As you travel across the galaxies, you’ll often find yourself snapping a few pictures of the magnificent planets and beloved companions. Well, at least that’s definitely the case for me as I attempt to master the art of photography while still trying to be an elite explorer of the Constellation crew.

To my surprise, the photos I’ve taken (good or bad) aren’t simply tossed into the Photo Gallery to never be seen again but rather put up for display with each passing loading screen. Given that there are plenty of load times for Starfield’s massive universe, this feature could be a lot more tedious through other means, and yet, I actually enjoy seeing all these random photos I’ve collected. It makes the experience much more personal instead of primarily using premade ones.

After over 30 years in the video game industry, Volition Games is officially closing down following a restructuring program analysis from Embracer Group.

The company took a hard look at the “strategic and operational goals” in June 2023, resulting in the decision to close down Volition Games. The studio first began as Parallax Software in the ’90s with the first-person shooter, the Descent series. Eventually, it evolved into Volition Games, producing hits like Summoner, Red Faction, The Punisher, and its most notable franchise, Saints Row.

Whether you are a newcomer or a Bethesda gaming veteran, it’s crucial to know what you are signing up for, especially if you have a certain expectation or are unsure about a mechanic. You could also factor in basic gameplay mechanics that could result in your character’s demise simply because you weren’t aware of the galaxy’s many harmful features.

That’s where we come in to help you get a better idea of what to anticipate before starting Starfield, with several handy tips and tricks that can maximize your space adventures.

Although Starfield was only officially announced back in 2018, the subreddit was already in motion as leaks and rumors surrounded Bethesda’s then-mysterious game. Since then, the community has continued to grow, with many seeing a tremendous jump in numbers due to the highly-anticipated Early Access launch.

So, now that the game is finally set in motion, Starfield’s director, Todd Howard, made his way over to the popular subreddit to thank the fans for their support that has inspired the team over the years. He also believes that Bethesda has “gaming’s smartest fans,” given their dedication and willingness to bring out new ideas on the forum.

The Harvest Moon series paved the way for many farming simulators we know and love, acting as the foundation for the genre. Since its release, it has transcended into multiple variations with its spin-offs and main entries, ultimately morphing into the Story of Seasons franchise that still harnesses its predecessor’s adored elements. However, in recent years, the spotlight predominately shined on the newer edition, shying away from the Harvest Moon series. That is until The Winds of Anthos was announced to finally bring the series back on the map.

Although I’ve only experienced the Story of Seasons side, it was plain to see how much the franchise has improved in this upcoming installment, with its overhaul of revamped graphics and entertaining open-world mechanics. If you’ve played past entries, you’ll undoubtedly be blown away by the winds of Anthos, as it features five villages in an extensively large map. By the looks of the area size I saw in the preview, it may be one of the biggest locations in the series, giving players more to explore and a lot more to do.

Every RPG adventurer has gone through the struggles of going out into the distance for that one chance of finding something rare, only to discover that the destination brings them a big heaping gift of nothingness. Whether it be a randomly placed room or a chest of betrayal, we’ve all experienced the turmoil of wasting our time simply for the sake of exploration.

So, as the launch of Starfield approaches, it can be worrisome for players to encounter these pointless locations, let alone a whole planet with zero signs of life. Fortunately, you won’t have to run into this issue due to the area’s clear indication of its type, allowing you to determine if it is ‘Barren.’ All players need to do is select the planet they desire and see if it’s worth the trip, thanks to this attribute.

Starfield is shaping up to becoming a modder’s paradise, thanks to its massive customization system that allows you to generate whole planets and immersive storylines. Modders are already having a field day with this innovative mechanic, establishing ideas of their own home worlds and the recreation of famous universes.

Given that Bethesda is behind the game, it’s no surprise to see plans for Skyrim-inspired planets, with a possibility of remaking the entire installment in the modern space age. Some fans have even come up with a few names for this dream project, including Skyfield, Starsky (and Hutch), and Starrim. Though, they may want to add The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion into the mix since Phil Spencer has claimed that Starfield leans more toward this game.

Don Duality on PC

I’ve been really enjoying the duplexity of games lately, including Dave the Diver’s day/night cycle and the various terrains of SteamWorld Build. The same can be said for the Chaos Manager, Don Duality, as players simultaneously tackle the struggles of running a syndicate and a restaurant.

From what I’ve experienced, I believe it has a strong foundation with its unique concept of having a split screen with two distinct lifestyles. At the bottom, you’ll send out minions to make your mark across the districts, while the top showcases the normalcy of a restaurant. The customer service business is essentially a cover for your dirty deeds, and you’ll need to improve it to steer the police away from the gang.

In preparation for the highly-anticipated release of Starfield, the game’s director, Todd Howard, geared up for its launch during the 2023 Gamescom event, featuring new and updated gameplay footage. Fans quickly noticed a significant change in the graphics, specifically with an older elevator scene that has been completely revamped.

Reddit user MartinTheTrue was able to show the differences between the official gameplay reveal in 2022 and the newest version at the convention. While the previous snippet depicts a slightly darker ambiance, the Gamescom footage brings more life into the scene through its illuminated lighting and realistic facial expressions.

The Amazon Prime Fallout TV series has received yet another teaser to keep the hype train going, depicting the famous Vault Boy in the picturesque scenery of Los Angeles. But if we know anything about the games, not everything is as it seems, where even the most breathtaking places could all crumble down.

