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Project Hadar… It’s a completely new game from CD Projekt Red, one that the Cyberpunk 2077 studio has been tinkering away at in the background for a while now. And yet! We know next to nothing about it, not even the genre (yes I know it’s probably an RPG given CD Projekt’s whole thing, I’m creating mystique here). But today was CD Projekt’s most recent earnings report, so now we know… not much much, though we do have a better idea of where it’s at.

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When Light Fades, What Remains?

The post Light Odyssey Is an Upcoming Action Adventure Title with Soulslike Boss Rush appeared first on Gamezebo.

### Legal Turmoil Surrounding Subnautica 2 Emerges

#### Introduction
The creation of *Subnautica 2*, the highly awaited sequel in the underwater survival game series, has encountered a rocky path amid legal conflicts between its publisher, Krafton, and the development studio, Unknown Worlds. Just days after proclaiming that the game faced no legal challenges, the reinstated CEO of Unknown Worlds disclosed allegations that Krafton had violated legal directives concerning the announcement of the game’s early access release timeframe.

#### Background of the Dispute
On March 19, *Game File* reported that the legal team of Unknown Worlds dispatched a letter to Judge Lori Will following the circulation of an internal memo from Steve Papoutsis, the executive designated by Krafton to oversee Unknown Worlds after the firings in 2025. This memo revealed a May release timeframe for *Subnautica 2*, which Krafton subsequently confirmed through various media sources. However, Unknown Worlds’ recently reinstated CEO, Ted Gill, along with the co-founders, contended that Krafton did not have the right to disclose this timeline.

Judge Will had recently reinstated Gill, providing him exclusive power to dictate the game’s launch strategy. Papoutsis’s memo, sent after this ruling, was interpreted as a clear infringement of this judicial decision.

#### Claims Against Krafton
In the correspondence to Judge Will, Gill’s legal team accused Krafton of disregarding the legal framework established by the court and the potential repercussions of their actions. They stated:

> “Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community—let alone this Court’s Opinion.”

The letter underscored that such an announcement typically necessitates extensive marketing and community involvement, actions that were intended to be coordinated by Gill post-reinstatement. Gill’s legal representatives claimed that Krafton had willfully leaked the release date to the media and sought to hold them in contempt for these actions.

#### Krafton’s Defense
In rebuttal to Gill’s allegations, Krafton’s attorneys clarified that Papoutsis’s message was simply a recognition of the accomplishments of the Unknown Worlds team and not a formal declaration of the game’s release. They argued that:

> “There was nothing improper about conveying the results of the milestone review or thanking the development team for their dedication and talent.”

Krafton asserted that Gill retained the authority to determine the release schedule for *Subnautica 2*, maintaining that Papoutsis’s message did not undermine Gill’s authority or decision-making power in this regard.

#### Current Status and Next Steps
As of the most recent updates, Judge Will has not publicly addressed either party’s communications. The court has instructed both sides to convene later this week to propose a ruling consistent with Judge Will’s prior orders. The outcome of this legal confrontation could substantially affect the game’s launch approach, as uncertainty remains over whether Gill will adhere to the previously suggested May release date amid the ongoing disagreements.

#### Conclusion
The situation surrounding *Subnautica 2* underscores the intricacies of legal regulation in gaming, especially when different parties wield varying degrees of authority and influence. As developments continue to arise, the gaming community observes closely, anticipating not only the destiny of *Subnautica 2* but also the repercussions this legal turmoil may have for the future of Unknown Worlds and its association with Krafton.

The words “consensus” and “RPS treehouse” are normally alien to one another, as is apparent from all the blood splatter on every new RPS 100. Yet among those of us who’ve been playing open world everything-’em-up Crimson Desert, an agreement has formed that its vastness – its 150-odd gigabytes of ideas, mechanics, and sheer maximalist fantasy – can too easily feel unwieldy.

To a degree, the same is true of its PC performance. It’s not bad, and often balances its gleaming visuals with smooth framerates quite well. Good support for new (but not too new) flavours of DLSS and FSR, as well. It’s also prone to instability and inconsistency, and while it’s positively receptive to the right settings changes, even this requires navigating through some confusingly labelled upscaling options and possibly the most unusual implementation of ray tracing – or, more specifically, Ray Reconstruction – in all of PC gamedom.

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On April 9th.

The post Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse’s World Premiere Part of Triple-i Initiative Showcase Next Month appeared first on Gamezebo.

**The Sentimental Return of Video Rental: Delving into *Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator***

As we enter 2026, the realm of entertainment has dramatically evolved, especially with the emergence of streaming services. With films and series dispersed across numerous platforms, users encounter the annoyance of navigating a disjointed entertainment landscape marked by rising costs and reduced quality. Yet, within this turmoil exists a captivating retreat—*Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator*, a charming tribute to the past era of physical movie rentals.

