A game industry legend, Rebecca Heineman, has passed away due to cancer on November 17, 2025. She was 62 years old. Friends of Heineman have mourned her across social media.

Heineman had a prolific career in the game industry that included both game design and high-level competitive play. She won multiple Atari 2600 Space Invaders tournament, including the Atari VCS Space Invaders National Championship held in New York. She became the first national video game tournament champion in the United States.

"I had two strategies. One was "slow and steady", which won the L.A. tournament, and the other was "kill everything on the screen ASAP," which won me the NYC finals," she said in a 2006 interview. "In the finals, I took an hour and 45 minutes to get the highest score. I lost one or two bases because my strategy was riskier, but faster. It paid off and I won."

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Season 1's new California Resistance update is live in Battlefield 6. This update introduces the new Eastwood multiplayer map, two guns, a new attachment, and an event pass with more rewards to unlock. In this guide, we'll show you how to complete the California Resistance challenges and unlock all the new loadout gear for Battlefield 6.

The California Resistance update adds the DB-12 shotgun and the M357 Trait sidearm as two new weapons in the game, and the Slim Handstop is the season's latest attachment. All three items can be unlocked for free, and here's how you can earn each of them.

How to unlock the DB-12DB-12 shotgun

The DB-12 is described as a dual-barrel pump-action shotgun that feeds from two different tubes. One trigger pull fires a shell (or slug) from one barrel, while a second trigger pull fires the other, then the pump action rechambers both barrels.

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For the last two decades, Yoko Taro has found success with the Drakengard and Nier franchise(s), but he hasn't had a new game since the Voice of Cards trilogy several years ago. However, the creator of the NieR games insists that he's remained busy in that time, but his games keep getting canceled.

According to a report on 4Gamer (via Automaton), Yoko addressed the issue while appearing on a panel at the G-CON 2025 video game convention in Korea. He told the audience that his most recent projects fell apart during development.

"I often get told stuff like, 'Why aren’t you making a new sequel to Nier' or 'Yoko Taro isn't doing anything,' but that's because recently, a lot of projects I was involved in got discontinued midway through development," said Yoko. "I've actually been working on some stuff, it's just that it never ended up seeing the light of day. I got paid for it, so I personally have no issues with that, but people seem to think that I haven't been doing anything just because none of the work I've done is being released."

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EA Sports has announced that its F1 racing series is undergoing a "strategic reset" and will skip a new release in 2026 before returning in 2027 for a "new and more expansive F1 experience."

In lieu of a brand-new release for F1 in 2026, EA Sports and developer Codemasters are releasing a paid expansion for F1 25 that includes new cars, teams, drivers, and more.

The decision to forgo a brand-new release in 2026 is part of a "strategic reset" for EA's F1 franchise, the company said. For the new game coming in 2027, EA said its aim is to release a product that "looks, feels, and plays differently, delivering more gameplay choices."

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Developer Embark Studios is currently riding high on the success of Arc Raiders, and the studio has now announced that its last game, 2023's The Finals, is shutting down on one specific platform.

The Finals will close on PS4 when Season 10 starts on March 18, 2026. This is being done so Embark can focus on current-generation hardware, the studio said, and anyone who wants to keep playing on PS4 will have to migrate to a different, newer console platform, or PC.

All progress and purchases are connected to Embark ID accounts and will thus transfer to whatever platform people may migrate to. "We're incredibly grateful to everyone who's been part of the PS4 community. See you in the Arena!" the developer said.

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Guild Wars is being reborn as Guild Wars Reforged, a quasi-remaster of the 2005 MMORPG that will consolidate the game's original three campaigns into one $20 package.

Come December 3, trying to buy Guild Wars on Steam will become a little easier with the arrival of Reforged. Currently, players have to decide between the $20 Guild Wars: Game of the Year Edition, the $30 Guild Wars Trilogy, or buying each individual campaign for $20. Earlier this year, Guild Wars celebrated its 20th anniversary with a $40 "Masterpiece Collection" bundle that brought together all of the original Guild Wars content under one roof.

Now, ArenaNet is doing something similar once again. Reforged will include the original game's Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall campaigns (but doesn't seem to include the Eye of the North expansion) for one price. It will additionally come with some new bells and whistles to improve the experience.

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The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings, Illustrated by Alan Lee Box Set

$93 (was $150) | Limited-time deal

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The new hardcover box set collecting the best editions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is featured in this week's early Black Friday sale at Amazon. Published by William Morrow on October 14, The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Illustrated by Alan Lee Box Set is discounted to only $92.93 (was $150). The 38% discount is "selling fast," according to the store page, so it might not be in stock by the time Amazon's Black Friday 2025 sale officially begins November 20.

