Generative AI Sparks Controversy in Black Ops 7; Metroid Prime 4’s Multiplayer Sidekick Raises Concerns; OnePlus 15 Promises Android Performance Leap.
Black Ops 7 Controversy: Generative AI Under Fire for In-Game Calling Cards
A recent controversy has erupted over Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, with players accusing the game of using generative AI to create in-game calling cards. The AI-generated cards have been described as ‘awful’ and out of place compared to the series’ traditional approach.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 players call out “awful” apparent use of generative AI for in-game calling cards — Eurogamer
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 review — Eurogamer
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Campaign is Online-Only With No Checkpoints or Pausing, And Will Kick You If You’re Idle For Too Long — IGN
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 campaign cannot be paused by solo players, has no checkpoints, and requires an online connection at all times — Eurogamer
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Fresh Trailer Reveals NPCs Joining Samus, While Sidekick’s Annoying Nature Raises Concerns
A new trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond confirms that additional NPCs will join Samus throughout the game. However, an initial sidekick described as ‘annoying’ may potentially undermine the gameplay experience despite the series’ trademark quality.
- As Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s ‘Annoying’ Initial Sidekick is Revealed, A Fresh Trailer Confirms Other NPCs Will Join Samus Throughout The Game — IGN
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers the series’ trademark gameplay in spades, but I fear one very annoying addition might derail the whole thing — Eurogamer
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – The Final Preview — IGN
Valve Breakthrough: SteamOS Embraces Android Games, Envisions Wearable PC
Valve discusses integrating Android gaming into its SteamOS platform, highlighting a future where Valve’s living room OS can run mobile games seamlessly. Additionally, Valve explores the concept of wearable computing devices that could transform PCs into head-mounted displays. These announcements mark significant shifts in how users interact with PC gaming and hardware.
- “It just works”: Valve talk the Steam Frame, Android games on SteamOS, and putting a PC on your face — Rock Paper Shotgun
- Forget the Steam Machine – a new Steam controller is the most exciting hardware announcement I’ve heard this year — Eurogamer
- Even the developers of Steam fave Deep Rock Galactic feel the heat from this year’s popular multiplayer games: ‘Competition is fierce’ — PC Gamer
Crystal Dynamics Faces Third Layoffs in a Year, Aims to Optimize Tomb Raider Development
Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics announces it has laid off nearly 30 employees for the third time this year as part of efforts to optimize the continued development of its flagship Tomb Raider game.
- Tomb Raider developers Crystal Dynamics make yet more layoffs, with”just under 30″ workers losing their jobs — Rock Paper Shotgun
- Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics announces yet another round of layoffs — Eurogamer
- For the third time this year, Crystal Dynamics is making layoffs: Nearly 30 people are being put out of work ‘to optimize the continued development of our flagship Tomb Raider game’ — PC Gamer
GTA Online’s Wealthy Players Anticipate Abundant Spending Opportunities with Upcoming GTA 6
Following GTA 6’s continuous delays, GTA Online players are poised to leverage their vast in-game wealth through unprecedented property purchases, including luxury mansions.
- With GTA 6 still miles away, GTA Online’s obscenely rich will soon be able to splurge their cash mountains on mansions — Rock Paper Shotgun
- GTA 6 Has Been Delayed Again: How Does This Impact the Rest of the Industry? — IGN
Cyber Bunny Shooter Cicadamata: A Flipping Cool Shotgun Reminiscent of Nu-Marathon and Jumping Flash
A cyber bunny shooter with a unique shotgun mechanic that evokes memories of classic games like Marathon and Jumping Flash.
- Cyber bunny shooter Cicadamata reminds me of nu-Marathon and Jumping Flash and has a flipping cool shotgun — Rock Paper Shotgun
- This Cyberpunk 2077 quest mod finally subverts a talking vending machine’s tragic demise with a happy ending — Rock Paper Shotgun
Horizon Steel Frontier: PlayStation Release Still Uncertain, Studio Hints at Multiplayer Focus
The developer of Horizon Steel Frontier expresses interest in a PlayStation release but acknowledges external constraints. The studio head also clarifies that the Horizon series was conceived as a multiplayer experience, aligning with recent MMO announcements.
- Horizon Steel Frontier developer wants PlayStation release, but it’s “not something we can decide on our own” — Eurogamer
- Sony’s Horizon series was always thought about as a multiplayer game, says studio head, following MMO announcement — Eurogamer
OnePlus 15: The Next Generation of Android Performance
IGN’s comprehensive OnePlus 15 review praises its powerful Snapdragon processor and superior display, while noting minor battery concerns and a high price point.
- OnePlus 15 Review — IGN
Arco Review: A Look at IGN’s Take on the Latest Game
IGN has published a review of Arco, discussing its gameplay mechanics, visuals, and overall experience. The article highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the game, providing readers with an informed perspective before diving into the title themselves.
- Arco Review — IGN
Skateboard Culture’s Decline: Counterculture’s Struggle to Remain Authentic
The sanitisation of the skateboarding scene in recent years echoes the broader loss of counterculture’s raw authenticity, as explored through Miles Teller’s critique of the 2015 Fantastic Four movie, which he attributes to a single misguided creative force.
- The sanitisation of Skate reminds me how far counterculture has fallen and how hard it can be to stay inspired — Rock Paper Shotgun
- The 2015 Fantastic Four Movie Failed Because of ‘One Really Important Person Who Kind of F***ed It All Up’, Miles Teller Says — IGN
Netflix’s Jay Kelly Review: George Clooney and Adam Sandler in a Hilarious New Comedy
IGN’s review of Netflix’s latest comedy, ‘Jay Kelly’, starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler delivers mixed results. While the film offers some laughs and entertaining performances from the lead actors, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive storyline.
Alien: Earth Renewed for Season 2: A Chance to Salvage Season 1
The series Alien: Earth has been renewed for a second season, offering an opportunity to address the underwhelming conclusion of its first season and potentially deliver a more engaging and satisfying narrative.
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 10: A High-Performance Gaming PC
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 10 review highlights its robust performance and gaming capabilities, thanks to its latest generation hardware components. IGN’s detailed analysis covers the tower’s design, cooling system, display options, and software features, making it a comprehensive guide for potential buyers interested in top-tier gaming PCs.