Tag: #gaming

What is the best software for an online gaming website?

The online gaming industry currently has an estimated 1 billion gamers playing around the world. People are increasingly turning to video games, online casinos, and digital entertainment to fill their spare time making online gaming extremely profitable.

Think Animal Crossing, Fortnite, and World of Warcraft. It’s a multibillion-dollar industry that has skyrocketed in recent years due primarily to new technological advances, acceptance on social media, and more time spent at home. Not to mention, streaming capabilities coupled with faster internet speeds, cheaper data packages, and high-quality screens make it all the easier for you to enjoy from the comforts of your own home. Have you ever wondered what it takes to build an online gaming site? There’s a lot more that goes into them than you’d think. 

Types of Online Games 

Not all software is made equal, in particular for online gaming websites. Depending on what kind of gaming website one has, the mechanics are different. A website dedicated to sports, for example, will look a lot different than a website needed for a first-person shooter game. The main types of online gaming are: 

  • Sports Games: For sports enthusiasts of all types. Generally, you can play any sport you think of. 
  • Online Casinos: Gambling in many forms. Online casinos operate much like real casinos with games like blackjack, poker, roulette, bingo, craps, and even online slot machines. 
  • First Person Shooter Games: FPS games’ main focus is combat with guns and weapons via a first-person perspective, i.e. from the eyes of the protagonist.
  • Massively Multiplayer Online Games: MMOs or exactly that — an online game consisting of hundreds or even thousands of players all playing at once. Everything is played at a large scale, often with people playing from around the world. 
  • Arcade Games: Your standard arcade favorites online. These games typically involve skill. 
  • Educational Games: Usually for kids, but great for people of all ages who want to learn something new or improve their knowledge and skill. 
  • Cross-platform Games: Play on a variety of platforms via online servers allowing two players to play together despite having two different platforms. 

Types of Online Gaming Software 

In order to get started in the online gaming sphere, the right gear is important. There is a large difference between what it takes to host a website and what it takes to make an actual game. For example, to create a massively multiplayer online, first-person shooter, sports, and cross-platform game you would need a team of programmers, designers, sound designers, artists, quality assurance, business and project managers. These types of games require a lot of planning and attention to detail. It also depends on the type of game and budget. Software development teams often require a large budget. Game development is an entire industry in itself. 

For online casinos, educational, and arcade games, there are easy code scripts you can use or so-called “out-of-the-box” setups that have everything you need to start your site. 

Online Casinos 

The top software for creating your own online gambling site includes: 

Real-Time Gaming: Real Time Gaming started in 1998 and has multi-channel delivery including mobile, kiosks, download, and instant play. They also offer powerful search and marketing tools. What’s more, they’ve developed an algorithm to make it appear like a real casino with a high degree of randomness and chance at play. 

Playtech: This is one of the biggest names in the game with even casinos like the best casino in Ireland using software like this. They offer a high-tech, seamless, omnichannel gaming experience. As a pioneer in the field, they develop around 50 games a year including such classics as Spamalot, Highway Kings, and Chain Reactors. 

Softswiss: Providing a one-stop solution for gaming websites, Softswiss offers a range of products to suit online gaming needs. These range from game aggregators to a sportsbook platform, an affiliate marketing management platform, and even crypto casino software.

 

Microgaming: With 800+ games and branded games like Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones, Microgaming is a good place to start. It is also one of the older players started in 1994 with a very diverse portfolio. They offer super easy onboarding and seamless integration. Isoft bet 

NEtent: Providing a plethora of gaming options since 1996, NEtent has a vast knowledge of the industry and can help you find the best setup for you. Their setups are secure, offer fair gambling and even bonuses. 

Arcades 

Free Arcade Script: This site offers free scripts to create your own online arcade as well as a forum to get help and advice from. It’s relatively straightforward and easy to use with a full administrative panel, user accounts, links, categories, etc. 

