If you ask most Fortnite players about the current state of the game, they’d probably be thrilled--outside of technical issues. Recent updates include a detailed Simpsons season with Springfield Island, along with major crossovers featuring The Office and South Park. Despite the onslaught of content, Fortnite design director Ted Timmons says Epic is ready to “step up” its efforts on the live game.

"We’re stepping up our focus on the live game," Timmons wrote in a post on X. "We know that as we prepare for the exciting seasons ahead of us the underlying foundations of the game must still be stable."

Timmons directed players to a thread started by a Fortnite community manager, asking the community to report bugs and provide feedback. Players have highlighted a wide range of issues--from replay mode problems to game reload errors and regional server settings glitches.

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Resident Evil Requiem, like prior games in the Resident Evil series, is going to be a very violent and gory game, complete with decapitations, bodies been torn apart, and plenty of viscera. Previously, certain games in the Resident Evil series have received cuts for the Japanese market, or received two different versions. But for Requiem, the development team at Capcom wanted to make sure that everyone was playing the same version, while also pushing the game's gore to the limits.

In a media briefing for Japanese press, which was attended and translated by Automaton, director Koshi Nakanishi spoke to the level of gore in the upcoming game, and the necessity of hitting a certain level of violence to make the experience engaging.

“Since the Resident Evil 4 remake, we’ve gone with releasing a CERO Z version only, so this time we’re basically following that same approach," Nakanishi says. CERO Z is the highest age rating a game can receive in Japan and still be released commercially.

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If it seems like it's been an eternity since Ken Levine's last game, BioShock Infinite, it's because 12 years feels like a lifetime in the video game industry. But it sure seems like Levine's follow-up title as creative director, Judas, in inching closer to completion. And Levine has said he can't wait to let fans experience the game's "Villainy" feature.

Levine has previously teased that Judas' villain will be one of three characters, all of whom have some control over the Mayflower, a spaceship carrying the last surviving members of humanity to their new home on another planet. Tom, his estranged wife Nefertiti, and their adoptive daughter Hope, all have different agendas. Players control a woman named Judas, and her actions will determine which of those three characters will be her allies or enemies.

"It ultimately comes down to a plate-spinning exercise that reflects relationships in real life," Levine told Game Informer. "We're really eager to see players experience that and see which of our characters become fan-favorites."

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The first major content update is live in Grounded 2. Toxic Tangle expands the Brookhollow Park map with a new garden to explore, more bugs to fight, and it provides players with plenty of new items to craft.

One of the biggest highlights of Toxic Tangle is the new biome added to the map. The Garden Patch adds a pumpkin patch, a carrot jungle, more labs, and other new areas to explore. Within this new biome is the ability to unlock the game's newest mount. The Ladybug Buggy is described as being a "heavy-duty and tank-style" mount, which is also equipped with a pressurized water cannon.

New creatures are added to the world of Grounded 2. Toxic Tangle introduces new bugs like the Earwigs, Potato Beetles, and the Woolly Aphid. Bugs from the first game are also re-introduced, and these include black ants, fireflies, and wasps.

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Mumba Mouse Grip For Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con

$20 (was $24)

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One of the coolest features of the Switch 2 is its Joy-Con 2's mouse mode, adding PC-controls and functionality to the already verstile handheld. However, some users find the Joy-Con 2's thin design to be uncomfortable in mouse mode--and if that's you, you might want to check out the Mumba Mouse Grip for Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con. The ergonomic grips are designed specifically for mouse mode, adding some additional bulk and heft to better mimic using a standard PC mouse. Right now is a great time to grab a pair, as they're currently down to $20 (was $24) on Amazon. The set includes a pair of grips, one for each Joy-Con 2.

Mumba Mouse Grip For Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con $20 (was $24)

These ergonomic mouse grips slot easily onto the Joy-Con 2. Each grip is 73mm wide, 119mm long, and 41mm tall, adding an appreciable bit of size to the Joy-Con 2s, but they are still small and light enough for easy storage. The grips don't interact with the top half of the Joy-Con at all, so you'll still have easy access to the shoulder buttons. These are designed with zero-resistance glide in mind, so you won't need a mouse pad to use them. They also come with detachable wrist straps to keep the grip secure on your wrist or for storing them when not in use.

