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“Exploring Avowed: A Deeper Look at Its Unique Features and Gameplay Experience”

While I’m not going to argue that Obsidian’s fantasy RPG matches the depth of the genre’s topline measuring sticks, your Baldur’s Gates, your Witchers, your New Vegases, it did provide me a good time in 2025. I found the world of Eora – with its mushrooms, sprawling coastlines, dense forests, arid deserts, and more mushrooms – colourful and varied enough to whet my appetite for exploration. Combat was satisfying enough that I looked forward to each opportunity to whip out my trusty blunderbuss and characters were engaging enough that hanging out with them in camp was a pleasant way to while away evenings.

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Jim Ward, the voice behind Captain Qwark in Ratchet & Clank, has died at the age of 66.

**Jim Ward: A Tribute to the Voice of Captain Qwark**

Jim Ward, commonly known as James Kevin Ward, was a renowned voice actor and radio host whose impact on the entertainment field was profound. He is best known for his portrayal of the loudmouthed antihero Captain Qwark in the cherished video game franchise *Ratchet & Clank*. Regrettably, it was reported that Ward passed away at the age of 66, according to sources such as *PushSquare*.

Ward achieved significant fame as a co-host on the nationally broadcast talk radio show, *The Stephanie Miller Show*. Nevertheless, it is his depiction of Captain Qwark that cemented his standing in the gaming world. The character, known for his over-the-top bravado and humorous clumsiness, was expertly brought to life by Ward, making him a striking antagonist and later a comically ineffective ally throughout the *Ratchet & Clank* series.

In addition to his legendary role in *Ratchet & Clank*, Jim Ward provided his voice for a multitude of other video game characters and appeared in various television series and films. He is well remembered for characters such as Doug Dimmadome and Chet Ubetcha in *The Fairly OddParents*, and his adaptability as a voice actor was evident in parts like Hector LeMans in *Grim Fandango*. Ward’s voice also echoed in many popular franchises, including several *Star Wars* games, *FEAR* as Rodney Betters, and pivotal roles in *Diablo III*, *Metal Gear Solid 3*, *Batman: Arkham Knight*, and *BioShock 2*, among numerous others.

In 2021, Jim Ward stepped back from voice acting due to the combined effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and complications from a severe COVID-19 case, which resulted in paralysis for several months. Despite facing significant health difficulties, including memory loss, Ward continued to entertain his family with his voice talents. Unfortunately, he was unable to reprise his role as Captain Qwark in *Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart*, where he was replaced by voice actor Scott Whyte. Nonetheless, Ward’s voice continued to appear in titles such as *The Elder Scrolls Online*’s *Gold Road* expansion and the remaster of *The Thing*.

The news of Ward’s passing was shared by his former radio partner, Stephanie Miller, who conveyed a touching message from Ward’s wife, Janice. The message stated, “Our wonderful ‘voice deity’ as Steph anointed Jim Ward, passed away today at 10:45 AM.” This moving note captured the profound sense of loss experienced by many.

Jim Ward’s legacy endures through the laughter and happiness he brought to fans across multiple platforms. He will be lovingly remembered not only as the voice of Captain Qwark but as an extraordinary talent whose contributions enhanced the lives of many. We offer our condolences to his surviving family and friends during this trying time. Rest in peace, Jim Ward.

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The Game Awards Charges Over $1 Million for Three-Minute Trailer Slots, with One Minute Costing Nearly Half

Publishers and studios who want to show off their games during the main show at a Keighleyfest usually have to pay a not small chunk of change for the privilege. According to a fresh report from Kotaku which aims to deliver the latest figures for a couple of different trailer lengths at this year’s Game Awards, those handing over the cash are now looking at paying seven figures for a three-minute showing of their game.

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Govee LED Gaming Light Bars Now Offered at Lowest Price, Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

### Enhance Your Gaming Experience with Govee’s Smart Gaming Light Bars

If you’ve put your money into a robust gaming PC, a high-definition screen, and a captivating audio system, but still sense a gap, think about boosting your arrangement with smart lighting. The appropriate lighting can revolutionize your gaming atmosphere, crafting a setting that aligns with your in-game movements and elevates the entire experience. Govee, a pioneer in smart lighting innovations, presents an excellent solution with its gaming light bars, now offered at a reduced price on Amazon.

#### Current Deal

The Govee smart gaming light bars, which usually sell for $90, are now priced at $55—providing you a 39% savings. This deal is simple; no promo codes are required, and the discount is applied automatically at checkout. Both Prime and non-Prime members are eligible for free shipping, ensuring you receive your lights in time for festive gatherings, perfect for those gaming nights with friends. However, as this is the lowest price since the product’s debut, it’s prudent to act swiftly before supplies deplete.

