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Esports

Heart of Chornobyl heats up your PS5 in November

by admin August 24, 2025

It took a while for the Xbox console exclusive to release on Xbox Series consoles, so it makes sense it would take a while to end up on PlayStation. After a long wait, it’s finally coming on November 20th. Take a look at the platform trailer and intel below.

KYIV, UKRAINE — August 21, 2025 – GSC Game World is pleased to announce that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be released on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro on November 20, 2025 — exactly one year after the PC and Xbox Series X/S versions. Get ready to enter the Zone with a range of fully optimized features, including Adaptive Triggers, Haptic Feedback Support, Tempest 3D Audio, and much more.

This version of the game is fully optimized for PlayStation 5, including, but not limited to:

Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback Support
Gyro Aiming through Motion Sensor
Speakers, Lightbar, and Touchpad Gesture Utilization
Tempest 3D Audio
Trophies

PlayStation 5 Pro-specific features include, among others:

Improved shadow quality and resolution
Enhanced global illumination
Higher-quality reflections
Improved volumetric fog
Enhanced volumetric cloud rendering

Thanks to these changes, Skif’s journey through the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone will feel immersive and authentic for all players — whether you’re returning to the Zone or venturing in for the first time.

Pre-orders are open through this link digitally, with three editions to choose from — Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. Among other exciting offers, pre-order bonuses include new weapon and costume skins for PlayStation players.

A physical Standard Edition of the game will also be available at launch, with additional collector’s boxes to follow in 2026. You can find details about these on our website.

The game is developed amid Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, and the war continues. GSC Game World has been supporting their homeland in every possible way. For those wishing to contribute, we recommend visiting the official charity fund of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: https://u24.gov.ua/

Stay tuned to GamingTrend for more S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl news and info!

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

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Twitch’s viewership takes a massive hit after cracking down on viewbots

by admin August 24, 2025

Twitch viewership is trending downward across the board in the time since they began cracking down severely on viewbots, with an up to 24% reduction week over week.

Viewership on the livestreaming platform has been declining in general even if there are some high points like Ibai’s La Vida Del Ano event that draw people to the platform in droves, but seeing such a massive and sustained decrease in viewership is not normal.

While one dip in viewership can easily be written off, a general and noticeable drop after Twitch’s policy change likely means one thing: their crackdown on viewbots is working.

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However, with that exposing how many viewers on the platform weren’t real people, a lot of the biggest Twitch streamers have taken a big hit to their viewership.

Twitch’s viewbot crackdown results in huge viewership reduction

With viewbots, it’s important to note that literally anyone could pay to bot someone’s channel, and that bots aren’t all that expensive. Just because someone lost viewership in the crackdown doesn’t necessarily mean they were buying bots for themselves, and a streamer being mentioned for losing viewership in this article is by no means a pejorative toward streamers mentioned.

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Starting with general Twitch viewership, it’s clear that there’s a downward trend that began on August 21. Before that, viewership was on par with if not a little higher than the week before.

Twitch TrackerThe faded green line is last week’s viewership, while the bright one is this week’s

There’s a very clear and rapid downward trend across the board, with literal hundreds of thousands of viewers detracted from Twitch’s overall live viewership pool.

And, while some fluctuation is normal, there aren’t any massive outliers or Twitch events week over week that’d result in such a massive swing of viewership one way or the other. Yet, at its absolute lowest on Friday, August 22, viewership dropped to a staggering 24% lower than last week. Viewership was also 23% lower on Sunday, August 24, yet another big crater in viewership.

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Next, let’s look to one of the biggest streamers on Twitch: Asmongold.

His viewership has dropped off on a very similar curve, losing roughly 10-20% of his average viewership depending on the day. Again, there’s going to be some statistical anomalies depending on the contents of his stream, but the trend is downward.

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Stats via Twitch Tracker

It’s clear as day that there’s been a pretty steady drop off on the exact same curve as Twitch’s overall downward trend. August 19 is an outlier considering he was restreaming Gamescom’s Opening Night Live. Leaving that off, he’s had a loss of around 20-30% of his peak viewership compared to the past few weeks.

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It’s not as if the streamers are happy about this, either. Tectone pointed out that his viewership has taken a hit but is also fluctuating rapidly as other people bot his stream, going from 3k viewers to 7k and rubber-banding back and forth as people send bots to his channel.

