Sims rival inZOI is coming this month.

It's the best retro game upgrade I've seen so far.

After identifying major flaws in popular AI models, researchers are pushing for a new system to identify and report bugs.

Welcome to your new Apple smartphone. Heres how to get the most out of it right out of the box.

It's still not rolled out to all Apple devices, but now subscribers to Apple Music Classical can listen online.Apple Music ClassicalIf it seemed a very long time between Apple buying Primephonic and finally releasing it as Apple Music Classical for the iPhone, it's now been about as long again. And still, the service is limited to just a few devices but now its full catalog is available through a web browser.Apple Music Classical is available online at classical.music.apple.com, and subscribers can log in to listen. New users are prompted to try a one-month free trial. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Jason Kingsley, CEO of Rebellion, has spoken about being impressed at larger studios being able to keep a handle on managing game development. Speaking to PCGamer, Kingsley spoke about the awe he felt at some of the bigger games being developed out there with studios that have 2,000 people working on them.The key thing he notes about these larger projects is the level of organisation and management required. Talking about the level of organization of organization, Kingsley believes that the sheer scale of these projects might get mind-numbing.You look at some of these massive games being made by huge teams of very, very talented people, and you think, How do you organize a game that has 2,000 people working on it? Kingsley said. I mean, just the level of organization of organization must be mind-numbing. Weve got layers of organization. Weve got producers, and weve got leads, and weve got discipline leads. But they must have several layers above that, of people who are in charge of the people who are in charge of the people.It must be thrilling and exciting and massive, because they cost a fortune, and theyre incredibly beautiful pieces of work. But sometimes theyre so damn big.The context of Kingsleys thoughts on larger projects comes from the studio talking about why it prefers to keep its own games at a smaller scale. He also talks about the audience for Rebellions titles skewing older in age demographics compared to big-name franchises like Assassins Creed and Grand Theft Auto.I look at some games, and I start them because I feel I ought to, and then, you know, it tells you youve been playing for 10 hours, and youre 1% of the way through the game, he said. And you think, you know what, Ive got a family, Ive got work to run, and Ive got errands, Ive got to clean the house a bit. Ive got things to do, and so I can only give a certain amount of my time to a computer game.So what I really want is a game that gives me a sense of achievement, and with the vaguest possibility that I actually might finish it. And so itd be really interesting to know how many games are actually finished, and how many games are just abandoned by what proportion of people. Itd be interesting research to do, I think. I would like to think that lots of people finish our games and come back to play them again. Thats my ideal situation to give value for money.Rebellions upcoming title is the sci-fi survival game Atomfall. Slated for a PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S release on March 27, the game will also be coming to Game Pass. For more details about the PC version, check out the minimum hardware requirements that the studio revealed earlier this week.In the meantime, here is everything you need to know about Atomfall. And if thats not enough, also check out the guided gameplay showcase from a trailer earlier this month.

Nvidia has announced that its texture modding tool, RTX Remix, is now fully released. The announcement comes alongside a demonstration video that showcases Nvidia RTX Remix being used to change the visuals of seminal first-person shooter Half-Life 2. Check it out below.The showcased Half-Life 2 RTX demo will be available for free for anyone that already owns Half-Life 2 on Steam from March 18 onwards. The Half-Life 2 RTX demo will feature levels like Ravenholm and Nova Prospekt. A remix of the full Half-Life 2 through RTX Remix will be released at a later date.Among the features showcased in Half-Life 2 RTX are DLSS 4 with multi frame generation, the Neural Radiance Cache to accelerate ray-traced lighting, RTX Skin that enhances Father Grigori, as well as enemies like headcrabs and zombies, and RTX Volumetrics for realistic for and smoke effects. Interestingly, Half-Life 2 RTX will also be one of the first implementations of subsurface scattering in a ray-traced game.Nvidia RTX Remix was originally released as a beta back in 2023. Since then, according to the company, more than 30,000 modders have used the tool to bring ray tracing technology to several classic titles. The full release of RTX Remix features modern AI tools, including DLSS 4, RTX Neural Radiance Cache, and a the community-published AI model PBRFusion 3.The built-in texture generative AI texture tools in RTX Remix can automatically analyse low-resolution textures from old games to then generate accurate texture materials, while also upscaling the textures to 4K resolutions. These new materials can then be used for realistic lighting effects through ray tracing.PBRFusion 3 features two models: a PBR model and an upscaler based on diffusion. It acts as a plug-and-play package, allowing users to easily remaster classic titles by picking a number of textures through the RTX Remix Viewport and ComfyUIs graphs and nodes.RTX Remix can also be used through other software thanks to its REST API, allowing the use of tools like 3D modelling software Blender and modding tools like Hammer. The example provided reveals that modders can use the REST API integration to export game textures from RTX Remix to ComfyUI, and then seamlessly bring them back to the game after the textures have been enhanced in a big batch.Since the beta release of Nvidia RTX Remix, several games have been modded to feature modern rendering technologies, high-resolution textures, and even ray-traced lighting. Several of these mods can be spotted at ModDB, which includes mods for games like classic shooter Painkiller, and even cult-classic RPG Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines.Nvidia had first unveiled RTX Remix all the way back in September 2022. At the time, the company used RPG The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind to showcase the tools powerful modding capabilities. In the showcase, Nvidia was able to easily add a new lighting system to the classic game, while also updating its textures to be of higher resolutions.The beta release of RTX Remix was accompanied by the release of Portal RTX, which was also developed using the tool.

