While Squid Game's uneven third season has faced several criticisms, only one can be traced back to the series' excellent first run — its bizarre, English-speaking "VIP" characters played by actors widely judged to be not of the same calibre as the show's Korean stars.

These masked characters are meant to be unlikable — they're depicted as wealthy, inhumane benefactors who view the games' tragedies as sport — but come across as unwatchable for all the wrong reasons, with cringeworthy dialogue and performances that distract from the rest of the show's quality and the main characters that viewers care about.

But why do they sound so bad? Well, an actor who played one of Squid Game Season 3's VIPs has now taken to TikTok to address the matter — and even they don't know why Netflix decided to dub over them in the series' main version, where the voice of different English-language actor is used instead.

In response to a TikTok video titled "How BAD the Squid Game VIP Acting Was", actor Bryan Bucco confirmed that the voice heard in Netflix's main version of the show (Korean language with English subtitles) was not his own.

"Those are the English dubs," Bucco wrote. "I was the actual actor. What's being played here isn't my voice."

"Some of the actors voices are more noticeably changed," Bucco continued. "It seems they did use voice actors to try and sound like us. I don't even want to s**t on my voice actor either because I think he did fine, I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to say his lines either haha."

But why dub over English-speaking actors with English-speaking replacements? Bucco has suggested that the process is not unusual for non-English productions to ensure clarity, with all of that actor's lines presumably then needing to be replaced for consistency.

"I think whoever is contracted to do the dubbing, does ALL of the dubbing," Bucco said. "The Korean version shouldn't have English dubs. If there are some in the Korean version, it would have to be due to specific lines having to be re-recorded for clarity."

@jbstarmax Maybe it was on purpose? 😂 Let me know your take #squidgame #season3 #vip #acting #netflix @Squid Game Netflix ♬ original sound - JB STAR 💫

Still, Bucco has highlighted an odd situation where different versions of the VIP's dialogue are available in different Netflix regions — where some still feature the VIP actors' original English voices.

"Could be Netflix messing s**t up? I watched a bit on a pirated streaming site and didn't hear these voices," Bucco said.

"I've seen different clips floating around where some have my voice, and others that are clearly not me... It doesn't really matter at the end of the day," he continued. "Just... if it sounds dubbed, that's because it probably is. And the ones used in this video above ARE the dubbed voices."

Bucco then provided an example he'd found himself on TikTok, where two English-language versions of the unnamed female VIP's voice can be heard, one with the actor's original voice, and one with a replacement English voice dubbed on top. (To our ears, the original actor's line reading sounds more natural.)

Back in 2021, when Squid Game originally launched, The Guardian tracked down some of the actors behind the first season's VIPs and questioned them as to why their performances felt so jarring with the rest of the show.

"I think the first thing to dispel is this myth that they just pick us up off the street," said John D Michaels, who portrayed the bearded "VIP #1" in Squid Game's first season. "It's different for every show, but non-Korean performers often act with dialogue that is translated by a non-native – sometimes even by Google Translate – so it can sound unnatural. And often we don't have the scripts for the rest of the show. We are only given our scenes, so we have no idea of the tone."

Michaels said his backstory for the VIPs amounted to little more than them being "total idiots" and "dirtbag millionaires", and claimed their delivery had been hobbled by their "very heavy plaster masks" and the fact they were all sat on couches far away from each other. "We all had to yell our lines vaguely into the air, which added to the weird tonality of the delivery," he noted.

Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley, who played Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has died aged 87 after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia.

Colley’s Admiral Piett was an imperial officer in command of Darth Vader's flagship. He reprised the role for 2012 animation Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. Colley also played Jesus in Monty Python's Life of Brian.

According to the BBC, he died peacefully at his home in Kent in the UK on Monday after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia.

Building a gaming PC can be one of the best ways to learn about how a computer works and possibly save yourself some money in the process. It gives you a fantastic foundation for future troubleshooting too. After all, if you built it yourself, you know exactly how it goes together, and how to access any troublesome components.

It’s easier than you might think, too. Modern PC building mostly just involves plugging everything in where it fits and it’s very hard to make mistakes if you have all the right hardware ready.

That’s the first step on any PC building journey – buying the right hardware. You’re going to want to make sure you get the best processor and the best GPU for what you’re trying to do with your PC. Once you have these components, the rest of your parts will help the rest of your spec list fall into place.

What You Need

Before you start building, you need to buy the right components. Which ones are right for you and your needs goes beyond the scope of this article, but here’s a list of components you need, and a few notes to help you choose them.

• CPU: One of the latest generation options from Intel, like the Core Ultra 5 245K, or AMD, like the Ryzen 5 9600X. If you really want to push gaming performance, consider the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, as its extra cache really helps make PC games run better.
• CPU Cooler: Some CPUs come with a cooler, but many don’t and high-end CPUs require more advanced cooling. Make sure the CPU cooler you buy is compatible with your CPU socket and can fit in your case.
• Motherboard: You don’t need to go too expensive here, but make sure it’s compatible with whichever CPU you’re interested in. Motherboards usually come in several different tiers, currently led by Z890 for Intel CPUs and X870 for AMD. B- and H-series motherboards are more than good enough for most people, though.
• RAM: Get 16GB at a minimum, but 32GB is affordable and a smart choice for gaming or professional tasks. Make sure it’s compatible with your motherboard, but don’t worry about getting the absolute best RAM on the market.
• Storage: A 1TB NVMe SSD is plenty for most, but 2TB or more is available at fair prices. Get PCIe 3.0 or newer, and while there’s little benefit to the latest PCIe 5 drives, a PCIe 4 drive will give you compatibility with DirectStorage, Microsoft’s next-gen game storage API.
• Graphics card: If you’re looking to play games, you’ll need one of these. If you’re playing AAA games, get the fastest you can afford. If you play older or casual games, get something affordable (but ideally with more than 8GB VRAM).
• Power supply: Get a unit that at least meets the recommended wattage for your graphics card of choice. If you aren’t using one, 500W will be fine. Don’t buy a super-cheap model as it can risk damaging your PC in the case of a power spike.
• PC Case: This is largely down to personal aesthetic preference, but make sure it’s big enough for your motherboard type (ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX), the length of your graphics card, and the height of your cooler.

Putting It All Together

Once you have all the hardware gathered, it’s time to actually start building. Be sure to ground yourself before starting, either by touching some steel on the PC case, or ideally by wearing an anti-static wristband. It’s also a good idea to build a PC on a non-conductive surface away from potential static build-up, like a desk or table – not a carpeted floor.

We’ll go through installing each component in turn. This is usually the best order to build a PC, but you don’t have to follow it exactly if your case or components have specific requirements.

Power Supply Remove any packing material from the case and take off both side panels. Grab the power supply and install it in the PSU mount (usually at the bottom rear) of your case. You may have to slide it in from the side, or remove a PSU bracket on the rear before slotting it in from the rear.

Use the included screws to secure it in place. If it’s modular, plug the power cables in that you’ll need. That usually means a Motherboard 20+4pin, CPU 8pin, and at least one PCIe 6+2 pin for graphics card power. You may need a SATA or Molex power cable too, if you have SATA drives or other tertiary components.

Motherboard Find the screw mounts on the motherboard tray of your case. They should have mounting standoffs in place already for your size of motherboard, but if not, screw those in now. Use your motherboard manual for guidance on where and how many.

If it’s not attached to your motherboard, install the rear I/O shield, then gently lower the motherboard into the case and screw it into each of the standoffs. Do not screw your motherboard directly into the case.

CPU
On the CPU socket on the motherboard, lift the retaining arm, and fold back the retention bracket. Remove any plastic cover from the CPU socket. Look for the little golden triangle on the socket and match it with the CPU to orient it correctly.

Line the CPU up and gently place it into the socket. Give it a little wiggle to ensure it’s seated properly and is installed in the correct orientation. If in doubt, remove it and have another go.

Once you’re happy that it’s in the right place, cover it with the retention bracket, then lower the retaining arm and lock it into place. You may need to press firmly here, but it shouldn't be too difficult – but don’t force it if it won’t go easily.

Apply thermal paste to your CPU If your CPU cooler doesn’t already have thermal paste applied (and honestly even if it does), take some thermal paste and apply a small amount to the CPU. There are several methods of doing this, but we like doing a little line down the middle of the processor. You don’t have to spread it out, but if you do, use a piece of plastic, like a credit card to spread it out into an even layer.

Cooler
Follow the CPU cooler instructions to make sure you are using the right brackets and retaining arms. You may need to replace the CPU cooler’s backplate, depending on the model. If it uses screws, be sure to screw them in slowly and only partially, switching screws as you screw it in so that the load on the CPU remains even.

When the cooler is in place, be sure to plug the fan into the correct header on your motherboard.

RAM
Locate the RAM slots on your motherboard and check the manual to make sure you’re plugging the sticks into the right slots. When you know for sure, push back the retaining brackets at the end of the RAM slots, then slide each stick into place. Ensure that its oriented correctly by lining up the notch on the sticks with the one in the slot.

When in place, you should hear a firm “Click” sound, and the retaining arms will snap into place. If they don’t, try pushing them into place yourself, or remove the sticks and try again.

Storage Locate the primary NVMe slot on your motherboard. You can do this just by eyeballing it, but check your motherboard manual or the manufacturer’s website if it’s hidden under a heatsink or you’re unsure. Usually, it’ll be the slot that’s physically closest to the CPU.

Remove any heatsinks or heatspreaders that are in the way, then locate the retaining screw or clip for the SSD. Remove it or turn it so that it opens the slot, and press the metal contacts of the NVMe SSD into the respective slot (bare in mind the notch for orientation). Press it gently, but firmly into place, then press it down and replace the retention screw or clip to hold it in place.

Repeat for any other NVMe SSDs you have. If you have an older SATA SSD or hard drive, you’ll need to power them with a SATA power cable from the power supply, and attach them to the motherboard with a SATA cable. There are usually mounting points for them in a case. Use the manual to locate them if necessary.

Graphics card
Locate the primary x16 PCI Express slot on your motherboard – it’s usually the “top” most PCIe slot and it’ll be the longest on the board. Remove the PCIe bracket behind that slot and the one immediately down from it (and more if you are using a triple or quad-slot GPU).

Line the graphics card up with the PCIe slot and push it firmly into the port. You should hear a click when the retention bracket snaps into place. If your graphics card is particularly heavy, it can be a good idea to hold it up while you secure the retaining screws on the PCIe bracket-end. Also consider adding an anti-sag bracket or GPU support.

Plug in the respective power cable. It’ll either be one or more PCIe 8-pin power connectors, or one of Nvidia’s newer high-power designs, like the 12VHPWR for the RTX 5000 cards. In either case, ensure the cable is plugged firmly in and isn’t loose. Try to avoid hard kinks or bends in the wiring, too.

PSU cables and front panel connectors Plug in the motherboard and CPU power cables. The specifics will be dependent on your board, but usually that involves the larger 20+4 pin connector and at least one four-to-eight-pin CPU power connector.

You’ll then want to plug in the front-panel connector cables. These link up the case’s power button, ports, and indicator lights to the PC and can be rather fiddly. Use attached labels and your motherboard’s manual for guidance on specifics.

Power it up When you’ve finished, don’t put any of the panels back on yet. Just plug a power cable in and try to boot the system up. If it passes POST (power-on self test), and ideally lets you start heading into a fresh Windows install, you should be all good to go. If it doesn’t post, go back over these steps and make sure you haven’t missed something. It’s easy to forget to plug in a power cable or miss a RAM stick. We’ve all been there.

The first three episodes of Dan Da Dan season 2 premiered theatrically on June 6. Season 2 will premiere on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu on Thursday, July 3.

Following the sickening cliffhanger that ended season 1 of Dan Da Dan, expectations are high for season 2. Based on the strength of the first three episodes, I’d say Okarun, Momo, and their fellow paranormal obsessives are poised to meet those expectations – and potentially exceed them if this momentum continues. We’ve been accustomed to a certain level of chaos in this anime so far, but the beginning of season 2 quite literally blows up the gang’s little bubble.

These episodes dig deeper into the newest addition to the crew, the highly energetic and quirky Jiji (Kaito Ishikawa). Momo and Okarun’s relationship is obviously the foundation of Dan Da Dan, but Jiji, like Aira before him, throws a twist into this coming-of-age story. For me, Jiji’s antics initially walked right up to the edge of annoying, but season 2 gives us a better sense of why he is the way he is – he’s not just wacky for wackiness’ sake, it turns out. Although his over-the-top and playful actions don’t appear genuine at times, some subtle interactions with other characters show that he cares about those around him.

Jiji’s story and his predicament are effectively highlighted. We knew coming in that this would be a very dangerous venture, considering all the firsthand experience Jiji had with his family and hired mediums. As we learn more about the history of the house they’re renting, we see the scope of how dire the circumstances are. It’s by far the biggest challenge the gang has faced so far: until now, most of Okarun and Momo’s troubles have been resolved within their small circle, but that seems very unlikely this time around, and it leads to a major disturbance by the end of the premiere episodes.

So far, though, this feels like less of the beginning of a new story for the second season and more of a second course to season one. It’s great that we’re finally seeing this storyline round out after being teased last season, but I’m still left with the sense that more could’ve been done to develop Jiji’s character during this early stretch. For an arc that centers around his trial, we haven’t really learned much more about him unlike the newly introduced creature. My hope is that we see a resolution as impactful as Aira’s, but I’m not sure if it’ll be up to par based on what I’ve seen so far. With that said, the grand scale of these supernatural events is refreshing, as is what they might mean for the series going forward.

Speaking of continuing the anime series, the team at Science Saru keeps up the quality work that they’ve been doling out over the years. Among other things, amazing character designs remain one of the best parts of Dan Da Dan. Whether it’s Okarun’s transformation or the scores of horrendous, otherworldly threats our heroes face, Science Saru does a great job of packing everything we need to know about a character into how they look. Take Jiji’s family’s creepy landlords, the Kitos, for example: Their uncomfortable smiles and questionable demeanor in these first few episodes of season 2 are enough to paint them as villains. Then there’s the new supernatural being that we caught a glimpse of at the end of the first season; what first comes off as a fairly unnerving sight gains new dimensions in season 2, with a peek at how this menacing creature came to be. These wild designs elevate the amount of chaotic energy Dan Da Dan puts out, and it’s better for it.

Of course, there’s some action to be had, too. Dan Da Dan’s inventive use of color continues in season 2, and it’s a great tool for enhancing the storytelling within the action. There’s one fight where every impact from a character is emphasized by flashes of darkness or negative space that’s particularly striking. It’s a simple concept that we’ve seen in other shonen series, where a number of quick flashes go off before a grand attack. Less is more in some of these cases, and Science Saru does a great job with nuances like this, and of those of a scene where the camera hones in on the eyes of a police officer and we watch his gaze shift from one character to another. This subtle action, in addition to an already uncomfortable atmosphere, really sells the scene. It’s these kinds of choices that make Dan Da Dan such a great watch.

Despite the non-disclosure agreements, Battlefield leaks are still coming fast and freely via its closed playtest. The most recent leak has revealed a peek at the upcoming shooter's free-to-play battle royale mode.

Battlefield dataminer Temporyal (via Insider Gaming), took to social media to share more unannounced details, including evidence that the map is set in California, insertion is via a CH-47 Chinook, and the "destructive ring [is] made of a compound called NXC." We're not yet clear on the lore behind why it's there yet, though.

The info comes attached to a blink-and-you'll-miss-it seven-second introductory cutscene that seems to show a squadron of helicopters heading towards a battle zone in a way that'll look familiar to anyone who's spent time with Call of Duty battle royale Warzone.

Here’s a short video clip showing the start of a Battlefield 6 Battle Royale match:

☀️ Map set in California
🚁 Insertion via CH-47 Chinook
🔥 Destructive ring made of a compound called "NXC"

This work-in-progress material is based on the BF Labs "Alpha" client. pic.twitter.com/uzsIR8lRuJ

— temporyal (@temporyal) July 3, 2025

The Battlefield playtest has proven to be leaky indeed, and developer DICE has "loads of feedback from the very active testers selected." Unlike Battlefield 2042's lukewarm reception, fans seem pretty pleased with what they've seen so far, and for some time EA wasn't even trying to take them down. That's changed somewhat since, however, although there's still plenty of information around if you're quick enough to catch it before the takedown notices go out.

So far, we've seen evidence of a new drag mechanic and the ability to cling on to vehicles, as well as improved in-game movement, 3D maps, and improved destruction.

EA has been playing its cards pretty close to its chest about the new Battlefield, and we still don't know when, exactly, it will launch. But EA's last financial report suggested it'll come out by the end of March 2026.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

The iconic Keith David — who is known for his expansive career that includes beloved live-action and voice acting roles alike — was surprised by a very touching honor recently: his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The actor took to his social media accounts to share a truly touching video of himself watching the broadcast where this year’s honorees were announced, where you can see him giving a very shocked reaction when he heard his name as part of the list. His wife, Dionne Lea Williams, also comes into the frame to congratulate him excitedly during the video, crying and hugging David in response to the news.

What a surprise! Being blessed to get to do this for a living is enough for me; to be recognized for my contribution to the arts is the cherry on top.🙏🏿

Thank you, Hollywood Walk of Fame & Hollywood Chamber for this honor. This will be a wonderful birthday present next year. pic.twitter.com/dnSmObJezT

— Keith David (@ImKeithDavid) July 2, 2025

“What a surprise! Being blessed to get to do this for a living is enough for me; to be recognized for my contribution to the arts is the cherry on top,” David wrote on his Twitter account alongside the video. “Thank you, Hollywood Walk of Fame & Hollywood Chamber for this honor. This will be a wonderful birthday present next year.”

69-year-old David is perhaps best known for his role opposite Kurt Russell in the beloved 1982 classic remake of The Thing, but he is also responsible for upwards of 400 roles across his nearly 50-year career — including a wealth of voice acting appearances in both the film and television and video game spaces. Fans may remember him as the Arbiter Thel ‘Vadamee in the Halo franchise, Julius Little in the Saints Row franchise, and of course Admiral Andersen in the Mass Effect series.

More recently, David took over as Commander Zavala in Destiny 2 following the passing of his original actor, Lance Reddick.

@ign

♬ original sound - IGN Entertainment

Though the ceremony date for the class of 2025 has yet to be announced, David hinted at the honor being a birthday present to him next year — so it seems like we can expect the legend to receive his deserved accolade around the beginning of June 2026.

Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.

Build A Rocket Boy, the Edinburgh, Scotland-based developer of MindsEye, has issued at-risk of redundancy emails to its around 300-strong UK workforce following the disastrous launch of the game.

Sources familiar with the goings on inside the embattled studio told IGN at-risk emails were also sent to staff at PlayFusion, which BARB acquired late 2024. PlayFusion, whose CEO Mark Gerhard became co-CEO of BARB as part of the buyout, is working on a different game — a fast-paced FPS called Ascendant which was meant to come out this year.

Last month, IGN reported that BARB had begun a redundancy process following the release of MindsEye. The standard 45-day consultation process kicked off on June 23, which according to UK law is triggered when an employer proposes 100 or more redundancies within a 90-day period. IGN understands Build A Rocket Boy currently has around 300 UK employees, with 200 abroad.

At the time, BARB issued a statement confirming the redundancy process, insisting the cuts will let the studio “focus on delivering ongoing updates and performance optimization for MindsEye, while also ensuring the long-term success of Build A Rocket Boy’s future ambitions.”

Soon after MindsEye launched, BARB said it was “heartbroken” over the issues players had faced with the game, and promised to release a series of patches to fix the significant performance problems, glitches, and AI behavior bugs. Rollout of these patches has begun.

All the while, MindsEye’s troubled launch saw the developer cancel sponsored streams, with reports of players securing refunds, even from the normally stubborn Sony, surfacing online.

On Steam, which does not paint the whole picture of MindsEye’s current popularity, the game hit a peak concurrent player count of 3,302 on launch, but had a 24-hour peak of just 46 players. At the time of this article’s publication, 26 people were playing on Steam, where MindsEye has a 'mostly negative' user review rating.

Story-driven action adventure game MindsEye was initially designed to be a part of Everywhere, the ‘Roblox for adults’ creation platform led by former Grand Theft Auto design chief Leslie Benzies. BARB eventually switched to focus on MindsEye, but it has so-far failed to do the business for the company.

Meanwhile, BARB sources told IGN that Benzies finally addressed staff following the release of MindsEye in a brief video call yesterday, July 2. According to two people present who asked not to be named in order to protect their careers, Benzies insisted BARB would bounce back and relaunch MindsEye, blaming the studio and the game’s struggles on internal and external saboteurs, among other things.

The comments rekindle memories of those issued by Mark Gerhard ahead of the release of MindsEye. The co-CEO hit the headlines for claiming there was a "concerted effort" by some to "trash the game and the studio," suggesting people were being paid or using spam bots to post negative comments. The boss of publisher IO Interactive, which makes the Hitman games, subsequently issued a denial.

BARB sources told IGN that internally, there is a desire for a MindsEye redemption arc that would eventually see it become successful for the studio. But as staff face an anxious wait to discover their fate, there are serious questions over whether BARB will be able to fulfill its post-launch roadmap for content, including the promised multiplayer mode, on time.

Earlier this week, BARB released MindsEye’s third post-release update on console, with a PC release to follow. “We’ve watched hundreds of hours of gameplay footage and reviewed player feedback across multiple channels to prioritize the most pressing issues and improve the experience for all our console players,” the studio said.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Following our recent five-hour hands-on preview of Borderlands 4 (and subsequent Vault and boss fight gameplay commentary), we have gone through and collected all of your questions, all of your best questions from the various comments sections on different platforms and we're going to run through and answer the best of those, the best we can. These are answered by frequent IGN contributor Travis Northup, who wrote our Borderlands 4 preview and whose gameplay and voice is in that Vault and boss fight commentary linked above.

cirescythe asks: Is it a return to form for gearbox...?

Travis Northup: That is obviously the question everyone wants to know the answer to. With this one I think the answer is it remains to be seen, but signs are pretty positive right now. So all the stuff that I played, a lot of focus on the gunplay and mobility and that stuff is really great to see. The refocus on the story with a new planet, new characters, new tone that is reminiscent of Borderlands 1 in my mind I think is probably a good sign for players like myself who were a little turned off by some of Borderlands 3's comedy chops. And so signs certainly point to yes, but as with all these things you never really know until you can play more of it. I don't know that five hours is enough for me to say definitively, but I'm certainly heartened by what I saw.

danieladams5132 asks: Will there be dungeons scattered throughout the open world to explore optionally?

Travis Northup: I think the answer is yes. So I didn't get to explore too much. We were put on the first map and then we went and did one vault. That was basically the extent of the areas we were allowed to explore. But while I was on the first open world hub area, I did a side quest where I was collecting pieces of a vault key to go and do the vault that I was then later put into. And so there are seemingly skippable dungeons you can go to, but I didn't see anything where it's like, "Oh, here's a cave I can wander into that leads to a whole boss fight." I think they are more bespoke and there's probably fewer of them than a Skyrim dungeon where you're running around. It is very much in line with what we've seen in Borderlands in the past where you're doing certain activities. But there was quite a bit to do on the map. Even though there weren't specific dungeons, there were plenty of places I could raid with hidden Loot and because of the new traversal options, you're gliding around the map a lot and hopping into your car instantly, which I think you just saw there in some of the footage, which is really cool to be able to do. It feels more like an open world game despite still very much not being open world.

matthewdavey1462 asks: My biggest question so far is hoping we see a return to Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's system where Vault Hunters could interact with each other while playing multiplayer.

Travis Northup: We tried out multiplayer at the very end of the demo for about 40 minutes, maybe an hour, and I didn't see any of that where the vault hunters were interacting with each other. The vault hunters talked a little bit during this demo, but per Borderlands tradition, the characters you're playing as are not the main characters in Borderlands and so there wasn't a whole bunch of interaction there. But admittedly I didn't get to see a lot of multiplayer, which is weird. I would say 99% of the Borderlands I have played has been a multiplayer and so it was weird that wasn't the focus of the demo. I'm thinking maybe that's a part that they're still putting together and working on. And so I didn't get to see a ton of that unfortunately.

deviatetaco3757 asks: (at the 6:38 mark of the video preview) Was that a damn podracer?!?

Travis Northup: Yeah. So I think I did look up these timestamps before we started recording. I believe that one is me hopping into my vehicle that you get. So there it is right there. Pod racer. So you can summon your vehicle whenever you want in this game. It's a new feature, you don't have to go to a catch a ride station anymore. And in this case there does seem to be a vehicle skin or form or model that looks a lot like a pod racer. I did not get to play with that exact model. I only got the starter one, but there does seem to be a vehicle that looks an awful lot like a pod racer in the skin, which pretty cool.

TannerHarperReviews asks: (at the 3:27 mark of the video preview) So does that mean that guns no longer have the alt firing modes that we had in BL3? I actually liked that addition to the gunplay.

Travis Northup: Yeah. So I think this commenter was reacting to a comment I made about one of the new gun manufacturers, which I believe is called the order which has an alternate firing mode. You can see that here. The context here is important, which is I was playing in the earliest parts of the game and so I actually don't know how common alt firing modes are in the game in general, but the order's key feature is that their guns specifically have alt firing modes and so I think it is something they're consolidating into a manufacturer, but I probably did not play enough of this game to say that for sure. This gun that you're seeing here is a pistol made by the order and it's alt firing mode is that it can create gravity wells, which was super cool. And so they have alt firing as a feature in this game, but I did not see it on the vast majority of the guns I used. And so that could be different in the end game when you're getting legendaries and doing other stuff like that. But at least with the blues and greens and stuff I was finding for the vast majority of my play through, I did not see a whole lot of alt firing and the ones I did see were exclusively to this gun manufacturer.

98nirki asks: Is there really something new and exciting here to bring new players? It looks and feels more or less the same way for over a decade…

Travis Northup: I think that is a real concern. There's a little bit of a push and pull between fans who want to see a return to form and fans who want the form to be completely different. I think that's a really tough line to walk when you're making a fourth, fifth, sixth game in a franchise, which I believe, although this is Borderlands 4, it's at least the sixth game. They've got spinoffs and all sorts of stuff. I think that's tough.

They very clearly want this to be a Borderlands game and so I think if you straight up do not like Borderlands 1 and 2 specifically, you're probably not going to like this unless your main concerns with those games were. I don't think the gunplay is great because that has been their main focus. They're focusing on gunplay first, some of the RPG mechanics second or probably story second and then the RPG mechanics after that. And so if nothing drew you into the other Borderlands, I don't think that that's going to change here. And I don't think that that's their goal. I think their goal is to say to Borderlands fans, "Hey, we're still improving on the formula that you love, but the formula and the bones of this thing are going to remain largely the same."

It is a problem with pretty much every franchise, right? How do you keep something new while making it the same? You don't want to change it too much otherwise fans will be upset. The sentiment I've heard is give me gunplay from Borderlands 3 with the story and tone and characters of Borderlands 2. I think that they're saying, "Yeah, we want to do that, but we're going to even try to do a lot better than the gunplay in Borderlands 3." Because that has very clearly been a focus, the gunplay is, and I'm sure we'll get to questions about that.

kirawood-e2i asks: I've heard rumour that we're not getting Tiny Tina involved which i think is a shame as Wonderlands was amazing in my opinion. Are there going to be any characters that we actually know of?

Travis Northup: I didn't see any in my time playing with Borderlands and I think that is a very intentional shift. Borderlands has this thing where it relies on a lot of the same characters in every game. This game does have returning characters for sure. We've confirmed that Moxxi is going to be in the game and stuff like that. We've seen that. The demo I played had no characters in common except for I think Claptrap was in it for a little bit or had some voices, but he's basically the mascot of Borderlands. He has to be on it. But aside from that, I didn't have people talking in my ear who were previous characters in Borderlands or anything like that. They're very much moving away from those characters. And I think it speaks to the larger feeling that this is a soft reboot. The NPCs, I was talking to the story, it's on a completely different planet. We are not on Pandora, we're in a different world learning about different characters. It was just a very clean break. So I think Tiny Tina, that rumor that Tina is not in the game is probably true just based on my limited time with it and talking to the developers and hearing them talk about how they wanted a fresh start and to tell the separate story in the separate place so that's just my guess.

momintim asks: I wonder if there will be a hub of sorts?

Travis Northup: So Borderlands 3 definitely had this with the ship that you're on. I didn't see one in this game. My guess is they just didn't want to show it to me, does not mean that it's not in the game. But I didn't see one, so I actually don't know the answer to this question at all. It wasn't something that they talked about.

liamhollands344 asks: Here's a question: Are there still team vehicles? Or are we just gliding around on different kinds of jet bikes?

Travis Northup: I'm not sure if there are team vehicles in this game. The ones I saw were only a single person. Just based on the way you summon them there might not be team vehicles any more unless they're like specific tanks or something like that that I haven't seen. But the reason I don't think that there are team vehicles is because you can do everything from your personal vehicle and you can also summon it wherever you are at any time. So it makes team vehicles irrelevant because the speeder I was on had multiple firing modes. I could shoot missiles, I could shoot a machine gun, it could go really fast. I could get out of it and get in it anywhere I was at any time. And so when you're in that dynamic, I don't really know that you need to load everybody up in the same car anymore. And so I think the answer is probably no. Here I did not see any in this game and signs point toward this possibly being something that they don't have anymore.

Testes-f1i asks: Did you play this on easy?

Travis Northup: I did not get to choose my difficulty. So I actually don't know what game mode I was playing on. These were pre-made files loaded up for us with pre-made builds, and so I didn't get to go through character creation or anything like that. I don't think it was on easy. I don't know. I played these games on the hardest difficulty available to me because I enjoy a challenge. I don't know if there's a question here about the footage. I saw some commenters commenting on my footage and my gameplay not being the greatest. That does happen when you do a demo, it's your first time playing the game. You're given no tutorial. They do not tell you what the build includes or how any of its powers work and you don't have time to read all the menus and abilities because you got to get in there and play the game. And then also you usually have a developer talking in your ear and trying to explain stuff to you while you're playing and you're looking over your shoulder. And so these live demos can be a little challenging and it doesn't always make for the best footage, it's just part of the job unfortunately. I don't think I played it on easy, but I couldn't tell you.

LM0671 asks: One question: When will the graphics engine finally see a major evolution? Episode 5?

Travis Northup: I would say it has. So this is Unreal 5. Perhaps not fully realized in our footage that we captured. Full disclosure, I was not able to in control of the settings. They gave me a rig and they said, "Click this button when you want to capture." So I don't know what its output was, but I can tell you as somebody who has played all of the Borderlands games, like this is the prettiest game. I think the change in engine and the new tools they've got for it are pretty clear. So if that doesn't show up in this video, I think it will when you play it in person. It stuck out to me as being particularly pretty. That said, they're not changing the art style, they're still doing cel-shading. They're still cartoony stuff. And I think that's probably the right move. It needs to look like Borderlands.

mjjenkins8809 asks: Is there an option to play in 3rd person?

Travis Northup: I don't think that there is. I went into third person a few times because you do it when you transition into driving your car or whatever and right here when I'm slashing around with my swords. But I would be really surprised if suddenly Borderlands was no longer primarily FPS. I think that's what they're going for and I don't think there's a third person option.

kingmickey666 asks: What is the humor like? BL3 was childish and BL2 didn't age very well. I like the darker tone, but I hope the humor isn't lost.

Travis Northup: This is a very important question to me as a comedian myself. Humor has always been super important in Borderlands, and I think everybody's got their own opinions about what works and doesn't work. And again, I think it's probably too early to tell, but I will tell you my initial impressions, which are this game has a very, very clear different tone than I would say really any of the Borderlands games. The story is pretty serious. It's probably closest in its tone to Borderlands 1 in that there's a lot going on where there's a planet with this person who's enslaved the entire population, and there's a lot of commentary about that. And so there is a cyberpunk dark sci-fi edge to it. That said, there's still plenty of jokes. All the villain ... There was one boss I fought where he was talking to me about ... I don't know, having his nipples tweaked or something like that. He was one of those bosses who likes pain or whatever and makes it really sexual. And so they went down that path and stuff. I think your mileage may vary. Borderlands has always been potty humor. And so if you were a teenager and you liked Borderlands 2 and now you're older and maybe you don't like that, I would argue that your comedy tastes have changed. And I think that's fine.

I myself am a 30-something who enjoys potty humor, and so if it's done well, I can get behind that. And I think some of the jokes worked and some of them didn't. It certainly was not the same tone as Borderlands 3 and the style of joke was very different. And so I think we're going to need to spend more time with it. But I'll say in my time with it, some of the jokes landed and some of them didn't. I think it was already a step up from Borderlands 3, which is not that high of a bar.

If you've seen Tiny Tina Wonderland, I would say it was around the same consistency as Tiny Tina's Wonderland. But Tiny Tina's Wonderland has a very different vibe to it. It's just a lot more over the top because it's pure fantasy and it's basically just like, oops, all bits. And this wasn't that. They had some bits, they had some sections where there was an ongoing joke, like the boss that was talking to me about how he couldn't wait to be tortured or whatever, but there were also periods where there wasn't that going on and there were serious topics happening, especially in the vault where I was learning about a backstory with a character and there was some story stuff going on. And so I think they're trying to balance it and we'll see how many of ... Like I keep saying, I was heartened by what I saw so far. Probably too early to tell.

RobotJungle asks: Why all the hate?? This looks f*cking awesome and I hated bl3

Travis Northup: My guess is why all the hate is because when you lose the players' confidence, it's hard to gain it back. Players are just ... They are that way. Their loyalty is fleeting. And I think that's probably a good thing because it gives feedback to developers immediately on what they should change. But also I think there's been some stuff that's happened around this game that's not related to the game that has pissed people off. Maybe Randy Pitchford's comments on how much a game should cost and that stuff. And I'm seeing a lot of comments on our preview that are about that, and I don't blame them, but that's separate from the question I'm trying to answer with my previews and my reviews at IGN, which is like, how does the game feel to play, is it worth your time, is it fun et cetera. I'm not going to comment on whether I think various CEO comments are smart things to say or not.

It definitely made me root for them having played the game. I was like, okay, cool. They're not resting on their laurels. They're trying to improve the game. They're very clearly listening to fan feedback and trying to change the direction and so I'm here for it. I like it when games try new stuff and they get sequel fear. I don't think they're doing that with this. I think they are taking chances and they're trying some new stuff and they're trying to keep old stuff that they think worked well, and so they're doing exactly what I would hope a team working on a new Borderlands game would be doing. Whether or not that is successful remains to be seen, but I'm at least more optimistic having played it a bit.

artvandelay123 asks: Will the game have a minimap? FOV sliders?

Travis Northup: The mini-map, I think the answer is no. And we can pull up the footage right now and see it, but I don't remember there being in mini-map. FOV sliders, again, I didn't look in the menu extensively, but I think there were FOV sliders. I was playing on a PC. That function is more common on PCs, so whether that exists on console, I'm not exactly sure. But I did not see a mini-map. The main thing that they use is the compass, and then you can pull up your map pretty quickly. And I was making markers or making a note of which icon I wanted to go toward and then getting in my car or running in that direction basically. But yeah, no mini-map. I think there are FOV sliders, at least on the PC version I was playing.

Distinct Possibility Studio, a new development team comprised of industry veterans including longtime Sony Online Entertainment boss John Smedley, has announced its first project: a large-scale persistent online open-world first-person shooter called Reaper Actual. It's in development for PC.

It's a PvPvEvE game – sort of akin to an MMOFPS – set on the fictional island of Marova, which Smedley tells IGN is four times the size of Call of Duty Warzone's biggest map. You play a Reaper – effectively, a mercenary – and work for different factions. Up to 200 players can be on one server, and you'll be able to join Outfits (read: clans), use vehicles, and own bases – and of course raid them. Meanwhile, the AI is also playing against each other, and the human players can choose to get involved. Check out the first trailer for the Unreal Engine 5-powered game above and the first screenshots in the gallery below.

Distinct Possibility describes Reaper Actual's persistent online island as such: "Victories and defeats reshape the island’s control between PvP fights and NPC factions in real-time. Players will have a progression and crafting system to build the best gear, all of which stays in the world." Meanwhile, the studio's chief creative officer, Matt Higby, said, “We are moving toward the next level of persistent FPS combat. Players want a world they can live in and build upon. Having a solid base is only the start in Reaper Actual. Once faction missions interweave with PvP combat, the world becomes a swirling battleground of options for players. Mix that with a full crafting system and Reapers will grow every time you log in to play.”

