Gaming News

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The Steam Machine is finally here after looming on the horizon for the last eight months or so. And while Valve has been adamant that the Steam Machine is an entry-level gaming PC, rather than a new, fourth player in the console space, this little box has captured the attention of console and PC gamers alike. At $1,049, the Steam Machine is unlikely to win over the hearts and minds of PlayStation and Xbox faithfuls, but it is easily the best living room PC I’ve ever used, despite being a bit weaker than either of the base consoles. But what’s truly impressive is that it’s able to do that while also being one of the best ways to just get into PC gaming in the first place. PC gaming has always been expensive, and the Steam Machine is...
The Steam Machine got announced earlier today with an eye-watering $1049 asking price for the entry-level 512GB model. But that's probably not the price Valve had in mind for its mini gaming PC. When I got a chance to sit down with Valve Engineers Pierre-Loup Griffais and Yazan Aldehayyat last week to talk about the Steam Machine, I asked them what the Steam Machine would have cost before the current memory market. And while neither of them would give me a hard number, I was told that it was "probably similar" to the price increase that the Steam Machine experienced last month. Some quick napkin math pins that Steam Deck price increase at around 35-36% above the handheld's original $549 asking price, resulting in the new price of...
Just a couple months after Valve launched the Steam Controller, the Steam Machine has finally arrived. And while the fledgling mini-pc/console hybrid is a bit more expensive than we once thought it would be, Valve was able to still able to get it in at a somewhat reasonable price – at least for a mini PC. And, now that we've had a chance to test it, we were impressed by just how easy it was to use, and how well it performs in games, despite its limited hardware. Ever since the Steam Machine was revealed in November 2025, Valve was telling us that it was just another option for folks hoping to get into PC gaming. Recently, we got a chance to sit down with Valve Engineers Pierre-Loup Griffais and Yazan Aldehayyat to discuss the Steam...
The Steam Machine is officially ready to launch, but that hasn’t stopped us from wondering how close Valve is to unveiling the long-awaited Steam Deck 2. Speaking to IGN ahead of today's Steam Machine review, Valve’s engineers hinted that the Steam Deck 2 is closer than ever, but that they still haven’t seen the “generational leap” they’re waiting for to make a second-generation Deck worth it. “I'd say we're closer than we were the last time we talked,” said Valve Engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais. “We’re definitely getting there.” For those keeping track, Griffais told us Valve has a “pretty good idea” of what Steam Deck 2 is going to be in November of last year, and reiterated they were “hard at work” when we spoke ahead of the Steam...
Microsoft is developing a live-action movie adaptation of Rare's evergreen pirate adventure Sea of Thieves. Xbox head of content Matt Booty confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly, and revealed that the project was being produced by Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of Marvel blockbusters such as the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as well as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Cretton seemingly won't direct the film himself, however. "The main character of a Sea of Thieves game is actually the player and the community," Booty said, discussing the film's potential plot. "So if you sit down to think about Sea of Thieves, it's not, 'Who are the main characters? What's the plot?' It's a super social game, but there's a...
The team behind Battlefield 6 is working hard to deliver the best experience it can based on fan feedback. Since Battlefield 6's beta last August, fans have been demanding things like bigger maps, better player visibility, and the return of classic locations from previous games. It took a bit, but Battlefield 6 has finally began implementing that feedback. That's not to say the team didn't hear players all the way back then, it's just that it takes a lot of time. As a result, they've created a beefy roadmap for 2026 that seems to address a lot of the biggest pieces of feedback in chunks. We sat down with Ariel Giovannetti, Seasonal and Competitive Creative Lead, Motive, Battlefield Studios, to discuss how long it takes to make a...
The Green Man Gaming Summer Sale has landed, and it is not here to be subtle. From big-name blockbusters to Wishlist regulars, the sale is live now with major PC game deals across Steam and other platforms running until 13 July. That gives you a few weeks to dig through the discounts, line up your next obsession, and make some questionable but deeply satisfying additions to your library. And because a summer sale should come with a little extra heat, we are also running a Summer Sale Giveaway right here on the blog. Enter through the embedded widget below for your chance to win Green Man Gaming Store Credit and put it towards whatever game is currently shouting loudest from your Wishlist. Big Games, Bigger Discounts There are more...
Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami recently gave his take on streaming, specifically the problem that some people may feel satisfied just watching playthroughs without ever picking up the game itself. As reported by Nikkan Sports, comedian and gamer Eiko Kano was recently on a late night Japanese TV show, which features guests sharing anecdotes about people they admire and think are cool. Kano shared what happened when he asked Resident Evil series creator Shinji Mikami for his thoughts on game streamers and spoilers. “If viewers watching a game stream through to the ending feel satisfied, then that’s all the game is worth,” was the response from Mikami. “It’s our job (as game creators) to make games that people want to try...
