Today’s Gaming News Roundup
If you think Elden Ring’s challenging world is intense, wait until you hear about Atomfall, the upcoming sci-fi shooter that’s turning heads with its explosive gameplay. Also, it looks like we’ll need to wait a bit to get a new handheld system from Microsoft. So buckle up, because we’ve got a roundup of all the hottest news that’s shaking up your favorite consoles and the games we can’t stop talking about.
Microsoft’s Xbox handheld reportedly “sidelined” as it focuses on third-party portable devices
Microsoft has reportedly “sidelined” the development of its highly anticipated first-party handheld gaming device, shifting its focus toward supporting third-party portable gaming opportunities. This strategic pivot highlights Microsoft’s interest in collaborating with external partners rather than pushing forward with its own hardware, signaling a major change in its portable gaming ambitions.
Among the third-party projects Microsoft is backing is ASUS’ Project Kennan, a handheld device that is still expected to launch sometime this year. This move suggests Microsoft sees more potential in leveraging established hardware developers like ASUS to bring Xbox gaming on the go, rather than competing directly in the handheld market itself. Fans eagerly awaiting Microsoft’s own handheld will need to wait a bit longer, but the promise of Project Kennan offers an exciting alternative for portable Xbox experiences in 2024.
Elden Ring Nightreign is getting another patch next week to improve solo play
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Great news for Elden Ring fans! The developers behind the acclaimed action RPG are set to release another patch next week, specifically aimed at enhancing the solo player experience in Nightreign. This update promises targeted improvements that will help solo adventurers navigate the challenging world with greater ease and enjoyment.
While the exact date and detailed patch notes haven’t been fully disclosed yet, the commitment from the development team to support solo players highlights their dedication to refining gameplay balance. If you’re a solo Elden Ring Nightreign enthusiast, this upcoming patch is definitely one to watch for as it could significantly improve how you approach the game’s demanding content. Stay tuned for more updates!
Atomfall receives first story expansion next week, here’s a look at gameplay
Exciting news for fans of the British post-apocalyptic action game Atomfall! The game is set to receive its very first story expansion next week, introducing players to an entirely new island to explore. This fresh content promises to expand the world and deepen the narrative, giving players more reasons to dive back into the intense, atmospheric gameplay that Atomfall is known for.
Developed by the talented team behind Atomfall, this expansion aims to enrich the player experience by adding new environments and challenges. While the exact release date hasn’t been specified beyond “next week,” this update is a clear sign of ongoing support and growth for the game. If you’ve been enjoying Atomfall’s gripping post-apocalyptic setting, get ready to uncover more secrets and adventures very soon!
Here’s a demo for Dispatch, the Invincible-style superhero comedy from former Wolf Among Us writers
Get ready to dive into Dispatch, a stylish visual novel that mixes light strategy gameplay with managing a quirky team of reformed supervillains. In this unique game, you assign your colorful crew—like a dancing French assassin, a shape-shifting batman, a golem, an invisible woman, and a light-manipulating popstar—to handle spontaneous emergencies popping up around town. From rescuing a balloon stuck in a tree to thwarting a boat robbery and breaking up bar fights, Dispatch offers a fresh, humorous take on superhero management.
What makes Dispatch stand out is its blend of charming storytelling and unpredictable mission outcomes. For example, while the balloon rescue and supermarket ribbon-cutting went off without a hitch, the boat ended up sinking, and the bar was left in ruins after unconventional conflict resolutions. Plus, the team’s Human Torch-like member can’t even take a break without accidentally starting a fire! This clever mix of character-driven chaos and strategy makes Dispatch a must-watch for fans of visual novels and light management sims alike.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
PSA: You’ve only got a few hours left to log into MultiVersus if you want to play offline once it closes
Today marks a significant moment for fans of the free-to-play platform fighter MultiVersus, developed by Player First Games. The game is being officially delisted from digital stores and will no longer be playable online just hours from now. This means that players have a very limited window to log in and create an offline save if they want to continue enjoying the game beyond today.
MultiVersus, once a highly promising title in the platform fighter genre, is now facing closure that affects its entire community. With servers shutting down imminently, the opportunity to preserve your progress offline is crucial for any dedicated player. If you’ve been holding out or waiting for the right moment to jump in, now’s the time to act before this beloved brawler disappears from online play for good!
