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### October’s Free PS Plus Games: Welcoming the Spooky Season

With the arrival of October, the autumn season ushers in cooler temperatures, vibrant leaves falling, and a surge of spooky celebrations. It’s a period marked by an influx of horror films and pumpkins dominating home decorations. For PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) subscribers, October signifies the introduction of new complimentary games. This month showcases titles that appeal to gamers with diverse tastes, including one that perfectly fits the Halloween vibe.

On September 30, PlayStation announced the lineup for its monthly games in October, which will be available to all PS Plus members starting from October 6. Once these titles are included in your library, they can be downloaded and played at any time, as long as you maintain an active PS Plus Essential, Extra, or Premium subscription.

#### October’s Game Lineup

Here’s what subscribers can anticipate this month:

– **F1 25** – Available on PS5
– **Hunt: Showdown 1896** – Available on PS5
– **Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2** – Available on PS4 and PS5

It’s essential to highlight that these games will be accessible for free only until November 2, after which a new selection of titles will replace them.

#### The Spooky Connection

While only **Hunt: Showdown 1896** invokes a chilling atmosphere fitting for Halloween, it stands out for players seeking a hint of spookiness. This PvPvE multiplayer shooter pits players against one another as well as against terrifying creatures, aligning it with the season’s theme. Conversely, both **F1 25** and **Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2**, though enjoyable, miss that quintessential horror aspect. This prompts the question for many regarding the absence of traditional horror titles in October’s offerings during this spooky season.

#### Why Players Should Grab the Titles

Despite the absence of a complete horror-themed selection, **Hunt: Showdown** is a compelling freebie that many gamers have wanted to try but may have been reluctant to purchase without friends. This chance to immerse oneself in a game rich in atmosphere, filled with daunting marshes and foreboding forests, could finally entice players to collaborate for cooperative or competitive gameplay.

Moreover, players should not forget to seize September’s free games, which feature **Sniper Elite: Resistance**, **MLB The Show 26**, **Wobbly Life**, and **Chained Echoes**, available to add to libraries until October 5.

### Conclusion

As the days become shorter and the nights resonate with the eerie sounds of autumn, this October delivers a blend of racing excitement and spooky multiplayer experiences to PS Plus subscribers. Whether you’re racing through tracks in **F1 25** or hunting for dark beings in **Hunt: Showdown**, there’s something for everyone to relish this month. Ensure you don’t miss out on these time-sensitive offerings as November approaches!

No More Heroes and Killer7 developers Grasshopper Manufacture have split from erstwhile parent company NetEase, founder Goichi “Suda51” Suda has announced. NetEase bought them back in 2021, as part of the acquisition of Gungho Online Entertainment. Now, they’re going indie. According to Suda, the change reflects “a strong desire to deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles to video game lovers everywhere”.

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**Microsoft’s Major Xbox Overhaul: A Pivotal Moment**

In recent months, Microsoft has initiated a major reorganization of its Xbox division, sparking speculation regarding the prospect of the gaming sector within the tech company. CEO Asha Sharma has been outspoken in refuting any plans to sell Xbox, declaring, “Xbox is not for sale.” This statement arises alongside reports indicating that extensive layoffs and structural shifts might hint at a potential divestiture or spin-off of the gaming division.

Traditionally, the Xbox division has been an incongruous element within Microsoft’s broader array of services, which predominantly emphasizes cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Despite the groundbreaking $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 intended to bolster Xbox’s stature, hardware sales have faltered, and the ambitious investment in Game Pass has not yielded the anticipated success. As a result, analysts have started to theorize whether Microsoft could contemplate divesting Xbox to enhance financial outcomes and concentrate on its primary enterprise services.

Insights from *The Information* earlier this year disclosed internal conversations regarding the viability of such a spin-off, potentially enabling Xbox to function as an autonomous subsidiary or through a partnership with another organization. This strategy could relieve financial pressures on Microsoft’s balance sheet by distancing it from the inherently hazardous and high-risk gaming industry.

