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This Week in Gaming (Week 21)

18-05-2025 10:55

Welcome to Computex week, oh, sorry, wrong topic even though it's the week of what could be our favourite trades show, but this is supposed to be about new game releases. This week's major release lets you live out your childhood sandbox dreams, at least if you liked big construction vehicles as a kid. This is followed by some Japanese arcade side scrolling action, a classic adventure game, some drifting in Japan, a game that puts you in the shoes of a courier and finally yet another game related to Japan, just a bit further back in time than the previous two. RoadCraft / This week's major release / Tuesday 20 May As the leader of a company specialized in restoring sites devastated by natural disasters, use your construction machinery to restart the local industry. Clear debris and faulty equipment, rebuild roads and bridges damaged by weather, and much more. Steam link Read full story

(PR) GIGAIPC Unveils Jetson Orin Series at Computex 2025

16-05-2025 20:36

As COMPUTEX 2025, one of the most anticipated global tech events, prepares to open its doors in Taipei, AI applications are set to reach new heights. GIGAIPC, the industrial computing and edge AI subsidiary of GIGABYTE Technology, will unveil three innovative AI edge computing solutions at COMPUTEX 2025, showcasing its expertise in industrial-grade system design. Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin modules, the flagship QN-ORAX32-A1, QN-ORNX16GH-A1, and QN-ORNX16 deliver exceptional AI performance for smart manufacturing, intelligent surveillance, smart healthcare, smart retail, and AIoT applications, setting new benchmarks for edge computing. The QN-ORAX32-A1, built on the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin 32 GB module, features an 8-core Arm v8.2 64-bit CPU and an NVIDIA Ampere GPU with 1792 CUDA cores and 56 Tensor cores, delivering up to 200 TOPS of AI performance—six times faster than its predecessor. This enhanced computing power makes it well-suited for high-load data processing and complex AI models. Beyond its computing performance, the QN-ORAX32-A1 is also built for real-world deployment. To ensure long-term durability in harsh industrial environments, the system incorporates a fanless thermal design and wide-range DC power input. Read full story

(PR) Splitgate 2 Exec Developer Discusses Importance of Playtesting - Open Beta Starts May 22

16-05-2025 20:30

Six years ago, developer 1047 Games released the free-to-play Splitgate, an arena-based first-person shooter that allowed players to place portals around maps, adding a fresh strategic layer. Now Splitgate 2 is set to double down on this unique idea with bigger maps, a new class-based system, and the introduction of The Lab, a player-facing version of the team's map creator. Ahead of the open beta opening up on May 22, we sat down with Ian Proulx, CEO and co-founder of 1047 Games, to talk about Splitgate 2's new mechanics and how community feedback and rigorous playtests are helping deliver a sequel that hits the right notes. Making a sequel to a free-to-play shooter in 2025 When asked how the team is doing in the weeks leading up to the open beta, Proulx's response was succinct and to the point: "It's definitely a bit of a crazy time for us." Splitgate had a team of around 15 people. In contrast, there are about 200 developers working fulltime on Splitgate 2, plus 50 or so outsourced contributors. "We've definitely put a lot of thought and effort into making sure that we have a process that works versus the first game, where everybody was doing a little bit of everything all the time," Proulx added. Read full story

This $56 Full Coding Package Won't Be Around Forever

16-05-2025 20:17

If you want to learn to code, then take a look at this bundle that pairs Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 with the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle. It's a comprehensive introduction to programming paired with an industry-standard tool for mobile and desktop app development. It's on sale for $55.97. Visual Studio Pro is a 64-bit IDE from Microsoft that handles larger workloads and supports multiple languages and platforms. It's ideal for cross-platform app development with.NET MAUI and web UI creation using Blazor. It also supports development, debugging, and testing for.NET and C++ apps on Linux. Advanced coding support tools like IntelliCode help you write code faster by predicting variable names and functions. CodeLens gives you insights into your codebase, including recent changes and test results. Real-time collaboration is easier with Live Share, so you can work together with other developers seamlessly. The other half of this bundle contains over 100 hours of instruction for beginner developers. It is comprehensive and non-linear, so you can start with the language that you want to learn. There are courses for Python 3, C++, MySQL, JavaScript, and more. A lifetime license for Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 and Lifetime Access to the Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is now available for $55.97 (reg. $1,999). Read full story

