Sunday, March 31, 2024

Tekken director apparently keeps getting requests to add a Waffle House stage


The Waffle House, a 24/7 chain known for late-night brawls, has sparked interest from fans for a potential placement in a fighting game like Tekken 8. Tekken director, Katsuhiro Harada, inquired about the requests and mentioned the need for Waffle House’s approval. However, amidst the humorous proposal, it is important to address the concerns of [...]

source https://funfect.games/tekken-director-apparently-keeps-getting-requests-to-add-a-waffle-house-stage/

Top 5 Useful Things To 3D Print


The Creality Ender-3 V3 SE has allowed us to explore practical solutions through 3D printing, creating useful items such as desk clamps, cable organizers, spoon rests, and bag clips. The versatility and affordability of this printer have opened up a world of possibilities for maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste in our everyday lives. What other [...]

source https://funfect.games/top-5-useful-things-to-3d-print/

Embracer freezes acquisition drive as its restructure program comes to an end


Embracer has completed a significant restructuring effort, selling off studios and cutting jobs to improve profitability. With the focus shifting to making better games, the company is no longer acquiring new studios as it reconsiders its future in the gaming industry. How will this new focus on game quality impact Embracer’s success moving forward? Are [...]

source https://funfect.games/embracer-freezes-acquisition-drive-as-its-restructure-program-comes-to-an-end/

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Astarion the tiefling: Swen Vincke on iteration in Baldurs Gate 3 | GDC 2024


Baldur’s Gate 3 was a standout at the Game Developers Conference, winning Game of the Year. Director Swen Vincke discussed the challenges faced during development, emphasizing the importance of iteration and flexibility. The game evolved significantly from its earliest builds. How do you think this iterative approach impacted the final product and its success? Read [...]

source https://funfect.games/astarion-the-tiefling-swen-vincke-on-iteration-in-baldurs-gate-3-gdc-2024/

Xbox Honors Akira Toriyama With a Free Blue Dragon Dynamic Background


Xbox is honoring the late Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama with a free dynamic dashboard background featuring his character designs from Blue Dragon. Toriyama’s impact on pop culture is undeniable, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and creators alike. Blue Dragon, a Microsoft-exclusive RPG developed with the help of Final Fantasy creators, [...]

source https://funfect.games/xbox-honors-akira-toriyama-with-a-free-blue-dragon-dynamic-background/

Friday, March 29, 2024

Destiny 2 Players Convince Bungie To Change Into The Light Weapon Rollout


Bungie’s upcoming Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape, has been delayed to June, leaving a gap that will be filled by a pseudo-season of content called Into the Light. The expansion will introduce the BRAVE arsenal, a collection of renewed and enhanced weapons, with a revised rollout schedule to address player concerns. Will this adjustment [...]

source https://funfect.games/destiny-2-players-convince-bungie-to-change-into-the-light-weapon-rollout/

GDC talk: Revisiting Fun


The GDC 2024 talk revisiting the theory of fun from 20 years ago discusses objections and concerns raised since the original book’s release. The talk also covers new science and practical applications of the theory. It seems that the theory has evolved from controversial to accepted over the years. How do you think the theory [...]

source https://funfect.games/gdc-talk-revisiting-fun/

The 6 best budgeting apps to replace Mint


Intuit recently shut down the popular budgeting app Mint, prompting its millions of users to migrate to Credit Karma. If you’re looking for a new budgeting app to replace Mint, consider trying options like Quicken Simplifi, Monarch Money, and Copilot Money. Each app has its own unique features and benefits, so explore them to find [...]

source https://funfect.games/the-6-best-budgeting-apps-to-replace-mint/

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Report: xDefiant development severely hurt by toxic Ubisoft culture


Ubisoft’s shooter xDefiant has been plagued by a toxic team culture, with a “Boys Club” of executives and directors causing problems that have led to missed deadlines and a troubled development cycle. Allegations of toxic behavior have been linked to this group, further tarnishing Ubisoft’s reputation for fostering a healthy work environment. How can the [...]

source https://funfect.games/report-xdefiant-development-severely-hurt-by-toxic-ubisoft-culture/

Unity 6 Roadmap at GDC 2024


The GDC wrapped up with a quiet showing from Unity, but they did unveil their development roadmap for Unity 6 and beyond. The roadmap includes new graphics features, XR innovation, multiplayer updates, and more. It will be interesting to see how these updates will impact game development in the future. What do you think of [...]

