Today’s Gaming News Roundup
We’re only a few days away from Christmas, but you can still snag some of the best gifts this weekend! Even though I haven’t put nearly enough time into using my Switch 2, I plan on jumping back into Breath of the Wild over the holidays. If space exploration is more your thing, Starfield can be a good choice to cozy up with in the coming weeks. Let’s check out today’s gaming news and all the glorious details!
The 10 Best Tech Gifts We Recommend for 2025 and Beyond
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the ultimate gift of 2025 and a hot commodity. It’s available on Amazon, tempting gamers everywhere. Initially, I hesitated to buy the successor to the classic Switch. Unlike the Switch, I’ve only had one favorite Kindle e-reader: the Kindle Paperwhite.
It boasts a 4K display, making sessions of Breath of the Wild look extra stunning. The new Joy-Con controllers are rumored to have fixed all the drift issues we all complained about. Plus, its backward compatibility means your old Switch library doesn’t have to collect dust just yet.
The best Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend
Xbox Game Pass has a collection of games, but finding a new gem can be tough. Fear not. We’ve got some standout recommendations for you. “Starfield,” a massive space RPG, is a must-play. If you’re into strategy, “Age of Empires IV” is a great pick.
For something more chill, “Stardew Valley” offers a relaxing farming experience. And don’t miss “Forza Horizon 5” for a thrilling racing adventure. These selections highlight the diverse offerings on Game Pass. With new titles added regularly, there’s always something fresh to look at. Whether you’re in the mood for strategy, adventure, or relaxation, these games have you covered.
Nex Playground Boss Says The Console Solves The Wii “Problem”
Sony and Nintendo lead the console race, but Nex Playground grabbed third place in November. CEO David Lee says their success comes from solving the Wii “problem.” The Wii’s motion controls were a hit, but its audience didn’t buy many games beyond Wii Fit and Wii Sports. Nex Playground avoids this by offering games through a subscription service.
Nex Playground nailed it with a killer lineup of titles that keep players coming back for more, proving they’ve cracked the code. Their strategy involved bundling exclusive indie games with their console at launch, capturing the hearts of gamers looking for something fresh. Plus, their focus on community-driven features has made Nex Playground a favorite for multiplayer fans.
11 Of This Year’s Best Indie Games That Are Deeply Discounted In The Steam Winter Sale
The Steam Winter Sale is set to delight gamers by offering deep discounts on some of the year’s best indie games. Kotaku has highlighted 11 standout titles that are now more affordable than ever. Among these gems, “Hollow Knight,” “Celeste,” and “Hades” are getting big price cuts. The sale runs until January 5th, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to snag these deals.
These discounts make it easier for players to look at a variety of genres without breaking the bank. Indie games often push creative boundaries and offer unique experiences. With these price drops, more gamers can look into these new worlds. Keep an eye on Steam for more surprises as the sale continues.
PBA Pro Bowling 2026 is an earnest, accurate sports sim that feels like it fell out of 2010
Bowling isn’t just a casual pastime, it’s a complex sport. Yet, in gaming, it’s often simplified. The classic example? “Wii Sports Bowling.” Released in 2006, this game used broad motion controls, making it accessible and fun without deep strategy.
It’s hailed as the greatest-ever bowling game due to its simplicity and wide appeal. The success of “Wii Sports Bowling” highlights how accessibility can trump complexity in gaming. While it doesn’t demand the precision of real-life ten-pin bowling, it captures the joy of the sport. This approach shows how games can reach broader audiences by focusing on fun and ease of play rather than intricate realism. So, what’s more important in a sports game, realism or accessibility?
Ark 2 is now set to come out in 2028, and it may not have as much Vin Diesel as we were expecting: After years of delays, his involvement is ‘an open question’
Could another gaming giant be stepping into the spotlight? That’s the buzz right now. Microsoft is reportedly eyeing a massive acquisition of a major company to bolster its gaming portfolio. While the name is still under wraps, insiders suggest this could shake up the industry. The deal could be finalized as early as 2025, aiming to expand Microsoft’s reach in the gaming sector.
This move comes in the wake of Microsoft’s recent $7.5 billion Bethesda acquisition, signaling their intent to dominate. So, what does this mean for gamers? If Microsoft pulls this off, we could see a flurry of new games hitting platforms like Xbox and PC. This might also mean more exclusives, giving Xbox a competitive edge against Sony’s PlayStation. With Microsoft’s Game Pass service also in play, a successful acquisition could bring even more value to subscribers.
World of Warcraft: Midnight Cover Story + Steam Replay 2025 | The Game Informer Show
Marcus just got back from The Game Awards 2025 and shared his experience with Alex and Charles. The team also explored their Steam Replay for 2025, diving into games like Death Howl and Dogpile. They wrapped up by discussing the new World of Warcraft: Midnight cover story. Catch all this on The Game Informer Show, a weekly podcast where you can also hear from special guests in the gaming industry.
Marcus mentioned that the crowd went wild when Elden Ring 2 snagged the Game of the Year award, and it was a moment he won’t forget. During their Steam Replay chat, they laughed about how many hours Alex sunk into Death Howl’s new expansion, totally blowing past his initial estimate. They couldn’t help but geek out over the new griffon mounts teased in the World of Warcraft: Midnight cover story, which are rumored to be faster than anything in the game so far.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Saturdays are gaming prep days, and you might’ve forgotten to ask about weekend plans. It’s even worse if you didn’t check on holiday gaming plans. Oops. Games like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Baldur’s Gate 3” are hot picks this season.
Don’t miss out on the latest “Call of Duty: Warzone” updates either. With 2026 around the corner, planning is key. Remember, some holiday events start early, so double-check those game calendars to avoid missing out on limited-time loot.
Original report: Rock Paper Shotgun
Crunch returns to Naughty Dog for Xmas as Intergalactic devs work overtime on a demo for Sony, claims report
Sony and Naughty Dog are reportedly enforcing mandatory overtime. The crunch has lasted seven weeks. It’s all about finishing an internal demo. The game in question?
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This sci-fi action game comes from the creators of The Last of Us and Uncharted. Employees have expressed concerns about burnout and work-life balance during this crunch period.
Original report: Rock Paper Shotgun
Crunch
The future of The, The, Problem is brimming with potential, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Are you excited about possible new features or challenges? What are you hoping to see announced next? Share your predictions and let’s get the conversation going.
