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Amazon Multiplayer Game Misses Player Expectations Dramatically, Reaching Merely One-Tenth of Desired Engagement
Amazon Multiplayer Game Misses Player Expectations Dramatically, Reaching Merely One-Tenth of Desired Engagement
6:43 am

**King of Meat: Glowmade’s Challenges and Impending Job Cuts**

Developer Glowmade is preparing for major shifts in the upcoming year, as reports reveal that the studio intends to lay off “approximately a dozen individuals” at the start of next year. This choice follows the release of their multiplayer party game, *King of Meat*, which debuted on Steam just two months ago but has struggled to achieve essential player engagement metrics. Originally targeting a concurrent player base of 100,000, the game reached a peak of only 320 players on PC, failing to sustain even 1,000 players across all platforms.

Numerous developers from Glowmade have recently turned to LinkedIn to declare their pursuit of new job prospects. Glowmade, a studio located in the U.K., launched *King of Meat* in October with support from Amazon Game Studios. Conversations regarding potential layoffs started in early December, despite prior assurances from management that the studio had “the runway to keep going.”

Amazon Game Studios first revealed in 2021 its collaboration with Glowmade to enhance its publishing initiatives, focusing on an investment in what was characterized as “exciting new IP.” At that time, Glowmade had a team consisting of 25 staff members, reflecting their aim to develop innovative gaming experiences.

Even with a substantial marketing push surrounding *King of Meat*, which included a notable appearance with the animated version of Geoff Keighley at Gamescom 2024 and a prominent video from content creator MrBeast, the game has not gained lasting traction. The promotional activities, which featured a large-scale event with many content creators and a considerable cash prize, ultimately did not convert into ongoing player interest, as evidenced by the game’s recent 24-hour peak on Steam being just 23 players.

In conclusion, Glowmade’s *King of Meat*, despite lofty ambitions and ample marketing resources, has not connected with players as anticipated. The forthcoming layoffs herald a tough time for the studio as it reevaluates its strategies and course after the game’s underwhelming launch. With the gaming community observing closely, it remains uncertain how Glowmade will steer through this challenging environment and what the future entails for its development initiatives.

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McDonald's Pulls AI Holiday Commercial After Significant Backlash
McDonald’s Pulls AI Holiday Commercial After Significant Backlash
5:33 am

**McDonald’s AI-Created Christmas Advertisement: A Disputed Holiday Promo**

Earlier this month, McDonald’s Netherlands unveiled a Christmas advertisement produced with AI generation tools that swiftly attracted negative feedback online. The ad, designed to connect with audiences during the festive season, showcased various AI-generated scenes highlighting the less favorable experiences tied to the celebrations. Regrettably, its execution was lacking, resulting in its ultimate withdrawal following public outrage.

This move into AI marketing by McDonald’s mirrors a similar experiment by Coca-Cola, which also ventured into AI-generated ads. The Christmas commercial sought to offer a humorous perspective on the difficulties of the holiday season but ultimately fell short due to its evident dependence on artificial intelligence, which diminished the overall viewing pleasure.

The advertisement was first shared on platforms like YouTube, but after facing considerable backlash, the fast-food chain removed it entirely from the web. Before its deletion, McDonald’s had already turned off comments on the ad to limit negative reactions.

The studio behind the advertisement, Sweetshop, asserted that they devoted seven weeks to meticulously crafting the project, utilizing a broad range of advanced methods and technologies. In a now-removed statement, the studio detailed their complex process, which included the use of Google Earth plates, style transfer, and extensive editing in an effort to produce what they deemed a top-tier cinematic experience.

Despite their assertions of purposeful artistry behind the AI-generated material, many viewers deemed the final output unattractive and disjointed. The combination of highly advanced digital techniques with the ad’s mediocre visual quality fostered doubt regarding the efficacy of AI in creative fields.

The conversation surrounding this advertisement provokes inquiries about the function of technology in marketing and storytelling. While the idea of employing AI can be viewed as groundbreaking, the result stood as a cautionary tale about the potential drawbacks of embracing novel approaches without necessary human supervision. Critics argue that conventional filmmaking methods, which incorporate human skill and creativity, could be more effective than relying exclusively on artificial intelligence.

