CriticalPixel

CriticalPixel

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// PLAY SMARTER Game reviews · PC benchmarks · price comparison across 10+ stores. Find the lowest deal, skip the buyer's remorse. https://criticalpixel.gg

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CriticalPixel
@critpixel.bsky.social

📌 Stop overpaying for games. criticalpixel.gg/deals compares live prices across 10+ stores in your currency, so you always grab the lowest deal. Track discounts, catch all-time lows & build a wishlist that actually saves you money. Your backlog just got cheaper 🎮🟣🔵 #gamer #pcgamer #steam

criticalpixel.ggCritical DealsFind the lowest game prices. Compare deals from Steam, GOG, Instant Gaming, Gamivo, Green Man Gaming & more. Filter by platform or discount.
CriticalPixel
@critpixel.bsky.social

Rockstar staff vote on a union Nov 12 to 26, bracketing the GTA 6 console launch. Bigger than any trailer. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/rockstar-staff-vote-on-union-recognition-november-12-to-26-straddling-the-gta-6-console-launch #gaming #GTA6 #Rockstar #GamingNews

criticalpixel.ggRockstar Union Vote Straddles the GTA 6 LaunchRockstar employees vote on IWGB union recognition from November 12 to 26, bracketing the November 19 GTA 6 console launch. Here is what is at stake.
CriticalPixel
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Discord will put big public server messages on Google from mid-December, on by default in most regions. Check your privacy toggle. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/discord-will-make-messages-in-63-000-discoverable-servers-searchable-on-google-on-by-default-in-most-regions #gaming #Discord

criticalpixel.ggDiscord Messages Will Be Searchable on Google in DecemberDiscord is putting public messages from Discoverable servers on Google from mid-December. Here is who is affected, the defaults and how to opt out.
CriticalPixel
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Warhorse confirms a serious cyberattack and has not said what was taken. Treat leaks as unverified. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/warhorse-studios-confirms-a-serious-cyberattack-as-kingdom-come-fans-worry-about-leaks-of-unfinished-games #gaming #KingdomCome #Warhorse

criticalpixel.ggWarhorse Studios Hit by Serious CyberattackKingdom Come: Deliverance developer Warhorse Studios confirmed a serious cyberattack on its systems and data. Here is what we know and what is still unclear.
CriticalPixel
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Auroch Digital cuts 25% of staff 12 days after Boltgun 2 went Overwhelmingly Positive. Good reviews are no safety net. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/auroch-digital-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-staff-12-days-after-boltgun-2-hit-overwhelmingly-positive-on-steam #gaming #Boltgun2 #Warhammer

criticalpixel.ggAuroch Digital Cuts 25% of Staff After Boltgun 2 LaunchBoltgun 2 developer Auroch Digital is laying off about 25% of its staff 12 days after launch and 15 days before Warhammer Survivors arrives on Steam.
CriticalPixel
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Arrowhead says Helldivers 3 only makes sense if it is so different both games can coexist. 95% of the studio stays on Helldivers 2. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/arrowhead-boss-says-helldivers-3-is-not-coming-soon-95-of-the-studio-is-still-on-helldivers-2 #gaming #Helldivers2 #PS5

criticalpixel.ggHelldivers 3 Not Happening Soon, Says Arrowhead CCOArrowhead's Johan Pilestedt says 95% of the studio is on Helldivers 2, a small team is prototyping a new game, and any sequel must be very different.
CriticalPixel
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Sucker Punch lost 26 people at a studio under 200 while Ghost of Yotei leads Sony's 2026 sales. A hit buys no job security. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/sucker-punch-lays-off-26-people-even-as-ghost-of-yotei-leads-sony-s-2026-playstation-sales #gaming #GhostOfYotei #PlayStation #layoffs

criticalpixel.ggSucker Punch Lays Off 26 After Ghost of Yotei WinSony's Sucker Punch reportedly cut 26 jobs at a studio under 200 people, right after Ghost of Yotei topped Sony's 2026 sales. Here is what we know.
CriticalPixel
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Sony paid a hacker $50,000 for an AI-found PS5 hypervisor bug, and the homebrew scene wanted him to wait until after GTA 6. Bounty money beat clout. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/sony-pays-a-hacker-50-000-for-an-ai-found-ps5-hypervisor-bug-and-the-homebrew-scene-turns-on-him #gaming #PS5 #GTA6

