Possibly the worst kept secret of Magic The Gathering's 2025 lineup, Avatar: The Last Airbender will come to the card game in a new Standard-legal set here's all we learnedTech21:30, 21 Feb 2025Avatar The Last Airbender should have some fun characters to choose from(Image: Nickelodeon)Magic The Gathering already has a Final Fantasy crossover on the horizon, but Wizards of the Coast has finally lifted the lid on the collaboration that'll close out this year.Avatar: The Last Airbender, the popular Nickelodeon series about characters using elemental abilities feels like a smart fit for a world of spellcasting, and while it has been the worst-kept secret in the game's 2025 lineup, we now have confirmation.The set was finally revealed at MagicCon 2025 in Chicago, alongside new information about other 2025 sets. Here's all we learned.Here's hoping the card designs lean into the colourful nature of the Avatar world(Image: Nickelodeon)First off, the bad news at the time of writing, Wizards of the Coast hasn't shared the card art, but we do have the following statement about the Avatar: Last Airbender set."Bend the battlefield with Magic cards from Avatar: The Last Airbender! Master the elements and join your favorite characters for new adventures, iconic art, and an elemental showdown like never before.""This Standard-legal set based entirely on Nickelodeons original Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series will be available on November 21."Wizards of the Coast made all of its upcoming sets legal in all formats at the tail-end of 2024, so it won't be long before you're using Cloud Strife to attack Aang while Spider-Man watches on (probably).The Avatar set rounds out 2025's roadmap(Image: Nickelodeon)Also discussed at the event was Tarkir: Dragonstorm, which sees a return to Tarkir with a big focus on, as the name suggests, dragons. Given I'm still trying to build a big ol' Dragon deck, I'm particularly keen to hear more."The plane of Tarkir is now bigger and bolder than ever, filled with cinematic martial arts action, dynamic clan gameplay, and powerful new dragons that add lasting firepower to players Magic collections," a press release says."Tarkir: Dragonstorm follows from the events of Dragons of Tarkir where people were subjugated under the oppressive rule of the dragonlords. Over time unrest grew and the people rebelled against dragonlords, taking up the banners of the old clans. In a bid to end the conflict, the leaders of the rebellion uncovered a powerful ritual, one that would summon a force strong enough to defeat the dragonlords once and for all."Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant is back(Image: Courtesy of Wizards of the Coast)Naturally, the focus is on dragons(Image: Courtesy of Wizards of the Coast)Interestingly, Tarkir Dragonstorm will get FIVE Commander precons.Abzan Armor: White/Black/Green - Play defenders, turn toughness into powerJeskai Striker: Blue/Red/White - Cast extra spells, flurry spell effectsMardu Surge: Red/White/Black - Make attacker tokens, sacrifice them for valueSultai Arisen: Black/Green/Blue - Fill the graveyard, return with Zombie DruidsTemur Roar: Green/Blue/Red - Ramp mana, summon dragons"With five distinct clans to choose from, players will confront these terrifying dragonstorms and battle for survival and power."Finally, Edge of Eternities was billed as a space opera, and it's certainly bringing some Star Wars vibes. Here's what Wizards had to say."Magic: The Gathering players will soon venture to the Edge of Eternities, Magics take on an adventure-filled science-fantasy space opera. Players will discover new space-fantasy themed cards and mechanics, spacecraft Commanders, and stunning new collectibles while they explore the Edge, where vast interstellar powers marshal great forces as they attempt to command the stars.""Players will find magic among these stars as they chart a course through the Sothera system to explore distant planets, wield dazzling magic, and wage war with alien factions."Just the two Commander precons for Edge of Eternities:Counter Intelligence: Blue/Red/White - Boost artifacts, proliferate countersWorld Shaper: Black/Red/Green - Sacrifice lands, grow back strongerWe got our first look at the Final Fantasy cards earlier this week(Image: Wizards of the Coast/Square Enix)That means the new roadmap for 2025 is as follows:Aetherdrift (which launched on February 14)Tarkir Dragonstorm (April 11)Final Fantasy (June 13)Edge of Eternities (August 1)Marvel's Spider-Man (TBA)Avatar: The Last Airbender (November 21)It's certainly a varied lineup as far as sets go, and while longtime fans may be disappointed to see so many 'Universes Beyond' crossovers, there's no denying they get more eyes on the card game which should be good news in the long run.Article continues belowAs for that Spider-Man set, expect to hear something around San Diego Comic-Con, in July. Given the way the dates are lining up, though, it seems pretty likely it'll launch in September.For more on Magic The Gathering, be sure to check out our preview of latest set, Aetherdrift, where we said "Aetherdrift is Magic The Gathering meets Mario Kart and I can't wait to play".For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Broken Arrow, from Steel Balalaika and Slitherine, leaves a strong first impression once you get over its setting, and it left me completely excited to play moreTech14:41, 21 Feb 2025Broken Arrow's more familiar setting could help it become a force in the RTS genre(Image: Steel Balalaika/Slitherine)If youve ever been curious about the RTS genre, Broken Arrow might be a great place to start. With some of the most famous entries focused on alien tech or magical units, its almost a breath of fresh air to play a real-time strategy game set on the more familar fields of conflict.Steel Balalaika and Slitherines tale of a fictional Eastern European conflict may cut a little too close to home in the current political climate, but its off to a really promising start from what Ive played so far.Here's why it's giving me the same feeling of playing with Micro Machines when I was a kid.Maps are massive, befitting the scale of the warfare(Image: Steel Balalaika/Slitherine)Thankfully, what plot there is is conveniently left in the background in place of caricacture-like generals.That brings it closer to feeling more what an 80s action movie would use as a backdrop than anything wholeheartedly believable, but I think thats to Broken Arrows advantage Im not sure I could stomach dropping bombs on recognisable units on the other side of the continent.Artillery can turn the tide of a skirmish(Image: Steel Balalaika/Slitherine)Broken Arrow also plays really nicely for genre newcomers, or lapsed RTS fans. Units respond quickly to orders, and while its heavily-weighted in terms of vehicles, sending jets on bombing runs and breaching and clearing buildings as a small group of soldiers are two actions that are equally easy to complete.The idea is to hold specific capture points, funnelling additional forces to the best possible location as they arrive from bases. Its not fun seeing the new unit youve called in get blown to smithereens before it can make an impact on the battlefield, but the same can be done to your opponents and wrecking a convoy that wouldve caused your side a lot of harm in just a few minutes' time feels great.Tanks and infantry require different approaches(Image: Steel Balalaika/Slitherine)While vehicles often feel like difference-makers, theres always room for squaddies.I was worried theyd feel paper-thin, easy to mow down and almost pointless, but they can capture buildings Advance Wars style, and a line of sight system means you can engage in genuinely engaging infantry-only combat that feels like an RTS XCOM 2.Taking cover is important when troops are so squishy, and Im excited to build strategies befitting both infantry and armoured units, as well as the best way to employ aircraft.Broken Arrow might end up being the game that grabs non-RTS fans thanks to its responsive movement and orders, and its more grounded setting.Article continues belowWell find out soon enough its slated for a July 2025 release.Previewed on PC.

GTA 6 is slated for this year, and while PC fans get a free upgrade of GTA 5 in the coming weeks, some are worried Rockstar is trying to placate those playing on the platformTech14:51, 21 Feb 2025Imagine this on a high-end PC(Image: Rockstar)Grand Theft Auto 6 fans are counting down the days knowing the game is still on track for a 2025 release, but yesterday's announcement of an updated version of GTA 5 coming to PC was a very pleasant surprise.Sadly, the news hasn't been met with the wave of positivity Rockstar Games may have anticipated, as the community sits tight for the GTA 6 long-awaited Trailer 2 release dateDespite rumours that GTA 6 could come to PC as early as 2026, some are speculating this free upgrade means bad news for PC players when it comes to the studio's upcoming crime epic.Content cannot be displayed without consent"Grand Theft Auto V on PC is getting a free upgrade on March 4 with features previously only available in the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online.""This upgrade also includes improved graphics options, faster loading times, and more," the studio posted yesterday, and while some are particularly overjoyed by the improvements, there are concerns that Rockstar will giveth and taketh away.While some were more than a little grumpy that PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players had to buy the upgrade, and others were salty it took three years, others are concerned the March 4 update will mean GTA 6 won't hit the platform anytime soon."GTA 6 definitely dropping if they're giving up the booty like this. Seriously though, happy for the PC gang getting this" one commenter said, before another reminded them they won't be playing it on PC."Great now we can play this while console players are playing GTA 6," another fan said. "We just gotta wait it out! And same when GTA 6 online comes out, but still we'll be ok if were patient" another positive-minded commenter added.For more on GTA 6, check out this fun "rite of passage" idea fans have concocted, as well as rumours of a surprise celebrity appearance gracing Vice City's airwaves.Article continues belowWe've also heard that GTA 6 could be a new Metaverse, as Rockstar has reportedly spoken to creators about building things for its upcoming game.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are now part of Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone, but the game's latest store prices are putting many players off, with some saying to buy the set costs the same as a full gameTech14:55, 21 Feb 2025Those are some pricey Turtles(Image: Activision)Call of Duty Black Ops 6 can now dive into Season 2 Reloaded, with new maps, modes, and weapons and the reveal of a new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster, apparently.Still, the conversation around microtransactions has reared its head again, and while fans have previously been disappointed in the lack of realistic outfits for their characters to wear, this time around it's a matter of price.With all four of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles being added as part of the latest update, fans were disappointed to learn that if they want to buy all of them it'll cost over 50 not far off the price of the game itself.Pointing out that each skin costs 2,400 Call of Duty points (almost 17) per turtle, Call of Duty fans are less than impressed at the cost of buying the bundle."F*** that is more than a pizza, not a cowabunga dude," one turtle fan complained."Cowabummer, dude", another joked.The Teenage Mutant Turtles are back in vogue (which we're very pleased about), but given you could get the whole lot of them in Fortnite for under 30 just a few months ago, it's disappointing to see such a high cost."Jesus 20 each is wild. Even a 30 bundle with all of them would've been justified but this is criminal.""Dude you could buy 4 real turtles for that price," another said.Commenters also pointed out that you can only use the TMNT operators when playing on one side of a match, meaning there's every chance you spend that money and get to play in half of the games you play. In fact, the melee weapons included in each bundle aren't available in Ranked Play.Article continues belowFor some, it's too much. "I cant wait for Battlefield," one commenter said, with EA's shooter expected to make a comeback later this year.