Video game news in review: The biggest news from the week of March 14, 2025
At SXSW 2025, a comprehensive discussion on “Death Stranding 2: On The Beach” revealed unexpected insights that surpassed our initial expectations.
At SXSW 2025, a comprehensive discussion on “Death Stranding 2: On The Beach” revealed unexpected insights that surpassed our initial expectations.
Atelier experienced a significant boost when the Ryza trilogy was released for the Nintendo Switch, selling out multiple times. This series struck a chord with many people, even though it retained traditional aspects and had intricate, system-focused gameplay. With this newfound success, developer Gust decided to branch out by introducing real-time (or nearly real-time) combat mechanics, making an effort to widen their audience. They also focused on enhancing the crafting aspect of the game. A notable change was transitioning from zoned environments to open world-style exploration, similar to Monster Hunter. Atelier Yumia is a clear reflection of this new direction in every way.
2025 has started on a shaky note for the world’s largest cryptocurrency. BTC is down over 10% year-to-date (YTD), falling from approximately $94,000 on January 1 to around $84,000 at the time of writing. On the flip side, gold has surged nearly 13% in the same period.
Beginning in July 2023, SAG-AFTRA actors have been on strike, pushing for stronger protections against AI, better compensation, and increased transparency regarding their performances. Although studios assert they’ve proposed a 15% wage hike plus enhanced health and safety conditions, the union expresses concerns about significant gaps in the proposals. A primary worry is that companies might employ previous recordings to create AI performances without prior approval. Actors are also anxious about losing control over their digital images and seek fair remuneration for multiple projects. In the absence of stricter legislation, performers may find themselves completely replaced by AI.
Streaming now on Apple TV+, the captivating first two episodes of “Dope Thief” offer a compelling narrative. The series has proven to be exceptional, with its character development standing out notably. Similar to critically acclaimed drug-themed shows like “Breaking Bad,” “Narcos,” and “Ozark,” this show kicks off with a riveting start, hinting at even more intriguing twists to come. The initial scene introduces us to Ray and Manny, and their rapport is instantly engaging. Although their specific past remains unknown, the way they interact suggests a history that spans years, and the acting brings every moment of it to life convincingly.
According to the recent update on the TWID blog by Bungie, they plan to reduce the power of The Closing Time perk in an upcoming software update.
With an increasing number of AAA games tailored for handheld devices, such as the forthcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Valve is placing greater emphasis on hardware development. Although it may be some time before we see a Steam Deck 2, and the company aims to avoid frequent updates, Valve remains optimistic about the future of hardware technology.
One intriguing aspect about the Elden Ring board game is that it has undergone extensive refinement during its Kickstarter campaign spanning the past couple of years. The feedback thus far mirrors that of the video game, indicating that it’s engaging, entertaining, and unyieldingly tough.
Financed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film additionally showcases music composed by him. Praising the soundtrack, a user exclaimed, “If you are a fan of Yuvan and can’t make it to his concert, this movie is a fantastic treat for you!