Gearbox announces Alloyed Collective, new DLC coming to Risk of Rain 2, the roguelike third-person shooter. An Announcement Trailer is here to spread the news, setting up the story, showing off gameplay, and saying this is "coming soon." The previous DLC, Seekers of the Storm, described as "disastrous", required a lot of post launch support. But with that apparently completed just days ago, it is time to go once more unto the breach. Word is: "Only one player is required to own Alloyed Collective to enable the monsters, stages, and items to appear in-game for the whole lobby. Players without Alloyed Collective will be unable to select the two new survivors or permanently unlock new items, logbooks, or other content." The Steam Listing has the details, and here's an overview:

The Solus Units were never meant to survive. Betrayed and abandoned, they were lost to an unspeakable corruption. Today, those that remain rise from the scrap heaps that once were their allies to seize a future that was stolen from them. Their continued struggle is driven by a singular purpose: returning home.

Master one new and one veteran Survivor to fight through six new Stages. Perfect your build by collecting 15 new Items. Bolster your strength with 7 new Drones and descend deep into Petrichor V to take on the Alloyed Collective’s ultimate creation, Solus Wing.

The Communications Workers of America announces that Microsoft has recognized The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, a group comprising nearly 200 Overwatch developers. Word is: "The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA (OWGG-CWA) is a wall-to-wall unit that includes game developers across all disciplines, including design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance." Here's more:

Irvine, Calif. – Nearly 200 game developers behind Activision Blizzard’s hit franchise Overwatch have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), becoming the latest group of video game workers at Microsoft-owned studios to form a wall-to-wall union. A neutral arbitrator confirmed today that an overwhelming majority of workers have either signed a union authorization card or indicated that they wanted union representation via an online portal. The workers will be members of CWA Local 9510 in Orange County, Calif., and Microsoft has recognized the union.

“The massive layoffs in the video game industry, and at my own studio, became one of the first reasons I started to learn about how to organize to create a healthier workplace for everyone,” said Frank Le Cocq, VFX artist and organizing committee member. “When we began our union efforts, it was empowering to know that our coworkers next door at World of Warcraft had already successfully gone through the process.”

A post on BlueSky from Funcom corrects a curious oversight in the weekend beta test for Dune Awakening that began today. The developer announces that along with invitees, anyone who has preordered the MMO survival game along is now entitled to participate. Here's word:

Everyone who has pre-ordered Dune: Awakening can now also access the Beta Weekend!

We heard your feedback on this. If you already own or decide to pre-order any of the editions this weekend, you should now also see a Beta Weekend product in your Steam library.

• Gold Gold Adventure Gold Demo on Steam (Windows). "Build a dungeon-side settlement, invite adventurers, and send them on quests to fix your biggest problem…not enough gold. Pet-god food isn't cheap—and neither is building in land besieged by monsters! Inspired by classics, this colony sim / reverse RPG is all about turning chaos into coin."

• Devil May Cry creator Hideki Kamiya would "love" to remake the series' first game - Eurogamer.net.

• Save 75% on Arise- A Simple Story on Steam.
• Save 35% on Frostpunk 2 on Steam.
• Save 70% on Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 on Steam.
• Save 20% on Sky Force Reloaded on Steam.
• Xbox Games Studio Bundle (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*
• Tycoon Titans Bundle (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*

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

• The Last Of Us Season 2 Is Now Being Review Bombed Because Of Course It Is - GameSpot.

Official patches.

• Star Wars: The Old Republic Game Update 7.7 Content Now Available on the Public Test Server.

• Call of Duty: Hit up the squad- 2XP & 2WXP are live all weekend. It’s time to get to work 💎.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Teens Play Classic PC Games! - Teens REACT. Thanks Ant.

• Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 514- 33 and a Third – PlayStation.Blog.

• Epic has submitted Fortnite to the US App Store - Engadget.
• Fortnite Fans Get Free V-Bucks For Buying Directly From Epic - Kotaku.
• Wearables firm’s endless free hardware upgrades were too good to be true - Ars Technica.

• ESPN flagship streaming app to be named 'ESPN,' sources say - CNBC. Thanks Ant.

Last Link of the Day: World's largest atom smasher turned lead into gold — and then destroyed it in an instant - Live Science. Like physical cryptocurrency.