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Since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched in the summer of last year, plenty of games have launched with mouse functionality. Drag x Drive was designed specifically with mouse controls in mind, and the control scheme is great for shooters like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, System Shock Remake, and Cyberpunk 2077, as well as strategy games like Civilization VII. Some RPGs, like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, use mouse controls, and even select retro titles on the Nintendo Switch Online service offer optional mouse support, like Mario Paint and Nobunaga's Ambition. The mouse controls are also great for navigating the Switch 2's home menu.

More Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

The Switch 2 has dozens of other fun and useful accessories. With Nintendo Switch Online now offering N64 games, the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controller is the perfect way some of your old favorites. It sports the same color scheme as the original N64 controller, but does away with the original N64 gamepad's trident design in favor of a more streamlined, ergonomic style. And if you prefer to play your Switch 2 on the go in handheld mode, then the Gammeefy enhanced grip with Hall Effect sticks is worth a look, as it makes for a comfortable alternative to playing without one--plus the included Hall Effect thumbsticks are more resistant to the dreaded stick drift. For even more Switch 2 accessories, be sure to check out our Switch 2 Gear Guide.

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One part of the newly released free-to-play shooter Highguard that sets it apart from other shooters is how the game gives players a variety of mounts to ride to get across the maps faster. One of the main mounts is a horse, and developer Wildlight is considering expanding the game's elements to include horse racing.

Right now, it's just an idea and not in development. But game director Chad Grenier told Polygon the idea to add horse-racing has been "floating around at the studio."

"I mean, the possibilities are endless," he said of how Wildlight could expand the gameplay for mounts.

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A new Witcher game has been announced, as CD Projekt Red has revealed Reigns: The Witcher, a "swipe-'em-up" game in the works from Nerial and Devolver Digital. The Witcher 4, meanwhile, remains in development but is not expected to release anytime soon.

The game is set for release on February 25 on PC, Mac, and mobile. It's described as a "narrative-driven" game that tells the story of Geralt of Rivia in a "brand-new way," which is from the perspective of a different person, the bard Dandelion. Players will face "over-the-top choices causing far-reaching consequences across thousands of narrative combinations."

Players must navigate a "moral maze of stories" and combat-based minigames. Yennefer, Triss, and Vesermir also show up in the game. In essence, this appears to be a Witcher-themed version of the Reigns games that Nerial developer before.

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Quests on Stella Montis are always one of Arc Raiders' most thrilling, as this maze-like map is filled with great loot and plenty of challenging ARC to take on. Lance sends you to Stella Montis in the On Deaf Ears quest with the intentions of having you find some information for him. In this guide, we'll break down all the spots you'll need to visit to complete the quest.

Each step of this quest requires you to navigate to a new area of Stella Montis. Given that this is one of the most dangerous maps in the game--both in terms of ARC and raiders--we'd recommend you do this quest with a free kit to avoid losing any of your good gear if things go bad. But it's your call, of course.

When you're ready to see On Deaf Ears to its conclusion, follow the steps below.

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Runescape has been enjoying a resurgence of popularity, but a recent court ruling in the United Kingdom may have made it a landmark in the realm of video game property. Essentially, an appeals court has ruled that theft of in-game currency from RuneScape is also theft in the real world.

Per IGN, the ruling came in the case of Andrew Lakeman, an ex-Jagex developer who is accused of stealing 705 billion gold--or approximately $750,000 in real-world funds--from 68 RuneScape players. Lakeman is also alleged to have sold this in-game currency for Bitcoin.

The initial judge in Lakeman's case gave the defendant a favorable ruling by finding that the gold that was stolen had no actual value because the game can create an infinite amount. The Court of Appeal disagreed with the first judge's take and found that the in-game currency does have value, and that stealing it constitutes theft in the eyes of the law.

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Like most PvP games, Arc Raiders has suffered greatly from cheaters. Embark Studios has now detailed a new plan to help combat against those unsavory players, which includes a progressive ban that will eventually escalate to a permaban.

Dying to cheaters in any game can feel frustrating, but the stakes feel even higher in a game like Arc Raiders, where dying means you lose your entire loadout and all the loot in your pockets. The recent increase in cheaters has been highlighted by several major streamers, and the developer has now responded by announcing a new punishment system for cheaters.

Embark Studios has described this plan as a three-strike progressive ban system, where bans will progress from 30 days, then to 60 days, and finally to a permaban for repeat offenders.

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A curious statement from developer San Diego Studio earlier this week teased that MLB The Show 26 wouldn't have a "new cover athlete." The cheeky message seemingly hinted that a baseball star already featured previously for the franchise was returning, and that is, in fact, the case.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will serve as the cover athlete on MLB The Show 26. The All-Star outfielder previously appeared on the box art for the sports series with MLB The Show 18. Last year, MLB The Show 25 saw three players on the cover: Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds, and Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles.

