Starfield’s Upcoming Significant Update Concentrates on Improvements for Existing Fans, Rather Than a Complete Overhaul

### The Latest in Video Game News: Elden Ring DLC, Perfect Dark Developments, and More

Good morning. Today is Tuesday, often deemed one of the more difficult days of the week, yet it presents a fantastic chance to get up to speed on the latest in gaming. Below is a summary of some of the most notable news in the industry, highlighting updates on *Elden Ring*’s DLC, a new studio associated with a shelved *Perfect Dark* project, and an unexpected crossover with *Stranger Things*.

#### Developers Behind Canceled *Perfect Dark* Reboot Allegedly Forming New 2K Studio

The excitement surrounding the reboot of *Perfect Dark* kicked off in 2020, but it has since transformed into a saga of suspense and letdown. Initially announced to much acclaim and followed by an exhilarating gameplay trailer in 2024, the project took a drastic turn when Microsoft canceled it in July. The group responsible for the reboot, The Initiative, was also dissolved soon after.

In a recent update, it has been revealed that two prominent figures from the now-abandoned project—former director Brian Horton and studio head Darrell Gallagher—have been recruited by 2K Games. They are set to create a new studio under the 2K umbrella. According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Take-Two Interactive’s interest suggests that the publishers were impressed by the *Perfect Dark* demo, leading to this new undertaking.

Gallagher, who affirmed the news on LinkedIn, is now part of a hopeful shift in the gaming industry, transitioning from a halted project to assembling a new creative team.

#### Reason Behind *Resident Evil 2* Lacking Returning Characters

In a recent conversation, Hideki Kamiya, the director of *Resident Evil 2* and the celebrated creator of *Bayonetta*, shared his rationale during the game’s production. Discussing his decision to exclude characters from the original game, he admitted that his earlier calls were ill-conceived. According to Kamiya, he intended to create a fresh start without accounting for the loyal fans’ attachments to familiar characters.

Ultimately, after a team member voiced concerns regarding this strategy, Claire Redfield, a pivotal character from the franchise, was incorporated into the sequel. Kamiya’s honest insights underscore the changing dynamics of game development and the significance of fan involvement.

#### *Elden Ring: Nightreign*’s First DLC Has Surpassed 2 Million Copies in Sales

In thrilling news for *Elden Ring* enthusiasts, the inaugural DLC named *Forsaken Hollows* has achieved outstanding success. Within a mere two weeks of its launch, it has sold over 2 million copies. FromSoftware publicly conveyed their appreciation to fans for their support during the ongoing battle against the Dreglord, emphasizing the DLC’s popularity and the franchise’s lasting allure.

#### And Now for One of 2025’s Strangest Crossovers

In an unexpected turn of events, *Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024* will include a crossover with the popular Netflix series *Stranger Things*. While the simulator is well-known for its genuine aviation experience and breathtaking depictions of real-world environments, the integration of elements from a series centered on supernatural phenomena diverges from its typical theme. This unforeseen partnership may captivate fans of both gaming and television as they navigate the skies with a splash of 80s nostalgia.

### ICYMI:
Stay tuned for additional updates on these intriguing developments and more as the gaming landscape continues to progress.

### Watch This:
The industry is in constant flux, with new ventures and expansions perpetually on the brink. Keep an eye out for more thrilling announcements and releases in the near future.

As PC components such as RAM continue to be consumed by AI hyperscalers, resulting in increased costs and dwindling supplies, a major electronics retailer in Japan is depleting its inventory of computers and parts, urging customers to sell them their old PCs.

In recent months, the expense of building or upgrading a PC has risen. A primary factor contributing to this is AI-oriented tech firms acquiring PC components for the establishment of extensive data centers. It has become quite costly and difficult for the average consumer to purchase PC RAM and graphics cards, as companies like Micron cease to sell to individuals and increasingly concentrate on large corporations that purchase in large quantities. Prebuilt PCs from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Asus are also anticipated to experience a price hike of 15 to 20 percent, as reported by *PC World*. All these factors, along with tariffs creating additional issues, have resulted in a scarcity of PC parts and computers on store shelves, compelling one retailer to solicit the public for hardware.