AV Arcade: While not free AV Arcade costs $39.99 for a single license. Five licenses cost $64.99. It comes with plenty of social media help, an AJAX-powered admin system, and a built-in rating system. Choose from four fun designs templates. 

MyArcade Plugin: MyArcade Plugin integrates with WordPress, making it super easy to use. It costs only $20 and comes with over 70,000 arcade game options. These games are from 12 distributors. Because it uses WordPress it is very customizable with hundreds of plugins to make your site unique. 

Arcade Booster: This is another free script that’s mobile-friendly and supports iOS, Android, Flash, and Unity 3D. There are plenty of designer mobile-responsive themes and templates, a powerful admin panel and caching and CDN system, as well as a multi-tier trading traffic system. 

Launching an online gaming site has never been easier. It’s a nice way to supplement your income and learn more about the gaming industry. There are plenty of choices too. If on the other hand, the only thing you are interested in is to dive into the games, there are options in the best online casinos in Ireland where you can find a great number of online games.

September Sizzlers: New Game Releases 2021

Even though the year is halfway through, there are plenty of new 2021 games to look forward to between September and December. The start of 2021 was a little quiet at first, but that provided us with the opportunity to notice a few unexpected hits like Valheim and Loop Hero and to get in a few live dealer games on the Blackjack table. 

Now that the summer is almost over and the E3 announcements are no longer fresh in our minds, we’re starting to look ahead to some of the most anticipated releases of 2021. Some of this year’s most anticipated games have been pushed back from earlier in the year to this autumn and holiday season, which isn’t as sad now that we’re getting closer to that time.

 

There are many re-titles among these new releases, including two from Sega to commemorate the Sonic and Super Monkey Ball anniversaries, and Rockstar Games is keen to sell Grand Theft Auto 5 to everyone again. Even though Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles were released about a year ago, this roster is notable for its absence of current-gen exclusives. But that doesn’t mean the lineup isn’t as action-packed as an Expendables film! So, let’s get cracking with previewing some of the latest upcoming releases.

Valheim Hearth and Home Update

The release date for Valheim Hearth and Home has been confirmed. On September 16, the first significant update for the Viking-themed survival game was released. Those of you eager to learn more have come to the right place; we’ve gone through all of the teasers, videos, and developer updates from the past few months. To give you an idea, the Valheim Hearth and Home update will offer us a tonne of gold, a cute little oven, and an onion garden, to name just a few things. Also, a raven or a horse may or may not be present (those bits are still unclear).

Eastward

Eastward transports you back to the days of VHS anime in the 1980s, when you could immerse yourself in a secretive and unique medium that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Players take on the roles of John and Sam and must travel Eastward (whoa, that’s the title!) through a bizarre and surreal realm. Unfortunately, while the characters and narrative have a lot of heart and carry the story to its conclusion; the combat, puzzles and boss encounters fall short.

A fantastic tune serves as an excellent backdrop to the pixel-perfect visuals, creating a whimsical and captivating ambience for this quirky RPG that openly pays homage to titles such as Earthbound. In addition, there’s an entire game called Earth Born inside Eastward, complete with its own (in-game cash) gacha system, that’s a lot of fun to play when you need a break from the main tale.

Diablo 2: Resurrected

It’s official: Diablo 2 will be remastered in the form of Diablo 2: Resurrected after 20 years. And we finally have a release date for Diablo 2: Resurrected, September 23, 2021.

 

Blizzard hopes to maintain the essence of the original Diablo 2, but with enhanced graphics, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, and other crucial quality-of-life enhancements. You’ll be able to choose between the upgraded graphics and the original sprite-based textures, just like in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. We enjoyed the game throughout its technical alpha and latest beta, and we’re looking forward to seeing it in its final form in a few days.

Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality

With the release of two new video games, including a first-person experience featuring both the Tenth and Thirteenth Doctors, the worlds of Doctor Who are about to expand. Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality, which is coming to consoles and PCs, reimagines and builds upon last year’s VR experience, Doctor Who: The Edge of Time. It will feature the voices of Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant.

