Tag: Gaming

Hands On – Skullcandy x SLYR gaming headset and Dime 2 Doritos edition #Skullcandy #Doritos

The latest new tech to drop into techbuzz is a collaboration between Skullcandy and Doritos edition which of course is limited and will start shipping next month and we have been lucky to get our hands on them early to check them out, this is not the first time Skullcandy have done a collaboration and we hope to see more down the road and cast your mind back to last October when they announced a collaboration with Capcom and check out our review of the Limited edition Street fighter headset.

Not much has changed here but the branding which is stansoutish to say the least which I like over the neutral colours we see everyday and with the collaboration it makes it that bit more special and of course been a limited run.

“Skullcandy and self-expression are synonymous and this drop is no different. Together with Doritos, we’re adding a little flavour to a space traditionally saturated with muted colourways, allowing gamers to stand out from the competition,” said Derek Steiner, Director of Global Brand Partnerships, Skullcandy. “The SLYR and Dime 2 are the ideal products for this collab, both accessible and packed with flavour so gamers can boldly be themselves. The duo provides the best of both worlds – SLYR for gaming at home and Dime 2 for on-the-go mobile sessions.”

If you want to know anymore ask as always and we will gladly answer you and we will test them out over the coming weeks given there is more aesthetics that has changed here we will test them out and check the full unboxing video below for all the details.  The limited-edition Skullcandy x Doritos are available now for purchase exclusively on Skullcandy.com and will ship mid-February. Overall my first impressions so far are they stand out and are loud and sound as good as their original models.

Skullcandy x Doritos Limited-Edition SLYR Multi-Platform Wired Gaming Headset – £69.99

  • UV-Reactive Glow Graphics

  • Skullcandy Supreme Sound – Unique audio-tuning process enables users to maximize the depth and detail of each sound

  • Multi-Platform Connectivity – Crystal clear audio on PC, Playstation, Switch and Xbox, levelling-up

  • the listening experience on any platform. And with the 3.5mm audio cable, SLYR is the definition of ‘plug and play’

  • Bi-Directional Mic – Improves voice pickup for enhanced communications and clarity in multiplayer settings

  • Mute & Volume Control – Easy-to-reach, on-board controls enable gamers to quickly mute and adjust volume without gameplay interference

  • Durable, Lightweight Design – Constructed from tough, lightweight materials including head-conforming memory-foam ear cushions wrapped in moisture-wicking and breathable material for all-day comfort

Skullcandy x Doritos Limited-Edition Dime 2 True Wireless Earbuds – £39.99

  • UV-Reactive Glow Graphics

  • Built-In Tile Finding Technology

  • 12 Hours Total Battery Life

  • Microphone, Call, Track & Volume Controls

  • Auto Connect

  • IPX4 Sweat & Water Resistant

  • Micro-USB charging case with snap lid and integrated lanyard

BUY

Unboxing

How To Make Money From Video Games

Many people of all ages like to spend their free time playing video games. When you can also earn on it https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/digital-media/video-games/worldwide, it is many times more enjoyable and adds motivation. Many players are not only able to dream but to turn fantasies into reality. With good skills, an understanding of the games, and a responsible approach, a certain profit will be obtained after a while. Some users in the gaming industry earn incomes that are 2, 3, or more times higher than the average salaries in the country.

What Should You Do in the Video Game Industry?

Many people who are unfamiliar with the video game industry tend to underestimate it. This industry is dynamically developing and growing, there is a turnover of very large sums of money. Many gamblers successfully combine business with pleasure, spending time on their favorite games, and choosing the best payout casino, while receiving a good deal of money. The advantages include:

  • a wide range of options for earning money;
  • an occupation that you like;
  • the possibility of changing careers at any time;
  • with the right skill and luck you can become a millionaire;
  • work from any location in the world subject to access to the Internet.

It should be understood that in this area there is also quite a lot of competition. Therefore it will be necessary to work with full dedication. For example, 7bit casino slots will help bring the participant a good income.