On January 7, as noted by *PC-Watch* and *Tom’s Hardware*, Sofmap Gaming, a prominent electronics retailer in the Akihabara area of Tokyo, issued a somewhat urgent request. Here is the tweet text translated via machine translation:

“Um, as a favor, if you acquire a new PC, please sell your gaming PC to our company. We purchase them back at quite favorable prices. Whether it’s a gaming desktop or a laptop, or even a standard non-gaming one, we virtually buy any PC.”

Accompanying the tweet was an image of what seems to be a largely vacant shelf inside Sofmap Gaming with merely a few PCs and monitors remaining. “Gaming PCs, even second-hand ones, are truly out of stock at the moment. This is all we have,” stated Sofmap Gaming. The account is also engaging with nearly every user who responds with inquiries about what they can sell and the potential value.

With some analysts suggesting that the persistent demand for memory and other PC components, including GPUs, may persist as an issue until 2026 and possibly 2027, now could be an opportune moment to begin searching your home for any random pieces of hardware gathering dust. If the components aren’t too outdated, they could be worth a significant amount soon.

As the year transitions to a fresh start and the excitement of holiday shopping begins to fade, many individuals find themselves with gift cards or remaining holiday money, contemplating what valuable purchase to make next. If you’re seeking to invest in something practical, adaptable, and truly beneficial throughout the year, a portable power station is an exceptional choice. One remarkable option available now is the Jackery Explorer 300, a compact yet efficient power solution that is currently featured in a limited-time discount on Amazon.

Regularly priced at $259, the Jackery Explorer 300 can now be yours for just $179, reflecting a 31% price reduction and an impressive $80 in savings. For anyone hesitant about adding a portable power station to their collection of gear, this offer might just motivate you to make the purchase.

A portable power station is one of those essentials that you might not appreciate until the moment you truly require it. Whether you’re planning outdoor expeditions or simply desire reassurance at home, having something like the Jackery Explorer 300 is indispensable in both situations. It’s perfect for camping excursions, road trips, tailgating, or even backyard events where outlet access is scarce. Additionally, it serves as a smart emergency backup to keep in your vehicle or garage for unpredictable power interruptions or roadside emergencies.

Weighing merely 7.1 pounds, the Explorer 300 is remarkably lightweight considering the power it provides. Its built-in top handle promotes easy portability, whether you’re venturing into nature or using it during a power outage. Despite its small stature, it offers sufficient energy to sustain critical devices when it’s most essential.

**Universal Connectivity**

The Jackery Explorer 300 can energize up to six devices simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for families or group outings. It features two AC outlets for larger electronics, a 60W Power Delivery USB-C port for swiftly charging modern laptops and smartphones, a USB 3.0 fast-charge port, a standard USB-A port, and a DC car port. This assortment ensures that nearly any device you possess can be powered or recharged effortlessly.

In terms of functionality, the Explorer 300 provides dependable performance. On a full charge, it can operate a mini cooler or a television for approximately 4.5 hours. It can recharge smaller devices multiple times, offering around 31 phone charges, four laptop charges, 15 camera recharges, or about five and a half drone recharges.

Recharging the power station itself is efficient and hassle-free. Utilizing a standard wall outlet or the USB-C Power Delivery port with an AC adapter, it can achieve 80% capacity in just two hours. For those inclined toward sustainable energy or off-grid usage, it is also compatible with solar charging when coupled with panels like the Jackery SolarSaga 100 (sold separately).

Safety and dependability are paramount. The Jackery Explorer 300 employs pure sine wave technology, guaranteeing a stable and clean power source that safeguards sensitive electronics.

At $179 for a limited time, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a fantastic offer. Whether for outdoor adventures, emergency readiness, or daily convenience, it’s a wise way to kick off the new year with a purchase you’ll genuinely appreciate.