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announced a series of new and enhanced solutions for game developers ahead of GDC 2025.Unveiled in the Xsolla Release Notes, these solutions help game developers fund, market, launch, and monetize their games more effectively. We Bring Opportunities Together is Xsollas strategic focus for 2025. The company will continue to provide a comprehensive suite of tools and services beyond payments to help developers worldwide streamline operations, generate incremental revenue, and engage with their players.The gaming industrys future isnt just about transactionsits about unlocking opportunities that fuel growth, sustainability, and deeper connections between developers and players, said Chris Hewish, chief strategy officer at Xsolla, in a statement. At Xsolla, we bring opportunities together by combining innovative solutions, global expertise, and a commitment to solving the industrys biggest challenges.Hewish added, The Xsolla Release Notes, March 2025 edition, expands upon whats possible for developers, enabling them to take control of their monetization, scale their businesses with confidence, and engage their audiences more meaningfullyall while leveraging Xsollas trusted global infrastructure to navigate the complexities of game commerce.Xsolla Web ShopupdatesXsolla has new offerings in its web shops.Xsolla Web Shop has introduced new personalization and mobile accessibility features to improve the player purchasing experience. Developers can use real-time player behavior data to create dynamic, personalized promotions that increase conversion rates.Progressive Web App (PWA) support allows players to add Web Shops to their mobile home screens, creating an intuitive, app-like experience. Berkley Egenes, chief growth and marketing officer at Xsolla, said at our GamesBeat Engage event in Austin, Texas, at SXSW that the company has more than 550 web shops now that are generating in excess of $1 billion in revenue for game companies.Customizable loyalty programs increase lifetime value (LTV) by 30%, offering cashback incentives, exclusive loyalty stores, and tier-based rewards. Automated regional pricing ensures real-time exchange rate adjustments, boosting payment conversion rates by 13%. Xsolla Cloud Gaming ExpansionsXsolla Cloud features play before you buy.Xsolla Cloud Gaming now features Play Before You Buy, allowing players to stream time-limited game demos before purchasing the full game experience. This update enhances engagement while lowering hardware barriers to premium gaming experiences.Amazon GameLift Streams on AWS ensures seamless cloud game streaming with mobile browser support and a virtual gamepad overlay.Instant regional game launches reduce time-to-market from weeks to hours, helping developers reach global audiences faster.Up to $1 million in cloud credits are available for qualified developers through partnerships with Aethir.Middle East/North Africa Payment ExpansionXsolla has offered new payment services in MENA for games.Xsolla has expanded its payment network in the MENA region with 11 new localized payment methods across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, and Jordan. This update improves accessibility by enabling developers to reach the regions 380 million gamers.It has support for popular local payment methods, including Fawry Cash (Egypt) Sadad (Saudi Arabia), and eFAWATEERcom (Jordan), improving transaction reliabilityAnd it has mobile-first approach, enabling carrier billing and digital wallets to meet the needs of mobile gamers. Increased revenue potential can tap into MENAs rapidly growing gaming market, which saw an 8.9% year-over-year growth in 2024.Xsolla OfferwallGamers can get deals with the Xsolla Offerwall.Xsolla Offerwall provides a new way to monetize non-paying players, allowing them to earn in-game rewards by completing advertiser-sponsored tasks.Xsolla offers up to 90% revenue share, significantly higher than the industry average. It offers engagement with Cost Per Install (CPI), Cost Per Action (CPA), and Cost Per Click (CPC) campaigns, giving developers flexible monetization options.And it has SMS-based authentication enhances security and reduces fraudulent transactions.Xsolla Publishing SuiteXsolla Publishing Suite has more direct-to-consumer features.Xsolla Publishing Suite expands direct-to-consumer sales, giving developers greater control over game distribution, monetization, and marketing strategies.It lets game devs sell game keys, pre-orders, and in-game content directly to players. And it enables cross-platform purchasing support, ensuring seamless transactions between web stores and in-game purchases.It has built-in marketing and analytics tools to help developers optimize their sales funnels. Xsolla Loyalty ProgramXsollas loyalty program has more rewards.Xsollas Loyalty Program enables customizable player rewards, helping developers boost retention and revenue through strategic incentives.The program has cashback rewards, exclusive loyalty stores, and tier-based bonuses increase player lifetime value. It has cross-title loyalty programs allow publishers to engage players across multiple games.And it has seamless integration with Xsolla Pay Station that requires no additional coding.Xsolla Gold Gift CardXsolla has a Gold Gift Card for gamers.The Xsolla Gold Gift Card provides a flexible payment option for players who want to purchase or gift in-game content.It is available in both physical and digital formats, increasing accessibility for players worldwide. It creates new monetization opportunities for developers through retail partnerships and co-branded promotions.And it is compatible across multiple platforms, ensuring seamless redemption across mobile, PC, and console.Xsolla Partner NetworkXsolla Partner Network has new influencer marketing tools.Xsolla Partner Network introduces advanced influencer marketing tools, making it easier for developers to collaborate with Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok content creators.The network enables AI-powered creator discovery, helping developers find the best influencers for their campaigns. It has built-in promo code and game key distribution tools, streamlining influencer partnerships. And it has creator storefronts on Xsolla Mall, allowing influencers to sell digital game content directly to their audiences.Xsolla EcosystemXsolla Ecosystem has pre-validated market partners.Xsolla Ecosystem introduces a curated marketplace of pre-validated partners, helping developers streamline vendor selection and reduce operational costs.It has pre-integrated partners like AppsFlyer, G-Core, Game Analytics, and Adikteev provide trusted third-party services. It has exclusive discounts for developers, lowering costs on essential services.And it has seamless integration with Xsollas commerce tools, enabling scalable game growth. Developers interested in integrating these new solutions can visit xsolla.com to learn more or contact Xsollas team for a consultation on how these tools can enhance their monetization and player engagement strategies.Disclosure: Xsolla is a sponsor of GamesBeat events.Daily insights on business use cases with VB DailyIf you want to impress your boss, VB Daily has you covered. We give you the inside scoop on what companies are doing with generative AI, from regulatory shifts to practical deployments, so you can share insights for maximum ROI.Read our Privacy PolicyThanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.

