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  • Xbox Game Pass Reveals Massive January Wave 2 Lineup Including Five Day-One Releases

    Xbox Game Pass Reveals Massive January Wave 2 Lineup Including Five Day-One Releases

    TLDR

    • 14 new games joining Game Pass between January 21 and February 4
    • Five day-one releases including Sniper Elite: Resistance and Citizen Sleeper 2
    • Major titles include Far Cry New Dawn and Tchia
    • Six games leaving the service on January 31
    • New perks available for Game Pass Ultimate members

    Microsoft has unveiled an impressive lineup for Xbox Game Pass’s January 2025 Wave 2, bringing 14 new titles to the service, including several highly anticipated day-one releases. The announcement comes just ahead of the Xbox Developer Direct scheduled for January 23, where fans will get deeper looks at upcoming day-one Game Pass titles.

    Complete January Wave 2 Lineup

    January 21 – Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) [Day One Release] – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    January 22 – Flock (Console) – Game Pass Standard – Gigantic: Rampage Edition (Cloud, Console, PC) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard – Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Console) – Game Pass Standard – Magical Delicacy (Console) – Game Pass Standard – Tchia (Xbox Series X|S) – Game Pass Standard – The Case of the Golden Idol (Console) – Game Pass Standard – Starbound (Cloud, Console) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard

    January 28 – Eternal Strands (Cloud, Console, PC) [Day One Release] – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass – Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) [Day One Release] – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    January 29 – Shady Part of Me (Cloud, Console, PC) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    January 30 – Sniper Elite: Resistance (Cloud, Console, PC) [Day One Release] – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    January 31 – Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) [Day One Release] – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    February 4 – Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, PC) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Games Leaving January 31

    The following titles will be removed from all Game Pass tiers (Cloud, Console, and PC): 1. Anuchard 2. Broforce Forever 3. Darkest Dungeon 4. Death’s Door 5. Maquette 6. Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem

    Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    New perks available for Ultimate members include: – Throne and Liberty: Lottie and Percy Bundle – EA Sports UFC 5: Bruce Lee Bundle (via EA Play) – War Thunder: Year of the Snake Bundle – Enlisted: Ultimate US Starter Pack

    Game Highlights

    Day One Releases: – Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders – Multiplayer snow sports with 8-player cross-platform support – Eternal Strands – Fantasy action-adventure from Dragon Age and Mass Effect veterans – Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap – 4-player cooperative trap defense – Sniper Elite: Resistance – Tactical shooter with co-op campaign in occupied France – Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – Sci-fi RPG sequel featuring dice-driven gameplay

    The diverse January lineup demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to bringing both new releases and established titles to Game Pass subscribers, offering something for every type of player. With the upcoming Developer Direct showcase promising more announcements, January 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for Xbox gamers.

  • VALORANT Patch 10.01: Rank Shields Debut and Tejo Bug Fixes

    VALORANT Patch 10.01: Rank Shields Debut and Tejo Bug Fixes

    TLDR

    • New Rank Shield system prevents instant demotions
    • Two shields granted in Tier 1 of each rank
    • Multiple bug fixes for agent Tejo
    • Updates for PC Premier mode and Console UI
    • Patch goes live January 21, 2025

    Riot Games has unveiled VALORANT Patch 10.01, introducing a significant change to the competitive ranking system with the new Rank Shield feature, alongside various bug fixes for the recently released agent Tejo.

    Rank Shield System

    The new Rank Shield system provides additional protection against demotions:

    FeatureDetails
    Shield Count2 shields per Tier 1
    Applicable RanksAll ranks except Radiant
    ActivationAutomatically at 0 RR
    ReplenishmentOnly upon promotion/demotion to Tier 1
    Win ImpactWinning at 0 RR doesn’t restore shields

    How Shields Work

    1. First loss at 0 RR consumes one shield
    2. Second loss consumes remaining shield
    3. Third loss results in demotion
    4. Shields only active in Tier 1 (e.g., Gold 1, not Gold 2 or 3)

    Tejo Bug Fixes

    Major fixes for the newest agent include:

    Bug TypeFix Description
    Combat ReportFixed Armageddon blast zone displacement tracking
    Ability InteractionsResolved Guided Salvo collision with Sage’s wall
    Visual EffectsImproved smoke trail and damage zone indicators
    Gameplay MechanicsFixed elevation damage warnings and drone behavior

    Platform-Specific Updates

    PC Updates

    Premier mode improvements: – Fixed inconsistent font sizes – Added match history tooltips – Improved ineligibility warnings

    Console Updates

    • Fixed queue timer overlap on Leaderboard page

    Additional Changes

    CategoryUpdate
    MapsFixed Bind teleporter room collision
    UIImproved tooltip visibility
    PerformanceVarious stability improvements

    The patch demonstrates Riot’s commitment to improving both competitive integrity and technical stability as VALORANT enters 2025. The Rank Shield system particularly addresses community concerns about rapid demotions, while the extensive Tejo fixes ensure the newest agent performs as intended.

