Video Game News Roundup – April 12, 2025
Welcome to our daily roundup of the top video game news! Today’s key highlights are:
- The upcoming survival arcade mode in Days Gone will feature endless hordes and ‘exploding freakers’. It’s shaping up to be an exciting way to experience the game.
- The Switch 2 marks a significant advancement in Nintendo’s design for accessibility.
- Sloclap rejects the notion that successful online games must be free-to-play, emphasizing the importance of creating quality content.
Now, let’s get into the specifics of today’s gaming news.
New Survival Arcade Mode for Days Gone May Offer an Exciting Twist
Source: PC Gamer – April 12, 2025
Days Gone was a game that drew mixed feelings upon its PC release in 2021. While it was criticized for its less-than-stellar storytelling, the core gameplay mechanics were largely enjoyable. The thrill of navigating the post-apocalyptic world on Deacon St John’s motorcycle, dodging hordes of undead, offered a unique appeal. Even a simple task like refueling could quickly escalate into an intense survival chase across the map.
Given this, Sony’s upcoming Broken Road DLC announcement looks interesting. The highlight of this DLC is the introduction of a horde assault mode. As Sony gradually reveals more details about this new feature in the lead-up to the launch, it’s becoming increasingly evident that this might just be the most entertaining way to experience Days Gone.
You can read the full article on PC Gamer →
Switch 2 Signifies a Significant Advancement in Nintendo’s Accessibility Design
Source: IGN – April 12, 2025
Following months of fervent speculation, rumors, and leaks, Nintendo has finally unveiled the Switch 2 in its exclusive Direct. The reveal included trailers for exciting new games such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and even exclusive Nintendo GameCube games for Switch 2 Online. However, what truly stands out is the design of the system itself. From an accessibility standpoint, the Switch 2 is significantly improved over its predecessor in almost every aspect.
Read the full article at IGN →
‘Just Make a Very Good Game’: Sloclap Refutes the Notion That Online Games Must Be Free-to-Play
Source: PC Gamer – April 12, 2025
Sloclap, the developer behind Sifu, is making a strategic shift from martial arts games to sports games with the upcoming release of Rematch, a 5v5 competitive football (soccer) game set to launch this summer. The transition appears seamless as Rematch has more in common with Rocket League than FIFA. “It’s something special,” commented writer Daniella Lucas after an exclusive preview at the Sloclap studio. The game costs $30, which may raise eyebrows among some gamers. The prevailing trend among many of the most popular multiplayer games today is either to launch as free-to-play or to transition to this model at some point. The failure of a competitive multiplayer game is often attributed to its not being free-to-play, as was the case with Concord. However, Pierre Tarno, the creative director of Rematch, voiced a contrary opinion during a recent interview with PC Gamer at the Sloclap studio. He firmly believes that online games do not necessarily need to be free-to-play and stated that such a model was never considered for Sloclap.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Ex-PlayStation Executive Believes Differences Between Consoles and Gaming PCs are Minimal
Source: PC Gamer – April 11, 2025
The ongoing debate regarding supremacy in the gaming world seems to point toward an unexpected candidate – the personal computer. The evidence is stacking up. Many console exclusives are now available on PC, console sales are dipping, and the comfort of couch gaming is no longer exclusive to console players. Even Nintendo, a stalwart proponent of console exclusivity, is finding it challenging to promote its Switch 2 effectively without making it seem like a less diverse Steam deck.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
A Countdown of the Top 20 Doctor Who Monsters in the Modern Era
Source: IGN – April 12, 2025
Doctor Who, a popular series beloved for its adventures in time travel, the iconic sonic screwdriver, and the protagonist’s regenerative abilities, is also recognized for its extensive array of unforgettable monsters. As a new season of Doctor Who unfolds, we revisit the Time Lord’s notorious adversaries, spotlighting the most fearsome monsters he has encountered. A few points to note before we delve in: Our list excludes certain villains who don’t quite fit the conventional “monster” category, hence characters like the Master won’t be featured. Also, while some of these creatures have their origins in the classic show, all have made at least one appearance in the series since its 2005 revival.
For the complete list, visit IGN →
Adapting the Literary Classic ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ into an Educational Clicker Game
Source: PC Gamer – April 12, 2025
‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ holds its own as the third most recognized fictional count, following Sesame Street’s ‘The Count’ and the renowned vampire, Count Chocula. Despite lacking any vampire elements, Alexandre Dumas’ timeless tale of love and vengeance is celebrated as one of literature’s finest works. It has inspired numerous film and television adaptations, yet a full-fledged video game adaptation has remained elusive. Presently, the closest reference on Steam is ‘The Count of Monster Disco’, a Transylvania-themed offshoot of Train Simulator. However, its pun-filled title bears no connection to Dumas’ novel.
