets, yet James barely acknowledges their presence as he goes about his life.

Bring Back Our Favorite Gods: The Great SMITE Revival Survey

In the lively discussions among the broad Smite community, user Teton2 enthusiastically expressed interest in championing Tyr, stating, “Bring my boy Tyr back! I need to uphold justice on the land!” This statement reflects not only a longing for gameplay features but also the character’s profound significance within the game’s narrative. Known for his robust defensive skills and distinctive playstyle, Tyr offered an intriguing tactical aspect that enhanced team compositions. Other players joined the conversation, sharing fond memories of Tyr’s special abilities that regulated combat situations. It is evident that fans are eager not just to reintroduce their favorite characters but also to experiment with diverse tactics that their skills can unlock, breathing new life and excitement into gameplay once more.