The game from digital entertainment studio Maze Theory – produced in partnership with BBC Studios – will see the player team up with the Doctor(s) to uncover a universe-spanning threat and work to save reality from a series of time-breaking glitches, continuing the story that began in The Edge of Time. Along with new monsters, fans may expect to see old villains such as the Daleks, Weeping Angels, and Cybermen make cameo appearances.

The Amazing American Circus

Roll up! Roll up! As you strive to establish yourself amid industry heavyweights Ringling Bros., P.T. Barnum, and Buffalo Bill, take command of your own run-down circus and navigate a distinctively American type of entertainment filled with weird folklore, vicious crime, and social inequity. To become the tycoon of an entertainment empire the likes of which the world has never seen, build your troupe, manage your circus camp, travel Gilded Age America, and surprise your audience!

The Most Important Hardware for a New Gaming Laptop

Buying a gaming laptop is an exciting time in a gamer’s life, and choosing the right laptop is not a decision that you should take lightly. We all know that a proper gaming laptop is not going to be cheap. In fact, if you’re hoping to spend less than $800, you’re probably in for a nasty surprise unless you find discounted laptops and notebooks for sale. The best gaming laptops are all well over the $1000 mark. It is possible to find a decent one priced at around $1000, but you’re going to have to do your research.
Remember, this is not the same type of laptop that you would normally use to play casino games with the best Canadian online casino bonuses, nor is it the same type of laptop that you would use to get your social media fix, or to prepare PowerPoint presentations. This is a machine that is going to need some serious chops to be able to render the full effect of all the incredible games that you no doubt desire to play.

The Graphics Card

The first thing that you need to look at when you’re comparing gaming laptops is the GPU. The GPU is the graphics card, and as far as hardware is concerned, it is arguably the most important. With a high-quality GPU, you will be able to enjoy your games in all their graphic glory. Your games will perform better, which means your overall enjoyment of the gaming experience will be better than it would with a low-quality GPU. You might be able to get away with spending less than $1000 on the laptop itself, but only if you choose one with a decent GPU like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060. Keep in mind that unlike storage and memory, the GPU cannot be upgraded at a later date, so you need to get it right first time.

The Processor

Another element that you will not be bale to change is the processor. We recommend looking for a laptop with eighth- or ninth-generation Intel Core i7. In addition, look out for the K line of processors. The i7 processors actually differ from one another, and for gaming you’ll get more power from the K line. The GPU and processor will be why your laptop is not cheap, but you can cut costs in other areas, such as the touchpad, keyboard, and multicoloured keyboard backlights. You’ll be using a game controller or a mouse most of the time, and multicoloured keys are only useful if you’re playing in the dark.

The RAM

For optimum gaming, you’ll need at least 8GB of memory. But in reality, you’ll want 16GB. Your GPU and CPU will need as much RAM as you can give them. Basically, the RAM itself does not affect your laptop’s performance per se, but it does affect your GPU because the higher the RAM, the more detail your GPU will be able to render. This means you’ll get better quality graphics during gameplay. RAM also has an impact on the CPU because is controls how much of the game can be stored in order to process it more quickly.
So, there you have it: GPU, CPU, and RAM. The three element that you need to have sorted if you to enjoy your new gaming laptop to the full. Even if money is no object, you’re still going to need to pay close attention to these elements. You could easily spend over $4000 and still end up buying a laptop that doesn’t have good specs, so pay attention and don’t let a savvy sales dude talk you into buying a dud.

Frenetic Firefighting Multiplayer ‘Embr’ Launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch Today

Ever wanted to burst into your neighbour’s home, douse it in jets of water, throwing said resident out of the nearest opening in the process, all in the name of heroism?

More than a year since it first made its Early Access debut, Curve Digital and Muse Games are happy to announce the frenetic firefighting multiplayer game Embr launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch today.

