# Steam Winter Sale: Unmissable Bargains on Games, Highlighting *Arc Raiders*

The Steam Winter Sale has commenced, offering a multitude of price cuts on well-known video games, alongside the Xbox Countdown Sale. This yearly occasion serves as an ideal moment for gamers to save significantly on titles they’ve been longing for all year. Among the diverse offers, one game emerges as essential: the breakout extraction shooter sensation, *Arc Raiders*. Having debuted on October 30, 2025, this game is now discounted for the first time since launch, available for an incredible price of just $32, after a 20% reduction from its original $40 tag.

## Overview of *Arc Raiders*

*Arc Raiders* has garnered overwhelmingly favorable reviews, marking a high point in the gaming world due to its captivating first-person survival gameplay, multiplayer PvP interactions, and thrilling cooperative PvE features. The game’s design encourages collaboration and strategic thinking, enabling players to join forces while maneuvering through tough terrains filled with adversaries and challenges. Yet, one significant critique has been its reliance on AI-generated voices, which many players find insufficient. Enthusiasts remain optimistic that the game’s success will inspire the developers at Embark Studios to reinvest in recording these lines with human voice actors for an enhanced gaming experience.

## Gameplay and Features

The gameplay in *Arc Raiders* delivers an exhilarating blend of cooperative and competitive aspects. Players can collaborate to tackle missions, gathering resources and engaging in battles against powerful enemies. The game’s architecture fosters teamwork, making it a superb option for those who relish playing alongside friends or teaming up with other players online. Despite its initially low price point, the game features a variety of in-game cosmetic options for players wishing to customize their characters. Importantly, these purchases are completely optional and do not influence gameplay, permitting players to relish the core experience without feeling obliged to spend additional money.

## Personal Experience

Numerous players, including those who generally avoid online gaming or tactical shooters, have found themselves enthralled by *Arc Raiders*. The game’s immersive atmosphere and captivating gameplay have converted skeptics into eager participants. Players have shared accounts of thrilling gaming sessions where they achieve multiple successful runs, conveying a gratifying sense of accomplishment despite the difficulties presented by the game.

## Current Availability

For gamers eager to seize this limited-time deal, *Arc Raiders* is now accessible on both Xbox and PC for $32. The sale offers a fantastic opportunity to discover this innovative title while reaping substantial savings. However, as players delve into their gaming experiences, a recurring message has surfaced urging Embark Studios to reassess their use of AI voices, indicating a stronger dedication to improving the game’s overall quality.

In summary, the Steam Winter Sale provides a distinctive opportunity for gamers to enhance their collections with remarkable offers. *Arc Raiders* shines as an excellent selection, both for its gameplay and discounted price. For those who appreciate value and seek adventure, now is an optimal moment to dive into this outstanding title.

### The Influence of High-Quality Headphones on Media Experience

An excellent set of headphones can significantly elevate how you enjoy your preferred media. Putting money into superior audio equipment can revolutionize daily listening, but it’s important to select a trusted brand that provides great value without costing a fortune. Sony has consistently excelled in both quality and affordability, and their newest products are no different.

#### Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

Now available for $148, reduced from their usual price of $250, the Sony ULT WEAR headphones are an outstanding option for individuals seeking quality audio and comfort. This notable discount of $102 represents a 41% reduction, making these headphones an attractive choice.

[A preview of the offer on Amazon can be accessed here.](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6523/)

#### Remarkable Comfort for Long Wear

One of the distinguishing characteristics of these Sony headphones is their comfort. The ear cups feature soft padding, making prolonged wear comfortable—a vital aspect for those who favor headphones over earbuds. The adjustable headband provides a personalized fit, preventing the common issue of tightness that can lead to discomfort during lengthy listening periods.

#### Active Noise Cancelling Capability

The active noise cancelling (ANC) function is especially impressive, effectively reducing distractions from ambient sounds such as traffic, conversations, and airplane noise. This feature enables users to concentrate on music, podcasts, or audiobooks, or simply relish a more peaceful setting. Moreover, the headphones include a setting to allow ambient sound in without the need to take them off, offering awareness of surroundings when needed.

#### Notable Battery Longevity

Battery life is another key benefit, providing many hours of playback on a single charge. This is beneficial for travelers and commuters who require reliable audio throughout the day. With quick recharge capabilities, users can swiftly power up their headphones, ensuring minimal interruptions between uses.

### Summary

The Sony ULT WEAR Over-Ear Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones blend comfort, sound quality, and state-of-the-art features, making them a superb choice for various listening situations. At the current promotional price of $148, they constitute a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a dependable and feature-rich audio experience.