A few days of data is by no means conclusive, and more data will have to be gathered until it becomes apparent just how many Twitch viewers aren’t real people. For now, though, it’s clear that a sizeable portion of the platform’s viewership is made up of bots, and that there may be large streamers who used them to artificially bump up their numbers.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Brewers pay tribute to legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker

by admin August 24, 2025

Aug 24, 2025, 04:04 PM ET

MILWAUKEE — Bob Uecker’s Hall of Fame broadcasting career began only after the Milwaukee Brewers initially hired him as a scout.

Former Brewers owner and MLB commissioner Bud Selig said it didn’t take long to realize Uecker might be better suited for a different role.

“The first scouting report Bob sent back here had mashed potatoes and gravy all over it,” Selig recalled Sunday during a pregame ceremony honoring the man who broadcast Brewers games for 54 seasons, became a national celebrity for his trademark sense of humor and died Jan. 16 at the age of 90.

The star-studded celebration was hosted by former NBC broadcast partner Bob Costas and featured Hall of Famers George Brett, Ted Simmons and Robin Yount as well as Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich.

“To say he loved this team, this city, and this state would be an understatement,” the Uecker family said in a statement. “Milwaukee was his home, and the Brewers were an extension of his family. Seeing that love reflected back means more than we could ever put into words. There is something truly special about this community, and Bob felt it every single day.

“Thank you for welcoming him into your lives, for making him part of your families, and for holding him in your hearts.”

Bob Uecker’s name already appeared on a medallion alongside all the Brewers’ retired numbers, but it was updated Sunday to include his name and a single microphone. AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

All the Brewers players wore special tribute uniforms with “UECK” instead of their own names on the back of their jerseys for Sunday’s game to honor the man who probably is more synonymous with the franchise than any particular player.

The entire team joined Uecker’s relatives behind the mound before Bob Uecker Jr. threw out the first pitch to Yount. The game featured commemorative baseballs and bases honoring Uecker.

The celebration of life comes with the Brewers owning the best record in baseball as they chase their first World Series title.

“Nobody would have enjoyed this more,” principal owner Mark Attanasio said. “I believe he’s still with us, but I really miss him.”

American Family Field’s broadcast wing above the press box was renamed the Bob Uecker Broadcast Center. Uecker’s name already appeared on a medallion alongside all the Brewers’ retired numbers, but it was updated Sunday to include his name and a single microphone.

Memorabilia including photos and various examples of his plaid sports coats were displayed all over the concourses.

John Colson, a partial season-ticket holder from Milwaukee, was already waiting outside the ballpark entrance well over 3½ hours before first pitch.

“Bob Uecker was my entire childhood,” Colson said. “Just memories of listening to the games on the radio, coming to the games. Bob Uecker’s Mr. Baseball. He was Mr. Brewers. It’s not the same without him.”

Colson wore a T-shirt with the message, “Juuuust a bit outside,” honoring Uecker’s famous line as broadcaster Harry Doyle in the movie “Major League.” Other fans in the sellout crowd wore plaid sport coats or Brewers jerseys with Uecker’s name.

A look at some of the incredible Bob Uecker memorabilia on display throughout the ballpark today 🥹 pic.twitter.com/P8pzIl7TTU

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 24, 2025

Uecker also was beloved by players who treasured his regular appearances in the locker room to swap stories or offer encouragement.

“Whether it was your first day in the big leagues or you’d been there for 10 years, he treated you as though you were his friend his entire life,” Yelich said. “I think that was one of his real gifts, making people feel like they were best friends and he’d known them forever.”

That meant treating even a player coming up from the minors no differently than an American president.

At a news conference before the pregame ceremony, Costas told the story of how former President Richard Nixon was watching a Brewers-Yankees game and asked Yankees owner George Steinbrenner if it would be possible to meet Uecker. After Uecker spoke to Nixon, broadcast partner Pat Hughes asked what it was like to meet the president.

“Ueck says, ‘You know, Richie’s not a bad guy,'” Costas recalled.

Uecker was best known nationally for the dry wit he showed on talk-show appearances with Johnny Carson and in the “Major League” movies, Miller Lite commercials and the television show “Mr. Belvedere.” Some of his “Mr. Belvedere” and “Major League” colleagues were on hand for this ceremony.

But the people honoring him Sunday also paid tribute to his baseball knowledge.