Though not nearly as fancy as last year's The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set, it's nice to have matching editions of LOTR and The Hobbit. This is especially true when talking about the iconic editions illustrated by the conceptual designer of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. The new four-volume collection includes redesigned versions of The Lord of the Rings Centenary Edition--published in 1992 to mark 100 year since Tolkien's birth--and The Hobbit 60th Anniversary Edition (1997).

The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings, Illustrated by Alan Lee Box Set $93 (was $150) | Limited-time deal

The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Illustrated clocks in at just over 1,600 pages across the four hardcover books. Memorable scenes from each story are accompanied by stunning full-page watercolor portraits. There are 50 illustrations in the Centenary Edition of The Lord of the Rings. Meanwhile, The Hobbit features 27 full-page illustrations as well as smaller watercolor plates at the start of each chapter. All four books have detailed maps of Middle-earth as endpapers.

The dust jackets and matching slipcase feature Lee's beautiful watercolor illustrations. The vibrant, wrap-around aesthetic is similar to The History of Middle-earth Box Sets published last year, and this year's Tolkien Myths and Legends and The Great Tales of Middle-earth.

Like numerous editions of Tolkien's work, this box set was originally published by HarperCollins UK in 2020. For the last five years, US readers had to purchase the 2020 edition from a reseller or import directly from a UK bookshop. William Morrow's 2025 edition matches the UK version.

William Morrow still prints standalone hardcover editions of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Lee's paintings, but you'd wind up spending about $20 more compared to the box set deal. Plus, you'd miss out on the slipcase and stunning new cover and case art.

The Lord of the Ring, Illustrated by Alan Lee (2002 Editions)

• The Hobbit -- $20.88 ($35)
• The Fellowship of the Ring -- $22 ($40)
• The Two Towers -- $40
• The Return of the King -- $27.30 ($45)

See at Amazon See at Walmart The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set (2024) | The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated (2025)

As mentioned, William Morrow published a lavish Deluxe Illustrated Box Set of The Lord of the Rings last fall. Originally sold for $325, the stunning three-volume set is discounted to only $108.30, which matches the all-time low first offered during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event.

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The future for single-player games has been a question mark since the rise of multiplayer and live-service titles across the video game industry. But according to a newly released survey from Ampere Analysis, single-player games remain the preference for 56% of gamers.

Ampere has shared the results of its survey, which had responses from 34,000 players across 22 different markets around the world. The new findings note that interest in single-player games has increased 4% over the last four years, and that there's only a small percentage of women (58%) who favor those titles over men (56%) who share their preferences.

One of the key findings from this survey suggests that fan interest in single-player games increases with age. Only 49% of younger players between 16-24 preferred single-player, while 64% of gamers age 55-64 favored it. Among gamers 25-34, single-player games were preferred by 56%.

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Tetris: The Board Game

$20 (was $22)

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Ultimate Pac-Man Board Game

$20

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Tetris: The Board Game and the Ultimate Pac-Man Board Game released earlier this year, and both are now part of Amazon's buy one, get one 50% off sale. They're both priced under $20, making this an easy way to pick up two unique games for cheap--both of which could be fun to have for any upcoming holiday parties. Cashing in on the offer is simple. Just add both games to your cart, and the cheaper one will be discounted by 50% before checkout. In this case, the discount brings the total for both games to just $30 (normally $42 total).

Tetris: The Board Game $20 (was $22)

The tabletop version of Tetris plays out much like the original. You're still trying to create lines across your board, with card draws determining which block is next in your lineup. However, you can also unlock the ability to drop blocks into your opponent's grid--blocking their progress and thwarting their attempt to form a line. It comes with everything you need for up to four players to join in on the fun, with dozens of colorful translucent blocks, four playing fields, cards, and other accessories.

See at Amazon Ultimate Pac-Man Board Game $20

Much like the Tetris board game, this official tabletop adaptation of Pac-Man plays out like the video games it's based on. Players control their own individual Pac-Man figure, moving around the maze and attempting to eat more pellets than their opponents, while also avoiding the iconic ghosts that lurk throughout the board. For a fun twist, players actually control these antagonists, and can use them to force their opponents to rethink their strategy.