criticalpixel.ggSony Pays $50,000 for PS5 Hypervisor Bug, Homebrew FumesA hacker named Jordy took a $50,000 Sony bounty for a PS5 hypervisor flaw found with AI, and Linux modders say it kills their GTA 6 dual-boot plan.
CriticalPixel
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Game Pass is heading to your phone bill via T-Mobile's T-Mix, and nobody has said what a Pick costs. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-game-pass-ultimate-and-premium-join-t-mobile-s-new-t-mix-plans-in-november-but-pick-costs-are-missing #gaming #xbox #gamepass

criticalpixel.ggXbox Game Pass Comes to T-Mobile T-Mix PlansT-Mobile's new T-Mix plans will let eligible customers choose Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Premium from November, but nobody has said how many Picks it costs.
CriticalPixel
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A Valve audio designer said HLX out loud at a conference. No trailer, no date, just three letters and a fanbase with zero chill. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/valve-s-mike-morasky-says-hlx-out-loud-at-gamesoundcon-and-half-life-3-fans-lose-it-over-one-slip #gaming #HalfLife3 #Valve #HLX

criticalpixel.ggValve Dev Slips and Says HLX at GameSoundConA Valve audio designer mentioned HLX, the rumored Half-Life 3 codename, during a GameSoundCon Q&A. Here is what was said and what it does not confirm.
CriticalPixel
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Xbox now sells cloud playtime without Game Pass: 10 hours for $3.99. You still have to own the game. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-cloud-gaming-sells-playtime-without-game-pass-to-insiders-10-hours-for-3-99-50-for-11-99 #gaming #Xbox #CloudGaming

criticalpixel.ggXbox Cloud Playtime: 10 Hours $3.99, 50 Hours $11.99Xbox Insiders can now buy ad-free cloud playtime without Game Pass: $3.99 for 10 hours, $7.99 for 25 and $11.99 for 50, with a wider launch in November.
CriticalPixel
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A24 reportedly spent nearly $200M on the Elden Ring movie, almost 3x its old record. Big swing, zero footage so far. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/a24-s-elden-ring-movie-reportedly-costs-nearly-200-million-almost-triple-its-previous-record #gaming #EldenRing #A24 #GamingNews

criticalpixel.ggA24 Elden Ring Movie Budget Hits Nearly $200 MillionA24's Elden Ring movie reportedly cost nearly $200 million, almost triple Marty Supreme's $70 million record, with a March 3, 2028 release date.
CriticalPixel
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Xbox reportedly wanted $800M for 7 years of Netflix game adaptations. Netflix offered $500M, then the exec behind the offer got fired. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-reportedly-wanted-800-million-for-seven-years-of-netflix-game-adaptations-and-the-deal-died #gaming #Xbox #Netflix

criticalpixel.ggXbox Wanted $800M From Netflix for Game Adaptation RightsPuck reports Xbox countered Netflix's $500 million offer with $800 million for seven years of exclusive game adaptations, then the deal fell apart.
CriticalPixel
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Factorio 2.1 is stable and Wube calls it the last major update after 14 years. Back up your saves first. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/factorio-2-1-goes-stable-as-wube-s-last-major-update-with-mixed-rockets-optional-quality-and-arm64-linux #gaming #Factorio #PCGaming

criticalpixel.ggFactorio 2.1 Is Stable and the Last Major UpdateFactorio 2.1 is now stable and Wube calls it the last major update, with mixed rockets, optional Quality, a circuit rework and ARM64 Linux support.
CriticalPixel
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Chucky leaves Dead by Daylight stores Nov 24 and Behaviour won't say why. Owners keep him, 50% sale first. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/dead-by-daylight-delists-the-chucky-chapter-on-november-24-months-after-michael-myers-left #gaming #DeadByDaylight #Chucky

criticalpixel.ggDead by Daylight Delists Chucky on November 24Behaviour Interactive will pull the Chucky Chapter from Dead by Daylight stores on November 24, with a 50% Last Chance sale first and no refunds.
CriticalPixel
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Xbox's first ever COO lasted three months. Helen Chiang is out after 21 years at Microsoft, with one short memo and no explanation. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-s-first-chief-operating-officer-helen-chiang-leaves-microsoft-three-months-after-getting-the-job #gaming #xbox #gamingnews

