Tag: video games

  • GTA 6 trailer release date finally revealed after two years of speculation 

    GTA 6 trailer release date finally revealed after two years of speculation 

    After almost two years of anticipation and speculation, Rockstar Games has finally unveiled a major gaming announcement that could arguably be the most significant of the year. The release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, also known as GTA 6, has been revealed in a highly anticipated trailer. 

    For the first time since leaks emerged in 2022, fans will now get the chance to delve into the details of the upcoming GTA edition. Previous leaks offered glimpses into the game’s development and introduced some new features Rockstar was experimenting with. However, given the substantial amount of time that has passed, it’s expected that many aspects of the game have evolved. 

    The revelation about the release date came from Rockstar Games’ official X account, which shared an image featuring a pink and orange sky adorned with palm trees, reminiscent of the Vice City aesthetic. The accompanying text on the image reads, “Trailer 1. Tuesday, December 5. 9 AM ET,” indicating the probable date and time for the release of the GTA 6 trailer. For viewers in India, the trailer is scheduled to be released at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. 

    According to HT Tech, the announcement has brought immense joy to fans worldwide, becoming one of the most popular posts by Rockstar Games on X, accumulating 1.5 million likes and 421,000 retweets, along with 58,000 comments. 

    In a November post on the Rockstar Newswire, the publishers disclosed their decision to release the trailer for the forthcoming GTA game in early December. They expressed their excitement, stating, “We are very excited to let you know that in early December, we will release the first trailer for the next Grand Theft Auto.” 

    The post also conveyed gratitude to players worldwide for their incredible support, emphasising that the opportunity to create games they are truly passionate about wouldn’t be possible without the fans. They thanked everyone for sharing the journey with them. 

  • PS5 goes portable: Sony introduces PlayStation Portal for on-the-go gaming

    PS5 goes portable: Sony introduces PlayStation Portal for on-the-go gaming

    Sony is set to introduce a new addition to its gaming lineup later this year with the official launch of the portable PlayStation device, the PlayStation Portal remote player.

    This handheld gadget is designed to enable seamless streaming of PS5 games over Wi-Fi, boasting an impressive eight-inch LCD screen that supports a crystal-clear 1080p resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second. For eager gamers, the PlayStation Portal is anticipated to hit the market later this year, accompanied by a price tag of $199.99.

    Hideaki Nishino, the senior vice president of platform experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, elaborated on the innovative features of the PlayStation Portal. He emphasised that the device will facilitate a remote connection to the PS5 through Wi-Fi, granting players the convenience of swiftly transitioning between gaming on their PS5 and the PlayStation Portal.

    With compatibility to play supported games installed on the PS5 console and the utilisation of the DualSense controller, the PlayStation Portal promises an immersive gaming experience beyond traditional boundaries.

    Drawing design inspiration from Sony’s acclaimed PS5 DualSense controllers, the PlayStation Portal showcases prominent controllers on both sides. These controllers boast adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, ensuring that the gameplay experience mirrors the sensation of using a dedicated DualSense controller.

    Beyond gaming, the PlayStation Portal extends its capabilities to media playback, offering a dedicated section on the homescreen that mirrors content from the PS5. However, it’s important to note that local execution of applications is not supported, making a Wi-Fi connection a prerequisite for usage.

    Regrettably, the PlayStation Portal lacks Bluetooth functionality, which means that wireless headphones and Sony’s Pulse 3D headset cannot be paired with it. Instead, Sony has introduced the proprietary PlayStation Link wireless technology, designed to provide low-latency, lossless audio transmission. In response to this, Sony is also launching a range of wireless headsets and earbuds that are compatible with PlayStation Link technology.

    Although these can be used with a PS5 through a USB adapter, there are indications that future PS5 models, potentially including a rumoured “Slim” version, could seamlessly integrate the PlayStation Link standard. Notably, third-party manufacturers will also have the opportunity to incorporate the PlayStation Link standard into their products. As a nod to versatility, the PlayStation Portal features a 3.5mm headphone jack to accommodate wired audio preferences.

    Intriguingly, details regarding the battery size of the PlayStation Portal remain unconfirmed. This leaves us eagerly anticipating the announcement of its battery life, which is projected to be in the ballpark of the DualSense controller’s runtime—approximately seven to nine hours, according to sources.

    The PlayStation Portal, previously codenamed Project Q, was unveiled under its official name in May. Although a specific release date remains undisclosed, the device is rumoured to make its market debut in November. As the anticipation builds, the PlayStation community can look forward to the upcoming launch of the PlayStation Portal, available at a competitive price of $199.99.

  • Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 4: Map changes, weapons, and release date revealed

    The conclusion of Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3 is on the horizon, marking the end of this exhilarating “wild” season. As fans prepare to bid farewell to the current season, anticipation grows for the upcoming Season 4.

    Expectations are high for Chapter 4 of Season 4, with promises of significant changes to the map, new weapons, captivating skins, and various exciting additions to the immensely popular battle royale game, Fortnite.

    However, this exciting transition also comes with a downside. Epic Games, the developer, is preparing for the grand unveiling of the new season, which means an extended period of server downtime.

    In the lead-up to the new season, Epic has been teasing its dedicated fan base. The latest hint strongly suggests that TikTok sensation Khaby Lame will be receiving his very own unique Fortnite skin, marking an unexpected crossover between the gaming world and social media.

    This revelation was cleverly teased across Fortnite’s official Twitter account and Khaby Lame’s social media profiles.

    For those eagerly anticipating the start of the next Fortnite era, we have meticulously crafted a comprehensive guide that covers key details about the new season’s launch. This guide includes the confirmed launch date, start time, server maintenance schedule, and more.

    Epic Games has officially announced that the server downtime for the Fortnite: Chapter 4 Season 4 update will begin on Friday, August 25th, at 2 AM ET, 6 AM UTC, and 7 AM BST.

    During this downtime, players will be prompted to download and install a fresh patch update specifically designed for Chapter 4 of Season 4.

    As is their tradition, Epic Games has not disclosed the exact duration of the server downtime for new Fortnite updates. The length of time can vary depending on the scope of the update and any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the maintenance process.

    Based on historical patterns, Fortnite servers are typically restored within a span of 2 to 3 hours. Assuming this holds true, the curtain will likely rise on Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 4 around 5 AM ET, 9 AM UTC, and 10 AM BST on Friday, August 25th.

    However, it’s important to note that the downtime period could be extended if unexpected issues arise.

  • From streaming to gaming: Netflix starts testing games on TVs and computers

    From streaming to gaming: Netflix starts testing games on TVs and computers

    Netflix is expanding its gaming initiative by testing games on a wider range of devices, including TVs and computers, in addition to mobile phones. The initial testing is starting in Canada and the United Kingdom, with select subscribers getting to try out games on their TVs. Two games, “Oxenfree” and “Molehew’s Mining Adventure,” will be part of this test phase.

    For TV gaming, the games will be available on devices from partners like Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, LG, Nvidia Shield, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs. Notably absent is the Apple TV. More devices will be supported in the future.

    Netflix recently launched an iPhone game controller app that connects to TV-based games through a QR code displayed on the Netflix app.

    Gaming on PCs and Macs will use keyboard and mouse controls.

    During the beta phase, Netflix aims to refine its game-streaming technology and improve the user experience.

    According to Tech Crunch, Mike Verdu, Netflix’s VP of Games, emphasises the company’s excitement about expanding gaming to more devices while acknowledging the early stage of their gaming journey.

    Netflix’s move into gaming was hinted at last year, along with the establishment of a gaming studio in Southern California.

    Verdu clarifies that Netflix’s gaming approach differs from traditional platforms like PlayStation and Xbox, focusing on a unique business model for seamless gaming.

    In the upcoming year, Netflix plans to launch a total of 40 games, with 16 from their in-house studios and 70 more in partnership with developers. Since starting in gaming in 2021, Netflix has already released 70 mobile titles.

  • Kid spends over Rs 2.5 million on video game from mother’s credit card

    A six-year-old boy in the United States who loves playing video games spent nearly $16,000 (Rs 2570393) from his mother’s credit card to buy additional features on his favourite video game Sonic Forces.

    According to reports, Jessica discovered that the transactions worth $16,000 were made in July when her son had started using the iPad for his games and bought add-ons on the games.

    Some of the major transactions were made on July 8 when her son made purchases worth $2,500 on a single day.

    Unaware of the financial burden of her son’s virtual shopping over the month of July, his mother registered fraud claims after she saw that Apple and Paypal were withdrawing huge sums of money from her account.

    However, it was only in October that she got to know that the charges were hers and she needed to get in touch with Apple.

    On blaming Apple, she said that her son did not understand that the money was real.

