Next-gen support means rebuilding the foundations

Lacoste explained that pushing Fallout 76 forward on current hardware isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. “We had to update all the libraries,” he told Shacknews, referring to the underlying code files the game references when compiling a new build.

He added that PlayStation and Xbox require separate attention behind the scenes. “When we’re going into PlayStation and Xbox, they’re two different platforms, so we have to have multiple people working on those platforms,” Lacoste said, underlining just how much manpower goes into keeping a seven-year-old live-service title running smoothly on modern consoles.

The Super Mutant question, finally answered (sort of)

Shacknews Head of Video Greg Burke used the interview to press the team on a request that’s followed Fallout 76 since launch: letting players actually become a Super Mutant. One developer on the panel acknowledged the demand directly. “I understand players want to play as the Super Mutant,” they told Shacknews.

The developer also revealed that a playable Ghoul, which eventually shipped, had a much longer road to release than fans might assume. “Player Ghoul was something we had talked about for years. We hadn’t executed on it because we didn’t see any niche that needed to be filled gameplay-wise,” they said, before suggesting the Super Mutant could finally be the concept that clears that bar: “A player Ghoul as a unique, playable race could fill one of those niches.”

It’s a notably cautious answer rather than a confirmation, but it’s the clearest signal yet that the idea is being actively discussed internally rather than dismissed outright.

Why it matters for the Fallout 76 community

Fallout 76 has spent years rebuilding its reputation since a rocky 2018 launch, largely by leaning into exactly this kind of steady, community-driven content expansion. The playable Ghoul race, added as a major system overhaul, gave long-time players a genuinely fresh way to experience Appalachia, complete with unique perks and radiation mechanics tied to the Ghoul’s decayed physiology.

A Super Mutant equivalent would be a much bigger swing gameplay-wise, given the creature’s size, strength and lore as a forcibly mutated human. Whether Bethesda can translate that into a balanced playable option without breaking the game’s existing power curve is likely the “niche” question the developer alluded to, and it explains why the studio isn’t rushing to promise anything concrete yet.

For players in New Zealand and Australia, where Fallout 76 continues to run on shared global servers, any next-gen optimisation work benefits everyone equally regardless of region, and there’s no indication of separate regional rollout timing mentioned by the developers.

What happens next

Bethesda hasn’t set a timeline for a Super Mutant playable race, and Shacknews’ interview stopped short of a firm commitment from the studio. Given how long the playable Ghoul took to move from idea to execution, fans should expect this to be a long-term consideration rather than an imminent update if it happens at all.

In the meantime, the confirmed next-gen library updates suggest Bethesda remains committed to keeping Fallout 76 technically current on PlayStation and Xbox, which should reassure a player base that has stuck with the game through years of post-launch reinvention. Shacknews noted that the full interview, along with further coverage from its E4 2026 event, is available on the outlet’s dedicated event topic page.

Read also: Thick as Thieves Studio OtherSide Entertainment Hit by New Round of Layoffs

Source: Shacknews.

The post Fallout 76: Devs Talk Next-Gen Update, Tease Super Mutant Playable Race appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The comments arrive at a moment when Destiny 2 and its developer Bungie have been under intense scrutiny, with the game’s community and industry watchers debating what went wrong for a title that once defined the modern live-service genre. Sweeney’s remarks position AI not just as a buzzword, but as a possible structural fix for the technical, content, and live-ops challenges that have plagued the game.

Sweeney’s AI Optimism Meets Skepticism

According to GamesRadar, the framing of Sweeney’s comments has drawn a skeptical response, with the outlet quipping, “If only some sort of newfangled technology could come along” to summarize the reaction to his suggestion. The tone underscores a broader tension in the gaming industry right now, where AI is frequently pitched by executives as a cure-all for development woes, even as many players and developers remain wary of how such technology is actually deployed.

Sweeney, who leads Epic Games and has long been an outspoken voice on industry trends ranging from platform fees to game engine technology, has increasingly positioned himself as a proponent of AI’s potential in game development. His comments on Destiny 2 fit into that broader narrative, suggesting that AI-driven tools could help live-service titles adapt more quickly to player needs, generate content more efficiently, or streamline the kind of large-scale technical maintenance that games like Destiny require to stay competitive years after launch.

What This Means for Destiny 2 and Live-Service Games

Destiny 2 has faced a difficult stretch as a live-service game, with Bungie navigating layoffs, shifting player expectations, and the broader challenge of sustaining a decade-old shooter in an increasingly crowded market. Sweeney’s suggestion that AI “could’ve” saved the game implies that the industry’s current tools and pipelines may not have been sufficient to keep pace with what players wanted, or with the operational demands of running a game at Destiny’s scale.