Mountaintop Studios is shutting down just six months after launching its debut title Spectre Divide.The studio explained the free-to-play tactical shooter hasn't delivered the success required to become sustainable. As a result, the title will be axed and Mountaintop will close its doors.Mountaintop CEO Nate Mitchell broke the news in a blog post and explained interest in Spectre Divide has waned following a Season 1 launch that attracted 400,000 players and a peak concurrent player count of 10,000 across all platforms."As time has gone on, we haven't seen enough active players and incoming revenue to cover the day-to-day costs of Spectre and the studio," he wrote."Since the PC launch, we stretched our remaining capital as far as we could, but at this point, we're out of funding to support the game. This means Mountaintop will be closing its doors at the end of this week."We expect to take Spectre offline within the next 30 days, but we plan on disabling new purchases and refunding money spent since Season 1 launch via the platforms. Well be following up with more information on this soon."Mitchell said Mountaintop explored a variety of options in a bid to keep the lights onincluding finding a publisher, securing additional investment, or being acquiredbut was ultimately unable to carve a path forward.Related:Mountaintop previously secured over $35 million across two investment rounds to develop Spectre Divide.It's unclear how many people the studio currently employswith the company having laid off 13 workers in September 2024. At the time, the studio said those cuts would ensure it could support Spectre and its playerbase for the long-term.Mitchell claimed his team ultimately "went down swinging" after rallying to implement critical post-launch feedback."Game development is full of twists, turns, and surprises, and the industry has changed dramatically since we started the project in 2020," he added. "Even though we missed the mark this time, we wouldnt trade the journey for anything."

There are a lot of simulator games out there that gamify everything from driving your own big rig to running your own Japanese convenience store. Some of them hit, like the one about being a goat which is on its third iteration. And some of them hit like PowerWash Simulator which is getting a sequel slated for release later this year.PowerWash Simulator 2 will feature a new campaign with new locations and jobs to expand your power washing empire. To further drive home the fact this game is wish fulfillment for aspiring home owners, PWS2 will also add a home base you can customize with furniture and other cosmetics. But more than anything, Im excited by the prospect of the new split-screen co-op mode.I played PowerWash Simulator waaay back in 2021 when there was just the demo. I found myself utterly delighted by how the simplistic idea of methodically cleaning grime off a surface with a destructive power tool lit up my brain. Since its release in 2022, the game has exploded in complexity and content with crossover content packs that approach Fortnite levels of wacky metaverse shenanigans. Theres a SpongeBob pack, a Tomb Raider pack, and even a Final Fantasy VII pack that lets you valiantly attempt to clean up the perpetually dirty streets of Midgar.The developers at FuturLab tapped into something unique, and made PowerWash Simulator standout amidst a veritable ocean of simulator games and it seems like PowerWash Simulator 2 is primed to do the same. It launches this year on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.