Yooka-Laylee studio Playtonic confirms layoffs
Playtonic Games, the beloved studio behind the charming Yooka-Laylee series, has recently confirmed layoffs at their development team. This news marks a significant moment for the company known for reviving classic platformer vibes, as they navigate the challenging landscape of game development. While the exact number of affected employees hasn’t been disclosed, the studio’s announcement signals a tough but necessary restructuring.
The layoffs come as Playtonic looks to adapt and evolve in an increasingly competitive market, ensuring it can continue delivering quality content to fans. Although no specific projects or future plans were detailed alongside the news, the studio’s commitment to its community remains strong. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how Playtonic moves forward and what exciting adventures might be next for Yooka and Laylee!
Many Nights A Whisper review
If you’re looking for a unique gaming experience, Many Nights A Whisper offers a serene yet intriguing journey that you can complete in under an hour. Set entirely on a large balcony overlooking the sea, you play as a young trainee preparing for a sacred ceremony where you’ll use a fiery sling to light braziers and aim at a distant ritual chalice. Each day is filled with training and honing your skills under the guidance of your wise, septuagenarian mentor, who has overseen these rituals for decades.
At night, the game takes a contemplative turn as you sit by a confession wall where people come to share their wishes. Tradition forbids you from speaking back, but you decide which wishes to grant by cutting their braids through a statue, adding a thoughtful layer of choice and consequence to the experience. This quiet, ritualistic gameplay loop of training, listening, and decision-making culminates in the ceremony itself, delivering a compact yet memorable story-driven adventure.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Here are this week’s free Epic Games Store games
It’s that time again—another week, another chance to bulk up your PC game collection with some fantastic freebies! This week, the Epic Games Store has refreshed its lineup, offering two exciting new free titles for players to grab. Among these is Gearbox’s highly praised Borderlands spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a game known for its whimsical fantasy setting and engaging gameplay.
If you’ve been eyeing Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, now’s the perfect moment to add it to your library without spending a dime. The Epic Games Store regularly updates its free game offerings, giving players a chance to discover new favorites and expand their digital shelves. Don’t miss out on these freebies—your next gaming obsession could be just a download away!
Ukrainian government calls out new Russian-made Steam release as Kremlin propaganda
Heads up, gamers! The Ukrainian government’s Center for Countering Disinformation has flagged the new free-to-play shooter Squad 22: ZOV as a major propaganda tool for the Russian military. They accuse the game of “mythologising” Russia’s invasion and bombardment of Ukraine since 2022, turning a real-world conflict into a distorted narrative through gameplay. This warning originally surfaced back in February but has gained fresh momentum now that Squad 22: ZOV is available for purchase on Steam.
The controversy centers around how the game allegedly glorifies the Russian military actions in Ukraine, sparking serious concerns about its messaging and impact. Valve, the platform hosting the game, has yet to provide any official comment on the matter. Whether you’re curious about the politics behind the pixels or just looking to understand the bigger picture, this situation is a striking example of how video games can intersect with real-world conflicts in powerful—and sometimes problematic—ways.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt nearly had a very different name
Did you know that before The Witcher 3 was officially titled Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red experimented with several different names for the game? This fascinating piece of gaming history was recently uncovered, revealing that the developers were exploring various options as they crafted what would become one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. It’s a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the creative process of this iconic title.
The discovery highlights how even a masterpiece like The Witcher 3 had its moments of uncertainty during development. CD Projekt Red’s willingness to explore different ideas and names shows their dedication to perfecting every aspect of the game before its 2015 release. For fans and gamers alike, these tidbits add an exciting new layer to the story of how The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt came to be.
What’s Your Take?
Microsoft’s Xbox continues to push boundaries with innovative hardware and exclusive titles, while Elden Ring Nightreign teases a dark, thrilling expansion that promises to deepen the haunting lore fans adore. Meanwhile, Atomfall’s sleek blend of fast-paced action and narrative intrigue is definitely one to watch as it nears release. Personally, I’m betting we’ll see Xbox making even bolder moves to dominate next-gen gaming, and with titles like these, the competition is only heating up.