Whether AI genuinely represents the fix Sweeney describes remains an open question for both developers and fans. Live-service games depend heavily on human-driven storytelling, community management, and creative direction, elements that are harder to automate than the technical or logistical tasks AI is often praised for streamlining.

Still, Sweeney’s comments add fuel to an ongoing industry-wide conversation about how much AI should shape the future of big-budget, ongoing games. As Epic continues to push its own technology, including Unreal Engine tools that increasingly incorporate AI-assisted features, Sweeney’s take on Destiny 2 may offer a glimpse into how the company envisions AI reshaping game development and live-service support more broadly.

Read also: Persona 4 Revival Trailer Spotlights Yu Narukami Ahead of 2027 Launch

The post Tim Sweeney Says AI Could’ve Saved Destiny 2, Claims Tech Will Let It “Thrive” appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The update also marks Valheim’s arrival on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, expanding beyond its current home on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. Anyone hoping to grab the game at its current, lower price has just over two months left to do so before the September launch.

A New Price Tag for a Full Release

Valheim has spent five years in Early Access since its initial launch, steadily building a devoted community across multiple platforms. GamingBolt notes that with the 1.0 release now finally locked in, the studio is treating the price bump as the game graduating into a complete product rather than an ongoing work in progress.

For newcomers, that means picking up Valheim before September could save a bit of money, though it also means jumping in before the game’s mechanics shift with the Deep North content. Existing players, meanwhile, may want to consider starting fresh saves to make the most of the new biome and any accompanying changes.

Ocean Biome Left in Limbo

One point of concern among fans, as highlighted by GamingBolt, is the apparent absence of new content for the game’s Ocean biome, an addition that had previously appeared on Iron Gate’s public roadmap. Speculation is mounting that this particular promise might not make it into the 1.0 release at all.

Iron Gate hasn’t ruled out further updates, but the studio also isn’t making any firm commitments. In an FAQ cited by GamingBolt, the developer stated: “We will continue to improve the game with bug fixes and quality of life stuff, though for exactly how long the game will continue to receive updates is currently too soon to say. Likewise, it is too soon to say whether or not there will be more content added to the game in the future—but as always, we will be sure to announce any news on our channels!”

That noncommittal stance leaves the door open for future expansions, but offers no guarantees. Players hoping for a more fleshed-out Ocean biome will likely need to wait for official word rather than assume it’s coming with 1.0.

What This Means for Players

Despite the uncertainty around long-term content, Valheim’s move to 1.0 represents a major moment for a game that has become one of the standout survival titles of the past several years. The addition of console platforms like PS5 and Switch 2 should also introduce the game to a considerably wider audience.

Whether or not Iron Gate continues to expand Valheim’s world beyond the Deep North biome, the studio’s commitment to ongoing bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements suggests players won’t be left completely in the dark after launch. For now, all eyes are on September 9 to see exactly what the full release brings.

The post Valheim’s Price Jumps to $30 With 1.0 Launch, Ocean Biome’s Future Unclear appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

When Are Tarkov Servers Coming Back?

Based on Battlestate Games’ stated timeline, Insider Gaming estimates the game should be back online within these windows: midday to 2 PM BST, 8 AM to 10 AM EDT, 4 AM to 6 AM PDT, and 1 PM to 3 PM CEST. As is typical for Tarkov updates, the outlet notes that the maintenance period could run longer than planned if unexpected issues arise.

Adding to that possibility, Battlestate Games head Nikita Buyanov reportedly flagged some problems with the update that surfaced shortly before the servers were taken down, according to Insider Gaming. That suggests players hoping to jump back into raids should be prepared for the downtime to stretch beyond the initial estimate.

What’s New in Patch 1.0.6.0

Insider Gaming describes 1.0.6.0 as a relatively minor update overall, though it does introduce a notable new feature: the Expansions Hub. This is a digital storefront that runs on an in-game currency called “Tarcoins,” which players can earn by grinding and then spend on items that would normally require real money, including cosmetics and stash expansions.

On the quality-of-life side, the patch adds the ability to search for tasks by name across the side task and operational task screens, with search functionality also covering objectives, locations, and traders. This should make navigating Tarkov’s often dense questlines noticeably easier for both new and veteran players.

The update also carries a handful of bug fixes. According to the patch notes shared by Insider Gaming, these include a fix for weapons overheating too quickly on Streets of Tarkov under certain conditions, as well as a fix for weapons that could remain suspended in midair after a player’s death.