In closing, McDonald’s venture into AI-generated marketing has turned out to be an unfortunate blunder, igniting discussions about the future of commercial creativity. This incident illustrates the persistent challenge of harmonizing technological progress with authentic artistic expression, particularly in an industry so centered on audience engagement as advertising.

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AirPods Pro 3 Hit All-Time Low Price on Amazon for Black Friday, Apple Store Still Sells at Regular Price
AirPods Pro 3 Hit All-Time Low Price on Amazon for Black Friday, Apple Store Still Sells at Regular Price
4:33 am

Apple seldom reduces prices on its products, particularly soon after their release, but this year, Amazon is leading the way with considerable discounts on items such as the AirPods Pro 3, perfectly timed for the holiday season. These third-generation AirPods Pro are available for $219, down from the standard $249, matching the lowest prices recorded during Black Friday. While previous versions like the AirPods Pro 2 might attract buyers because of their lower cost, the enhancements in the AirPods Pro 3, driven by Apple Intelligence, offer essential improvements that can significantly elevate the user experience.

### Efficient Noise Cancellation

The AirPods Pro 3 claims to block double the noise of the Pro 2 model, effectively muting distractions like subway noises, airplane sounds, and café conversations. This is accomplished through active noise cancellation that adapts dynamically to the distinct shape of your ear canals and the ear tips’ fit. To enhance this experience, the new version comes with five ear tip sizes, enabling a tailored fit that greatly enhances sound isolation and bass output.

Additionally, the audio experience has been revamped to create what Apple refers to as “three-dimensional sound.” This establishes an auditory landscape where music feels as though it’s enveloping the listener instead of merely coming from the earbuds. With enriched bass depth and clarity in mid to high frequencies, listeners can truly savor each element of intricate musical compositions. The spatial audio feature, equipped with dynamic head tracking, guarantees that sound sources remain anchored in relation to devices like iPhones or iPads, enriching the experience during movies or gaming.

### Health and Fitness Features

A notable feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is its ability to sense heart rates. This turns the earbuds into fitness partners, enabling users to monitor heart rate and calorie burn across 50 types of physical activities. The data syncs with the Activity app on the iPhone, contributing to daily activity stats and providing valuable insights through the new Workout Buddy feature powered by Apple Intelligence.

Moreover, the Live Translation feature utilizes Apple Intelligence for real-time language processing, allowing for naturally flowing translations during conversations. This feature removes the necessity for a different translation app while traveling, enabling effortless communication in various languages. The Active Hearing Protection feature tracks ambient noise levels and adjusts the volume accordingly to prevent potential harm from loud surroundings, such as bustling streets or concerts.

### Hearing Aid Functionality

The AirPods Pro 3 also functions as a clinical-grade hearing aid, utilizing the snug fit and sophisticated noise processing technologies. It boasts an automatic Conversation Boost feature that enhances speech frequencies for improved clarity. Users can even perform a hearing test at home via their iPhone, leading to customized audio profiles for enriched listening experiences.

Battery life is commendable, providing eight hours of use with active noise cancellation engaged and up to ten hours when using Transparency mode and hearing aid features.

### Conclusion

The chance to buy AirPods Pro 3 at a lower price is significant, as Apple products typically maintain their full price shortly after launch. This season, Amazon’s price matching offers a unique opportunity for consumers to acquire premium earbuds that serve as fitness trackers, translation tools, and high-fidelity audio devices all in one. The array of features available makes the purchase worthwhile, particularly in anticipation of the holidays.

For those interested, you can check the offer on Amazon [here](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4214/).

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Magic: The Gathering Introduces 38 Fresh Marvel Super Hero Cards Highlighting Hulk, Doctor Doom, and Captain America
Magic: The Gathering Introduces 38 Fresh Marvel Super Hero Cards Highlighting Hulk, Doctor Doom, and Captain America
3:33 am

**Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Super Heroes Set: A Fresh Era of Thematic Gameplay**

Next June, amidst the buzz surrounding the *Avengers* returning to cinemas and the premiere of *Doomsday*, Magic: The Gathering will unveil its eagerly awaited Marvel Super Heroes set. This expansion is a part of the ongoing Universes Beyond series, designed to weave cherished franchises into the Magic universe while preserving the core gameplay experience that fans love.