Profit Opportunities in the Video Game Industry

If you haven’t delved into the ways of making money in the games industry, you might think there aren’t very many. In fact, their number exceeds all expectations. Let us review the most popular of them.

Cynersports This is an option that requires a lot of effort but it’s very lucrative. Even if they have reached an intermediate level, cyber athletes can already count on a monthly salary of $5,000 to $7,000. If you take prizes in tournaments, this amount increases. Cybersport is actively developing and the number of fans is constantly growing.

Getting into a team of eSports athletes is not easy. You will have to constantly train and improve your gaming skills. If you manage to position yourself well, there is a chance to get into one of the cyber league teams. 
Bets Athletes who excel in the gaming industry can expect to excel in other areas. GS:GO players, for example, show a very good reaction time. In this indicator, they have better results than professional athletes in other disciplines.

Therefore, they can earn not only on video games but also in the betting industry. Knowing cybersports well from the inside, they can predict the outcome of most competitions and make good profits.
Trading If you are interested not only in making a profit but also in taking an active part in these processes, then trading will be a great option. Passing through such video games as Dota 2 and CS:GO involves obtaining various valuable items, resources, and skins. Often in the course of the game, they are obtained for free, and later you can sell them to other players. These items can only be obtained by prolonged gameplay. Usually, beginners prefer to buy the necessary things and items for real money as they do not want to spend a lot of time.
Streaming This is quite an interesting and widespread option, which requires a small investment. It is necessary to purchase equipment for broadcasting quality videos. The popularity of video bloggers is starting to decline, while at the same time the audience of streamers and viewers is growing. During the stream, you can show your audience the game in real-time. Streaming is available on online platforms familiar to all users – YouTube, Twitch, and GoodGame.

If you get an audience and become popular, you can count on a good income. Having a certain amount of charisma and humor, it is realistic to attract the attention of viewers. Making a profit is possible through donations from their subscribers. Also, by becoming known among the audience, you can pump up social networks, broadcast ads, and find sponsors.
Training Good players who have reached a certain level and regalia can always engage in teaching newcomers. It is clear that it will be conducted only for a particular video game. However, if it is popular, then to improving the skills and learning certain secrets from the wizard will be of interest to a lot of players. Thanks to the training, students correct their mistakes in the game and work out the correct strategies. Many gamers who have undergone training, later became professionals and got into cybersports teams.

According to SmartGuide’s analytics, coaches get quite a lot of money. However, you need to have a good experience in the game. If you do not have a name in cybersports, it is quite difficult to get such a job.
Account upgrade (drivers) Having certain skills, you can pump user accounts. Most often it is necessary for such games as MMORPG, in some famous projects, including “Fight Club”, “Legacy of Dragons,” and others. “Drivers receive a quite large remuneration for such work. Players also invest in order to maximize the promotion of their main account. The owner himself goes into it from time to time to launch a game. The rest of the time a “driver” works on it, developing and upgrading it.
A support person at a game development company Just like in other industries, a manufacturer needs customer support. Therefore, users are given the opportunity to work in the area of interest to them. The salary of such employees is quite high. Also, large companies are engaged in hiring game administrators. He conducts games with other gamers, and provides support in chat competitions. Blizzard can serve as an example. The level of pay for the work largely depends on the skills and communication skills of the employee.
Selling goods with a video game theme A very promising way to earn money is to engage in the production and sale of products with a game theme. This can be clothing, souvenirs, tableware, stickers, magnets, etc. Profits in such work depend only on your ability to sell. By understanding the marketing, and making the right advertising, you can get a fairly large monthly income.

Everyone chooses which way of making a profit suits him best.

Summarizing

With some experience in video games https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game, it is quite realistic to succeed in any of the above options and make a profit. It is necessary to look at the experience of those users who have already been able to achieve results in this sphere. It is good if you don’t get hung up, and try to make money from several sources.