Other corrections address incorrect female voice audio in The Lab map, mismatched gunshot audio at medium range, and several UI errors on the Character and Weapon Builds screens. An animation issue affecting the MSGL grenade launcher’s cylinder in certain situations has also reportedly been resolved.

Why the Downtime Matters

Full server outages remain standard practice for Escape from Tarkov whenever Battlestate Games ships an update, regardless of size, since the studio takes the entire game offline rather than patching modes individually. That means players across both PvP and the newer PvE mode are locked out simultaneously until maintenance concludes.

Given Buyanov’s comments about pre-launch issues, Tarkov’s community should keep an eye on official channels in case the outage extends past the estimated afternoon return time. As always with Battlestate Games updates, patience may be required before raids resume as normal.

The post Escape from Tarkov Down Today for Patch 1.0.6.0: When Servers Return appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Despite the outcry, Wccftech reports that Sony’s factories are already being repurposed away from disc production, a sign that the company’s plans were locked in well before the backlash began. That timing suggests fan pressure is unlikely to change the outcome, even as frustration continues to build online.

Anger Spills Over on Social Media

As Wccftech notes, citing Kotaku, the strength of fan frustration became clear when thousands of angry replies flooded an unrelated post on Sony’s official X account promoting the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie. Commenters reportedly used the moment to vent about the looming end of physical PlayStation discs rather than discuss the film itself.

The frustration reflects a broader anxiety among collectors and retro-minded players who value owning physical copies of their games. Even though Sony has said digital sales now make up over 80% of total purchases, Wccftech points out that a sizable portion of the PlayStation audience still buys physical copies and feels left behind by the shift.

An Austrian Factory Reveals How Far Along the Shift Already Is

Confirmation that the transition is already underway came from Austria’s national public broadcaster ORF, as cited by Wccftech, which reported that Sony’s DADC manufacturing plant in Thalgau will be significantly affected by the disc shutdown. Dietmar Tanzer, CEO of Sony DADC, reportedly said that PlayStation currently accounts for roughly 50 percent of the plant’s volume, with about 20 percent of that being new orders, adding that “we are talking about roughly ten percent of the volume in 2028.”

According to the report, no layoffs are currently planned for the plant’s 300 employees. However, Wccftech notes that workers are already being retrained to manufacture optical microlenses instead, with mass production of that new product line set to begin in early 2027, well ahead of the disc cutoff date.

What This Means for PlayStation 6 Owners

The retooling timeline strongly suggests Sony had been preparing this move for a long time, making it improbable that online petitions or social media backlash will alter the company’s course. Wccftech also notes that rumors point to Microsoft potentially following a similar disc-free path with its next Xbox console, hinting that the entire industry may be moving toward all-digital hardware.

For fans who still rely on physical collections, the coming years may represent the last real window to stock up on PlayStation discs before production winds down entirely. Whether Sony offers any concessions to disc loyalists remains unclear, but based on the manufacturing changes already in motion, a reversal looks increasingly unlikely.

Read also: Sony’s 2028 Disc Shutdown Raises Questions for PS5 Owners Who Watch Blu-rays

The post 30,000 Sign Petition Against Sony’s Disc Shutdown, But Factories Are Already Retooling appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Beach Skin That Leans All the Way In

Marvel Rivals has built a reputation for pushing its seasonal cosmetic line-ups toward playful, fan-service-heavy designs, and Captain America’s new beachwear appears to be the latest example. As PC Gamer notes, the skin embraces the “swimsuit” theme wholeheartedly, trading Cap’s usual battle armor for a far more revealing summer look that highlights his muscular frame.

The result, per the outlet’s report, has been an avalanche of reactions online, with players and casual observers alike reacting to the sheer boldness of the character redesign. It’s the kind of cosmetic that was seemingly built to be screenshotted and shared, and based on the online chatter described by PC Gamer, that strategy appears to be working.

Part of a Bigger Pattern in Live-Service Skins

Swimsuit and beach-themed cosmetics have become a recurring seasonal staple across many live-service and hero shooter titles, often timed to summer content pushes and designed to generate social buzz alongside in-game revenue. Marvel Rivals, which has leaned heavily on Marvel’s extensive roster of instantly recognizable characters, appears to be following that same playbook with its latest wave of alternate outfits.

What sets this particular release apart, according to PC Gamer’s coverage, is just how far NetEase pushed the design compared to more modest swimsuit skins seen in other games. Captain America is typically portrayed as one of Marvel’s more buttoned-up, wholesome heroes, which may be part of why the contrast in this new look has resonated so strongly with online audiences.