Although Uecker made his career .200 batting average a frequent target of his self-deprecating humor, Simmons said the broadcaster’s status as a former backup catcher gave him remarkable perspective. After the Brewers acquired him before the 1981 season, Simmons said Uecker offered pointers on handling Milwaukee’s pitching staff.

“I said, ‘You’ve got to tell me how these guys think, where they’re at because they need help and I need help,'” Simmons said. “That’s how we started out. From there, it was great.”

Costas and Selig said Uecker’s broadcasting skills were underrated. Selig said it was a treat to listen to the ninth inning of Uecker’s broadcasts in games the Brewers were winning.

“Most of the country outside of Wisconsin knows him from Johnny Carson and the ‘Major League’ films, but if he never said one thing that was funny and you just judged him as a baseball announcer — especially on the radio — Hall of Fame-caliber baseball announcer,” Costas said.

Costas specifically mentioned Uecker’s final sign-off after the Brewers allowed four runs in the ninth inning of a 4-2 loss in the decisive game of their NL Wild Card Series loss to the New York Mets. Uecker, who had battled small cell lung cancer throughout last season, closed the broadcast by saying, “that one had some sting on it.”

“When you hear Ueck signing off — he didn’t always wear his heart on his sleeve — but it was so poignant,” Costas said. “He was disappointed for the team because it was such a heartbreaking loss. But he also knew these were the last words he’d ever speak as the voice of the Brewers, and his voice was not as strong, and he wasn’t quite as sharp, but it was still Bob Uecker. When you listen to that, even though he doesn’t frame it that way, that’s about as poignant a valedictory as any broadcaster has ever given.”

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Valkyrae, Cinna, and Emiru stood with hoods up on santa monica pier

Esports

Is Syko Stu alive? Raja Jackson wrestling incident explained

by admin August 24, 2025

Footage of Raja, Rampage Jackson’s son, hopping into the ring and punching wrestler Syko Stu in the face several times has been circulating. Many initially claimed that Syko Stu died in the ring, but is that actually true?

Several hits to the face left the wrestler bloodied, with referees eventually stepping in to pull Raja off of Stu. However, the footage cut off with the wrestler lying on the ground, completely unconcious.

While some element of staging and theatrics is involved in wrestling, it was clear to people involved that things got taken too far.

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So, how’s Syko Stu doing? And what caused Raja to hit him so aggressively in the first place?

Is Syko Stu alive?

Yes, Syko Stu is alive. The news was confirmed by Rampage Jackson, with him saying that Syko Stu (also known as Stewart Smith) is awake and stable.

However, no other information about his condition was given, and he hasn’t spoken out himself publicly since the incident. So, while he’s alive, it’s not clear what state he’s in and when he’s expected to recover.

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What caused the fight between Raja and Syko Stu?

When Raja showed up at the event, Syko Stu smashed a drink over his head. Raja was streaming the whole thing, and, considering he had a camera crew following him around, Stu thought it was part of the show.

He purposely crushed the beer can in his hand instead of hitting Raja’s head with the full force of the blow and got in his face to try and play it up and call him out for not “selling the hit” to his head. However, when he was told that Raja wasn’t part of the show, he apologized profusely for the misunderstanding.

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Rampage Jackson’s son raja Jackson actually talked things out with the wrestler before their altercation.. then later EXPLODED on him in the ring

pic.twitter.com/7qRCNJegct

— talk of the town🪐  (@topclip79) August 24, 2025

Stu believed it was all good from there, and, according to Raja, promoters encouraged him to head into the ring to try and make him part of the storyline.

From there, however, he took things further than anyone expected, resulting in the clip that went viral on social media and eventually resulted in him getting banned from Kick. Raja threw Stu and punched him in the face over a dozen times, to the point where there was blood pouring out of his nose.

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He then left the event, saying on stream that he’s “tired of everyone playing with me,” and that he felt like he needed to stand up for himself.

This is what “RAJA” Rampage Jacksons sonhad to say after almost killing pro wrestler in a match that went wrong after Raja plotted to seriously hurt him 😬😦 pic.twitter.com/i4FTQxxRXD

— KDENkickclips (@BeatsMarcy) August 24, 2025

Other wrestlers chased him down, with Raja’s cameraman having to physically push him away to avoid another altercation.

Rumors that Stu died came from a phone call he had a short time after, with the man on the other side of the line claiming that the wrestler was “flatlined” in the ring and that they couldn’t wake him up.