source https://funfect.games/unity-6-roadmap-at-gdc-2024/

Cooler Masters new PC case doesnt need a CPU cooler or PSU


Cooler Master has just launched the TD500 MAX, a PC case that includes a built-in 360mm AIO CPU cooler and preinstalled power supply. This makes assembly easier and eliminates the need to purchase separate components. The case also features convenient cable management solutions and easy access to screws for component installation. Despite its unique features, [...]

source https://funfect.games/cooler-masters-new-pc-case-doesnt-need-a-cpu-cooler-or-psu/

Take-Two Interactive Software to acquire The Gearbox Entertainment Company


Take-Two Interactive Software will be acquiring The Gearbox Entertainment Company from Embracer Group in a $460 million deal. The acquisition will allow Gearbox to operate under the 2K label and retain franchises such as Borderlands and Homeworld. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of Take-Two’s Fiscal Year 2025. What impact [...]

source https://funfect.games/take-two-interactive-software-to-acquire-the-gearbox-entertainment-company/

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

$700000 raised in Playing for the Planets Green Game Jam 2023


In 2023, Playing for the Planet raised over $700,000 through its Green Game Jam, with half of its gaming members meeting their commitments towards sustainability. The alliance expanded with five new organizations joining, and 40 games focused on protecting endangered species like harlequin toads and snow leopards. Looking ahead to 2024, the alliance aims for [...]

source https://funfect.games/700000-raised-in-playing-for-the-planets-green-game-jam-2023/

Blender 4.1 Released


Blender 4.1 has finally been released after a slight delay, bringing with it a range of exciting new features like geometry node baking and improved compositing options. With enhancements to key tools like animation keyframing and bone collections, users can expect a smoother workflow experience. The question is, how will these updates impact the work [...]

source https://funfect.games/blender-4-1-released/

Final Fantasy 16 PC devs share promising performance benchmark


The Final Fantasy 16 PC port was initially thought to be demanding, but recent insights from Square Enix have hinted at better performance. The game recommends being installed on a high-quality SSD, and there are hints of potentially high frame rates on capable hardware. The upcoming demo will allow players to assess if their computer [...]

source https://funfect.games/final-fantasy-16-pc-devs-share-promising-performance-benchmark/

Logitech launches Signature Slim K950 Wireless Keyboard


Logitech has introduced the Signature Slim K950 Wireless Keyboard, designed to seamlessly integrate work and personal tasks. With a focus on sustainability and productivity, this eco-conscious keyboard is part of the Signature Slim Combo series, providing a convenient and efficient solution for users. How important is it for tech companies to prioritize sustainability in their [...]

source https://funfect.games/logitech-launches-signature-slim-k950-wireless-keyboard/

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

This 27-inch LG gaming monitor is back at its lowest ever price


The LG Ultragear 27GR83Q gaming monitor is currently on sale for $349.99, offering a 30% discount from its usual price. With a 27-inch IPS panel, 2560 x 1440 resolution, and 240Hz refresh rate, this monitor provides a high-quality gaming experience. However, its DisplayHDR400™ certification may result in subpar HDR performance. Are gaming monitor deals like [...]

source https://funfect.games/this-27-inch-lg-gaming-monitor-is-back-at-its-lowest-ever-price/

UK games industry cohort launches Sunset Sugar Studios


Sunset Sugar Studios, a new UK games publisher founded by industry professionals, aims to work with established brands like Aardman. Through a licensing deal, they will be bringing iconic characters like Wallace and Gromit into the Pixel Puzzles series. This collaboration shows their commitment to working with the biggest names in the industry. Question for [...]

source https://funfect.games/uk-games-industry-cohort-launches-sunset-sugar-studios/

Dont miss this 4TB WD Black SSD deal if youre a Prime subscriber


The WD Black SN850X 4TB SSD deal on Amazon Prime is a great way to add massive storage capacity to your PC for a discounted price. This high-performance drive is a top choice for gamers looking to store a large library of games. Are you tempted to upgrade your storage with this deal, or do [...]

source https://funfect.games/dont-miss-this-4tb-wd-black-ssd-deal-if-youre-a-prime-subscriber/

World of Warcraft Subscription Numbers Are Higher Now Than at Expansion Launch in a Franchise First


World of Warcraft’s latest expansion, Dragonflight, has seen a resurgence in subscribers, with estimates putting current numbers at around 7.25 million. This renewed interest came after a dip in subscribers during the previous expansion, Shadowlands, due to player dissatisfaction. Blizzard’s response to community feedback and efforts to address player concerns led to a turnaround in [...]

source https://funfect.games/world-of-warcraft-subscription-numbers-are-higher-now-than-at-expansion-launch-in-a-franchise-first/