 

Test Your Mettle with HOOK’s Exhilarating New Sailing, and Foiling Sim Hydrofoil Generation

Indie publishing label HOOK is thrilled to announce a publishing deal to bring the exciting and realistic sailing and foiling simulator Hydrofoil Generation to PC via Steam Early Access in early 2023. Developed by Jaxx Vane Studio, Hydrofoil Generation is a passion project from Stefano “kunos” Casillo co-founder of Kunos Simulazioni, the globally acclaimed studio behind the racing simulation masterpiece Assetto Corsa, and is an exciting and accurate first-person simulation of multiplayer “in-shore” regattas.

“I was amazed the first time I saw hydrofoil boats racing in real life, and I immediately fell in love with the experience”, commented Stefano Casillo “With my experience working with Assetto Corsa, I wanted to replicate hydrofoil racing in a game for simulation fans to enjoy.”

 

Hydrofoil Generation puts you at the helm of state-of-the-art sailing craft, modelled with unprecedented accuracy to replicate the exhilarating experience of ‘flying’ over the water at speeds over 50kn. Take control of your vessel and fine-tune the sailing mechanics of your foils to reduce drag and increase your speed. Customise your craft to overcome the demands of the changing winds, sea conditions and currents as you compete against up to 10 opponents in thrilling multiplayer racers in exciting locations such as Den Haag, Hong Kong and Bermuda. Thanks to Hydrofoil Generation’s demanding and realistic simulator mechanics, the fine line between speed and capsizing is a continual threat and will not only push your sailing skills but your vessel to the very limit.

Features:

  • Realistic sailing and foiling simulator
  • Choose from a range of vessels including the 40ft modern foiling monohull Jx40 and the 50ft modern catamaran Jx50
  • Created by Stefano “kunos” Casillo former co-founder of Kunos Simulazioni
  • Real regatta fields with coastlines carefully recreated
  • Vessel customisation system
  • Compete against 10 opponents in multiplayer racing sessions

Hydrofoil Generation will launch PC via Steam Early Access in early 2023 and can be added to your Steam Wishlist now. Follow the game on the HOOK official social channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HOOKcrew

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/jZUUaZkUGP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOOKcrew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookcrew_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hookcrew

How to Get Started in Warzone 2?

Call of Duty Warzone 2.0 from the house of Activision has emerged as one of the most prevalent online multiplayer games that countless players play. This game is live with the new map of Al Mazrah, and at times, scoring wins in this game turns into an actual struggle for players. However, players can always follow the below-mentioned tips for emerging victorious.

Players can adjust their game settings

Every player can improve his odds by ensuring that he has utilized the finest settings and it comprises altering the setting “Apply all.” It equips players with all armor plates, and due to this, they can save time. There are some extra movement settings, too, that assist players when they play Warzone 2. Players also learn how to cheat in Warzone 2022. When they equip themselves with the hacks and cheats of Warzone 2, they can get through every challenge they come across. 

Develop custom weapon loadouts

When players play Warzone 2.0, they get access to various ways in which they can score their custom weapons at the time of a match having loadout drops. Players come across many attachments and weapons; hence, at times, they find it overwhelming to choose one among them.

Communicate and utilize the Ping system

While playing Warzone 2.0, communication turns into the key. No matter whether a player is playing in trios, duos, or quads, he must keep on communicating with his teammates, and for this, he can utilize a mic. Again, he can also utilize the Ping system of this game. It allows players to ping closer-by vehicles, enemies, points of interest, etc. Players use the Ping system when they need help or when they recommend regrouping.

Remain conscious of the map

Players ought to be aware of the map of Warzone 2.0. Again, they must be conscious of the revised circle mechanics too. With the shrinking of the map, the circle gets divided into three little circles, and they merge into a final circle. Hence, players should keep an eye on where circles split and where they have been moving. This way, they will not become engulfed in the gas.

Visit Strongholds

When players wish to take on challenges, they must visit the locations of Stronghold. They are all Artificial Intelligence-shielded buildings that propose a loadout drop reward and high-tier loot. It can turn into an excellent way to receive some loot while playing Warzone 2.0.