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded has arrived, and it's seemingly confirmed that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is getting another chance to kickflip into our livesTech10:49, 21 Feb 2025Will you be logging in?(Image: Activision)Call of Duty Black Ops 6 fans have a hefty Season 2 Reloaded update to chew through at present, but one of the most exciting reveals has little to do with the shooter series at all.One of the new maps, Grind, returns from Black Ops 2 and is centred on a skate park in Venice, California, and some less-than-subtle clues have suggested that the Tony Hawk Pro Skater remasters we reported on earlier this week are pretty likely after all.Here's what we know so far, including what Tony Hawk himself has said about the project which reportedly involves two fresh remakes or remasters.Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 3 launched in 2001(Image: Activision)Players heading to the skate park map will find a sign that says "03.04.25" in one of the skate shops, suggesting some kind of reveal is coming soon.The silhouette of a skateboarder can be seen on top, with US date formatting suggesting we'll get something new on March 4 so we don't have long to wait at all.Given the rumour earlier this week suggested that Microsoft will 'shadow drop' the remasters/remakes of THPS 3 and 4, that could even end up being the day we play them.Still not convinced? Here's what the skateboarding icon himself had to say.Content cannot be displayed without consentHawk himself dropped an 'eyes' emoji in response to CharlieIntel's post on X (formerly Twitter) about the project, which the official Xbox account responded to with another 'eyes' emoji.It's likely a tacit admission that the reports are on the money, and that we'll get something Tony Hawk related. After all, latest Call of Duty update lets you use a skateboard as a melee weapon.The news follows on from professional skater Tyshawn Jones appearing on the Breakfast Club podcast and pointing out he's in an upcoming remaster that hasn't been announced yet - oops."Im in a Tony Hawk coming out, thats cool, Jones revealed.They got a new one they remastering so thats about to come out, I was in the last one.Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 let you hang off of vehicles(Image: Activision)That last one was a pairing of the first two games remade for PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2020 before coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch in 2021.As for these titles, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is considered by many as the pinnacle of the series, bridging the gap between console generations when it launched in 2001. The fourth instalment, which launched a year later, introduced a more laid-back career mode and even Jango Fett from Star Wars as an unlockable character.Article continues belowNow, where's my Tony Hawk's Underground 1 and 2 port, Activision?For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Two of Sony's biggest games from last year have got stealthy upgrades if you own the company's latest PlayStation 5 Pro here's what you can expect in Helldivers 2 and Astro BotTech12:39, 21 Feb 2025PS5 Pro is getting easier to recommendEver since it was revealed last year, Sony's PS5 Pro has felt like a tough sell. The PS5 is still a great console, and it's not immediately moving the needle to bigger resolutions like the PS4 Pro did.That being said, it's felt like a great console for future-proofing, with some fantastic games already being updated and more to come with the likes of Monster Hunter Wilds and GTA 6.Still, there have been games missing from Sony's own studios, but the company is seemingly rectifying that with updates for Astro Bot and Helldivers 2, two of its biggest titles of 2024.Astro Bot is adorable and imaginative in equal measure(Image: Team Asobi/Sony Interactive Entertainment)As covered in excruciating detail by the team at Digital Foundry, Astro Bot offers a "constant best resolution" now on PS5 Pro, while running at 60 FPS. The game already ran, well, pretty beautifully when it launched last year, but it now takes advantage of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution).According to the DF team, the game actually runs at a slightly lower resolution, but there's more detail at the cost of some less impressive screen space reflections.Helldivers 2 was a huge success for Sony(Image: Arrowhead Game Studios/PlayStation Publishing LLC)Over on Helldivers 2, Digital Foundry says it's "significantly improved" on PS5 Pro in performance mode. PS5 Pro players get more stability, with a "perceptible jump in image detail".Performance mode means the PS5 version ran at 1080p, but PS5 Pro will offer a 1440p resolution, but quality mode isn't as night and day. The PS5 Pro still has some frame-pacing issues as it 'brute forces' its way to a 4K resolution.It's commendable that Sony is pushing PS5 Pro updates on its older titles, and these two are some big gaps that needed filling. Here's hoping the likes of Destiny 2 are next.As I said of the PS5 Pro when I first tested it, much of its appeal will come down to the games themselves.Article continues below"There are some huge games slated for 2025, and if titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Grand Theft Auto VI, or The Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater remake can take advantage of the new hardware, Sony could be onto a winner. Still, it's a tricky proposition to spend so much on the potential of a device, so I'd recommend holding off for now."That recommendation is likely changing, however.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

TechXbox can now make games using AI here's why that's a problemOPINION: Xbox training its AI model to help create gameplay sounds nifty, but it leads to a slippery slope that makes me fear for the future of the medium, and the artists withindailystarBookmarkShareTechByLloyd CoombesGaming Editor06:30, 21 FEB 2025BookmarkXbox's new AI-focused direction worries me (Image: Future via Getty Images)Whats your favourite game in the world? Or your favourite piece of music, or movie? Whatever the answer, and for whatever reason that piece of art stands alone in your mind, Id wager it has something to do with painstaking commitment from the artist, be they developers, musicians, directors, actors, or anything else. I mention this because Microsoft, the company that not so long ago laid off thousands of employees across multiple departments but many within its Xbox gaming division, now has an AI model that can create video game visuals and actions. The new model, called Muse (an irony that is not lost on me), was developed in coordination with Ninja Theory, and was supposedly trained not on its breakout hit Hellblade Senuas Saga or its sequel, but on the teams hero shooter Bleeding Edge which didnt last very long at all. Xbox is in a strange spot right now (Image: Getty Images) And thats where we are now. Were at a point where, despite owning studios responsible for Call of Duty, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Dishonored, Halo, Gears of War, and even Crash bloody Bandicoot, Microsoft is cutting out the middle of the process and research ways to develop games without any of the artistry. In a world where Sony is shooting itself in the foot with a focus on games as a service titles, and Microsoft is gearing up for one of the biggest years in its gaming divisions history, this is how a trillion dollar company is choosing to push on. For goodness sakes, Avowed launched last week to barely any marketing, and it was great. If youre looking for a detailed rundown of the model, you can find that with nature, but Im far more concerned about what the ramifications are. The idea is that, by feeding a snippet of gameplay, it can generate follow-up frames as it sees fit. And yet, Muse does not inspire confidence because it itself is inspired by the works of others. Bleeding Edge was certainly a game of our time, but the team at Ninja Theory crafted it themselves likely not to be bastardised into a machine that, by Microsofts admission, has been allowed to access seven years of human gameplay taken from Microsoft first-party games. And yet, its not all that surprising. While Microsoft says it wont be used to replace developers, the proof will be in the pudding, so to speak. The company laid off a huge number of employees last year, closing entire studios, and now this? Its hard not to feel a little salty as our own industry (journalism) is fed into every LLM going. Phil Spencer is keen on the AI future, but I'm not so sure (Image: Getty Images) I really enjoyed Rock Paper Shotguns coverage of Xbox head honcho Phil Spencer chatting to the XboxEra podcast recently. While Spencer bemoans the way writers, like yours truly, have to make keyword soup to be recognised by search engines like, say, Microsofts own Bing, RPS' News Editor Edwin Evans-Thirlwell puts it better than I ever could: PHIL! Phil. I too miss the days when people paid for video games journalism, regularly or irregularly. I too dislike writing headlines such as What Is Doom: The Dark Skyrim For Fortnite Fans Free Horses Fast. But Phil, this is the equivalent of the high school bully asking us why we are hitting ourselves. Your company makes billions from Search! Those friends in the industry you allude to have been trying to steal Googles pie for decades and now, theyre devising software that turns searching for websites into a process of auto-regurgitating cliffnotes from those websites and cutting off whatever ad revenue we have! There is nothing you could do to convince me a game built by AI can rival anything handcrafted by humans, and I acknowledge that Microsoft isnt alone in this push one look at Wall Street will show you that AI will be running just about everything soon enough. This isnt me punching down on the use of AI in games, either. I was very vocal in my support of NVIDIAs DLSS tech which generates additional frames on PC, and I can see how it makes for better games in use cases like helping generate more realistic faces in the likes of EA FC. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said "Artificial intelligence is an oxymoron, theres no such thing. "Machine learning, machines dont learn. Those are convenient ways to explain to human beings what looks like magic,' he continued. The bottom line is that these are digital tools and weve used digital tools forever. I have no doubt that what is considered AI today will help make our business more efficient and help us do better work, but it wont reduce employment. I certainly hope hes right, because its starting to look more and more like games will be reduced to slop the same way my field has in the last couple of years, pilfering good and bad ideas alike to hit a quota for shareholders. For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.More On