Steam users are questioning the legitimacy of a $1,000 game that basically has no gameplay, and are wondering how it made its way onto Valve’s platform in the first place. Congratulations On Your Purchase describes itself as the most expensive game on Steam, and admits the experience only lasts 10 minutes. You walk a red carpet then leave your name on a wall, which is visible to every player who comes after you. The $999.99 price, the Steam description insists, “is not a mistake. It is the point.” The Steam store page for Congratulations On Your Purchase is riddled with errors and was either deliberately or mistakenly formatted incorrectly (“You paid for this.<br><br>Not accidentally. Not on impulse. You saw the price. You read the...
Over the weekend, Halo Studios released a 6-hour video of the Halo: Campaign Evolved main menu, which, as you’d expect, contains the iconic Halo music from the original game. But what you might not have expected is the debate the remake’s new Halo ring has sparked, and some fans calling it too detailed. Fans are comparing this remade Halo ringworld to the original from the 2001 first-person masterpiece, fussing over any changes they spot. There are clear differences, and indeed the remade ringworld has more detail to it. But why would this be a problem? Some fans say that the details on the ringworld are too large, and so it gives the viewer the impression that the ring itself is smaller than it should be. Thus, this main menu...
Remember last year, when Dbrand announced it was making a Weighted Companion Cube-themed shell for the Steam Machine? Well, it’s real, and you can order it today. The "luxurious and expensive" Companion Cube will feature rear and bottom ventilation, front panels for accessing your little Linux gaming PC’s ports, and even a slot cutout to let the Steam Machine’s glowing LED strip shine through the front. The whole front panel is magnetic and, therefore, easily removable for cleaning the Steam Machine’s front grill. The back panel is also removable for accessing the ports back there, too. Here's a bunch of images for you to ogle: The Companion Cube is available in two tiers. There’s a $129.99 “Companion Cube” version that comes in a...
PlayStation fans are fearing the worst after Microsoft set the price of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 at $40 without DLC. As reported by CharlieIntel, PC and Xbox marketplaces were recently updated with new DLC prices, while locking in the 2010 and 2012 Call of Duty games at $39.99 each. Black Ops 1 and 2 have been available on Xbox consoles for some time thanks to extensive backward compatibility support on Microsoft's consoles, with the real changes arriving in individual DLCs that now seem to be $10 instead of $15, and season passes now priced at $30 instead of $50. It's an update that follows news that Activision would launch ports – not remasters – for the two classic Treyarch games for PS4 and PS5 in July. However, without...
There is just something about mascot characters and kart racers that makes them fit together like two peas in a pod. Ever since the first Mario Kart game was released on the Super Nintendo, it’s been a genre that continues to delight fans, even in the wild times we find ourselves in. Now, the lizard and bat combo of Yooka-Laylee is hopping into the driver's seat of Super Yooka-Laylee Kart, revealed during this year's Summer Game Fest, and IGN had a chance to get some time on the track with this upcoming racer from some of the same devs that worked on the much-loved Diddy Kong Racing! Yooka-Laylee Kart pits eight racers against each other in a heated race around courses themed after locales from the main games. In an attempt to adopt a...
Gundam is no stranger to video games, but the various pieces of the franchise have never started out with one. That’s all about to change with Gundam: Rogue Orbit. Following its reveal at Summer Games Fest, I spoke with main producer Yuya Tomiyama and chief producer Shinya Satake about starting a new era of Gundam as a video game first, what they’re hoping to accomplish with it, and how Rogue Orbit differs from what’s come before. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. IGN: Rogue Orbit is the first time y’all are launching a new Gundam thing through a game. A lot of people know what a Gundam is, but they may not be familiar with Gundam as a franchise or any particular series. What were the things that you knew you...
I’ve been a fan of the Yakuza or Like a Dragon series since the very beginning. As a magazine writer I was lucky enough to visit Sega’s headquarters in Tokyo during the development of the original PlayStation 2 title way back in 2005, and in my years at IGN I’ve reviewed a number of the remakes, sequels, and spin-offs of RGG Studio’s long-running crime series. At this point I’ve invested hundreds of hours into beating the absolute snot out of Japanese mobsters, either via the button-mashing combo-based style of the original adventures or the turn-based RPG form that’s become core to the most recent mainline entries. Thus I feel pretty well-equipped to handle anything that RGG Studio can throw my way at this point, which is why I was so...