For those taking their first steps into the world of for hire heroism, Embr is a marvellously manic multiplayer game where you and your friends come together to have a go at fighting ferocious fires and rescuing residents – if you consider tossing them out a third-floor window window “rescued”, that is.

Players can take on the game solo or work together in online teams tackling fire after fire to pick up tips from clients, earning the ever-so-crucial 5-star rating in order to collect cash, upgrade tools, and hopefully become the ultimate ‘have-a-go hero’ firefighter.

On top of that, players can also deliver takeout food on the fly with ‘Embr Eats’ and drop off explosive parcels as a ‘Box Box’ delivery expert, all before becoming a DIY safety engineer as a Gaslight Inc employee. In short, it’s the ultimate amateur adventurer experience.

Compared to the Early Access build, Embr’s full release also includes:

  • 2 brand new expansive districts to explore housing 12 new hand-crafted levels.
  • 13 new tools and upgrades to customise your firefighting experience.
  • 5 brand new game modes to earn extra money your way.
  • Daily and weekly missions for extensive replayability.
  • Cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Stadia.
  • Extra difficulty settings and level mutators to keep things rolling.
  • Tons of additional wearables, vehicle cosmetics, UI overhaul, achievements, and more.

“Here at Embr, we’ve revolutionized firefighting,” says Matthew Niederberger, Director of Embr at Muse Games. “Now you and your friends can step in, save lives, and earn yourself a little money on the side. Be sure to rescue all of your clients, their valuables, and crack their safe open, in order to earn that five-star rating, and keep your career going! We believe anyone can start a new career running into house fires today!” 

Embr is designed for PS4 and Xbox One, but will run perfectly on PS5 and Series X|S. The game launches today on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch for £17.99/€19.99/$19.99, and features crossplay compatibility between the PC, Playstation, and Xbox versions. Embr will also see a physical release on PlayStation and Switch tomorrow.

Rover Mechanic Simulator out now on Xbox and is coming to other consoles soon

Developed by a Polish studio, Pyramid Games S.A., and previously released on PC in November 2020, Rover Mechanic Simulator has been warmly received by gamers. The title created by the makers of Castle Flipper and upcoming Occupy Mars has garnered a 90% approval rate from Steam reviews.

The Xbox One port is handled by Ultimate Games S.A, and this version of Rover Mechanic Simulator is also backwards compatible with Xbox Series X|S.

In Rover Mechanic Simulator you will get a taste of what it is like to live on the first Martian colony and work there as a mechanic responsible for repairs and maintenance of Mars rovers. The game at its core is about fulfilling various tasks: after familiarizing yourself with a particular mechanical problem, it is expected of you to conduct an analysis, find a solution and then perform an entire repair procedure. Once in a while you’ll get to tinker with a 3D printer that will create for you a specific part that your current mission demands. What’s more, the gameplay itself is interspersed with hidden retro mini-games.

The game features several well-known rover types that space enthusiasts will surely recognize (among them: Sojourner, Curiosity, Opportunity and Spirit) as well as a robotic helicopter, Ingenuity. Each of the models has been faithfully recreated thanks to actual NASA technical documents. Such level of meticulousness led to rendering a grand total of 437 separate parts for the Curiosity rover alone.

“Our game combines a relaxing gameplay along with educational elements. Individual vehicle models showcase a huge level of realism in the game. Our artists have spent several months studying actual NASA equipment to recreate it as faithfully as possible. Of course, we had to take some liberties in order to make the gameplay fun. A good case in point is that real-life rovers are designed for one-way trips only, yet in our game it is possible to fix them and bring them back to full operational capacity, so for example we replaced bolts with screws in order to make it possible.” – said the CEO of Pyramid Games S.A., Jacek Wyszyński.

Players will have a plethora of tools at their disposal, such as a 3D printer, recycling machine, overhead crane, soldering iron and many more. Your progress in Rover Mechanic Simulator is reflected in a character development system that lets you earn and spend skill points once you reach certain experience levels. According to the developers, the simulator offers at least a dozen hours of relaxing gameplay.