Choose Contracts

Contracts always turn into great ways through which players can score cash and loot. Players can see them as green phone icons. They can choose among some common types, such as Secure Intel, Most Wanted, Safecracker, and Bounty. However, players should be aware of the benefits and risks so that they can recognize the one that would be best for them.

Bounties

Bounties are a prevalent choice for countless players. The radius of these circles becomes smaller when players get nearer to them. It is useful as it allows players to know how close a player is, and it also gives them modest cash.

Secure Intel

The job of Secure Intel is to mark intel for players to choose and shift it to somewhere else. The Secure Intel Contracts need players to remain confined in a specific location when data uploads, and it can put players at a vulnerable point. 

Safecracker

Safecracker is considered to be another excellent option though it is a high-reward and high-risk Contract. The job of this Contract is to mark three safes for players to discover and blast open. The loot haul players get excellent stuff like self-revives, cash, and killstreaks. However, players ought to be mindful that when they blast open three safes, it will make a little noise. Hence, it can draw individuals right to their location.

Most Wanted

It is the riskiest of all Contracts. Players get marked on the map, and it paints them as a target for 3 minutes. And when they can survive their time as Most Wanted, they get cash. It should be saved for some highly desperate situations at times when players lack sufficient money to purchase their squad back.

Discover high ground

Players find Al Mazrah to be a diverse place though verticality can turn into a key with every mountain top and building. When players get high up there, they can see their surroundings well. Hence, they can aim down at their enemies well.

Make some smart backpack choices

A backpack seems excellent for carrying UAVs, additional ammo, and equipment. Players can communicate with their teammates to know what they have been carrying around. However, not every player is required to lug around a backpack that is full of gas cans or self-revives. Hence, he must attempt to give himself as well as his team, various kinds of equipment and ammo.  

 

Using GamStop in Video Games With Loot Boxes: Pros and Cons

Online casinos in the UK are expected to cooperate with the UKGC and adopt the self-exclusion scheme GamStop as announced in March 2020 by the Gambling Commission. This scheme is a voluntary free service that controls problem gambling behaviours in players by banning them from their favourite casino sites for a stipulated period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. 

Loot boxes are highly tempting game items that award money or benefits in video games and increase the chances of players betting more money to gain loot boxes. More often, loot boxes need to be purchased in video games, similar to online gambling, where betting earns them higher rewards. This gives rise to problem gambling due to the urge to keep betting to earn loot boxes. 

Thus GamStop implementation in video games with loot boxes may open up a new angle to safe gaming. 

Should GamStop Be Applied to Video Games With Loot Boxes?

Opening loot boxes in video games is not radically different from gambling at non-GamStop online casinos like those listed at https://nonstopcasino.org/not-gamstop-casinos/. These two activities have a similar nature. While online gambling requires betting on real money and gaining cash prizes, video gaming depends on game rewards and levelling up. At times, mystery or loot boxes require monetary investments to unlock precious items. Hence, there are thoughts on applying the GamStop service to video games as well. There are positive as well as negative effects of implementing GamStop in video games, and the pros and cons are listed below:

Pros of Using GamStop in Video Games 

  • People with addiction would not waste money on loot boxes. Loots are immensely attractive with their rewards that can be unlocked using money. These provide special offers that are one of a kind, including high-range characters, armoury, treasure chests, gemstones, and more. Yet, research has seen that loot boxes give way to problem gambling and create a gambling addiction which leads to a financial drain. GamStop service would make sure that problem gamblers do not get to bet freely and are banned from gaming sites. It would ultimately prevent addicted people to waste money on iGaming. 

 

  • Pay-to-win would not be a problem. GamStop service bans betting for money for a selected period for users to practice self-restriction. Thus, the requirement to pay for loot boxes will not be necessary, and gamers can enjoy playing without the anxiety of losing money uselessly. Gamers would also be able to focus more on experiencing the thrill of gaming rather than worrying about paying-to-win loot boxes and thinking about investments in video games.  