Monday, March 25, 2024

This AMD GPU just got a 15% frame rate boost from a driver update


The AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE has received a new driver allowing users to overclock its VRAM, unlocking untapped performance potential. This has improved the value and performance of the card, potentially making it a top choice in the $500-$550 range. The driver update also addresses a bug in the originally released versions of the [...]

source https://funfect.games/this-amd-gpu-just-got-a-15-frame-rate-boost-from-a-driver-update/

FF7 Rebirths Best Materia To Give Your Characters New Abilities


Characters in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth have access to a wide range of abilities from unique weapon skills and materia, such as Command materia. Some essential abilities include Assess, which provides information about enemies, and quirky ones like Spare Change which lets you throw money at enemies. The variety of abilities adds depth to gameplay [...]

source https://funfect.games/ff7-rebirths-best-materia-to-give-your-characters-new-abilities/

The 4 best air fryers for 2024 tested and reviewed


Air fryers, like the Instant Pot before them, offer a versatile and convenient way to cook crispy food with less oil. Whether you opt for a pod-style air fryer or a larger toaster oven model, you can use them for more than just frying. If you’re unsure about which air fryer to choose, consider factors [...]

source https://funfect.games/the-4-best-air-fryers-for-2024-tested-and-reviewed/

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 Pro Controller for Xbox Review


Looking for a highly customisable Xbox controller? The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 Pro offers a plethora of features, including programmable back buttons and modular thumbsticks. While it may not offer groundbreaking new features, it provides a solid option for gamers seeking personalisation. Have you ever used a modular controller before, and if so, what features did [...]

source https://funfect.games/thrustmaster-eswap-x2-pro-controller-for-xbox-review/

Slowbiz not showbiz: How Playdate maker Panic avoided becoming a 'garbage' tech company


Panic, the creator of Playdate, is not your typical tech startup but a company that has been around for 25 years practicing “slowbiz” and playing the long game. Despite facing challenges and setbacks in bringing Playdate to life, Panic’s focus on building goodwill and making the right decisions has set them apart from other tech [...]

source https://funfect.games/slowbiz-not-showbiz-how-playdate-maker-panic-avoided-becoming-a-garbage-tech-company/

Horizon Forbidden West doesnt have ray tracing heres why


The Horizon Forbidden West PC port is packed with graphical goodies like resolution upscalers and frame generation tech, but lacks ray tracing due to artistic and technical challenges. Despite the omission, the game is still visually stunning. Could the decision to forgo ray tracing in favor of preserving the game’s artistic direction be a trend [...]

source https://funfect.games/horizon-forbidden-west-doesnt-have-ray-tracing-heres-why/

America Vs Apple. What's at stake and what could happen next?


The US Department of Justice has taken Apple to court, following the EU’s lead with the Digital Markets Act. The case aims to address Apple’s monopoly in the smartphone market and its restrictions on third-party apps and services. The DoJ’s actions are reminiscent of its previous case against Microsoft, which ultimately led to a more [...]

source https://funfect.games/america-vs-apple-whats-at-stake-and-what-could-happen-next/

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Tetris Reversed is unearthed after being forgotten for a decade | The DeanBeat


Today, Alexey Pajitnov and fellow developers discussed Tetris Reversed, a recently uncovered game in the Tetris series. The game features innovative gameplay mechanics and challenges players to think differently about the classic puzzle game. What other hidden gems might be waiting to be discovered in the world of video games? Read the Full Article

source https://funfect.games/tetris-reversed-is-unearthed-after-being-forgotten-for-a-decade-the-deanbeat/

Report: Overwatch 2 devs received 0% of profit-sharing bonuses this month


Overwatch 2 developers are not receiving any bonuses this March, possibly due to poor financial performance. This change in policy at Blizzard Entertainment reflects a shift towards franchise-specific incentives. How will this impact the motivation and morale of the development team, and what does it suggest about the future of Overwatch 2? Read the Full [...]

source https://funfect.games/report-overwatch-2-devs-received-0-of-profit-sharing-bonuses-this-month/

Friday, March 22, 2024

Wizards of the Coast Unveils Dungeons & Dragons' 50th Anniversary Plans


Dungeons & Dragons is celebrating its 50th anniversary with new books and products from Wizards of the Coast. The main attraction is Vecna: Eve of Ruin, a high-level campaign where players must stop the dark lich wizard Vecna. Other releases include Quests From the Infinite Staircase, a anthology of classic adventures, and revised core rulebooks [...]

source https://funfect.games/wizards-of-the-coast-unveils-dungeons-dragons-50th-anniversary-plans/