Rover Mechanic Simulator – key features:

  • Take up a career of a Martian mechanic
  • Enjoy leisurely and educational gameplay 
  • Get a chance to work on a selection of faithfully recreated real-life NASA rovers and vehicles
  • Shape up your character with a rank system allowing you to improve your skills
  • Fulfill a wide array of varied and engaging tasks

Rover Mechanic Simulator is set to debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on September 22, 2021. PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch ports are slated for release at later dates.

Popular Online Games besides E-sports

If your parents ever slandered you for playing online games, they didn’t know better. Playing games online can be not only fun but also educational. And, if there’s one thing we all can agree on in quarantine, it’s that online games are fun again. 

The upsurge in popular online e-sports games during the pandemic was huge. The worldwide audience for e-sports games is forecasted to be at 250 million. However, even though the growth of e-sports games has been phenomenal, we understand that it is not everyone’s cup of tea. 

Online games can mean different things to different people, and it doesn’t necessarily need to mean e-sports. We have trawled the internet to compile a list of the most popular online games in 2021. Check them out! 

 

10 Alternatives to popular online E-sports games

 

  1. Psych!

We have all played Psych! at some point in our lives. This is the game that high school house parties would be incomplete without. The aim of Psych! is to mislead your friends into choosing a fake answer for a real trivia question. But, if they can guess the correct answer, a point is scored. On the other hand, you score the point if you can convince your friend to pick the wrong answer. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

 

  1. Blackjack

Gambling can be fun once in a while. According to the best betting sites in Ireland, Blackjack is one of the most popular online games in 2021. For those who are not aware, Blackjack is one of the most popular card games played in casinos worldwide. 

The game is not only relatively easy to play, but it also has incredible odds in gambling. Blackjack is played with cards with one, two, four, six, or eight decks in a traditional card game. A digital favourite, if you are good at card counting, this one’s for you!

 

  1. Scrabble Go

Who said only popular e-sports online games could be fun? Scrabble Go is for wordplay lovers. And, as far as online games go, Scrabble Go is the closest virtual version of the classic. The rules are simple. You know it because you’ve played it before. If you are looking for a game that will be fun to play but is educational at the same time, you should give Scrabble Go a shot! 

 

  1. Drawful 2

At first glance, Drawful 2 may seem a lot like Pictionary, but it’s the ridiculous version of Pictionary at best. In Drawful 2, your friends have to guess your best and worst sketches. You can either play the game online or download it on your phone, and three to eight players are allowed in one game. 

 

  1. This Is Your World 

If you are a trivia geek who loves geography-based online games, we have found the perfect fit for you! This Is Your World re-surfaced during the pandemic and lockdown in 2020, and fans haven’t been able to stop playing it since then. One of the most popular online games in 2021, in this game, you have to travel across the globe to collect trivia cards. 

You have to collect cards from locations spread across the world and compare them against trivia questions such as “Which has the highest population?” or “Who has the bigger economy?”. You can either play this game alone or with friends. 

 

 

  1. Spyfall

Let’s be honest. All of us have had spy fantasies. Spyfall is a game that brings your spy fantasies to life, much like the virtual version of Cluedo. Every player is given a location, and the spy is randomly selected. Players are then required to ask each other questions to guess who is in on the secret before the spy can catch on. This game is available on both mobile and desktop versions and is a fun game to be played with friends 

 

  1. Keno

If you are in the mood to play online casino games, give Keno a try! Keno is a game of pure chance, and it has very little possibility of influencing the outcome. All you have to do is sit back, enjoy the show, and hope that luck is in your favour that day. However, you can come up with a basic strategy to minimize your losses. 

For example, start by betting as minimum as possible. If you win a game, you can increase your bet. But, if you lose, it’s better to decrease it. This way, you will be able to enjoy the game without gambling too much money away. 