  • Police arrest man for blackmailing kids into sending sexually explicit videos using PUBG, 8 Ball Pool

    Police arrest man for blackmailing kids into sending sexually explicit videos using PUBG, 8 Ball Pool

    Police arrested a man who used online games such as PUBG and 8 Ball Pool to blackmail children into sending sexually explicit videos.

    As per reports, the man was arrested after an operation in Jamshoro.

    The deputy director of the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, Mohammad Iqbal, said several pornographic and sexually explicit videos were recovered from the suspect during the search. A first information report (FIR) has been registered against him as well, he added.

    The man PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and multiplayer video game 8 Ball Pool to befriend children.

    The FIA official said the suspect also used to ask for sexually explicit videos from children by attracting them with offers of giving them PUBG’s in-game currency, G-Coins. 

    “In the past, the culprit had forced some children into sending him videos of their families, after which he would blackmail them,” he added.

    The parents of one of the kids had earlier requested the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and filed a case against him.

    The alleged paedophile has cyber-abused and threatened children from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab along with their families, the FIA official said.

    The criminal investigation and cybercrime agency was also investigating the sale of pornographic videos by the suspect.

  • Ministry of Science and Tech to introduce a video games certification programme

    Ministry of Science and Tech to introduce a video games certification programme

    Federal Minister of Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, announced a special programme of animation and video games certification to encourage young people to be part of the multi-billion dollar gaming industry.

    The minister said that they are looking to make people a part of the $900 million programming industry. He said that this new programme is especially targeted at those uninterested in studying and looking into video game development instead. According to him, the certification program should prove to be a “game-changer” for many. The tweet does not reveal any details, but since the Minister talks about Smartphone games, we can expect the program to lean more towards phone apps and games.

    The new initiative will be providing animation and video games certification programmes to young people in order to boost the local gaming industry.

  • Teenager spends over Rs 200,000 of grandfather’s pension on PUBG

    Teenager spends over Rs 200,000 of grandfather’s pension on PUBG

    A 15-year-old Indian boy spent more than 200,000 Indian rupees (INR) from his grandfather’s bank account on Player Unknown’s Battleground (PUBG). The boy reportedly used the money from his grandfather’s pension account on the game’s in-app purchases.

    For the unacquainted, in PUBG you require something known as UC (Unknown Cash) to buy skins, crates, and other in-game items. UC can be bought through in-app purchases, a known feature within the game.

    The matter came to light when the boy’s 65-year-old grandfather received a text message from his bank that only INR 275 was left in his account in May. He immediately filed a complaint at a police station, suspecting fraud.

    A few months later, his complaint was transferred to the Cyber Cell Hub that traced the user of the funds back to the man’s grandson. The teenager had used the money for in-game purchases without even telling his grandfather.

    Read more – PUBG to add Chitral National Park, Badshahi Mosque, Noor Mahal, Clock Tower in maps

    The amount had been transferred from the account to a Paytm wallet through OTP, which belongs to a 23-year-old man named Pankaj Kumar who confessed that his friend had been using the wallet. The friend turned out to the complainant’s grandson.

    The boy told that he started playing the game only this January. He confessed that he used his grandfather’s pension for in-app purchases. He also confessed that he had deleted the OTP text messages from his grandfather’s phone.

    No legal action was taken against the teenager as his grandfather decided not to proceed with the complaint. 

  • Coronavirus: Online video game site Steam reports 20 million spike in users

    Coronavirus: Online video game site Steam reports 20 million spike in users

    As coronavirus outbreak has forced people to stay at home and self-isolate themselves, the gaming platform Steam had a record number of players online from all over the world this weekend.

    According to their data, over 20 million gamers connected at the same time. The highest single peak in terms of players was on Sunday afternoon when 20,312,000 players all connected at the same time – the most in its 16 year history. Out of the 20 million users logged on to the steam app on Sunday, nearly 6.4 million of them were actively playing a game.

    According to Mail Online, it’s a notable peak for the platform as it didn’t coincide with any major gaming release – unlike previous usage peaks. It has been put down to countries going into lockdown and people into self-isolation as a result of coronavirus. With major sporting events cancelled, gatherings of large groups banned and pubs beginning to close – people are looking for ways to pass the time indoors.

    In Italy, public life has also come to a complete halt as schools, restaurants, theatres and gyms have shut down indefinitely. As a result, Telecome Italia SpA’s national network registered a surge of more than 70 % of internet traffic over its landline network, with a major contribution from online gaming such as ‘Fortnite’ and ‘Call of Duty’.