In a recent episode of WeeklyMTG, Wizards of the Coast offered a preview of 38 new cards featured in this set. The reveal emphasized several Legendary Creatures and inventive mechanics, ensuring that the set delivers more than mere nostalgic connections to the Marvel franchise. Among the highlighted characters are legendary heroes and villains, each exhibiting unique abilities that mirror their comic book origins.

The set showcases Captain America as a 3/2 white creature, equipped with a shield counter for additional protection, highlighting the tactical nature of this hero. Bruce Banner is represented as a 1/1 blue creature, capable of transforming into the Incredible Hulk under certain conditions, acquiring a +1/+1 counter when damaged and granting him an extra attack phase. This transformation mechanic underscores the duality of Banner’s characters, merging strategy with narrative depth.

Doctor Doom is prominently featured as a powerful 3/3 black creature whose arrival on the battlefield is accompanied by Doombot tokens. Players can take advantage of his ability to draw cards while incurring damage at the end of their turn, introducing an element of risk and reward. Moreover, Doctor Doom remains indestructible as long as an artifact creature or Planeswalker is present, making him a formidable presence.

Key reprints in this set include Heroic Intervention, granting permanents hexproof and indestructibility until the end of the turn—an effect capable of significantly altering the course of battle. The set also brings new and exciting cards like Horn of Greed, adorned with whimsical artwork that resonates with Doctor Doom’s character.

Collectors and players will enjoy the full-art variants of cards such as Widow-Making Infiltrator, Dig Through Time, and Elektra, Deadly Assassin, which enhance both aesthetic appeal and gameplay richness. For those steeped in Magic lore, the Saga cards like World War Hulk and The Coming of Galactus will provide exhilarating narratives; the former boosts a creature’s power and toughness, while the latter introduces a formidable 16/16 Elder Alien with flying and trample.

Initial responses to the Marvel set were varied, particularly considering its launch following the Spider-Man expansion and numerous other crossovers in the Universes Beyond series. However, the early reveals indicate a depth and originality that may rekindle interest among players and collectors. The fusion of Marvel’s iconic storytelling with Magic’s strategic gameplay could yield a successful combination, positioning the Marvel Super Heroes set as one to keep an eye on as fans gear up to explore its features next June.

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Anker Solix 2000W Power Station Markedly Reduced in Price on Amazon, Boosting Readiness for Winter Power Outages
Anker Solix 2000W Power Station Markedly Reduced in Price on Amazon, Boosting Readiness for Winter Power Outages
2:33 am

### Anker Solix C1000 (Gen 2): A Strong Contender in Portable Power Solutions

Anker, well-regarded for its dependable chargers and power banks, has expanded into the sector of portable power stations, competing with renowned brands such as EcoFlow and Jackery. The new model, the **Solix C1000 (Gen 2)**, showcases remarkable features, offering 2,000W of continuous power and a peak output of 3,000W—an upgrade from the first-generation model which provided 1,800W.

#### Pricing and Value Proposition

Currently priced at $371, the Solix C1000 Gen 2 is not only more powerful than the earlier version, but it also comes at a better price point compared to the original, which is now lowered to $436 from its typical price of $799. This pricing approach makes the Gen 2 an exceptional value in the market, delivering an unmatched price-to-wattage ratio, positioning it as one of the leading portable power stations available on Amazon today.

#### Power Output Capabilities

The Solix C1000 Gen 2’s 2,000-watt continuous output enables users to power significant appliances that are typically beyond the reach of less capable power stations. This includes crucial items like **full-size refrigerators, microwave ovens, power tools, and space heaters**. Furthermore, its 3,000-watt surge capability is vital for initiating devices that demand an initial power boost, ensuring that equipment like refrigerators and circular saws function seamlessly without interruptions.

With a powerful LiFePO4 battery offering 1,024 watt-hours, the Solix C1000 Gen 2 can sustain a standard refrigerator for **12 to 15 hours during an outage**, or supply power to a laptop for several days when operating off-grid.