With DOOM: The Dark Ages set to arrive in under a week. Bethesda presents the Official Launch Trailer. This takes a look at the hellish environments and breakneck action players can expect from the new installment in id Software's classic among classic first-person shooters. The description oddly starts off with "stand and fight" for a game that's all about running and gunning. And with the launch looming, the review embargo seems to be up today, as everyone is chiming in with opinions. Here's a roundup:

• Doom the Dark Ages Review - Tests your luck, Fast as F*ck, Worth your bucks - AGC (NSFW video).
• Doom: The Dark Ages review- Shields up! - Ars Technica.
• Doom: The Dark Ages Benchmarks & PC Performance Analysis - DSOGaming.
• Doom: The Dark Ages review- Goodbye parkour, hello Shield Saw - Engadget.
• Doom: The Dark Ages review - Eurogamer.net.
• Doom: The Dark Ages Review - The Old One - GameSpot.
• Doom: The Dark Ages review – id Software gets medieval in a dramatic rewrite of the shooter’s rules - Games - The Guardian.
• Doom: The Dark Ages - IGN.
• Doom The Dark Ages: A Very Good FPS With Too Many Cutscenes - Kotaku.
• DOOM: The Dark Ages Review - One for the Ages - MP1st.
• Doom: The Dark Ages review - PC Gamer.
• Doom: The Dark Ages PC performance analysis- Always-on ray tracing isn't a problem and even a cheap gaming laptop copes just fine - PC Gamer.
• Doom: Dark Ages took just a few hours to hook me completely - Polygon.
• Doom: The Dark Ages Review - Rock Paper Shotgun.
• Doom: The Dark Ages doesn’t run badly on PC, but enforced ray tracing slows the pace - Rock Paper Shotgun.
• DOOM: The Dark Ages Builds on DOOM and DOOM Eternal - Siliconera.
• DOOM: The Dark Ages Performance Benchmark Review - 35 GPUs Tested - TechPowerUp.

The promised large-scale beta test for Dune: Awakening is now underway, as Funcom continues to prepare the MMO survival game based on the recent film adaptations of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction property. Those interested in this advance visit to Arrakis can sign up on Steam, sign up on the Official Website, or tune into a global developer stream on Twitch tomorrow at 9:00 am EDT. All the spicy details are rounded up in this big post. Here's what to expect:

Get a taste of both spice and story, as the Beta features the first 20-25 hours of the game and most of Act 1. Create your character, crash into Arrakis, and survive sandworms, sun, and roaming bandits alongside other players. Choose which School of the Imperium you will follow first, then craft a shelter, your first weapon and sandbike, and venture deeper into the sands. Unlike previous Betas, this one has no NDA, meaning you can share any info you want with friends, or even stream the game for all to see.

Developer Survios announces Alien: Rogue Incursion - Part One: Evolved Edition is coming to PC and PlayStation 5 on September 30th with support for traditional monitors. The original version of this first-person shooter based on the Alien movie series launched at the end of last year as a virtual reality exclusive. The official website has details on the new edition, along with an Announce Trailer with a look at what to expect on LV-354 (as if you couldn't guess). The Steam Listing is also now live, explaining this is part one of a two-part story, but there's no word on when to expect the conclusion. Here's more on this return to space, where no one can hear Weyland-Yutani trying to exploit xenomorphs:

Experience the universe of the Alien films like never before: re-envisioned for all PC users. An all-new action-horror entry into the classic franchise, Alien: Rogue Incursion transforms you into Zula Hendricks–the ex-Colonial Marine hellbent on exposing Weyland-Yutani’s black-site experiments–on an extremely dangerous mission to the uncharted planet Purdan. With her synth companion Davis 01 for guidance, Zula must infiltrate the infested Gemini Exoplanet Solutions research facility and survive the ever-present threat of the most cunning Xenomorphs ever encountered, with both skilled stealth and serious firepower at her disposal. And when the threat she discovers has extinction-level consequences, Zula suddenly finds herself with humanity’s fate on her shoulders.

Developer Alkimia Interactive announces an updated version of the Gothic 1 Remake after evaluating the feedback following its February release. Making Of Special: Nyras Prologue Debrief Trailer takes a detailed look at the improvements. Here's more:

Thanks to these valuable insights, the team has been able to fine-tune the experience according to players' needs while staying true to the spirit of the original Gothic. The updated demo is available now, featuring, for example, faster animations that result in smoother interactions with the world.

Want to know exactly what’s changed - and what improvements are still to come before the full release? Check out the special episode of the Making Of video series, where the developers at Alkimia Interactive share behind-the-scenes insights and discuss upcoming improvements.