criticalpixel.ggHelen Chiang Leaves Xbox COO Role After Three MonthsXbox COO Helen Chiang is out of Microsoft after 21 years and three months in the job, and Asha Sharma says more on COO leadership is coming.
CriticalPixel
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Steam's Personal Calendar is now permanent, and picks built from your playtime beat the front page. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/steam-s-personal-calendar-leaves-steam-labs-and-becomes-a-permanent-store-feature-rebuilt-daily-from-your-playtime #gaming #Steam #PCGaming

criticalpixel.ggSteam Personal Calendar Is Now an Official Store FeatureValve moved the Steam Personal Calendar out of Steam Labs on October 23. Here is how it picks games, what developers need, and where it falls short.
CriticalPixel
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Microsoft reportedly has until Nov 13 to sell Arkane Lyon or close the Dishonored and Deathloop studio. 217 jobs on the line. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/microsoft-reportedly-has-until-november-13-to-sell-arkane-lyon-or-close-the-dishonored-and-deathloop-studio #gaming #Xbox #Arkane #Deathloop

criticalpixel.ggArkane Lyon Has Until November 13 to Find a BuyerLe Monde reports Microsoft wants to close Arkane Lyon, with 217 jobs at risk and a French deadline of November 13 to find a buyer for the studio.
CriticalPixel
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Samsung's 2027 memory is reportedly 80% locked in long term deals. Gamers are the leftover bin, so don't wait on cheaper RAM. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/samsung-reportedly-has-80-of-its-2027-memory-output-locked-in-long-term-deals-and-gamers-get-the-leftovers #gaming #pcgaming #RAM

criticalpixel.ggSamsung 2027 Memory 80% Sold: More RAM Hikes AheadKB Securities says Samsung has about 80% of its 2027 memory output on long term deals, pointing to a double digit RAM price jump early next year.
CriticalPixel
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Epic is giving away Home (pixel horror mystery) and Sker Ritual (co-op zombie shooter) until Oct 29. Free is free, grab both. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/epic-games-store-gives-away-home-and-sker-ritual-free-until-october-29-with-sorry-we-re-closed-up-next #gaming #EpicGames #FreeGames

criticalpixel.ggEpic Free Games: Home and Sker Ritual Free Until Oct 29Epic Games Store is giving away Home and Sker Ritual until October 29 at 12:00 BRT, and Sorry We're Closed follows next. Here is what you get and what to skip.
CriticalPixel
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A PHP flaw put Pokémon Home, Champions and Sleep into emergency maintenance and killed two old Japanese mobile games. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/a-critical-php-flaw-knocked-pokemon-home-and-sleep-offline-and-killed-two-old-japanese-mobile-games-for-good #gaming #pokemon #infosec

criticalpixel.ggPHP Flaw Takes Pokémon Apps Offline, Kills Two GamesTwo critical PHP bugs sent Pokémon Home, Champions and Sleep into emergency maintenance, and two aging Japanese mobile games were shut down for good.
CriticalPixel
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Capcom confirms 11.77M CAPCOM ID email records leaked, login IPs included. No card data, but expect Capcom-flavored phishing. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/capcom-confirms-capcom-id-breach-hitting-11-77-million-accounts-with-a-phishing-warning-for-players #gaming #Capcom #databreach

criticalpixel.ggCapcom ID Breach Exposes 11.77 Million AccountsCapcom says 11,774,247 CAPCOM ID email records leaked after an October 19 breach. No card data, 196 passwords changed, and a phishing warning is live.
CriticalPixel
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Xbox wants staff in the office four days a week from Feb 1, with three more layoff rounds reportedly coming. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-orders-four-days-a-week-in-the-office-from-february-1-while-three-more-layoff-rounds-reportedly-loom #gaming #Xbox #layoffs

criticalpixel.ggXbox Four-Day Office Mandate Lands Ahead of More LayoffsXbox staff near Redmond must be in the office four days a week from February 1, 2027, as Fortune reports more layoffs this month, in November and in January.
CriticalPixel
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EA is closing BioWare and cancelling the next Mass Effect. Buyout debt claims a legend. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/ea-shuts-down-bioware-cancels-the-next-mass-effect-and-cuts-about-400-jobs-after-the-55-billion-saudi-buyout #gaming #BioWare #MassEffect #EA