(PR) NVIDIA Discusses the Revenue-Generating Potential of AI Factories

16-05-2025 20:03

AI is creating value for everyone—from researchers in drug discovery to quantitative analysts navigating financial market changes. The faster an AI system can produce tokens, a unit of data used to string together outputs, the greater its impact. That's why AI factories are key, providing the most efficient path from "time to first token" to "time to first value." AI factories are redefining the economics of modern infrastructure. They produce intelligence by transforming data into valuable outputs—whether tokens, predictions, images, proteins or other forms—at massive scale. They help enhance three key aspects of the AI journey—data ingestion, model training and high-volume inference. AI factories are being built to generate tokens faster and more accurately, using three critical technology stacks: AI models, accelerated computing infrastructure and enterprise-grade software. Read on to learn how AI factories are helping enterprises and organizations around the world convert the most valuable digital commodity—data—into revenue potential. Read full story

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Product Line Could be in Jeopardy

16-05-2025 19:54

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 could be the last of its kind; according to Tom Warren's latest theories. Yesterday, The Verge's senior editor envisioned a streamlined future lineup of Microsoft's portable PC devices. According to inside track information, the tech giant is expected to announce the end-of-life (EOL) status for this relatively young branch of Surface products (debuted back in 2021). The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is advertised as being "a laptop like no other"—courtesy of a unique/versatile setup that features a "dynamic woven hinge." Three hybrid configurations are officially outlined as: "laptop mode for productivity, stage mode for streaming, and studio mode for creativity." Current generation models are powered by Intel's 13th Gen Core i7-13700H processor (aka the "Evo" platform), and can be configured with discrete NVIDIA mobile graphics solutions (GeForce RTX 4060, RTX 4050, or RTX 2000 Ada Generation). Under normal circumstances, a baseline build—reliant on an iGPU—starts at about $2400. At the time of writing, Microsoft has not acknowledged The Verge's insider report. So far, resellers have shared top secret info—indicating an upcoming official announcement; possibly due by next month. Another group of unnamed sources claim that Surface Laptop Studio 2 manufacturing activities have already ended, as of early May (2025). The megacorporation has culled other Surface products in the past; sometimes coinciding with the departure of key executive team members and mass layoffs. A few days ago, mainstream news outlets covered Microsoft's latest batch of staff reductions—affecting roughly 6000 workers. Warren's article dashes all hopes of a potential third-gen design: "there doesn't appear to be a Surface Laptop Studio 3 on the horizon."

(PR) Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Out Now on PC & Consoles

16-05-2025 19:17

The fight continues in Capcom Fighting Collection 2, packed with 8 iconic fighting games from across Capcom's history! Get ready to battle now! From beloved crossovers to 3D fighters, 8 classics return to pack a real punch! Fight as one of many colorful characters from the Capcom vs SNK series, cross fists with the extensive roster of the final installment of Street Fighter Alpha, make the world your weapon in the Power Stone series, and experience the thrilling story and intense action of Project Justice and Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. All games will feature online play and rollback netcode! Get a great deal with Capcom Fighting Collection 1 & 2 Bundle available now (on Steam)! Featuring 18 iconic games including games from the Street Fighter and the Darkstalkers series, the fighting action is endless! To celebrate the launch of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 we're giving away free player profile cards as a gift! Use one of 18 designs and post it on Twitter/X with the hashtag #MyCFC2Card to find new friends to play with! Read full story

Xiaomi CEO Teases Proprietary "XRING 01" Mobile SoC - Remembers Previous In-house Efforts

16-05-2025 19:07

Yesterday, Lei Jun—the CEO of Xiaomi—finally introduced his firm's proprietary XRING 01 mobile chipset, via a couple of Weibo posts. In an initial afternoon short blog entry, the executive informed his followers with a happy unveiling: "I would like to share with you a piece of news: Xiaomi's self-developed and designed mobile phone SoC chip, named XRING 01, will be released in late May. Thank you for your support!" About a month ago, the company's oft-rumored return to in-house chip efforts was linked to a major corporate offshoot. The speculated "chip platform department" was likely established a while ago, given early May reports of the division's staff headcount exceeding 1000+. At the time, an "Xring" codename was mentioned by industry tipsters (in China). In a follow-up "Weibo Text" bulletin, Xiaomi's head honcho recalled older project timelines and technological attempts: "even drinking ice for ten years can't cool your blood! Xiaomi's journey to making chips began in September 2014. Time flies, and more than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye...Figures 2 and 3 are photos of Xiaomi's first chip launch conference in February 2017." Jun's did not provide any hints about the XRING 01 chip's underpinnings. Late 2024 leaks alluded to a reportedly troubled prototype—insiders connected this design to fairly new Arm Cortex architecture, and a TSMC 4 nm "N4P" node process. The vast majority of Xiaomi's modern flagship smartphone devices utilize top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. For example, the brand's latest Xiaomi Ultra 15 model is powered by the ubiquitous Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 4) platform.