 

  • Young people would not develop a gambling addiction. Video games attract the youth in masses, and more than 82% of young people, including young adults, play video games. It is considered that video games are connected to problem gambling: young people tend to fall for alluring offers and waste money buying in-game loot boxes. Implementing GamStop would prevent problem gambling habits development, and young gamers would be safe from the clutches of gambling addiction. Added to that, GamStop would not completely ban loot box video games for young children which would also prevent the illegal usage of adult accounts for gaming. 

Cons of GamStop in Video Games

 

  • Enabling GamStop for video games is technically more difficult than for casinos. Online casinos in the UK are bound by law to employ GamStop’s scheme in their service, but video games have no such necessities. Online casinos are paid services and involve terms of profit and loss, while no such terms are involved in video games apart from purchases made for levelling up. Hence, applying its services to video games that do not involve betting becomes difficult and unnecessary. 

 

  • Company revenues would fall dramatically. Employing the GamStop scheme for video games would result in a drastic fall in popularity and lead to a great loss of assets. The special features and loot boxes that make video games so popular would be blocked by GamStop, resulting in the mass withdrawal of gamers and opting for non-GamStop sites or gaming illegally. This fall would result in massive monetary losses for companies that spend millions to make their games more appealing to young gamers. Therefore, companies have to rethink their decisions to opt for the GamStop scheme, and most would find implementing it unnecessary. 

Conclusion

Although there are many reasons why self-excluded users register at GamStop-free sites or play video games, this form of entertainment (especially if it involves loot boxes) can pose a threat to some of them. So, many iGaming regulatory bodies in Europe are currently researching ways to mitigate potential risks. As for the UK, its government decided not to ban video games with loot boxes for now. This decision was made keeping in mind the adverse reaction that they may face when young adults decide to break protocols and choose illegal gaming. 

Loot boxes also do not require real money always since they can be won through clearing tasks and are safer compared to online gambling. Yet, there may be a decision taken in the future to add GamStop to all legal video games for better surveillance and protection.  

 

Tech Review – Limited Edition 35th Year Anniversary Street Fighter x Skullcandy Headset

The Limited-Edition Skullcandy x Street Fighter PLYR headset is loaded with nods to the classic game, as you would of seen in the unboxing there is many audio nods installed on the headset itself  to the game and when you navigate the controls on the headset which is really cool if you are Street Fighter fan which there is many of out there today of a certain age group.

Looks and build.

Well these do look similar to the SLYR we reviewed recently and the same applies here when it comes to comfort only this time round there is no padding on the headband but this time round we get a band that does just the same job but has a nod to street fighter on it. I do think though this headset is robust and the looks stand out even more this time and I love the speckled finish on it and for me after testing these for countless hours they are comfortable for gaming and listening to music without any clamping effect either on the head which some headphones can do so especially after long hour of use.

Controls

The controls again are familiar but more this time around however kept simple and that works for me it is not a complicated set up at all, you have got two panels on one cup and a wheel and one switch yet all your commands can be done here or from the app which this time around is really cool, the wheel can also control your EQ on the headphones which is amazing for getting the right set up you need not only for the gaming aspect but the audio experience too and it is simply fantastic.

The App

Here is what you can find in the app below but we go through this in detail in the video review and it is a fantastic looking app too and simple to use, you also have tile built in which everyone is familiar with here on this site as we have covered it countless times but it s good to have especially with this limited edition headset in case you happen to misplace it.

Compatibility

Ok so these are aimed at gamers so if you have a PS5 XBox or Nintendo Switch you are good to go, you can connect via Bluetooth or cable , there is  their own dongle to avail of too but there is alternatives out there or you may have one already, You can also use these with your mobile phone I tested on the Nintendo Switch and my Phone, there is a PC app too and the app we tested is the one for mobile as I am not a PC gamer at all but the options are limitless for gamers.

The Sound

I will make this short and sweet these sound fantastic you have control in the app to get the right tone you require, As mentioned I have the SLYR already and they were quite good but these are on another level and you can decide what tones suit you with the app, there is no ANC hear however but you do not need it, the passive noise isolation is good and once the volume is cranked up you can forget about what is going on around you which is what I like. There is also no lag latency here noted during my testing.