Tripwire Interactive announces July 24th is the global release date for Killing Floor 3, its upcoming first-person shooter sequel that resumes the war on the zed. It was previously expected on March 25th, but a delay was announced on March 7th, so tune in on July 6th to see if the new date holds? Refunds on preorders were offered following that delay, but now word is: "Digital pre-orders for the Standard, Deluxe and Elite Nightfall Editions have been reinstated and are currently live on the respective platform store pages." Here's an explanation:

Following a delay from the game’s original March 25 release date, the development team has been focused on using the additional time to address feedback from the player community. Since the delay, the studio has shared updates directly with fans showing progress in everything from design, artwork, UI and animations. Additional development updates will be shared via the game’s official forums and social channels, further demonstrating the team’s commitment to evaluating player feedback and being transparent with their progress. Digital pre-orders for the Standard, Deluxe and Elite Nightfall Editions have been reinstated and are currently live on the respective platform store pages.

Doloc Town is now in Early Access for Windows on Steam, bringing gamers a side-scrolling farming game described as "charming" despite its setting in a postapocalyptic wasteland. The Early Access Launch Trailer shows off pixel art and some gameplay. Here's more on the game, which comes with a 10% discount for the next week:

Set in a vibrant yet crumbling world, Doloc Town invites players to start from scratch, rebuild civilization one crop at a time, and uncover the mysteries buried beneath the ruins. The Early Access version expands on the popular demo with a deeper main storyline, more side-quests, resource & monster variations, and more complex systems such as farming, combat, automation, and exploration, all enhanced by community feedback.

Monster Couch announces Flamecraft, a cozy strategy game with multiplayer support (PvP, not co-op, sorry for the initial error, thanks Scott) "coming soon" to PC via Steam. This is based on an award-winning boardgame of the same name, and the Announcement Trailer shows off these roots with a glimpse at card-based gameplay. Here are some details to fan the flames:

In Flamecraft, your goal is to earn the most reputation points to win the game. You’ll accomplish this by thoughtfully placing dragon artisans in the town’s bustling shopping district to gather various resources from the shops, which can then be used to cast enchantments and trigger powerful ability combos. You’ll also befriend the extraordinary Fancy Dragons whose abilities allow you to boost your reputation. Earn the most points, and you’ll earn the Master of Flamecraft title!

A post on X from Hideo Kojima shares the news that development is complete for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, saying the highly anticipated walking simulator sequel is Gold. This puts it on track for its promised June 26th release on PlayStation 5. It will almost surely come to other platforms down the road like the first game did, but nothing has been announced yet. For reference, the all-caps original came to Windows in July 2020, about eight months after it launched on PlayStation 4. Kojima-san gets extra cred points for the post, which includes an image of the actual gold master CD. Here's word:

We successfully received the gold master approval today for “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH.” We filled in the right eye of the daruma. Thank you all very much

• Disc Golf Masters - Playtest now live! 🥏. "The playtest will feature a singleplayer, 9-holes experience that we need your feedback on! There is a leaderboard to see who will emerge with the best score of this playtest!"

• Overwatch 2’s Street Fighter Crossover Is Giving Fortnite - Kotaku.

• Return to Silent Hill Acquired For Theatrical Release - Bloody Disgusting. Thanks Dark Horizons via Ant.

Official patches.

• Clair Obscur- Expedition 33 - Patch 1.2.3 is now live.
• Star Wars: The Old Republic - Game Update 7.7 Recap.

• Valve Completely Reworks Deadlock Item Shop, Adding -Many- New Items - GameSpot.

• Bam Margera officially returning to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - Eurogamer.net.

• How To Survive Fortnite's Painfully Slow Star Wars Meta - GameSpot.

• Steam Creature Collector Fest 2025. Starts Monday.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• When video games have pre-sales - Viva La Dirt League (NSFW).

• Virtua Fighter Direct 2025 Spring set for May 11 - Gematsu.

• Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 12 to 16 - Xbox Wire.
• Full Immersion with Voice Acting & Bonus Story! Mystery Adventure Game ‘Staffer Case’ Available on Nintendo Switch Pre-orders.

• CATL Has Just Made Gas Cars Irrelevant! - Interesting Engineering (video). Thanks Simon.
• Calibre e-book library manager version 8.4. Thanks Console General.

• India ordered X to block 8,000 accounts – here's what we know so far - TechRadar.
• Influencer Burnout Is on the Rise. A New Mental Health Service Wants to Help - WIRED (may require registration or subscription). Wish it was: Influencers are on the rise. A New Mental Health Service Wants to Help.
• Google Messages finally brings "Delete For Everyone" for those embarrassing moments - Neowin.

Thanks Console General.

• Visit the Arctic vault holding back-ups of great works - BBC.
• Panasonic will slash its global workforce by 10,000 - Engadget.
• Visual Studio Code version 1.00.0.
• StreamFab version 6.2.3.5.

• Silence Speaks Has Created AI-Powered Signing Avatars for the Deaf - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).

• Razer's newest gaming headset goes on your chair instead of your head - PC Gamer.

