More from Gaming & Esports

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  Australia Cracks Down on Gaming Safety

  Australia's eSafety Commission has issued legally binding transparency notices to major gaming platforms including Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam, demanding detailed reports on their child safety measures. This move targets the prevention of grooming, sexual exploitation, and radicalization risks faced by young gamers, with non-compliance risking penalties and civil action. With nine in ten Australian children aged 8 to 17 playing online games, the government is intensifying efforts to protect minors in digital spaces. The platforms must now respond promptly as Australia leads global child safety regulation in gaming.

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  NetherSX2-Turnip Boosts PS2 on Handhelds

  NetherSX2-Turnip, a new fork of the popular PS2 emulator, brings custom drivers optimized for Snapdragon chips, especially the Snapdragon 865 found in many handheld consoles like the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. This update promises smoother gameplay and better performance for retro gamers on the go. Users can install it alongside the standard NetherSX2 to pick the best driver for each game. With tweaks available for graphics and performance, this release could redefine portable PS2 emulation.

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  Microsoft Cuts Game Pass Price, Drops CoD Day-One

  Microsoft has slashed Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's price from $29.99 to $22.99 a month, but future Call of Duty games will no longer launch on the service day one. Instead, new CoD titles will arrive on Game Pass about a year after release, reversing the previous strategy. This move follows feedback that Game Pass had become too expensive, and aims to balance subscription value with direct game sales. Gamers have mixed reactions, appreciating the price cut but lamenting the loss of immediate CoD access.

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  Marathon Hits Sale Amid F2P Buzz

  After just six weeks on the market, Marathon is now discounted by 20% on Xbox Series X/S, dropping to $32, while remaining $40 on other platforms. This move comes as Xbox sales lag far behind PlayStation and Steam, sparking heated debate among fans about whether Bungie should shift to a free-to-play model. With player counts declining and matchmaking queues growing, Bungie faces pressure to boost engagement before season 2. A free weekend or free-to-play mode trial could be next steps to revive interest without undermining the game's premium status.

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  Endless Legend 2 Revamps AI Diplomacy

  Endless Legend 2 has introduced a groundbreaking AI diplomacy system using badges that reflect players' actions, from 'Pleasant' to 'Bully.' This new mechanic gives the game world a memory, making diplomatic relations more dynamic and consequential. Aggressive behavior now triggers permanent penalties, while consistent friendliness offers lasting benefits, reshaping 4X diplomacy strategy. Developers at Amplitude plan to expand these tools further, promising richer interactions ahead.

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  Tico Simplifies GameCube, Wii on Switch

  The latest release of Tico revolutionizes GameCube and Wii emulation on the Nintendo Switch by running games directly on the Switch's native Horizon OS via Custom Firmware, eliminating the need to reboot into Android or Linux. This alpha version uses a Dolphin core that boosts the Tegra X1 chip for smoother gameplay, offering a controller-friendly UI and automatic game library management. With Tico, Switch users can now enjoy classic titles more easily, marking a major step forward in handheld emulation. Future updates promise improved stability and broader game compatibility.

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  Arc Raiders Overhauls Skill Trees Soon

  Embark Studios is set to revamp the entire skill tree system in Arc Raiders following player feedback and internal dissatisfaction with the current setup. Design director Virgil Watkins admitted many skills underperform and hinted at "significant changes" coming after the April 28 Expedition update. This overhaul aims to balance meaningful progression with fair PvP competition, addressing the game's current scattered approach to RPG elements. Fans can expect a more refined and impactful skill progression system in upcoming updates.

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  Helldivers 2 Unveils New Exosuit Warbond

  Helldivers 2 is dropping its next big update, The Exo Experts warbond, on April 28. This update introduces two powerful exosuits—the EXO-51 Lumberer with an anti-tank cannon and flamethrower, and the EXO-55 Breakthrough featuring a flak cannon and ballistic shield—adding fresh tactical options. Alongside these mechs, new weapons like the MGX-42 Bullet Storm and P-33 Missile Pistol will spice up combat. Players can earn the premium currency through gameplay, ensuring no paywall blocks access to these exciting new tools.

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  Dead by Daylight Meets Attack on Titan

  Dead by Daylight is launching a new crossover event with the hit anime Attack on Titan, bringing back fan-favorite 2v8 mode from April 28 to May 19. This chaotic mode doubles players on both teams, ramping up the action as survivors try to escape deadly killers. Returning cosmetics from the 2022 crossover and new legendary costumes, including a titan-themed Trapper, add fresh flair. Players can also enjoy new quests and the return of the Attack on Titan lobby, making this event a must-play for fans.