 

  1. Among Us

Among Us was a crowd favourite in the early months of the pandemic, and whoever hasn’t played it yet, is a misfit. If you still haven’t tried it out, this is your chance to hop on the bandwagon finally. In a classic game of Whodunnit, you are randomly picked to play either as the murderous imposter or the innocent crew member. 

 

Your main goal in each game is to stay alive or kill the rest of your crewmates. Among Us is a super fun game that makes you question your closest friends’ intentions! 

 

  1. Colonist

An online board game, Colonist, is lauded for its competitive strategy. Colonist is the purest Catan implementation online. You and your friends will have to take the role of settlers, and each of you has to work towards trading, acquiring resources, and building your settlements. As your colonies grow, you score points. The first to reach Victory Points wins! If you are a fan of traditional board games, and especially Catan, you will love Colonist.

 

  1. Craps

Last but not least, we have one of the most popular online games in 2021, Craps! A casino-themed game, Craps is like a typical money Keno game. It is a lottery on demand. You need to pick a number, wait for the casino to draw the set of numbers, and then get paid based on whether you could guess correctly. Craps is a no-brainer entertaining game. However, be careful and don’t bet all your money away! 

 

There are several popular online E-sports games but if you aren’t into these millennial games, then we suggest you try these alternatives. They will back a sense of nostalgia and the hours will fly away in no time! Happy Gaming!

Intel Core i7 vs AMD Ryzen 7

In case you are in the market to buy a new laptop or desktop for your everyday computing needs, you would want to get something highly powerful. Whether you are using your PC for office work, gaming, entertainment, education, content creation, or anything else, having a powerful PC is always great.

And even though there are a lot of components and factors that affect the performance of a given gaming PC, the processor surely plays a highly important role. When you are talking about powerful CPU models for desktops and laptops, then the Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 prove to be great options. Thus, we are here with a detailed comparison between Intel Core i7 vs AMD Ryzen 7 including their differences on desktop and laptop platforms as mentioned here:

Intel Core i7 vs AMD Ryzen 7 for Desktops

Starting with desktops, it is the preferred platform when you are talking about high performance computing. As for the CPU options, both Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 are meant to go inside high end desktops with similar high end components. Talking about their supported motherboards, the latest CPU models of AMD Ryzen 7 are meant for AM4 motherboards.

On the other hand, the Intel Core i7 lineup of processors is designed for the LGA 1200. While both of them are meant to be replaced in the next generation of CPUs, AM4 offers slightly better compatibility in terms of using older and cheaper motherboards with the same socket.

CPU Models

Now that you know more about the Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 processors in general, let’s take a deeper look at their specific models. As you would expect, both Intel and AMD offer multiple CPU models within a given lineup. And for the sake of an easy comparison, we will be taking a look at the high end models of the Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7.

Starting with Intel Core i7, its Core i7 11700KF has a total of 8 cores and 16 threads along with 16M cache. These are rated to run at a 3.6 GHz base clock speed and up to 5.0 GHz boost clock speed. As for the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, it comes with 8 cores and 16 threads paired with 32M cache. And thanks to its 3.8 GHz base clock speed and up to 4.7 GHz boost clock speed, you can expect excellent performance from it.

CPU Benchmarks

While the specifications of any given CPU can be a great way to compare its performance, you need to know more to get an idea of its real world performance. One great way to check this is to simply check the benchmarks of the CPU model that you are using in your computer.

Taking a look at Cinebench R23, the Intel Core i7 11700KF has a single core score of 1569 which is slightly lower than the 1594 single core score of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X. Similarly, the multi core score for the Intel Core i7 11700KF is rated at 15011 which comes right under the 15245 multi core score of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.

Intel Core i7 vs AMD Ryzen 7 for Laptops

Even though the laptop market used to be dominated by Intel in the past, these days you can also find a wide range of high end options from AMD as well. In other words, even if you are buying high performance laptops, you can still find both Intel Core i7 as well as AMD Ryzen 7 models in those.