*Retro Rewind*, now accessible on PC, invites participants to dive into the distinct experience of managing a classic video rental store, reminiscent of the times when visiting a brick-and-mortar location to rent a film was a treasured adventure. The game embodies the spirit of the 1990s video rental scene, encouraging players to establish their own nostalgic movie rental shop.

What distinguishes *Retro Rewind* from the plethora of store simulator games saturating platforms like Steam? Differing from many of its peers, which often come off as bland or lack distinctive character, *Retro Rewind* shines as a labor of love, created by developers who clearly spent their youth in rental stores. The meticulous detail is evident—from the colorful, faux movie covers radiating that classic mid-’90s vibe to the nostalgic décor inspired by real rental shops, featuring patterned popcorn bucket motifs on the floors.

Gameplay in *Retro Rewind* follows a rewarding progression cycle. Players start with a modest store and incrementally enhance it, unlocking fresh shelves, acquiring superior films, and even recruiting staff as the enterprise thrives. The mechanics of restocking and managing the shop are captivating; for example, dealing with tangible VHS tapes provides a satisfying experience, as each tape lands with a pleasing thud in the return box or on the counter.

The developers have cleverly integrated various dynamic components, ensuring that no two days in the simulator feel identical. Regular events, shifting customer preferences influenced by weather and holidays, and new film drops add depth and strategy to the gameplay. The thrill of managing a bustling rental shop captures the essence of a vibrant community hub where film enthusiasts gather.

In a comedic turn, the game features a dubious character hawking pirated films, introducing an unexpected layer of intrigue and moral choices for players. Navigating the temptation of cheaper, illicit content versus the expectation of quality and community values reflects real-world challenges faced by video store owners.

Despite the simulated essence of *Retro Rewind*, it stirs poignant memories of a time when rental stores were ubiquitous, and films were tangible treasures loved by fans. Although physical rental shops have mostly vanished, succumbing to the hegemony of streaming services, *Retro Rewind* acts as a digital time capsule, rekindling the enchantment and excitement of a cherished epoch.

As players interact with the game, they’re not merely managing a fictional store; they’re honoring a cultural phenomenon that shaped many childhoods. With evolving gameplay, a delightful aesthetic, and a heartwarming tribute to the past, *Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator* stands out as a reminder of what once existed, offering a comforting respite from the digital pressures of contemporary media consumption.

Well, you all did it, Cryo Archive has been unlocked in Marathon. Bungie detailed the new mode in a blog post earlier today, where it shared an important thing to keep in mind with the new map: it’s only available to attempt on weekends. Aye, you’ll need to forgo any social plans you have out in the real world to tackle this one.

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# Nintendo’s Handheld Boost Mode for Switch 2: A Revolutionary Step for Portability

Earlier this week, Nintendo unveiled a thrilling feature for Switch 2 users known as Handheld Boost Mode. This groundbreaking addition enables players to operate Switch 1 games at nearly docked performance levels while utilizing handheld mode. The ramifications of this innovation have sparked excitement among gamers, offering a substantial upgrade to the portable gaming experience.

## Boosting Performance While Sacrificing Battery Life

One of the most notable elements of Handheld Boost Mode is its ability to enhance performance. Players have reported smoother gameplay and improved visuals when compared to the handheld performance on the original Switch. Nevertheless, this enhancement comes with a trade-off: battery life. Test results from Reddit user JampyL reveal a drastic reduction in playtime while the feature is active. For instance, during a session of *Doom Eternal*, the Switch endured only 3 hours and 43 minutes in boost mode compared to 5 hours in standard mode, indicating a 23 percent drop in battery lifespan.

While this compromise may concern those who often game on the move, many players believe that the enhancements in visuals and performance warrant the reduced battery duration. Given that most gaming sessions comfortably fit within the available battery life, the overall experience remains exceptionally rewarding.

## The Challenges with Switch 1 Games

Previous constraints of the original Switch hardware frequently led to compromised graphics and performance in games, particularly those released toward the end of the console’s lifespan. Problems such as low resolution and insufficient rendering methods were especially noticeable in handheld mode, with games like *Xenoblade Chronicles 2* experiencing clear graphical downgrades that made them less enjoyable on the go.

Handheld Boost Mode successfully addresses these limitations, enabling titles like *Astral Chain* and *Minecraft* to shine with improved visuals and smoother gameplay. The enhancements in anti-aliasing significantly reduce jagged edges, elevating the overall quality and fidelity of the gaming experience. Even games that faced challenges on the original hardware, such as *The Witcher 3* and *The Outer Worlds*, now show remarkable improvement, featuring a more refined graphical presentation.

## Community Feedback and Influence

Responses from the gaming community have been overwhelmingly supportive. Players have posted images and comparisons that illustrate drastic improvements in visual quality with Handheld Boost Mode activated. Tweets and social media updates showcase the notable differences in performance, highlighting how the feature enriches the overall gaming experience.

