news and current affairs.
Marty McFly revamped the RTGI shader with next-gen sampling and fog
Pascal Gilcher released a major update for his RTGI ReShade graphics shader after six months of development work. The computer programmer creates visual enhancement tools that improve video game graphics for players around the world. Gilcher attempted to use an existing algorithm called ReSTIR GI but faced technical problems with noise and sampling issues. He decided to build his own sampling method that produces better visual quality than the original approach. The new shader also features improved reflections that trace more accurate light paths. Gilcher fixed problems with his MXAO shader that caused visual halos around game objects. He upgraded his Launchpad shader with a new algorithm that handles small pixel movements more...
Monster Hunter Wilds adds DLSS 4, FSR 4, and custom PC settings
Monster Hunter Wilds will receive its second major update on June 30. The patch brings advanced graphics features to PC players. Capcom adds support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 4 technologies. Players can combine different upscaling and frame generation methods. The update also reduces video memory usage. PC users gain new control options and system warnings. The game will alert players about outdated graphics drivers. Keyboard settings become more customizable. Players can copy lobby and hunter identification codes easily. Squad identification numbers also become copyable through menus. Two classic monsters return to the hunting grounds. Lagiacrus and Seregios join the creature roster. A new Layered Weapons system arrives with the...
Outer Worlds 2 ditches respec, so your choices really stick
The Outer Worlds 2 takes a different approach from the original game regarding character development. Game director Brandon Adler decided players cannot change their character builds after leaving the tutorial area. Adler believes permanent choices make players think more carefully about their decisions. He wants strong role-playing elements throughout the entire gaming experience. The director thinks allowing unlimited character changes weakens the role-playing aspect. Adler explained his reasoning behind removing the respec feature from the sequel. Players who constantly switch between different character types lose the authentic role-playing experience. Someone might play as a sniper one moment and switch to a speech-focused...
Samsung could snag the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 with its 2nm chip
Samsung may regain ground against chip rival TSMC through a new Qualcomm partnership. The Korean company initially lost orders for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor to TSMC. Reports suggest Samsung could manufacture one version of the chip using advanced 2nm technology. The processor carries the code name Kaanapali S and currently undergoes test production. Samsung's improved manufacturing yields have caught Qualcomm's attention. Qualcomm plans to create two versions of its flagship processor for 2026 smartphones. TSMC will produce the standard model using 3nm technology at its factories. Samsung will handle the premium version through its 2nm GAA manufacturing process. The Samsung-made chip appears destined for Galaxy S26 phones...
Firebreak hits 1M players while Steam numbers barely register
Remedy Entertainment announced that FBC Firebreak reached one million players across all platforms. The Finnish game studio created its first multiplayer title and shared the milestone on social media. Company representatives said they remain motivated to improve the game. Remedy acknowledged significant work lies ahead for the development team. The studio promised exciting updates for players soon. The player count milestone appears less impressive when considering platform availability. FBC Firebreak launched day one on PlayStation Plus and Game Pass subscription services. Steam shows concerning player trends for the cooperative shooter. The PC platform peaked at 1,992 players ten days after launch. Daily player counts dropped to...
AI hiccups hurt iPhone 17, but foldable iPhone 18 could bounce back
Apple faces challenges with artificial intelligence features that may damage iPhone 17 sales next year. The technology company struggled with AI rollouts during 2025. These problems could hurt demand for the upcoming phone model. Customers may wait for better options instead of buying the iPhone 17. Sales experts predict lower numbers for Apple's next release. Many buyers already purchased iPhone 16 models because of tariff concerns. Donald Trump's trade policies scared customers into early upgrades. This rush left fewer people interested in the iPhone 17. JP Morgan analysts cut production estimates by nine percent. The investment firm sees trouble ahead for Apple's 2025 phone launch. The iPhone 18 series should perform much better...
Fatshark's Arbites DLC doubles player goals, pets cyber-mastiffs
Fatshark launched its first paid expansion for Warhammer 40K Darktide and exceeded sales expectations. The Swedish game developer added the Adeptus Arbites class to the action game. Company CEO Martin Wahlund said the team more than doubled their player goals on the first day. The launch marked a major success for the studio. Players responded well to the new content. The developer shared interesting statistics about player behavior since the expansion arrived. Gamers petted the Cyber-Mastiff companion 459,760 times during their missions. Players killed more than 553 million enemies using the new Adeptus Arbites character. The Mk III Branx Pattern Arbites Shock Maul became the most popular melee weapon with 969,008 uses. The Mk III...
Capcom goes big on Monster Hunter Wilds' free update on June 30
Capcom held its Spotlight Showcase 2025 event and focused heavily on Monster Hunter Wilds. The company spent most of the presentation showing the latest free title update for the popular hunting game. The showcase highlighted upcoming content and gave fans a detailed look at what comes next. Monster Hunter Wilds received significant attention during the event. Capcom dedicated more time to this game than any other title from their catalog. The second free title update arrives Monday, June 30, 2025. Two new monsters join the hunt with this update. Players can face Lagiacrus and Seregios from Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. These creatures bring fresh challenges to the game. Hunters will encounter both monsters when the update goes live...
Nairobi youth back on the streets, vow to finish what they started
Thousands of young protesters filled Nairobi streets on June 25, marking one year since major demonstrations against tax increases. Police responded with tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons as peaceful marches turned violent. Officers fired live bullets at demonstrators who threw stones back at security forces. Communications officials banned media coverage of the clashes but news outlets ignored the restriction. About 10 people died and 400 suffered injuries during what newspapers called Black Wednesday. President William Ruto faced similar protests in June 2024 over budget plans demanded by international lenders. His government wanted to raise 2 billion dollars through new taxes on basic goods like bread. Inflation hit 5...
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