(PR) Blacksmith Master Has Launched into Early Access

16-05-2025 18:31

Yesterday, Blacksmith Master was released into Early Access with a 25% launch discount—and a brand-new trailer to go with it (see below). Build your workshop from the ground up and manage every step of the smithing trade, from raw resource acquisition to finished goods in the hands of your customers. Design your own products, oversee distant mines and camps, hire and train the right staff, and grow a small-town forge into a kingdom-spanning operation. Whether you're forging footman swords or frying pans, everything has its place in the chain. Steam Reviews: Your Feedback Matters The forge is running, the shop doors are open, and players are already setting up production lines. If you've had a chance to play, consider leaving a Steam review. Whether it's a short note or a more detailed take, we're reading everything, and your feedback is essential to helping shape future updates! Read full story

US Government Reportedly Eyeing Expansion of Chinese Chipmaker "Export Blacklist" - Insiders Mention CXMT

16-05-2025 18:15

According to a Financial Times (FT) news article, the US Government's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is considering an implementation of additional "export blacklist" entries. Roughly two months ago, a significant update affected the export trade of around eighty Chinese business "entities." Despite a recent "cooling off" of elevated tariff-related activities, significant political tensions still exist between the two powerhouse nations. According to five of FT's unnamed insiders, ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT)—a rising star within China's growing memory manufacturing industry—is a potential candidate for "banishment." Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. are (allegedly) already categorized as blacklisted organizations. Apparently, the nation's most prominent chipmaker and memory module producer (respectively) have managed to sidestep certain restrictions, via offshoot avenues. FT believes that the US administration is actively investigating several of these subsidiaries. CXMT seems to be an independent body, with no military connections—specializing in commercial DDR5 and DDR4 products—but its rising profile has attracted international attention. Around March 2024, Bloomberg heard rumors about the US BIS department's "weighing up" of sanctions, with CXMT in mind. The relatively young DRAM manufacturer (established back in 2016) still trails behind South Korean and Western competitors, in terms of technological advancements—but its initial DDR5 efforts have (supposedly) impressed local evaluators and early adopters.

(PR) 8BitDo Introduces the All-New Arcade Controller Range

16-05-2025 17:53

Game Outlet Europe, an independent distributor of video games and gaming accessories and part of Embracer Freemode, today announced the all-new 8BitDo Arcade Controller range, the ultimate controller for the FGC (fighting game community) and arcade fans worldwide! Expected to ship across Europe in July 2025 and with pre-orders opening today, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller will be available in two variations, an officially licensed Xbox version (compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows PC), and a standard version (compatible with Nintendo Switch and Windows PC). Perhaps the most advanced Arcade Controller ever made, the new line is built for professionals, competitive gamers and fans of arcade style controllers. Impossibly slim and ideal for tournament travel, the new Arcade Controller is nearly the same size as a sheet of A4 paper measuring as thin as 1.6 cm thick and almost one-third the size of the standard 8BitDo Arcade Stick. Read full story

(PR) Xbox Honors Global Accessibility Awareness Day - Highlights DOOM: The Dark Ages Feature Set

16-05-2025 17:27

Global Accessibility Awareness Day, celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May, is dedicated to recognizing and raising awareness about the importance of accessibility. With billions of people playing video games in the world, including nearly 450 million players with some form of disability, our mission at Xbox is to create welcoming and accessible experiences so as many people as possible can enjoy the community and fun of gaming. We recognize that every player can have different accessibility needs or preferences to support their play. This is why it's critical we partner with members of the disability community to help inform the hardware, platform experiences, and games we create. Read full story