Many within the gaming community are excited to discover what additional enhancements Nintendo might roll out as the Switch 2 nears its first anniversary. The unexpected launch of Handheld Boost Mode suggests potential future updates that could further boost the device’s capabilities and performance.

## Conclusion

Nintendo’s Handheld Boost Mode signifies a major advancement for the Switch 2, revitalizing the library of Switch 1 titles. Although the feature demands more from the battery, the enhancements in performance and visuals present an appealing option for gamers seeking a superior handheld experience. As Nintendo continues to evolve and enhance its hardware, fans eagerly await what other surprises may lie ahead.

Shenmue is a game that will just always be there, I can’t quite imagine a world without it. Just hanging around in the background, waiting for you patiently, maybe even coming into the foreground to say hello again because it missed you. That time of saying hello appears to be rearing its beautiful head again, as Ys Net (and of course the one and only Yu Suzuki himself) have announced a new, shinier edition of Shenmue 3 is on the way.

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**Nvidia’s DLSS 5: An Industry in Disarray Over AI-Boosted Graphics**

On Monday, Nvidia introduced DLSS 5, the newest version of its deep learning super sampling (DLSS) technology designed to enhance graphics quality and performance in gaming. Traditionally, this technology has been embraced by gamers and developers, who value its capacity to upscale resolutions and raise frame rates. Nevertheless, the reception of DLSS 5 has been notably adverse, met with widespread disapproval from both the gaming community and developers, particularly regarding what many label as “AI slop faces” and negative visual alterations in games like *Starfield*.

### Developer Outcry: Artistic Integrity at Stake

The response to DLSS 5 from game developers has been severe, with many voicing worries about how the technology impacts their creative visions. Cullen Dwyer, a gameplay and tech design lead at Doinksoft, expressed his dissatisfaction by highlighting a significant disconnect between gamers and Nvidia’s objectives. Dwyer emphasized that promoting DLSS 5 as a new benchmark is not only disrespectful but threatens the integrity of creative expression in gaming. His discontent echoes a mounting sentiment among developers who believe that AI advancements jeopardize artistic intent.

Andi Santagata, a former AAA game developer active in indie circles, noted that the implementation of DLSS 5 could dilute the distinct character of individuals by depending on generalized assumptions of how they “should” appear, undermining the intentional design decisions made by creators. This apprehension is shared by SolidPlasma, another developer who contends that the technology’s quest for heightened realism might unintentionally sanitize character designs and reduce their uniqueness.

An unidentified developer with significant AAA experience reflected these concerns, arguing that DLSS 5 undermines artistic cohesion and the creative intent of game developers. Similarly, artist Karla Ortiz criticized the technology as failing to respect the intentional artistic directions chosen by developers, contending that if developers wanted hyper-realistic aesthetics, they would have already sought them out.

### Nvidia’s Justification: A Misunderstood Innovation

In response to the escalating criticism, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang defended DLSS 5 during a recent press briefing. Huang claimed that critics miss the point, emphasizing that the technology provides developers with manageable enhancements to geometry and textures via generative AI. He differentiated it from conventional generative AI, describing it as “neural rendering” that preserves developer control over content.

However, this assurance has not alleviated the increasing apprehension within the industry. Concerns about the technology’s ability to standardize video game visuals have been raised, with even the artists involved in the development of featured games reportedly taken aback by Nvidia’s announcement, discovering it simultaneously with the public.

### Who is DLSS 5 Intended For?

A recurring concern among developers is the ambiguity surrounding DLSS 5’s intended audience. Many wonder if average gamers will have the necessary hardware to utilize this technology, which could unintentionally lead to a gaming environment that favors those with high-end setups. Dwyer pointed out that such advancements might steer developers away from economically viable game creation, favoring low-poly indie projects that can operate on more accessible hardware. David Szymanski, creator of *Dusk* and *Iron Lung*, bluntly stated, “Nobody wants this,” reinforcing the view that DLSS 5’s radical alterations to visual artistry are unwelcome.

An anonymous developer contemplated the implications of DLSS 5, asserting that it dismantles the unified artistic experience of games, detracting from the intention behind each component. This perspective aligns with Rami Ismail, who argued that while earlier DLSS versions had their flaws, DLSS 5 does not address any meaningful requirement within the industry.

### The Emotional Impact on Aspiring Developers

The arrival of DLSS 5 has resulted in emotional consequences extending beyond veteran developers. A game development student shared feelings of despair upon realizing the technology’s potential implications. They expressed anguish over the possible decline of creativity and artistry in a field they are deeply passionate about, seeing DLSS 5 as emblematic of a broader, artless trend in technology—and a daunting future for the industry.

### Conclusion

As Nvidia continues to advance DLSS 5, the rift within the gaming community and the development industry is conspicuous. While aimed at boosting performance through state-of-the-art AI technologies, the backlash underscores significant worries regarding artistic integrity and the future of creative expression in gaming. As conversations persist, developers are left to navigate a shifting landscape where the boundary between innovation and artistic erosion becomes increasingly indistinct.