For more details, read the full article at PC Gamer →
In Memoriam: William Roberts, Voice of Vesemir in The Witcher Games
Source: PC Gamer – April 11, 2025
Renowned voice actor William Roberts, known for his role as Vesemir in CD Projekt’s The Witcher series, has passed away at 80. The Guardian first announced Roberts’ passing in February in an obituary penned by his ex-wife. Although born in Oregon, Roberts established his successful career in Britain, according to Nicolette Roberts. His impressive repertoire included acting, directing, voice work, and writing. He was also noted for reading for BBC Radio programs, narrating audiobooks for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and acting in radio productions such as Batman and Judge Dredd. His MobyGames credits reveal his involvement in an array of video games, including Timesplitters 2, Crysis, Age of Conan, Battlefield: Bad Company, Killzone 2, Sniper Elite, Deponia, Star Wars: Battlefront, Horizon: Zero Dawn, A Way Out, The Medium, and Atomic Heart.
Read the full article on PC Gamer →
Amazon’s MMO Lost Ark to Speed Up Leveling in Response to Massive Player Drop-off
Source: PC Gamer – April 12, 2025
When I first reviewed Lost Ark in 2022, the gaming world was pleasantly surprised. The game’s astonishing ARPG combat and wildly imaginative MMO storyline captivated the audience. The narrative, which began as a typical fantasy, evolved into epic clown battles and expeditions on islands populated by characters reminiscent of the Borrowers. However, players hit a wall when the progression barriers were raised, and exploration of the vibrant archipelago was marred by grinding. Developer Smilegate and Western publisher Amazon are formulating a series of changes to enhance the RPG’s pacing.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Neil Newbon is Eager to Reprise Role as Astarion in Potential Baldur’s Gate 4
Source: PC Gamer – April 12, 2025
The task of creating Baldur’s Gate 4 is certainly daunting. Considering the immense success and impressive scale of Baldur’s Gate 3, any studio that takes on the project will have to match, if not surpass, the high standard set by Larian. The challenge becomes even greater when factoring in the expectation of the license holder, Hasbro, for a sequel that can replicate the success of its predecessor. Adding to the pressure is the potential backlash from one of the lead actors, Neil Newbon, should he be replaced in his role as the captivating vampire Astarion.
Newbon, who charmed audiences as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, attended the video game BAFTAs recently. When asked about the possibility of being recast if Baldur’s Gate 4 were to be developed, Newbon’s response was nothing short of passionate.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Get the Best TV for PlayStation 5: The 65″ LG Evo C3 4K OLED Smart TV Now Under $1,200 on Amazon
Source: IGN – April 11, 2025
Want a top-tier TV without waiting for the 2025 LG models to drop? Look no further. Currently, Amazon offers the 2023 65″ LG Evo C3 4K OLED TV for a mere $1,196.99, including free shipping. This deal even surpasses the ones seen on Black Friday. The LG Evo C-series has consistently been a top choice for high-end 4K TVs, particularly for 4K HDR movies and gaming. The LG Evo C3 is a 2023 model and only a year older than the 2024 LG Evo C4. So, what sets them apart?
Read the full IGN article here →
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Set to Revolutionize Voice Chat After Two Decades of Awkward Attempts
Source: Polygon – April 11, 2025
First revealed in Polygon’s newsletter, Switchboard, which delivers the latest Switch 2 news, reports, and rumors straight to your inbox, Nintendo’s Switch 2 is set to revolutionize the company’s voice chat capabilities. Introduced at the recent Switch 2 reveal, the new GameChat feature is a built-in communication system allowing players to interact via voice and video chat, and share gameplay streams if they subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online. This marks a significant improvement for Nintendo, given that players have been using alternative services like Discord, Ventrilo, and Steam for such features for many years.
Read the full article on Polygon →
Donkey Kong Bananza Release Date, Trailer, Gameplay Details, and More
Source: GameSpot – April 11, 2025
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5. To celebrate its debut, Nintendo is introducing two flagship titles. Mario Kart World will be released alongside the console, followed by the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza just a few weeks later. This new adventure game, featuring the beloved banana-loving ape, marks the first full 3D Donkey Kong title in over two decades.
Donkey Kong Bananza is not just a game but a stunning testament to the new system’s capabilities. It boasts impressive visuals and fully destructible environments that DK can manipulate with his powerful punches. While Nintendo promised to share more details in the weeks leading up to the game’s launch, GameSpot compiled everything known about Donkey Kong Bananza for you.
Continue reading the full article at GameSpot →
Get Involved in the Discussion
Which piece of news piqued your interest today? Is it the Days Gone update or the upcoming Donkey King game that has you more enthusiastic? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share them in the comments section below!