If you plan on hopping into Halo: Campaign Evolved split-screen co-op when it launches for PS5 next month, you'll need not just one but two accounts with PlayStation Plus subscriptions to play. Halo Studios clarified the account requirements for the upcoming story remake with a Halo Waypoint Q&A yesterday. It serves as a deep dive into some of the hottest topics to emerge since the game was announced for PC and Xbox Series X | S – and PlayStation 5 – in October 2025, but not everyone is happy with what the team had to say. The breakdown confirms what is needed to play with others, with each platform demanding different requirements. For example, you'll need at least a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag, regardless of whether you're a...
In a time where AI is insidiously seeping into almost everything around us, even our video games, completely 100% handmade art made with heart (side note: can we get that on a t-shirt?) is becoming almost novel. That’s why I was drawn to Out of Words–it’s an ambitious, gorgeous stop-motion co-op 2D platformer where everything, down to each blade of grass and piece of moss, is meticulously handmade in the real world with physical mediums. Out of Words’ story is even inspired by a poem written by Danish poet Morten Søndergaard, and every component of the world and setting is allegorically built from language, communication, and human connection. I didn’t get to see the story setup of Out of Words myself, but game design lead Jeff Sparks...
Sea of Remnants has come a long way since we first looked at it last year. High on style, but short on details at the time, we praised the aesthetics, even if we needed to see more from the story and gameplay to know if it has the substance to go with it. Thankfully, we got a fresh look at Summer Game Fest 2026, and what a difference a year makes. The turn-based swashbuckling and realtime ship combat, combined with a healthy dose of mystery and outrageous characters, has my spyglass trained squarely on the Sea of Remnants. As the demo begins, it’s just me in a rowboat, the star-filled nights sky overhead, and the sea stretching infinitely in every direction. As I row forward, the ethereal music swells, and luminous sea creatures begin...
Handheld PCs and consoles are more capable than ever, with Nintendo Switch 2, ROG Xbox Ally, and Steam Deck leading the charge. While these are all great devices, there are many accessories out there that can instantly level up your gaming experience. If you're on the hunt for a new handheld gaming accessory, check out our top five picks for the coolest game-elevating accessories you can grab this month for a sweet discount during Amazon Prime Day. RayNeo Air 4 Pro If you've ever wished your Switch 2 or Steam Deck screen was bigger, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro turns that wish into reality. As the world's first HDR10 AR glasses, they project a massive 201" 120Hz virtual display with richer contrast than you'd expect from something this...
CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski thinks the studio has yet to complete a "full redemption arc" after the "heartbreaking" launch of Cyberpunk 2077, but he's hoping it can win back some fans with The Witcher 4. Nowakowski reflected on the Poland-based game developer's journey during a recent conversation with Edge (via GamesRadar). The interview saw him open up about how "heartbreaking" the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was for the team – and for fans. "I'm not 100 per cent convinced we went through the full redemption arc," Nowakowski said. "I'm convinced that we lost the faith of some people indefinitely, and that's a fair thing." It's been nearly six years since Cyberpunk 2077 undid much of the goodwill CD Projekt Red had...
We're just days away from this year's Amazon Prime Day sale, and if you're eager to score some video game deals during it, the retailer won't make you wait. We're already spotting some excellent early deals that are worth adding to your cart. At the top of that list right now is Nioh 3 for PS5, which has dropped to its lowest price so far at Amazon of $49.99 (see it here). If you've had this one on your wishlist, this is a great opportunity to grab it and save $20. Keep in mind, though, that it may not stay at this price for long since Amazon currently has a 'limited time deal' tag on it. Hopefully it lasts through Prime Day, but in the event it doesn't, now is better than never to pick it up. While we're only halfway through the...
Robert Caskin 'Bobby' Prince III, the composer behind classic '90s games like Doom and Duke Nukem 3D, has died at 81. The legendary video game musician passed away Tuesday, June 16, his family has confirmed. In an obituary posted following his death, they say they "wish to express their deepest gratitude to the countless 'Earth Angels' at Dollywood and Beyond, whose prayers, kindness, encouragement, and loving care surrounded Bobby throughout his illness." The details of his illness were not specified. Even some of the most casual video game enjoyers have likely heard Prince's work in games before. For example, he helped shape the atmosphere for video games in the 1990s through his work on projects like Wolfenstein 3D in 1992 and Duke...