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It’s not yet clear if Stu plans to press charges against Raja and whether or not this could result in legal trouble for him.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

‘Holy grail’ Jordan-Bryant sports card sells for record $12.9M

by admin August 24, 2025

Dan HajduckyAug 24, 2025, 02:18 AM ET
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A signed sports collectible card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant sold for $12.932 million Saturday night, breaking the record for the most ever paid for a sports card.

The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Jordan & Bryant card, numbered 1-of-1, surpassed the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, which sold for $12.6 million in late August 2022. The Jordan/Bryant card was sold with Heritage Auctions; the buyer’s identity was not revealed.

The Jordan/Bryant card is the second-most expensive sports collectible of all time behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series “called shot” jersey, which sold for $24.12 million almost a year ago to the day.

Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports auctions, said he remembers when Upper Deck first released Exquisite, charging $500 for one five-card pack/box for the 2003-04 release. That was the set responsible for a $5.2 million LeBron James rookie card, which previously held the record for most expensive basketball card until Saturday.

“[They were] kind of mocked, but it tapped into a demographic that wasn’t interested in gimmicks: They just wanted the best of the best,” Ivy said. “They were adding patches and signatures, Logomen — this was [one of] the first times logos from the jersey were used in this manner.”

The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant card sold for $12.932 million, surpassing a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card as the most expensive sports card sold at auction. Courtesy of Heritage Auctions

In the years since, Panini’s National Treasures & Flawless lines, both of which now run $3,000-plus per box upon release, have become the standard-bearer for basketball.

“But Exquisite was first, Exquisite paved the way,” Ivy said. “It’s the pinnacle as far as modern card collectors are concerned, and this is the only time there’s been Jordan and Kobe autographed Logomans. Another one can’t be created. It’s always been looked at by modern basketball collectors as a holy grail.”

Such rarity explains the price tag, despite the card only receiving a 6 from card grader Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).

“A 1986 Fleer Jordan in a grade 6 sells for a couple thousand while a [grade] 10 sells for almost $200,000 currently,” Ivy said. “Grades matter as far as pricing goes for standard-issue cards, but this is a 1-of-1, so the grade is less important overall to how the card performed.”

Ivy said the card’s consignment had been in process since February. The previous owner had kept the card for more than a decade and turned down “high seven-figure” private offers in lieu of an open auction, where Heritage believed it would safely eclipse $5 million.

“The pre-auction estimate was $6 million-plus, so sometimes if a piece is unique like this, it’s really beneficial to let it have its day,” Ivy said. “[Where] you can have new collectors come out of the woodwork or people willing to participate and pay more.”

Ivy also noted that, in the wake of the ongoing Brett Lemieux fraudulent memorabilia scandal, the authenticity of Bryant and Jordan is “ironclad” with this card. Lemieux claimed to have flooded the market with fraudulent Kobe items following Bryant’s death in 2020. The assistant chief of police in Westfield, Indiana, told ESPN on Friday that they have no updates on the case.

“[The scandal] makes items like this a little more desirable: Upper Deck has Jordan under contract; he’s been with them for decades. Kobe was with Upper Deck until 2009,” Ivy said. “They worked with these athletes directly to have this item signed. It’s guaranteed by them as well as PSA. That’s why you see a premium for items that have verified provenance and authentication.”

It has been quite a month for Bryant cards. High-end collector Matt Allen, who goes by Shyne on social media, shared that he privately spent $4 million on Bryant 1-of-1 signed Panini Flawless Logoman cards: one from 2017-18 for $1.7 million and one from 2015-16 for $2.3 million, which was the record paid for a Bryant card until Saturday night’s sale.

Bryant’s 47th birthday would have been Saturday.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

MyNBA and MyGM get upgrades in latest NBA 2K26 blog

by admin August 24, 2025

We’re closing in on NBA 2K26’s early access period, and all the improvements are being unveiled. This time, it’s all about MyNBA and MyGM. There’s a lot to like, from The Playoffs Online to Dynamic Banners. All those details are below, check it out as you practice your crossover.

2K has announced the new features and additions coming to MyNBA and MyGM* in NBA® 2K26 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and NintendoTM Switch 2. MyNBA delivers 30 unique MyGM Offseason Scenarios based on today’s NBA, public online leagues for very first time with The Playoffs Online, improved and adjustable simulations to match every type of GM’s needs, dynamic banners to honor legacies, and more, as NBA 2K26 builds on the rich history of this iconic mode with more immersive features.

