Today’s Gaming News Roundup
If you’ve been craving some heart-pounding action with classic Doom vibes or itching to dive into the latest from Obsidian’s Avowed set in the sprawling world of Chicago, you’re in for a treat. Let’s jump into this week’s roundup of epic updates and gaming news!
Doom: The Dark Ages “biggest launch” in id Software history
Bethesda has officially announced that Doom: The Dark Ages has achieved the biggest launch in the history of id Software, the legendary developer behind the Doom franchise. This milestone highlights the game’s incredible reception since its release, marking a significant success for both Bethesda and id Software. Fans have clearly embraced the new medieval-themed twist on the iconic shooter, making it an instant hit in the gaming community.
The launch success of Doom: The Dark Ages underscores id Software’s ability to innovate while staying true to the series’ roots, combining fast-paced action with a fresh, historically inspired setting. Bethesda’s announcement celebrates the strong player engagement and impressive sales figures, though specific numbers have yet to be disclosed. This exciting news sets high expectations for the future of the Doom franchise and showcases the continued strength of id Software’s development prowess.
Creating Doom: The Dark Ages – ray tracing, load times and optimisation in id Tech 8
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Five years after the explosive release of Doom Eternal, id Software is back with Doom: The Dark Ages, marking the debut of their cutting-edge id Tech 8 engine. Eurogamer had the chance to chat with Billy Khan, the director of engine technology at id Software, who revealed how this new engine brings a host of technological innovations to both consoles and PC. From advanced ray tracing capabilities to optimized shader compilation, id Tech 8 is designed to deliver a smoother and more visually stunning Doom experience than ever before.
Billy Khan also shed light on how the engine tackles traversal stutter, a common performance hurdle, ensuring that gameplay remains fluid during intense action sequences. This deep dive into the engine’s new features highlights id Software’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in first-person shooters, setting the stage for Doom: The Dark Ages to be a landmark release in the franchise’s storied history. For fans eager to see how these advancements translate to gameplay, the future looks incredibly bright, and devilishly fun!
Geralt actor celebrates Witcher 4 protagonist Ciri, following “woke” criticism
Doug Cockle, famously known as the voice actor for Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher game series by CD Projekt Red, recently addressed criticism from some fans regarding the upcoming The Witcher 4. Those fans have labeled the game as “woke” simply because it features Ciri, Geralt’s iconic protege, as the protagonist. Cockle didn’t hold back, calling these accusations “stupid” and defending the choice to spotlight Ciri in the new chapter of the beloved franchise.
This response highlights the ongoing conversation around representation and character focus in modern gaming, especially within high-profile series like The Witcher. As CD Projekt Red moves forward with The Witcher 4, embracing Ciri’s story promises to expand the universe in fresh and exciting ways. Fans can look forward to seeing more of her journey without the unnecessary baggage of unfounded criticism, thanks to voices like Cockle’s standing up for the narrative.
Fortnite finally back on Apple devices in US and Europe
Fortnite has officially returned to iOS devices in both the US and Europe, marking the end of a lengthy five-year legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. The popular battle royale title, developed by Epic Games, was previously removed from the App Store due to a high-profile dispute over in-app payment systems and revenue sharing. Now, players can once again enjoy Fortnite on their iPhones and iPads, bringing a major win for both fans and the developer.
This comeback is a huge milestone in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple, highlighting the evolving landscape of digital storefronts and platform policies. With Fortnite back on iOS, players in key regions will experience the game as it was meant to be played on mobile, complete with regular updates and events. Fans of the game can rejoice as one of the most iconic multiplayer games finally returns to one of the biggest mobile platforms, promising countless hours of action-packed fun!
The frightfully British Atomfall was “immediately profitable” and sequel plans are already in discussion
Rebellion’s latest title, Atomfall, a pseudo-apocalyptic survival game set in 1950s rural England, has made an impressive splash by becoming “immediately profitable” upon release. This successful launch highlights the developer’s knack for crafting immersive experiences that resonate with players, combining atmospheric storytelling with tense survival mechanics. The game’s unique setting and era have clearly struck a chord, setting it apart from typical post-apocalyptic fare.
Riding high on Atomfall’s success, Rebellion is already exploring the possibility of a sequel, signaling strong confidence in the franchise’s future. Although specific details or timelines for the follow-up haven’t been revealed yet, the swift move toward a sequel suggests that fans can expect more gripping tales from this evocative 1950s world. Stay tuned to Two Average Gamers for all the latest updates on what’s next for Atomfall!
Stellar Blade 2 is official and seemingly not too far away
Exciting news for fans of fast-paced sci-fi action! Developer Shift Up has quietly announced that their critically acclaimed hack-and-slash adventure, Stellar Blade, is getting a sequel. This follow-up promises to continue the thrilling blend of intense combat and immersive storytelling that made the original such a standout title.
Even more thrilling is the reveal that the sequel is expected to launch before the end of next year, giving gamers plenty to look forward to. While details remain scarce, Shift Up’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience suggests the new installment will build on the strong foundation established by Stellar Blade. Stay tuned as more information emerges about this highly anticipated next chapter!
Avowed director Carrie Patel has left Obsidian, and joined Oxenfree dev Night School as a game director
Big news from the RPG world! Carrie Patel, who was previously leading Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated game Avowed, has announced on LinkedIn that she is moving on to a new role as game director at Night School Studio, the creative minds behind the acclaimed narrative adventure Oxenfree. While Patel didn’t reveal why she left Obsidian or any specifics about her departure, her shift to Night School Studio marks an exciting new chapter in her career.
This means that if we ever do get more Avowed content, it likely won’t be under Patel’s leadership, leaving the game’s future a bit uncertain for now. The timing of her announcement wasn’t dated in the snippet, but it’s clear that this move could signal some interesting changes both for Obsidian’s project lineup and Night School’s upcoming ventures. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on how this shakeup impacts the RPG scene!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Cyberpunk 2077 sequel features second city that’s like “Chicago gone wrong”, says series creator
Mike Pondsmith, the legendary creator of the Cyberpunk tabletop RPG that inspired CD Projekt Red’s blockbuster Cyberpunk 2077, has shared intriguing new details about the studio’s upcoming sequel. According to Pondsmith, the next installment will introduce a brand-new second city, which he describes as feeling like a “Chicago gone wrong,” promising a fresh and gritty urban environment for players to explore. This revelation comes as fans eagerly await more news on the sequel, which is currently in development by CD Projekt Red.
Pondsmith’s involvement and insights highlight the ongoing collaboration between the original Cyberpunk RPG creator and the game’s developers, ensuring the sequel stays true to the franchise’s dark, dystopian roots. While no official release date has been announced yet, this glimpse into the game’s setting amps up excitement around the project, hinting at a richly detailed world that expands beyond Night City. Stay tuned for more updates as CD Projekt Red continues to build on the Cyberpunk universe!
What’s Your Take?
What’s your favorite Doom moment or weapon to wield? And if you could design your own level, what crazy twist would you add? Drop your thoughts below and don’t forget to share this roundup with your friends!