It's once again time for Sony's PlayStation Plus library to shed some of its titles, meaning you have just a few weeks left if you're thinking of playing Risk of Rain 2, Tropico 6 or Roki a go. 12 games in total are set to leave PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium on July 21st, so if you haven't gotten around to any yet, you still have a bit of time. While all PS Plus subscribers get access to free monthly games, online multiplayer, and discounts, subcribers of the Extra and Premium tiers also get to access a digital game catalog. These are the titles we'll be waving goodbye to in July 2026: Games leaving PS Plus Extra and Premium on July 21: Risk of Rain 2 (PS4, PS5) Tropico 6 (PS4, PS5) Clash: Artifacts of Chaos (PS4, PS5) Roki (PS4...
We had some issues when the original Gungrave G.O.R.E. was released back in 2022. It was unfortunate that a number of missteps hampered an otherwise solid action title, but thankfully, the game will soon find new life with an upcoming remaster/remake, Gungrave G.O.R.E: Bloodheat. During Summer Game Fests’ Play Days event this year, IGN had a chance to step into Grave's boots again and also speak with Blood Heat’s general director, Kay Kim, about the studio’s mission to recapture what it means to play as Grave. For those who had blasted their way through the previous version, you will recall that combat could feel a bit sluggish, and that the optimal way to play was to just sit back and shoot enemies until you could unleash Grave’s...
Xbox has rolled out a new label for console exclusive games, visible now on your Xbox Series X/S dashboard. This month, Xbox confirmed it had decided to make the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day a console exclusive when it arrives on October 6. Clockwork Revolution will also be a console exclusive when it launches in 2027. Now, Gears of War: E-Day features a brand new "EXCLUSIVE" label, similar to other previous game labels that denote a game is optimized for Series X/S, or featured as part of a subscription service such as Game Pass or Ubisoft+. The label certainly makes clear the game will no longer be arriving for PlayStation 5 (as had once been planned), though it's worth remembering that the title will still also launch on PC...
Realm of Ink spent a long time in Early Access, but its full release proves the wait was worthwhile. It has now firmly established itself as one of the most compelling action roguelikes around. There is more than a hint of Hades here. Realm of Ink is an isometric action roguelike with a story that unfolds across multiple runs. Each attempt reveals new details, slowly pulling you deeper into its world and mysteries. Rather than relying on Greek gods, however, your power comes from mastering ink. As you combine different colours of ink, you’ll unlock Ink Pets that fight alongside you. These companions are directly influenced by your upgrades, making each decision feel important. Choosing the right upgrades can dramatically change how...
Ahead of Prime Day, Dell is offering an Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop that's loaded with an extremely generous amount of memory and storage for a reasonable cost, especially considering today's outrageous RAM and SSD prices. This particular model features a GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 64GB of RAM, and a 4TB SSD for $2,999.99 with free shipping after a massive $1,980 off discount. The 16X Aurora is one of the more premium laptops available featuring an aluminum body, high quality display, and current generation processor and graphics. $2,000 Off This Loaded Alienware 16X Aurora Gaming Laptop The 16X Aurora is the best Alienware laptop for most gamers For 2025, Alienware replaced its venerable m16 laptop with two new models - the 16X and...
A new game called TBH: Task Bar Hero has emerged out of nowhere as one of Steam's most played games, but there's also a lot of drama surrounding it. The new game was released on Steam last month for free, and it currently has over half a million concurrent players, making it the third most-played game on Steam behind Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The new game is unique in that you don't actually have to play it. As the name implies, Task Bar Hero embeds itself into your PC's taskbar, and little pixel characters go on adventures, fight foes, and collect loot all while you work, browse the web, or leave your PC running. Of course, you can take control yourself if you want to, but it's an RPG that is constantly active so long as you open...
Hold onto your Sheckles. Grow A Garden 2 was released just last week on Roblox but has already amassed over 300 million visits. The sequel adds a nefarious nighttime stealing mechanic, meaning that during the 2:30 minute long darkness you can trespass into another player's farm, grab some plants, and hightail it back to your turf. The catch? Your intended victims could be at home and ready to enact some vigilante justice with a shovel, have set traps, or have invested in a garden gnome to attack intruders. There was theft in the original Grow A Garden, but it cost Robux. Now you can live your vegetable heist dreams, and the only cost is the danger of getting caught. Grow A Garden 2 also adds props, which can be purchased in the...
When it comes to remakes of popular games, it can be quite hard to tell when one project is going to make meaningful adjustments to capture what made the original special, or which will have aged poorly or are just being given cosmetic upgrades that don’t make a replay worth it. Based on my time playing through some revised missions in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, I’m feeling more confident that this second voyage on the high seas of the Caribbean will be the former. After playing through a few missions recently, I now have a better understanding of what to expect from this ambitious remake, which included narrative additions, new options for carrying out my assassinations, and other bits and baubles along the way that have...