MyNBA | NBA 2K26

MyNBA and MyGM return in NBA 2K26 with 30 unique storylines, all-new Dynamic Banners, improved and adjustable simulations, online NBA Playoffs, and much more.

“We set out to make the NBA 2K26 MyNBA and MyGM a more memorable and rewarding experience for those that want to take over the league,” said Erick Boenisch, VP of NBA Development at Visual Concepts. “From competing in The Playoffs Online with friends to seeing your championship banners rise in the rafters, every detail is designed to make you feel like a true general manager building your legacy.”

Highlights include:

MyGM Offseason Scenarios: MyNBA in NBA 2K26 now features 30 unique MyGM scenarios set in the 2025 offseason. Players can pick a team and challenge themselves with three goals unique to that team’s roster and history. Using the real-life draft lottery order, they’ll have to tackle tasks from picking up draft picks, landing hot free agents, or winning it all. As Dallas, do they leverage Cooper Flagg to create a new page in the Mavericks legacy? Or play as the Golden State Warriors and decide the future the team lives in – one more ring for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green or do they tear it down and start a new chapter? Now players can explore the ‘what ifs’ of the 2025-2026 season in MyGM Offseason Scenarios.
The Playoffs Online: For the first time ever, public online leagues are coming to MyNBA with the introduction of The Playoffs Online, allowing players to compete in a whole new way. As commissioner of each bracket, players are responsible for creating and seeding all 16 NBA teams that clinch a spot in the Playoffs. They can then invite up to 15 friends to participate in a private postseason or open it up to the community. The signature presentation of the NBA Playoffs – from the players to the crowds, arenas, and commentators – will be felt throughout Online Playoffs ensuring a heightened atmosphere and elevated experience.
Dynamic Banners: Dynamic arena banners have been added to MyNBA to commemorate the championships and achievements attained during a player’s career as GM. Each NBA arena in the Modern Era will feature a dedicated section for these dynamic banners, representing years of history and accomplishments.
Unranked MyGM: In NBA 2K26, players can now choose to do an Unranked MyGM run. They can edit players, import custom rosters and draft classes, and adjust sliders for a more customized experience that retains the role-playing elements of the mode.
MyPLAYER DNA Integration: The Player DNA system is expanding with a new MyPLAYER DNA option to copy and paste one MyPLAYER into each roster created. Using a MyCAREER save file, players can easily clone their MyPLAYER’s appearance, animations, attributes, badges, and tendencies in MyNBA with ease. The system works in all of the MyNBA Eras, giving players the chance to see how they measure up against the legends in any period.
Improved & Adjustable Simulations: Based on community feedback, simulations are now more efficient. Simulation performance has been improved to yield more strategic decisions that run up to 26% faster in NBA 2K26 compared to NBA 2K25. Players now have greater control over their simulations by toggling between three options: Normal, Smarter, and Faster. Smarter sims will utilize more trade logic that can consider over 5,000 potential trade variables while Faster sims will progress through seasons more quickly – though they may not consider every possible outcome.
MyNBA Directives: Before the start of each season, players will sit down with the team governor to assess their goals and budget for the year while assigning them their core directives. Whether it’s winning a championship or focusing on profitability, these directives will shape a player’s strategy as they look to ensure expectations are met and their job is secure. To attract top free agents, players will need to keep their organization’s facilities updated. They can use Facility Points—earned by completing directives – to go toward updating Team Training Facilities, Team Recovery Facilities, Arena Renovations, Luxury Box Amenities and more. Players will now also experience accurate era-based team budgets, luxury tax mechanics, and more throughout league history.

For more information and a full breakdown of all the updates coming to MyNBA and MyGM check out the Courtside Report blog. Visit the NBA 2K26 official website for a full breakdown of the SKU details, availability, and more information. Stay tuned for additional announcements about the latest on NBA 2K26.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K26 is rated E for Everyone from the ESRB.

Follow NBA 2K on TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest NBA 2K26 news.

Stay tuned to GamingTrend for more NBA 2K26 news and info!

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

WTF is Waifu Tactical Force? A genuinely good shooter with Valorant and Titanfall inspiration

by admin August 24, 2025

At first glance, Waifu Tactical Force might seem like a joke, thanks to its name and aesthetic, but after playing it at Gamescom, I was pleasantly surprised to find there is a really polished and engaging shooter to enjoy.