Based on the franchise’s history, it’s no surprise to see southern California as the show’s primary location. The TV series will likely follow the old-timey style the series is known for, mixed with the modernistic side of the dystopian future.

The Sims franchise continues to build on the art of storytelling within video games, establishing your virtual family’s legacy based on your decisions alone. While some installments brought something new to the table, others didn’t gain as much success due to their gameplay limitations or outdated graphics. So, to commemorate the series as a whole, here’s our ranking of all Sims games, including spin-offs and the four core installments.

13. The Sims Social

Let’s get real; this is hardly The Sims. It’s an obvious cash grab from the days when Facebook games like Farmville ruled the scene and made their developers tons and tons of money. You had a set amount of energy to do anything, and there were microtransactions galore in order to get more of it. This ensured you were pretty much only playing 30 minutes at a time.

Ever since the announcement of the two-part Haikyuu film, many fans have been waiting to see what happens next for the dynamic Karasuno team after the exciting cliffhanger of Season 4. But, of course, there’s a ton of more content to cover from the manga that will undoubtedly make you say, “One more!” with each thrilling match and training arc. So, if you want to start prepping for the kill, we’ll go over 10 moments we can’t wait to see in the Haikyuu finale. 

Before we go any further, it should be noted that there will be major spoilers for the Haikyuu manga, including upcoming showdowns and unexpected friendships. 

Baldur’s Gate 3 has made a name for itself by giving players the creative freedom to essentially do whatever they want (and whoever they want.) As a result, many fans have found themselves in a bizarre situation in one way or another, leaning towards the game’s crude humor and overly provocative elements. So, if you want to sneak peek into these wild adventures, we’ll show you the weirdest/funniest things you can do in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Before we get into these whimsical interactions, it should be noted that there are minor spoilers for the game regarding specific choices for various side quests.

The long-awaited Remnant 2 patch for Xbox Series X|S and PS5 users has finally arrived, bringing in a ton of new updates that improve the overall experience substantially.

The frame rate has seemingly been revamped after many fans noted its low quality during its launch. Any crashes you may have encountered have also been looked over, as Gunfire Games resolves problems with reported bugs.

The statistics for BG3’s opening weekend feature a ton of surprising results, from the top choice of the Half-Elf race to the considerable amount of hours spent in character creation. However, one of the most unexpected outcomes is the data for the most-played Origin individual, which is none other than your favorite Human, Gale.

Although many players have chosen to go with a customized Tav, Gale reigns supreme, with 27,784 users selecting his avatar during the launch. This top spot isn’t the only title the character has gained, as Larian Studios indicates his position as the seventh-highest cause of death.

Many players have gotten lost in BG3’s intricate customization system, spending a considerable amount of hours on their character’s hair, body type, and other attributes. While some users have established a warrior of their own, others have been inspired by the entertainment industry to recreate notable figures within the fantasy universe. 

So, now that players have had enough time designing their avatars, we’ll go over our picks of the best pop culture character creations in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical on PC

Just when I thought I had seen it all for choice-based games, Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical changes the classic dynamic with its unique harmonious twist, taking on the role of a decision-maker and lyricist. Instead of the standard choices you may be used to, you’ll control the story’s outcomes through the powers of singing, where the characters will express themselves through multiple musical numbers.

Many of the recent choice-based I’ve been playing have been centered around gods in some shape or form, including Harmony: The Fall of Reverie and Love Shore. However, since the story derives from Greek mythology, it is much easier to comprehend, with notable figures like Apollo, Eros, and Athena. Players will take on the role of Grace, who has recently gained the melodic powers of the Muse after being framed for the death of its previous holder. 

The Red Dead Redemption community has been in a frenzy for quite some time, with rumors of a remaster or remake floating around regarding the journey of the great John Marston. And now, our lingering questions have finally been answered with Rockstar Games’ re-release announcement of the original that started it all.

Although it won’t be the remake that fans had wished for, Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare will debut on the Nintendo Switch for the first time ever, along with a relaunch on the PS4. The package will be available on Aug. 17, 2023, for $49.99 via the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation stores, and you can already place your order down or add it to your wish list (physical copies will release on Oct. 13, 2023.)

Dave the Diver’s Dev Interview has revealed a much-needed change for the game regarding the QTE moments that have caused some concern for many players. And, if you haven’t guessed yet, it’s none other than the button-mashing mechanic, which has awoken many sleeping family members during those late diving sessions.

Jaeho Hwang (Game Director) and Nolan King (Game Designer) discussed the matter in the interview, announcing a new option to turn on ‘Automate button mashing’ in the Settings section. With this feature, you will no longer need to exert yourself during the challenging fish captures, where you can easily hold down the button.

Season 5’s newest vehicles have changed the dynamics of Warzone and DMZ as we know it, cultivating fun and challenging elements for the two modes. While the MRAP has become an unstoppable force in DMZ, the Dirt Bike allows you to try out a few nifty tricks in the heat of the battle.

Due to the MRAP’s heavy armor, many players have expressed their concerns over the overpowered vehicle, in which they have countlessly succumbed to its deadly attacks. One user has noted an experience where the tank completely annihilated them, despite having a fully equipped 6-man team.