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Heavy Locomotives and Integrated Commodity Markets coming to Brass:Pittsburgh

by admin August 21, 2025

The steady trickle of information about Roxley’s follow-up to megahit game Brass: Birmingham continues this week with two mechanics reveals, Heavy Locomotives and Integrated Commodity Markets:

Heavy Locomotives

Unlike traditional Brass games, Heavy Locomotives are a permanent addition to your industrial empire. You start with 2 locomotives and can unlock more on your player board throughout the game. These powerful engines are never removed during the rail era transition, making them a lasting investment. Each Heavy Locomotive provides a special bonus when built, representing the massive advantage that superior rail technology provided during the Gilded Age.

Having a permanent piece on the board that remains even with an era change may be the secret wish of every Brass:Birmingham player. It will be interesting to see how that plays.

Integrated Commodity Markets

One of the most praised innovations by playtesters is the integration of commodity markets directly into the board. Unlike Birmingham and Lancashire, where commodities can move without network connections, all commodities in Brass: Pittsburgh must travel via established rail links. If you want to buy from a market, you must be connected by rail. But you can also pay the exorbitant “Vanderbilt price” to purchase any commodity at any time, even without a rail connection, giving players a usually undesirable but always available backup plan. This represents Cornelius Vanderbilt’s stranglehold on commerce in the region. His rail empire connected markets and enabled commerce on an unprecedented scale, and he held the title of richest man in the world from the 1850s until his death in 1877.

Assuming Pittsburgh retains the debt mechanics of Birmingham, the “Vanderbilt price” seems like it will be everyone’s favorite new way to abuse their credit in the game. Being able to purchase any commodity at any time is just too tempting.

What’s next?

Expect another reveal next week, and every week leading into the crowdfunding launch! In the meantime, sign up on the Gamefound page and join the conversation!

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August 21, 2025 0 comments

Here's everything you need to know about the iPhone operating system

Product Reviews

Everything to know about Apple’s big software changes coming to iPhone and iPad

by admin August 21, 2025

In just few weeks, Apple’s annual iPhone event will likely be upon us, which means we’ll finally get a look at the newest iPhone 17 lineup. In addition, the company will also give us an official date for downloading iOS 26. Until that happens, you can download and install the newly released public beta 4 (or iOS 26 developer beta 7 for developers). I’ve been playing around with it for the past couple of weeks, and have found that taking screenshots is way better in the new operating system — Google and ChatGPT search options are now in the screenshots editor, for instance. You can see a more complete view of the new features in our preview of the iOS 26 public beta release, which shows off the fresh home and lock screen redesign. Called Liquid Glass, the new translucent look will extend across all of Apple’s upcoming operating systems. The overhaul is one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple’s software suite, all of which were showcased during the company’s WWDC keynote on June 9.

After overpromising on AI plans last year, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you’ve been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it’s in the Photos app).

Siri, meanwhile, is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant — first promised at WWDC 2024 — is delayed until some point “in the coming year,” so you shouldn’t expect any major changes in the current betas. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT.

With each beta, it seems like additional new improvements are popping up, like this new AirPods gesture we’re all curious about, and this FaceTime feature that’ll freeze your video if it detects nudity. With the release of the iOS 26 developer beta 5, we saw more added features, like a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center, MacRumors reports. Some or all of those changes will likely soon migrate into the separate public beta (see below). Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26 (both the betas and final version). Want to see the full list of new features coming this fall? Read on.

What is iOS 26?

The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, and Apple is still actively updating it — version 18.6.1 was released to restore Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring functionality for certain users in the US. More recently, Apple released 18.6.2 to address a vulnerability related to image processing. But don’t expect to see iOS 19 soon — or ever. Instead, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 later this year. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they’re all designated “26” to reflect the year ahead.

It’s official, we’re moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let’s be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone’s home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens’ new facelift is refreshing.

So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a “new translucent material” since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They’re designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget’s own Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it’s somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

That said, as of the release of the iOS 26 beta 2, Apple has already incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won’t be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes more cohesive. Here’s a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.

Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you’re eating at or whose car you’re taking on a road trip.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven’t received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you’re lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that’s on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

Photos tabs are back: For anyone who’s still frustrated with the Photos changes made last year, you’ll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don’t have to scroll to infinity to find what you’re looking for.

FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen gets more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

Apple’s Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

New changes coming to iPadOS 26

Your iPad isn’t getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here’s what’s coming this fall.

Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you’ll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it’ll appear on your screen as normal but you’ll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don’t like it.

Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 is coming with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus.

New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There’s also a search option if you’re looking for something specific.

Check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions.

Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this “studio-quality” audio recording, and with it, you’ll notice more clarity while in noisy environments.

Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you’ll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Live translation feature: While not officially announced or confirmed, it appears that the long-rumored live translation for AirPods could be coming with iOS 26. The evidence comes from a system asset spotted in the in iOS 26 beta showing a gesture that’s triggered by pressing both earbud stems at the same time. The photo also shows words in several different languages.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won’t be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible for the iOS 26 update.

iPhone SE (second generation or later)

Not listed here are the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September.

How to install iOS 26 beta

The iOS 26 public beta is now available to download via the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. It’s free.

Once you’re in, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

A word of caution: Don’t sign up with your main iPhone unless you’re OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn’t finalized.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 — exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced.

If you’re more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here’s everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple’s delayed Siri rework.

Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download.

Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update.

Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what’s available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.

Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.

Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.

Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.

Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.

Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.

Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.

Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.

Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.

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August 21, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Opening Night Live buried the lede with WoW’s Midnight expansion – the MMO has a load of new additions coming that are genuinely interesting

by admin August 20, 2025

Gamescom Opening Night Live was packed full of new game reveals as is tradition, one of the fancier looking ones surely being the new cinematic for World of Warcraft’s Midnight expansion. Blizzard cinematics are always fantastic, the team responsible for them having seemingly made a pact with eldritch forces to maintain a level of quality one would think insurmountable.

But aside from the glitz and glamour of this cinematic, and the community-wide sigh of relief from the World of Warcraft community that Lor’themar didn’t get murdered live in front of Geoff Keighley, loads of other dope World of Warcraft related information was dropped that you may have missed. Here’s the good stuff.

Watch the cinematic for World of Warcraft: Midnight here!Watch on YouTube

World of Warcraft has housing and it looks pretty cool

My house! | Image credit: Activison Blizzard

A few months back Blizzard announced its intention to eat Final Fantasy 14’s lunch and add player housing into the game, without virtual landlords and camps of destitute players camped outside of plots they’ve heard may be going up for sale soon.

There’s a housing virtual tour website you can use right now to get an idea of what these homes will look like, and a gameplay demonstration at Gamescom gave us a look at what customising a house would actually be like via the lens of various content creators. Seeing internet celebrities place down a dozen carpets has never been so exciting.

Housing will either be a new venture for collectors and social players that’ll add another layer of immersion and lovely personalisation, or it’ll be a barren building speed levelers will run into briefly once when the expansion comes out before racing to max level and wiping in Mythic zero dungeons. Either way, cool. Those who pre-order the expansion can gain access to play housing early, obviously.

New Demon Hunter specialisation and a new allied race

Perhaps the most Avenged Sevenfold spec of all time. | Image credit: Activison Blizzard

A new Demon Hunter specialisation – called the Devourer – has been revealed. This void-focused spin on the edgiest class in WoW allows players to gorge themselves on the power of darkness, using the void to deal loads of damage. Using spells like “Collapsing Star” and “Hungering Slash”, you can pretend you’re not 35 years old and balding.

The Haranir will also be playable as an allied race in Midnight. These subterranean elvish / trollish people were introduced in The War Within and are a pretty rad spiritual subrace of intriguing weirdos. You’ll be able to play them as a Druid, Mage, Monk, Shaman, Priest, Warlock, Rogue, Warrior, and Hunter. Those who level ’em up get a hairy bat mount.

We’re going back to Blood Elf territory

I mean check this out… Brilliant. | Image credit: Activison Blizzard

One of the best zones Blizzard ever made purely from a perspective of vibrancy and high-fantasy vibes was Quel’Thalas. It’s a gorgeous forest filled with beautiful people with one big scar running down the middle. Well it turns out we’re going back, and not only will that big horrible scar be fixed up, but Silvermoon City will also be totally repaired. As a Blood Elf player, it’s a big victory all on its own.

You’re there to make sure the Sunwell doesn’t fall to the forces of evil, a tough endeavor considering the Sunwell has fallen twice already throughout its history. Still, it’s an excuse to head back to Zul’Aman and murder a third generation of Troll, as well as explore two new zones called Harandar and the Voidstorm. Nice.

A Prey system that might just fix the open world difficulty

Now every quest could be a lot more than you bargained for. | Image credit: Activison Blizzard

For years players have been doing quests and roaming around the open world in World of Warcraft with War Mode on, which would open you up to world PvP. This was meant to make questing a little more challenging, but frankly has mainly been used for an XP boost and for some niche collections.

The new Prey system is similar, though doesn’t require any PvP. Instead, by marking yourself as prey, you can go out and hunt (or be hunted) by tough bosses. There are three difficulties too, so it should all be genuinely tricky for those looking for some extra excitement.