#### Advantages of LiFePO4 Battery Technology

A primary advantage of the LiFePO4 battery technology utilized in this power station is its durability and longevity. These batteries boast a longer life cycle and can be recharged more than **3,000 times** before experiencing a decline in capacity. They also perform better in extreme temperatures, maintaining efficiency in colder conditions where standard lithium-ion batteries could struggle. Anker claims that the battery can be routinely used for years with minimal degradation.

#### Quick Charging Features

A notable characteristic of the Solix C1000 Gen 2 is its rapid charging ability, enabling it to achieve a full charge in just **49 minutes**. This fast recharge time enhances convenience, allowing users to plug it into a wall outlet and have it ready for action in less time than it takes to enjoy a meal. This feature is particularly advantageous for impromptu outdoor adventures or emergencies, as it eliminates the need for overnight charging. Additionally, solar charging options are available, although users must acquire solar panels separately.

#### Versatile Connectivity Options

The Solix C1000 Gen 2 provides a variety of connectivity options, including several **AC outlets, USB-C, USB-A ports**, and a **12V car outlet**, allowing it to handle an extensive array of devices. The built-in LCD screen displays real-time data on power consumption, battery life percentage, and estimated runtime, empowering users to effectively monitor their power usage.

#### Conclusion

With its remarkable features and favorable pricing, the Solix C1000 Gen 2 stands out as an excellent choice for those in need of a trustworthy portable power station. With enhanced power output and better cost efficiency compared to its predecessor, it is an excellent option for consumers in search of a high-performance power solution. The fusion of cutting-edge battery technology, swift charging capabilities, and versatile connectivity confirms its status among the leading portable power stations available today.

For anyone in pursuit of a reliable and effective portable power source, the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is an enticing option well worth considering.

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Debt to the Giant Horned Cat in Mandrake: Insights into the British Folklore-Inspired Gardening Simulation by Sunless Sea Developers
Debt to the Giant Horned Cat in Mandrake: Insights into the British Folklore-Inspired Gardening Simulation by Sunless Sea Developers
1:33 am

Pay up then. Sorry, I’ve been sent on behalf of The Yolf, a giant horned cat creature who sits on a branch demanding payment in Mandrake. This folklore-infused gardening sim from Sunless Sea and Fallen London devs Failbetter games has just had a fresh outing at today’s Wholesome Snack showcase, putting centre-stage the The Yolf’s need for you to get your affairs in order.

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DJI Mini 5 Pro Bundle with 3 Batteries Reaches All-Time Low Price, Dwarfs Mini 4 Pro
DJI Mini 5 Pro Bundle with 3 Batteries Reaches All-Time Low Price, Dwarfs Mini 4 Pro
1:33 am

**DJI Mini 5 Pro: A Fresh Chapter for Compact Drones**

The DJI Mini 4 Pro has been a top contender in the compact drone market, but with the launch of the Mini 5 Pro in September, DJI has introduced substantial enhancements that redefine sub-250-gram drone capabilities. Staying below the 250-gram threshold is essential for avoiding FAA registration in the United States, rendering this drone an excellent option for novices and enthusiasts who prefer a seamless flying experience.

**Bundle and Pricing**

The Mini 5 Pro comes in an all-inclusive Fly More Combo package that equips you with everything necessary for serious aerial photography right from the start. This bundle features the DJI RC 2 controller with an integrated screen, along with three batteries to prolong your flying sessions. Presently, Amazon is offering a remarkable price of $1,099, down from the standard $1,599, making it an ideal moment for photographers and videographers to invest in this lightweight powerhouse.

**Professional-Quality Video**

The addition of a 1-inch CMOS sensor represents a major upgrade from earlier Mini models, providing improved light capture and detail in each shot. This sensor enables 4K video recording at 60 frames per second with HDR capabilities, guaranteeing footage with a wide dynamic range that maintains details in bright skies and dark landscapes alike. The Mini 5 Pro achieves color depth and clarity comparable to larger, pricier drones, making it an invaluable tool for content creators looking for professional-quality results without the burden of heavy gear.