[Seize the opportunity to take advantage of this offer before it disappears. Check it out on Amazon.](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6523/)

### The Comfort of Multi-Port Charging Options

Carrying individual chargers for each of your gadgets—smartphones, laptops, tablets, earbuds, and smartwatches—can be quite cumbersome, particularly when trying to pack light. A multi-port charger can greatly simplify your charging requirements, making it a crucial accessory for modern tech enthusiasts. Right now, there’s a fantastic chance to upgrade your charging arrangement with a premium multi-port choice.

#### The Anker Prime 67W USB-C Charger

Anker is famous for its portable charging solutions, and the **67W Anker Prime USB-C charger with three ports** stands out as a top-tier product. Available for **$37** on Amazon, this charger is currently offered at a **25% discount**. The deal is accessible to both Prime and non-Prime customers, with complimentary shipping for all buyers.

##### Important Features

– **Compact Structure**: The Anker charger is roughly **51% smaller** than the original 67W MacBook charger, resulting in exceptional portability. The prongs fold in when not in use, ensuring safe and convenient storage.

– **Multiple Ports**: This charger features **two USB-C ports** and **one USB-A port**, enabling you to charge several devices at once. You can achieve an efficient output of **67W** when connecting a single device, while **65W max two-port charging** can decrease charging times by as much as **34%**.

– **Broad Compatibility**: The charger works with various devices, including **iPhone Series 12 to 17**, **Samsung Galaxy phones**, **MacBooks**, **Pixel phones**, and **iPads**.

– **Stable & Secure**: Advanced features like **GaNPrime Tech** and **ActiveShield 2.0** offer improved heat management and safety, ensuring your devices won’t overheat during charging.

#### Perfect for Any Scenario

The Anker Prime charger is ideal for anyone in search of a hassle-free power solution. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, allowing you to plug it into an outlet at cafes, coworking areas, or airports, ensuring your devices stay charged and ready for use.

Currently listed at **$37**, this charger is a sensible investment given its functions and the convenience it provides. The package includes the charger, a welcome guide, and a **24-month warranty** for additional peace of mind.

For those intending to travel during the holidays, ordering this charger today guarantees delivery before Christmas, enabling you to streamline your charging setup without needing multiple adapters.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6524/)

**The Speculation Around “Avengers: Doomsday” and the Surge of Misinformation**

The chatter among fans regarding superhero films is not a recent event, and the imminent *Avengers: Doomsday* has emerged as a hotspot for conjecture, doubt, and misinformation, surpassing ordinary conversations associated with other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entries. The shroud of secrecy around *Doomsday* has resulted in a plethora of cryptic teasers and trailers, many of which the average fan might not even recognize as being in circulation before *Avatar: Fire and Ash*. This shroud of doubt complicates matters for both fans and casual viewers, making it hard to differentiate between what is real and what is merely the result of fan-driven enthusiasm.

The MCU serves as one of the most prominent elements of contemporary pop culture, partially propelled by a media environment geared towards engagement and swift information spread. In such a landscape, numerous people disseminate information without confirming its validity, leading to the expansive spread of theories about *Doomsday* that are posited as truths. The nostalgia-driven allure of the film—featuring beloved characters and actors—has especially paved the way for misinformation, allowing fan speculation to flourish without substantiated facts.

Instances of this misinformation consist of alleged AI-generated images claiming to be screenshots from trailers, some of which have yet to debut. For example, there have been spoof trailers proposing new storylines or character developments, like a plot focused on Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. Humorous interpretations of this phenomenon have surfaced, with profiles asserting the introduction of characters such as Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley into the MCU, merging elements from various franchises in a manner that is both amusing and deceptive.

Additionally, the conjecture that Doctor Doom might function as a multiverse version of Tony Stark, with Robert Downey Jr. taking on a new role as the antagonist, has only intensified further speculation. This notion illustrates a widespread trend where deepfakes, altered images, and unverified assertions flourish on social media platforms, often accompanied by questionable source citations. This unchecked circulation nurtures a culture where misinformation can prosper, even when users are sincere in their interactions.

For ardent Marvel fans, this environment can seem daunting, yet casual viewers often evade the weight of misinformation. Nevertheless, with *Doomsday* creating authentic buzz—especially through theater-exclusive teasers that aren’t easily accessible online—average consumers find themselves navigating a terrain cluttered with rumors and unreliable sources. As trailers are withheld from official sources, audiences depend on an imperfect network of leaks and speculation.