Mounts and house customisation pieces can be gained by signing up, so all in all it’ll likely offer a decent diversion for those looking to extend their time in the Midnight zones, rather than through themselves at raids with terrible friends.

So there’s actually a lot to be excited for with World of Warcraft: Midnight. I, someone who swore off the game a year or so ago, has once again reinstalled the MMO and have found myself roaming around the world. Such is the cycle of WoW. I may even pre-order the expansion, for a mount I will ride around only once and transmog I shall never use.

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August 20, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Tropico 7 announced for PC and consoles, and it’s coming to Game Pass on day one

by admin August 20, 2025

El Presidentes assemble! Tropico 7 – the latest entry in Kalypso Media’s Caribbean-set city building sim – is official and heading to Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Game Pass next year.

The original Tropico debuted in 2001, melding elements of city building, resource management, and political wrangling that gave players the freedom to run their tropical island either as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman. The series has changed hands multiple times since then, with developer Limbic Entertainment taking the reins for 2019’s Tropico 6.

As for the newly revealed Tropico 7, it’s being helmed by Gaming Minds Studios (Port Royale 4, Railway Empire 2) and features a new story campaign playing out across 5 maps. That’s alongside 20 additional sandbox maps, a random map generator, and 10 extra scenarios. There’s also talk of new terraforming tools, a new council feature serving as a focal point for your political machinations, a new nemesis in Victoria Guerra, and more.

Tropico 7 announcement trailer.Watch on YouTube

Tropico 7 arrives sometime next year for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, and will be joining Xbox Game Pass on launch day. You’ll find the full list of currently announced features below.

Lead your nation to new heights: Tropico 7 tells El Presidente’s continuous success story across 5 campaign maps – starring himself, Penultimo and a new nemesis: Victoria Guerra.
More is more: Archipelagos, with the biggest islands ever in the series, await your rule, expanded with 10 extra scenarios, more than 20 sandbox maps, and endless possibilities with a random map generator.
Move mountains – literally: Erase them, create beaches, or even create entirely new islands! The new terraforming feature brings your megalomaniac dreams to life. Start that mammoth project – NOW!
Bollocks uhm… Politics: Navigate the snares and pits of internal politics, when you summon the different factions to your council, a new way to meet them face to face while you pulverize their dreams – or use them for a BIG DEAL to your own advantage.
Make the world your playground: Elections, election speeches and a vast portfolio of edicts depending on your political standing spice up your daily rule while you juggle foreign affairs and occasionally steal… uhm relocate a landmark to revel in its benefits.
Built to prosper: Strategically place buildings to make use of synergy effects, keep citizen satisfaction high, and fill any unused plots of land with beautiful parks in a freely customised size.
Generalissimo No. 1: Eliminate those pesky rebels and fend off foreign threats with a reworked military system enabling more direct control of your military units.
Always judge a book by its cover: Customise the appearance of your palace and El Presidente with new and creative options.

This is a news-in-brief story. This is part of our vision to bring you all the big news as part of a daily live report.

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August 20, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 4 Announced, Coming Next Year To PC

by admin August 19, 2025

The next entry in the Warhammer 40K series was announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live today, with Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War IV getting unveiled and set for a 2026 released on PC.

German developer King Art Games s producing Dawn of War IV, and it will be published by Deep Silver. The original Dawn of War games were made by Relic Entertainment. You can wishlist Dawn of War IV on Steam now. This is the first game in the series not made by Relic.

“Return to the RTS series’ roots with deeply satisfying strategy gameplay. Take command of four unique Warhammer 40,000 factions, including the Adeptus Mechanicus in their series debut! Fight through 70+ epic campaign missions, as well as the replayable Last Stand, Skirmish and multiplayer modes,” reads the game’s official description.

“In solo or co-op play, command each faction through its own dedicated campaign, supported by spectacular CGI intros and fully animated cutscenes,” the game’s description continues.

The story was written by John French (Black Library).

Dawn of War IV supports matches against AI enemies in the Skirmish mode, along with 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 multiplayer against other humans.

The announcement of Dawn of War IV comes not long after a remaster of the original Dawn of War was released earlier this year.

Dawn of War IV was one of many announcements at Gamescom Opening Night Live. Check out the gallery below to see more of the big news and reveals.

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August 19, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

South Korea’s New Stablecoins Framework Coming In Q4

by admin August 19, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

South Korea’s financial authority is expected to release the long-awaited regulatory framework next quarter, offering clear guidelines for the issuance and distribution of won-pegged stablecoins.