Talking about the laptops that feature these powerful processors, you can find gaming laptops under $1000 and also business laptops out there with these CPU options. Although, to make these CPUs work in thin and light chassis, their power configuration is much lower to keep cooling manageable. As for the available options, Intel takes a lead here because you can find many more laptop models to choose from if you are going with Intel.

CPU Models

As mentioned earlier, you can find both low power U series processors as well as high end H series ones while buying high performance laptops. And because there are multiple processor models within the U series and H series lineups from both Intel and AMD, the total number of CPU models is quite high that you can choose from while buying laptops. To help you in understanding their differences easily, we will be taking a look at the high end models of the Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 which are available in laptops.

Beginning with Intel, the Intel Core i7 11850H features 8 cores and 16 threads alongside 24M cache. As for its clock speeds, it features 2.5 GHz base clock speeds and up to 4.8 GHz boost clock speeds. Coming to AMD, its AMD Ryzen 7 5800H has a total of 8 cores and 16 threads paired with 16M cache. Talking about its clock speeds, you get 3.2 GHz base clock speeds and up to 4.4 GHz boost clock speeds.

CPU Benchmarks

Just like desktop processor models offered by Intel and AMD, you cannot get an idea of their real life performance by taking a look at their specifications. Thus, we are here with all the detailed CPU benchmarks in the form of Cinebench R23 scores for both the Intel Core i7 11850H and the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H. Taking a look at the single core scores in Cinebench R23 for these CPUs, the AMD Ryzen 5800H falls behind at 1445 which is much lower than Intel Core i7 11850H’s 1517 single core score.

Although, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H still takes a lead in multi core score which is given at 12969 that happens to be slightly higher than the 12345 score of the Core i7 11850H. While the Intel Core i7 does offer better single core performance, it has much higher power consumption. As a result, the AMD Ryzen 7 still makes for a better overall option thanks to its excellent power efficiency resulting in better battery life.

Conclusion

After checking out all these various details regarding the Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 CPUs, you must be ready to pick the right one for you. Starting with desktops, both the AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 offer excellent CPU performance.

Although, for content creation and multithreaded applications, the AMD Ryzen 7 proves to be a better option. As for laptops, the AMD Ryzen 7 is the much better option as not only do you get similar performance but you get much better efficiency which is important for cooling in a laptop as well as its battery life.

Creative Launches Sound Blaster Katana V2

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster Katana V2, the successor to the original Sound BlasterX Katana which had been regarded by many as the definitive gaming soundbar. Completely redesigned with an all-new sleek form factor, it delivers 68% more power than before, features improved audio dynamics and transforms the headphone experience with Super X-Fi Headphone Holography – this new Katana is a menacing weapon for desktop and console gamers alike.

Gaming Sounds Exciting Again

The Sound Blaster Katana V2 personifies the culmination of Creative’s best audio technologies as it brings games and movies to life through its 5.1 channel playback. Delivering the sound signature of a high-end Sound Blaster, built with more than 30 years of audio processing expertise, it retains the acclaimed tri-amplified design of its predecessor, where each of its 5 drivers is powered individually by Creative’s proprietary multi-core DSP controller. The audio quality is enhanced further through improved fabric dome tweeters for cleaner and more refined highs, and a larger, more imposing subwoofer for deeper yet impactful bass performance.

For users who prefer to shut out the world or battle away late into the night without disturbing others, Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, a multiple award-winning technology which recreates the soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker system in headphones, is the compelling solution. Built into the Sound Blaster Katana V2 with the integrated Super X-Fi UltraDSP chip, users will experience holographic audio that is personalized according to how they hear sound, and enjoy an unprecedented level of realism as they fully immerse themselves in a movie, or dive right into the gaming battlefield.

Enemy-spotting gets easier than ever before – with SXFI BATTLE Mode, a sound mode which is specially designed to give FPS gamers an unprecedented edge in enhanced audio cues, both for directionality and distance. There is also Scout Mode, a familiar Sound Blaster feature which focuses on sound detection so that opponents are heard before they are seen moving on screen.