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Several other Tetris and Pac-Man-inspired items are discounted at Amazon ahead of the retailer's big Black Friday, shopping event, including the Tetris Impossible Puzzle, which is on sale for $10.49 (was $15). The 676-piece, lenticular puzzle changes color depending on the viewing angle, and there's an additional 56 bonus pieces for folks seeking an extra challenge.

If you'd prefer a more traditional Tetris experience, the My Arcade Tetris Gamer V Handheld Game is discounted to $15 (was $25). Officially licensed, you'll find Tetris on the handheld along with hundreds of other games across a variety of genres. Games are played on a 2.5-inch color screen, with a D-Pad and two buttons (plus Home and Start) for input. A similar Pac-Man handheld is also available and currently on sale for just $29 (was $45). It features a 2.75-inch color display and is once again officially licensed, though it doesn't include any bonus games.

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Demonschool proudly displays its influences, and the resemblance to games like Persona is clear across multiple aspects. One of them is the school side of things--it's in the name, after all. While most of your time in Demonschool will be spent, well, fighting demons and figuring out how to stop the apocalypse, you still have to hit the books.

At the very end of each in-game week, you'll be tasked with answering a quiz back at the classroom. In a similar fashion to activities like karaoke, you'll have to pick an answer within a timer. These, of course, are graded at the end--answer everything correctly and you'll be rewarded with relationship points on occasion, as well as moons, the currency used to obtain abilities. (They don't seem to have an official name, so I'll just call them moons.)

There's a total of ten exams--the main story continues afterward, but there's a clear cut-off point at the end of week 1. Without further ado, you can find all Demonschool quiz answers below, listed by each corresponding week.

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Battlefield Studios has announced a free trial for Battlefield 6, taking place over the Thanksgiving break for people in the US. The free trial runs November 25 through December 2, and it'll feature a sampling of the full game, including five modes and three maps (these were not specified, however).

The free trial will be available across all platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The announcement of the free trial comes on the same day that Battlefield Studios launched the Battlefield 6 California Resistance update. This adds a new map, Eastwood, along with a "fast-paced" limited-time event mode called Sabotage.

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The end of the year is shaping up to be a big one for SpongeBob SquarePants, as the hyper-energetic Goofy Goober fan has a new game out soon and a brand-new movie. To celebrate his big-screen return, Microsoft has revealed a new line of cursed Xbox controllers featuring the unblinking visage of SpongeBob. Just don't stare too long into the abyss, because it might stare back and offer you a greasy Krabby Patty to go.

SpongeBob fans can pick up limited-edition versions of the regular Xbox controller and the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. Both controllers feature the same graphic of SpongeBob--but the Elite Series 2 has "pants" on the handles--yellow thumbsticks, and an orange D-pad. The Xbox home button and X face buttons have also replaced SpongeBob's pupils, but he seems to be in good spirits over being slightly inconvenienced.

Since both of these controllers will also be available through the Xbox Design Lab, you can further customize them with a variety of button styles and upgrades like metallic triggers and D-pads, rubberized side and back grips, and engravings. Sadly, there's no option to give these devices a manly mustache makeover with some seaweed.

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Despite its massive popularity among young gamers, Roblox has come under increased scrutiny for allegedly not doing enough to protect children from potential predators on the platform. Now, Roblox is preparing to introduce a number of changes that are designed to keep children from speaking to adults they don't know.

As reported by The Guardian, Roblox will begin enforcing restrictions with facial age estimation that will only allow children to speak with strangers if they're in the same age range. The new age groups are under 9, 9 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 17, 18 to 20, and 21 and over. As a given example, children who are estimated to be 12 won't be allowed to speak with anyone over 15.

These changes are coming to Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands in December, with the rest of the world following suit in January 2026.

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Lego Technic NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle LRV Set (1,913 pieces)

$154 (was $220)

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Amazon is offering an impressive early Black Friday discount on the Lego Technic NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle LRV, bringing it down to one of its best prices of the year. You'll currently find it for $154 (was $220), which is just $4 away from its lowest price of all time. The price cut is marked as a limited-time deal, so cash in while you can.

Lego Technic NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle LRV Set (1,913 pieces) $154 (was $220)

At nearly 2,000 pieces, the Lego Technic NASA Apollo LRC set is aimed at experienced Lego enthusiasts seeking a more intricate build. The LRV is packed with authentic details, including a working suspension system and a variety of miniaturized scientific tools attached to its chassis. Once completed, the model stands over 5.5 inches tall and 15 inches long. It's unclear whether this deal will roll into Amazon's full Black Friday sale or disappear before the event begins, so it's not a bad idea to scoop it up now if you're interested.

See at Amazon Lego Technic NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle LRV Set

Several other Lego space sets are on sale ahead of Black Friday. Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Astronaut Toy is built to scale with the LVR Set above, so you can attach the completed figure to the seat of the rover for a more complete display piece. If you're shopping for younger Lego fans, the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Roller Coaster looks like a fun choice, giving them a chance to build three different amusement park rides with a quirky space theme. Check out a few more Lego space sets on sale in the list below. And don't forget to check GameSpot's Black Friday Deals Hub for all the latest holiday price cuts.

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The developers behind the newly launched episodic game Dispatch have weighed in with their thoughts on artificial intelligence in gaming, saying it might help with production but not creativity.

Speaking to GI.biz, AdHoc boss Nick Herman said AI cannot achieve what actors Jeffrey Wright and Aaron Paul did in Dispatch. "He brought something to that character that we weren't expecting. I mean, his performance and Aaron's performance and our whole cast are bringing performances and elevating the material in a way that you're just not going to get [with AI]."

He added: "AI feels like a production solution, not a creative one. Maybe it's a creative one if you aren't creative."

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The latest event in Fortnite has an army of Homer Simpsons (Homers Simpson?) overrunning the cel-shaded Springfield Island map, with both an animated short episode and a real-life marketing stunt to promote the occasion.

Titled "Multiplidiocy," the short (continuing from last week's donut-fueled event) depicts Bart and Lisa Simpson observing radioactive zombified versions of their dad meandering through the streets before Police Chief Clancy Wiggum mows several of them down with a couple of fancy Fortnite guns.

The short ends with Lisa and Bart attempting to restore their father, only for a giant, nearly naked Homer to materialize before going on a destructive rampage. This is presumably a setup for next week's Fortnite event.

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Giants Software has announced that Farming Simulator 25 has surpassed 4 million copies sold globally and reminded fans that a bunch of new content is coming to the game in its second year.

Regarding the sales milestone, Giants Software executive Boris Stefan said, "It's amazing."

"It's not the sales number itself, but the enormous engagement and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from our community following the conclusion of Year 1," he added.

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Rockstar is, or was, "doing tests" of Grand Theft Auto VI on Nintendo Switch 2, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to happen, according to a new report.

Notable leaker NateTheHate said Rockstar conducted "tests to bring it to Switch 2, but tests don't always equal release." He added: "I know an effort has been made to see if they can bring it to the platform. I don't know the current state of that effort."

In another post, he said, "Experimenting doesn't equal 'in development' and companies often test to see if a game is possible on hardware."

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Nolan North is one of the most prolific voice actors of all time, lending his voice to hundreds of video games and animated series, but he didn't realize a character was supposed to be dead. That's mainly because Ubisoft told him he's still "technically" alive.

North had voiced Desmond Miles (among a few more characters) for the Assassin's Creed series. Desmond had been in five games, until the character's death in Assassin's Creed 3. It wasn't until he had gone online and came across fan reactions following the game's release that he was aware of this, however.

"That technically was Desmond's death scene, and I didn't know it," North told Fall Damage. "I found out on Twitter. 'Are you upset Desmond's dead?' And I'm thinking, what? Because there's no 'Argh!' There's nothing that you'd expect from a main character's death, although the good people at Ubisoft have told me that he's not technically dead."

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The use of generative AI in video games has been a controversial subject, with many people criticizing the technology. PUBG creator Brendan "PlayerUnknown" Greene has addressed the public pushback on AI, while also addressing questions on if his ambitious project to develop the next internet with his new game-and-technology project.

"We don't use Large Language Models so I'm not super worried [about backlash]," Greene said to Eurogamer. "LLMs have their uses, but there were chatbots in the '60s and '70s that achieved a lot of similar things. So I'm not super worried there. The systems we're building are to enable the artists to sculpt the worlds how they want. It's like an orchestra: We can be either a violin player or we can be the conductor, where you know what everything does, and you just have some levers you can pull and it creates worlds pretty quickly. I've been really heartened to see the community revolt against AI stuff. It's good to see that gamers go: 'No--if it's not built by artists, I don't want to see it.' So that's been really great to see."

Greene added that while his independent studio PlayerUnknown Productions is supported by Krafton, it won't be influenced by its pivot to become an "AI-first" company. The studio is "doing technological research into areas like machine learning, Greene said, but with the aim to give its artists the tools necessary to generate virtual worlds as part of the Project Artemis three-game plan.

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