It appears we're on the verge of a payoff on the (basically confirmed) rumors of a remastered version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which have come to a head recently. Bethesda is far from oblivious to the chatter, a post on X has a conspicuous IV and indications we should expect a stream tomorrow on Twitch and YouTube at 11:00 am EDT.

A new Battlefield Labs Community Update discusses the next installment in the Battlefield series of military first-person shooters. The focus is destructible environments, and it includes this video with alpha gameplay footage showing an example of blowing something up real good. The game will not take the leap into making it possible to destroy everything, and the update explains the "destruction language" the game will use to inform players what they can and can't blow to pieces. Here's a bit on that:

Our goals for destruction are centered around adding further gameplay depth by allowing you to reshape the environment and transform your surroundings toward a tactical advantage. For example, barging through walls to surprise your enemies, reshaping the battlefield to create new paths into the capture zones, or taking down a building to take out an attacking squad.

We're designing destruction around easily identifiable visual and audio language that lets you understand what can be destroyed, altered, or transformed through gameplay.

A post on ResetEra recaps a livestream last week where Battlestate Games outlined 2025 plans for Escape from Tarkov, the Early Access extraction shooter (thanks TechRaptor). This includes details of four patches coming between now and August, and word that the game will leave Early Access at some point after that. Word is the game will launch on Steam when it reaches version 1.0, but that will be after the launch of spinoff game Escape from Tarkov ARENA. Here's the summary:

• New map "Terminal" will feature the endgame quests
• Escape from Tarkov Arena will release on Steam before 1.0 release. The main game and PvE will release on Steam after 1.0 at a non-specified date.
• PvE will feature its first and only wipe at 1.0 to give all players the same day 1 experience
• All new audio and sound propagation system will be implemented.

Recent driver struggles continue for NVIDIA. A new GeForce Hotfix Display Driver version 576.15 is now available, addressing some of the issues that remain following last week's release of the new version 576.02 and previous drivers. Here's what the hotfix attempts to hotly fix:

This hotfix addresses the following:

• [RTX 50 series] Some games may display shadow flicker/corruption after updating to GRD 576.02 [5231537]
• Lumion 2024 crashes on GeForce RTX 50 series graphics card when entering render mode [5232345]
• GPU monitoring utilities may stop reporting the GPU temperature after PC wakes from sleep [5231307]
• [RTX 50 series] Some games may crash while compiling shaders after updating to GRD 576.02 [5230492]
• [GeForce RTX 50 series notebook] Resume from Modern Standy can result in black screen [5204385]
• [RTX 50 series] SteamVR may display random V-SYNC micro-stutters when using multiple displays [5152246]
• [RTX 50 series] Lower idle GPU clock speeds after updating to GRD 576.02 [5232414]

A three days Early Access period is now underway on Steam for FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, the Windows brawler from SNK CORPORATION. This English Play Guide Trailer is one of dozens of new videos on the SNK YouTube Channel that attempt to introduce the game in various languages. Here's word on what it's like to live in a city of wolves:

SNK’s beloved Fatal Fury series first hit the market in 1991, spearheading the fighting game boom of the 1990s that swept the industry thereafter. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES (released in 1999) has, for some time, served as the franchise’s most recent installment. But that is all about to change: 26 years on, a brand-new entry—FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves—is set to arrive on the scene!

Steam now features True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 3 for Windows and macOS, launching the concluding chapter in this point-and-click adventure series. A playable demo remains available, promising "a taste of the horror before the full game launches on March 31," so obviously something happened on the way to launch. But it's here now, and that's all that matters. Here's a recent trailer with a look, and here's word:

"True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 3" is the final chapter of the acclaimed psychological thriller trilogy. Featuring point-and-click mechanics, challenging puzzles, cinematic cutscenes and a uniquely dark atmosphere, the final installment answers all the questions and brings the journey to the epic conclusion. Prepare to immerse yourself in a richly crafted horror experience that pushes the boundaries of the genre and face the demon that haunts the Stonehouse family.

• Rise of Rebellion on Steam (Windows). ""Rise of Rebellion" is a 3D action RPG that pursues the tension of confronting strong enemies and sweating in your hands. People worshiped God and the land where God dwelled. Survive the battlefield by mastering the deep tactics of melee weapons and the energy "Tel energy" derived from the earth." Here's a trailer and there's a playable demo.

• Mistfall Hunter on Steam. "Mistfall Hunter is a third-person action PvPvE extraction RPG. Combine skills, talents, and gear for each class in thrilling combat! Whether you team up or go solo, one thing remains certain—only by fighting your way through can you return with a full haul. Good luck, Gylden Hunter."

• Doloc Town Early Access Release Date Teaser. Charming farm sim on May 8th.