• Your password manager is under attack, and this new threat makes it worse- How to defend yourself - ZDNET.
• Nvidia RTX 5090 can crack an 8-digit passcode in just 3 hours — password cracking benchmarks show tremendous performance - Tom's Hardware.
• BwE tried to take down my videos, so I'm taking down his business - Louis Rossmann (NSFW video). The 0.75 speed that makes most speakers sound drunk makes Louis sound normal. Thanks Simon.

• Activision Is Suing the Creators of a Call of Duty Hack It Says Is So 'Toxic' It's Causing Fans to Quit Playing the PC Version of Black Ops Altogether - IGN.
• Musk funds Texas group aiming to crush journalists with defamation lawsuits - Boing Boing. Free speech absolutist abolitionist.

• The Midnight Walk Review - IGN. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 Edge Ti WiFi Motherboard Review - Hardware Asylum.
• RAM: XPG Lancer CUDIMM RGB DDR5-8400 2x24GB Review - APH Networks.
• SSD: Acer MA200 1 TB Review - TechPowerUp.
• SSD: Crucial P510 1TB SSD Review - First 11,000 MB-s DRAMless SSD - TweakTown.

I've been working on not being too hyped for DOOM: The Dark Ages, since I'm already greatly looking forward to it. But the new trailer and reviews today are not helping with this resolve. I have to admit to myself I might as well preorder it even though I'm on record about this not generally being the best idea. It's hard to make the case for not doing so, since there's zero chance I won't buy it. Okay, I guess I have not actually succeed in avoiding hyping myself.

Obituary: David Souter, retired Supreme Court justice, dies at 85 - CNBC.

Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Stories

• Boy Accidentally Orders 70,000 Lollipops on Amazon. Panic Ensues. - The New York Times (free account required).

Science

• 'Fountain Of Youth' Protein Boosts Lifespan, Muscle, and Brain Power in Aging Mice -- After Single Dose - Study Finds. Thanks Max.
• Why do cats outlive dogs? Clues found in their immune genes - Earth.com.
• Physicists propose a new route by which neutrinos can be produced - Phys.org.

Media

• Duck core😆🐕. Thanks VideoSift.
• The 'Buy Now Pay Later' Trap, Explained - Grant Rudow.

Follow-up

• A half-ton Soviet spacecraft is about to crash into Earth, but don't panic - NBC News.

The Strong National Museum of Play announces four new inductees into its World Video Game Hall of Fame from the list of nominees it announced a couple of months ago. Those outraged that Quake was not yet in the hall will be happy to learn id Software's first person shooter made the cut. And The Romero even showed up to make an acceptance speech, and Rochester, NY is long trip from Ireland. The other new inductees are seminal arcade shooter Defender, beloved console FPS Goldeneye 007, and handheld pet murder simulator Tamagotchi.

Paradox Interactive and Studio Tinto officially Europa Universalis V, the next entry in this historical grand strategy series. Today's streaming reveal, which can be viewed here, was teased last week with the codename Project Caesar, so give yourself a point if you are among those who immediately suspected this would be a new Europa Universalis. Fresh off the announcement, this already has a Steam Listing which says it's "coming soon." It has this post with the Official Announcement Trailer, information, and a prompt to sign up to receive eight free in-game rewards when the game is released. Here are some details, which reveal the Caesar thing was a ruse, as this begins in the elite year of 1337 (for the memes!) and has nothing to do with ancient Rome:

Almost five hundred years of history unfold before you in Europa Universalis V, the latest version of one of the greatest strategy games of all time. Guide the destiny of any of hundreds of nations and societies in a simulated living world of unparalleled depth and complexity.

Europa Universalis V builds on the franchise’s core concept of developing and advancing nations from around a deeply researched historical world, adding more detailed diplomacy, a more sophisticated economic model, a revised military system and greater logistical depth that will challenge even the most experienced strategy gamers.

2K announces preorders are underway for Mafia: The Old Country, the new old installment in the open world organized crime series. This sets August 8th as the game's launch date, confirming a rumor that surfaced last month. The news come with a new “Whatever it Takes” Gameplay Trailer and word that preorders come with a bonus pack to help overcome your better judgment. For a deeper dive, there's also a new Breaking Omertà Trailer with developer insights into the project as well as a Developer Presentation video from PAX East that runs about an hour. Here's a bit from this announcement:

Fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of Mafia: The Old Country in the ‘Breaking Omerta’ Developer Insights video. Discover how Hangar 13 meticulously brought early 1900s Sicily to life, creating a stunning and period-authentic backdrop to tell this unforgettable mafia origin story. Building an emotional and engaging narrative filled with the unforgettable twists that define the best crime sagas, the game offers a mix of deep storytelling and high-intensity life or death gameplay. Mafia: The Old Country will also be a distinctive experience for the series, being the first to leverage the power of Unreal Engine 5.