Overall this is a really cool pair of headphones with a removable mic nods to the game built in as you go along and is an easy recommend from me of you can get your hands on them, there is no ANC or Voice Assistant here and no option to reverse tracks but these are for gaming but they for me are also for people who listen to music and they have delivered both sides of the coin here.

Features

  • Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Technology – Enables enhanced power management and stronger connectivity to bluetooth-enabled media and gaming devices

  • Skullcandy Supreme Sound – Unique audio-tuning process enables users to maximise the depth and detail of each sound

  • Enhanced Sound Perception – A hearing test tunes audio levels to match user’s unique hearing needs

  • Advanced Audio Controls via Skullcandy Software – Compatible with both mobile app and PC software to unlock advanced features and customise button functions

  • Clear Voice Smart Mic – AI-based technology removes unwanted background noise to enable crystal-clear communications

  • Mute & Volume Control – Easy-to-reach, on-board controls enable gamers to quickly mute and adjust volume without gameplay interference

  • Adjustable Suspension Headband – Reduces pressure on top of the head for true, all-day comfort

  • Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge – Headset will charge when connected to select gaming devices via USB-A to USB-C

  • Built-In Tile™ Finding Technology – If the headset is misplaced, simply ‘ring’ it from the Tile app

  • Skull-HQ Software – Available for both PC and Mobile App

  • Ultra-Low Latency Wireless Transmitter (sold separately) – Available early 2023, the wireless transmitter will enable low latency wireless connection to PlayStation console and PC.

BUY

Video Review

Games you’ll Love to Play This Festive Season!

The holiday season is a time for relaxation, fun, feast and spending time with loved ones. One way to do this is by playing mobile games. Mobile games are a great way to pass the time and have some fun, and there are so many different types to choose from that there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 mobile games to play this festive season:

Candy Crush: Candy Crush is a classic puzzle game that's perfect for the holiday season. In this game, you match candies to progress through levels and earn points. With over 2,000 levels and new ones added regularly, there's plenty of gameplay to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Pokémon Go: Pokémon Go is a popular augmented reality game that lets you catch virtual Pokémon in the real world. As you explore your surroundings, you’ll encounter different types of Pokémon and can catch them using Poké Balls. The game also has special events throughout the year, including holiday-themed events, so there’s always something new to do.

Mario Kart Tour: Mario Kart Tour is a mobile version of the popular Mario Kart franchise. In this game, you race against other players or computer-controlled characters in a variety of tracks inspired by the Mario franchise. The game also has special events and challenges, as well as different characters and karts to unlock.

Clash of Clans: Clash of Clans is a strategy game where you build a base, train troops, and attack other players bases. You can also join or create a clan and participate in clan wars. The game has a variety of troops, spells, and defenses to unlock and upgrade, providing plenty of depth and replayability.

Fortnite: Fortnite is a popular battle royale game where 100 players drop onto an island and fight to be the last one standing. The game also has a creative mode where you can build structures and create your own worlds. With regular updates and events, there’s always something new to do in Fortnite.

PUBG Mobile: PUBG Mobile is another popular battle royale game where players drop onto an island and fight to be the last one standing. The game has a variety of weapons and vehicles to use, as well as different modes to play in. PUBG Mobile also has regular updates and events to keep the gameplay fresh.

Minecraft: Minecraft is a sandbox game where you can build and explore worlds made of blocks. You can gather resources, craft items, and fight monsters in this endlessly replayable game. Minecraft also has a variety of different game modes,
including survival mode, creative mode, and multiplayer mode.

The Room: The Room is a puzzle game where you solve intricate mechanical puzzles to progress through the game. The game has beautiful graphics and a haunting atmosphere, making it a great game to play during the holiday season.

Monument Valley: Monument Valley is a puzzle game where you guide a character through Escher-like levels by manipulating the environment. The game has beautiful graphics and a calming soundtrack, making it a great game to play when you want to
relax.

Tetris: Tetris is a classic puzzle game where you rotate and place falling blocks to create lines and clear the board. With simple gameplay and endless replayability, Tetris is a great game to play during the holiday season.