Why It Matters for Marvel Rivals’ Momentum

Viral cosmetic moments like this one can serve as free marketing for live-service games, keeping a title in the cultural conversation even outside of major content updates or esports events. For Marvel Rivals, which continues to compete for attention in the crowded hero shooter space, this kind of organic online attention could help sustain engagement between bigger seasonal drops.

Whether or not NetEase intended the skin to become a meme-worthy talking point, PC Gamer’s report suggests the internet has certainly taken notice. As Marvel Rivals continues expanding its cosmetic library, it seems likely that future skins will keep testing just how far the game’s character designs can go while still fitting within Marvel’s broader brand identity.

Read also: Why Gaming Crossovers Like Fortnite x Marvel Keep Winning Over Players

The post Marvel Rivals’ New Captain America Swimsuit Skin Breaks the Internet appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The expansion marks another crossover addition for GigaBash, which has steadily grown its roster of giant monsters and heroes since launch. As Gematsu reports, the new content will be available across all platforms currently supporting the game, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

Two Ultras, Two Philosophies

Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial arrive as thematic opposites, according to details shared by Passion Republic Games and relayed by Gematsu. Zero is described as a warrior from the Land of Light who has learned from past mistakes and now fights to uphold justice, using the iconic Zero Sluggers for close combat and Emerium Slashes for ranged attacks.

Belial, on the other hand, represents a fallen hero who traded his destiny for raw power. Per the developer’s description, he wields the Giga Battlenizer and channels alien-infused abilities such as dark fireballs, the Belial Whip, and the Belial Genothunder to devastate opponents in the arena.

The official rundown poses the contrast directly: “One craved power and paid for it, the other overcame that craving to grow more powerful. Which one will you manifest in the arena?” This framing suggests the DLC will lean heavily into the rivalry between the two characters as a core selling point for fans of the Ultraman franchise.

What This Means for GigaBash Players

GigaBash has built its identity around city-smashing multiplayer battles featuring monsters and giant heroes inspired by classic tokusatsu and kaiju media. The addition of Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial continues that trend, giving players two more distinct movesets to master alongside the game’s existing cast.

Gematsu also notes that a new trailer and fresh screenshots have been released alongside the announcement, giving fans an early look at both characters in action ahead of the July 9 release. No additional details on pricing or whether the DLC will be bundled with existing content passes were included in the announcement.

Read also: Roguelike Window-Cleaning Sim SKY THE SCRAPER Heads to PS5, Switch 2, Switch

The post GigaBash Adds Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial in New DLC July 9 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

+1 Speed Evolve tasks players with building up speed to evolve into progressively stronger animals, each evolution bringing permanent multipliers, access to new worlds, and cosmetic trails to show off while racing rivals. Codes are one of the quickest ways to skip ahead without grinding out every boost manually.

Active codes for July 2026

As of July 2, 2026, Dexerto confirms two codes are verified as working in +1 Speed Evolve. The code “Cheetah” grants a 2x Speed Boost, while “Fox” delivers a 2x Wins Boost lasting 10 minutes. Both are marked as new additions, so players who haven’t checked in for a while should redeem them before they potentially expire.

No expired codes have been logged for the game at this time, meaning both listed rewards remain fully claimable for now.

How to redeem the codes

Redeeming codes in +1 Speed Evolve doesn’t require meeting any in-game milestones or unlocking special menus first. According to Dexerto’s step-by-step guide, players simply need to open the Codes button located in the top-left corner of the screen, type an active code into the text box that appears, and press Claim to receive the reward instantly.

Since the Speed and Win boosts are time-limited once activated, it’s worth entering every working code right before starting a longer play session rather than redeeming them piecemeal throughout the day.

What the boosts actually do

Speed Boosts accelerate how quickly players build up the movement speed stat needed to trigger their next evolution, while Win Boosts increase the rewards earned from completed runs. Together, Dexerto notes, these effects make it considerably easier to unlock new animals, worlds, and other progression systems tied to the game’s core loop.

For players hunting future codes, Dexerto points to the game’s official Discord server as the primary source, since developers tend to post new rewards there alongside announcements of major updates or milestones. Dexerto also says it will keep its own code roundup updated as new drops go live.