Core player experiences are being designed around 3-4 player groups, with larger-scale Planetside 2-type scenarios as well. Meanwhile, their Left 4 Dead Director-style AI, Cerberus, will dynamically put players in conflict with each other by dishing out competing objectives for different Outfits.

Finally, they're extending the in-game economy outside of the game with opt-in web3 elements; the Steam and Epic Games Store versions of Reaper Actual won't have any web3 components, but players who wish to participate can opt-in to user-generated content by crafting guns and gear, with renting and modding servers also an option. If you're interested in participating in player testing, you can do so on the official Reaper Actual website.

Yesterday, amid the layoffs of around 9,100 staff at Microsoft including thousands from its Xbox Gaming Divisions, we learned that one of the impacted projects was an unannounced MMO from ZeniMax Online Studios.

Now, IGN has learned that the entire team for the MMO, codenamed "Blackbird," has been cut, amid layoffs that impacted several hundred individuals across the Cockeysville, MD-based ZeniMax Online Studios.

Speaking to multiple sources familiar with the project, IGN has learned that Blackbird was to be a new, sci-fi IP. Though it had been in development since 2018, the length of time it was taking to make the game was expected, as ZeniMax was building an entirely new game engine for it.

In the last year, sources tell IGN that pre-production was going well, and the team was actively ramping up in the hope of moving into full production soon. Xbox had approved the scaling up, and some individuals were being moved onto the project from other teams such as The Elder Scrolls Online, as well as some people absorbed from the shuttering last year of Arkane Austin.

One source recalled being told last year by head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty in a meeting that Xbox's closures of Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog Games were done for the purpose of justifying increased headcount for other game studios that needed it, including ZeniMax Online Studios.

But now, every person working on Blackbird is gone. The project has been cancelled, and ZeniMax Online Studios head Matt Firor has stepped down. Sources IGN spoke to said that those within ZeniMax only knew that layoffs were coming due to ongoing news reports leading up to yesterday, but even today are still in the dark as to how widespread the cuts actually are. They also confirmed reports that a number of people's Slack access was deactivated before they were told by HR that they were impacted, resulting in confusion and distress.

Microsoft's mass layoffs have devastated its games division, and our understanding of the impact is still evolving. IGN was told that Candy Crush developer King was hit hard, and we learned yesterday that Perfect Dark has been canceled and The Initiative is no more. Meanwhile, Everwild has been canceled at Rare and veteran Rare designer Gregg Mayles is leaving the company, and Blizzard's Warcraft Rumble is winding down. Brenda and John Romero also announced this morning that Xbox has pulled funding from their project, leaving its future uncertain. A number of other games and teams are rumored to be impacted as well, though the full scope is still unknown.

This comes on the heels of Microsoft's laying off 1,900 staff in January 2024, closing Redfall developer Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks months later, laying off 650 more individuals in gaming the following September, and then in May of this year Microsoft laying off an additional 6,000 people.

Image credit: zenimaxonline.com.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox Series X and S next month in a shock announcement that sees Sony publish a game on PlayStation's rival consoles.

Arrowhead’s explosive co-op third-person shooter launches on Xbox on August 26, 2025, a livestream confirmed. Remarkably, that's the same day Microsoft releases Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation 5.

In a post on Xbox Wire, Helldivers 2 Game Director Mikael Eriksson commented on what this launch means to the studio.

“We know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game," he said. "We have so much more in store for the future months and years – and the more players we have the more stories we can tell! The fight for Super Earth has only just begun.”

Crossplay across all platforms is confirmed, which means PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players will be able to play together.

Helldivers 2 launched on PC and PS5 in February 2024 and was a rare live service smash hit for Sony. It is the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game of all time, selling an incredible 12 million copies in 12 weeks.

While player numbers on Steam, which Valve makes public, remain healthy a year-and-a-half on from the record-breaking launch, the Xbox release will no-doubt boost the player pool even further.

Still, Helldivers 2's release on Xbox comes as a big surprise. Sony, typically, does not release PlayStation Studios games on Xbox, preferring instead to launch on PlayStation consoles only and, in an increasing number of cases, PC. MLB The Show, developed by Sony's San Diego Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is an exception and does launch on Xbox, albiet under the MLB banner. Sony also recently released LEGO Horizon Adventures on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC.

Clearly, the once impenetrable walls of console exclusivity are coming down. Microsoft, which only yesterday made sweeping cuts to its gaming business as part of an eye-watering round of layoffs affecting over 9,000 staff, is all-in on PlayStation. The aforementioned Gears of War: Reloaded marks the once Xbox-exclusive series' debut on PlayStation, Hellblade 2 hits PS5 in August, and Obsidian's The Outer Worlds 2 releases on Sony's console in October.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

This article contains spoilers for Jurassic World Rebirth. If you’re not caught up yet, check out our spoiler-free review of the new dinosaur adventure.

Jurassic World Rebirth hits theaters this week, once again throwing us back into the world of John Hammond’s magnificent Jurassic (or more accurately, often Cretaceous) recreations. We see new dinosaur hybrids, a brand new island that is, for reasons beyond me, not one of the five death islands (the chain of islands where the Jurassic action often takes place), and get a brand new trio to lead our future misadventures. But what we don’t have in Jurassic World Rebirth is the franchise’s well-established sense of wonder.

Rebirth takes place 32 years after Jurassic Park the park first opened its doors for Doctors Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler and the rest (and promptly closed them), paralleling Jurassic Park the movie’s release and signaling that the franchise is happening in real-time. It’s a minute detail, but one that connects the story’s central premise – that humans have grown tired of dinosaurs – to its own viewers. And as one of those viewers, I can’t help but find that idea both odd and disappointing. That disappointment is notable here because I have never once been disappointed by this franchise. At its worst and dumbest, it still has dinosaurs. And, though still technically true of Rebirth, it’s only barely so.

Jurassic World Rebirth’s sadness is core to its story, which isn’t inherently negative. The melancholy works. But you can engage with an ailing brontosaurus trapped in the middle of New York City and thus wreaking all sorts of havoc on humans' everyday life without shifting your overall franchise sentiment to “humans have grown tired of dinosaurs.” You also don’t need that boredom to justify an evil corporation known for experimenting on dinosaurs to experiment on dinosaurs. It’s literally what they do! It does not require an explanation! It especially doesn't require an explanation that then compromises your overall narrative.

Sadness can be at the center of your story without sacrificing the awe that has been so central to your success. I can accept the film’s decision to distance itself from core Jurassic aspects like InGen, choosing not to take place on one of the five Death Islands, distancing yourself from the practical effects you are so known for and not using any of your other established evil corporations and instead creating a brand new one. But asking the audience to participate in future films where people just don’t care about dinosaurs? Why would we do that?

I have what might be called a bit of a dinosaur problem. Jurassic Park was the first film I saw in theaters. Four might have been too young, but I was far from the only child there. I was, however, one of the few kids not screaming in terror. I have been enamoured by dinosaurs my entire life. Jurassic Park would later become the first film I saw at a drive-in during their resurgence throughout quarantine. My first published print piece was in a Jurassic Park magazine (RIP, Birth. Movies. Death.). I devoured Michael Crichton’s books and I have loved each of the respective Jurassic films despite their warts because they have dinosaurs in them.

Which is all to say that, as a card-carrying member of Jurassic World’s core audience, I can’t fathom a world where people aren’t enamored by dinosaurs. I dream of being able to travel to Universal Beijing to meet the animatronic triceratops that wanders through the park even though I know it’s a dang robot. I am also one of the idiots who would be first in line to an actual Jurassic Park despite having seven films and a couple of terrifying books explaining why that would be the stupidest decision a person could make.

The wonder of the dinosaurs is the inherent point of this franchise. The cautionary tale of hubris that makes up the backbone of its narrative cannot exist without it — at least in the films. None of it works with Alan and Ellie’s reverence for the dinosaurs, whether it be seeing the brontosaurus for the first time or their immediate empathy for the ailing triceratops. Crichton’s novel is much more horrific, and it does just fine in that genre, but Jurassic World Rebirth straddles genres in a way that sparks a few bright moments like the terrifying introduction of the D-rex or writer David Koepp’s long-awaited adaptation of the terrifying T-rex river scene from the novel. But it doesn’t really do much to pull the franchise into straight horror territory, while also never managing to elicit the all-important sense of wonder the movies are known for.

It’s worth mentioning that I still enjoyed Jurassic World Rebirth. The new trio gives us just enough to make us care about them — or at least more than Chris Pratt’s Owen Grady and Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire Dearing ever really managed to accomplish in their three films — and the hybrids are fun enough with the notable exception of the D-rex. Please don’t give me a dinosaur movie without a dinosaur antagonist. That is a rancor, and not a particularly good-looking one. But my overall concern here isn’t about Rebirth, it’s about what comes next.

I’m not really interested in a story set in a world that has become bored by dinosaurs, and I struggle to see a path forward for the franchise built on that aforementioned wonder. With the exception of Dr. Loomis’ (Jonathan Bailey) awe over the titanosaurus, there’s not an ounce of awe or empathy for these creatures. The dinosaurs are almost a backdrop to the primary story and, with love and respect to the remarkable Bailey and his equally wonderful co-stars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, we’re not here for them.

The audience has never been in this for the human characters, and please know that I say that with nothing but endless adoration for Ellie Sattler, Alan Grant and (most days) Ian Malcolm. It was, is and always will be about the dinosaurs, so I truly cannot see a world where a team full of people looked at each other and said “Y’know what this franchise needs? Dinosaur fatigue!”

I followed this series through dream raptors, an ill-advised child clone, and am actually a defender of the locust fiasco (it’s the next logical step and everyone needed to calm down, don’t @ me), but for the first time in my life I feel like the Jurassic franchise is going down a path that I can’t follow. And, worse still, I don’t really see a way out of it for them. I’ll be there for the next one and desperately want to be proven wrong, but man. They set out for melancholy with this one and I think they succeeded just a little bit too much.

With the upcoming launch of Superman, a new Batman movie in the works, and confirmation that a new Wonder Woman film is in development, the obvious next question is whether we’ll see the super trio team up in the rebooted DCU at some point. Based on comments from James Gunn, that sounds likely.

Speaking to Deadline on the red carpet for Superman, Gunn, who wrote and directed the film and is stewarding DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, was asked if there’s a chance fans will get to see Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman on the big screen together.

Gunn’s response made it clear a teamup is on the cards: “Of course! Yeah!”

However, he qualified that statement by saying it won’t happen for some time: “But not in the next movie.” Presumably this is a reference to next year's Supergirl.

Deadline then followed up to ask if there were talks of it happening at some point in the next few years, and Gunn pushed back on the idea of formal talks happening at this point.

“You have to remember that all this stuff is talks in my head,” he said. “So there’s a lot of chatter in my head that does a lot of things. The DCU is chatter in my head, not talks.”

James Gunn discusses a reunion between Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman on the big screen: “Of course, yeah! But, not in the next movie” pic.twitter.com/RK8FhqOJfU

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) July 2, 2025

Clearly, Gunn is mentally at least preparing for all three characters to join forces eventually, but when that happens is anyone’s guess. While Superman has a release date, as do 2026's Supergirl and Clayface, other DCU projects seem rather nebulous. Chief among them is Batman, which Gunn himself recently called “my biggest issue in all of DC right now.”

In February, Gunn and Safran confirmed The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, ruling out current Batman actor Robert Pattinson in the process. At the time, Safran and Gunn said Pattinson would play Batman in director Matt Reeves’ Batman universe, dubbed The Batman Epic Crime Saga, only. Pattinson played Batman in 2022’s The Batman, with The Batman - Part 2 confirmed to be in development.

However, last year The Batman Part 2 was delayed once again, this time to October 1, 2027. If this date stands, it will end up being five years between the world first seeing Robert Pattinson become the Dark Knight and again in its sequel.

And what does this mean for the timing of The Brave and the Bold? Gunn faces the potentially confusing situation of having two actors playing Batman in movies across two different DC universes.

As of February, The Brave and the Bold was said to be in “very active development,” and the story was “coming together very nicely.” But is The Flash director Andy Muschietti still directing? Gunn and Safran are developing the script, and will show it to Muschietti "when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him," Safran said earlier this year. "I'm very, very actively involved in that script," Gunn added, also earlier this year.

Speaking more recently on Batman, Gunn said he’s not actually writing The Brave and the Bold, but is working with an unnamed writer to “get it right.”

“Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,” he said. “And it’s not — I’m not writing Batman, but I am working with the writer of Batman and trying to get it right, because he’s incredibly important to DC, as is Wonder Woman.

“So outside of the stuff that I’m doing in the projects that are actively going, our two priorities are finishing our Wonder Woman and our Batman scripts.”

Gunn then discussed in vague terms the kind of Batman he’s going for — or, perhaps it would be better to say the kind of Batman he's trying to avoid.

“Batman has to have a reason for existing, right? So Batman can’t just be ‘Oh, we’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.,’ which he is. But because there’s a need for him in the DCU and a need that he’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman.

“But yet he’s not a campy Batman. I’m not interested in that. I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman, really. So we’re dealing with that. I think I have a way in, by the way. I think I really know what it’s — I just am dealing with the writer to make sure that we can make it a reality.”

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Looking for active Steal a Capybara codes? Check out our list for all the working codes in this Roblox experience, so you don't have to search for them. Redeem each code to get rewards like money for buying capybaras or keeping your base locked longer. The last thing you want is for someone to steal from your base!

Working Steal a Capybara Codes (July 2025)

Here are all the current active codes you can redeem in Steal a Capybara as well as the rewards you'll get from them:

• 100kMembers - 100 Seconds Base Lock (NEW)
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Expired Steal a Capybara Codes (July 2025)

The below codes have unfortunately expired and will no longer work. We've included them here so you don't bother trying to redeem them:

• Visits
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1. Launch Steal a Capybara on Roblox.
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If a code has been entered incorrectly or has expired, you'll see a message that says, "This code has expired or does not exist". In order to avoid this, we recommend copying and pasting the code directly from this article. As long as you don't accidentally get an extra space in there when copying it, it should work if it's active. We make sure to check and test every Steal a Capybara code before we add them to this article.

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What is Steal a Capybara in Roblox?

Steal a Capybara is similar to Steal a Brainrot in that both games revolve around getting characters to generate money over time. You can then spend that money to buy rarer capybaras or if you're feeling mischievous, you can take from other players. But you'll want to make sure you have gadgets to smack away others while also avoiding traps that can stun you.

Once you've gained a ton of money you can reset your base by rebirthing. This unlocks new items and can even expand your base for more capybaras too.

Jeffrey Lerman is a freelance game journalist for IGN who has been covering games for over a decade. You can follow him on Bluesky.

The latest major Monster Hunter Wilds update, Title Update 2, is out and brought a lot of exciting content to the Forbidden Lands. Alongside the new hunts, Capcom took aim at some of the performance issues that have been plaguing the PC version, specifically, though opinions seem mixed on whether it succeeded.

Despite Monster Hunter Wilds' impressive sales numbers, especially on PC, the Steam reviews have painted a different picture. Wilds garnered a "Mixed" review rating around launch. In response, director Yuya Tokuda committed to stability and improvements as updates started rolling out.

In Patch Ver. 1.02.00.00 for the Steam version of Monster Hunter Wilds, among all the new monsters and quests, Capcom takes aim at several factors for the PC version, including DLSS4 and FSR4 support for graphics upscaling and additional frame generation updates.

The response has been all over the place. In our own research online, we found examples of players reporting genuine improvements. In this Reddit thread discussing whether performance is better post-TU2, there are some responding that while there are still issues, "it is an improvement."

Head over to the Steam reviews though, and there's been a new wave of negative reviews flooding in. On July 1, the first day after Title Update 2 went live, 208 Positive reviews were submitted to the Steam storefront compared to 1,418 Negative reviews.

"Title Update 2 deleted my save data of 239 hours," one review reads. "I've reached a quiet acceptance of losing 239 hours of playtime alongside all my loadouts, layered armor, events, saved characters, stats, guild card, hunt log, and achievements. I want to recommend the game because I've put so much time into it, but I don't have it in me to endure the lackluster performance, crashes, and the promise of having to restart all over again."

While the overall review average for Monster Hunter Wilds holds at "Mixed" on Steam, the Recent Reviews section is Overwhelmingly Negative. And while further investigation is merited, it seems like even anecdotal evidence from players currently diving into the latest Wilds patch does not paint an ideal picture.

This may not ultimately be the panacea for Monster Hunter Wilds' PC performance woes, but the Title Update 2 did also add Lagiacrus, fierce fights, and other content that players do seem to be enjoying. Make sure to check out our guide on how to unlock everything from Monster Hunter Wilds' Title Update 2 if you're looking to hop back in.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is out, and as porters worldwide begin trekking across Hideo Kojima’s newest adventure, all sorts of little secrets and discoveries are being uncovered. While much attention will be paid to the grand, cinematic experience on display, Kojima also went ahead and stuffed Death Stranding 2 to the gills with little flourishes and details, some obvious, some very, very hidden.

We’ve compiled a list of all the little details that help bring the world of Death Stranding 2 to life, from easter eggs to ingenious gameplay we can’t believe Kojima Productions thought to even add in the first place.

1. The best part of Death Stranding 2 is seeing how the natural world interacts with Sam, or how Sam interacts with the natural world. Given that this is a game about traversing the different biomes of Australia, Sam will naturally get dirty, and this will be reflected on Sam’s character model. He’ll be covered in dirt, snow, and sludge after long journeys, which will require you to take showers to clean off.

2. It’s not limited to just the elements, either. After an intense fight, Sam will also become covered by the blood of his enemies. While this might make him look very battle hardened, it probably isn’t how Sam wants to present himself when he’s on deliveries, so be sure to clean off the blood in the shower too.

3. When not covered in grime, even just exposure to the sun can affect Sam’s appearance. He’ll turn redder as he gets more and more sunburnt, to the point where he can start resembling a cherry tomato in the face. Taking a shower will heal these burns, so bathe regularly.

4. However, if you decide to take off your backpack before showering, you’ll find that while you become clean, your backpack will stay dirty. Why you'd take your pack into the shower is beyond me, but it's better than carrying around a dirty pack, I suppose.

5. If you can’t make it to a shower, hopping into a lake or river will clear off some of the dirt up to the point you submerge yourself. Meaning if you only dip your shoes into the river, your boots will be clean, but the rest of you won’t be.