AMD Software now offers a new version 25.5.1 Adrenalin Edition Windows driver for AMD graphics cards. There is now support for new AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE graphics cards, along with enhancements for a bunch of games. Here's word:

Highlights

• New Game Support
  • DOOM: The Dark Ages
  • F1® 25
• New Game Support for AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4)
  • Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT
  • Frostpunk 2
  • EVERSPACE™ 2
  • Fort Solis
  • Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
  • THE FINALS
  • InFlux Redux

Grimlore Games and THQ Nordic announce the Early Access launch of Titan Quest II is delayed until Q3 of this year. A couple of months ago the action/RPG sequel was promised as "coming soon" along with the announcement of a playtest. The testing uncovered some issues, however, leading to the setback, though "a crowded ARPG release window" is also cited as a factor in the delay. A new post on Steam is a detailed postmortem on the beta, and here's more on the new release window:

Originally slated for a Winter 2024/2025 release, Titan Quest II will now launch in Early Access in Summer 2025. The decision comes in response to a crowded ARPG release window and a desire to give the game the spotlight it deserves.

The team at Grimlore expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming response to their recent demo playtest. With thousands of players participating, streaming, and filling out surveys, over 92% rated their experience as positive or very positive. Particularly encouraging was the feedback from long-time Titan Quest fans, who praised the game for capturing the spirit of the original while pushing forward with modernized systems.

Spirit of the North 2 is now available for PC and consoles, giving rise to this third-person adventure sequel from Infuse Studio and Silver Lining Interactive. The Windows edition of what's described as the "Stray of fox games" is on Steam with a 15% launch discount. There is also a bundle that includes the first game which comes with a 43% discount, making it a mere $0.14 more than the sequel alone. Here's the flora and fauna-filled Launch Trailer, and here's a description:

In an ancient world left in ruin, embark on the journey of an isolated fox far from home. With the help of a wise Raven companion, seek out the lost legendary guardians and release them from the grasp of the dark shaman Grimnir.

Roam freely through a vast and ancient open world, rich with long-forgotten history. Explore unique and visually captivating biomes, each with its own challenges and secrets to uncover.

Ice Code Games announces Nightmare Frontier, striving for uniqueness in calling this "the first-ever Tactical Extraction Looter." We should be able to judge its level of singularity soon, as it's coming to Early Access this quarter according to Steam, though the press release says "summer." That's not the only mixed message here, as the description says it's set in America during the 1900s, while the press release says the timeframe is 19th century (which is probably correct, based on the title). The Official Reveal Trailer shows off gameplay. Here's word:

Welcome to the first Tactical Extraction Looter where you pit your courage and leadership against fears made manifest: the Dreadweavers. Your band of scavengers ventures into American Dream turned American Nightmare of the alternative 1900s, to reclaim a devastated former boom town. For those brave enough to make the best of it, the opportunities are now... supernatural!

The next evolution of tactical combat is here: rain lead on enemies by chaining trick shots and overcoming dread. Then get in their midst and rearrange the odds by pushing, countering and combining attacks.

The Midnight Walk is now available on Steam (and PlayStation), offering an adventure game for Windows and VR from MoonHood and Fast Travel Games. Besides support for VR headsets, this post notes this "runs well" on Steam Deck, though it is not yet officially Steam Deck verified. Here's the Launch Trailer with a look, and here's more:

Embark upon The Midnight Walk in this reverent dark fantasy adventure built in clay, from the minds behind Lost in Random and Fe.

Become The Burnt One, befriend a lost lantern creature named Potboy, and use his flame to light your way through a conflicting world of wonder and suspense. Survive and outsmart the many monsters eager to devour your little friend’s flame as you experience five tales of fire and darkness, featuring an incredible cast of odd characters.

Steam offers the launch of Darfall, a game that combines city-building and a hero-based RPG, promising an "epic campaign." Paradox Arc and SquareNite offer this Release Trailer with a look at how these elements interact. You can experience this firsthand, as there's also a playable demo. Here's an outline:

In Darfall, players control a powerful hero tasked with exploring the surrounding lands, gathering resources, and leading a small village as it grows into a flourishing city. During the day, players can strengthen their hero, explore the terrain, expand their settlement, and prepare defenses. But as night falls, sinister undead forces emerge from the shadows, sending waves of enemies to attack the base. Each night brings new challenges, requiring sharp strategy and tactical skill to survive.