#### Engaging Gaming Experience

These stylish light bars are crafted to sit elegantly on either side of your desk, offering customizable lighting with a palette of 16.8 million colors. With over 60 preset scene modes organized by emotion, games, celebrations, and humor, you can easily modify your lighting to suit any mood. Whether you enjoy vibrant hues during action-filled gaming moments or gentle shades during relaxed evenings, Govee’s light bars accommodate every event.

A notable feature is the capability to synchronize the lights with audio from your speakers or headphones. This interactive function allows the light bars to respond to the sounds from your computer, fostering an immersive experience that pulls you deeper into the gameplay or movie scenes. For example, during a dramatic moment in your favorite show or during intense gameplay in competitive titles, the lights can substantially heighten your emotional involvement.

#### Easy-to-Use Controls

Govee’s smart desktop dial elevates convenience, allowing you to modify brightness, switch modes, and turn the bars on and off without reaching for your phone. This feature is especially useful during gaming sessions, where sustaining concentration is vital. Additionally, the light bars are compatible with voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling you to make changes simply by speaking—perfect for keeping gameplay uninterrupted.

### Final Thoughts

The Govee smart gaming light bars are a remarkable enhancement to any gaming environment, offering flexibility, customization, and an engaging experience. With their present discounted price of $55 on Amazon, now is the ideal opportunity to elevate your gaming space. Move quickly to ensure you don’t miss this limited-time deal.

For more information and to finalize your purchase, click [here](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6322/).

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Upcoming Campaign DLC for The Sins of a Solar Empire 2 to be Released in Coming Years, Developers Emphasize Commitment to Quality

When Sins of a Solar Empire 2 launched from early access in September 2024, its premium edition and content pass promised something no other game in the series had delivered: a singleplayer campaign.

The Times of War DLC would for the first time give you an authored story and set of missions for each faction. Originally announced for release in “Fall 2025”, there are players of the series who have waited nearly 20 years for this, and they’re still waiting because there’s no sign of the DLC yet. Nor Harbinger, the expansion bringing a fourth playable race to Sins of a Solar Empire 2.

“They’re definitely still on the road map,” development lead Brian Clair tells me, “but we’ve shifted them around a bit.”

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Skyrim on Switch 2: 53GB File Size, 30FPS Limit, and Claims of Notable Input Lag

**The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch 2: An Unsatisfactory Port**

On Tuesday, Bethesda unveiled the much-awaited port of *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Anniversary Edition* for the Nintendo Switch 2, creating a buzz among fans of the beloved RPG. This latest iteration aims to elevate the experience previously offered on the original Switch. However, initial feedback suggests that while visual enhancements are evident, various performance issues and high storage demands leave players feeling disappointed.

When *Skyrim* launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2017, it was an impressive feat, demonstrating Bethesda’s capability to rework its extensive open-world RPG for a portable device. The adaptability of the Nintendo Switch enabled players to traverse the expansive realms of Tamriel while traveling. With the introduction of *Skyrim* on Switch 2, hopes were elevated for advancements on the robust new system. Graphically, the game does present improvements in model fidelity and textures, resembling updates seen in other platforms’ Anniversary Edition versions.

Nonetheless, severe issues affect this port. A major concern is the performance frame rate, which remains capped at 30 frames per second (FPS). In stark opposition, the game operates at 60FPS or more on the majority of other gaming systems. Players have voiced their frustrations on social media and forums, questioning why a nearly 12-year-old title has not taken advantage of technological progress. To make matters worse, reports suggest that the Switch 2 version experiences significant input lag, particularly in handheld mode, causing many to describe the gaming experience as almost unplayable.

Adding to the concerns of players is the astounding storage requirement of the Skyrim port on Switch 2. The game consumes a staggering 53 GB of space, notably more than its PC version, where the Special Edition occupies just 12 GB and the full Anniversary Edition needs only 25 GB. In comparison, *Skyrim* on Xbox Series X/S has a digital file size of around 32 GB. The cause of such an inflated size on Switch 2 remains uncertain, fueling speculation about potential miscalculations or issues surrounding the interaction of Bethesda’s older technology with the system’s architecture. This unusual circumstance raises further inquiries, especially when considering that *Cyberpunk 2077*, also available on Switch 2, requires just about 60 GB, yet operates at a higher frame rate and looks visually superior.

In summary, while the announcement of *Skyrim – Anniversary Edition* for Nintendo Switch 2 was met with excitement, the actual execution has fallen short of expectations. Bethesda is recognized for releasing updates and patches to enhance its games post-launch, which leaves some players optimistic for forthcoming fixes to improve performance and usability. Until such updates are made available, potential purchasers might want to approach this version of *Skyrim* with caution.