6. There are all sorts of different weather conditions in the world of Death Stranding 2, all of which will hit in real-time.

7. The earliest natural event you encounter is the sandstorm, which severely impairs Sam’s visibility, forcing you to rely on your Odradek scanner to scope out the terrain. When the storm gets particularly bad, you’ll lose stamina and will need to hide behind large structures to shield yourself from the storm.

8. Other natural disasters include blizzards that, like a sandstorm, will impair Sam’s vision and slow him down. Plus, when Sam’s too cold, his stamina will deplete faster than normal.

9. Lastly, thunderstorms will also strike Sam when he’s out and about. The rain in Death Stranding 2 is known to degrade Sam’s cargo and equipment faster than usual so be sure to find shelter fast to prevent your packages from getting damaged. And watch out for lightning strikes. While I haven’t seen anyone get hit by one yet (unlike in The Legend of Zelda), they can strike awfully close to Sam if he’s not careful.

10. What’s more, you can even see these weather events in real-time from afar. Meaning if there’s a blizzard happening on a mountaintop, you can see it from the base of the mountain.

11. Dust, rain, snow, and even chiral creatures build up on the screen when you spend too long in them, which adds to the immersive and cinematic approach Kojima takes with his games.

12. If you’re in the high heat of the desert too long you’ll begin to see mirages of rivers flowing through the sands. But as you get closer you’ll realize there’s no water there. Sorry.

13. Depending on which biome you’re in, whether it’s the hot desert or freezing mountaintops, Sam will take either a cold shower to cool off, or a hot shower to warm up.

14. As you and other porters begin carving paths through the world of Death Stranding 2 to make deliveries, you’ll find that regularly used paths become roads by themselves from being worn down, making them easier to traverse over time.

15. Rivers will also rise and fall with the rain. Some rivers become flooded under heavy rainfall, making them more difficult to traverse than under dry conditions.

16. The iconic image of Death Stranding as a series is Sam carrying a stack of boxes on his back. That’s because his porter job is inspired by the Japanese Bokka porter who transport boxes to homes that aren’t reachable by trucks or cars. There are references to the Bokka in dialogues with other porters and even a Bokka skeleton for Sam, which make it easier for him to traverse difficult terrain like rivers, inclines, and snow.

17. One of the most useful vehicles is the Pickup Off-Roader, which lets you haul tons of packages across long-distances. Depending on how and where it’s parked, Sam changes the way he climbs into the driver’s seat.

18. Ramps are invaluable when it comes to getting your vehicle across large gaps. But depending on what vehicle you use to jump the ramp, whether it’s on a vehicle, your floating carrier you ride like a skateboard, or even just using a skeleton on your legs, you can even do some cool skateboard and acrobatic tricks off the ramp.

19. Some Pickups aren’t driveable because they belong to specific shelters. Weirdly, Pickups that aren’t owned by Sam or Drawbridge feature the logo of Yamato Transport, a real-life Japanese delivery company.

20. There are numerous monorail lines you can build across Death Stranding 2 at set points, much like the roads you can build in Death Stranding 1 and 2. But they’re not just for trains as you can use a zip line to attach yourself to a monorail pole and travel that way.

21. But if you’re inclined to travel on foot, always remember to wear shoes! Walking barefoot too long will eventually cause Sam’s feet to bleed, which leaves a trail of blood behind. While you'll still be able to get around without shoes, Sam will refuse to run given how uncomfortable it is on his toes.

22. If you choose to give Sam a rest while on the road, or leave your controller idle for too long, Sam will have a nice sit down to catch a breather, at which point a floating Lou will appear over Sam’s head as he dreams about her.

23. While it might be fun to see how high you can stack boxes on your back, be careful of your surroundings as tall stacks of boxes won’t fit through certain doors and will instead topple over if they hit the ceiling, forcing you to pick them up again.

24. There are also special timed events set to specific dates, just like in the first Death Stranding. At the beginning of the game you’re asked to input your birthday. And if you boot up the game on your special day a unique cutscene will trigger where all your friends (and enemy) will wish you a happy birthday.

25. More than that, if you go out into the world and use the call out feature, other NPC porters will wish you a happy birthday too.

26. Your birthday isn’t the only special day. Playing Death Stranding 2 on Christmas day will add Christmas Tree holograms to shelters and give NPCs little Santa hats to wear to celebrate the joyous occasion. If you don’t want to wait for Christmas or your birthday, changing your PS5’s internal clock to the correct date will trigger these events.

27. While Death Stranding 2 isn’t purely about combat, there are a ton of ways to fight the BTs. Sam’s blood already has anti-BT properties making Blood Grenades lethal to BTs, but shooting a normal bullet through the blood cloud left behind the grenade will make them deadly against BTs too.

28. Guns aren’t your only weapons in a fight. If you unlock the secret cutscene for the Pizza Chef (played by Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii), you’ll unlock an entire new martial arts fighting style based around the delicious meal.

29. One of your constant companions on the road is Dollman, who you can throw up high into the air to do reconnaissance on enemy bases. But you can also throw him straight at an enemy to temporarily stun them.

30. Unlike other weapons, Dollman is a living being and he will eventually get mad at you if you throw him at too many enemies, or let him drop to the ground after a recon trip. If he’s upset, he won’t let you throw him for a while.

31. Bandits in Death Stranding 2 are often equipped with stun rods that blast waves of electricity. However, if you have the Electric Shock Absorber add-on for you backpack, you can turn their electric attacks into power for your battery.

Today’s deals are the definition of variety. We’ve got 4K steelbooks, heat-busting neck fans, noise machines, and some wild savings on Prime trials. Fancy catching up on classics like The 40-Year-Old Virgin in ultra-high def, or diving into Geralt’s world with The Witcher book set? There’s plenty here to pad your cart without draining your wallet (much).

TL;DR: Deals For Today

Amazon’s running early Prime Day offers, and if you’re 18–24, you can still snag six months of Prime for free. Audible’s back with the 99-cent triple trial, and Kindle Unlimited is doing three months free for Prime members too. Meanwhile, eBay’s pushing big-name refurb deals from Bose, Dyson and Roborock, all with bonus AllState warranties. Let’s break it down.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin - Limited Edition Steelbook

The Witcher Boxed Set

FrSara Neck Fan

Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine

Amazon Prime Day Is Coming

6 Months Free Amazon Prime For Young Adults

Assassin's Creed: Shadows Limited Edition (PS5)

3 Months for $0.99 Audible Deal

3 Months Free Kindle Unlimited

Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones

Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop

Dyson V11 Torque Drive+ Vacuum Cleaner

Coke Zero Sugar 12 Pack

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set

Humble Choice

Symphonic Journeys Pokémon Red & Blue Vinyl

M3GAN 2.0 - Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital)

WOWBOX 32 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set

Tunise Rechargeable Portable Neck Fan

The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated by the Author

Pokémon TCG Price Comparison

Some of the pricing here by Amazon is insane, but there's some deals to be had when comparing these products to TCG Player. For example, Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection was a massive 56% below market value, but TCG Player is coming in cheaper now at $195. On the other end of the scale, TCG Player has Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection at a massive 48% below Amazon's current price, which is very close to MSRP. I've compared all the prices in the carousel above, but another pro tip is clicking through to eBay to see if there's any new bargains to be had.

This Weeks Pokémon Card Crashers and Climbers

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Pokémon TCG market this month, and we’re seeing two very different stories unfold. On one side, Surging Sparks cards are going through a steep correction.

On the other hand, Crown Zenith cards are showing early signs of what could be a long-term value surge. The bottom line? If you're a collector or investor, now is the time to buy into both.

I’m picking up what I can from both sets. The current dip in Sparks is a glimmer of hope for long-suffering 2024-2025 collectors. And Crown Zenith is a train I want to be on before it leaves the station.

Pokémon TCG Classic

The Sam's Club Pokémon TCG Classic deal is back, and it's massively undercutting other big box retailers and the secondary market. Just for comparrison, the top four cards from this set, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur and Mewtwo, are worth the same price as this discounted offer. This deal is well worth it and should be snapped up as soon as possible.

Mega Evolution Pokémon Cards Are Climbing

I can't believe the X Y era of Pokémon cards came out 12 years ago, but it was an amazing era for the TCG introducing the Mega Evolution mechanic. Mega's will be returning later this year with the start of the Mega Evolutions era and the end of Scarlet and Violet, so snapping up these top Mega cards before prices go even higher is a wise move. We know how it'll play out, no one will be able to grab the new sets at launch, then the nostalgia will kick in and these cards will skyrocket. Just the Charizards and Rayquazzas alone are worth a look.

Magic: The Gathering Price Comparison

MTG doesn't seem to be struggling to keep up with demand despite it being one of the biggest trading card games on earth, but that doesn't stop big box retailers getting cheeky when they notice a peak in demand. Like with Pokémon TCG, i've gone through the majority of MTG stock on Amazon and compared their pricing to market values on TCG Player. The Theros Beyond Death booster made me spit out my tea. Amazon is listing a single booster for $378.08, but these can be picked up any day of the week for $5.59 on TCG Player. Go figure. Another big difference is Marvel's Spider-Man - Play Booster Box. Amazon has their preorder price guarantee on this, but it's still 17% cheaper to preorder on TCG Player.

This Weeks MTG Crashers and Climbers

As we covered in our recent synergies feature, Harmonic Prodigy gives double Wizard triggers – nice! That means it's gone up by 118.70% in the past month (246.76% in three) – not so nice!

That's good for those that own the card, not so good for those who are looking to pick it up standalone. Still, market is still just $12.75 right now, so it could be a lot worse.

Moving away from Vivi, Tifa’s getting some love from Bristly Bill, Spine Sower. This Outlaws of Thunder Junction card can help power up our martial artist heroine, but at a cost of almost $40 now.

Another nifty synergy that's climbing is Perch Protection. This Instant has climbed from a dollar to almost $6, since it handily ties into Chocobo decks.

WAOAW Sleep Mask w/ 3D Eye Cups & Adjustable Strap (Black)

Where Winds Meet, the upcoming open-world action Wuxia action adventure from Everstone Studios, is a PlayStation 5 console exclusive for at least six months.

Confirmation comes via a new video published to the PlayStation YouTube channel (the multiplatform version of this trailer is below). As well as offering a peek into the game's story, the end of the teaser revealed that Where Winds Meet is a PS5 console exclusive for "at least six months." It's also coming to mobile and PC.

Younger Americans are spending 25% less on video games today than this time last year.

That's according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which used data from market research company Circana to analyze the spending habits of young Americans.

While spending was down 13% across the board from January to April 2025 for 18- to 24-year-olds — particularly on accessories, technology, and furniture, which fell by 18%, 14%, and 12%, respectively — video game spending saw the largest fall. This is not a trend observed in older age groups.

Spending also dropped in the categories of prestige beauty, clothing and apparel, and sports equipment.

UPDATE: A Romero Games employee has claimed that Microsoft's decision to pull funding from the studio's in-development project has led to the entirety of the studio being laid off.

"Today I found out our whole studio is being let go because of the layoffs at Microsoft," the staff member wrote via a post on LinkedIn.

"A very sad day," wrote another employee impacted by layoffs. "It breaks my heart to say that Romero Games fell victim to the 9,100 Microsoft layoffs today. The best team I've ever worked with and my dream job gone just like that. It really was a great project and it's hard to process that it's over. It's nothing less than tragic."

More than a dozen Romero Games employees have now publicly stated they have been impacted by the layoffs and are now looking for work, according to LinkedIn profiles reviewed by IGN. Romero Games formally announced its funding had been pulled just hours ago, as detailed below.

ORIGINAL STORY: Romero Games, the studio founded by Doom co-creator John Romero and Brenda Romero, has said it has been left "heartbroken" after discovering that funding for its next project has been pulled, reportedly as part of Microsoft's latest cuts, leaving the game and its team at risk.

In a statement, studio director Brenda Romero said the company's publisher and financial partner confirmed last night it was walking away from the project "along with several other unannounced projects at other studios."

As the full effect of Microsoft’s devastating round of layoffs becomes clearer, Blizzard has announced that mobile game Warcraft Rumble won’t get any new content, with its developers reporting they have been laid off.

Warcraft Rumble was a high-profile attempt by Blizzard to bring the Warcraft universe into the lucrative mobile space. Development began in 2016, with the game itself releasing in 2023 as a free-to-play tower defense RTS inspired by the likes of Clash of Clans. The PC version launched late last year.

In a blog post, Blizzard admitted Warcraft Rumble “struggled to find its footing relative to our ambition for its long-term success,” and that recent attempts to improve the popularity of the game weren’t enough to sustain development.

The news comes as part of a bloodbath at Microsoft that saw 4%, or just over 9,000 staff, cut from the company. While the majority of those layoffs were outside the gaming business, Xbox studios were hit hard. Rare’s Everwild, for example, was canceled, as was the Perfect Dark reboot. The Initiative was closed.

Elsewhere, Candy Crush maker King suffered significant layoffs, as did Bethesda’s European operations. An unannounced MMO from The Elder Scrolls Online developer, ZeniMax Online Studios, was canceled and its development team cut. Reports indicate Forza developer Turn 10 and various Call of Duty development studios suffered layoffs, too. Microsoft was forced to deny rumors that under fire Xbox boss Phil Spencer is set to retire after the release of the next-gen Xbox.

Alex Apple, client engineer at Blizzard, took to LinkedIn to say they had been laid off “along with the entire Warcraft Rumble team.” Other developers on the game reported similar.

In its blog post, Blizzard said Warcraft Rumble will remain playable but will only receive updates focused on regular, systemic in-game events and bug fixes.

Dear Warcraft Rumble Community,  

We have an important update on the future of Warcraft Rumble. After much deliberation, we’ve arrived at an extremely hard decision. Moving forward, we'll continue supporting Rumble with updates focused on regular, systemic in-game events and bug fixes, but no new content.  

Warcraft Rumble began development nine years ago as a love letter to Azeroth and launched back in 2023, reflecting input from enthusiastic players around the globe and the effort of a passionate team — some of whom continue to support Rumble or other Blizzard games, and some we’ve had to sadly part ways with. Since launch, Rumble has struggled to find its footing relative to our ambition for its long-term success, and for some time now the team has been listening to player feedback, refocusing in certain areas, and exploring different options. Some of that work showed signs of progress, but ultimately wasn’t enough to put the game on a path to sustainability.  

During this transition, we are focused on supporting our teammates. We’re deeply grateful to everyone at Blizzard and in the community for helping bring Warcraft Rumble to life and embracing the joy that makes this game so special. Your enthusiasm and feedback mean the world to us.

Fans of the game reacted with disappointment to the news, but there is little surprise given how the game has gone over the last two years. Most players are now waving goodbye to Warcraft Rumble and its community, while sending messages of support to the affected developers.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and executive producer of its spin-off Ironheart, has said he knows "jack s**t" about when the latter's characters will now return.

Ironheart wrapped up its brief two-week release schedule on Disney+ a couple days ago, with several major cliffhangers that leave its characters' next steps uncertain. But when asked by Variety where Ironheart heroine Riri Williams might next appear — for example in the upcoming Black Panther 3, which Coogler himself is now writing — the director claimed he had no idea.

"I don't know jack s**t. I just did an all-nighter writing X-Files," Coogler said, referencing yet another upcoming project of his that's currently in the pipeline, an X-Files TV reboot.

"I'm here for whatever Chinaka [Hodge, Ironheart head writer]'s got coming at us next; whatever Kevin [Feige]'s got coming at us next, you know what I'm saying," Coogler continued. "I think the audience is going to take to that ending and I can't wait to see those characters again."

Warning! Spoilers for Ironheart follow:

Ironheart's finale sees Williams defeat Parker Robbins, played by Anthony Ramos, but also make a Faustian bargain with Mephisto, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, to save a dead friend. Robbins suggests his next move will be to hunt down the MCU's Sorceror Supreme for presumably nefarious reasons, Williams is seen slowly being corrupted by Mephisto's magic, while the devil himself remains very much at large.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hodge previously suggested she was keen to work on future seasons of Ironheart, should Marvel choose to make them — though the company has made no suggestion so far that it plans to do so.

"I'm hoping for all work in Hollywood right now," Hodge said. "Yes, a second season, a third season, a fourth season. Yes!"

For now, Marvel has said nothing of any future plans for Riri Williams, let alone Robbins or Mephisto, and the response to Ironheart itself has been mixed. "A cynical addition to the MCU as science and magic collide in Chicago," IGN said of the series in our Ironheart review.

Currently, none of the characters are down to appear in Avengers: Doomsday. Black Panther 3, meanwhile, is still in the planning stages — and we already know that Coogler is writing a role for Denzel Washington.

Image credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

VOID Interactive has responded to player backlash after it made changes to the PC version of its controversial shooter Ready or Not in order to secure a console release, citing "misconceptions and misinformation" about the amendments.

Yesterday, July 2, we reported that VOID said it had to adjust levels of gore, nudity, violence, and the "mistreatment of children" ahead of the July 15 console release, and rather than "maintaining multiple versions with different assets and mechanics" that would "increase the likelihood of bugs," some aspects of the PC version have also been revised.

At the time, VOID insisted the changes were "small enough that most people here wouldn't notice if we didn't say anything," but it "wanted to be transparent" with its players. The news has caused Ready or Not's Steam user review rating to hit "mostly negative" for recent reviews, although overall the review rating remains "very positive." Most of the negative reviews complain about "censorship."

Now, in a new statement, VOID set out "full visibility" into what has, and has not, changed, including before-and-after screenshots. It insisted "the effects of gore and violence have not been toned down."

"We recently shared that Ready or Not’s PC version underwent minor content changes to support stability and align with policies enforced by global platforms and age rating bodies," the statement began. "These adjustments were made to ensure a smooth global launch across platforms — while fully preserving the game’s tone, themes, and intensity.

"Unfortunately, we’ve seen misconceptions and misinformation circulating around the scope of these changes. We want to ensure our entire community has full visibility into what has — and has not — changed. We’re including before-and-after visuals to show that the game’s tone, atmosphere, and graphical impact remain intact. The effects of gore and violence — key to the game’s immersive realism — have not been toned down."

VOID stressed that missions such as Elephant, Neon Tomb, and the infamous Valley of the Dolls "remain unchanged," adding it has "always believed in creative freedom and the right to build experiences that push boundaries in the service of immersion and realism. That will not change."