Nonetheless, not all observers share a bleak outlook on the future of the Xbox division. While job cuts and a realignment of certain studios into Activision and Bethesda’s publishing divisions imply a retreat, these actions could equally signify a strategic reassessment for long-term benefits. The choice to essentially reconstruct legendary franchises like Halo from the foundation may defer short-term profits, but it reflects a dedication to rejuvenating Microsoft’s gaming portfolio.

Microsoft’s stance indicates a willingness to maintain its trajectory, with Sharma reaffirming the company’s long-term objectives. She highlighted that the emphasis will be on cultivating suitable partnerships and identifying an operational framework that maximally supports Xbox’s achievements.

As the gaming industry’s landscape continues to change, Microsoft’s actions will be under close examination, balancing immediate financial considerations against the quest for groundbreaking gaming experiences. The path forward for Xbox remains unclear, but with leadership reiterating a long-term plan, the future of Microsoft’s gaming division will certainly be one to monitor closely.

A little bit of extra waiting is in order for Crimson Desert‘s first proper expansion, Charting the Unknown. Originally set to arrive midway through October, it’s now been moved back by a couple of weeks to allow for some extra fine-tuning of the thousand or so funky open world activities devs Pearl Abyss have jammed into it.

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**The Remarkable Auction of the Raincoat Pikachu Card: An Examination of the Pokémon TCG Economy**

In the past few years, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) economy has experienced an extraordinary increase in worth, enchanting both collectors and investors. One of the most remarkable occurrences in this trend happened when a “Raincoat Pikachu” card secured an astounding $8.4 million at auction, ranking as the second most costly Pokémon card ever traded. This incident has ignited conversations regarding the rarity, demand, and pricing of Pokémon cards within a market that seems unstable and enigmatic.

### Background of the Raincoat Pikachu Card

The Raincoat Pikachu card, created by Y. Fujishima, was part of a contest associated with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS game, *Pokémon Art Academy*, in 2015. Contest winners received 100 copies of their unique cards, which were never released for public sale. This limited supply inherently boosts the card’s worth, establishing it as one of the scarcest Pokémon cards available.

### Analyzing Rarity and Worth

Historically, the Pokémon TCG economy has been influenced by older cards, especially those from the 1990s, recognized for their scarcity and significance. For example, the PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu card was sold for $16.5 million at the beginning of 2023, setting a standard for high-value cards. This card stands in stark contrast to the Raincoat Pikachu regarding its original print run—The Illustrator Pikachu has roughly 39 to 41 existing copies, with only one graded as a flawless PSA 10.

In comparison, reports indicate that there are currently 57 copies of the Raincoat Pikachu in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition. This abundance of graded cards should theoretically hinder the Raincoat Pikachu from reaching prices close to its more historically significant equivalent.

### Latest Price Movements

In spite of its rarity, the value of the Raincoat Pikachu has seen considerable ups and downs. Before the record-breaking auction, earlier sales of the same card had occurred for considerably lower sums, with prices in early 2023 around $156,250 and soaring to about $79,999 just weeks prior to the auction. Such irregularities raise doubts about the authenticity and factors influencing the recent auction price.

### The Auction Process

The auction for the Raincoat Pikachu card was conducted on the Fanatics Collect platform, which has established itself as a major contender in the collectibles sector following its takeover of PWCC Marketplace. Bidding for this particular card generated 64 bids, indicating significant interest. However, considering that other auction venues had sold the same card for merely a fraction of this amount, the 5,340-percent surge in value within three months is perplexing to collectors and analysts alike.

### Market Issues and Theories

Concerns regarding inflated valuations in collectibles, especially in the Pokémon TCG market, are justified. With variations in auctions and reported lower sales underscoring potential discrepancies, doubts arise about the authenticity of such high-priced transactions. Additionally, the existence of low-value listings around the same time further complicates the comprehension of the card’s true market worth.