DOJ Launch Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple


Attorney General Merrick Garland has announced an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, alleging abuse of monopoly power to unfairly compete. The suit goes beyond what Epic Games claimed and covers banking, messaging, and more. This case highlights the importance of enforcing antitrust laws to protect consumers and promote fair competition. Do you believe Apple’s actions warrant [...]

source https://funfect.games/doj-launch-antitrust-lawsuit-against-apple/

How To Unlock Dragons Dogma 2s Hidden True Ending


Dragon’s Dogma 2 has multiple endings, with one being somewhat hidden and essential for the true conclusion of the story. To unlock the true ending, players must choose to face the dragon during the Legacy quest and use the Empowered Godsbane Blade on its heart. This will lead them to the Unmoored World and the [...]

source https://funfect.games/how-to-unlock-dragons-dogma-2s-hidden-true-ending/

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Here Be Dragons: Dragons Dogma 2 Comes to GeForce NOW


Two new exciting titles, Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Battlefield 2042: Season 7 Turning Point, have joined the GeForce NOW library this week. Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers players an immersive fantasy world where they can choose their own destiny and recruit powerful allies. What game are you most excited to play this weekend, and what draws [...]

source https://funfect.games/here-be-dragons-dragons-dogma-2-comes-to-geforce-now/

House passes bill that would bar data brokers from selling Americans' personal information to 'adversary' countries


The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill targeting data brokers’ ability to sell Americans’ personal data to “adversary” countries. This measure, along with a potential ban or sale of TikTok, aims to protect sensitive information from falling into the hands of countries like Russia and China. With increasing concerns over data privacy and national [...]

source https://funfect.games/house-passes-bill-that-would-bar-data-brokers-from-selling-americans-personal-information-to-adversary-countries/

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Avoiding the 'compliment sandwich:' Techniques for mentoring others in the art of level design


Christopher Totten highlighted the challenges of teaching level design to interns and juniors in both academic and studio settings, emphasizing the importance of clear goals, explicit feedback, and practical projects. His techniques, including Room Jams and setting three levels of growth, aim to help new designers refine their skills and develop good design habits. By [...]

source https://funfect.games/avoiding-the-compliment-sandwich-techniques-for-mentoring-others-in-the-art-of-level-design/

Prototype to Publish Unity Humble Bundle


The Prototype to Publish Unity Humble Bundle offers 20 Unity assets for $15 with no tiers and a limited one-week availability. The contents include a variety of assets such as character auras, low poly cats, and a customizable inventory system. As with all Humble Bundles, buyers can decide how their funds are allocated between Humble, [...]

source https://funfect.games/prototype-to-publish-unity-humble-bundle/

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Project Birdseye announced roguelike action game set in The Callisto Protocols Black Iron Prison


Publisher KRAFTON and developer Striking Distance Studios have announced Project Birdseye, a roguelike action game set in The Callisto Protocol’s Black Iron Prison. This new project is a fast-action roguelike experience that expands upon the world of The Callisto Protocol while offering something unique for players to enjoy. With a passion for roguelikes and a [...]

source https://funfect.games/project-birdseye-announced-roguelike-action-game-set-in-the-callisto-protocols-black-iron-prison/

Call of Duty Warzone: Mobile ready for battle with 50 million players on board


Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, eagerly awaited by over 50 million players, is set to launch on March 21, 2024, offering battle royale matches and classic modes. Despite a tumultuous route to market, the game is now ready for global release, thanks to the dedication of Activision’s development teams. As players anticipate the immersive experience, [...]

source https://funfect.games/call-of-duty-warzone-mobile-ready-for-battle-with-50-million-players-on-board/

Discord Launch Game Development SDK


Discord announced their move into game hosting with the launch of the Embedded App SDK, allowing game developers to create web applications that run in an iFrame in Discord. This enables developers to build multiplayer games and social experiences directly within the Discord client. But what does this mean for the future of game development [...]

source https://funfect.games/discord-launch-game-development-sdk/

Monday, March 18, 2024

HTCs Viveport rolls out a 90% revenue split in favor of developers


HTC is shaking up the gaming industry by offering developers a generous 90/10 revenue split on the Viveport store, surpassing other major storefronts like Steam and the PlayStation Store. This move aims to support developers and drive growth in the XR ecosystem. How will this new revenue split impact the future of game development and [...]

source https://funfect.games/htcs-viveport-rolls-out-a-90-revenue-split-in-favor-of-developers/