Stablecoin Guidelines By October

On Monday, local news media outlets reported that South Korea’s financial regulator, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), is expected to release a bill for a stablecoin pegged to the Korean won (KRW) within two months.

According to MoneyToday, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Park Min-kyu, confirmed that he had “recently received a report from the FSC on the direction of stablecoins,” affirming, “The government’s bill is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly around October.”

The bill is anticipated to be included in the second phase of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act. Notably, the FSC has been working to develop digital assets legislation and shift its regulatory approach for over a year, establishing the Virtual Asset Committee in November to prepare the next phase of its plan and finalize it by the second half of 2025.

The second phase of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act includes regulations on the distribution of digital assets and stablecoins, continuing its efforts to align with global standards. The FSC’s Vice Chairman Kim So-young previously stated that the Korean government was “speeding up efforts” to develop the Korean crypto market while protecting users.

Attention will be focused on the content of the rules, the report affirmed, as the FSC plans to unveil a regulatory framework outlining requirements for issuing won-pegged stablecoins, collateral management, and internal control systems, which have been a concern among both the crypto and banking industries.

The FSC’s Secretary-General warned in January that the regulator needed to address listing standards, how to deal with stablecoins, and how to create rules for the behavior of virtual asset exchanges.

Meanwhile, the banking sector has been studying two legalization scenarios, since it remains unclear whether non-bank entities will be allowed to be stablecoin issuers. Financial institutions have also been considering a business model in which banks establish a joint venture to issue stablecoins.

Stablecoins’ Momentum In South Korea

As the new media outlet noted, institutionalization of won-pegged stablecoins has gained significant attention after President Lee Jae-myung pledged it during his presidential campaign. The electoral promise, which also vowed to address the status of crypto-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs), followed the US’s regulatory shift under the Trump administration and its push for USD-pegged stablecoins, which currently lead the sector.

Previously, the chairman of the South Korea Stock Exchange, Jeong Eun-bo, urged authorities to institutionalize crypto in the country, noting that the Korean market needs to be revitalized to compete with other nations and prevent falling behind international markets.

Over the past two months, multiple bills related to the issuance and distribution of KRW-pegged stablecoins have been introduced in South Korea’s National Assembly. As reported by Bitcoinist, Korea’s ruling and opposition parties proposed rival bills in July to establish the highly anticipated regulatory framework for digital assets pegged to the Korean won.

Member of the Planning and Finance Committee from the Democratic Party, Ahn Do-gil, introduced the “Act on the Issuance and Distribution of Value-Stable Digital Assets,” while member of the Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee from the People Power Party (PPP), Kim Eun-hye, proposed the “Act on Payment Innovation Using Value-Fixed Digital Assets.”

Both bills share several similarities, including the assignment of stablecoin oversight to the Financial Services Commission (FSC). However, the two proposed legislation differ in the issue of interest payments, with the PPP’s bill allowing interest payments and the DPK’s bill completely banning interest payments to prevent market disruption.

Min Byung-deok, a member of the National Assembly’s Government Committee, also introduced the “Digital Assets Basic Act” in June, which proposes allowing the issuance of won-pegged stablecoins and establishing a Digital Asset Committee under the direct authority of the president.

Amid the global push for stablecoins, Korean individuals investing in overseas stocks have reportedly shifted from US big tech equities to crypto-linked stocks, with a focus on stablecoin-related companies throughout July, suggesting growing interest in the sector.

Bitcoin (BTC) trades at $116,082 in the one-week chart. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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August 19, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Mafia: The Old Country will get a proper open world mode via game update “in the coming months”

by admin August 19, 2025

Mafia: The Old Country may be an offer you can probably refuse, but it does have a lush-looking open world – “clearly designed with care and a sharp eye for capturing the beauty of a fairytale landscape that alternates between serene and rugged,” as Mark “Ice Pick” Warren wrote in our review.

The game’s focus on shootybangs and stabfights does the backdrop a disservice, as does its rather barren and easy-to-miss Exploration mode, which I hear is basically a chance to snaffle up some collectibles. Devs Hangar 13 and their godfathers at 2K Games aim to fix all that with a forthcoming Free Ride mode, which will “add some new activities and gameplay, arriving free for all players in the coming months,” according to a developer update.

Hangar 13’s previous Mafia: Definitive Edition also had a Free Ride mode, which let you roam Lost Heaven taking on new missions and races and even tussling with alien invaders. I would assume The Old Country’s version will be similar in both content and direction. Can’t wait to see what flying saucers look like in 1900s Sicily.

I’m always happy when blockbuster devs add modes that encourage you to revisit and savour the texture of the world. Projects such as Mafia: The Old Country typically pour tens of millions into the creation of art assets that are doomed to be appreciated for around five seconds while players zip fecklessly from cover to cover.