Excited to jump into Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2? We've got the release time right here so you can get started on that fresh Battle Pass sooner than your rivalsTech02:00, 21 Feb 2025Lawless brings Sub Zero and another Pickle to the Fortnite Universe(Image: Epic Games)Fortnite Chapter 6 is finally here, and while the servers will no doubt be updating as you're reading this, Chapter 6 Season 2 looks like a blast.With a Pickle rapping, Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat in the latest Battle Pass, a whole host of new store goodies and that all-important map overhaul, Lawless could be another great update after Chapter 6 Season 1 was well-received.Here's all we know about Fortnite's latest update, including the patch notes we have so far, and when servers are expected to be back up so you can get to work on your battle pass.Yes! At the time of writing, matchmaking has been suspended and the patch will be rolling out shortly if it hasn't already.You'll need to close the game and check for an update on your platform of choice, but don't expect servers to go back up in a flash.In keeping with other Fortnite updates, we're expecting the servers to return around 12pm GMT, 7am EST or 4am PST. Still, if there's a delay, maintenance could be extended.Here are the Battle Pass skins for Lawless(Image: Epic Games)Other than a new theming that involves what appears to be a new urban POI and a literal pickle releasing a new single (not Pickle Rick, this time), the new Battle Pass includes the skins above.You may have noticed that the gentleman second from the left is, in fact, Mortal Kombat's Sub Zero. Fortnite Battle Pass skins tend to include one special guest each time, so it looks as though it'll be him. Rumours have suggested we'll get his rival and sometimes friend Scorpion as a skin in the store, too.It's not the first time we've had a heist theming, but this one should bring back The Getaway LTM according to longtime leaker Hypex.Content cannot be displayed without consentAs a reminder, the update will be free but the Battle Pass will set you back around 6.99 for the V-Bucks needed. It's not mandatory, though.Aside from the new content, there's a host of bug fixes planned according to the game's ever-evolving Trello board.Here's everything marked as "Fixed in Next Game Update":Battle Royale / Reload / OGPlayers unable to enter build mode using build tools bound to the F key - Weve identified a keybind overlap issue affecting multiple build keybinds on keyboard. The fix to address these conflicts is in the works and will be coming with the v33.30 game update. As a temporary workaround, go to the "Misc" section under the "Keyboard Controls" tab and remove or remap the "DBNO Carry" and "Object Carry" keybinds.Display issues in split screen when three or more players are signed in If three or more players are signed in to a console and play Fortnite in split screen mode while the third player is not in the game, they may notice a third display pop up instead of the intended two.Structures at BURD drop Stone instead of Metal When harvesting resources at the BURD gas station., some metal structures may drop Stone instead of intended Metal.Lego FortniteQuality Presets always set to the highest available option when loading into LEGO Fortnite - When loading into LEGO Fortnite Odyssey or Brick Life, the Quality Presets setting will always be set to the highest available option.If the Vampire player disconnects during Vampire Experiment and doesn't convert anyone, there will be no Vampires left If the player who was a Vampire disconnects and did not convert anyone, the event will proceed without Vampires. If the Vampire player rejoins, they will be a Survivor instead.Rocket RacingPlayers may be kicked to the Lobby after spending 30+ minutes in a Community Track If the player's session reaches or exceeds 30 minutes while in a Community Track, they may be automatically kicked to the Lobby, even if they are still actively playing. A fix to prevent this from occurring will come in a future game update.Save the WorldHusks may phase through built floor/ceiling sections from ramps - When trying to reach the player, Husks may phase through built floor/ceiling sections after climbing any ramps or stairs.Mantling is louder than intended - When mantling, players may notice the sound effect plays louder than expected.Players not respawning at Banners - Upon respawn, the player (or their teammates) may end up in a different location instead of the Banner Gadget (Level 4 Upgrade and higher).Fortnite MobileThe screen may flicker on certain Android devices - When interacting with the screen, players may be seeing pixelized or flickering glitch patterns - well update this card once we have a confirmed fix.Unable to pick up ammo or items while using a Med Kit/Shield Potion - Players may be unable to pick up any ammo or items while under the Medkit/Shield Potion effect - even if they have available Inventory slots.The 'Edit' button is not visible in Combat Mode - Currently, the Edit button is only visible when in Build Mode - were working on the option to have the button always present both in Standard and Simple Edit modes.Missing Dynamic Quickbar Slot prevents Trap/Launch Pad use in OG Zero Build - If the Dynamic Quickbar Slot is assigned to an individual Trap or Launch Pad Inventory slot (such as Quickbar Slot 4), it fails to display, blocking item accessArticle continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Fortnite's latest update is here, and that means you're likely stuck waiting for the chance to jump in here's all we know about the new update, including when you can playTech03:00, 21 Feb 2025Here are the Battle Pass skins for Lawless(Image: Epic Games)Looking to play Fortnite Chapter 6 and having some trouble? It's not just you, as Epic Games has taken its popular multiplayer shooter offline to roll out Chapter 6 Season 2.The update, dubbed 'Lawless', introduces a GTA-like world of criminality and heists, a rapper that's an actual pickle, and Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat. Confused? So are we, but hopefully the update will make more sense once it rolls out.Here's all we know about Fortnite's server status for the new season, including the patch notes we have so far, and when servers are expected to be back up so you can get back to your battle pass.Yes! At the time of writing, matchmaking has been suspended and the patch will be rolling out shortly if it hasn't already.You'll need to close the game and check for an update on your platform of choice, but don't expect servers to go back up in a flash.In keeping with other Fortnite updates, we're expecting the servers to return around 12pm GMT, 7am EST or 4am PST. Still, if there's a delay, maintenance could be extended.We'll update this page if that happens, but fingers crossed you'll be jumping in again by lunchtime in the UK.For more on Fortnite, be sure to check out our rundown of the early patch notes, as well as a fun story about a cheater having to release a very awkward apology after getting caught.There's also the small matter of that colossal Disney partnership, which may end up inspiring the team at Rockstar Games working on GTA 6 to build its own 'Metaverse'.Plus, Marvel Rivals is also getting a bit update today, with Human Torch and The Thing joining the fray.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

We're wary about being swept up in the hype again, but the team at CD Projekt Red is gearing up for a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel and one job listing makes it sound as though it'll be bigger in scaleTech16:32, 20 Feb 2025Will the sequel take us back to Night City?(Image: CD Projekt Red)Cyberpunk 2077 was a mess when it first launched, but its subsequent road to redemption has been nothing short of legendary. Not only did the adventure, which stars Keanu Reeves, get so many patches that it became a fantastic RPG, but the Phantom Liberty expansion made it even better and added Idris Elba.The game is popular enough to have one (fantastic) adaptation on Netflix, and there's a live-action project although it won't be coming anytime soon, but we also know a sequel is in development.And, while it's some way off, one job posting has suggested the game is going to be just as ambitious as the first.A Cyberpunk sequel is years away, but we're excited already(Image: Shared Content Unit)Spotted on the developer's job listings (thanks, VGC), the role for 'lead encounter designer' for the Cyberpunk sequel says the successful applicant will "work in close collaboration with the systems design team to create the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date.Despite Night City's size and population, crowds weren't really a big focus in the first game, although you could interact with just about anyone by firing a gun near them. Will this allow for larger groups of people, or deeper interactions? It's hard to say, but given The Witcher 4 is CDPR's current focus, it could be some time before we know more.That's not to say Cyberpunk's sequel is on the back-burner. The company established studios in both Boston and Vancouver to develop the game, with the aims of making the game feel more authentic to an American audience.The game is currently codenamed 'Project Orion, but the studio is working on multiple projects. The first Witcher game is reportedly getting an Unreal Engine 5 remake via Fool's Theory, while the North American team is also working with The Molasses Flood which was acquired in 2021, working on an untitled Witcher game which could have multiplayer. It's dubbed Project Sirius.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Free-to-play Xbox and Playstation video game eFootball has now taken on one of the hottest young prospects in world soccer as a brand ambassadorTech17:10, 20 Feb 2025Lamine Yamal in eFootballOne of the hottest young names in world sport has signed up as a brand ambassador of the eFootball video game alongside Lionel Messi.Barcelona and Spain ace Lamine Yamal joins the likes of the Argentine legend and fellow footie kings Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr as the latest face of the game.The 17-year-old has become a household name in the last year after wowing soccer fans with his silky pitch side skills.And game makers Konami hope his new star power will help to boost the millions of players theyve got enjoying the free-to-play Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X hit on consoles.Lamine's character in the gameREAD MORE: Daily Star's newsletter brings you the biggest and best stories sign up todayTo celebrate Lamine joining the game, they released a glitzy new trailer for his inclusion.Theres also new in-game content featuring the lad, including a new epic player character in his likeness and a new Carnival Campaign, where players can earn free eFootball coins and exclusive in-game rewards.A spokeswoman for the game said: At just 17 years-old, Yamal has already made history as one of the most exciting young talents in football.His incredible skill, vision, and passion for the game align perfectly with eFootballs mission to deliver an authentic and immersive football experience to players worldwide.Late last year, Neymar Jr and Suarez signed up alongside old teammate Lionel Messi to star in the game.Article continues belowThe trio - known as MSN in their heyday - were a global footballing force together in the mid twenty teens, winning leagues and cups galore over three seasons.

Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 is here, arriving with two new characters, a whole bunch of tweaks for the existing roster, and more here's everything included, and when you can play itTech17:14, 20 Feb 2025Updated 17:15, 20 Feb 2025The Fantastic Four will finally be complete in Marvel Rivals this week(Image: Netease/Marvel)It's been a bizarre week for Marvel Rivals. While the game keeps pulling in new players, Netease laid off the entire US-based development team on a week where main rival Overwatch kicked off its new Season 15.Whether you're playing Rivals or have switched back to Blizzard's shooter, this week sees the full might of the Fantastic Four combine for the first time Season 1 added Mr Fantastic and The Invisible Woman from Marvel's 'First Family', but now it's time for the dynamic duo of The Human Torch and The Thing to finally join the roster.Here's when you can play the game, and we have the full patch notes nice and early from the team at Netease, too.Marvel Rivals has attracted a lot of Overwatch players(Image: NetEase Games)Season 1 Part 2 of Marvel Rivals is expected to arrive at 8 AM GMT on February 21 (the same day as the latest Fortnite season) for UK gamers. For everyone else, you'll find the timings below, which is an hour earlier than we'd anticipated.12 AM PST3 AM EST9 AM CETAs for those new Heroes, here's all we know about their abilities.Human Torch:Primary - Fire Cluster - Launch forward a splittable fireball.Q - Supernova - Unleash shockwaves to deal damage to enemies within range. During skill activation, the flame field will transform into a fire tornado.Right Click - Blazing Blast - Launch a fireball that creates a flame field.LSHIFT - Plasma Body - Hold LSHIFT to enter a state of accelerated ascent.E - Pyro Prison - Connect flame fields to form a fire wall that deals burning damage to enemies.F - Flaming Meteor - Dive towards the ground and stun nearby enemiesTeam-Up - Storm consumes fire tornado into her Ultimate, or Human Torch can add fire to her Tornado.The Thing:Primary - Combination Punch - Quick and continuous punches.Q - Slam Moment - Uses tremendous force to knock all enemies in front of you into the air.Right Click - Thunderbolt Punch - Deliver a devastating punchLSHIFT - Furious Charge - Continuously charge forward, lifting up enemies in your path, leaving behind a seismic zone that prohibits displacement.E - Battlefield Support - Jump towards teammates and add damage reduction to them and yourself.Passive - Solid as a Rock - Immune to knockback and other displacement effects.Team-Up - Wolverine can interact with Hulk or The Thing. Once confirmed by both sides, Hulk or The Thing can raise Wolverine. Press the button to throw him toward the crosshair.Here are the full patch notes, courtesy of Netease.New content - All PlatformsHeroes and Costumes- The Thing and Human Torch are ready to rock out and flame on!- New Costumes: The Thing - Trench Coat and First Family, along with Human Torch - Negative Zone Gladiator and First Family!Maps and Modes- Enter the new Convergence map - Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park.- New: An extra 0.5 seconds of grace time will be added at the end of the overtime in all modes, optimizing situations where games may end abruptly (like when players cannot be detected due to certain hero abilities or when accidentally drift slightly outside the valid range).- New: In Quick Mode, matchmaking for substitutes will no longer occur when a quick match is about to end.- Optimization: Improved loading speed at the start of matches.Season Battle Pass and Season Story Events- The season event Midnight Features II is here!- The first round of the season 1.5 Twitch Drops event is live! Players can earn the "Two-in-One" spray and Hela's "Great Galaxy" emote. Also, stay tuned for a second round, expected to arrive mid-season 1.5, featuring a brand-new costume reward! (Keep an eye on official announcements for exact times!)- Players who purchase the Luxury Battle Pass and redeem all its rewards can now convert any leftover Chrono Tokens for Units at a specific ratio.Ranked- New: Season 1 has been split into S1.0 and S1.5, with S1.0 concluding on February 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM (UTC+0). Rewards including the costume and Crest of Honors will be distributed accordingly. In S1.5, players will retain their ranks from the end of S1.0.- New: S1.5 Gold Rank costume rewards include Invisible Woman - Blood Shield and Human Torch - Blood Blaze.- New: Crest of Honor rewards for S1.5 will feature distinct designs for Grandmaster, Celestial, Eternity, and Top 500.- New: A "Hide Own Name (Competitive)" feature is now available for players at Diamond III and above. Once activated, your true identity will be under wraps during the loading screen, hero selection, and the start of the match. Other players won't be able to see your name right away! After a short period in the battle, your real name will pop back up.General- Career System: Season statistics will now distinguish between S1.0 and S1.5, with the added ability to filter Tournament data only.- Account Deletion: A new account deletion option has been added under Settings - Other, allowing players to initiate the account deletion process.- Inactivity Detection: AFK timers will pause during the wait to respawn.- Reticle Customization: All changes will now automatically upload to server storage, preventing loss due to local issues.- Graphics and Settings: Optimized the brightness of some scene floors when "Reflection Quality" is set to "Off."- Discord Binding Interface: Adjusted to generate an invitation code only upon clicking "Generate."New Content - PCGraphics and Settings- NVIDIA DLSS 4 is available now, featuring DLSS Multi Frame Generation for GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU. DLSS Multi Frame Generation generates up to three additional frames per traditionally rendered frame, providing even faster performance for gamers.- AMD Radeon Anti-Lag 2 is available now, reducing the system latency (the time between user inputs and visual responses). It works best in GPU-limited scenarios. (Anti-Lag 2 Requires AMD Radeon RX 5000 Series or newer GPU)- Fixed AMD FSR3 Frame Generation frame pacing for smoother experience.New Content - Console- Adjusted the "Model Detail" graphics setting tier for Xbox Series S to enhance performance and stability.- Improved focus navigation in the mail system for easier content management.- Optimized aim assist range and mechanics, making crosshair deceleration more visually intuitive.Fixes - All PlatformsGeneral- Fixed an issue where some UI prompts in the team voice system would occasionally delay or disappear.- Resolved a rare issue where players couldn't operate after reporting a player.- Corrected a variety of language and text issues.Maps and Modes- Fixed terrain issues that could cause characters to become stuck or clip through odd locations.- Resolved various issues including floating broken objects, collision errors, etc.- Addressed several sound issues on maps.- Corrected a rare bug in Doom Match, that displayed multiple players in first place.- Rectified an issue in Conquest mode where, after reconnecting to a match, indicators, such as KO Streaks would not be displayed.HeroesPlenty of heroes and villains are getting tweaks(Image: NetEase Games)- Fixed various hero SFX issues.- Resolved a series of quirky pairing performance issues between various heroes.- Spider-Man's Wall Crawl Woes: Fixed an issue where Spider-Man sometimes couldn't use his abilities while falling from the top of a wall. The web-slinger can now strike without a hitchno more sticky situations!- Hulk's Banner Backtrack: Resolved a glitch where Hulk couldn't be detected by vehicles or mission areas during his transformation back to Bruce Banner. The big guy's identity shift is now seamless!- Doctor Strange's Portal Precision: Fixed a bug where Doctor Strange's portals could get destroyed if they intersected with broken Recursive Destruction objects during the rewind phase in Empire of Eternal Night: Midtown. The Sorcerer Supreme's portals are now as reliable as his magic!- Iron Fist's Jumping Jack: Addressed an exploit that allowed Iron Fist to perform rapid consecutive jumps under specific conditions. The martial artist's acrobatics are now finely tuned!- Loki's Revival Riddle: Fixed an issue where Loki would incorrectly indicate he was out of Adam Warlock's revival range while transforming within Adam Warlock's ultimate range.- Mister Fantastic's Elasticity Error: Fixed an unexpected interaction where Mister Fantastic's ultimate bounce range preview was affected by Cloak's Phased state. The stretchy hero's powers are now back on track!- Captain America's Unbound Shield: Corrected an issue where during Captain America's ultimate, he couldn't be stunned by Spider-Man's ultimate.- Squirrel Girl's Sonic Surprise: Resolved a sound issue where Squirrel Girl's hit sound effect was occasionally too sharp. Her acorns now land with a perfect pop!- Venom's Damage Dilemma: Fixed a problem where Venom's ultimate sometimes failed to deal damage. The symbiote's ferocity is now fully unleashed!- Mister Fantastic's Elastic Aim Adjustment: Fixed an issue where Mister Fantastic's arm orientation sometimes didn't align with the targeting reticle when using his abilities. Now, the stretchy hero can hit the mark with precisionno more twisted arms!- Magneto's Magnetic Misfire: Addressed an issue where Magneto's ultimate could pass through characters without dealing damage due to discrepancies between collision models and visual effects. The collision body is now properly optimized to better suit the visual presentation.- Portal Peril Prevention: Fixed an issue where if certain heroes were eliminated by terrain after using their abilities to pass through Doctor Strange's portals, it would sometimes not count as a KO for the Sorcerer Supreme. Now, every portal pitfall will be counted!- Doctor Strange's Visual Vanishing Act: Fixed a problem where other players sometimes couldn't see Doctor Strange's ultimate effect. The Eye of Agamotto will now dazzle everyone on the battlefield!- Doctor Strange's Control Conundrum: Resolved an issue where Doctor Strange's ultimate control effect could be overridden by Luna Snow's or Scarlet Witch's control effects, prematurely ending his control. The Sorcerer Supreme's spells now hold strongno more magic mix-ups!- Cloak & Dagger's Ice Imprisonment: Resolved an issue where, while using their ultimate, if being frozen by Luna Snow, Cloak & Dagger would remain frozen even after taking damage. They can now break free from Luna's icy grips!- Peni Parker's Cyber Conundrum: Fixed a quirky situation where if Peni Parker was defeated while using Cyber-Bond and resurrected by Rocket Raccoon's beacon, she would be stuck in her Cyber-Bond animation. She will now be revived without any lingering effects!- Mister Fantastic's Stretch Cancel: Fixed a glitch where Mister Fantastic's Stretch Punch could be interrupted by Distended Grip during its wind-up phase, yet still erroneously deal damage. Now, the stretchy hero's attacks are consistentno more bouncing back from unfair hits!- Loki's Ultimate Illusion Fix: Resolved an issue where, after transforming into another hero and using their ultimate, the ultimate's effects could remain in the scene if Loki was defeated during the process. We've ensured that his tricks vanish appropriatelyno more ghostly ultimates haunting the battlefield!- Rocket's Revival Resurgence: Fixed an issue where heroes revived by Rocket Raccoon's B.R.B. occasionally became unable to move. Now, everyone can get back into the action without a hitchno more stuck-in-place moments after a heroic comeback!- Moon Knight's Bounce Damage Fix: Resolved an issue where Moon Knight's bounce attack would occasionally fail to deal damage. Now, his strikes hit true.Article continues below- Winter Soldier's Targeting Trouble: Addressed an issue where Winter Soldier's ultimate sometimes visually appeared to hit targets but would actually miss. The sharpshooter's aim is now spot on!For more on Marvel Rivals, check out what the devs had to say about a potential Switch 2 port of the free-to-play phenomenon.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Dune: Awakening is an exciting survival game set on the unforgiving world of Arrakis, and it's launching sooner than we thought here's when you can play itTech15:02, 20 Feb 2025Updated 15:02, 20 Feb 2025Dune Awakening could be huge(Image: Funcom)Dune Awakening is, as we covered in our preview, shaping up very nicely indeed. The game comes from Conan Exiles developer Funcom, and marks an ambitious new chapter for the studio set in the iconic universe from the books and movies.Taking place in an alternate universe where series protagonist Paul Atreides was never born, players start out with nothing and work to build a life in Arrakis via combat, trading, and harvesting that all-important spice.And, after a long wait, we finally know when we'll be able to play it as we now have a release date.You can party up with friends and rivals alike(Image: Funcom)Dune Awakening will launch on May 20 via Steam (it's a PC exclusive, sorry console gamers), and comes with a price tag of $49.99 (UK pricing is TBA)."Inspired by Frank Herberts legendary sci-fi novel and Legendary Entertainments award-winning films, Dune: Awakening is crafted by Funcoms veteran developers to deliver an experience that resonates with both Dune enthusiasts and survival game fans alike," a press release reads.The good news is that you can start your journey through Arrakis today, with the team at Funcom rolling out both the game's character creation suite, and a PC benchmarking tool.Both are available right now on Steam, letting you create your new arrival to Arrakis while also making sure your PC is up to the task.You can check out the latest trailer below:In our preview of the game last month, we mentioned it'll "devour your time like a hungry sandworm".Article continues below"It's hard not to be very excited about a project that stands out so markedly from its peers while also doing the Dune IP justice," we said, praising its world-building, fun twists on the survival formula, and the way it leans into the wider Dune universe.For more on Dune Awakening, check out our interview with Executive Producer Scott Junior, where we talk World of Warcraft comparisons, and making a support group for players that became worm food.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