"At the same time, we operate in a global ecosystem of platform standards, age rating boards, and local legal restrictions," the studio added. "While we may disagree with how some content is treated, we’ve only made changes where absolutely required, and only to the letter of the regulations — no further. As a hyper-realistic tactical FPS, Ready or Not faces different scrutiny than more stylized or fictional games. That’s a reality of the world we publish in — not a change in our creative vision or values."

Warning! Potentially distrubing images of Ready or Not follow:

The team then outlined specifically what the "six targeted visual changes" entailed:

• Twisted Nerve: The girl is now depicted as sleeping instead of convulsing
• A Lethal Obsession: Nudity involving the ghillie suit suspect has been adjusted
• Hide and Seek: Female hostages now wear underwear
• Narcos: Police informant hostage now wears underwear
• 23 Megabytes a Second: ‘Photo of Minors’ objective model was revised, also to better connect narratively with the later ‘Sinuous Trail’ mission
• Post-mortem dismemberment has been disabled (note: dismemberment for living characters remains unchanged).

"It's not about the specifics, it's a matter of principle," wrote one respondent in the comments. "Any amount of censorship is too much." Another said: "great, so you're saying you're hearing us, but refusing to listen." "Yeah, damaging the vision of the game just because of console port?" added someone else. "Get a grip, at least put a slider in the settings. What is this?"

While most of the 1,200+ comments continue to complain about censorship, not all players are aggrieved: "Honestly, not that big of a deal as long as overall map atmosphere stays good," said another.

VOID Interactive parted ways with publisher Team17 one day after the developer shared it would have a school shooting level. Ready or Not was briefly hauled offline in 2022 after a takedown request was issued due to a trademark dispute. The issue related to a level that depicted a mass shooting at a nightclub called Prysm, which was released on the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 got its hotly anticipated Siege Mode update last week, and while fans are enjoying it, crashes and disconnects have marred the experience.

Siege Mode is Space Marine 2’s take on the classic video game Horde mode. It sees teams of three players fight against increasingly difficult waves of Tyranid and Chaos enemies for exclusive rewards.

Players have responded to Siege Mode and its accompanying Patch 8 well, and Space Marine 2 has seen a surge of players on Steam at least, where player data is public. But connection problems are on occasion ruining the experience, especially when they arrive deep into the waves.

Just yesterday, July 2, the complaints were continuing. “I feel incredibly f***ed,” said an exasperated Justusowesme on the Space Marine subreddit.

“I just spent almost three hours in a Siege round. FINALLY got some good brothers who know what they are doing. Most epic experience I had in a long time. So looking forward to the rewards and feeling of accomplished, finally beating it. BUT NO MID FIGHT LAST ROUND BEFORE EVAC THE SERVERS JUST GIVE UP. NO MONEY, NO EXP, NO SKINS AND NOT EVEN AN SATISFYING END TO THE GLORIOUS FIGHT THAT ME AND MY BROTHERS HAD. I had fun, yes but essentially I just got robbed almost three hours of progress. That feels so incredibly insulting, I can't man…

“Please anybody in charge I know you're working already on it, with great haste too probably... BUT STILL, BY THE EMPEROR, WHAT THE WARP.”

In response, Space Marine 2 developer Saber Interactive and publisher Focus Entertainment have released the 8.1 hotfix, which is now live on every platform. It fixes various crashes and connectivity issues, as well as a bug preventing the reward for completing 25 waves in Siege Mode to unlock.

The hope is this hotfix stamps out the Siege Mode problems reported by the likes of poor old Justusowesme like a Space Marine stomping on the head of a xenos, but it’s early days yet.

Looking ahead, there’s a lot of exciting content coming to Space Marine 2. While Patch 9 will focus on balance changes only, Patch 10 adds a new Chaos vs Chaos PvP mode, the new Power Axe melee weapon, and the new Techmarine class. Check out all the Space Marine 2 Patch 10 details here.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 8.1 hotfix patch notes:

• Fixed several crashes
• Fixed several issues causing disconnects
• Fixed Siege Mode rewards from wave 25+
• Lots of small fixes to Siege Mode map geometry
• Fixed bug that was causing random enemies to get stronger much faster in infinite waves, causing one shot deaths randomly (Note: enemies are still going to get stronger but it will be not random and more consistent)
• Fixed a bug in Siege Mode that occurred when a player would join a game in progress, the game would not apply difficulty modifiers correctly.
• Fixed a bug in UI that was causing inability to change colour presets
• Minor localization fixes

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Dune: Awakening developer Funcom has deployed a raft of changes to prove it's responding nimbly to player feedback.

Previously, Funcom launched Dune: Awakening's Public Test Client and then extended the PvE zone of the Deep Desert from about 10% of the map to 50%. It followed an AMA in which the studio told players frustrated by the endgame experience that it was "formulating a plan" to improve PvP in the Deep Desert. Some had branded the endgame "toxic" due to griefing even after the ability for players to squish each other with their Ornithopter was supposedly patched out. Later, griefers intentionally landing their Ornis on other players' own thopters to prevent them from farming.

This latest patch doesn't specifically deal with end-game issues this time, but does make some QoL improvements, such as being able to interact with vehicles more easily, spawning on Trading Posts, and hiding empty loot containers if they're empty for the player who picked up the corpse.

You'll also now find that Sandworms linger a little around recently harvested spicefields, Harkonnen attacks on certain Atreides bases will happen less frequently, and the team has "closed" several vulnerabilities that "could lead to increased combat damage."

A handful of exploits have been addressed, too, including one where you could repair all items to full durability, one where you could duplicate resources, and another that used to let vehicles pass through Pentashields unauthorized, but doesn't anymore.

Here's the full list of changes. Brace yourself — it's a doozy!

Dune: Awakening update 1.1.10.00 patch notes:

Highlights

• Sandworms now linger for a bit around spicefields that have been recently harvested from.
• Reduced the frequency of Harkonnen attacks on certain Atreides bases (and vice versa) in Hagga Basin.
• Main menu “Play Now” button has been set to filter out private servers.
• When streamer mode is active, map creator name is hidden if the player created the sinkchart. In addition, while in streamer mode, sector name in the Deep Desert is now hidden as well.
• In the exchange, items can now be listed from and claimed to the vehicle inventory of your Ornithopter.
• Improved interaction with vehicles. It should now be easier to enter them from different angles.
• We closed several vulnerabilities that could lead to increased combat damage.
• Fixed an exploit where you could repair all items to full durability.
• Fixed an exploit where a player could duplicate resources.
• Fixed an edge case issue allowing vehicles to pass through Pentashields unauthorized.

FEATURES AND CHANGES

Technical and stability:

• Main menu “Play Now” button has been set to filter out private servers.
• After dying due to Coriolis Storm while offline, players now get moved to Hagga Basin so that the respawn menu shows all respawn points in Hagga Basin.
• Trading Post checkpoints can now be used as a respawn point while in different maps.
• Updated the minimum required version of Intel GPU driver to 32.0.101.6793 to prevent sand surfaces displaying a triangular mesh pattern when using an Intel Arc graphic card.
• Removed false positive warnings about minimum hardware specification and driver version for GeForceNOW users.

Resources, Building, and Crafting:

• Moved The Atreides Decorations away from Asmara Efendi (Harko Village Weapons Vendor) and onto Ormunda Laaks (Harko village Structure vendor).
• Loot containers dropped after picking up NPC corpses are now invisible if they’re empty for the player who picked up the corpse.
• Added three unique weapon schematics to Asmara Efendi.
• Vehicle Backup Tool and the Solido Replicator can now be crafted in the Survival Fabricator. The Vehicle backup tool can be found in the Utility Tools category, and the Solido Replicator can be found in the Building Tools category.
• Armor in the main menu will now use the correct armor swatches applied to your character in-game.
• Range info added to the Welding Torch info card.
• Removed the Hawkeye Scanner Module MK5 Unique schematic from Landsraad rewards due to it being an old item not intended for use.

Combat:

• Visual improvements to buff and debuff icons for legibility.
• Changed the Sentinel ability’s action text from “Detonate” to “Deploy”.
• Added range information to Weirding Step’s info card.
• Added duration information to Suspensor Pad’s info card.
• New VFX created to indicate the way sword parrying staggers multiple targets.
• Updated dagger slow blade animations to make the stab connect better.
• Correct VFX should now be played on receiving side if shielded or otherwise damage immune.
• Underslung weapons can no longer be used while in a passenger seat of a vehicle.
• New VFX created to indicate the way sword parrying staggers multiple targets.
• We closed several vulnerabilities that could lead to increased combat damage.

Abilities:

• Suspensor Dash will now cost 20% of maximum power instead of a flat cost of 75. This allows the perk to be more usable across all tiers of power packs while also making it more costly in high pressure combat situations.
• Reduced Poise Damage Resistance of Thrive on Danger to 34% from 50% to avoid scenarios where poise resistance could go over 100% when combined with other effects.
• It is no longer possible to jump while under the effect of Crippling Strike.
• Updated the description of Center of Mass and Marksman Techniques to indicate that body damage also affects damage dealt to shields.
• Performing melee attacks within Gravity Fields will now cause the player to play exhausted attack animations as they strain under the increased gravity.
• Updated description of the ‘Ranged Damage’ passive ability. It increases damage with all ranged weapons, not just darts!
• Clarified description of poison tooth activation to better convey how it works.

Vehicles:

• Tweaked the buggy turret camera to improve overall visibility while operating.
• Minor tweaks to the camera when boosting with a vehicle.
• Improved interaction with vehicles. It should now be easier to enter them from different angles.
• Ground vehicles now have a failsafe system against being stuck in flipped state.
• Improved ground vehicles’ behavior when flipped or kicked by the Sandworm.
• Scout Ornithopter Thruster modules have seen an increase in speed when using Vulture Mode. Players opting to forego Inventory (or other modules) in favor of a boost Thruster should now have a speed advantage.

Balancing:

• Updated anti gravity fields to allow for stationary targets to get out of them rather than be locked into their initial 0 velocity.
• Rusher NPCs now animation cancel out of their melee attack finishers when their target moves out of melee range.

Worldbuilding and Exploration:

• Sandworms now linger for a bit around spicefields that have been recently harvested from.
• Reduced the frequency of Harkonnen attacks on certain Atreides bases (and vice versa) in Hagga Basin.
• Improved collision in the room of the Proteus where you encounter your first shielded enemy.
• Miscellaneous journey step improvements.
• Replaced an incorrect Pardot Kynes’ hologram in an O’odham Testing Station.
• A salvagable Buggy in Imperial Testing Station no 10 has been replaced by a broken Buggy.
• Respawn Beacons are now removed upon account or player deletion.

Story, Journey and New Player Experience:

• Improved journey auto tracking to address edge cases where journey system sometimes did not track the next appropriate journey card.
• The Journey step “Complete Contract “The War Profiteer”” will now complete in the Journey even if players have canceled the contract, but continued in the faction story with Thufir Hawat.

User Interface:

• Added individual keybinding for “Take” (quick loot), “Exit climbing” (same as CROUCH by default) and “Exit vehicle” (same as PRIMARY INTERACT by default).
• Updated colours for the Pinned Recipes display.
• Added support for unfavoriting items in the inventory loadout by pressing the [T] key again whilst hovering the favorite item. An input hint on the info card will also show for this.
• Updated icons for a Maula vest variant.
• Updated the colors used for online status.
• Updated the icons for the Slaver Stillsuit.
• The Compass shows a consistent coloured line representing which zone the Player is in.
• Navigation icons from the Crafting, Journey and Customization menus are animated when switching between them.
• While in the expanded Building UI with an active tutorial popup, pressing ESC now correctly closes the tutorial popup instead of collapsing the Building UI.
• While in streamer mode, map creator name is hidden if the player created the sinkchart.
• While in streamer mode, Sector name in the Deep Desert is now hidden.
• Added an additional step to the delete character progress, to make sure deletion is intentional.
• In the trade UI, when changing something on the offered items inventory, or the Solaris offer, both players are now set as “not ready”.
• Updated the Sub-fief Console icon in the building menu.
• Updated the party UI in players menu tab to show accurate amount of slots available in a party.
• In the exchange, items can now be listed from and claimed to the vehicle inventory of your Ornithopter.
• Improved the text of the dialogue message you get when choosing to visit a friend on another server.

Graphics, Animations, and VFX:

• Added and updated another batch of animations in various cinematics, NPC lip-sync during dialogs, and cloth simulation for various outfits.
• Optimization improvements on lighting for Wreck of the Hephaestus.
• Performance pass on VFX assets for Wreck of Hephaestus cinematic.
• New surface hits for LMGs to improve visuals.
• Update unique surface hits VFX for Disruptor and Power LMG to improve visuals.
• Adjusted brightness of staking unit VFX to make it more grounded.
• Softened the lighting transition in an Imperial Testing Station in the Deep Desert.

Audio:

• The sound effects indicating an active Blood Purifier has been improved
• Re-balanced audio levels on Sandstorms, to make the audible experience better.
• Made improvements to melee audio.
• Minor audio mix polish tweaks.
• Added new sounds for spice bloom geysers.
• The headphone mix preset and weapon tails in enclosed spaces are increased to be louder.
• The volume of the Ornithopter engine start and engine loop have been lowered.
• Voiceover for House Vernius representative at Helius Gate has been added.
• Replaced placeholder radio show sound effects with an actual radio show.

FIXES

Technical and stability:

• Text chat notification indicating when a player is muted has been localized.
• Fixed issue that would cause a server to become unresponsive to logins.
• Fixed multiple issues in Deep Desert that caused server crashes.
• Addressed cases where players moving across servers would result in a soft locked client.
• When the player has no other sub-fiefs on the map and builds one, it will be set as a default respawn location on that map.
• The message to make the vehicle you drive/pilot a default vehicle spawn location will no longer show when crossing borders in the Deep Desert.
• Respawn menu now appears after the character dies while the game is disconnected.
• The death location marker now appears after the character dies while the player is offline.
• Fixed an issue that caused the player to sometimes enter loading screen when exiting vehicle in the Deep Desert.
• Fixed a rare server crash caused by the permission system.
• Fixed an issue causing the service alert notification to block mouse / virtual cursor interactions.
• BattlEye has been updated in order to fix some rare crashes.
• Fixed an exploit where you could repair all items to full durability.
• Fixed an exploit where a player could duplicate resources.

Resources, Building, and Crafting:

• Loot bags dropped on placeables should no longer fall inside them.
• Fixed an issue sometimes preventing highlighting of placeables with the construction tool.
• Fixed an issue that would make a sub-fief consoles projection linger after it has been destroyed.
• The favorites hint in the construction tool should now be hidden if all favorite slots are full.
• Fixed a bug causing the building menu icons to sometimes show the number 3 on the left corner.
• Fixed an issue making it possible to place a wall intersecting a pentashield projection.
• “Remove Sub-Fief Console” prompt no longer appears when you try to demolish a sub-fief owned by someone else
• It should now be possible to highlight and demolish pentashields that lack power.
• Harkonnen prudence doors should now play a pass-through sound effect.
• The diagetic UI for large pentashields should now show up properly if the player aims at the center of them.
• It should no longer be possible to place large water cisterns slightly inside walls.
• Fixed some visual artifacts on the base shields power on animation over the pentashield surfaces.
• Fixed an issue causing wind turbines to disappear at shorter distances compared to similar placeables.
• Pentashield placement now shows if it is overlapping with something else instead of saying that it can’t snap to sockets.
• Fixed being able to build placeables through ceilings and walls.
• Placeables with a projection effect should only show up when built, and not as projections.
• Fixed an issue where the positioning of a pentashield surface will get stuck overlapped with an existing pentashield surface.
• Fixed an issue that caused cancelling crafting requests to sometimes not refund the water cost.
• Removed blue rays on corners of pentashield surfaces.
• Fixed an issue making it impossible to move melee weapons into some placeables storage.
• Fixed the secret doors on imperial testing stations showing an extra error message on interactions.
• Visually upgraded the Communinet Transceiver device.
• Made Choam Modular Couch slightly larger to fit the player character better.
• Tweaked Harkonnen Modular Bench to avoid clipping with player character.
• Fixed an issue where you couldn’t take items from a loot container using Take All when they were available.
• Fixed an issue where the Take Item prompt in the loot preview of a loot container wouldn’t be updated when you could no longer take that item.
• Repair icon in the repair station is properly hidden once an item is repaired.
• Fixed an issue where item types and durability amounts to restore weren’t shown in the Recycler or Repair Station menus.

Combat:

• Fixed problem in swordmaster “afterimage” effect that allowed it to see through environmental vfx.
• Fixed the sideways root motion on the staggers that had it.
• Fixed an issue where Rusher NPCs could travel too far from their spawn location when in combat.
• Gas clouds now fade out instead of instantly disappearing.
• Centered the lightning effect on Energy Capsule so it is no longer offset from the character.
• Fixed an issue that caused Blade Damage passives to give the incorrect amount of increase for Long Blade weapons.
• Fixed edge case where “The Sentinel” would attack an allied “Solido Decoy” clone.
• Fixed issue where player can sometimes experience rubber banding issue when attempting to move through other players in social hubs.
• Can no longer move civilian npcs in non combat zones using Knee charge.
• Fixed an issue where weapon reloading resumed automatically after switching or holstering and unholstering a weapon.
• Fixed an issue where melee execute sometimes missed.
• Fixed an issue that caused Second Wind to activate when an enemy NPC would die.
• Fixed an issue that could cause block to be unusable if a melee weapon was equipped while aiming down sight was blocked due to being too close to geometry.
• Melee attacks can no longer critically hit targets.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the character to be unable to perform any action other than moving, if they attempted to revive a player while also executing them.
• Fixed an issue that could cause a melee attack to become a block or vice versa in some rare perfectly timed situations.
• Fixed a rare server crash in the weapon aiming system.
• Assault NPCs should now run to regain sight of a Target they’ve lost sight of, and start shooting again once they find the Target.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the melee soft lock system to disengage if an attack was initiated in the middle of a weapon swap.
• Fixed an issue where assault NPCS were not shooting while picking a new position. Now they will run to regain sight of a target they’ve lost sight of and will start shooting again once they have acquired the Target.

Abilities:

• Fixed an issue where sometimes the player would lose the ability to swap weapon after using the Poison Capsule ability.
• Fixed a desync that could happen when using “Weirding Step”, causing the player to be stuck in place.
• Adjusted the cooldown that you get when equipable abilities fail. It is now a universal ~2.5 seconds.
• Players will no longer lose 1 skill point when respeccing their skill tree.