criticalpixel.ggEA Shuts Down BioWare and Cancels the Next Mass EffectEA is closing BioWare and its Edmonton workspace, canceling early Mass Effect development and cutting around 400 jobs while Respawn and DICE team up.
CriticalPixel
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FSR 4.1 is heading to Xbox Series X, Series S and both Ally handhelds. Ally previews land Oct 23, consoles get a vague "soon". https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/amd-and-microsoft-confirm-fsr-4-1-for-xbox-series-x-series-s-and-both-xbox-ally-handhelds-but-dates-stay-vague #gaming #Xbox #AMD

criticalpixel.ggFSR 4.1 Is Coming to Xbox Series X, S and Xbox AllyAMD and Microsoft announced FSR 4.1 for Xbox Series X|S and both Xbox Ally models. Ally previews land October 23, while consoles only get a vague soon.
CriticalPixel
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GTA 6 sits on an estimated 6.45M digital preorders and $630M a month out, 74% on PlayStation. Third party estimate, but that lead over Call of Duty is brutal. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/gta-6-preorders-pass-6-45-million-and-630-million-with-playstation-taking-74-of-the-pile #gaming #GTA6 #PS5

criticalpixel.ggGTA 6 Preorders Top 6.45M and $630M, 74% on PlayStationSensor Tower's tracker puts GTA 6 at 6.45 million digital preorders and $630 million, with PS5 at 74%, but the numbers come with geography caveats.
CriticalPixel
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Fortune says Xbox Helix is projected at $1,200 to $1,800 unless Microsoft subsidizes it. Handheld 2027, console 2028. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/fortune-says-xbox-project-helix-could-cost-1-200-to-1-800-with-a-handheld-in-2027-and-the-console-in-2028 #Xbox #ProjectHelix #gaming

criticalpixel.ggXbox Helix Could Cost $1,200 to $1,800, Fortune SaysFortune reports Microsoft has projected Xbox's Project Helix console at $1,200 to $1,800, with a handheld due holiday 2027 and the console in 2028.
CriticalPixel
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Battlefront 3 rumors name DICE, Bungie and maybe Respawn. Still zero confirmations, so keep the hype on a leash. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/star-wars-battlefront-3-rumors-name-dice-bungie-and-respawn-but-nobody-has-confirmed-a-thing #gaming #StarWars #Battlefront3

criticalpixel.ggStar Wars Battlefront 3: DICE, Bungie and Respawn RumorsLucasfilm is reportedly shopping Star Wars Battlefront 3 to DICE and Bungie, while a studio CEO says Respawn is already involved. Here is what holds up.
CriticalPixel
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EA Sports FC sat at PEGI 3 while selling card packs. Europe is finally moving loot box games to a 16 rating. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/pegi-starts-moving-loot-box-games-like-ea-sports-fc-and-zenless-zone-zero-up-to-a-16-rating-across-europe #gaming #PEGI #lootboxes #EASportsFC

criticalpixel.ggPEGI Moves Loot Box Games Like EA Sports FC to a 16 RatingPEGI is re-rating digital games with paid random items to 16 through October. EA Sports FC, Zenless Zone Zero and Pokémon TCG Pocket are already affected.
CriticalPixel
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Free Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 lands Oct 22 with Edgerunners 2 content. CDPR said no more DLC in May, so call it what you like. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/cyberpunk-2077-update-2-5-arrives-october-22-with-edgerunners-2-content-and-a-dual-wield-playstyle-teased #gaming #Cyberpunk2077 #CDPR

criticalpixel.ggCyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 Arrives October 22CD Projekt Red announces free Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 for October 22 with Edgerunners 2 content, plus dual-wielding and cyberware changes teased.
CriticalPixel
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We covered Saros on CriticalPixel: the free Zenith update is the best way back into Housemarque's bullet ballet. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/saros-zenith-update-adds-slow-mo-auto-fire-new-game-plus-and-a-boss-rush-mode-for-free-on-ps5 @playstation.com

criticalpixel.ggSaros Zenith Update: Slow-Mo, New Game Plus, Boss RushHousemarque's free Saros Zenith update is live on PS5 with a Slow Game Speed option, auto-fire, Eclipse Layers New Game Plus and the Overlord Rush boss mode.
CriticalPixel
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An Xbox strategy manager told studios that skip AI they should quit, then deleted his X account in a day. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-strategy-manager-deletes-his-x-account-hours-after-telling-devs-who-skip-ai-they-should-not-be-in-business #gaming #Xbox #AI