I guess that mingled decadence and disposability is part of the triple-A thrill, like burning 100 dollar bills to light a cigar. Have you ever done that? I once set a five pound note on fire for a dare, but I extinguished it immediately and, I think, bought a coffee with it. This is why I will never run 2K Games.

Again, there’s no hard launch date yet for Free Ride in Mafia: The Old Country. In the shorter term, Mark has dug up a first-person driving mod, which allows you to savour the period detail at the modest expense of occasionally seeing your own eyeballs floating in front of your face.

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August 19, 2025 0 comments

Game Reviews

Euro Truck Simulator 2 seemingly coming to PS5 and Xbox Series consoles

by admin August 18, 2025

Cult hit Euro Truck Simulator 2 is seemingly coming to PS5 and Xbox consoles. The news comes via PSN and Xbox store listings for the game, which is yet to be officially announced for the two consoles.

No release date is on the store listings, but we can probably expect that news soon, presumably tied to an announcement over Gamescom this week. SCS SOFTWARE had a big hit with Euro Truck Simulator 2 on PC, which as of 2024 had sold in excess of 15 million copies.

Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore from the UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and many more, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits. If you’ve got what it takes to be part of an elite trucking force, get behind the wheel and prove it!

Key Features:

Transport a vast variety of cargo across more than 60 European cities.
Run your own business which continues to grow even as you complete your freight deliveries.
Build your own fleet of trucks, buy garages, hire drivers, manage your company for maximum profits.
A varied amount of truck tuning that range from performance to cosmetic changes.
Customize your vehicles with optional lights, bars, horns, beacons, smoke exhausts, and more.
Thousands of miles of real road networks with hundreds of famous landmarks and structures.

This is a news-in-brief story. This is part of our vision to bring you all the big news as part of a daily live report.

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August 18, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Euro Truck Simulator 2 And American Truck Simulator Finally Coming To PS5 And Xbox

by admin August 18, 2025

Euro Truck Simulator 2 has been only available on PC and Mac since its release in 2013, while American Truck Simulator has been parked on the same platforms since 2016. Euro Truck Simulator 2 has remained popular on Steam in that time despite its age. Now, both games are heading to to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

PlayStation Network has listed pages for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, while Xbox added the former and the latter shortly thereafter. Specific release dates have yet to be disclosed.

Just as the name suggests, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is set in several countries across Europe as players assume the role of a cargo truck driver. As part of the game, players have to manage the costs of each trip while saving money to expand their business, purchase a better truck and even hire additional AI drivers to put a trucking fleet together.

As the more recent game of the two, American Truck Simulator has a more refined presentation while giving players the option to deliver cargo across iconic locations in the country. The game also has enhanced customization features for players’ trucks and trailers, as well as different types of brakes that can be used in the game.

In 2023, SCS Software accepted ads from real trucking companies that placed recruitment billboards in American Truck Simulator. Perhaps some of those ads will carry over to the new console ports as well. SCS has also teased that more news may arrive at Gamescom later this week.

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August 18, 2025 0 comments

Game Updates

Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct Coming Tuesday, Will Run A Whopping 45 Minutes

by admin August 18, 2025

A Nintendo Direct has been scheduled for tomorrow–the third one in the past month–this time focusing on a single game: Kirby Air Riders. Much like how his Super Smash Bros. Ultimate presentations went, game director Masahiro Sakurai will be hosting this particular Direct.

According to the livestream’s description, it will “provide an in-depth look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game,” and will be roughly 45 minutes long, which is longer than both of the previous two Directs combined. It kicks off at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET / 2 PM BST, and you’ll be able to watch it on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel.

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Now Playing: Kirby Air Riders – Official Reveal Trailer | Nintendo Switch 2

Kirby Air Riders was announced back in April during a Nintendo Direct that revealed a bevy of Nintendo Switch 2 games, though at the time all that was shown off was a pre-rendered trailer. Not much is known about this sequel, but with tomorrow’s Direct running at around 45 minutes, that will soon change. The game will also mark the first time Sakurai has directed a Kirby title since the original Air Rider for the GameCube.

Nintendo hasn’t held a traditional Direct since its full Switch 2 reveal, instead opting for a Partner Showcase in July and an Indie World Showcase earlier this month. The Partner Showcase didn’t have too many massive reveals, though it did include a new Monster Hunter Stories, Katamari, and a fresh look at Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. The Indie World Showcase was on the quieter side too, but still well worth a look for some neat upcoming titles.

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August 18, 2025 0 comments