Along with unveiling Judge as the cover athlete, San Diego Studio revealed March 17 as the release date for MLB The Show 26. Before then, preorders for the game will go live February 3. The game is set to arrive on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

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Arc Raiders sports quite a few quests that send you to Blue Gate, but most of them don't require you to break into a dangerous husk and make it back out alive. That all changes with A Prime Specimen, which tasks you with finding some ARC Powercells and using them to loot an ARC Deforester.

For this quest, you won't need to extract to earn full completion. So, feel free to come in with a free loadout if you feel safer doing so, though you'll need to at least kill an enemy or two to find some ARC Powercells before heading to one of the ARC Deforester spots we'll have marked on a map further down.

When you're ready to knock out the A Prime Specimen quest, follow the steps we've outlined below.

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Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch 2)

$80 | Releases March 26

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One of the best Mario games in recent memory, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, is heading to Nintendo Switch 2 on March 26. Along with all sorts of performance-related improvements, the Switch 2 edition offers a few new gameplay features--including access to a whole new area, Bellabel Park. Preorders are available for $80 at multiple online retailers, though owners of the original Switch version can also purchase the digital upgrade pack for just $20 via the Nintendo eShop and access all the new content and performance enhancements.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch 2) $80 | Releases March 26

As you get with most Switch 2 releases, this one comes with all sorts of performance improvements. Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Switch 2 supports 4K when docked, offers better frame rates (up to 60fps), and shorter loading screens.

The big draw, however, is all the new content to explore. Bellabel Park lets you explore two plazas--both filled with adventures and activities not found in the original version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. From events like Fast Cash that see you battling against your friends to collect the most coins to the survival-style shenanigans of Knock 'em Back, there are plenty of ways to enjoy some multiplayer chaos in Bellabel Park.

All told, there are 17 different activities to play locally with friends. You can also jump online with the Game Room Plaza, allowing up to 12 players to duke it out in six different challenges.

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The Switch 2 Edition also benefits from Toad Brigade Training Camp, which tasks you with completing increasingly difficult challenges. As you advance through the main game, new courses will unlock. And if you're new to the game, Assist Mode will teach you the ropes in a low-stakes environment. Folks who have grown tired of playing as Mario will be glad to know Rosalina will arrive as a playable character--and when a second player joins in, they'll get to zoom around as Luma.

As mentioned above, those who own the Switch version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder can opt to upgrade to the Switch 2 version for $20. This also means you can save a few bucks by purchasing the Switch 1 version at a discount, then upgrading to the Switch 2 Edition via the eShop. The original Switch version of the game is often available online for less than its standard $60 MSRP--for example, it's currently available for around $53 at Amazon via multiple third-party listings. Adding the $20 Switch 2 Edition upgrade comes to $73 total, and while that only saves you about $7 compared to the Switch 2 Edition's $80 launch price, it's nevertheless a viable way to get the game at a discount.

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Arc Raiders quests on Stella Montis can either be super relaxed or incredibly hectic, depending on what type of lobbies you've cultivated with your own actions. So, if you've been shooting on sight, you'll be wishing you hadn't when it comes time to do the With A View quest, as this one's going to take a hint of luck and potentially a lot of traveling around the map.

Note that, for this quest, you'll almost certainly want to bring a loadout with a safe pocket or two, as you'll be collecting hard-to-find items from very specific spots. It would be a shame to lose one due to a raider taking you out.

When you're ready to tackle With A View, follow the steps below.

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Terraria's Bigger and Bolder update, or Terraria 1.4.5, has been in the works for around three long years. Developer Re-Logic claims it's the final update, but given its track record of claiming the same for previous updates, it would come as no surprise if there are additional adjustments to the sandbox game in the future. The Terraria 1.4.5 update is out today, January 27.

Alongside Dead Cells and Palworld crossovers, there are a host of other improvements including a crafting menu overhaul, new boulders, new boss weapons, and more.