criticalpixel.ggXbox Manager Deletes X Account After Pro-AI ThreadXbox's Brandon Stirrup told studios to embrace AI, said Xbox uses it, then deleted his X account within a day. Here is what happened and why it matters.
CriticalPixel
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Sony quits discs, Xbox posts a job for physical game launches. One ad proves nothing, but the timing is spicy. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/xbox-posts-a-physical-games-supply-strategist-job-just-as-sony-retires-playstation-discs-in-january-2028 #gaming #Xbox #PlayStation #GamingNews

criticalpixel.ggXbox Is Hiring for Physical Games as Sony Ends DiscsA new Microsoft listing for an Xbox Games Supply Strategist points to continued physical game releases while Sony ends PlayStation discs in 2028.
CriticalPixel
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Saros got a free Zenith update: slow-mo, auto-fire, New Game Plus and a boss rush. Day one material, but welcome. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/saros-zenith-update-adds-slow-mo-auto-fire-new-game-plus-and-a-boss-rush-mode-for-free-on-ps5 #gaming #Saros #PS5

criticalpixel.ggSaros Zenith Update: Slow-Mo, New Game Plus, Boss RushHousemarque's free Saros Zenith update is live on PS5 with a Slow Game Speed option, auto-fire, Eclipse Layers New Game Plus and the Overlord Rush boss mode.
CriticalPixel
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Shrek 2 Remastered leaked on the Microsoft Store, then vanished. 4K and four-player couch co-op, with a reveal likely tomorrow. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/shrek-2-remastered-leaks-on-the-microsoft-store-days-before-the-id-xbox-showcase-with-4k-and-four-player-co-op #gaming #Xbox #Shrek2

criticalpixel.ggShrek 2 Remastered Leaks Ahead of the ID@Xbox ShowcaseA Microsoft Store page for Shrek 2 Remastered went live and vanished, listing 4K and four-player co-op, days before the ID@Xbox Showcase on October 20.
CriticalPixel
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PS6 memory and storage alone reportedly cost over $680, and Sony says no big hardware losses. Brace for a sticker that hurts. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/ps6-memory-and-storage-alone-reportedly-cost-more-than-680-and-sony-does-not-plan-to-eat-big-losses #gaming #PS6 #PlayStation #Sony

criticalpixel.ggPS6 RAM and NAND Reportedly Cost Over $680 AloneLeaker Kepler_L2 claims PS6 RAM and NAND alone cost over $680. Sony says it will not sell hardware at significant losses, so brace for a steep price.
CriticalPixel
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Jagex scrapped RuneScape Reignited 12 days after the RuneFest reveal. Veterans said no to the split and the studio blinked. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/jagex-cancels-runescape-reignited-12-days-after-the-runefest-reveal-and-offers-a-free-trial-instead #gaming #RuneScape #MMORPG

criticalpixel.ggJagex Cancels RuneScape Reignited After 12 DaysJagex cancelled RuneScape Reignited 12 days after RuneFest, citing veteran player feedback, and offers a 10 day free trial from December 2 instead.
CriticalPixel
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Liquid Swords went bankrupt six months after Samson. Nearly 30 devs unpaid, and the studio is up for sale. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/liquid-swords-developer-of-gta-like-samson-goes-bankrupt-with-nearly-30-unpaid-staff-and-a-sale-deadline-of-october-21 #gaming #Samson #GamingNews

criticalpixel.ggLiquid Swords Bankrupt: Samson Studio Up for SaleSamson developer Liquid Swords was declared bankrupt on October 12. About 30 staff are affected and bids for the studio and the game close on October 21.
CriticalPixel
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Sega pulled Shogun 2 Complete Edition 3 days after launch. Steam reviews hit Overwhelmingly Negative. https://criticalpixel.gg/articles/sega-pulls-total-war-shogun-2-complete-edition-days-after-launch-as-steam-reviews-sink-to-overwhelmingly-negative #gaming #Sega #TotalWar

criticalpixel.ggSega Pulls Shogun 2 Complete Edition After BacklashSega and Creative Assembly pulled Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition after Steam reviews turned Overwhelmingly Negative and fans blamed AI upscaling.