Among Us: Among Us has exploded in popularity in recent months and for good reason. It’s a multiplayer game that tasks players with completing tasks on a spaceship while trying to figure out who the imposters are. The imposters are trying to sabotage the mission, and it’s up to the other players to figure out who they are and vote them off the ship. It’s a social, strategic game that’s great for parties or just playing with friends online.

Stardew Valley: Stardew Valley is a relaxing farming simulator that tasks you with turning an overgrown farm into a thriving agricultural business. You’ll need to plant and harvest crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townspeople to succeed. It’s a great game for players who want a more laid-back experience and enjoy building and managing their own little slice of heaven.

Animal Crossing: Animal Crossing New Horizons is another relaxing game that puts you in charge of your own island paradise. You’ll need to build and decorate your home, catch fish and bugs, and interact with your animal neighbors to make your
island the best it can be. It's a great game for players who enjoy customization and building their own world.

The Room series: The Room series is a series of puzzle games that task you with solving intricate, intricate puzzles to progress. Each game in the series offers a  unique, immersive experience and will keep you hooked until the very end. If you
enjoy brain-teasers and challenging puzzles, these games are a must-play.

These are just a few of the many mobile games that you can play this holiday season. Whether you prefer puzzle games, strategy games, or action games, there’s a mobile game out there for you. So take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and have some fun with these great mobile games. Loved this article? Check out
some amazing Christmas party ideas.

The Big Brand Takeover of Mobile Gaming

For several years now, mobile gaming has been leading the way in the global gaming industry. Since 2018, it has overtaken both console and PC gaming combined to become the world’s most popular way to play and access games. In 2021, for instance, mobile generated 52% of global gaming revenues, bringing in as much as $93.2 billion during the 12-month period.  

Little wonder, then, that the mobile gaming space has become increasingly attractive to major tech brands. While the nature of mobile lends itself perfectly to indie gaming – app developers can create, launch and sell their games with relatively low barriers to entry – it is, nevertheless, a sector that holds lucrative potential, especially for those brands that have the resources to go all-out in terms of innovation and development.  

Mobile is one of the most diverse sectors when it comes to game variety, with players able to do everything from play poker on mobile to compete in eSports events. Since the major mobile gaming rush at the start of this decade, we’ve seen big players in the tech industry step into the space one after another. In this article, we’ll share the lowdown on the big brand takeover of mobile gaming.  

Microsoft Has Activision in Its Sights

Microsoft is no stranger to a big tech takeover; after all, with a market worth of $1.82 trillion, it’s made some pretty savvy moves to both reach and stay at such dizzying heights. 

It first made its intentions to dominate digital gaming known in 2020 when it bought out Bethseda – the development company behind Skyrim and Fallout – to the tune of $7.5 billion. Now, Microsoft has Activision in its sights and is willing to pay $69 billion for its acquisition.  

This contentious deal could well be the biggest takeover of an entity in the history of gaming. Activision is, of course, responsible for mammoth games like Candy Crush, World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. And, while Microsoft claims the deal is necessary to boost its Xbox Game Pass offering, it has nevertheless attracted attention from the tech giant’s main competitor, Sony.  

Sony Goes Mobile 

Sony may be pushing ahead with a legal dispute against Microsoft, but that hasn’t stopped the company from making its own strides into claiming the mobile space. After nearly 30 years specialising in console gaming, the company is now expanding into mobile via the Sony PlayStation brand. 

In September 2022, PlayStation Studios announced that, following its purchase of Savage Game Studios, it would be diversifying its brand with the Studios Mobile Division. Rumoured to be running independently of the console division, the mobile arm will develop games based on existing PS IP, as well as brand-new experiences created for mobile devices. 

Interestingly, this Big Three incumbent is taking a different approach to mobile expansion to its main rival. Rather than splashing out on big-budget deals, instead, Sony is taking a low-key approach with a mixture of smaller acquisitions and strategic hires.  