The rise of bogus and AI-created movie content has compelled platforms like YouTube to take measures against channels that produce misleading trailers, underscoring the thin line between fan creations and potential financial consequences for larger entities within the film sector. This reaction highlights the intricacies of maneuvering through a landscape where fan excitement can bleed into the domain of misinformation.

To sum up, the anticipation surrounding *Avengers: Doomsday* signifies a broader challenge within the superhero media landscape, where speculation frequently eclipses reality. Amid the thrill, fans should remain discerning, questioning the origins of the information they consume and share while navigating a world characterized by swift rumors and speculations.

**Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Roundup**

The gaming universe is alive with new updates and captivating developments. Here’s what you should be aware of from the recent discussions, forthcoming content, and significant events.

### The New Voice of Lara Croft Talks About Losing *Perfect Dark*

Alix Wilton Regan, recognized for her performances in *Dragon Age* and *Cyberpunk 2077*, has recently disclosed her thoughts on the cancellation of the eagerly awaited *Perfect Dark* reboot. After having recorded considerable content for the game, she voiced her disappointment at being “blindsided” by the sudden halt of the project. Regan is currently contributing her skills to the upcoming *Tomb Raider: Catalyst* and *Legacy of Atlantis*, although she expresses worries about the reliability of these new releases. “The silver lining for me when *Perfect Dark* fell through was that I’d already been working on Lara for about a year at that point,” she reminisced, admitting to a lingering anxiety about severing her connection to the character of Lara Croft.

### The Rats Engaging with *Doom*

In an unusual twist on gaming, *Tom’s Hardware* reveals that researchers are advancing in training rats to play the classic first-person shooter, *Doom*. Using a distinctive setup that incorporates air blasts to indicate when the rats collide with walls and a button for shooting, these rodents are being given the opportunity to interact with the game like never before. Their entire visual field is filled with the game, creating a strange yet intriguing experiment in learning and interaction.

### Upcoming DLC for *Dave the Diver*: *In The Jungle*

The widely loved game *Dave the Diver* is about to be revitalized with its *In The Jungle* DLC, incorporating features reminiscent of *Animal Crossing*. This significant update will introduce a new jungle village named Utara, where players can engage with villagers, collect resources, and take on quests. The DLC is anticipated to add approximately ten hours of extra gameplay and will also unveil a new restaurant mechanic, permitting players to prepare fish and enjoy enhanced movement capabilities.

### No Xbox Wrapped for 2025

Gamers anticipating the annual Xbox Wrapped report will be dismayed to find out that Microsoft will not be delivering this well-liked summary of player activity for the year 2025. As reported by *Windows Central*, all marketing efforts are currently being directed toward organizing the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations. This choice has prompted speculation about Phil Spencer’s possible gaming hours for the year, with aspirations for a potential record-setting performance.

### *Adventure Time* Joins *PowerWash Simulator 2*

In a charming crossover, *PowerWash Simulator 2* is preparing to incorporate *Adventure Time* content in its first of three paid DLCs. Scheduled for release in the spring, this expansion will bring five new cleaning locations from the cherished cartoon, featuring iconic spots like the Tree House and Ice King’s castle.

### Sony Submits Patent for AI Censorship

In a noteworthy development, Sony has submitted documentation for a new AI technology aimed at implementing “custom content edits” in video games. This censorship technology could adjust language or gore levels according to the context, raising questions about its impact on artistic expression and game ratings. As the gaming sector evolves, such advancements may alter how content is handled and regulated.

### Conclusion

With partnerships and technologies advancing rapidly, the gaming landscape remains as vibrant as ever. Whether it’s new launches, innovative gameplay experiments, or industry trends toward AI, there’s an abundance of excitement in the gaming world. Stay tuned for more updates in this dynamic gaming universe.

### The Challenge of “Myrrh”: Wordle’s December 19th Puzzle

Wordle, the everyday word-guessing game that has enchanted players since its inception in 2021, recently introduced an unforeseen challenge on December 19: the word “myrrh.” This distinctive selection ignited irritation and extensive conversation among enthusiasts, many of whom turned to social media to voice their dissatisfaction concerning the lack of vowels in the word.

#### Wordle’s Gameplay Mechanics

For those who are not well-versed in Wordle, the game prompts players to guess a five-letter word within six tries. Usually, players start by picking common vowels to create a foundation for their guesses. However, “myrrh,” an aromatic gum resin historically associated with ancient traditions—including its role as a gift to Jesus—contains no vowels, greatly complicating the guessing endeavor. This shift from the usual format left numerous players in a bind, striving to identify appropriate words that could meet the criteria, leading to annoyance and several humorous reactions online.