Putting the Waifu thing to one side – the weapons feel great, the animations are crisp, and the map I tried had a bright, stylish look that gave off Valorant vibes.

The developers explained that their biggest inspiration for movement came from Apex Legends and Titanfall, and it shows. Sliding, double jumps, and more movement options with certain abilities keep matches fast and vertical.

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They are still debating whether to add wall-running or wall-jumping, and early access players are just as split on the idea. Whatever direction they choose, the core movement already feels tight and responsive.

Team WaifuThe movement is very Apex Legends and Titanfall-inspired.

The demo focused on small-scale, round-based matches with options for 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3. I could only play on a controller for the demo too, which wouldn’t be my preference, and the game is clearly intended for keyboard and mouse. The developers mentioned aim assist is something they are looking at for the future, and it will be necessary if controller players are to keep pace.

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Between rounds, you can spend points on upgrades, from small bonuses to faster stamina regeneration, and possibly overpowered double damage (trading off slower reloads and half the magazine size). There will be some balancing still required here, but no matter what upgrades you choose, winning definitely depends on raw gun skill – this is no hero shooter.

Weapons are grounded and familiar, with a few twists. There is a smart pistol secondary, very obviously inspired by Titanfall 2, while the red dot sight on one rifle had a heart-shaped reticle that added a playful touch. It is part of the balance the developers are aiming for, mixing the silly waifu aesthetic with a serious tactical shooter.

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Internally, they joke about calling it a “modern military shooter for people with brainrot” or simply “Wives of Duty.”

Why Waifus?

So, let’s address the elephant in the room. The demo featured three waifus, with more planned, and they are not hero characters with unique powers. Instead, abilities are tied to your loadout and chosen before matches, which keeps the focus firmly on gunplay.

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So why exactly are they waifus? Just because, really. The developers, Team Waifu, wanted to stand out, and that is reason enough. Especially with all the samey shooters out there to choose from.

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But before long, they realized they had a very talented team making a really good game – it wasn’t a joke. Oh, and they are all big anime fans, obviously.

Team WaifuDuring gameplay, I forgot I was running around as a Waifu.

Producer Bernardo Paz explained that there is also a story, and players will be rewarded for engaging with the narrative and building up their own army of waifus. It is still in progress, but it should add a layer of progression alongside the competitive matches.

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Waifu Tactical Force is planned for release in 2026, but players can already request to join the playtest on Steam.

Based on my session, you shouldn’t write it off as just a silly idea for a shooter. Beneath the anime exterior is a well-crafted shooter that’s smooth, fast, and skill-based. And it definitely has the kind of unique hook that could go viral on Twitch if the right streamers pick it up.

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But the challenge for Waifu Tactical Force will be convincing a wider audience that it deserves to be taken seriously. For now, it is one of the most surprising and genuinely fun games I’ve tried at Gamescom.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Rory McIlroy — Cleaned out Masters Shop with 1,100 flag buys

by admin August 24, 2025

Aug 19, 2025, 05:27 PM ET

ATLANTA — Rory McIlroy didn’t leave Augusta National as the Masters champion without one last purchase from the gift shop.

He said there were 1,100 pin flags remaining in the Masters Shop.

“And we took all 1,100,” McIlroy said Tuesday ahead of the Tour Championship, the end of a PGA Tour season that has been his most memorable to date all because of one Sunday in April.

“It’s been a lot,” he said of the flags he has signed. “But I’ll never get sick of signing them. I’ve waited 17 years to sign that flag in the middle, and I will never complain about doing it.”

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Players sign flags all the time for fans, but the golf protocol is that only the Masters champion signs his name inside the outline of the U.S. that is part of golf’s most famous logo.

It has been just over four months since McIlroy delivered an exhilarating end to his 17-year pursuit of winning the green jacket, making birdie on the first playoff hole to beat Justin Rose and complete the career Grand Slam.

He hasn’t won since then, and at times he has talked about finding motivation. But being the Masters champion doesn’t get old. He already is planning some trips to Augusta National, a luxury afforded the champion, including one with his dad.

If anything surprised him, it was the one-year ownership of the Masters green jacket.

He hardly ever wears it.

McIlroy said he wore it all night until he went to bed at about 3:30 a.m., and then awoke and went through sensations so many others have. He saw the jacket draped over a chair, a reminder that it all wasn’t a dream.