With an integrated Dolby Audio decoder, users get to enjoy the cinematic experience not just while gaming, but also while movie-binging on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime.

All-in-One Audio Hub

The Sound Blaster Katana V2 can be customized to sound and look just the way users like it. When connected to the Creative app (both desktop and mobile), users can choose from various EQ settings and tune the audio with the Acoustic Engine suite. Furthermore, the redesigned RGB lighting strip features various illumination mode selections across 16.8 million colors, which intuitively reactive to the playback content.  These settings can be saved as customized profiles on either the app or the programmable buttons on the remote control.

It is comprehensively decked out with a multitude of connectivity options, with HDMI ARC and optical ports, wireless Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port for USB audio support, 3.5mm AUX-in and SXFI-out for certified Super X-Fi products. It is compatible with desktops and consoles alike, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

All in all, the Sound Blaster Katana V2 provides a complete entertainment experience which transcends beyond what is expected of a gaming soundbar.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Katana V2 is priced at £299, US$329.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/KatanaV2.

IKEA steps into the gaming world and partners with ROG and ASUS launches October 1st #IKEA #Gaming

The new gaming range developed by IKEA in collaboration with Republic of Gamers (ROG) will launch in IKEA Ireland from 1st October, 2021. The stylish new furniture range puts gaming first and has been designed with gamers’ performance front of mind.

IKEA has a long history of developing smart home furnishing solutions and exploring how to improve life at home for the many people. With a rapidly growing gaming market and an ever-increasing number of gamers, IKEA set out to explore how to produce more ergonomic and functional solutions for a better, faster, and more successful gaming experience.

For the first in the series of IKEA’s new gaming range, IKEA partnered with ROG, an ASUS sub-brand, dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software.

As one of the leading brands in the gaming industry, ROG design high quality, innovative hardware, and gear for gamers. By teaming up together, IKEA combine their home furnishing expertise with ROG’s deep understanding of gamer’s needs and knowledge of creating an exceptional gaming experience.

The complete range will target PC gamers and include six product families: UPPSPEL, LÅNESPELARE, MATCHSPEL, GRUPPSPEL, UTESPELARE and HUVUDSPELARE. The first, UPPSPEL, is designed in close collaboration with ROG, with the rest of series solely designed by IKEA. The UPPSPEL range includes a gaming desk, storage unit, pegboard & accessories, display cabinet and CPU stand with castors, priced between from €5 to €379

The subsequent product families were created using the insights and knowledge gained from the ROG partnership, ensuring the whole breadth of IKEA’s new gaming offering met the needs of the gamer; in particular, with regards to high performance, design, and price.

In total, the new gaming range includes more than 30 products, covering both furniture (gaming desks, chairs, and a drawer unit) and accessories (a mug holder, a mouse bungee, a neck pillow, headset/accessory stands, mouse/floor pads, a ring light and many more.) The new range offers gaming desks and chairs of varying price ranges to meet different target groups’ needs.

“We know a lot about gamer needs, pain points and expectations, and we want to design solutions for ultimate, immersive gaming experiences”, says designer at Republic of Gamers, Johnny Chan.

Driven by relentless innovation, the new range offers gamers a high-performing solution to home gaming setups, with performance and functionality at the heart of the design. The collaboration aims to provide relevant, functional, stylish, and affordable products allowing everyone to create their desired gaming setups within the home.

“Gamers globally know and love the ROG brand, and they trust it to deliver the most exciting gaming innovations in the market”, says Kris Huang, General Manager of the ASUS Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit. “Our new partnership with the experts at IKEA will allow ROG to find new and interesting ways to delight gamers in and around the home”.

“We believe there’s a lot to be done to democratise the gaming experience”, says Global Business Leader of Workspaces, IKEA of Sweden, Ewa Rychert. “We’ve taken the first step on our gaming journey, and have done it by offering consumers affordable, high-performing gaming products and complete home solutions that we hope reflect people’s personality and taste”.