• Fallout 1 lead Tim Cain says the marketing department wanted him to make it real-time 'because of Diablo,' but he got them to back off when he told them how much it would cost - PC Gamer.

• Steam Box-Pushing Fest.
• Steam Sokoban Festival.
• Save 50% on Black One Blood Brothers on Steam.
• Save 45% on My Time at Sandrock on Steam.
• Save 60% on The Outlast Trials on Steam.
• Save 20% on Coridden on Steam.

• How tariffs could change the way Americans buy video games - Fast Company.

Official trailers.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - Zombies Survival Guide.
• Fortnite - Heroes in a half shell? How about vigilantes in a van!
• Mistfall Hunter - BETA 2 Gameplay Trailer.

• SenseRobot Triumphs in Match Against Women’s World Chess Champion.

• Knock on the Coffin Lid - Console Announcement Trailer.
• Paul Rudd cosplays 1991 Paul Rudd in throwback Switch 2 commercial - Polygon.

• CarPlay app with web browser for streaming video hits App Store [U] - 9to5Mac. Already killed.
• Samsung rolls out Software Update App 4.3.25 for smoother One UI 7 installs - Sammy Fans.

• A New Form of Verification on Bluesky - Bluesky.
• The FBI Can't Find ‘Missing’ Records of Its Hacking Tools - 404 Media. We need an organization good at finding things. Thanks Slashdot via A.M.

• 3D printing is about to get more expensive, if you can get it at all - Tom's Hardware.
• Teen coder shuts down open source Mac app Whisky, citing harm to paid apps - Ars Technica.

• Trump can’t keep China from getting AI chips, TSMC suggests - Ars Technica.
• Annoyed ChatGPT users complain about bot’s relentlessly positive tone - Ars Technica.
• AI models can generate exploit code at lightning speed • The Register.

• Vulnerability Summary for the Week of April 14, 2025 - CISA.
• Eight days from patch to exploitation for Microsoft flaw • The Register.

• Nintendo Requests Subpoena of Discord to Track Down User Behind Last Year's Pokemon "TeraLeak" - IGN.
• The ACLU Is Suing the Government to Get Access to DOGE Records - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).
• Uber accused of signing up and charging subscription customers without consent - The Verge.

• High-fat high-sugar diets make you suck at games - Boing Boing. I finally have an excuse. Time for cake…

Last Link of the Day: Lyrid meteor shower kicks off the season: How and when to watch - CNN.

Official Trailer 2 for DOOM: The Dark Ages shows off more of the next installment in id Software's DOOM series, which expected to launch on May 15th. The clip includes gameplay footage as well as cinematics setting up the story. Which isn't a typo, as this leans harder into a narrative than we're used to, featuring a surprising number of speaking parts for a series that's always been about shooting first and asking questions later. Here's word:

Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.

A Closed Alpha Update on Bungie.net has the latest on testing of Marathon, the upcoming extraction shooter that will continue the FPS series (thanks GameSpot). Word is as of Wednesday the NDA for testers will conclude, and players from the alpha test will be permitted to share impressions of how things are coming along. Here's word:

We’d like to start this update with a big thank you to everyone who has joined us in the Marathon community or signed up for Alpha since our reveal showcase last weekend.

As developers we believe community feedback and dialog is essential to make the best version of Marathon. Up until now, this feedback has come from closed playtest sessions. In the spirit of building towards that future, we’ve decided to remove the NDA from our Closed Alpha Test. Everyone can share their thoughts, feedback, and footage, including streaming starting on April 23.

Attention old-timers, get ready to put the pedal to the plastic, as Old Timer Transport is now available for Windows on Steam, offering a casual free-to-play game featuring races between alter kakers on turbocharged mobility scooters. The Official Demo Trailer provides the latest look, though the demo is no longer available following the game's free launch. Here's word on whipping your whip to whip some whippersnappers:

Ready to unleash some ridiculous scooter-driven mayhem? Take on the role of an old, grumpy driver in a turbocharged mobility scooter as you race through the city of Bompidorm. Your mission? Pick up humans scattered throughout the madness and deliver them to safety—all while outmaneuvering your equally grumpy rivals. PvP? Oh, you bet. Ragdoll physics? Absolutely. Laughs? Guaranteed.

It’s you versus everyone else! Whether you're blasting rivals off the track with a well-timed explosion or speeding toward the hospital, the only thing standing between you and victory is a city full of chaos. Who will be the ultimate grumpy champion?

Intima Leaf announces Riven Crown, a fighting game incorporating soulslike mechanics coming to Windows PCS. A Steam Listing says this is "coming soon," but a press release says this will be Q4 2026, which is not really as soon as all that. The Announcement Trailer shows off gameplay and environments, and this announcement on Steam has first details. The original Riven from 1997 is an unrelated sequel to Myst, so it's possible Intima Leaf will be hearing from Cyan about trademark issues with the title. We'll crown this report with some details:

Riven Crown is an action-packed Souls-like game in development, set in a high-dimension realm where battles are fierce, and destiny is ever-changing. Immerse yourself in a dark narrative woven with intrigue, betrayal, and the supernatural.

After perishing, the hero ascends to a higher dimension where four ancient civilizations, each ruled by a king or queen in communion with their god, have transformed into hellish beasts. Petrified by the Great Sweep, these rulers and their people await a hero to unravel their fate. Explore a vast, interconnected world where new civilizations have risen upon the ruins, guarded by elder councils and black magic centers.

• Gemima on Steam (Windows). "Grab a friend (or play solo for a true test of dexterity!) and take control of apprentices Gemima and Jules in their quest to gather gemstones from the Mine of Mages. They'll have to work together closely to overcome the many traps and obstacles, and use their magical affinities (helpfully depicted by their hair colour) to dig, push, and collect their way to success."

• Oblivion Remastered File Size Is Reportedly Going to Be Massive - Wccftech.

• Game Pass ‘not for everybody’, says Xbox boss Phil Spencer - VGC.

• Shrapnel Games Spring Sale - The Gamers Front.
• Stylized Cartoon Assets Bundle (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

• One of classic Doom's most brutal challenge runs is finally conquered after thirteen years of mega-scale demon slaughter - PC Gamer.

Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Oblivion Unreal Engine 5 Fan Remake Now Has Horses & NPCs - DSOGaming.

Content creator videos.

• Doom Slayer will rewire your brain & make you join a cult - DOOM in DEATH BATTLE (NSFW).
• The Outer Worlds 2- First Look at the New Flaws System – IGN First.

• PUBG Nations Cup 2025 Announcement.

• Psychonauts Is 20 Years Old, Let's Remember An All-Time Classic - Kotaku.

• PS5 Rentals Have Become A Huge Hit In At Least One Country - Kotaku.
• Hands-on with Switch 2: the Digital Foundry experience - Eurogamer.net.

• How to Protect Yourself From Phone Searches at the US Border - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).
• Interview- How Delta Force is Looking To “Blow Up” Mobile Shooter Market - IGN.

• Meta is using its AI age-detection tech to shuffle more young users into teen accounts - Engadget.

• Nvidia fixes Windows 11 24H2 driver issues but completely breaks GPU temperature reading - Neowin.
• LG’s Integrated TV Ad Tech Analyzes Your Emotions - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).
• Do NOT use Distilled Water for your Water Cooling Loop! - der8auer EN (video).

• There's no need to overshare on social media now that OpenAI's new chatbots can pinpoint your location from the tiniest details in images - PC Gamer.

• Hegseth shared Yemen attack details in second Signal chat, reports say - BBC.

• Palworld lawyers state existence of Titanfall 2, Ark, and even The Legend of Zelda invalidates Nintendo's patents - Eurogamer.net.

• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves review - Eurogamer.net.
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Review - IGN.
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Review - Unleash The Fury - MP1st.

• Graphics Card: RTX 5060 Ti 8GB - Instantly Obsolete, Nvidia Screws Gamers - Hardware Unboxed (video).
• Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 5070 vs RTX 5060 Ti 16GB — less VRAM but much better performance - Tom's Hardware.
• PSU: be quiet! Pure Power 12 1000W Report - APH Networks.

We had a fine old time at our minor league baseball game yesterday. We expected the holiday to affect turnout, but it was pretty extreme. If they announced an attendance figure, I missed it, but it would be low. The stadium holds about 5400 people but I doubt there were more than 500 people there, and that's counting staff and the teams. As you might expect, that made for an extra chill game. Though there are always a couple of guys who like to yell things at the players and the umps, and in this case it was pretty wild how their often funny cracks cut through the relative silence. I'm not sure this will be our new Easter tradition, but it was an interesting experience to say the least.

Obituary: Live updates: Pope Francis dies at 88 - AP News.

Sparsely Attended Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Breakfast Link

• 11 of the greatest AAA single-player games ever created - XDA.

Stories

• Delroy Lindo Says Marvel's 'Blade' Remake 'Just Went Off The Rails' - Deadline. Like Wesley Snipes off the rails?

Science

• Bees Are Under Threat from Climate Change, the Trade War and Doge - The New York Times (free account required).
• Dyson spheres could really exist — but there's a catch - Live Science.
• The Chemistry Trick Poised to Slash Steel’s Carbon Footprint - SciTechDaily. Thanks Slashdot.
• The world's slowest experiment has been going nearly 100 years - Upworthy. The slow-drip of progress.

Media

• Why do hats have these?
• Why Pantone Colors Are So Expensive - Business Insider.

Follow-up

• How you pour coffee changes both its strength and flavor - Earth.com.