Cash Cleaner Simulator is now available for Windows on Steam with a 10% launch discount. This casual sim from Mind Control Games and Forklift Interactive tasks you with literally laundering money, you know, by sticking it in a washing machine. This visit to crazy town is shown off in the Release Trailer. Here's more:

Take shady money and make it squeaky clean at the request of your evermore more questionable clients, all the while “setting aside” their generous payments to quickly earn yourself mountains of bills, coins, and rare valuables. Perfect your cleaning process with a variety of tools and machines, then sort and stack your newly fresh funds at a leisurely pace, all to a bass-heavy trap soundtrack in the fully contained Cash Cleaner Lab.

Pixelshire is now available for Windows on Steam, offering a cozy sandbox RPG from Kappa Bits and Merge Games with a 15% launch discount. The Launch Trailer illustrates the news with a look at gameplay. Since there's no demo, a glance at the reviews may be in order, since this is getting dinged a bit. Here's word:

Forge friendships in Pixelshire that go beyond just company. These friends can become your allies, accompanying you on adventures and lending a helping hand in gathering resources and completing tasks thanks to the “follow me” feature, making your journeys across Pixelshire more enjoyable and immersive.

• Hideo Kojima says Death Stranding 2 has so much tactical espionage action that even his own staff 'worried it was getting a little Metal Gear-ish' - PC Gamer. A walking under a cardboard box simulator?

• Paradox Publisher Sale on Steam.
• Save 30% on Timberborn on Steam.
• Save 94% on White Shadows on Steam.
• Save 90% on The House of Da Vinci on Steam.
• Ultimate Electronics Bundle: Arduino, AI, ESP32, IoT, Robotics & More (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*
• -80% Weird Worlds- Return to Infinite Space on GOG.com.*

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

• Fallout Season 2 Has Officially Wrapped Production - GameSpot.

Official patch.

• Frostpunk 2 - Free Major Content Update is Live.

Official trailer.

• Frostpunk 2 - Free Major Content Update.

• Overwatch 2- Introducing Freja – The Most Challenging and Rewarding Hero Yet - Xbox Wire.

• Congress pulls funding for free Wi-Fi hotspots at schools and libraries - The Verge.
• Users aren't thrilled, but Meta is continuing its ad push with video ads on Threads - Neowin. Isn't "users aren't thrilled" part of Meta's mission statement?

• Chinese chipmaker readies 128-core, 512-thread CPU with AVX-512 and 16-channel DDR5-5600 support - Tom's Hardware.

• Trump admin to roll back Biden’s AI chip restrictions - Ars Technica.
• Wildfire Prevention: AI Startups Support Prescribed Burns, Early Alerts - NVIDIA Blog.

• DOGE software engineer’s computer infected by info-stealing malware - Ars Technica. Department of Government Edgelords. You're welcome.

• Celsius Founder Alex Mashinsky Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).

Last Link of the Day: What to know about Pope Leo XIV and his views - NPR.

Obituary: James Foley Dead: 'Glengarry Glen Ross' Director Was 71 - The Hollywood Reporter. That is a brilliant film.

This week's giveaways are now live on the Epic Games Store, where anyone with an account can head over and collect free Windows copies of looter-shooter/RPG Deadtime Defenders and keyboard-centric RTS game Touch Type Tale. The weekly cycle renews next Thursday at 11:00 am EDT, but these are for keeps if you snag them before then. Two new freebies will then arrive, but these are being teased as mystery games for now. Here's more on todays gifts:

Deadtime Defenders is an action-packed looter shooter with RPG elements. A mysterious portal has unleashed chaos from alternate dimensions - and you're humanity's last line of defence. Go on missions looking for epic loot and eliminating enemies before heading back to HQ to rearm, debrief, and prepare for the next run!

Streamlined RTS design is paired with devilish multitasking from the innovative typing control system making Touch Type Tale a new and rewarding challenge to RTS veterans and newcomers alike.

Raccoon Logic Studios Inc. has released Revenge of the Savage Planet for PC and consoles, and the Windows edition of this satirical action/adventure is available on the Epic Games Store, GOG.com,* and Steam. The Official Launch Trailer takes a look at this spaced-out trip to outer space. Read on for the captain's log:

Playable in both singleplayer and co-op (couch and online), Revenge of the Savage Planet sees you abandoned on an alien planet with no job and no plan, after Alta Interglobal, your now former employer, deems your mission to colonise space too costly, leaving you to scavenge your way across four unique (and savage) planets in an attempt to return home. As you jump, slide, and shoot your way across alien worlds, trying to put all thoughts of unfair dismissal aside, you’ll need to salvage what you can from the vibrant landscapes, craft equipment, capture abhorrent adorable critters, upgrade your gear, and scan every single thing as far as the eye can see on your intergalactic adventure.