#### Social Media Reactions

The response on channels like Twitter was rapid and fervent, with players disseminating their experiences and expressing frustration about the day’s puzzle. Tweets vividly conveyed the shared ordeal, as users shared everything from honest admissions of their attempts to funny depictions of their exasperations. Here are a few standout moments from the social media conversation:

– **Ace (@trashwoman_ace)** posted a snapshot of their gameplay alongside expressions of incredulity regarding the absence of vowels, capturing a widespread feeling of bewilderment among Wordle fans.
– **Major (@MajorSSB)** presented a light-hearted commentary on how discussions about the word “myrrh” morphed into a trending conversation, showcasing its far-reaching effects.
– **Chloe (@imchloechu)** referred to the day’s puzzle as “the toughest Wordle ever crafted,” underscoring the challenging aspect of the task.
– Celebrated tech reviewer **Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD)** jokingly advised followers against playing Wordle if they were enjoying a good day, indicating that the game’s hurdles could disrupt a pleasant mood.

The sentiment of these tweets varied from comedic to weary, mirroring the collective experience of wrestling with an atypical word.

#### Conclusion

The challenge introduced by “myrrh” in Wordle showcases the game’s capability to elicit strong responses from its community. This occurrence serves as a reminder of the delight and vexation that accompany daily puzzles and the camaraderie that evolves around these mutual challenges. Whether “myrrh” will resurface in the game in the future remains uncertain, but for the moment, it stands out as a significant trial of skill and wordcraft among aficionados.

**The Much-Awaited Adventure of Ark 2: Updates, Setbacks, and Obstacles**

The revelation of *Ark: Survival Evolved*’s follow-up, *Ark 2*, during The Game Awards 2020 marked a crucial milestone in the gaming realm. The franchise endeared itself to survival game fans through its exceptional mix of dinosaur taming and crafting elements, and the sequel promised to significantly elevate this experience. With Vin Diesel prominently highlighted in its marketing and advertising campaigns, hopes were elevated. Nevertheless, five years on, *Ark 2* is still a project enveloped in ambiguity.

**Chronology of Setbacks**

Initially intended for a 2023 debut, *Ark 2* has encountered multiple delays since its conception. The game’s launch was first deferred to an Early Access stage in 2024, only to not see any updates regarding its progress. By early 2023, studio co-founder Jeremy Stieglitz conveyed optimism for a 2027 debut, but recent communications have once again recalibrated expectations, now hinting at a tentative release in 2028. Each setback has fueled increasing doubt about when enthusiasts can anticipate the ultimate product.

**Future Updates for Ark: Survival Evolved**

In the meantime, Studio Wildcard is gearing up for a major update for *Ark: Survival Evolved*, named *Legacy of Santiago*. Set to roll out in late 2027, this update seeks to incorporate some combat features from *Ark 2*, thereby linking both titles. Stieglitz disclosed that this update would unveil new combat mechanics focused on third-person and melee fighting, though it will not include the extensive narrative intricacies envisioned for *Ark 2*. The main attraction of the sequel is expected to be its vibrant campaign storyline, aimed at being a standalone experience.

**Obstacles in Development**

Development hurdles have beset the project since its announcement. Changes in leadership and creative direction have led to shifting narratives and gameplay mechanics. Vin Diesel’s commitment has also been variable, adding further unpredictability regarding the ultimate realization of his character. Stieglitz highlighted that Diesel’s involvement—specifically, how much effort he invests in the project—will greatly impact the narrative framework of *Ark 2*. Presently, the project is considering partnerships with *The Boys* actor Karl Urban, which could indicate a shift in character roles within the game.

**The Outlook for Ark 2**

As excitement escalates, players are left pondering whether *Ark 2* will fulfill its commitments. The continuous delays and changing schedules have understandably resulted in skepticism about its future. However, Studio Wildcard remains dedicated to crafting the game to meet the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. Fans will need to wait until 2028, at the earliest, to determine if *Ark 2* meets its initial expectations and whether it can once again reshape the survival genre.

**R-Type Dimensions 3: An Upcoming Inflection Point for Physical Releases on Nintendo Switch 2**

In a thrilling update for gaming fans and collectors, Inin Games, the publisher behind *R-Type Dimensions 3*, has recently revealed their capability to support a physical launch of the game for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the complete title available on cartridge. This announcement marks a refreshing change from the prior trend of game key cards, which have often been criticized by fans who favor physical copies that do not require additional downloads.

Inin Games’ announcement on Friday indicated that this newfound capacity was enabled by Nintendo’s introduction of larger SD card sizes for the Switch 2, allowing developers to reassess the production of their games in ways that were previously impossible. The company also intimated that this transition would facilitate a fully physical release of the game, setting it apart from the game key card format they had considered before. Importantly, the physical version will be priced at $10 more than its digital equivalent to offset increased production expenses.