  • AMD Pushes Radeon RX 9000 Series Launch to March 2025 Amid Market Pressure

    AMD Pushes Radeon RX 9000 Series Launch to March 2025 Amid Market Pressure

    TLDR

    • Radeon RX 9000 Series launch delayed to March 2025
    • Decision follows Nvidia’s RTX 5070 pricing announcement
    • RX 9070 XT expected to compete with RTX 4080-level performance
    • Pricing anticipated between $479 and $550
    • Retailers already have stock, causing potential logistics challenges

    AMD has officially confirmed a March 2025 launch window for its RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards, marking a delay from the previously anticipated January release. David McAfee, AMD’s Corporate Vice President and General Manager, made the announcement via social media platform X.

    Market Positioning and Pricing

    According to industry sources, the delay may be linked to pricing pressures following Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 launch. Here’s how the anticipated pricing stacks up against the competition:

    Graphics CardExpected PriceTarget Performance Tier
    RX 9070 XT$479-$550High-End Gaming
    RX 9070$449-$479Performance Gaming
    RTX 5070$549Direct Competitor
    RTX 4080$699Performance Reference

    Technical Specifications and Performance

    Early benchmark results show promising capabilities for the RX 9070 XT:

    BenchmarkRX 9070 XTRX 7900 GRERTX 4070 Ti
    3DMark Time Spy22,89422,38622,839
    Ray Tracing Score14,72312,37315,753

    Launch Lineup

    The RDNA 4 product stack is expected to include:

    Graphics CardGPUCoresClock (Max)MemoryTBP
    Radeon RX 9070 XTNavi 48 @ 4nm4096~2.9 GHz16 GB GDDR6330W?
    Radeon RX 9070Navi 48 @ 4nmTBDTBD16 GB GDDR6TBD
    Radeon RX 9060 XTNavi 44 @ 4nmTBDTBD8 GB GDDR6?TBD
    Radeon RX 9060Navi 44 @ 4nmTBDTBD8 GB GDDR6?TBD

    Retail Complications

    The delayed launch has created challenges for retailers who have already received stock. Sources indicate that AMD may need to implement rebates or discounts on future shipments to compensate partners and stores for the extended inventory hold.

    Market Impact

    The postponement raises several considerations: – Allows AMD to assess GeForce RTX 5080 and 5070 market performance – Provides time for building inventory ahead of launch – May affect Q1 2025 revenue projections – Creates opportunity for driver optimization and game support

    Future Outlook

    While the delay may disappoint eager consumers, industry analysts suggest it could strengthen AMD’s competitive position through: – Better price positioning against Nvidia’s offerings – Improved driver maturity at launch – Enhanced game support through FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 – More comprehensive retail availability

    The March launch window suggests AMD is prioritizing a strong market entry over early availability, potentially learning from previous generation launch challenges.

  • Marvel Snap Caught in TikTok Ban Crossfire, Developer Seeks New Publisher

    Marvel Snap Caught in TikTok Ban Crossfire, Developer Seeks New Publisher

    TLDR

    • Marvel Snap temporarily banned in US alongside TikTok
    • Developer Second Dinner was not informed of the shutdown
    • Game has returned to PC but remains unavailable on mobile platforms
    • Second Dinner announces plans to seek new publisher
    • In-app purchases currently unavailable during transition

    Popular card game Marvel Snap experienced an unexpected shutdown in the United States as part of the broader ban on ByteDance-owned applications, catching both players and developers off guard. The game’s developer, Second Dinner, has now announced plans to seek a new publisher following the incident.

    Sudden Shutdown

    The game disappeared from US app stores on January 18, 2025, displaying a message to players: “Sorry, Marvel Snap isn’t available right now. A law banning Marvel Snap has been enacted in the U.S.” Second Dinner, the game’s California-based developer, stated on social media: “This outage is a surprise to us and wasn’t planned.”

    Developer Response

    In an unusually direct statement following the game’s partial restoration, Second Dinner announced on X: “MARVEL SNAP is back online in the U.S. But to make sure this NEVER happens again, we’re working to bring more services in-house and partner with a new publisher.” The studio added, “This is the start of a new era for MARVEL SNAP.”

    Current Status

    As of January 21, 2025: – PC version: Restored and playable – Mobile versions: Still unavailable in US app stores – In-app purchases: Temporarily disabled – Service restoration: Ongoing process

    ByteDance Connection

    Marvel Snap’s involvement in the ban stems from its publication by Nuverse, a subsidiary of ByteDance, which also owns TikTok. The game was affected by the same legislation targeting ByteDance-owned applications, despite being developed by a US-based company.

    Player Impact

    During the outage, Chief Development Officer Ben Brode suggested players use VPNs to access the game through non-US servers, highlighting the unexpected nature of the shutdown. Players who had made in-game purchases were temporarily unable to access their content, raising concerns about digital ownership and platform dependency.