More Netflix Games for Android Users 

Streaming specialist Netflix made headlines last November when it announced its debut lineup of mobile games exclusively for iOS and Android subscribers. Marking the brand’s first steps into the mobile gaming market, over the past 12 months it has expanded its portfolio with a number of free games, including those based on popular Netflix IP.  

Now, it has announced plans to unleash more games for 2023, bringing the total available on the platform to 48. This includes Vikings: Valhalla, expected during Q1 2023, Kentucky Route Zero, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.  

PlayStation 5 vs PlayStation 4: Why You Should Upgrade

The PlayStation 5 came out on November 12, 2020, in the US — and it is better than ever. With a new sleek design, more powerful hardware, and a range of new features, the PlayStation 5 is one of the most popular consoles on the market worldwide. In addition, the PS5 is the newest console on the market, and it is still hard to find in physical stores. However, you can find PS5 games at gamestop.ie. Hence, many people are currently wondering if they should upgrade from their PS4 to the PS5 or if they should keep their previous console for a while longer. The answer is not as simple as yes or no.

The PS4 is not yet outdated and many people are still enjoying playing on it, most games and interactive features are still available and the market keeps growing. Of course, a new model offers additional features and state-of-the-art technology. The decision of whether to upgrade to the PS5 or not depends on what kind of games you like to play and how much money you are willing to spend. 

If you are a fan of the PlayStation exclusive games, then you might want to consider upgrading to the PS5. However, if you are happy with the games you are playing on your PS4, then you don’t need to upgrade right away.

In this article, we consider prices, design, specs, and games to determine which PlayStation is best. Read on to find out whether to upgrade or not.

Design

When it comes to the design, the PS5 is significantly bigger and bulkier than its predecessor and has a much more industrial look to it. The latest edition of the PS4 is slim, and light. Some people love the new design, while others think it’s too big and actually quite ugly.

Another difference between the two consoles is the way they handle heat. The PS5 generates less heat since it has a much larger heat sink and cooling system than the PS4. Additionally, PS5 also has a built-in power supply, so you won’t need to buy a separate one.

The PS5 is also available in different colours such as Starlight Blue, and Nova Pink. However, the PS4 had two-tone colour themes and a traditional outlook.

Specs

PlayStation 5 has an RDNA 2 GPU that is twice as powerful as the PlayStation 4. In addition, the PS5 GPU has 10.28 TFLOPs of power, and 36 CUs at 2.23GHz. However, PS4 has AMD Radeon GPU with 4.2 teraflops.

In terms of memory, PS5 has 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a 256-bit interface compared to the PS4’s 8GB of DDR5 RAM. This will offer a significant performance boost, as GDDR6 is much faster than DDR3.

Furthermore, the PS5 has a custom-designed 825GB SSD. This is a significant upgrade over the PS4’s 1TB HDD, as SSDs are much faster than hard drives. The PS5 also has a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, compared to the PS4’s standard Blu-ray drive. This will allow you to watch 4K movies on your PS5.

The PS5 will offer significant improvements over the PS4 in terms of visuals and audio. As such, PS5 will support 4K resolution at up to 120fps, compared to the PS4’s 4K resolution at 60fps. The PS5 will also support 3D audio, while the PS4 does not.

Games

While the PS5 has some new games, it will also be backward compatible with many PS4 games. This means that gamers will be able to play their favorite PS4 games on the new console. Some of these games include Uncharted 4, God of War, Bloodborne, Ratchet, and Clank.

In addition, the PlayStation 5 has some new generation exclusives that the PlayStation 4 does not have. For example, the PS5 has Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, and Gran Turismo 7. The PS4, on the other hand, does not have any of those games. 

Verdict

After considering the pros and cons of both the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 4, it is evident that the PlayStation 5 is the better choice. The PlayStation 5 has better graphics, a faster processor, more storage, and backwards compatibility. Consequently, it is clear that the PlayStation 5 can offer gamers a more complete and intense experience.

If you’re a serious gamer, upgrading to the PlayStation 5 is a no-brainer. However, you will have to pay the price.