Read also: Amazon Prime Gaming: 12 Free PC Games to Claim and Keep in July 2026

The post +1 Speed Evolve Codes for July 2026: All Active Rewards and How to Redeem appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

While no release date has been set yet, the confirmation of a physical edition is welcome news for collectors and those who prefer owning tangible copies of their games. Importantly, Nintendo Everything notes that the cartridge will not be a game-key card, meaning the entire game will be stored directly on the physical media rather than requiring a separate download.

A Sequel Years in the Making

Hoa 2 continues the story of its namesake fairy protagonist long after the emotional conclusion of the original game. According to the official overview shared via Nintendo Everything, the sequel picks up after significant time has passed, with Hoa returning to a homeland that has changed dramatically and old friends who are long gone.

The narrative is described as a gentle, heartfelt exploration of change, loss, and moving forward, themes that were central to the emotional resonance of the first title developed by Skrollcat Studio.

Expanding Into 3D With New Mechanics

Where the original Hoa was known for its hand-painted 2D art style, Hoa 2 expands that same aesthetic into fully three-dimensional environments. Per the game’s official description, players will explore richer, multi-layered worlds with greater freedom of movement, both spatially and temporally.

Time itself becomes a gameplay mechanic, with shifting lighting and seasonal changes reshaping puzzles, environments, and story beats as players progress. The game also promises an audio experience composed by the same award-winning team behind the original Hoa’s soundtrack.

Puzzle-solving will reportedly lean on cooperation with the creatures inhabiting Hoa’s world, which not only guide players but also teach new abilities that expand exploration options over time. The game will also include achievements and collectible costumes for players chasing full completion.

What to Expect Next

Pre-orders for the physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Hoa 2 are expected to open shortly, according to Nintendo Everything. However, an official release date for the game has not yet been announced by PM Studios or developer Skrollcat Studio.

The confirmation adds Hoa 2 to a growing list of Nintendo Switch 2 titles receiving full physical releases rather than game-key cards, a distinction that has become an increasingly important talking point among collectors navigating the console’s early software lineup.

The post Hoa 2 Confirmed for Physical Release on Nintendo Switch 2 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

For mobile gamers who rely on their phones for long sessions of cloud gaming, emulation, or graphically demanding titles, battery longevity has always been one of the biggest pain points on Samsung’s Ultra lineup compared to rivals. If this rumor pans out, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could finally close that gap without the added expense of newer battery chemistry.

Why Samsung Is Avoiding Silicon-Carbon Cells

According to Wccftech, the leaker known as @phonefuturist explained on Telegram that switching to silicon-carbon batteries would cost Samsung between $22 million and $28 million for every one million Galaxy S27 Ultra units produced. That’s compared to just $12 million to $15 million for sourcing standard lithium-ion cells at the same volume, a gap significant enough to make Samsung think twice.

Wccftech notes that this cost sensitivity comes at a particularly bad time, with the ongoing DRAM shortage already squeezing manufacturing budgets across the smartphone industry. Samsung appears unwilling to pile on extra expenses tied to newer battery chemistry while memory prices remain volatile.

A Bigger Battery Without the New Chemistry

Despite skipping silicon-carbon tech, Wccftech reports that Samsung hasn’t given up on offering more battery capacity. Citing the same source, the outlet says Samsung is re-evaluating a battery roadmap from supplier SDI that includes 5,600mAh and 5,800mAh options, moving away from a previously settled 5,200mAh lithium-ion plan.

If internal testing goes well, Wccftech says the Galaxy S27 Ultra could ship with a battery exceeding 5,500mAh, all without adopting silicon-carbon chemistry. That would still fall short of the largest cells found in some Chinese flagship phones, but it would represent a meaningful jump for Samsung’s Ultra series after years of staying under the 5,000mAh ceiling.

Keeping Pace With the iPhone 18 Pro Max

The timing matters, too. Wccftech points out that Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also expected to feature larger batteries, following the pattern set by the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which reportedly delivered record battery life through software and hardware optimizations rather than sheer cell size alone.

Samsung may need every bit of extra capacity it can get, especially since the Galaxy S27 Pro is rumored to retain the same 5,000mAh battery as the current Galaxy S26 Ultra. Wccftech suggests Samsung doesn’t want to give buyers another reason to skip the pricier Ultra model, particularly with the broader memory crisis already threatening to dampen smartphone demand.

As with any early rumor, Wccftech cautions that these details should be treated carefully until Samsung confirms its final specifications closer to launch.

Read also: GaN Chargers Are Making Bulky Gaming Laptop Bricks a Thing of the Past

The post Galaxy S27 Ultra May Skip Silicon-Carbon Battery Over Manufacturing Costs appeared first on Shane the Gamer.