He wore it during a brief appearance at the Association of Golf Writers’ dinner during the British Open. Otherwise, the occasions have been rare.

“I’m reluctant to wear it,” he said. “It’s not as if I wear it a lot. I have it hanging in my wardrobe in a place where I can see it every day. I always thought if I had one — if I did win the Masters one day — I’d never have the thing off, and it hasn’t been that way. I haven’t worn it as much as I thought I would.”

McIlroy said he has trips planned with friends and some Augusta National members with whom he has become friends over the years. He would be required to wear his green jacket at the club, which most likely won’t require anyone twisting his arm.

“I’ve always said some of my favorite times at Augusta were when it wasn’t the Masters Tournament,” he said, referring to the times he went there before the Masters for practice rounds. “But it’ll be lovely to next time go there and go up to the champions locker room and put on my green jacket and feel like I belong.”

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Alleged crypto scammer caught after littering arrest in Seoul

by admin August 24, 2025

A man wanted in connection with a massive cryptocurrency fraud has been caught in Seoul after police stopped him for littering outside a train station.

Officers said they first approached the man, in his 60s, for discarding a cigarette butt. Their suspicions grew when he pleaded for leniency, refused to show identification, and tried to bribe them before attempting to run.

Checks revealed he was the subject of an outstanding warrant tied to an alleged scheme that defrauded 1,300 people of 17.7 billion won. He faces 10 charges, including fraud, and has been transferred to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office.

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UnsplashCryptocurrency scams and thefts have skyrocketed in recent years.

Growing concerns over crypto scams

The case comes amid increasing scrutiny of cryptocurrency-related crime. Data from Chainalysis shows crypto platforms lost $2.2bn to theft in 2024, with illicit actors receiving more than $40.9bn worth overall.

In South Korea, police reported the arrest of over 200 suspects last year linked to a $240m investment fraud, which authorities called the country’s largest crypto scam.

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Crypto thefts and scams have gone viral many times in the past, including one earlier in 2025, where a real-life ‘Team Rocket’ stole $50,000 worth of Pokemon cards and cryptocurrency ATMs.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Adam Schefter’s fantasy football cheat sheet – Value picks and sleepers to target

by admin August 24, 2025

Each year, we at ESPN Fantasy endeavor to help with your fantasy football draft prep, including sleepers lists and cheat sheets. In this column, you will get the best of both worlds, as ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter offers his personal list of early-, mid- and late-round targets in 2025 fantasy leagues.

Below are some players who could be fantasy standouts this season and outperform their current average draft position (ADP). If given a choice at certain junctures in the draft, or in tiebreaker situations, these are players who will receive strong consideration.

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For context, I am in a 12-team league, in which some of these players will not need to be drafted, and a 16-team league, in which some of them might be more valuable. As always, consider the size of your league and your scoring system in any player evaluation, but I believe the players below hold strong value relative to their ADPs and are poised to have productive seasons.

I hope this list is helpful. Good luck this season!

Quarterback

Just as the NFL has elite quarterbacks, so does fantasy. Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow have racked up huge numbers for their teams and fantasy managers, but there is plenty of depth this year, and quality quarterbacks can be found in later rounds, if you choose to wait at the position.

Early rounds

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Coach John Harbaugh believes Jackson is one of the best passers — yes, passers — in NFL history. But Jackson’s running makes him one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in history.

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: In the past year, Allen has won an MVP, gotten married and restructured his contract as he looks to duplicate — and even improve upon — his incredible 2024 season.

Middle rounds

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: From the time he turned up in Tampa, Mayfield has exceeded expectations while the Buccaneers have assembled potent offensive options.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos: Nix is a better dual threat than people realize, and can rack up fantasy points with his legs as much as his arm.

Late rounds

Drake Maye, New England Patriots: A bigger version of Bo Nix, in the junior mold of Josh Allen, Maye can score points in the air or on the ground.

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons: In his brief stint at the end of last season, Penix proved he belongs. He is the Falcons’ quarterback of the future and will be a fantasy fixture.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Under new coach Liam Coen, Lawrence has been put in a position to achieve his potential.

Running back

A case can be made to draft either Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 1 pick this season. Coming off a deep running back draft in April, this crop of running backs has been elevated by a number of rookies who have a chance to make meaningful fantasy contributions this season.