New Terraria items

• Dead Cells Beheaded outfit
• Hanging flasks that can display items
• Flint melee weapon
• Barrel Launcher ranged weapon
• Killing Deck ranged weapon
• Mushroom Staff that summons a Mushroom Boi minion and is crafted with Glowing Mushrooms
• Barnacle sentry
• The Swarm grenade skill
• The Ram Rune
• Wings of the Crow power skill
• Health Fountain furniture items that grants a buff
• Moon Lord whip
• Stardust-themed whip
• Soulscourge, a corruption-themed whip
• Vasculash Crimson-themed whip
• Duke Fishron-themed whip
• Starcrash, a meteorite-themed whip
• Plantera-themed whip
• Slime whip
• Slime spear
• Hallow-themed furniture set
• Feywood-themed furniture set
• Aetherium-themed furniture set
• Fallen Star-themed furniture set
• Crimson-themed furniture set
• Corruption-themed furniture set
• Gothic furniture set
• Stone furniture set
• Modern furniture set
• Moon-themed furniture set
• Snow-themed furniture set
• Flinx-themed furniture set
• Pine furniture set
• Cloud furniture set
• Harpy-themed furniture set
• Boulder-themed furniture set
• Water Chest-themed furniture set
• Metal furniture set
• Book furniture set
• Fallen Star bricks and walls
• Honey-coated furniture
• Music Blocks
• Shimmer water gun that turns NPCs into their Shimmered form
• A potion with a crown
• Velociraptor mount
• Bat mount
• Rat mount
• Fairy mount
• Roller skate mount
• Several paintings made by the Terraria community
• Axe Fairy pet that harvests wood
• Pufferfish pet
• Frog-themed accessory
• Tamagotchi accessory
• Silly Balloon accessory
• Stress Ball accessory
• Magic String accessory
• Goat's Tuft sound
• Zombie sound
• Turkey sound
• Chicken sound
• Arcade Machine sound
• Moon Lord chest piece
• Cobweb item
• Unsafe Living Wood Wall
• Axearang which cuts trees when thrown
• Pink crafted banner
• Throwable mud balls
• Demon Altar
• Fallen Log
• Life Fruit
• Shadow Orb
• Clay furnace
• CRT television
• Arcade machine
• Film projector
• Chicken Bones developer set
• Mitey-Titey, an item which places stalactites and stalagmites
• Hoppers
• Freeze Bomb
• Greater Bomb
• Beachwear
• Heroicis vanity set
• Upgraded mining and angler armor
• Chlorophyte armor headpiece
• Jungle Juice recovery potion
• Infused Fertilizer used for growing tall trees
• Acorn slingshot
• Rock Candy food
• Pylon
• Aether pylon
• Pan flute
• Mirror
• Purple bracelet
• RC car

Boulder items

There are several new Boulders introduced in Terraria 1.4.5. One Boulder appears to fall upwards, and Boulder Rain will cause Boulders to fall from the sky during thunderstorms. A Rainbow Boulder can be found in secret seeds combined with Celebrationmk10--the secret birthday world seed. When activated it will bounce between ores and chests while passing through blocks and not hurting the player. A Poo Boulder, because why not? A Boulder covered in Magma will also be added alongside a Boulder pet.

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A high-profile gaming analyst has reacted to the rumor that Grand Theft Auto VI may not have a physical-disc option at launch this November. To be sure, this is an unconfirmed rumor for now, and Rockstar has not commented on the situation. In any event, Matt Piscatella of Circana shared a quick-hit take on the rumor on social media.

Without naming GTA 6 outright--but obviously referring to the hugely hyped game--Piscatella wrote: "I would say that the big game missing physical at launch would be an even bigger fart on the wind sales-wise than game key cards are now. But it really wouldn't be worth it. So, I won't say that."

Piscatella is clearly being cheeky here, but the takeaway seems to be that bypassing a physical edition for GTA 6 at launch wouldn't mean much in terms of the game's initial sales. The "fart on/in the wind" is an idiom that refers to something that would have little to no importance.

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Middle-earth from Script to Screen

$100 | Releases March 17

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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring hit theaters 25 years ago, beginning a saga that would span several decades and two different trilogies. To celebrate the impressive milestone, preorders are now open for Middle-earth from Script to Screen, a massive 512-page hardcover book chronicling the history and creation of both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It's scheduled for a March 17 release, and preordering at Amazon means you won't pay until the book has shipped. You'll also lock in its preorder price guarantee, so if it happens to be discounted between now and launch, you'll only be on the hook for the lower price.

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Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics launches next month, but its most interesting new feature and some important games won't be there at release. This was revealed by a new overview trailer released by Nintendo ahead of the Switch Online-related hardware's release.

On February 17, Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics will be added as a benefit for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. On top of that, Nintendo is releasing a new accessory modeled after the original piece of hardware. Like the original Virtual Boy, this Nintendo Classics release is leaving a lot to be desired at launch.

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