Empyreal is now available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, kicking off an action/RPG from Silent Games and Secret Mode. This sends players on a space odyssey to investigate a mysterious monolith on a far-flung planet described as "unexplored," despite the obvious signs of civilization. You can find empirical evidence of this in the Official Launch Trailer. The Windows edition is on the Epic Games Store and Steam with a 10% launch discount. Here's a description:

Empyreal sees players exploring an imposing Monolith in a far-flung corner of the galaxy, which perhaps contains answers to the universe’s greatest mysteries. Build your ultimate mercenary with a wide range of equipment and abilities, battle deadly automatons in ferocious battles, and aid the Expedition in their quest to uncover the truth of our world.

You won’t have to face the Monolith alone. Through Empyreal’s asynchronous multiplayer, players can send gifts through the aether to aid their fellow mercenaries, mail items to friends, trade world-altering Cartograms, and sacrifice Reset Charges to help the fallen.

MechWarrior 5: Clans - Ghost Bear: Flash Storm is now available, adding new DLC to MechWarrior 5: Clans, the PC and console mech combat game (thanks Neutronbeam). The Windows edition is on the Epic Games Store and Steam, depending on where you bought the original. The Launch Trailer shows off gameplay and sets up the story with a lot of cinematic character dialog. Here's word, which includes potential spoilers:

Leo Showers is dead. As Ulric Kerensky changes the rules of engagement, Clan Ghost Bear khans Bjorn Jorgenson and Aletha Kabrinski plot their next moves as they strive to take the lead in the race towards Terra. Take command of the Silveroot Keshik, an elite unit tasked with proving Ghost Bear’s strength and reclaiming lost glory.

Engage in a Trial of Possession to claim the powerful Ebon Jaguar and Night Gyr ‘Mechs. Face off against the legendary Second Sword of Light in a battle for control of Alshain, a world replete with ‘Mech factories and orbital shipyards capable of producing warships.

In time for International Viking Day, Tripwire Presents and Arctic Hazard announce NORSE: Oath of Blood, a turn-based tactics game coming this year to PC and consoles. The Windows edition has listings on the Epic Games Store and Steam where it can be wishlisted. Here's a Viking Day Teaser Trailer with a cinematic look that asks us to raise a horn for the occasion. Here's more:

Step into the rugged, untamed beauty of dark age Norway in NORSE: Oath of Blood, a turn-based tactics game that plunges players into the heart of the Viking Age. Embark on an epic quest for vengeance as Gunnar, a young warrior whose destiny is forged in blood and betrayal. After the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear murders his father, Jarl Gripr, and usurps his high seat, Gunnar's path is clear: rebuild, ally, and rise to reclaim honor and justice.

Craft a settlement from the ground up, gather allies from far and wide, and train a formidable warband to stand by his side. Every decision shapes the world around Gunnar, as he navigates a landscape teeming with both danger and opportunity. Face off against rival clans, forge unbreakable bonds, and outmaneuver his enemies in tactical, turn-based battles that test players' strategic prowess.

Solo developer Diana Jean Keith announces .HEADSPACE. a 2D psychological adventure "coming soon" to PC via Steam. This promises "exquisite pixel art and hand drawn graphics," and provides an Official Trailer with a first look. Word is it will combine the serene calm of a walking simulator with the serene calm of a visual novel, but as the clip shows, things start to get weird in what's described as its "fraught and fragmented landscape." Here's more:

Players take on the role of an unknown wanderer who has lost his memory and needs to interact with a diverse cast of characters who may or may not have your best interest at heart. Weaving together walking sim mechanics interspersed with light puzzling elements, events unfold in the style of a visual novel to help you unlock who you are and how to get home. The inaugural project by visual artist and lifelong game enthusiast-turned-game-developer, Diana Keith, .HEADSPACE leaves you entirely alone and unsure of who you are, with the main purpose of the adventure to gain clarity, confidence and connection to reawaken yourself and recall your true purpose. The game also features a 15+ track fully realized original soundtrack (OST) with intricately composed music by the inimitable Magic From Space, who also assisted with sound effects and contributed voice line work.

Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch is out of Early Access, and version 1.0 of this deckbulding dungeon defense game is now available for Windows on Steam. This is temporarily exclusive, as word is this will be vambraced by the Epic Games Store and GOG.com before the end of this month. For a look, check out the 1.0 Launch Trailer, and for more details, read on:

Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch challenges you to utilize your strategic deck of cards to unleash devastating magic spells and summon formidable combat units onto the battlefield. Annihilate your foes with lightning bolts, fireballs, and barrages of arrows while buffing your troops with damage boosts, morale boons, and protective armor. Observe as your units join the battle, decimating intruders with unique abilities.

The Windows edition of Silent Hill 2 is now also available on the Epic Games Store and GOG.com,* after its previous launch on Steam. It comes with a 30% (re) launch discount for the next week. The game's survival/horror theme is explored in the Launch Trailer, and the description is likewise not silent on the topic:

With ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.
And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you'll feel like you're standing in the thick of it.

Larger Environments Explore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.

• Bytebond on Steam (Windows). "Split Fiction meets Portal! Bytebond is an electrifying online & couch co-op puzzle game that challenges you to regain control over an infected CPU. Dive into the heart of a PC with your friend and become the ultimate Antivirus Special Forces duo."

• City Tales - Medieval Era - Our FAQ for Early Access on May 22nd 🏰.
• Section 13 - Official Release Date Announce Trailer. May 26th.

• Elon Musk is responsible for “killing the world’s poorest children,” says Bill Gates - Ars Technica.
• Stardew Valley Creator Says He 'Might Eventually Make a Stardew Valley 2,' But It's 'So Much Easier to Add More Stuff to Stardew Valley' - IGN.

• Nintendo profits decline to $4.9bn as firm prepares for Switch 2 launch - GamesIndustry.biz.
• Console prices could rise by 69% in the US due to Trump tariffs, tech trade association warns - VGC.

• At nearly half a billion views, Rockstar says GTA 6’s new trailer is ‘the biggest video launch of all time’ - VGC.

• Timberborn - Update 7 - Ziplines & Tubeways is live.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• New mods bring Star Wars' Tatooine & Mos Eisley Town to Starfield - DSOGaming.
• Oblivion Remastered mods restore original colours, extend light radius & enable unique feminine locomotion - DSOGaming.

• Everdream Valley VR Teaser.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs to issue its first nerf to an ability that does 2 billion damage- 'We gave it a big damage boost—and clearly overdid it' - PC Gamer.

Official trailers.

• Disney Speedstorm - Season 13 Trailer "Microbot Mayhem."

• Death Stranding 2- An interview with Hideo Kojima – PlayStation.Blog.

• War Robots: Frontiers - Season 2: Power Surge – Electrifying New Update Lands June 17.

• Masters of Ceremony Warbond marches into Helldivers 2 May 15 – PlayStation.Blog.

Thanks Console General.

• Nintendo Download: The Mother of all Downloads.
• Xbox Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring (2506.250501-2200) Update Preview Release Notes - Xbox Support.
• Xbox Alpha Ring (2506.250501-2200) Update Preview Release Notes - Xbox Support.

• Samsung's Super Thin 'Galaxy S25 Edge' Will Debut Next Week, Beating iPhone 17 Air - MacRumors.

• GeForce RTX 5060 Driver Won't Be Releasing Before Retail Launch: NVIDIA Supposedly Doesn't Want Reviews To Go Live Before Sales Commence - Wccftech.
• Toshiba says Europe doesn't need 24TB HDDs, witholds beefy models from region - Tom's Hardware.

• OpenAI and the FDA Are Holding Talks About Using AI In Drug Evaluation - WIRED (may require registration or subscription). Side-effects may include hallucinated side-effects.
• Rampant AI Cheating Is Ruining Education Alarmingly Fast - New York (may require registration or subscription). Thanks Max.
• How Google's AI combats new scam tactics - and how you can stay one step ahead - ZDNET.

• Wikipedia fights the UK’s ‘flawed’ and ‘burdensome’ online safety rules - The Verge.

• Clair Obscur Expedition 33 PC Tech Review- A Patch Or Two Away From Perfection - Digital Foundry (video).

• Case: XPG Invader X Mini ATX Chassis - TweakTown.

I'm sending my best wishes northward towards WalterEgo, as today is my little brother's birthday. I'm three-plus years older than him, so I guess that makes him 25 today? It's also VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe 80 years ago today. There's news that this is now a national holiday, but that apparently has nothing to do with an actual federal holiday. The end of the war was a long time ago, so it doesn't seem likely to become one.

Victorious Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Breakfast Link

• Victory Day for World War II, 2025 – The White House. Just want to note URL immortalizes how this originally misspelled "victory."

Science

• Scientists discover quantum computing in the brain - The Brighter Side of News.
• Don’t need much sleep? Mutation linked to thriving with little rest - Nature (may require registration or subscription). I've always been good with under seven hours. Thanks Slashdot.

Media

• HONEY DON'T - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters August 22.
• Did you see this game, first ball in wins. Thanks VideoSift.