GTA 6 is still a way off, but the good news is that Rockstar Games is giving GTA 5 a huge next-gen revamp on PC for absolutely nothing here's all we knowTech15:27, 20 Feb 2025Updated 16:17, 20 Feb 2025Ready for some Sabotage?Grand Theft Auto 6 fans know the game is still on track for a 2025 release, but that's not making it any easier.While we still wait for the long-awaited Trailer 2 release date, we thought we'd have to wait for MindsEye from a former Rockstar veteran to get our fix, but the studio has just unveiled a huge freebie for PC players.We've heard GTA 6 could come to PC as early as 2026, but as a make-good, Rockstar Games is offering a mammoth upgrade to existing players on Windows.Content cannot be displayed without consent"Grand Theft Auto V on PC is getting a free upgrade on March 4 with features previously only available in the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online.""This upgrade also includes improved graphics options, faster loading times, and more," it said, pointing to a blog post on Rockstar's Newswire.The update will be free to all players on PC that own GTA 5, with progress for both single-player and GTA Online able to be moved across. It brings the PC version in line with Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions of the game, with improved visuals and faster loading times.As for what's new, there are fresh vehicles and upgrades, additional animals, the option to subscribe to GTA+, a career progress feature, and a new Landing Page to help players get involved. There's GTA$4,000,000 to earn, too, so it's well worth checking out if you haven't already.If you, like me, claimed GTA 5 for free some time ago, it's a great time to revisit it.For more on GTA 6, check out this fun "rite of passage" idea fans have concocted, as well as rumours of a surprise celebrity appearance gracing Vice City's airwaves.Article continues belowWe've also heard that GTA 6 could be a new Metaverse, as Rockstar has reportedly spoken to creators about building things for its upcoming epic.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

We're still waiting for the Switch 2's price, release date, and launch games from Nintendo, but it seems the console is poised to fix two issues with the originalTech12:03, 20 Feb 2025Updated 12:04, 20 Feb 2025This is the Switch 2, but there's still plenty we don't know about it yetThe full Switch 2 reveal will happen via a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where we expect the company to confirm the system's price and when we can play it.And, while the launch game lineup could be what sways people from their PS5 or Xbox consoles (as well as a price that keeps cropping up), some developers have been discussing what Switch 2 offers over its predecessor.In a new interview with AUTOMATON, developers working on the Switch have explained why it's the CPU that will make the biggest difference.According to the interviews, the Switch 2's CPU will have more headroom. One of the biggest issues with the first console was that it was running at maximum capacity, leaving little room for loading anything in the background.That led to slow loading times, and big performance drops that were particularly notable in third-party ports of games that were found on other systems.Tying into this, the Switch 1 had 4GB of RAM, but it seems likely that the new console will reach higher than that, improving performance. And again, developers interviewed seemingly expect it to be easier to port titles to the new Nintendo system, which could help that all-important first year of software look appealing for a wider audience.After all, Take-Two and EA have already thrown their weight behind the Switch 2, meaning we could be inching closer to full ports of the likes of NBA 2K and EA FC that are closer to their PlayStation and Xbox counterparts.We've also heard that the new magnetic Joy-Con will be less susceptible to drift, an issue which still causes players problems today.Joy-Con will be magnetic nowOne of the Switch's biggest issues since launch has been that its controllers can suffer the phenomenon, where the sticks don't return to centre and games think the sticks are being pushed in a certain direction.Article continues belowWe're expecting magnetic Hall Effect sticks to negate the effects, marking a huge boon for Switch 2 players over the original.For more on Switch 2, check out reports that both Marvel and Rockstar Games titles could appear on the console once it launches.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

GTA 6 fans have used their eagle eyes to spot a nifty challenge for players, involving flying directly through a small gap in a building and we don't have long to find out if it can be doneTech10:00, 20 Feb 2025Updated 10:00, 20 Feb 2025Ready to thread the needle?(Image: Rockstar)Grand Theft Auto 6 fans are a resourceful bunch. They've put together theory after theory, been proven wrong, and are still combing back over what little information we have and we're glad they are.With Take-Two Interactive confirming the game is still on track for a 2025 release, the game could be closer than ever, and while we still wait for the long-awaited Trailer 2 release date, they've been digging into Trailer 1 from December 2023 yet again and have come up with a devilishly fun way for new players to prove their mettle.It involves a slim gap in a skyscraper and an aerial vehicle, and we think you can probably guess the rest.Over on the always-growing GTA 6 subreddit, one fan spotted that the skyscraper to the right in the screenshot above has a gap in it.While this feat of architecture sure looks impressive, they've suggested a stunt that could separate the big time virtual criminals from the also-rans."The first thing I will do when I fly in this game", they posted, while another joked "I'm high already"."I don't think a trauma kit is saving you if you crash" one said, while others called for video proof if it happens.GTA has a long history of flying vehicles since the Dodo in GTA 3, a nifty plane that was awkward to pilot. As things progressed, we've seen fighter jets and even commercial airlines become part of Rockstar Games' wild sandbox.Reckon you can fly through that spot? Some already have. One comment says "I just flew through that building in GTA Vice City", suggesting it was there in the 2004 original, too.Article continues belowIn any case, it's nice to see the community getting some mileage out of the game's first trailer, especially as Rockstar has given us very little to go on.For more on GTA 6, check out this title from the lead developer on prior GTA titles to help you pass the time while you wait, as well as reports Rockstar Games could offer an early addition to the Switch lineup.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Activision is improving the foundations of Warzone, and the next step of that is Season 2 Reloaded here's everything included as the development team look to tackle performance and cheater issuesTech00:00, 20 Feb 2025Activision is working to improve Warzone for all(Image: Activision)Despite being one of the biggest games in the world, Call of Duty Warzone has seen better days.Between cheaters and performance issues, Activision has taken the commendable decision to focus Season 2 on fixing the fundamentals before adding new content next season potentially with a rumoured Verdansk return.That'll continue with Warzone Season 2 Reloaded, and while the mid-season update patch will add new maps, modes, and more to Black Ops 6, Warzone fans might feel as though they're getting the short end of the stick.Thankfully, there is still new stuff coming, so we've rounded up the full list below so you know what to expect.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe update arrives today, Thursday, February 20.We expect it to go live around 5pm GMT/12pm EST/9am PST, based on prior updates. As with any Call of Duty patch, expect it to be a chunky download.Still, it's a free update, but there will be new paid options in the store.Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded is stacked(Image: Activision)The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover from Black Ops 6 can be found in Warzone via the store, and the Clover Craze event for St Patrick's Day will make an appearance after the TMNT event is over.Elsewhere, there's a new Perk called Low Profile."Move more quickly while crouched and prone. Enemies you kill will not have death markers for their allies. Move slightly faster when downed," the official description from Activision explains.Other than that, the focus is on "prioritizing gameplay tuning by addressing quality of life improvements, ongoing bugs, and more", Activision says, but we'll have to wait for the full patch notes before we know for certain what that involves.St Patrick's Day will see the Clover Craze event(Image: Activision)Call of Duty players have been left exasperated by ongoing issues with cheaters on PC, and Season 2 introduced the option to turn off crossplay but only in Ranked modes.Activision has claimed it bans players hourly, clearing the Warzone Ranked leaderboard regularly, but community sentiment (and trust in the RICHOCHET anti-cheat team) is lower than ever, so here's hoping Season 2 Reloaded pulling back on new features and focusing on the fundamentals will help.We reported earlier this month that one player was accidentally banned, and spent more than two years working to overturn it.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded is almost here, and there's plenty to look forward to here's all we know about what's coming, including that all-important Ninja Turtles crossoverTech00:00, 20 Feb 2025I didn't think I'd live to see the day(Image: Activision)Call of Duty players are approaching the midway point Season 2 of this year's game, Black Ops 6, and that means it's time for a big update with Season 2 Reloaded.Activision's next big update is shared across both Black Ops 6 and Warzone, but if you picked up the former (or are playing on Xbox Game Pass) you'll be pleased to know you're getting much more than the battle royale fanbase is.While the developer aims to fix longstanding issues on that side of the fence, Black Ops 6 fans get a returning map, a new map, a fresh series of events, new skins (including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and fresh weapons including one that launches saw blades (yikes).Here's everything coming in the new update, including when it arrives.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe update arrives on Thursday, February 20, so we're just hours away.Expect it to go live around 5pm GMT/12pm EST/9am PST, depending on where you are in the world. As a reminder, the update is free to all players, but knowing Call of Duty, the patch is likely to be a big one.Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded is stacked(Image: Activision)Let's get the obvious out of the way first yep, that's the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.They're being added as part of a new event, with a paid pass and a free one. The free one includes Shredder, but you'll need to upgrade if you want Master Splinter.The TMNT Moshpit mode will give each character their own abilities and perks, and there's a Zombies mode for TMNT, too.Speaking of events, Clover Craze will celebrate St Patrick's Day across Black Ops 6 and Warzone.Will you be logging in?(Image: Activision)There's a surprising new weapon coming, too, with the D1.3 arriving as part of the TMNT free track. It fires saw blades, and can switch between explosive and ricochet rounds. There's also a skateboard melee weapon, as well as sais, nunchucks, a bo staff, and dual katanas.Article continues belowOne of the big draws, away from the heroes in a halfshell, is the arrival of two maps: Grind and Bullet. The first is a revamp of the Black Ops 2 original, while the second is a new one that takes place on a moving train.The Tomb will get a new Directed Mode to help players complete the Zombies map's main story, while all of the turtles will come as store purchases, too.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