(PR) Kiwi Ears Launches the Étude IEMs for Bassheads

16-05-2025 17:26

Kiwi Ears Étude features the all-new Kiwi Vibration Transducer (KVT), a unique driver system that provides physical low-mid tactile vibrations, setting it apart from traditional bone conduction designs. Paired with a powerful 10 mm Beryllium-plated dynamic driver and three custom-tuned balanced armatures, the Étude achieves a stunningly immersive and detailed sound. With its precise 8dB sub-bass response, flat midrange, and extended treble, the Étude balances richness and clarity, offering a dynamic and lifelike listening experience. KVT: Kiwi Vibration Transducer The Kiwi Ears Étude is developed to showcase the KVT (Kiwi Vibration Transducer). Unlike traditional bone conduction drivers used in earphones, the KVT is more akin to scaled-down miniature vibration drivers found in Bluetooth vibration speakers. Featuring strong N52 neodymium magnets suspended by a heavy-tension spring system, the KVT physically vibrates a conduction plate when actuated by electrical currents. This technology provides tactile vibrations that enhance low-mid acoustics, offering a unique auditory experience. Read full story

MAXSUN Website Updated with Intel "Arc Pro B60" Product Category

16-05-2025 17:11

Late last week, Intel's social media account dropped a major hint about a new family of Arc Pro GPUs turning up at Computex 2025. At the time, insiders shared very basic details about a rumored "B60" workstation graphics card—likely derived from familiar Xe2 "Battlemage" silicon. Team Blue staffers have recently teased a mysterious "B770" gaming solution, but this "higher -end" desktop option could emerge well after next week's important trade show (in Taipei, Taiwan). Intel and its board partners seem to be readying productivity-focused cards; theoretically spun-off from the existing B580 12 GB model. April/May leaks have indicated pairings of Team Blue's "BMG-G21" GPU die and 24 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. On Monday, industry observers noted the very fresh registration of Maxsun Arc B580 "iCraft 24G" and "iCraft 24G OC" SKUs. Days later, VideoCardz has stumbled upon evidence of an "Arc Pro B60" product category. At the time of writing, this entry remains empty—within the manufacturer's "Intel" card inventory. Active "Arc B580" and "Arc B570" categories direct you to already launched (12 GB) iCraft and Milestone models. According to slightly older reports, Maxsun is expected to introduce/launch "gaming" Arc B580 24 GB variants at some point after Computex 2025. The immediate focus—for Intel and participating AIBs—seems to be an imminent unveiling of "Arc Pro B-series" cards.

(PR) Acer Introduces Pair of Iconia V Series Tablets, Connect Series 5G CPE, Mobile Hotspot and Dongle

16-05-2025 16:57

Acer today announced a range of new products for users on the go, including two new tablets -- the Acer Iconia V12 and the Acer Iconia V11 -- and three new 5G network connectivity devices, including the Acer Connect X6E Plus 5G CPE, the Acer Connect M5 Mobile Wi-Fi, and the Acer Connect D5 Pro 5G dongle. Acer Iconia V Series Tablets: Portable and Reliable for Entertainment and Multitasking The Acer Iconia V12 and Iconia V11 are versatile tablets catering to a wide range of users, from students and family members to budget-conscious consumers, seeking a reliable mobile companion for everyday use. Their stunning displays offer a large viewing area with a wide 16:10 aspect ratio, up to 2K resolution, and 90 Hz refresh rate. The narrow bezel design maximizes screen real estate to see and do more, while their thin in-cell touch panels enhance touch sensitivity performance to deliver a more responsive and immersive experience. Read full story

(PR) Acer Launches ProCreator Series Monitors; Calman-Verified with Acer Creator Hub Software

16-05-2025 16:47

Acer today unveiled its new ProCreator Series monitors, designed to enhance creative workflows with Calman-verified, high-resolution displays. These monitors feature wide color gamut coverage, up to Delta E<1 color accuracy levels, and the Acer Creator Hub software. Select models come with OLED and touchscreen panels, built-in webcams for conferencing and collaboration, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technologies. In addition, Acer introduced a range of portable and dual-screen foldable monitors, as well as compact LED projectors, catering to diverse needs and use cases. Acer ProCreator Monitors Acer's new ProCreator Series monitors are tailored for professional creators such as animators, photographers, editors, and designers who demand precise color accuracy and stunning visual clarity for creative projects. All models are Calman-verified, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for reliable color performance and consistency across various workflows. Read full story

(PR) "The Precinct" Dev Team Teases Future Content Update - Prioritizes Bug & Balance Fixes