**Innovative Gimbal Rotation**

A standout aspect of the Mini 5 Pro is its 225-degree gimbal rotation, offering creative options beyond conventional fixed-angle gimbals. This feature allows users to capture authentic vertical content ideal for social media, tilt the camera for dynamic shots, and smoothly transition to various filming angles. Such adaptability is perfect for real estate, action sports, and travel videos, where engaging content is essential. The advanced gimbal stabilization technology ensures steady video quality, even in breezy conditions, countering the common problem of shaky amateur drone footage.

**Safety Features**

The Mini 5 Pro boosts flying safety with its omnidirectional obstacle sensing, employing forward-facing LiDAR and vision sensors to identify obstacles from all directions. This integrated safety feature is crucial for pilots who may be more focused on securing the ideal shot than on their surroundings. Moreover, the Nightscape feature enhances obstacle detection during nighttime flights by utilizing LiDAR to map the environment when traditional vision sensors struggle in low-light settings.

**Improved ActiveTrack Technology**

ActiveTrack 360° has undergone substantial enhancements, enabling the Mini 5 Pro to follow individuals with increased reliability and speed. It offers multiple tracking modes, including options for flying around subjects or maintaining a specified distance. This upgraded system effectively keeps cyclists and runners centered in the frame, even as they navigate turns or accelerate.

**Extended Battery Life and Storage**

Equipped with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, the Mini 5 Pro provides up to 52 minutes of battery life, facilitating extended flight times without interruptions. With three batteries included, pilots can enjoy over two and a half hours of flight time before recharging is needed. The charging hub efficiently powers all three batteries in approximately 193 minutes, optimizing the process between flight sessions. Furthermore, the internal storage capacity of 42GB eliminates the hassle of microSD cards, ensuring ample space for multiple shots without concerns of running out of memory.

**User-Friendly Controller**

The DJI RC 2 controller, featuring a bright built-in screen designed for visibility in direct sunlight, enhances the flying experience by removing the need to connect a smartphone, thereby conserving its battery life. Intuitive controls provide easy access to camera settings and intelligent flight modes without having to sift through menus. Both the drone and controller are collapsible, making them easy to transport on various adventures requiring aerial footage.

**Conclusion**

At a price of $1,099, the Mini 5 Pro offers superb value given the features it provides. DJI has generally maintained consistent pricing for new items, making the current 31% discount on this latest release a compelling opportunity for potential buyers in search of high-quality drone technology.

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Lenovo Gaming Laptop Boasts 40GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD at 70% Off as Amazon Sells at No Profit to Liquidate Stock
Lenovo Gaming Laptop Boasts 40GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD at 70% Off as Amazon Sells at No Profit to Liquidate Stock
12:23 am

**Incredible Offer on Lenovo Gaming Laptop from Amazon**

Occasionally, Amazon showcases promotions that seem almost unreal, and their current deal on a Lenovo gaming laptop exemplifies this perfectly. This laptop features remarkable specifications ideal for gaming, entertainment, and extensive work tasks. While the official Lenovo website displays the laptop at its full retail price with no reductions, Amazon has dramatically cut the price by an astounding 70%, indicating a potential closeout sale. What you will discover is a high-performance machine with **40GB of DDR5 RAM**, a **1TB SSD**, and an **AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor**, now priced at **$899**, significantly reduced from the original **$2,999**.

### Manage Demanding Tasks

The **Ryzen 5 7535HS processor** comprises six cores and twelve threads, functioning at a base clock speed of **3.3GHz**, with the ability to boost up to **4.55GHz** for intensive workloads. This architecture is designed for strong single-threaded performance, perfect for gaming, while its multi-core setup excels at tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and simultaneous virtual machine operations without any drawbacks. The **16MB L3 cache** guarantees that often-used data remains close to the processor cores, thereby minimizing latency and improving overall application responsiveness.

Additionally, the **40GB DDR5 RAM** configuration offers plenty of space for resource-heavy tasks, enabling users to operate multiple open applications smoothly. DDR5 technology delivers greater bandwidth compared to its predecessor, DDR4, which greatly enhances integrated graphics performance and boosts efficiency during data-intensive operations. With this RAM capacity, users can handle numerous Chrome tabs, work on large Photoshop projects, and stream music on Spotify concurrently, while still having resources available for further tasks as necessary.