Steam sees record-breaking online user count could populate Canada


Steam, the most popular PC gaming service, has seen record-breaking numbers of users logging in recently, reaching over 36 million online at once. The rise in popularity may be attributed to an influx of players from China, but the exact reason remains unclear. As Steam continues to grow, it remains a key player in the [...]

source https://funfect.games/steam-sees-record-breaking-online-user-count-could-populate-canada/

European game sales strong in February thanks to Helldivers 2 | European Monthly Charts


In February 2024, 16.74 million video games were sold in Europe, showing a slight decline from the same five-week period in 2023. However, standout titles like Helldivers 2 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth made their mark in the charts. The console market saw a decrease in sales, with PS5 being the most resilient platform. What [...]

source https://funfect.games/european-game-sales-strong-in-february-thanks-to-helldivers-2-european-monthly-charts/

GameMasters Toolkit Unreal Unity & Godot Engine Humble Bundle


The GameMasters Toolkit Humble Bundle offers a wide range of assets and tutorials for game development in Unreal, Unity, and Godot engines. With tiers ranging from $1 to $25, it provides a comprehensive collection for game designers and developers to enhance their projects. How can these resources help aspiring game developers bring their ideas to [...]

source https://funfect.games/gamemasters-toolkit-unreal-unity-godot-engine-humble-bundle/

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Daily Deals: Resident Evil 4 MacBook Air M1 PS5 Slim


There are some great deals available for Sunday, March 17, including discounts on Resident Evil 4, Apple MacBook Air M1, PlayStation 5 Spider-Man 2 Bundle, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, God of War Ragnarok, and more. Whether you’re looking for a new game, a laptop, or a console, there’s something for everyone. What deals are you [...]

source https://funfect.games/daily-deals-resident-evil-4-macbook-air-m1-ps5-slim/

The Best Mario Ever Rise Of The Ronin And More Of The Week's Hottest Takes


In Rise of the Ronin, players are not only captivated by the game’s engaging swordplay, but also by the irresistible charm of hunting down and petting adorable cats scattered throughout the game world. This unique feline-hunting objective adds a new layer of enjoyment for cat lovers, showing how even the smallest details can enhance the [...]

source https://funfect.games/the-best-mario-ever-rise-of-the-ronin-and-more-of-the-weeks-hottest-takes/

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Horizon Forbidden West system requirements


Horizon Forbidden West system requirements vary depending on the level of graphics you want to play at, with the minimum requirements being more accessible on older hardware. However, to enjoy 4K gameplay, you’ll need top-of-the-line components like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. The demand for 16GB of RAM across all settings is notable and could [...]

source https://funfect.games/horizon-forbidden-west-system-requirements/

It took Starbucks a little too long to realize coffee NFTs aren't it


Starbucks is shutting down its Odyssey Web3 rewards program, which offered NFT collectibles to members. Despite its late entry into the NFT space, the program aimed to create a community through gamified rewards. However, with the decline in interest in NFTs, Starbucks has decided to close Odyssey. What does this move say about the future [...]

source https://funfect.games/it-took-starbucks-a-little-too-long-to-realize-coffee-nfts-arent-it/

Helldivers 2 is estimated to have sold 8 million copies (so far)


Helldivers 2 has sold over 8 million copies worldwide and continues to attract a large player base, making it one of the fastest-selling PlayStation 5 games. Its success can be credited to factors such as simultaneous PS5 and PC launch, affordable pricing, word of mouth marketing, and its unique cooperative gameplay experience. The game’s strictly [...]

source https://funfect.games/helldivers-2-is-estimated-to-have-sold-8-million-copies-so-far/

TerraBrush C# Based Terrain Add-On For Godot


TerraBrush is a C# based heightmap terrain system for Godot 4.x, filling the gap in the engine’s features. It allows for terrain sculpting, texture painting, foliage addition, water effects, and more. With shortcuts and custom brushes available, it offers a user-friendly experience for game developers. Considering the importance of terrain in game design, how do [...]

source https://funfect.games/terrabrush-c-based-terrain-add-on-for-godot/

Friday, March 15, 2024

MAGES. founding member Masaki Sakari to depart


After 18 years with the company, MAGES. producer Masaki Sakari has announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy of game development. His departure raises questions about the future of MAGES. and the impact Sakari has had on the industry. How will his absence be felt in the company, and what new direction may MAGES. take [...]

source https://funfect.games/mages-founding-member-masaki-sakari-to-depart/

Grab three free months of Game Pass with the Asus ROG Ally X

Best Buy is offering three free months of Game Pass with pre-orders of the Asus ROG Ally X, set to launch on July 22, 2024 for $799. The ha...