Vehicles:

• Fixed bounding box issues for better hit feedback and replaced hit VFX with the correct one.
• Harkonnen light ornithopter interior mesh no longer clips through outer hull.
• Fixed an issue where players could get trapped inside another player’s ornithopter if it landed on them.
• Fixed some collision issues related to the Sandworm.
• Fixed issue related to boost functionality and input behavior.
• Fixed some LOD issues on some vehicles.
• Fixed collision on transport Ornithopter to avoid having players be able to get inside the vehicle.
• Fixed an issue where a character exiting a vehicle could appear seated on the ground for other players.
• Fixed an issue that would sometimes lead to a crash when a seated character received damage.
• Fixed an issue causing the “Out of Fuel” warning notification to sometimes appear briefly when entering a Vehicle.
• Players can no longer enter a vehicle that is currently pending travel, meaning the vehicle pilot has a travel confirmation popup open.
• Fixed an edge case issue allowing vehicles to pass through Pentashields unauthorized.
• When the player character gets blocked inside vehicle collision, it’s now possible to get out.
• When the Welding Torch is in Customize Mode vehicle modules now get highlighted properly.

Worldbuilding and Exploration:

• The player will no longer fully lose radiation on log out. Any gained radiation will be retained until it can decrease again when logging back in.
• Fixed rare crash with exploding barrels.
• Player can no longer move on Overland Map while being in loading screen.
• Fixed sudden Ornithopter altitude changes near on the Overland map, particularly near Arrakeen and Water Fat.
• Fixed camera twitching while mouse panning on the Overland Map.
• Fixed issue that prevented repairing a vehicle with passengers in them.
• Landing a flipped Carrier Ornithopter in vulture mode will not result in the vehicle continuously sliding afterwards.
• Vehicle cameras are now a bit less likely to clip through terrain.
• For players in the same party, damage will be reduced to 25 % when shooting with Ornithopter rockets at each other.
• Fixed an issue where the sandworm threat indicator could get stuck at max in the deep desert.
• An issue with planar lock toggle for Ornithopters when crossing server boundaries in the Deep Desert was fixed.
• Fixed a potential camera issue that could happen after being eaten by the giant Ringmouth sandworm in the Deep Desert.
• Fixed an edge case issue causing the Landsraad to get stuck.
• Fixed a floating island in Deep Desert.
• Fixed an issue where a duplicate delivery window would appear when delivering a certain journal to Jocasta Cleo.
• Improved respawn behavior of target NPC in contract “The Price of Rejection”.
• Adjusted the position of a couple of objectives in contract “Looking for Leaders”.
• Fixed an issue where some Maas Kharet ambushers in the O’odham would instantly appear at ground level rather than drop down from above.
• Fixed an issue where the cuttable hatches on small shipwrecks could appear misaligned.
• Fixed an issue where contract “Making a Martyr” would resolve when killing an unrelated and completely innocent Maas Kharet assassin.
• Performed an optimization pass on the entrance of the Imperial Testing Station in O’odham.
• Walking through a passage at the Hand of Khidr is now smoother, and players will no longer get caught on a ledge.
• Extended a pipe inside CHOAM Mineral Facility #7 in Hagga Rift, so that it now connects to the rock wall.
• Addressed some minor collision issues on assets in Atreides Fortress.
• Addressed some minor collision issues on assets inside CHOAM Mineral Extraction Facility #5.
• Fixed a visible gap in a wall in Imperial Testing Station No. 76 in Jabal Eifrit Al-Janub.
• Fixed floating asset issues in several Hagga Basin locations.
• Adjusted collision on building pieces and set dressing in Imperial Testing Stations in Hagga Basin.
• Addressed collision issues on multiple locations in Hagga Basin.
• Added a sand mound under a scaffolding structure where the player could get stuck in Eastern Vermillius Gap.
• Addressed gaps in the landscape in multiple Hagga Basin locations.
• Fixed small gaps in the ceiling of Imperial Testing Station no 163 in O’odham.
• Removed wrong textured sand mounds under an NPC outpost in Eastern Shield Wall.
• Fixed collision issues on Harkonnen Fortress where players could unexpectedly interact with invisible surfaces. Collision has been updated to better match the shape of the building, improving movement and preventing unintended blockages.
• Replaced scrap metal with a more appropriate asset to improve visual consistency and prevent clipping with a nearby metal pipe. Also adjusted surrounding asset placement for better alignment and overall fit and added an additional metal piece to conceal minor clipping issues.
• Adjusted color of sand mounds and sand decals on main building of Mysa Tarill.
• Addressed misplaced assets in different locations around Hagga Basin.
• Smoothed out steep landscape angles a bit in order to address textures looking stretched.
• Fixed a clipping issue between secret bookshelf and walls in Imperial Testing Station no 29 and also did an optimization pass.
• NPCs should no longer walk through and get stuck in cliff walls of their camp sites.
• Adjusted textures of sand and rock surfaces across Hagga Basin.
• Fixed a spot behind some mining machinery in Hagga Rift where players could get stuck.
• Updated the mesh of an arch inside Mysa Tarill landmark to improve collision.
• Removed abundant assets and collision on assets and did an optimization pass on the Wreck of Hephaestus.
• The hatches on the side of the small crashed shipwrecks should now always be above sand and therefore cuttable.
• Fixed several issues with the cuttable panels in the Wreck of Hephaestus.
• Fixed an issue where players could lose the Ceremonial Damasteel Sword permit key item when dying.
• Fixed an issue that caused Copper-tier Light Armor worn with a Stillsuit to not provide Heat Protection or allow catchpockets to gather water.
• Fixed a rare issue where Thufir Hawat would fail to recognize Minimic Film deliveries from Zayn De Witte and hence block contract completion.
• Fixed an issue that caused exchange terminals to not be available in some servers.

Story, Journey and New Player Experience:

• Debug text should no longer be appearing in subtitles of certain Shigawire Reels.
• Added correct 21:9 aspect ratio setup for cinematic scenes that did not yet have this.
• Ariste should no longer look to the side, but at the player, in the Star Door dialogue in The Sietch.
• Fixed issue where an incorrect camera would show during the assassination of the Water Shipper
• Camera should no longer be twitching during Harkonnen Pledge cinematic.
• Addressed issue where ‘Add a sandbike inventory Mk1 to your Sandbike’ substep of ‘A Backup Plan’ journey was not retroactively completable.
• Addressed issue where certain decorations did not complete ‘Construct a Decoration from a CHOAM furniture Set’ journey step.
• Addressed issue where Dew Reapers would not continuously harvest water between dewfield patches.
• Addressed issue where fire visuals were missing from portion of New Player Experience.
• Addressed edge case issue where player could inadvertently get stuck in New Player Experience environment.
• Subtitles in the intro movie now match the style of the regular subtitles and respect the accessibility settings.
• Fixed an issue where players could complete a Journey step without triggering a key cinematic at the Introduction of the Assassins Handbook.
• Fixed an issue that could block player progression in The Assassination Journey.

User Interface:

• The UI panels for the Journey menu no longer overlap the Social Button
• Player name now fits correctly into the space limit in the Social Menu and if not, will auto-scroll.
• While in the expanded Building UI with an active tutorial popup, pressing ESC now correctly closes the tutorial popup instead of collapsing the Building UI.
• Fixed an issue when using virtual keyboard with controller which would submit the text even when just closing the virtual keyboard by any means.
• Fixed a bug that could cause the Inventory tabs to get out of sync and overlap each other
• Fixed an issue with several discovery toasts appearing more than once.
• Fixed some layout issues with tab buttons with long texts.
• Fixed an issue where the favourite icon on the inventory loadout item would remain on the item when dragged into the backpack.
• Fixed an issue where activating the Spice Prescience ability caused certain UI elements (such as the Heat Bar, Sandworm Bar, and Party Info) to disappear.
• Fixed an issue where the ‘Cancel Contract’ button would disappear after switching away from and back to the Contracts tab.
• Fixed positioning issue with XP notifications.
• Fixed a bug where the Solaris icon appeared broken after the trading complete popup.
• Fixed an issue where respeccing your skill tree whilst in a vehicle would incorrectly clear the vehicles abilities and not auto equip your starting ability.
• Fixed an issue where learning an ability in your skill tree whilst in a vehicle would not auto equip the ability to a valid empty slot.
• Fixed issues where switching from the survey probe launcher while doing a survey would break the survey UI and not cancel the survey.
• Fixed a bug where the HUD showed incorrect steps or progress for active “Untwisted Questions” advanced trainer contract.
• Fixed an issue that caused an inaccurate controller prompt for scroll right button in building and welding menus.
• Fixed an issue with the notification system that could potentially cause a crash when travelling to and from the Overland map.
• Fixed an issue where the View button on gamepads and the TAB key on keyboards became unresponsive after a notification appeared.
• Fixed an issue causing reset of keybinds to defaults not persisting.
• Fixed an issue that caused the Mentor description box to get overlapped by dialogue options in character creation.
• Fixed a bug where in streamer mode, the player name wasn’t hidden if the player was the reason of their own death.
• Fixed an issue where certain Map Marker types would disappear after a Coriolis Storm on Hagga Basin and Social Hubs, causing the Survey Report to become incorrect, and important information to be lost.
• Fixed an issue where the crafting progress bar could get desynced on the player’s UI.
• Primary Source for Welding Torch in Tech Tree should now say “Imperial Testing Station”, which matches the icon to the right of the label.
• Tooltip when hovering the Continue button in the Main Menu was fixed to show target server player will be teleported to instead of the Home server. Travel dialog when clicking the Continue button in the Main Menu was also fixed to show target server instead of the Home server.
• Inaccurate controller prompt for scrolling right button has been fixed.
• Fixed an issue where the scrollbars in the Contracts menu were not functioning correctly
• Fixed issue where privacy policy could be automatically accepted due to skipping cinematic.
• Trying to talk on party or guild chat without being in a party or a guild, now correctly appears as a generic error.
• Fixed confirm button input not working correctly on the edit guild description and Sub-fief console edit name popups.
• Fixed a bug causing friends pending acceptance to be shown on the “Add permissions” menu.
• Inviting another player to join a guild through the Inspect menu now provides feedback if the the invite succeeded or failed.
• Removed “Player joined guild” chat broadcast message for the player that created the guild.
• Numerical input fields no longer move the caret to the end on every edit.
• Fixed guild disband popup opening twice if triggered using the keyboard.
• In the Keybind Settings, keys that are symbols are now represented as such instead of their name, i.e. ‘[‘ instead of ‘Left Bracket’.
• Fixed an issue where certain map markers would disappear after a Coriolis Storm in Hagga Basin and the cities, making the Survey Report incorrect and lacking important information.
• Fixed an issue where gamepad input was still processed even when the game window lost focus.
• Improved behaviour where Landsraad victory and decree popups on the Landsraad UI screen would appear again after traveling or relogging.

Graphics, Animations, and VFX:

• Fixed an issue causing weapon to flicker when aiming with and holstering a scoped rifle.
• Fixed the dark gray and gray lipstick color position in the character creator and corrected their color.
• Fixed character LOD issues in cinematics.
• Fixed minor clipping issues on Choam Light Armor.
• Fixed an issue where the landscape would render “blurry tiles”.
• Fixed issue where personal map marker in Deep Desert was placed not under the cursor.
• Fixed issue in Deep Desert where survey information was shown for wrong zone.
• Fixed issues with NPC’s dissapearing on rotating camera in Arrakeen.
• Fixed incorrect settings on several lights to address flickering and bloom issues
• Added missing lighting for several dialog scenes.
• Fixed Medium Chemical Refinery missing VFX when crafting.
• Fixed colour of vehicle dust trails to fit better Red Desert.
• Fixed rocket launcher vfx being misplaced for Buggies.
• Improved muzzle flashes visuals to fit various viewpoints.
• Update Cinematics campfire to use final assets for cutscenes.
• Shooting the compactor to a campfire now will remove the light from said campfire.
• Fixed vehicle explosions to scale properly.
• Fixed Sardaukar Cape silk shading being disabled.
• Replaced a doorframe in the shipwreck of the Second Trial of Aql.
• Replaced placeholder radio show SFX in Arrakeen with actual radio show.
• Fixed an animation issue causing weapon to briefly stick out through the player character’s chest if aiming during weapon unholstering or while mantling a ledge.
• Fixed an issue causing the Sandbike Big Moment aspect ratio to flicker.
• Fixed issues with T-posing and camera offsets that affected The Fourth Trial of Aql.
• Fixed an issue where a frame was missing camera, making an unintended scene flash for a second.
• Player pose and animation should now be consistent during the “Awaken Prescience” cutscene of the Fourth Trial of Aql.
• Fixed an issue causing GPU crashes related to memory corruption from camera shake
• Fixed an issue that made the Trial of Aql failed test VFX not always work.
• The Water Shipper boss no longer stands in T-pose at the end of the assassination cinematic.
• Polished visuals of a rope present in cave area of first tutorial.
• Lighting exposure balance has been done for the Carthag cinematic.

Audio:

• Removed unintended SFX on the black screen of the New Player Experience cinematic.
• Fixed an issue that muted the death sound when falling into the large fan from Carthag.

Dune: Awakening has enjoyed a superb launch, with a 'very positive' user review rating on Steam. Within hours of going live on June 10, Funcom's survival MMO had clocked up over 142,000 concurrent players on Valve's platform, and hit a new high earlier this month of 189,333 players. And it's already clocked up over 1 million players, too, making it Funcom's fastest-selling game ever, and securing a Great 8/10 in our review.

If all that's got you interested but you're not sure where to start, make sure to check out all the Dune: Awakening classes you can choose from, and keep an eye on our Dune: Awakening walkthrough for a step-by-step guide to the story. We've also got Dune: Awakening resource guides that'll help you find iron, steel, aluminium, and a Dune: Awakening Trainers locations guide to help you survive on Arrakis.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Gregg Mayles, the veteran Rare designer and director, will reportedly depart the studio following yesterday's sweeping cuts of Xbox staff and projects that included the long-in-development Everwild.

Mayles' departure, as reported by VGC, ends an influential career at Rare stretching back more than 35 years, to the studio's origins developing games like Battletoads for NES and through its N64 heyday, during which Mayles helped design characters such as Diddy Kong.

Perhaps best known as the director of N64 classic Banjo-Kazooie, Mayles more recently served as creative director on hit pirate game Sea of Thieves. Over the last four years, however, Mayles has been overseeing Everwild, Rare's long-gestating fantasy follow-up that will now no longer see the light of day.

Everwild's cancellation, now confirmed by Microsoft, comes six years after the game's initial public announcement, and after around a decade of work by Rare on the project overall. Louise O'Connor, who had been serving as the game's producer, will also reportedly leave Rare, after more than two decades.

IGN has contacted Microsoft for comment.

The last Everwild trailer, released in July 2020, carried the following description: "Everwild is a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience await in a natural and magical world." Back in February this year, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said he had recently visited the studio to catch up on the game's progress. "It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making," Spencer said at the time.

Microsoft has insisted Xbox boss Phil Spencer isn’t retiring “anytime soon,” amid rumors over the executive’s future at the company following yesterday’s mass layoffs.

Around 4%, or just over 9,000 staff, were cut across Microsoft, and while the majority of those layoffs were outside the gaming business, Xbox studios were hit hard. Rare’s Everwild, for example, was canceled, as was the Perfect Dark reboot. The Initiative was closed.

Elsewhere, Candy Crush maker King suffered significant layoffs, as did Bethesda’s European operations. An unannounced MMO from The Elder Scrolls Online developer, ZeniMax Online Studios, was canceled and its development team cut. Matt Firor, the veteran boss of ZOS, stepped down. Reports indicate Forza developer Turn 10 and various Call of Duty development studios suffered layoffs, too.

If you're a fellow games and tech connoisseur who loves low prices, Amazon Prime Day 2025 is our Christmas in July. The sale officially takes place between July 8-14 (the longest PD we've seen Down Under). However, eagle-eyed deal hunters like me can already spot a flurry of early markdowns across gaming, tech, and more.

Welcome to my own personal living list of standout offers that’ll be updated daily as fresh bangers roll in. Whether you're padding your pile of shame or just looking to finally grab that wishlist item on the cheap, check back often because the best stuff moves quick!

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I'm celebrating the 33rd birthday of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Truth be told, I was a Mega Drive kid, though I lived opposite a SNES guy, so I had the benefit of both worlds (until I caved and bought one inside of a year anyway). While I had the goods on him with some of "our" exclusives, I can recall being mighty envious of his Street Fighter II ports, Donkey Kong Countries, Super Star Warses, and the value of that jam-packed Super Mario All-Stars cartridge was immense. If you didn't grow up with one and feel out of the loop, here are the 100 best games ever made for the SNES, truly, one of gaming's greatest machines.

This Day in Gaming

Aussie birthdays for notable games.

- Super NES console launch, 1992. Ebay

- Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (AMI,PC) 1992. Get

- Warcraft III (PC) 2002. Get

- Unreal Tournament 3 (X360) 2008. Get

- Trine (PC) 2009. Get

• EA Sports FC 25 (-43%) - A$34
• Donkey Kong Bananza (-20%) - A$99
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A (-10%) - A$99
• MGS: Master Col. Vo1. (-40%) - A$54.20
• Triangle Strategy (-60%) - A$31.90
• NieR:Automata YoRHa Ed. (-60%) - A$21.90
• Final Fantasy I–VI Rem. Col. (-35%) - A$70.10
• Octopath Traveler II (-60%) - A$33.90

Expiring Recent Deals

• Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Col. (-19%) – A$57
• Sonic X Shadow Generations (-39%) – A$49
• Sniper Elite 4 (-80%) – A$12
• Sonic Frontiers (-65%) – A$34.80
• Persona 4 Golden (-50%) – A$14.90

Switch Accessories

• 3rd Party Pro Controllers - A$32
• Need space? Jump to Storage

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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This review is based on the first four episodes of a 12-episode season that will stream on Crunchyroll starting July 6, 2025.

Appropriately timed for a zombie movie revival led by 28 Years Later, Nyaight of the Living Cat is a parody anime that is as adorable as it is fun to watch. Yes, this show is hilarious, and is clearly made by people who are fans of not just the zombie genre, but horror – with several references to classics like The Thing and Alien, but with cats.