16-05-2025 16:30

"This just in, over one thousand officers have pledged to assist the ACPD in the BIGGEST city clean-up Averno has ever seen"—Bree Bookman, ACTV. We wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you to all of the players who have helped support us during what has been, dare we say it, a criminally good launch for us! We've been blown away by all of the positive comments we've received, and all of the useful bug reports and feedback that you have sent our way. We want to assure you that, even though we may not respond to every single review or report, we are looking at all of them and incorporating them into our future strategy. What strategy is that? Read on to find out more about what the future holds for The Precinct. Together with Kwalee, we've been tracking your most urgent and requested fixes. Our programming team is already hard at work tackling the biggest issues. This is what we're focusing on in the short-term, but in the mid-to-long-term we're also compiling suggestions from your feedback to decide what extra features and content we can add to The Precinct in the future. We are committed to adding more content to the game, but we haven't decided yet exactly what that will be. Read full story

Manli Rep. Confirms Downgrading of GeForce RTX 5090D Graphics Cards - Only 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM

16-05-2025 16:15

Around late April, Chinese industry insiders started whispering about a possible halting of NVIDIA GB202 "Blackwell" GPU shipments into the region. Team Green's local board partners released custom "market exclusive" GeForce RTX 5090D 32 GB cards; featuring slightly downgraded flagship silicon. Since launch, Chinese hardcore gaming enthusiasts and DIY AI firms have observed impressive performance credentials, despite the presence of factory limited specifications. On May 6, reports suggested a complete halt of GeForce RTX 5090D sales in China. Fresher rumors indicate NVIDIA's engineering team return to the drawing board; with their alleged preparation of an even weaker GeForce RTX 5090D design. A group of Baidu tipsters have discussed a key area of (further) compromise: VRAM capacity. The original GeForce RTX 5090D configuration was armed with 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM; mid-May speculation envisioned a 24 GB variant. Earlier today, harukaze5719 highlighted an intriguing Weibo post. A Manli webshop representative has "confirmed" that revised GeForce RTX 5090D cards will become available around July. Up until recent events, this Chinese brand was selling flagship GPU-based Gallardo (black) and Stellar (white) models. A web chat session was captured and shared on Weibo—in addition, the sales agent disclosed their belief that (NVIDIA's) supply of GeForce RTX 5090D GPUs has been "insufficient since launch" time. On a semi-positive note, customers will not be greeted by price hikes. Manli anticipates "unchanged" price tags; albeit associated with lesser specifications.

(PR) Gaming Beyond Limits, AI Beyond Imagination ASRock at Computex 2025

16-05-2025 16:07

ASRock, a global leader in motherboards, graphics cards, mini PCs, power supplies, and gaming monitors, is excited to announce the participation in Computex Taipei 2025. Under the theme Gaming Beyond Limits, AI Beyond Imagination, ASRock will showcase the dual focus on next-level gaming and AI applications. From immersive gaming setups to AI solutions, the exhibit highlights ASRock's commitment to innovation across both fields. Visitors are invited to explore the latest products and technologies, and to experience the Phantom Gaming Zone at booth L0818. ASRock Unveils Flagship Taichi OCF and Taichi Creator AM5 Motherboards To expand its success on AMD AM5 motherboards, ASRock will be adding more exciting products into its product portfolio. New product such as X870E Taichi OCF, the very first OC formula motherboard based on AMD platform, Phantom Gaming X870 Nova WiFi, the new high end gaming motherboard based on X870 chipset, a functional yet elegantly designed X870 Taichi Creator and also a lot more products that are based on X870 / B850 / B840 / A620A chipset. Read full story

(PR) Acer Unveils Creator-Worthy Swift X Duo with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs

16-05-2025 16:05

Acer today announced new models in its Swift X laptop series, the Swift X 14 AI and Swift X 14, designed to offer professionals and content creators reliable performance and a suite of AI tools to enhance their creative endeavors. Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, the Swift X 14 AI enables seamless on-device rendering, modeling, and real-time visualization. This new Copilot+ PC is equipped to handle demanding AI workloads and offers exclusive AI experiences such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), and improved Windows search, Cocreator, Live Captions, Image Creator, and Windows Studio Effects. The new Swift X 14 creator laptop ensures responsive performance for demanding creative workflows and all-day battery life powered by Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). Both laptops are powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPUs with NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and also feature Calman-verified 3K OLED touch displays that are calibrated to produce captivating and accurate colors right out of the box. Read full story