Yet, not long after this positive news, a twist emerged. Inin Games retracted their statement about the new cartridge sizes, stating that there has been no official confirmation from Nintendo regarding the specifications of cartridge storage capacities. Instead, they reiterated that their forthcoming release would still be on a physical cartridge, without providing additional technical specifics. This reversal leaves many in the gaming community doubtful about the legitimacy of the assertions related to new cartridge sizes and storage alternatives.

In spite of these challenges, a glimmer of hope remains for the future of physical gaming on the Switch 2. This development hints at the potential for other publishers to utilize any new storage options to produce physical releases, potentially moving away from the restrictive game key card framework that has affected various titles. Nonetheless, legitimate concerns linger about performance; developers might still prefer game key cards due to advantages such as enhanced loading times and economic viability for larger games.

Previously, developers dealing with large game sizes like *Final Fantasy VII Remake* faced the necessity of opting for game key cards because of the restrictions of the current 64GB cartridges available for the Switch 2. This scenario has forced many smaller games, which do not demand extensive storage, to succumb to the same fate, relying on the game key card method. Nevertheless, *R-Type Dimensions 3* could act as a spark for transformation, encouraging other developers to explore physical releases instead.

The ongoing conversation surrounding cartridge technology and the physical release of games underscores the changing dynamics of gaming hardware and consumer preferences. As developers navigate through these updates, the gaming community remains vigilant, hoping that advances in cartridge technology will reshape game distribution—and revive enthusiasm for physical media in the contemporary gaming landscape.

The nights are heavy, the sun is frail. The mountain moans its hunger. The rivers are frozen scars and the trees are become hard flashes of black lightning. Bells haunt the wind and peculiar bearded men appear in the fireplaces, to be chased away with pies and brandy. The roses, strangely, are in bloom.

Put on your slippers. Stoke the embers. Pull up a chair. It is time to remember. It is time to renew. It is time to succumb to a growing addiction. It is time… to play Skeal.

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**ModRetro’s Polarizing Chromatic Handheld: A Fusion of Classic Gaming and Military Technology**

ModRetro, the innovative venture of Oculus creator Palmer Luckey, has entered the domain of classic handheld gaming with its newest release, the Anduril Chromatic. This partnership with Luckey’s defense technology firm, Anduril Industries, unveils a device allegedly made from the same magnesium-aluminum alloy utilized in Anduril’s combat drones—an element that has ignited considerable debate and criticism within the gaming sphere.

The Chromatic is available for $349.99 and comes with a Porta Pro Bundle that features headphones and a charm adorned with Anduril’s emblem. The marketing of the device highlights its “performance and reliability under any and all circumstances,” hinting at a military-grade design targeted towards retro gaming fans. Nonetheless, the notion of a handheld gaming console constructed from drone materials raises questions regarding the environments where users may interact with classic games such as *Tetris*.

The launch of the Anduril Chromatic has provoked intense reactions from retro gamers and industry commentators. Detractors highlight that the military-industrial complex has well-established links to the gaming sector, frequently employing games for recruitment drives aimed at younger demographics. However, the association between classic gaming and defense technology paints a particularly unsettling picture, prompting many to scrutinize ModRetro’s intentions in delivering such a product to the nostalgic gaming audience.

Voices within the retro gaming community have rallied for a united response against ModRetro. Statements from prominent individuals, including Frank Cifaldi and others, convey that endorsing a product interconnected with military technology jeopardizes to normalize detrimental associations and actions within the gaming world. Cifaldi reflects on the repercussions of integrating such products into the sphere, likening it to an unwelcome encroachment. Similar sentiments have been shared by others, insisting that any interaction with the Chromatic—be it through purchase or development of compatible games—should incur social repercussions.

Palmer Luckey’s contentious history further amplifies the criticism. Following his exit from Oculus amidst allegations related to political funding and trolling, Luckey’s transition to establishing a defense technology company has raised more red flags. The Chromatic, portrayed as a tribute to the Game Boy, seems to be a jarring amalgamation of nostalgia and military connection, complicating the ability for many to align their fondness for retro gaming with the implications of its promotion.

In conclusion, the ModRetro Chromatic signifies not merely a new handheld device, but a focal point in the ongoing conversation regarding the intersections of technology, gaming culture, and military influence. As the retro gaming community navigates these concerns, it remains uncertain whether the Chromatic will successfully capture its audience or become a emblem of opposition against the merging of these two realms.