### Final Thoughts

The $8.4 million auction of the Raincoat Pikachu card has shed light on both the stresses and anomalies of the Pokémon TCG economy. Although the rarity of a card can significantly alter its worth, the overall price fluctuations question the current appraisal methodologies used in collectible trading. As collectors, investors, and enthusiasts remain intrigued by the unfolding story of the Pokémon TCG, the demand for transparency and accurate evaluations becomes increasingly crucial in navigating this shifting terrain.

Where to find the Dungeon Portal in Slayers 2.

The post Slayers 2 Dungeons [How to Unlock, Dungeon Points, and Cards] appeared first on Gamezebo.

My very soul has been cleft into pieces on this day. January 3rd, 902 AD. First, my Christian faith fractured in twain. I stand in Rome, head of the Roman Rite and now the leader of the Catholic world. My neighbours to the east have chosen to walk a different path, transforming their Greek Rite into a new Orthodoxy followed by the Byzantine Empire.

It’s a brave new world in Crusader Kings 3‘s By God Alone expansion, made even tougher to face by the three additional wounds I gained right at the moment of the split. All three of my wives have divorced me, serving their papers within seconds of each other. Taken alongside the betrothal that my fourth wife-to-be broke not too long before the schism, it really stings. Sure, I’m the Pope and thus should be celibately devoting myself to God, but a breakup’s a breakup. It’s not all consecrated bread and wine when you’ve managed to end up on Wikipedia’s list of sexually active popes thanks to an utterly hilarious bug.

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### Star Fox for Switch 2: Recent Update and Future Prospects

In a thrilling development for enthusiasts of the cherished series, the latest update for Star Fox on the Switch 2 has brought forth a multitude of improvements aimed at rekindling interest in the game. Released just last night, version 1.2.0 features new stages and enhancements for battle mode, enriching the entire gameplay experience.

#### New Features and Gameplay Enhancements

The newest update introduces three major stages—Katina, Sector X, and Venom—to the battle mode, which allows players to partake in combat across these legendary locations. One of the standout enhancements is the addition of 4-player split-screen capability for battle mode on a single Switch 2 console. This feature sets the stage for more engaging multiplayer experiences, enabling friends to contest against each other locally.

Furthermore, the update has enhanced lobby functionality; lobbies will now persist even if the host disconnects, providing a more fluid multiplayer experience. New items will also appear during battles, incorporating layers of strategy and excitement for players.

For those prioritizing the single-player campaign, the update improves a vital gameplay element by offering clearer visual indicators when bosses are sustaining damage. This enhancement makes it much easier to recognize when players strike vulnerable areas during boss encounters, boosting overall combat awareness.

#### Market Performance and Positioning

Despite Fox McCloud’s recent appearance in the blockbuster Mario Galaxy Movie, the remake didn’t achieve prominent sales upon its launch. Speculations indicate that it may find it challenging to gain momentum, especially with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time currently available at retail, which is priced at $50 for a digital edition featuring a campaign under two hours long.

The updates may increase interest as we near the holiday period, but it remains uncertain whether these improvements will significantly influence sales.

#### Looking Ahead: New Developments

Current speculation points towards the potential development of a new Star Fox game, indicating that fans may soon enjoy a more expansive adventure featuring Fox and his allies. Until such a title is officially unveiled, players can relive classic experiences like Star Fox Adventures, which became available through Switch Online earlier this summer.

With these updates, Nintendo aims to revive the enthusiasm for Star Fox, ensuring that it continues to be a key player in the gaming arena, even amidst fierce competition from other franchises.

The best teams for one of the best DPS Aniimo.

The post Aniimo Irisalis Teams [Best Builds] appeared first on Gamezebo.

Arc Raiders developers Embark heavily underestimated the challenges of creating a full-blown live service game, executive producer Aleksander Grøndal has conceded in a new interview. The extraction shooter launched with an ambition for monthly post-release updates that ultimately proved untenable, resulting in an exhausted and unhappy team who were “constantly overshooting our capacity”.

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