That's the key to the premise: it is not about how long our protagonists Kunagi, Kaoru, Tsutsumi, Tanishi, and Gaku can simply avoid the creatures hunting them, but rather if they can resist the temptation to embrace doom and pet a cat again. That's because this particularly absurd apocalypse is brought upon by a plague transmitted by cats that turns everyone they come in contact with into more cats. As a zombie story, this is brilliantly inventive, as each character is heartbroken by the prospect of having to run away from the animal they love most. Likewise, Nyaight of the Living Cat uses knowledge of cats and cat lovers to create a new set of zombie rules for the show: using water to evade the infected animals, catnip to distract them, or even using an allergy as a way to detect nearby felines.

Like any good zombie story, Nyaight of the Living Cat has a good blend of thrills and emotions, with each of the first four episodes focusing on one character’s backstory, their relationship to cats, and how the furry apocalypse is impacting them. There's a healthy amount of emotion that makes it easy to feel for them before they face their fate. There is also a mystery element to the story, with some mythology choices that make this apocalypse more than just a funny gimmick. Particularly, the character of Kunagi and his amnesia makes for the start of a fascinating plotline – now we just have to see if it pays off.

Granted, this is by no means an actual horror show, so don't expect terrifying jump scares as much as the surprise sight of a delightful kitten (and about a dozen others behind it). In a way, Nyaight of the Living Cat does work as a traditional zombie show, with the ambient sense of danger, the survivors grouping up before being killed off one by one, the person who does something stupid and dies, inept militaries, and just about every other cliche you could name. Still, seeing all of those played out but with cats instead of rotting corpses is an effective novelty that doesn't lose steam – at least, it hasn’t in the first four (out of a total of 12) episodes I’ve seen so far.

There's a fantastic scene in the third episode straight out of Shin Godzilla, in which we see a boardroom meeting of military and political leaders trying to come up with a plan against the zombie plague, only to get derailed by gushing about how much they love cats and how perfect they are. There’s even a tough army dude describing them with such praise it sounds like Ash from Alien describing the xenomorph. There is nothing the people in power can do, not because there are more zombies than soldiers, but because no one would dare hurt a cat, rendering all weapons moot.

Legendary director Takashi Miike’s style can be felt throughout in how he employs campiness and cartoonish animation for the sake of accentuating the weirdness or the fantasy of the story. It works rather well in this show, with the close ups of the hordes of cats shot like they're both absolute monsters but also the greatest work of art, adding to the humor.

Unfortunately, the quality of the animation itself does leave something to be desired, with Apothecary Diaries studio OLM using bad computer animation for showing groups of cats that lessens the impact of their hordes, and the fact that the cats are sometimes hand-drawn when in smaller numbers makes the change between styles quite jarring and immersion-breaking.

Director James Gunn called upon a Guardian of the Galaxy to play Jor-El in his Superman movie.

Rocket Raccoon voice actor Bradley Cooper plays the biological father of Kal-El, Gunn revealed during the L.A. press junket for the film. Rumors of Cooper's casting first surfaced earlier this year.

“Really, Bradley’s just doing me a favor,” Gunn told Jake’s Takes (via ComicBook). “He’s a friend. We’ve stayed in close contact since the Guardians movies, and I admire him greatly as an actor and as a director.”

“I just said, ‘Hey, will you do me a favor? Come down, go to England, we’re going to shoot you in a 3D environment, make a hologram of you, and you can play Jor-El,’” Gunn said. “He was like, ‘Okay.’”

A holographic Jor-El makes sense as Gunn has previously said his Superman is not an origin film, and there’s past precedence for a holographic Jor-El in past Superman films.

eBay Marketplace has kicked off its own eBay 4th of July Sale with a limited time 20% off coupon code "JULYFINDS" that works on hundreds of products across tech, home, apparel, and more. eBay is one of the best places to score great deals on both new and used products and even outpaces the Amazon Memorial Day sale on tons of items. Just because you're leery of buying from a private seller doesn't mean you should shy away from this marketplace. Most of the major retailers that you've heard of - including Dyson, Bose, Roborock, and Ecoflow - as well as authorized resellers have their own seller accounts and offer discounts that you can't find elsewhere else.

Bose 4th of July Deals on eBay

The best Bose headphones and soundbars offer exceptional sound quality through a range of in-ear and over-ear headphones as well as best-in-class active noise cancellation. Paying extra attention to aesthetics, comfort, build, and audio, Bose is the go-to headphone brand if you want immersive sound that will block out external distractions. The official Bose eBay Store carries certified refurbished products with the same 1 year warranty as buying new as well as an additional 2 year AllState warranty that runs concurrently.

Roborock 4th of July Deals on eBay

Roborock is one of the largest robot vacuum brands in the world. Its products offer more features than Roomba at a more attractive price point. That doesn't mean they are lower quality. I've owned both Roborock and Roomba models and my current Roborock has lasted longer, performed better, and costs less to maintain than any of the Roombas I've owned in the past. The Roborock eBay Store carries certified refurbished units of their entire lineup of robot vacuums and mops, They carry a 6 month warranty, which is less than the 12-month warranty for new units. Fortunately, eBay is also offering its 2 year Allstate warranty that runs concurrently.

Dyson 4th of July Deals on eBay

Dyson is one of the most well known household brands around, and its name is synonymous with quality, but usually that quality comes at a premium price. Fortunately, Dyson has its very own Dyson eBay store with huge markdowns on their certified refurbished products. Dyson offers a 6 month warranty on refub vacuum cleaners and fans and a 12 month warranty on their refurb beauty products and eBay also includes a 2 year AllState warranty that runs concurrently.

Ecoflow 4th of July Deals on eBay

Ecoflow is one of the largest and most well-known manufacturers of portable power stations. Their products are solidly built with a lot of practical features at an affordable price point. Product support after the purchase is generally pretty good, and firmware and software updates are consistently rolled out. Ecoflow sells certified refurbished power stations through its official Ecoflow eBay store. It offers the same warranty on refurbs as brand new products, which is anywhere from 24 months to 60 months depending on the model you choose.

4th of July Gaming Monitor Deals on eBay

Take advantage of some big discounts on some of the best gaming monitors, from high-end monitors with OLED panels, up to 480Hz refresh rate, and 4K resolution to perfectly capable 1080p 144Hz gaming monitors that fall well within the tightest of budgets

4th of July Samsung The Frame TV Deals on eBay

Samsung's "The Frame" TV itself apart from all other TVs with its seamless aesthetics. It features an Art Mode that showcases your choice of fine art so that your TV looks more like a frame piece of artwork than a big blank TV screen. You can display art purchased from the Samsung Art Store or your own personal collection of NFTs, personal photos, and artwork collection. The built-in motion sensor allows the TV to display art only when someone is nearby. Several 2024 and 2025 models are on sale with the 20% off Memorial Day coupon. Buydig is an authorized Samsung reseller.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

The original Backbone One controller launched in 2020 and ushered in a new era for mobile gaming controllers, providing a console-like experience from your phone. With the more recent release of the Backbone Pro, players now have a premium option to consider. Below, we'll break down the main differences between the Backbone One and Backbone Pro, including price, features, and more.

Specs and Features

Both the Backbone One and Backbone Pro share a similar form factor: two independent controller grips that bookend an expanding central area designed to fit most iPhone and Android devices. It's a design that resembles the Nintendo Switch a bit, and one that has become the standard for most mobile phone controllers these days.

While the layout of the offset thumbsticks and face buttons is the same across both devices, the Backbone Pro features larger, full-size Alps thumbsticks and customizable rear buttons that are great for competitive games or games with many inputs. The Pro also has upgraded triggers with Hall Effect sensors for increased responsiveness and durability.

Price Comparison

As expected, the standard Backbone One is the less expensive controller. It retails for $99, but can occasionally be found on sale during major events like Amazon Prime Day for as low as $69. This includes both the special PlayStation Edition and Xbox Edition models with unique colors and buttons to match the respective console.

The newer Backbone Pro is priced a bit higher than the base model at $169, but includes additional features, buttons, and redesigned ergonomics to support the premium price.

Which One Should You Buy?

These are two of the best phone controllers available, so you can't really go wrong with either one. The decision largely comes down with what kind of mobile games you play and where.

Because the Backbone One is aimed more at casual mobile game players, it's probably the best option for most people as it includes a simple plug-and-play solution that works with the vast majority of mobile games.

However, if you're into competitive mobile shooters or games that require quick reflexes, the Backbone Pro is maybe the better fit as its remappable back buttons, larger thumbsticks, and better grips are better suited for those kind of games.

If you play games across multiple devices and want to simplify your controller setup, then the Backbone Pro is the obvious choice. It can function as a phone controller as well as a Bluetooth controller that can connect to a variety of devices for gaming on the TV or computer.

Matthew Adler has written for IGN since 2019 covering all things gaming, tech, tabletop games, and more. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

While Amazon’s Prime Day sale officially begins July 8, some exclusive deals for Prime members are already live. One of the best discounts I've found so far knocks 50% off the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, making it only $69.99. That’s the lowest price yet for the latest model of the Fire HD 10, even beating out Black Friday savings.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 might not be as powerful and feature-rich as the latest iPads, but it’s a highly capable tablet for about one-fifth the cost of Apple’s offering. Whether you’re looking for something perfect for streaming and web browsing or reading and video learning, it’s ready to tackle all your lighter everyday tasks. Looking to get a jump start on back-to-school shopping? It’s the perfect budget-friendly option to get students connected.

If you’re exclusively looking for a great tablet for reading, Amazon has confirmed that two Kindle models will also be on sale during Prime Day. Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are expected to be up to 25% off, but you’ll have to wait a little longer to enjoy those savings.

Score 50% Off the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

If you're on the hunt for the best Android phone, you're diving into a wide world of options that go well beyond just iPhone alternatives. You can find folding behemoths that blur the line between smartphone and tablet, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, or find devices that go all-in on gaming performance and features with extra buttons and air-cooled components. The Android market is still where some of the most experimentation is being done, and there's no shortage of compelling phones – including the new Galaxy S25 lineup that's available to order. Quite a few of these phones can even prove fairly competitive on value, so you don't have to spend upwards of $1,000 just to get a great phone.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Android Phones:

I've personally been using Android phones since 2012, when I picked up what was both my first Android phone and first (and not my last) 3D phone. Since then, I've used and tested Android phones for years, going hands-on with the ultimate budget options, the first 5G phone (a Motorola model with an attachment that turned it into a 5G phone), gaming phones with wild gimmicks and some with tamer features, folding phones, flipping phones, and even twisting phones.

I've tested what Samsung and Google consider some of their best, and I've seen what some of the lesser-known alternatives have done to keep pace or surpass them. All this is to say: I've been around the block with Android phones, as have many of my colleagues here who have contributed their fair share of first-hand testing. So if you're looking for a great Android phone, we've got you covered.

What you'll find here are not just the best Android phones, but some of the best smartphones around. You can go with the best of the best, topping out features and quality, or find a budget score that goes above and beyond for a device at its price. And if nothing quite fits the bill, be sure to check back often. After all, the Android market moves fast, so you won't be left waiting a year to see what the next round of devices offers (unlike iPhone users).

Contributions by Jackie Thomas, Danielle Abraham, and Georgie Peru.

1. OnePlus 13

Best Android Smartphone

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Android Phone

3. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Android Phone

4. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Android Phone

5. Google Pixel 8

Best Mid-Range Android Phone

We know the Pixel 8 isn’t the latest of the bunch; I even reviewed the Pixel 9 myself. But here’s the thing: It’s still a great phone, and the fact that it’s a year older means it’s easy to snag at a much lower price than it started with. There’s little reason to consider the Pixel 8a, for instance, when you can jump up to the real McCoy for just $100 more.

Google brought some great upgrades with the Pixel 8, including the new Tensor G3 SoC, which ran faster and (critically) cooler than its predecessor. Google also shrunk down the phone slightly, making it a bit more friendly for folks who appreciate a more pocketable device for easy one-handed use. It’s a great little phone.

The 6.2-inch display means business. Small though it may be, it offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and boasts a 2,000-nit peak brightness. Games, movies, and just about anything else look great on the display, and it’s matched by a decent set of stereo speakers.

Perhaps the key thing making the Pixel 8 an exceptional value is that it comes with seven years of updates to the operating system, security patches, and features. It may not get every new feature that Google launches in the future, but it will at least not be left with the security vulnerabilities that can plague outdated devices.

A key highlight of the Pixel 8 is its camera system. It offers an excellent main sensor that can tackle dark environments and make the most of quality lighting by providing sharp, richly colored photos. The ultra-wide isn’t quite as impressive, but had a very wide field-of-view, letting you capture a lot in one shot. Getting any great cameras on a phone for $500 is a pretty good deal, so getting one backed by a modest ultrawide doesn’t hurt.

What About the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

Samsung may have recently introduced one of the thinnest phones we’ve seen in a while, but that doesn’t make it a shoe-in for this list. I just finished testing the Galaxy S25 Edge, so keep an eye out for that review. The long and short of it is that the S25 Edge simply had to make too many sacrifices to pretty important things in order to get so thin and it still costs more than many flagship phones.

The S25 Edge only gets two rear cameras, it has a smaller battery than many rivals, and it runs into thermal throttling quickly when faced with a proper load. That’s a rough spot to be in when many devices around the $1,000 point come with three great cameras, have big batteries, and offer some form of cooling that can keep up with their powerful internals better. The OnePlus 13 is a solid example of this, and it costs $200 less than the S25 Edge. If that couple of millimeters Samsung managed to shave off the S25 Edge were a bit more tangible in everyday use, maybe it would feel like a more worthwhile thing to chase.

What We’re Looking Forward to:

Lovers of folding phones have got something to get excited about. Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is set for July 9 and should come with the announcement of its newest foldables. We’re expecting the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 to make their debut at the event (and you can already reserve one).

Samsung has already teased a bit of what we can expect from the new phones. As PCMag has reported, Samsung made a few statements in early teases, including: “Meet the Next Chapter of Ultra,” “The newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet,” and “Your Smartphone Camera Now Gets What You’re Looking At — and Responds.” This makes it pretty clear Samsung is pushing for thinner phones in this lineup, likely pushed by the progress of Chinese foldables. The note about the camera sounds a lot like Google’s Gemini Live, though Samsung may be offering its own takes on multi-modal AI. The mention of “Ultra” is a little less clear on what it could be, but a camera experience that lines up more with the Galaxy S25 Ultra would certainly be a welcome change to the Z Fold line.

What to Look for in an Android Phone

Making the final decision on a phone purchase is not easy, so we've helped narrow down what to look for.

Storage space on phones is crucial. If filming videos, playing games, or downloading loads of music is important, only a few (and increasingly fewer) phones come with a Micro SD slot to expand storage. That means you'll have to spend more to get more, and that's if a phone offers it. Some of our picks have up to 1TB of storage, which should suit most people. Of course, you can always store files to different cloud services, opening more space on your phone.

RAM is crucial to a phone’s operating system. Having more RAM means you can run more applications at the same time. For standard operation, 4GB RAM is enough, but additional RAM is necessary for heavy gaming and app use. All of our picks have at least 6GB of RAM, so you can get to gaming and scrolling with little worry.

Finally, the phone’s processor is essential for your device to run smoothly. The number of cores and clock speed generally determine how quickly a phone can run processes and functions. Snapdragon processors are often used in Android phones. All of our picks use them except for the Google Pixel devices, which use Google’s Tensor chips. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Tensor G4 are currently the best processors out there.

Best Android Phones FAQ

What is the difference between an Android phone and a smartphone?

Android phones are just a type of smartphone. Ever since the iPhone started the 'smartphone' trend back in 2007, Google has been competing with its own smartphone OS, Android. An Android phone is just a smartphone that's running Google's Android operating system, and with a few exceptions, anything that's running Android is also a smartphone.

Mark Knapp is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything electronics and gaming hardware. He has over 10 years of experience in the tech industry with bylines at PCMag, Reviewed, CNET, and more. Find Mark on BlueSky at @Techn0Mark.

Smartphones aren’t exactly the most exciting gadgets to splash out on. Glass rectangles that most people use to message their friends, watch YouTube videos, scroll social media, and snap photos – they might be essential for day-to-day living, but cost a pretty penny if you want the latest and greatest. That’s why we’ve picked out the best smartphones to buy by seriously weighing the value against price.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Smartphones:

Of course, what everyone finds valuable is different. Some people will want excellent photo quality from their phone. Others will want to get extreme performance for gaming on the go. If you watch a lot of TV and movies on your phone, it’s natural to look for a phone with a stunning display. Fortunately, we’ve tested phones that cover all the bases.

Here, you’ll find phones that let you do a bit of everything, from the best Android phones and iPhone alternatives to the latest and greatest from Apple. Some may prioritize certain aspects over others, but you won’t find a phone that’s practical garbage or one that makes too many sacrifices just to hit a low price. You also won’t be looking at just the newest phones. Every now and then, the advantage an older model has from price reductions makes it all the more valuable, helping it to undercut newer alternatives. So, keeping in mind what you want out of a phone, have a look at the best options across the market.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

1. OnePlus 13

Best Smartphone

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a brilliant phone when it comes to photography. It offers a triple-camera system on the rear that provides a ton of flexibility, and each sensor in the stack snaps quality photos, whether you want to punch in on a distant subject or zoom way out to capture a landscape. Even the selfie camera snaps vibrant, sharp photos.

The phone itself is no less pretty than the photos it takes. Google has refined the design of its Pixel line again, and the Pixel 9 Pro benefits greatly. It’s still somewhat tame with aluminum and glass, not opting for the titanium of Apple’s and Samsung’s flagships. But it comes together elegantly.

Thin bezels wrap around a modest 6.3" display, which is a bit of a star. It’s reasonably sized without making the Pixel 9 Pro an unwieldy behemoth like the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra, though you can go that route by upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The display is also excellent, with a super-bright OLED panel, smooth refresh rate, and poppy color.