Fitted with a **1TB PCIe NVMe SSD**, this laptop guarantees swift system boot times and near-instant application launch. The speed disparity between solid-state storage and conventional hard drives transforms daily computer usage, allowing users to store their complete gaming library, large photo collections, and work documents in one location without the inconvenience of toggling between external drives or cloud storage.

### Screen and Connectivity Options

The **15.3-inch WUXGA display** has a resolution of **1920×1200**, delivering extra vertical space over standard 1080p screens. This feature is particularly beneficial for users managing documents, spreadsheets, or coding. The IPS panel ensures true-to-life color accuracy and outstanding viewing angles, while a brightness level of **300 nits** guarantees visibility in bright environments. An **anti-glare coating** minimizes reflections, making extended usage easier on the eyes.

Regarding connectivity, the laptop is equipped with **WiFi 6**, providing superior speeds and performance in crowded network environments compared to older standards. The inclusion of **Bluetooth 5.3** enhances range and connection stability for peripheral devices. An extensive array of **USB-A and USB-C ports** ensures compatibility with both legacy and modern accessories, with the USB-C port supporting Power Delivery 3.0 for fast device charging and **DisplayPort 1.2** for external display connections. Additional ports including **HDMI**, an **SD card reader**, and a **headphone jack** appeal to users who favor wired audio connections.

### Concluding Remarks

A $2,100 reduction on a laptop often invites doubt, yet careful examination of the specifications indicates that this offer provides real value instead of outdated parts masquerading under marketing terms. Lenovo generally prices laptops with this degree of RAM and storage at the higher end, making the discounted price of **$899** appear almost improbable. This 70% discount seems to be Amazon’s strategy to eliminate excess inventory, giving customers an outstanding chance to acquire premium technology at a significantly lower cost.

View at Amazon

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Sony Cuts PlayStation VR2 Price for Black Friday, Now More Budget-Friendly than Meta Quest 3, Perfect for PS5 Owners
Sony Cuts PlayStation VR2 Price for Black Friday, Now More Budget-Friendly than Meta Quest 3, Perfect for PS5 Owners
11:23 pm

**Virtual Reality and the PlayStation VR2: Revolutionizing Gaming Experiences**

Virtual reality (VR) has surfaced as a pioneering technology that shifts gaming from a passive observation experience into a wholly immersive engagement within the gaming universe. The PlayStation VR2 (PS VR2), crafted for the PS5, embodies this shift by providing an unmatched immersive experience when compared to other console VR systems currently on the market. Sony’s second-generation headset signifies a substantial enhancement over its earlier model, leveraging cutting-edge technology that brings virtual environments to life and makes them responsive.

With the holiday season on the horizon, shoppers are met with a notable price reduction for the PS VR2. Previously resistant to discounts, this year the headset can be obtained for $299 on Amazon, down from its typical retail price of $399. This promotional pricing aligns with Black Friday bargains, offering an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your PS5 gaming experience at an unprecedented low price.

### Groundbreaking Features of the PS VR2

**Eye Tracking Technology**

One of the key features of the PS VR2 is its integrated eye tracking technology. This functionality permits games to display detail precisely where the player is focusing, optimizing processing power in other areas. This method, referred to as foveated rendering, guarantees smooth frame rates and sharp visuals, as it doesn’t demand the PS5 to provide maximum detail across the entire view simultaneously. Additionally, eye tracking introduces innovative interactivity in gameplay; players can aim weapons, choose menu options, or activate events merely by gazing at them.

**Adaptive Haptic Feedback and Triggers**

The PS VR2 features an advanced headset feedback system that transmits physical sensations directly through the headset. Users can feel vibrations that correlate with in-game events, such as the blast of a nearby explosion or the sound of raindrops, synchronizing sound and visuals for an integrated sensory experience. The VR2 Sense controllers further enhance this, equipped with adaptive triggers that modify their resistance based on player actions, providing unique sensations for various activities like drawing a bowstring or pressing a trigger. Finger touch detection adds an additional layer of realism, identifying whether fingers are resting on buttons or actively pressing them.