    Future Implications

    The incident has sparked discussions about: – Digital platform ownership and content access rights – International technology company regulations – Gaming industry dependencies on foreign publishers – Developer-publisher relationships in crisis situations

    Second Dinner’s announcement about seeking a new publisher marks a significant shift in the game’s future direction, suggesting broader implications for international gaming partnerships and publication arrangements.

  • Elon Musk Confirms Account Boosting in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4

    Elon Musk Confirms Account Boosting in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4

    TLDR

    • Musk admits to account boosting and purchasing resources in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4
    • Claims such practices are necessary to compete with Asian players
    • Controversy arose following questions about his gaming achievements
    • Public dispute with Twitch streamer Asmongold over gaming credentials
    • Account sharing violates terms of service in both games

    Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has confirmed using account boosting services in both Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4, following weeks of speculation from the gaming community. The admission came through private messages shared by YouTuber NikoWrex, who received permission to publish the conversation.

    The Admission

    In the published messages, when asked about level boosting and purchasing in-game resources, Musk stated it was “impossible to beat the players in Asia if you don’t.” He further claimed that top accounts in both games “require multiple people playing the account to win a leveling race.”

    Community Response

    The gaming community’s reaction has been mixed, with several prominent figures questioning these statements:

    • Multiple streamers document their solo achievements through daily broadcasts
    • Top leaderboard players have challenged Musk’s claims about account sharing necessity
    • Gaming terms of service explicitly prohibit account sharing in both titles

    Streaming Controversy

    The situation escalated following a public dispute with Twitch streamer Asmongold, who questioned Musk’s gaming abilities. The exchange led to:

    1. Musk publishing private messages between the two
    2. A temporary removal of Asmongold’s verification status on X (formerly Twitter)
    3. Community Notes corrections regarding Musk’s statements about Asmongold’s work arrangements

    Gaming Credentials

    While Musk maintains he personally plays during his streams, questions persist about his gaming achievements. His ex-partner, musician Grimes, has vouched for his gaming abilities, citing his achievement as “the first American druid to clear Abattoir of Zir.”

    Terms of Service Implications

    Both Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4 have clear policies regarding account sharing: – Path of Exile 2 considers account sharing a grey area in terms of use – Diablo 4 explicitly prohibits the practice, making it grounds for account termination

    The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about competitive integrity in online gaming and the verification of high-profile players’ achievements.

  • Fortnite OG Season 2: Tilted Towers Returns with Remixed Black Knight Skin

    Fortnite OG Season 2: Tilted Towers Returns with Remixed Black Knight Skin

    TLDR

    • Launch Date: January 31, 2025
    • Key Features: Tilted Towers returns as a POI
    • New Skins: Remixed versions of Black Knight, Sparkle Specialist, and Cuddle Team Leader
    • Battle Pass: Three remixed classic skins with additional cosmetics
    • Gameplay Changes: Updated weapon pool and loot changes from original Season 2

    The highly anticipated Fortnite OG Season 2 is set to revolutionize the battle royale landscape with the return of one of gaming’s most iconic locations. As the current OG Season winds down, Epic Games has unveiled exciting new content that will transport players back to a refined version of Fortnite’s golden era.

    The Return of a Legend: Tilted Towers

    The crown jewel of this update is undoubtedly the return of Tilted Towers, the legendary point of interest that defined Fortnite’s early competitive meta. Known as the ultimate hot-drop destination, this iconic location promises to reignite the intense early-game battles that made Fortnite a global phenomenon.

    Battle Pass: Reimagined Classics

    The new season introduces a carefully curated Battle Pass featuring three “Remix” versions of beloved skins. Leading the charge is a fresh take on the intimidating Black Knight outfit, accompanied by modernized versions of the Sparkle Specialist and Cuddle Team Leader skins. These reimagined classics offer players a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.

    Evolving Gameplay

    Season 2 isn’t just about cosmetic changes. Players can expect significant updates to the weapon pool and loot distribution, gradually introducing the memorable gameplay elements that made the original Season 2 a fan favorite. These changes aim to create a more polished and refined battle royale experience.

    What to Expect

    When the update drops on January 31st, players will experience a carefully crafted blend of nostalgia and modern gaming mechanics. While the season maintains shorter duration than traditional Fortnite seasons, it promises regular content updates that will progressively reintroduce elements from the original Season 2.

    The return to this classic era of Fortnite comes at an exciting time, as the game continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Whether you’re a veteran player seeking to relive the glory days or a newcomer curious about Fortnite’s historic moments, OG Season 2 offers something for everyone.

    Players can access the new season through the standard Battle Pass purchase or via Fortnite Crew subscription, ensuring multiple pathways to experience this exciting content.

    As we approach the launch date, the gaming community’s anticipation continues to build for what promises to be another milestone in Fortnite’s impressive journey.