The Pixel 9 Pro may not be the fastest phone on the market, as its Tensor G4 chip lags well behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple’s A18 Pro, but it’s plenty peppy for everyday use and works quickly with AI applications. And it still runs games reasonably well too. Google is also backing the phone up with longer-term software support than you’ll find on a lot of Android devices.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

4. Google Pixel 8

Best Mid-Range Smartphone

5. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Smartphone

6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Smartphone

7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Phone

What About the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

My review of the S25 Edge is on its way, but I can already tell you that the S25 Edge won’t be joining the ranks of the best phones on the market. While it is a surprisingly thin phone, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it impressively thin. Phones have been this thin in the past, and I think there’s a reason they’ve gotten thicker over the years. The S25 Edge makes sacrifices to get that thin. It has a smaller battery than comparable phones. It may offer the speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powering other great phones, but it quickly runs into thermal throttling when trying to take full advantage of that chip. And the S25 Edge only gets two rear-facing cameras when it’s priced like a phone that should have three or four quality cameras to offer. All of those trade-offs to shave a couple millimeters from the device just don’t work out in this phone’s favor.

What We’re Looking Forward to:

We’re just a few days away from finding out more about Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones. Samsung has scheduled its next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 9, and it is expected to show off the next generation of the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip smartphones: the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, for those who are counting. Per PCMag’s reporting, Samsung has teased the event with the statements: “Meet the Next Chapter of Ultra,” “The newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet,” and “Your Smartphone Camera Now Gets What You’re Looking At — and Responds,” giving some hints at the kind of improvements we can expect to see from the new phones.

Even though the Z Fold series has sat at the top of Samsung’s stack in terms of price, it has still lagged behind devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra where durability and cameras were concerned. Perhaps this new generation will help level out the capabilities a bit more. The new phones should be thinner and more durable, with Samsung leaving little doubt about that. Trimming some of the thickness of the foldable should make them even more pocket friendly, as prior models could be a bit thick when folded up. Samsung has already shown it knows how to trim a phone down, as it showcased with the Galaxy S25 Edge. Finally, we can expect even more AI integration, with Samsung seeming to just hype an AI camera feature that just sounds like Google’s Gemini Live.

How We Picked the Best Smartphones

The mobile phone industry relies on upselling. It tells consumers time and again their phone needs replacing with the flashiest new release, or that their standard model pales in comparison to the Pro, Max, or whatever other upgraded version has just hit shelves. To an extent, this is true. Those pricier versions always bring a clutch of useful new features. But for many people, those features will go unused.

I picked out the smartphones at a variety of budgets that offer the best value for money. Unless you’re a wannabe influencer, hobbyist photographer, or enthusiastic gamer, you probably don’t need all the snazziest features that are being sold your way, and can find a more suitable pick from the selection here. Additionally, I also opted for phones that are durable and hard-wearing, and guaranteed to receive ongoing software support from their manufacturers, extending their lifespan. You can also learn more about how we test phones here.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple have earned a reputation for producing high-quality, feature-rich premium phones that leave more than a dent in your wallet. Both the and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are fast, sleek, sport excellent cameras that are capable of capturing crisp images in both high and low light, and are guaranteed software updates for years to come. More important is how familiar you are with their different operating systems: Android versus iOS.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

For all the effort that Apple has put into cultivating a popular perception of itself as an unrivaled premium brand, modern iPhones are strikingly similar to premium Android alternatives. Any obvious lead that Apple once possessed has now all but diminished. Android and iOS operate similarly, are designed to fulfill almost identical functions, and are updated to new versions yearly. More important than which one you should pick is which you’re currently familiar with. iPhones sync with other Apple products more easily, while Android phones pair better with Windows devices.

Which Android phone is the best value for money?

The Google Pixel 8 is a superb phone for its price. It may be a little older, but it has potent performance, an elegant design, and gets one thing that most budget-friendly devices don't: long-term software support. At $500, it'll be really hard to do better. And going lower than this, you'll end up giving up a lot.

Mark Knapp is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything electronics and gaming hardware. He has over 10 years of experience in the tech industry with bylines at PCMag, Reviewed, CNET, and more. Find Mark on BlueSky at @Techn0Mark.

Choosing a tablet is tough, we know. Apple’s side alone has a variety of options, and it’s not always clear what’s so different between them. Unless you’re versed in all the jargon, the difference between a "Liquid Retina display" and a "Ultra Retina Tandem OLED with Pro Motion" isn't immediately obvious. There are also major differences under the hood, with Apple currently offering devices featuring an older A16 chip at the low end and an exceedingly fast M4 chip at the high end.

The Android tablet market only widens the field that much more. Where Apple tends to trim off the older tablets in its stable, the Android tablet market will still readily show you devices you shouldn’t have bought when they were new, let alone years later. And just like Apple’s devices, there’s a considerable range of hardware options that go from severely underpowered to total overkill — at which point a Windows tablet could make more sense. What makes Android tablet shopping even more complicated is the software support. Apple keeps its tablets running on the latest operating systems for a long time, but how long any given Android tablet will stay up to date is a much harder question to answer.

After looking at the market, considering the iPad and Android tablets we’ve tested, and weighing what actually makes sense when purchasing a tablet, we’ve narrowed down a handful of the best options that strike the right balance.

Additional contributions by Mark Knapp

TL;DR: The Best Tablets Right Now

1. iPad (11th Generation)

Best Tablet

2. OnePlus Pad 2

Best Android Tablet

3. iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

Best Tablet for Creative Work

4. iPad Air (2024)

Best Thin and Light Tablet

5. iPad (9th Generation)

Best Budget iPadOS Tablet

What About the OnePlus Pad 3?

The OnePlus Pad 3 is one hell of a machine, but it may be flying a little too close to the sun to earn a solid recommendation. The sun in this case being full-fat PCs. To get just the OnePlus Pad 3 on its own, you’ll be looking at a $699 price tag — already in laptop price territory. On top of that, OnePlus has its keyboard cover going for $199 and stylus going for $99. You’re looking at $1,000 to get the full OnePlus Pad 3 experience, which – I can’t stress enough – is still Android running on a tablet. Looking over at the Windows PC market, you’ll find no shortage of quality laptops under $1,000, and Asus even offers a 2-in-1 tablet fully loaded with keyboard cover and stylus with the Asus ProArt PZ13, and I’ve frequently seen it going for $849.

I’m generally a fan of Android, but it can still be pretty limited, especially in the quality of its game library. The OnePlus Pad 3 may be running the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip that has been a hit in other phones, but it’s so powerful it can almost feel wasted here. It ought to be running games with sharper graphics than some of the low-res titles I come across on Android. Maybe we’ll see some strong emulation in the future that makes the chip’s capabilities more valuable. But as it stands, the OnePlus Pad 2 isn’t absurdly far behind this one, and it’s cheaper.

What We’re Looking Forward to:

Android tablets are getting a little extra love in the gaming realm. Lenovo recently introduced the new Legion Tab 3, a compact gaming tablet with potent internals. And RedMagic, the maker of our favorite gaming phone, has the Astra tablet on its way. Both of these tablets offer a smaller, more portable footprint that could let them better compete with gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck. Crucially, both also run on recent Snapdragon chips. The Legion tablet uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in many 2024 flagship phones, and should still be plenty powerful for gaming while still offering a value-minded price. Meanwhile, the Redmagic Astra tablet steps up to a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and uses some active cooling for what should be truly impressive performance if the brand’s reputation holds.

How to Choose the Right Tablet for You

The first step when deciding on a tablet is determining a budget. Looking to just stream shows and scroll socials? A cheap slate should suffice. However, you'll need to up your spending if you’re after a productivity tool that performs similarly to a laptop. You can even slap a keyboard onto some tablets, essentially turning them into detachable laptops, albeit with the limits of their hardware and operating system.

Next, design. You'll want an option that’s lightweight but still durable for on-the-go use. A sizable, crisp, and responsive display ensures the best user experience, while OLED panels are a more premium option with deep blacks and richer colors over their LCD counterparts.

Of course, the internal components are just as important; you don’t want a sluggish device that leads to you reaching for your smartphone or laptop instead. To prevent that from happening, a solid processor and at least 4GB of RAM is a must. For gaming or creative work, upgrading those specs can make a world of difference. Beyond that, you’ll want to ensure your software is up to date. Android OS is in its 15th generation, while iPadOS 18 is Apple’s latest.

Other features like long battery life, great-sounding speakers, crisp cameras, and stylus support can help improve your experience on a tablet. You may even want to consider getting a 5G tablet that can connect to your cellular network when you’re not on Wi-Fi.

Tablets FAQ

Are iPads better than Android tablets?

No. Both types of tablets have plenty of solid models to choose from; it’s more a matter of personal preference. If you already have an iPhone and/or MacBook, it makes sense to grab an iPad for seamless integration into your Apple ecosystem, including the ability to double as a second screen for a MacBook. iPads are known for their smooth user experience along with their wealth of apps and games, but the pricing is more restrictive.

Tablets running on Android OS come from various manufacturers using a wide variety of components and different versions of the Android operating system, meaning performance and the experience is all over the place. But there’s a wider selection of slates, from ultra-cheap to high-end. It’s just important to do your research, as there are some duds. The selection of apps optimized for an Android tablet is also more limited. Still, almost all Android apps should function fine, just not as well as on your phone.

Should you buy a tablet with cellular network support?

Most will find that a tablet with cellular network support is unnecessary unless you’re constantly on the go with no way to connect via Wi-Fi. Adding that extra line to your cellular plan can be expensive, and your smartphone can usually work as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your tablet when you’re in a pinch. However, should you decide you’d like cellular network support, many of our picks come in 5G versions; just know you have to make that decision up front.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra

Sonos has discounted its lineup of certified refurbished soundbards and speakers even more as part of its 4th of July Sale. Sonos certified refurbished products go through rigorous testing; they come with all accessories, manuals, and documentation and are reshipped in "pristine" packaging. Most importantly, Sonos stands by their refurbs enough to grant them the same 1-year warranty as buying new.

Featured in this article

You can quickly browse through all of the listed products on sale above. For more information on each product and why they are worth your consideration, read through below.

Sonos Era 100

Sonos Ray

Sonos Arc

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Sonos Sub 3 Wireless Subwoofer

A great gaming monitor can transform your gaming experience. It's the single best gaming accessory to make the most of the stunning graphics and speedy refresh rates your gaming PC is capable of. After all, what’s the point of investing in a top-tier graphics card and CPU if your display can’t keep up?

I've done the testing and research to find the best gaming monitors to help you play all the best PC games to their fullest. These are the best gaming monitors of 2025 so far.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Monitors:

Your gaming monitor should offer specs that match up with your PC; there’s no point in grabbing a 4K monitor if games will be virtually unplayable with a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti at that resolution. Likewise, pairing a Radeon RX 9070 XT with a 1080p display is a waste. The best gaming monitors will show off all the capabilities of the rig you’ve invested in, delivering solid picture quality, speedy response times, and a host of gaming features. Of course, high refresh rates help frames remain silky smooth and those extra milliseconds could mean life or death for competitive gamers.

Whether you’re after a beastly future-proof option with a sharp 4K picture, OLED panel, and wild 240Hz refresh rate – like our top pick, the Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro – or you have a more modest setup that's better suited for a rock-solid budget monitor, we’ve got you covered. All our favorite gaming monitors have been thoroughly vetted by me and my colleagues and are ready to suit just about any need.

Looking for savings? Be sure to check out the best gaming monitor deals happening right now.

1. Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro

Best Gaming Monitor

If you want proof that OLED is the new mainstream for the best gaming monitors, just take a look at my thorough review of the Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro. This is a gorgeous 32-inch 4K gaming monitor with an extremely thin panel and one of the brightest displays I've ever had the pleasure of using. And while it is a bit on the pricey side, the best is never the cheapest option, and you'll be well rewarded for the money you invest in this gorgeous piece of kit.

This gaming monitor is extremely forward-facing, too. While most of the best graphics cards aren't really able to drive a 4K gaming monitor at 240Hz, the Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2 supports that high refresh rate anyways. That means even after upgrading your PC a few times over the next few years, you won't really need to buy an all-new gaming monitor for a very long time. Hell, this monitor supports DisplayPort 2.1 technology, which isn't even in most current-generation gaming PCs right now.

But even in the current day, the gorgeous OLED panel is extremely color accurate. Supporting up to 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, you'd be hard pressed to find any screen with better color representation, at least without forking over the cash for a display meant for creative professionals. Combine that with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and a contrast ratio of 1.5M:1 and this will make any game, movie, or even your desktop seem like it's popping off of your screen.

Of course, because it's a flagship gaming monitor, it also comes with quality-of-life features like picture-in-picture and an automatic black equalizer that'll help you tune how your monitor looks. You can even download the Gigabyte Control Center, plug the monitor into an open USB port (in addition to your standard HDMI/DP port, obviously), and control image settings on your desktop rather than fiddling with an OSD.

This is a dream gaming monitor, and while it's a bit expensive, you're genuinely getting what you pay for.

2. AOC Q27G3XMN Mini-LED

Best Budget Gaming Monitor

The AOC Q27G3XMN Gaming Monitor offers true HDR gaming at a fraction of the usual price. That's because it uses a mini-LED backlight to offer localized brightness and contrast all the way up to 1,000 nits. That means that you can enjoy gaming in HDR knowing that you're receiving a full-fledged experience and not the typical "HDR 400" or "HDR compatible" experience found elsewhere.

This monitor uses a VA panel for improved contrast even when you turn local dimming off. You could be forgiven for leaving it on, however, as it's the gateway to more vivid colors and deeper blacks, no matter what you happen to be doing. With 336 local dimming zones, it's able to pinpoint shadows and blacks far better than a traditional edge-lit gaming monitor. In fact, this is the reason why the technology has largely cost two, three, or even four times as much as this monitor.

Even without the mini-LED backlight, however, this would be a great monitor to choose for anyone on a limited budget. Its 27-inch frame is perfectly matched to its 1440p resolution, allowing it to offer crisp visuals and smooth, responsive gameplay. It's lacking some amenities like built-in speakers or a USB hub, but that can be forgiven for its generously priced panel and gaming experience.

With all of that in mind, AOC did make a sacrifice on local dimming zones to get the price so low. While 336 sounds like a lot on paper, flagship mini-LED monitors usually feature over 1,100. Its reduced zone count leads to noticeable blooming (glowing around bright objects on dark backgrounds). While this isn't always an issue, especially when you're playing games, it's also not something you can ignore when it's there. You'll notice it every time, though many people do get used to it and find it doesn't bother them over time.

Even with some blooming to contend with, the AOC Q27G3XMN mini-LED gaming monitor is still a great pick that offers some truly impressive visuals its biggest competitors simply can't compete with.

3. Acer Predator X34 OLED

Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

4. Dell Alienware AW2725Q

Best 4K Gaming Monitor

5. Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP

Best 1440p Gaming Monitor

People might be clamoring over 4K displays, and 1440p has a home in the hearts of many gamers trying to balance visual quality with value, but 1080p monitors still have their place. The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM is a prime example where FHD fits in because, for less than $300, you get a screen that delivers an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and low input lag, which will see your games run as smooth as hot butter. FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility also ensure your monitor and GPU are on the same team for visuals that look great without tearing.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM stretches its 1080p picture across a 27-inch screen, which is reasonable for the resolution. Although, you may do some pixel peeping in exchange for a more immersive viewing experience. Its IPS panel offers decent viewing angles and color reproduction, while the 400-nit brightness means you can use it in brighter spaces. It's been DisplayHDR 400 certified, but given a mediocre contrast ratio and no local dimming, HDR support shouldn’t be why you buy this monitor.

Some other quality-of-life boxes can get ticked off, too, with a height-adjustable pivoting stand, two HDMI ports, and one DisplayPort for ample connectivity opportunities. It's a monitor I consider a good value for the price. Its high refresh rate, ample size, and engaging picture make it a great pick for gamers on more limited budgets.

Not to be shadowed by the upcoming Amazon Prime Day event, Best Buy is offering a fantastic deal on the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset. Right now you can get it for 50% off, dropping the price to just $139.99 with free delivery. The Arctis Pro is a top-end SteelSeries headset (in fact, its flagship model before the Nova Arctis Pro was released), and one of only two models with swappable batteries. It's compatible with PC, PS4, and PlayStation 5.

50% Off SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset

Independence Day is right around the corner, and with it comes a slew of annual sales on just about everything you can imagine. Best Buy is kicking things off early this year with a massive Fourth of July sale that includes hundreds of discounts on PC gaming accessories.

If you've been holding out for new gear, now is your chance to save big on some of the best gaming mice and gaming keyboards. But don't wait too long—these deals end Sunday at midnight PST. Check out some of the best deals from the sale below.

Gaming Mice Deals

There are dozens of great deals on gaming mice, including 15% off our top pick for the best gaming mouse you can buy in 2025, the Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed. This mouse blends performance, ergonomics, and style together to solidify its place as Razer's flagship mouse for nearly two decades.

If you're looking for a super lightweight mouse for competitive gaming, Best Buy has a massive discount (50% off!) on the SteelSeries Aerox 3 wireless, as well as some great deals on the Glorious Model O- and Logitech Pro X Superlight. One of our favorite budget-friendly gaming mice, the SteelSeries Rival 3, is also discounted, offering great performance for around $20.

Gaming Keyboard Deals

If you've been itching to replace your existing keyboard, there's no better time than now. Best Buy has discounts on every major brand, including Razer, SteelSeries, Logitech, HyperX, Corsair, and more. Some highlights from this sale include 20% off the SteelSeries Apex Pro V2 tenkeyless and full-size models, which feature some of the fastest key actuation available today thanks to its magnetic switches. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is also $50 off, which we rated one of the best gaming keyboards you can buy. It uses Razer's iconic mechanical switches and a handy customizable dial. If you're looking for budget options, the SteelSeries Apex 5 and HyperX Alloy Core are both fantastic options that are on sale during this event.

If you're looking to make the move to portable PC gaming, Best Buy has also discounted the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS, one of the more powerful Steam Deck alternatives.

Should You Wait for Prime Day?

The Fourth of July is a massive holiday for sales, but one of the biggest (and most convenient) shopping events is Amazon's Prime Day, which kicks off next week. Given that Prime Day starts pretty much as soon as Fourth of July sales end, you might consider waiting to see what the mega-corp has in store.

If you're in the market for gaming accessories, I'd recommend making any purchases sooner than later. Amazon will likely price match anything on sale at Best Buy, but in my time covering Prime Day, I've noticed Amazon's event isn't the greatest for gaming tech. The major discounts tend to be on mainstream Apple products like iPads and Amazon's own line of devices.

In the meantime, feel free to check out some of the other Fourth of July sales running through this weekend:

Matthew Adler has written for IGN since 2019 covering all things gaming, tech, tabletop games, and more. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.