**Breathtaking Visual Experience**

Fitted with a 4K HDR display featuring 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, the PS VR2 presents exceptionally clear visuals, eliminating the “screen-door effect” often encountered in previous VR headsets. The HDR capabilities deliver vibrant contrast and color richness, boosting visual fidelity in bright highlights and deep shadows. Moreover, the headset’s 110-degree field of vision provides a natural viewing experience without the distortion often seen in some ultra-wide versions, keeping visuals crisp even at the edges.

**Outstanding Audio Quality**

Sony’s Tempest engine offers an impressive spatial audio experience, allowing players to precisely pinpoint sounds such as footsteps or gunfire. This ability for 3D audio adds a vital layer of immersion, improving players’ situational awareness. The streamlined setup process benefits from a singular USB-C connection, moving away from the bulky cabling necessitated by the original PSVR. The PS VR2 employs inside-out tracking, utilizing onboard cameras to map your play area, thereby eliminating reliance on external sensors.

### Conclusion

With a slashed price of $299, the PlayStation VR2 presents remarkable value, particularly given Sony’s historical habit of maintaining first-party hardware prices well past launch. The discount not only makes high-end VR technology more attainable but also positions the PS VR2 as a formidable choice in the domain of immersive gaming experiences, showcasing state-of-the-art technologies like eye tracking, haptic feedback, and 4K HDR visuals that surpass the capabilities of many PC VR setups that frequently carry a considerably higher price tag.

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Gooner Gacha Game Calls Off Steam Launch Because of Rigidity Regarding Necessary Modifications
Gooner Gacha Game Calls Off Steam Launch Because of Rigidity Regarding Necessary Modifications
10:13 pm

## New Controversies on Steam: BrownDust2 Cancels Launch

Following the recent removal of the horror game *Horses* from Steam, another game is now in a similar situation, announcing its cancellation of the intended launch on the platform. *BrownDust2*, a gacha game recognized for its NSFW elements, will not be debuting on Valve’s PC marketplace, citing “policy requirements” as the reason for this choice.

### Statement from Neowiz and GAMFSN

In an official announcement on their site, game developers Neowiz and GAMFSN conveyed their disappointment over the cancellation. The statement clarified that after extensive internal discussions regarding Steam’s policy stipulations, they determined that the identified issues could not be “reasonably resolved” within the existing framework of the game.

The developers expressed their appreciation to fans who were looking forward to the launch on Steam and recognized the lengthy preparations leading up to it. However, they remarked that altering the game to meet Steam’s policies would undermine its core vision and overall quality. Here are key excerpts from their statement:

– **Appreciation and Sorrow:** “We want to genuinely thank everyone who has been anticipating our Steam launch… we truly regret letting down all of you who were awaiting and supporting us.”
– **Difficulty in Resolution:** “We faced a challenge that cannot be reasonably resolved with the current version of the game.”
– **Upholding Game Integrity:** “To maintain the game’s core vision and overall quality, we reached the conclusion that making the required modifications at this point would not be suitable.”

The developers assured supporters that they would still provide previously promised rewards linked to the Steam release, such as community event rewards and wishlist milestone rewards, with plans for distribution expected following the December 16 update.

### Possible Causes for the Cancellation

While the precise reasons for the cancellation of the game are not clear, industry speculation indicates that the game’s NSFW content may have conflicted with Steam’s content guidelines. The platform has a track record of addressing titles that include adult themes, prompting discussions about censorship and creative expression within the gaming sector. However, given that many games with varying levels of adult content are present on Steam, the specifics of what distinguishes *BrownDust2* remain under examination.

Neowiz has suggested the possibility of pursuing alternative PC platforms that might offer a more welcoming environment for *BrownDust2*. They have committed to announcing any new directions for the game as soon as they are confirmed.

### Conclusion

The cancellation of *BrownDust2* from Steam reignites discussions about content policies within the gaming sector, particularly regarding adult themes. As developers navigate the intricate dynamics of conforming to platform regulations while retaining their creative vision, this incident underscores the challenges encountered by game creators in today’s rapidly changing digital environment. Fans of *BrownDust2* await further updates and the possibility of a release on different platforms that align more closely with the game’s intended experience.

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