The Nintendo Switch 2 may be without a release date, but it appears the console is already available on the black market although it'll cost you to get your hands on it earlier than anyone elseTech11:15, 19 Feb 2025Updated 11:15, 19 Feb 202542 days to go until we find out more about the Switch 2... but who's counting?We're still more than a month away from the Switch 2 reveal on April 2, as Nintendo confirms the system's price and when we can play it.Still, while we're salivating over the potential launch game lineup that could feature Mario, Link, Samus and even something from Rockstar Games, one analyst has gone on record with another price prediction for the system and it lines up pretty closely with what we've heard recently.Over on his newsletter, Joost van Dreunen, one of the co-founders of market research firm SuperData Research has discussed the potential price of the system (thanks, NintendoLife).This could be yours for.. $399 apparentlyWe've heard plenty of suggestions that the Switch 2 will retail for around $400 (317), and van Dreunen feels similarly."Based on current market dynamics and platform positioning strategy, Nintendo is likely to price the Switch 2 at $399," he predicts."It represents a critical psychological threshold that balances premium hardware aspirations against mainstream market accessibility."At this price point, Nintendo would maintain its traditional positive margin on hardware while positioning the Switch 2 distinctly below rival premium gaming devices yet above the original Switch's launch price. It signals a meaningful technical advancement without alienating its core family demographic."When it comes to the console's actual price, Nintendo is seemingly planning to focus on making the Switch 2 affordable.Joy-Con will be magnetic nowIn an investor meeting earlier this month, Shuntaro Furukawa, the company's president, had the following to say:"We are aware that, in addition to how inflation is currently proceeding, the exchange rate environment has also changed significantly since around the time we launched Nintendo Switch in 2017."We also need to consider the price range that consumers expect for Nintendo products. We think a multifaceted consideration of these factors is needed when deciding on the price of a product. I cannot tell you a specific price for Nintendo Switch 2 at this time, but we are taking various factors into account."Article continues belowStill, there's bad news for anyone playing the original Switch. Nintendo is discontinuing the My Nintendo Gold Points program, which lets players earn currency towards games when buying digital or physical games.If you have a balance of Gold Points, we recommend you use them up soon. They'll still be redeemable up to 12 months after they're earned, but best not to forget about them.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Activision continues to work to improve Call of Duty Warzone, with Season 2 Reloaded aimed at improving the game's foundations once more but is there enough content for you?Tech12:20, 19 Feb 2025Activision is working to improve Warzone for all(Image: Activision)Call of Duty Warzone players may have felt a little left out in the cold with Season 2 focusing on fixing the game's underlying cheating problem rather than adding new content, and that theme continues with Season 2 Reloaded.The mid-season update patch will add new maps, modes, and more to Black Ops 6, but for Warzone, the development team said: "Were continuing to prioritize gameplay tuning, quality of life improvements, and more throughout the mid-season as players deploy across Urzikstan, Area 99, and Rebirth Island."That's not to say there's not new stuff to enjoy, it's just a little quieter as the community quietly counts down to the rumoured Verdansk returnn.Here's everything coming in the new update, including when it arrives.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe update arrives on Thursday, February 20, so there's not a whole deal of waiting for the updae.We expect it to go live around 5pm GMT/12pm EST/9am PST, based on prior updates.Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded is stacked(Image: Activision)The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover from Black Ops 6 can be found in Warzone via the store, and the Clover Craze event for St Patrick's Day will make an appearance.Elsewhere, there's a new Perk called Low Profile."Move more quickly while crouched and prone. Enemies you kill will not have death markers for their allies. Move slightly faster when downed," the official description from Activision explains.Other than that, the focus is on "prioritizing gameplay tuning by addressing quality of life improvements, ongoing bugs, and more", Activision says, but we'll have to wait for the full patch notes before we know for certain what that involves.St Patrick's Day will see the Clover Craze event(Image: Activision)Call of Duty players have been left exasperated by ongoing issues with cheaters on PC, and Season 2 introduced the option to turn off crossplay but only in Ranked modes.Article continues belowActivision has claimed it bans players hourly, clearing the Warzone Ranked leaderboard regularly, but community sentiment (and trust in the RICHOCHET anti-cheat team) is lower than ever, so here's hoping Season 2 Reloaded pulling back on new features and focusing on the fundamentals will help.We reported earlier this month that one player was accidentally banned, and spent more than two years working to overturn it.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded update hits tomorrow, and there's plenty to look forward to here's everything we know that's coming in the free patchTech12:20, 19 Feb 2025I didn't think I'd live to see the day(Image: Activision)Call of Duty players are enjoying Season 2 of this year's game, Black Ops 6, but as ever, there's more content on the horizon.Activision is prepping the Season 2 Reloaded patch for Black Ops 6 and Warzone (we've got a dedicated guide to what's happening in the battle royale) and there's plenty to look forward to from modes, to perks, to the emergence of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (yes, really).Here's everything coming in the new update, including when it arrives.The update arrives on Thursday, February 20, so players won't have long to get into the new content.Expect it to go live around 5pm GMT/12pm EST/9am PST, depending on where you are in the world.Content cannot be displayed without consentCall of Duty Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded is stacked(Image: Activision)Let's get the obvious out of the way first yep, that's the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.They're being added as part of a new event, with a paid pass and a free one. The free one includes Shredder, but you'll need to upgrade if you want Master Splinter.The TMNT Moshpit mode will give each character their own abilities and perks, and there's a Zombies mode for TMNT, too.Speaking of events, Clover Craze will celebrate St Patrick's Day across Black Ops 6 and Warzone.Will you be logging in?(Image: Activision)There's a surprising new weapon coming, too, with the D1.3 arriving as part of the TMNT free track. It fires saw blades, and can switch between explosive and ricochet rounds. There's also a skateboard melee weapon, as well as sais, nunchucks, a bo staff, and dual katanas.One of the big draws, away from the heroes in a halfshell, is the arrival of two maps: Grind and Bullet. The first is a revamp of the Black Ops 2 original, while the second is a new one that takes place on a moving train.Article continues belowThe Tomb will get a new Directed Mode to help players complete the Zombies map's main story, while all of the turtles will come as store purchases, too.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

After years of requests, Microsoft could finally bring back the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series with a pair of remasters and they're intended to 'shadow drop', putting fans on noticeTech11:17, 19 Feb 2025Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 3 launched in 2001(Image: Activision)Few games from the nineties and 2000s captured the cultural zeitgeist like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Whether you were a fan of real-life skating or didn't know your heelflip from your kickflip, there was something for everyone.The games eventually burned out, putting the series on hiatus, but a new rumour suggests Microsoft could be looking to revive the digital version of the Hawkman himself, launching a pair of remasters this year.Better yet, as part of Xbox's new multiplatform strategy they could come to PS5, too so everyone can rekindle their love of the series.Microsoft, which now owns Activision-Blizzard which published the series, is reportedly set to show off THPS 3 and THPS 4 remasters at its annual Xbox showcase in June.That comes via eXtas1s, a Spanish leaker with a solid track record of leaks.According to his report in the video above, Tony Hawk's second set of remasters will 'shadow drop' and get an instant release at the show, giving Xbox and PC fans something to play immediately after.Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 let you hang off of vehicles(Image: Activision)In fact, PS5 fans will also get to play the classics, too, as the report suggests the game will come to PS5 as well as part of Microsoft's push to get its games on as many platforms as possible.The leak follows on from professional skater Tyshawn Jones appearing on the Breakfast Club podcast and pointing out he's in an upcoming remaster that hasn't been announced yet - oops."Im in a Tony Hawk coming out, thats cool, Jones revealed.They got a new one they remastering so thats about to come out, I was in the last one.That last one was a pairing of the first two games remade for PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2020 before coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch in 2021.As for these titles, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is considered by many as the pinnacle of the series, bridging the gap between console generations when it launched in 2001.Article continues belowThe fourth instalment, which launched a year later, introduced a more laid-back career mode and even Jango Fett from Star Wars as an unlockable character.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

The 1970s and 1980s were a very different time to live in there was no internet for a start. However, there were some pockets of joy for the youngsters in the shape of LCD handheld gamesTech11:24, 19 Feb 2025Updated 11:24, 19 Feb 2025LCD games - giving joy to youngsters in the 70s and 80s (Image: eBay)Imagine a time before PlayStations, Xbox 360s, and the Nintendo Switches.In fact go right back to a time with barely any internet, phones attached to walls, taking photographs with cameras, then waiting several days to see how the images came out. These were simpler, more basic times, where entertainment wasn't just the swipe of a screen away, it required a bit of legwork. If you're in the same ball-park age as me, you'll know that life was the reality.But we did have pockets of joy, and in the case of LCD games, pockets full of joy. However, through modern eyes it's the equivalent of buying a PC which could only ever run one application, but to youngsters they were cutting edgeThey didn't work through several levels of sophisticated gameplay, if anything things just going a bit quicker was the sign of moving up a tier.So here, for our readers the Daily Star has rated and slated some of the classics.Donkey Kong has spawned a whole host of follow-ups(Image: eBay)From Nintendo in 1982 came the "daddy" of handheld consoles. It's duel screen was the 80s equivalent of having a 85inch telly. Not only did your character had to climb scaffolding to leap over the primate launched barrels on the one screen, that character then had to move up to an upper screen to complete the job. For extra challenges you couldn't jump when there's a girder above your head. Maybe its caked in nostalgia, but... Rated.Snoopy Tennis - watch out for Lisa(Image: Reddit)A very compact little piece, and very basic in its concept. When Charlie Brown hits the tennis balls towards Snoopy, you, as Snoopy, move up and down to intercept each ball. To add an extra layer of jeopardy, you need to press to hit to return the ball. What's more occasionally Lucy will appear and launch a rocket of a ball at you. You just have to ditch everything and go for her ball. I recently reunited with my console, and popped some batteries in. After a couple of goes, the next time I picked the game up was when the batteries were going flat and it went on some epic noisy meltdown, which convinced my wife my bedtime cabinet was possessed. Slated.Invasion Of The Mummy's Tomb had two different levels, which was a big deal at the time(Image: eBay)Although the watch batteries of the other LCD games offered a pretty impressive lifespan, that was nothing compared to that of Invaders of the Mummy's Tomb, which operated by solar power. An absolute God send to a child with limited funds. This game was so ahead of its time, it offered not one, but two different environments to play in - trust me in the 80s this was cutting edge. In both scenes you control an explorer, in the scene outside he has to hit snakes and scorpions coming from the bottom of the screen, thus preventing them from attacking your camel which is resting at the top of the screen. After reaching a certain score an opening appears in the pyramid, allowing you to enter when you want, you can also stay outside to keep on hitting the snakes if you so desire. RatedMini Munchman - grinning face eats fruit, and sometimes ghosts(Image: eBay)I think even with the most basic knowledge of consoles, it's fairly easy to see where Grandstand got the inspiration for this game. However, the British manufacturers decided to add bells and whistles to this little gem, where you have to guide your not-Pac-Man around to collect some healthy eating options, with bonus bridges to evade the spirited pursuers. Theres about 20 fruit to collect before you move on to the next level, two of which are hidden under the bridges. And to get your own back on the ghosts there are two pieces of power food on the maze, and once youve nabbed one youll have five seconds to eat the ghosts. RatedOctopus - divers dodge tentacles to grab treasure(Image: Reddit)Article continues belowFrom the Game and Play selection, the object of the game is to get as much treasure out of the sunken ship as possible, while avoiding the tentacles of a giant octopus. If you get touched, you die. For each piece of treasure you snatch you get one point. After you've picked up any amount of treasure you can climb back into the boat and get a three point bonus. This is another of those games where I just lack any desire to start again once I've reached a decent score as there's just not enough variety to keep you returning. Slated

Marvel Rivals has seen a huge wave of players jump into the Hero shooter, but just as the studio was gearing up for this week's Season 1.5 update, the entire US-based team was laid offTech09:43, 19 Feb 2025Marvel Rivals will now seemingly be developed solely in China(Image: NetEase Games)Marvel Rivals has been a rare example of a free-to-play debut that keeps pulling in players, and while Overwatch Season 15 kicked off for its rival yesterday, Netease has laid off an entire team just days before the next update.The game, which is in the middle of its first season of content, was co-developed between two Netease teams; one in the US, and one in China, where the company is based. The Seattle team is reportedly tasked with level design and gameplay.Posting on LinkedIn yesterday, Thaddeus Sasser, who was Game Director on Marvel Rivals, revealed that he had been laid off, along with the rest of the Seattle team.This week sees The Human Torch and The Thing added(Image: Netease/Marvel)This is such a weird industry, Sasser said. My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games and were just laid off!Sasser took the opportunity to focus on his colleagues that were also let go, while the game's Level Designer Jack Burrows said "Welp, just got laid off from my job working on Marvel Rivals with NetEase.""Was an enormous pleasure to work with my American coworkers who join me in this sad culling.""Just couldn't dodge that big boot I guess, no matter how big the success of the gig."While layoffs have become a sad part of the games industry after a horrendous 2024, it's surprising to see a company lay off an entire team with the game hitting 10 million players in just 72 hours.Marvel Rivals has attracted a lot of Overwatch players(Image: NetEase Games)Last year saw thousands of layoffs across studios and publishers of all sizes, and some have suggested Netease will now look to rehire for those roles in China.Mat Piscatella, Executive Director and Video Game Industry Analyst at Circana, posted on Bluesky to say "It [Marvel Rivals] has been a massive hit, and one of the few games that has been able to break through the live service wall," pointing to it being among the top 5 games in active users across multiple platforms.Just before publishing this story, Netease published a statement, shared by Game File's Stephen Totilo."We recently made the difficult decision to adjust Marvel Rivals' development team structure for organizational reasons and to optimize development efficiency for the game. This resulted in a reduction of a design team based in Seattle that is part of a larger global design function in support of Marvel Rivals.""We appreciate the hard work and dedication of those affected and will be treating them confidentially and respectfully with recognition for their individual contributions.""We want to reassure our fanbase that the core development team for Marvel Rivals, which continues to be led by Lead Producer Weicong Wu and Game Creative Director Guangyun Chen in Guangzhou, China, remains fully committed to delivering an exceptional experience.""We are investing more, not less, into the evolution and growth of this game. We're excited to deliver new super hero characters, maps, features, and content to ensure an engaging live service experience for our worldwide player base."Article continues belowFor more on Marvel Rivals, check out what the devs had to say about a potential Switch 2 port of the free-to-play phenomenon.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Overwatch 2's new season 15 is finally here, so take a look at these lengthy patch notes so you know exactly what's new in Blizzard's Hero shooter (including those all-important new perks)Tech19:11, 18 Feb 2025Updated 19:32, 18 Feb 2025Freya is the newest addition to the Overwatch roster"Heroes never die!" is something Overwatch fans have been hearing for years, and last week's Overwatch Spotlight event felt a little like Blizzard using a Mercy rez in the wake of Marvel Rivals' success.Many of the upgrades and changes are yet to come but, as of today, Overwatch 2 Season 15 is here and it's a big one.While it doesn't include a new Hero (although Freya is playable), it does include a competitive rank reset, 6v6 queue, and the huge shakeup that Perks will offer. These customisable tweaks will let players adjust their playstyle mid-match, so no two heroes play the same.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe Season 15 update, which will include everything below, went live at 7 PM GMT after a period of maintenance.Season 15 is big, but it'll lead into even more impressive changes for Overwatch 2Here are the full patch notes, courtesy of Blizzard. They're absolutely stacked, so we've trimmed down the key new features below for you. Looking for deeper balance tweaks? Be sure to check the full article.Perks will let players customise their playstyle mid-gameThe biggest shakeup since Overwatch went from 6v6 to the sequel's 5v5 (more on that shortly), Perks will let players change the way they play depending on how a match is going.At two points in a match, you'll be able to level up, essentially, adding a minor perk and then a major perk.These can affect abilities, or replace them with whole new ones, and there are a load of them to choose from and experiment with. In fact, we've got a rundown of all 42 below.That's a LOT of perksThere's a new weapon type to be earned through competitive play, with the skin dubbed 'Galactic'.Expect them to be particularly flashy for players that are good enough to earn them.6v6 is back, too, and this time it's focused on the GOATS meta. For those who don't know, the idea was to play three Tanks and three Support characters. It's actually pretty funny that it's seeing a resurgence here as, at the time, many fans hated it.Content cannot be displayed without consentAnother controversial thing that fans are actually pretty nostalgic for is the return of Loot Boxes. Fans have bemoaned playing Overwatch 2 and ending up with little to show for it without spending money in the store, and the return of the loot box mechanic means you've got an increased chance to get something good without dropping a dime.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Final Fantasy and Magic The Gathering's crossover set has finally been revealed, and as a fan of both properties it's perhaps better than I could ever have imaginedTech18:23, 18 Feb 2025Cloud helms the FF7 deck, but will Sephiroth be in there too?(Image: Wizards of the Coast/Square Enix)Magic The Gathering feels like it's been growing since that big Lord of the Rings set a couple of Summers back, but its next 'Universes Beyond' set might be its most ambitious in a while.We've had crossovers from sister franchise Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer 40,000, Transformers, Doctor Who and more, with gaming crossovers including Assassin's Creed, Fallout, and even Fortnite.Next up, it's Final Fantasy, and it feels like Wizards of the Coast is really going for it here a "Limit Break" if you will. Here's all we know about the set, including those all-important Commander Decks and set mechanics.I'm curious to see how Wizards works in MMO-like mechanics to the FF14 deck(Image: Wizards of the Coast/Square Enix)We knew the set was coming, sure, but a lot of it has been under wraps. Now, Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix have finally pulled back the curtain.Firstly, the set will launch on June 13, with every single mainline Final Fantasy entry represented. That means from the first game in 1987, through the seminal trifecta of PS1 entries, all the way to the modern day with the MMO Final Fantasy 14 and the PS5 and PC epic Final Fantasy 16, you can expect to see protagonists, villains, Summons, and more.Speaking of Summons, they'll be represented with a new card type called Saga Creatures. Here's what Wizards of the Coast had to say via a press release:"Call the summons for aid in battle, and they enter with a single lore counter, granting you an immediate effect. But work to end the game quickly, because they only stay around for a few turns!"Double-Faced Cards return, too, and are intended to convey the moment a boss battle evolves into a second phase and your opponent transforms. There are more mechanics planned, but we'll have to wait until May for those.Prepare to proliferate a lot of counters(Image: Wizards of the Coast/Square Enix)As a big fan of Commander, I'm particularly excited about the four preconstructed decks coming. I've not told my wife I'm looking to order the whole set yet, but hey, it's better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission (maybe).As a huge Final Fantasy 7 fan, Limit Break looked great. It stars Cloud, Ex-SOLDIER, and focuses on equipping weapons to buff character power, in Naya colours (Red, Green, White).Final Fantasy 14's Commander Deck, Scions & Spellcraft, is all about casting non-creature spells to do big damage. It's in Esper colours (White, Blue, Black), and is helmed by Y'shtola, Night's Blessed.Final Fantasy 6 is regarded by some as the best in the long-running series(Image: Wizards of the Coast/Square Enix)Revival Trance is the Final Fantasy 6 deck, and it utilises the Trance mechanic to give its Commander Terra, Herald of Hope, the Flying keyword and then return things from the graveyard. It's in Mardu colours (Red, White, Black).Finally, Blitzball star Tidus, Yuna's Guardian is here for the Final Fantasy 10 deck, which is all about creating counters and passing them around like a Blitzball. It's in Bant colours (Green, White, Blue).If you miss out on the Commander decks, many of the characters within will have alternative cards in the main set, too.Article continues belowPreorders are live now, but given how popular the set is likely to be, you'll want to move quickly.For more on Magic The Gathering, be sure to check out our preview of latest set, Aetherdrift, where we said "Aetherdrift is Magic The Gathering meets Mario Kart and I can't wait to play".For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Epic Games just went above and beyond to tackle a cheater on Fortnite, leading to an awkward apology video and a hefty charity donation as everyone else wins but himTech12:18, 18 Feb 2025Best behave yourself, folksFortnite Chapter 6 will give way to Season 2 later this week, and while the battle royale may seem a pretty chill place given its huge number of pop culture crossovers, its competitive scene is a big deal.With big cash prizes, there will always be those looking to bend the rules or outright break them, but Epic Games may have just given them pause to do so.The developer banned a player caught cheating in the 2023 Fortnite Championship Series (FCS), but that wasn't all, essentially 'tarring and feathering' them for the entire world to see. Brutal, yes, but it should make some think twice.Content cannot be displayed without consentPosting on X (formerly Twitter), the Fortnite Competitive account said "Cheating is never a winning strat."We took legal action against a player who shared their account to unfairly qualify for FNCS. Now theyre banned from Fortnite tournaments forever and their undeserved prize money was donated to charity."The post includes a link to Repulse, the player in question, delivering an awkward apology via YouTube in a video with no sound (you can see it below).It confirms the prize money will be donated to charity, while Repulse is now banned from any further Fortnite tournaments due to sharing their account."Epic took legal action against me and now Im banned from participating in Fortnite tournaments forever," the video says."I also have to pay a monetary settlement, which includes the prize money I received but did not fairly win, which Epic will donate to charity. Cheating in tournaments ruins the fun for the players who earned their spot in tournaments and I apologise to the Fortnite community for my actions. I wont ever cheat in Fortnite again.Naturally, the Fortnite Competitive account sharing the video means it's about to break 200,000 views at the time of writing, with more than 1,500 comments."Good boy", one jokes, while another said "Getting put on a collar and leash by Fortnite is crazy".Some users branded it "total humiliation", while another suggested Epic use it for a loading screen in the game.Article continues belowAs you can imagine, the community is pleased to seeing tough action taken, which is in contrast to Call of Duty. Activision's RICOCHET team has been playing 'whack-a-mole' with cheaters for years, but they keep creating new accounts and getting right back to it.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the latest game in the long-running series by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio as Goro Majima gets to hog the spotlight in huge spin-off on the high seasTech15:00, 18 Feb 2025Pirates life is for Majima, but is that life really for me?(Image: SEGA)Like a Dragon (formerly known as Yakuza here in the UK) fans finally get to see Majima back in the spotlight as he deserves, and boy does he thrive.Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sees the flamboyant Mad Dog take to both land and sea in what is the wildest game in the series. The franchise is known mostly for following hero Kazuma Kiryu with Majima either sharing or being in the background of most games. Plus in this game, we head back to the impressive-looking Hawaii and the open seas, which in my opinion help this become the best-looking game of the series.Now the fan-favourite and Kiryus ultimate rival (and sometimes friend), gets his first game to himself. But unfortunately, he forgot all about that.Majima has a tough time at the start, as he tries to remember who he really is(Image: Sega)You really don't need to question it, it just works. But to get you quickly up to speed, the whole reason the ex-Yakuza boss is a pirate is because he has amnesia. He wakes up on Rich Island and is helped by a young boy called Noah, who just so happens to live on an island being harassed by pirates.Despite his amnesia, Majima can still fight like the true Mad Dog he is, so taking out these sorry excuses for pirates is easy and even causes their captain to bolt, leaving you his ship.Fast forward and Noah and his father, former treasure Hunter Jason Rich (yep, that's his name), set off with you on a journey on the newly christened Goromaru to find out who Majima is, or was. In the game's opening chapters, I described the game to a colleague as being like Deadpool meets High School Musical in the best possible way. From the fourth wall breaks as Majima narrates his own tale to a new song to rival Majima Construction (if that is even possible), it's a fantastic first impression.As with most games in the series, humour plays a big part and being a pirate only adds to the wild possibilities. Not to mention Majima constantly throws out one-liners at every given opportunity.The gameplay take me back to Devil May Cry (Image: SEGA)Majima has always had a unique fighting style that is fun to play, especially if you've spent most of your time playing as Kiryu, who prefers his fists to do the talking.Somehow I feel like I may have got amnesia too as I don't remember Majima becoming what is essentially a superhero. He's got two fighting styles, and each is packed with powerful attacks, from firing a pistol, to creating clones of himself, to summoning a giant shark.The game can be very unrealistic at times with mystical sharks called by a violin (but who cares?) (Image: SEGA)That's not to say it's a walk in the park. For all of Majima's speed and power, some opponents pack a sizeable punch, and he's often tackling scores of them, too.Running you own pirate crew is so much fun, its like two games is one(Image: Sega)If you played last year's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, you will be familiar with many of the highlights of this vast and detailed area away from the series usual Japanese haunts.There are shops galore, bounties to collect, Crazy Delivery and Aloha Links (it's like Facebook as you can make friends with birds and dogs). However, as good as it is enjoying the missions and recruitment, it's the open seas and Madlantis that take the game to a new level.I cant tell you how much fun it is bringing your own pirate crew together to take on the finest pirates around in the Madlantis Coliseum. Both crew and customization options seem almost endless - even Dr Evil would almost be happy with shark cannons and laser cannons.With boat teams and boarding parties to manage, my advice is to mix up your team to cover every eventuality, continually levelling them.Majima himself can also be customised completely, even allowing you to take him back in time for his Yakuza 0 look.There was Queen Anne's Revenge, now there is only the Goromaru(Image: Sega)Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii may not be what anyone expected, but it's a fitting entry in a series that delights in surprising long-term fans and casual admirers alike.Whether you're interested in building your perfect pirate crew for hours on end, or just want to see the story through, there's a ton of things to do and with Majima around, it's a riot.It trades in some of its sentimentality for the bizarre and the brash, but finally having Majima playable again after so long feels like a breath of fresh sea air.Article continues belowLike a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One and Steam on February 21.Reviewed on Xbox Series X. Review code provided by the publisher.

I've long been a console gamer, but I switched to PC in recent years and it makes it increasingly tough to go back here's why it could be time for you to do the sameTech16:31, 18 Feb 2025Garish lighting is optional(Image: Lloyd Coombes)The year is 2019. I've just gotten into journalism, and Riot Games is holding a 10th-anniversary event for the studio. The word Covid feels like a misspelling of Trump's 2017 Covfefe. That last one isn't really related, but the point is that it was a different time.In that Riot showcase, the company announced a tactical shooter called Project-A, which would later go on to be named VALORANT. Despite all the talk about its similarities to Counter-Strike, there was something about it that drew me to it but it was only for PC.A console-only gamer, I bristled. PCs are for work, right? Sure, there are PC games, but can they ever be comfortable for people to play games on like lying back on the sofa? I had a computer for work, of course, but it was a MacBook, and I couldn't think of anything worse than trying to play a twitchy shooter on that machine (even if it did run in the first place).When lockdown hit, I had a lot more time at home with an infant son, so started a plan to build a PC build. Hypothetically, of course, or at least that's what I told my now-wife as the price climbed. And yet, with that much time on my hands in between the baby's nap times, I ordered the parts and had a friend put everything together.Now? I've upgraded the machine considerably in the time since, but it's still my favourite way to play.This was the 2020 build. Not exactly portable, but still a great starting point(Image: Lloyd Coombes)It's important to give that context because, as I mentioned above, I had no interest in building a PC, or playing games on one. I love a strategy game (you should subscribe to my Substack, while you're here), but I was playing most of them on Mac.Anything quicker than turn-based and I'd rather be sat on the sofa with a controller in hand, but that bizarre lockdown changed things.Having just broken into the industry, I was able to attend digital previews for the first time, well, ever. I was able to work on a much bigger monitor. And when the day was done and the baby was asleep, I could play, well, anything.Classic old games, newer releases, and everything in between are cheaper on PC. I daresay the money I invested in the original PC build has probably been made up from discounts in things like the Steam Sale, plus free games from the Epic Games Store and titles included on Xbox Game Pass.At a time when the world was increasingly isolated and crossplay still felt like a pipedream, I had a magic key to open up new ways of playing with friends, and whole new games.Then there's the customisation. Switching to a PC has kicked off a bizarre addiction of collecting mechanical keyboards, swapping gaming mice regularly, and rotating my speakers when the mood strikes. It's endlessly tweakable, and that's before we get into performance.Switching between keyboard and mice combos is probably only fun for me(Image: Lloyd Coombes)The 'PC Master Race' meme has been done to death at this point, and while consoles like the PS5 Pro are fantastic, there's something inherently enjoyable about tweaking settings for an ever-higher frame rate count.My telly can support 60FPS, which admittedly isn't ideal for a PS5 Pro, but my PC monitor can support up to 144FPS and it's now looking pretty long in the tooth. New models clear 200FPS if you have the hardware for it, and it can feel a little like magic.So, why am I talking about this now? The GDC State of the Game Industry Survey has confirmed that the PC really is the dominant platform in gaming right now, with 80% of developers working on PC games.Some of that's likely helped by the Steam Deck making the platform more accessible, but given the walls are coming down as far as console exclusives go, grabbing a PC that you can work on during the day and then play pretty much everything on at night might be the way to go.Xbox games, including titles on Game Pass, tend to go to PC on Day 1, while PlayStation megahits like God of War and The Last of Us have jumped to PC after their initial debut.So you get more games, and they can play better what's not to love? Well, the initial outlay on a PC, peripherals, and a monitor (or even a laptop) can be sizeable, plus it's always easier to build a machine if you have someone who knows what they're doing although there's a very good chance you'll find a YouTube tutorial that works for you.NVIDIA's 50-series is finally here(Image: NVIDIA)All of this ties into NVIDIA's new 50-series graphics cards. This isn't sponsored, and they're not cheap, but with all the talk of AI, NVIDIA has done some really impressive things to future-proof its latest lineup of GPUs.One of those is DLSS, which essentially generates frames in between the ones your computer makes. That can turn a respectable frame rate into a drastically more fluid one. It's no 'silver bullet' solution, but it's a really impressive tool that can help you squeeze even more performance out of your GPU.NVIDIA's Reflex tech is also improving, helping reduce input latency so you can more accurately compete in the likes of VALORANT, the game that nudged me to PC curiosity in the first place.With console sales plateauing somewhat (at least until the Switch 2 arrives), you might want to consider picking up a PC instead.With decades of games to play, regular deals, and the option to play at much higher resolutions and frame rates, there really is nothing like it.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Epic Games is rolling out a fresh Fortnite update this week as Chapter 6, Season 2 takes things to a new 'Lawless' theme with a focus on heisting and, uh, Sub-Zero from Mortal KombatTech12:19, 18 Feb 2025Lawless brings Sub Zero and another Pickle to the Fortnite Universe(Image: Epic Games)Fortnite Chapter 6 is closing up its first Season this week, as Season 2 gears up for its turn in the limelight. The latest update, dubbed Lawless, has a focus on heists and danger which should set it apart from the bizarre mix of Godzilla, Baymax, and more in the current season.While Epic Games continues to make headway with its Disney partnership, the team is still focused on its megahit battle royale, and as is often the case we're expecting fresh changes and a new Battle Pass including gaming royalty, in fact.Here's all we know about when Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 is coming, as well as what will be included.Content cannot be displayed without consentLawless will drop on February 21, with the current season winding down at 7 am UK time and then a period of maintenance.Expect Fortnite to go down and a patch to arrive, but the short answer is you'll be playing by Friday lunchtime.Here are the Battle Pass skins for Lawless(Image: Epic Games)Other than a new theming that involves what appears to be a new urban POI and a literal pickle releasing a new single (not Pickle Rick, this time), the new Battle Pass includes the skins above.You may have noticed that the gentleman second from the left is, in fact, Mortal Kombat's Sub Zero. Fortnite Battle Pass skins tend to include one special guest each time, so it looks as though it'll be him. Rumours have suggested we'll get his rival and sometimes friend Scorpion as a skin in the store, too.It's not the first time we've had a heist theming, but this one should bring back The Getaway LTM according to longtime leaker Hypex.Content cannot be displayed without consentAs a reminder, the update will be free but the Battle Pass will set you back around 6.99 for the V-Bucks needed. It's not mandatory, though.It's also worth remembering that we're waiting for Epic's full reveal, likely with a slick trailer. We'll have updates here as and when we get them, but for now, do the Battle Pass skins have you keen to jump in again? Or are you waiting for the rest of the season to be revealed before making plans.For more on Fortnite, check out the cheater that had to release an awkward apology video after being sued by Epic Games. In other game news, Overwatch 2's new Season 15 begins today.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.