Early rounds

Bijan Robinson, Falcons: He would be my No. 1 pick this year.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: Gibbs might just be the most dynamic offensive player in the NFL, not to mention a touchdown machine.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals: On a team that could be involved in high-scoring affairs, Brown can catch as effectively as he runs.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers: Irving emerged in his rookie year and seized control of the Buccaneers’ No. 1 running back spot.

Middle rounds

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Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers: Few coaches love to run the football as much as Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman, and Hampton is expected to be the lead back.

TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots: Demonstrated speed, elusiveness and big-play ability this preseason and will be used in conjunction with Rhamondre Stevenson.

RJ Harvey, Broncos: Rookie running backs sometimes are brought along slowly in Sean Payton’s offense, but as the season progresses, so should Harvey.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs: An injury derailed a strong start to his 2024 season. Pacheco is healthy this year.

Late rounds

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders: There has been an inordinate amount of hype surrounding this seventh-round pick.

Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns: Cleveland needs, and is expected to have, one of its rookie running backs to be a factor.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals: It’s time for last year’s third-round draft pick to show he has a place in Arizona’s offense.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys: Blue has elite elusiveness and is expected to be a third-down factor.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars: The rookie will likely contribute early and be consistent this season. He has too much speed not to.

Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles: Shipley is solid insurance for managers who roster running back Saquon Barkley.

Wide receiver

With the NFL’s reliance on the passing game, so many receivers have been developed that this could be the deepest group of wideouts in fantasy history. Catching contributors are available at all levels of the draft, but especially up high.

Early rounds

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals: There is no contract drama this year, and the connection he has with Burrow is next level.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions: Target machine who is as tough and dependable as they come.

Nico Collins, Houston Texans: When healthy, he has the ability to be one of the top fantasy receivers.

Malik Nabers, New York Giants: Has a lingering toe issue and, were it not for that, his talent is on par with any receiver in the league.

Middle rounds

Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals: He will not be drafted as high as last year, but he likely will produce more this year.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks: Showed how productive he could be during his rookie season and should continue to shine.

DeVonta Smith, Eagles: A.J. Brown gets a lot of attention in Philadelphia, but Smith still gets a lot of targets.

Jameson Williams, Lions: Headed into a contract year, Williams has the motivation to go along with the talent.

Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears: He has already built a rapport with QB Caleb Williams that will connect them for years.

Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers: There have been so many injuries to 49ers wideouts that someone has to produce for them. Pearsall can.

Later rounds

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Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings: A three-game suspension dings his value, but once he returns, he is expected to be a force.

Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers: Like Pearsall, injuries have impacted the Packers’ wide receivers. Someone has to produce, and their first-round pick is as good a bet as any.

Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers: The team has been pleased and impressed with how its first-round pick has looked in camp.

Keon Coleman, Bills: Coleman has looked good during training camp, like he’s ready to make a second-year jump.

Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos: He began to emerge last season and it should continue this season.

DeMario Douglas, Patriots: New England needs its receivers to step up, and Douglas did at camp.

Dyami Brown, Jaguars: Follow the money. The Jaguars paid him about $10 million per year as a free agent.

Jaylin Noel, Texans: With Tank Dell out indefinitely, Houston needs the type of big plays that Noel can provide.

Troy Franklin, Broncos: The Broncos have a lot of wide receivers, but Franklin — who played with Nix in college — is capable of making plays.

Tight end

This is a top-heavy position, with Brock Bowers, Trey McBride and George Kittle being the headliners. Once it gets past them, there is uncertainty and some risk.

Early rounds

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders: Last year’s first-round pick looked like a star in his rookie season in Vegas.

Trey McBride, Cardinals: There were times last season when he played like a baby Gronk.

Middle rounds

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Sam LaPorta, Lions: Flashed superstar potential as a rookie in 2023, when the Lions featured him.

Evan Engram, Broncos: Sean Payton has been waiting for an effective pass-catching tight end, and now he has one.

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys: Coming off an injury, Ferguson is poised to resume his production in Dallas’ offense.

Later rounds

Isaiah Likely, Ravens: He could be the No. 1 tight end on many teams. Things are tougher in Baltimore with Mark Andrews around, but the Ravens know how talented Likely is.

Theo Johnson, Giants: Johnson was a factor as his rookie season progressed and should be even better this season.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers: He flashed during his rookie season as well, and has a chance to take a meaningful jump in Year 2.

AJ Barner, Seahawks: Seattle needs a tight end to step up, and Barner might be up to the task.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments