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apex legends

Why Apex Legends Mobile is shutting down?

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For years, Need for Speed, FIFA, and Apex Legends have been produced by Electronic Arts and its affiliates for consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices. Since its release last year, the battle royale shooter Apex Legends Mobile has gained popularity.

In fact, it most recently took up the Google Play Store’s prize for the best overall game. However, the game has struggled to maintain its momentum in terms of user growth and popularity.

Image Source: beebom.com

Apex Legends Mobile is sadly being discontinued by the corporation, and it hasn’t even been around for a year. For the following three months, gamers can still access the game and fight their final battles. Additionally, the company has decided to stop working on Battlefield Mobile, a move that suggests mobile FPS games aren’t as popular as they once were.

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Apex Legends Mobile was first released in May 2022 by Lightspeed & Quantum Studios, a Tencent company, and Respawn Entertainment, which is owned by EA. It was made more accessible by the game’s ability to play Apex on devices other than computers and gaming consoles. Just before its first anniversary, on May 1st of this year, Apex’s developers declared a suspension for the mobile edition in a recent post.

The official shutdown is scheduled to begin at 7 PM ET. According to The Verge, gamers will not be able to make any more in-app purchases after Tuesday at 4 PM ET. Unfortunately, the creators have no intention of issuing refunds for any already placed transactions. It is recommended that users use any remaining in-game currency and play the game as much as possible while it still exists.

Players enthusiastically embraced the release of Apex Legends Mobile, according to EA’s announcement. The future battle royale game had two mobile-only legends (characters) and frequent updates that enhanced the characters’ skills and introduced new game modes, but it was shut down due to the content stream falling short of quality standards.

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The decision to shut down Apex Legends Mobile ultimately came down to money because the company’s finances were being negatively impacted by the rapid spike and decrease in player numbers. After a certain point, investing further in fresh Apex Legends Mobile content to draw and keep players became unfeasible for EA and its partners.

We can probably safely predict that the firm won’t start extensively promoting mobile shooters anytime soon. Therefore, before the doors permanently close, be sure to stay in touch with all of your Apex Mobile pals on other platforms in the upcoming three months.

The studio expresses its continued optimism for “mobile as a platform” in a blog post and states that it “looks forward to new opportunities to serve players there in the future.” Players can use their existing Syndicate Gold to play the game without any problems, but they won’t be able to perform any in-app purchases that cost real money.

xbox

What to Expect from Xbox in 2023?

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As the current-generation consoles join their third year, no system appears to be ready to take off such as the Xbox Series X in 2023. Microsoft’s device has had a somewhat quiet two years as the firm has kept a few of its largest future releases under wraps, with delays attempting to push its lineup into 2023.

However, it appears that Microsoft is convinced of its outcome this year, and there is a lot to look forward to for Xbox Series X owners.

A variety of exclusive games

Numerous elite Xbox titles scheduled for 2022 were postponed to next year, implying that we’ll have a plethora of options for games in 2023.

Xbox
Image Source: lecafedugeek.fr

Forza Motorsport was declared approximately three years earlier in 2020, but it appears that the game could very well finally be released next year. Turn 10 Studios appears to be putting a great focus on visuals; real-time ray tracing, as well as dynamic time-of-day climate, will be available to provide a more interactive experience, and the Series X console should indeed be pushed to its limits.

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However, one of the most notable games to be launched next year is Starfield, initially scheduled for release in 2022, the game was pushed to the start of 2023. This game appears to be a huge sci-fi excursion, complete with large numbers of intriguing planets, a sophisticated storyline, and a plethora of ways to defeat your enemies.

Other Xbox launches new releases that will be available after this year also Include Ark II, Last Case of Benedict Fox, Replaced, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, as well as Redfall, making sure that Xbox operators will have a plethora of new game alternatives to choose from.

An upgrade to the Xbox Series X/S

Many unconfirmed reports have circulated that Microsoft is presently collaborating on an Xbox Series X as well as a Series S update, possibly to compete with the speculated PS5 Slim, which could also be released next year.

The story was first reported by the Polish outlet PPE, which claims that Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL has discovered an updated Xbox console that will allegedly facilitate 8K and 120Hz capabilities.

It’s important to keep in mind that Microsoft has yet to clarify this, and the forthcoming console may be delayed even further, to 2024 or even beyond. However, the idea of Xbox releasing an update is consistent with the firm’s history, as the Xbox One X console was launched a few years after the initial Xbox One S.

Although 2023 may be a little early for an updated Xbox console, we would still not rule it out, even if it’s just a small design refresh instead of a hardware upgrade.

New Day One Release games on Game Pass

It’s impossible to discuss Xbox without referencing Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has already clarified that Day One Release games will be available on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass by January 2023 as an aspect of the Xbox Game Preview Program.

Day One Release, as the name implies, indicates that games will be accessible in the Game Pass catalog on the day they are released, making it even simpler for enthusiasts to grab the most recent releases.

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While Xbox launch titles are assured to reach on Game Pass on release day, the platform has seen a few surprising third-party releases. We anticipate a similar outcome in 2023.

Preview Program by Xbox Games appears to be a Microsoft comparable of Stream’s Early Access. Some games on Game Pass are accessible and can be played before they are fully released, but it appears that Xbox will allow fans to try out games in the initial stages making Disney Dreamlight Valley the latest recent example.

The launch of the Xbox Game Pass Streaming Stick

Discussing Xbox Game Pass, 2023 might be the year we see the much-anticipated Xbox Game Pass Streaming Stick. Keystone is a device the size of the dongle that will be able to stream Xbox games from the cloud.

An Xbox Streaming Stick is intriguing for a wide range of reasons, one of which is that it has the potential to bridge the gap in gaming where you require the newest devices to utilize the latest games.

While the excitement of opening a brand-new next-generation console will presumably never be matched, the ability to bring a small streaming stick along will provide access to gaming on the go, saving some consumers the pressure of trying to purchase the recent console as soon as it is released.

Phil Spencer stated recently that the release of a streaming stick could be “years away,” so 2023 may be too soon. We’re hoping that’s not the case because a streaming stick feels right for Game Pass and could be just what some folks require to get back into playing games without breaking the bank.

If the streaming stick does not materialize, we hope that the streaming platform will be made available on more TVs.

Google Stadia

How to activate Bluetooth on the Google Stadia controller?

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Here’s how to sync the Google Stadio controller with other devices. Even though Google Stadia may be closing down, individuals who still own their controller will be able to utilize it over Bluetooth.

Although Google has stopped offering its Stadia cloud game streaming service, it is providing the wireless Stadia controller another shot as a Bluetooth controller that can be linked to PCs, Macs, phones, and probably other devices as well.

Google Stadia
Image Source: windowscentral.com

The modification will not be made automatically; it must be done manually and cannot be undone. Additionally, the change to enable Bluetooth wirelessly must be made by December 31st, 2023. Any unconverted Stadia controller would still function as a wired USB gamepad after that date, but it won’t be able to play games wirelessly.

Users need only adhere to these instructions to connect and pair their control through BlueTooth, according to the official Stadia Bluetooth blog post.

  1. First, toggle the Bluetooth setting on the Google Stadia controller.
  2. To activate pairing mode, hold down and press the ‘Y + Stadia keys for two seconds. If done properly, the status light will blink orange.
  3. Take hold of the device that you wish to play on and connect the controller with it in the settings. The Stadia controllers’ status light will become solid white if it is successful.
  4. If it was successful, the controller will subsequently connect with the device automatically in the future.

Some devices won’t be able to sync with the controller, per the Stadia blog post. It noted, “Not all Bluetooth devices are the same, so compatibility will vary. The Stadia Controller uses Bluetooth low energy connections, so some features, such as pass-through audio, aren’t possible wirelessly.”

Also Read: Can an Android phone run a PS2 emulator?

But the post goes on to say that its team has “verified that the Stadia Controller works for gameplay with the list of supported devices. It hasn’t been tested with all Bluetooth device types, so it might not work with others.”

Here are some suggestions to reset the controller and attempt to resolve the issue if you are having significant problems pairing your Stadia controller with your selected device.

  1. Inspect the controller to make sure it has a minimum of 30 minutes of charge.
  2. To restart the device, unplug the controller and press and hold the Stadia button for ten seconds.
  3. Holding the Google Assistant and Capture buttons for six seconds will force the controller to be reset to factory settings if the problem persists.

Customer assistance will not be open to inquiries about Bluetooth problems, according to Stadia.

The Google Stadia will sadly be going to shut down this year, and those who did buy games on the platform are furious about losing their progress and game data. Hence a lot of game developers have indeed been working tirelessly to ensure that users can move their Google Stadia data to other consoles and PCs.

PS2 emulator

Can an Android phone run a PS2 emulator?

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The PlayStation 2, also known simply as PS2, is one of the most popular gaming systems of its time. It is undoubtedly one of the indisputable kings of home video game consoles, with sales of close to 155 million units. Independent developers have recently made unwavering efforts to recreate the heyday of PS2 gameplay by creating what is now known as a “PS2 emulator”.

Instead of being restricted to gaming consoles, these apps basically allow users to run PS2 games on their Android smartphones and even PCs.

PS2 emulator
Image Source: engadget.com

One might be wondering how PlayStation games will function on the phone or computer. Technically speaking, due to the PS’s distinct hardware and software design, it is unlikely that any PS games could be played natively on smartphones or desktop computers. This is the major justification for why programmers think of making emulators.

To put it simply, emulators serve as a link and replicate a gaming console’s features, including its controls and graphics, enabling users to enjoy and play their favorite console games on both PC and mobile devices.

In essence, ROM refers to PS2 games for emulators. ROMs are made in the ISO file format and serve as the actual game. A BIOS designed exclusively for PS2 must also be downloaded.

If a user has a PS2 BIOS, PS2 games can be played without a PS2 console. Additionally, without this BIOS, your Android phone cannot play PS2 games. It’s simple to use a PS2 emulator for Android mobile devices. To begin, merely adhere to these actions:

  • Get the PS2 BIOS file now. This is accessible on most ROM web pages.
  • Install the appropriate PS2 emulator.
  • Add the obtained BIOS file to the PS2 emulator’s “Data” folder.
  • Locate the ISO file containing the game and launch the emulator from there.
  • Play Game

Older PS2 ROMs are encrypted to function for the actual console, therefore they won’t immediately run on PS2 emulators. The task can be completed using an ISO file and PS2 ROMs BIOS, but understanding how to correctly decrypt them requires more work.

One can also find PS2 ISO online. One of the top PS2 emulators on the Google Play Store is AetherSX2. However, since the emulator is still in early access, some features might be missing. AetherSX2 is 100% free, unlike earlier Android PS2 emulators, like Damon.

In principle, any user may play PS2 games on one’s Android phone as long as one has downloaded the appropriate emulator. But at the moment, only devices with flagship specs can run these games smoothly, such as the Huawei P40 Pro, Google Pixel 4, OnePlus 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Therefore, to play these cherished classics, see if the Android smartphone has flagship specifications like a Mediatek Helio G90 chipset or a Snapdragon 865 processor.

Activision Merger

COD gamers sue Microsoft to stop the Activision merger

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A lawsuit was filed by gamers to prevent Microsoft from Activision Merger, claiming that doing so would decrease consumer choice and impede competition.

A private consumer lawsuit was filed against Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday in a U.S. court, alleging that the technology corporation’s $69 billion offer to buy Activision Blizzard Inc., the company behind the video game “Call of Duty,” will unjustly stifle competition in the sector.

Activision Merger
Image Source: headtopics.com

About two weeks ago, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit with an administrative law judge to prevent Microsoft, the company that owns the Xbox system, from completing the biggest-ever acquisition in the video-gaming industry.

The gamers want to exert pressure on Microsoft in order to stop it from completing “the largest tech deal ever in the video gaming market and absorbing its main rival in the sector, which is similar to many of the FTC’s worries. Prior to filing suit, the FTC stated that it did so to prevent Microsoft from controlling a leading independent game studio.

The organization said that the Activision Merger would hurt competition between competing gaming platforms from Sony Group Corp. and Nintendo Co Ltd.

Ten video game gamers from California, New Mexico, and New Jersey filed the lawsuit. The plaintiffs identify Activision Blizzard as a significant rival that promotes industry-wide innovation and pricing competition in their lawsuit.

Consumers can object to acquisitions like this through the Clayton Antitrust Act, which gives courts the opportunity to consider the anti-competitive harms argued by consumers. The gamers who are suing Microsoft for potentially breaking antitrust laws are extremely concerned that the pricing of their favorite games may soon rise while the quality of those games may decline.

They claim that if the Activision Merger is approved, Microsoft would be in a position to monopolize the greatest talent and the most well-liked games in order to perhaps obtain “far-outsized market power.”

In a statement on Tuesday, a Microsoft spokesman justified the agreement and said that it would boost competition and generate more options for gamers and game creators. Microsoft President Brad Smith stated, “We have complete confidence in our case and welcome the opportunity to present our case in court,” following the FTC’s lawsuit.

Plaintiffs’ attorney Joseph Saveri in San Francisco stated in a statement, “as the video game industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s critical that we protect the market from monopolistic mergers that will harm consumers in the long run.”

The lawsuits offer a distinctive viewpoint to the discussion around Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision, which Microsoft intends to conclude in 2023. They claim in their case that because Microsoft is aware that gamers are unlikely to switch to other games in place of their favorites, they are especially susceptible to price increases.

This means that Microsoft might block access to platforms or services outside of its gaming ecosystem and take popular games—like Call of Duty games, which are played by all plaintiffs.

Nintendo Switch Pro

Is the Nintendo Switch Pro worth buying in 2023?

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For years, there have been rumors of the Nintendo Switch Pro However, the upgraded Switch sequel has not yet materialized.

A recent Nvidia leak appears to corroborate the Tegra239 SoC’s existence, which is generally thought to power the Switch Pro. But even if all of this turns out to be completely off the mark, an improved version of the Nintendo Switch may be in the works.

Nintendo Switch Pro
Image Source: techstory.in

Early in 2019, rumors began to spread regarding the Nintendo Switch Pro. In a March 2019 article, The Wall Street Journal stated that Nintendo was manufacturing two new Switch models, citing “parts suppliers and software developers for Nintendo.”

The second described a more potent, full HD Switch model targeted at the more hard-core market. The first described a “cheaper option for casual gamers,” which sounds remarkably similar to the Switch Lite. The rumors have continued ever since.

Read More: From a Small Card Company to World’s Largest Video Game Maker

In a recent interview, Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s president, added that there won’t be a new Switch in the current fiscal year, which runs through March 2023. However, the Japanese gaming behemoth has backed off from complete denial, firmly denying that work is being done on an improved Switch system.

As per rumors, the new Switch will be able to output 4K video, which gamers have been yearning for and were unhappy not to see in the Switch OLED. In fact, playing through Bowser’s palace in Mario Kart or exploring Hyrule in Breath of the Wild would be immensely more immersive in sharp 4K.

A more powerful CPU and NVIDIA DLSS AI rendering capabilities are rumored to be included in the Switch Pro. According to a leak from Nintendo, the Switch Pro will have power comparable to a PS4 — quite astounding for a portable device. There have been plenty of rumors and fan-made renderings teasing the Nintendo Switch Pro’s potential appearance.

Fans have enjoyed speculating on what the future of the Switch’s design might hold, from a completely different model with a four-cartridge port to a variety of pleasantly vintage suggestions. There have been rumors that a larger display and more ergonomic Joy-Cons are on the way.

The OLED Switch increased the size from 6.2 inches to 7 inches, which was one aspect where it did not fall short. With that in view, it’s possible that the Switch Pro will go much further and provide even more inches of screen space.

The Nintendo Switch currently has a 32GB storage capacity, a 720p LCD display, and a bespoke Nvidia Tegra X1 processor. The Nintendo Switch’s most recent update, which took place in August 2019, increased battery life, bringing it from 6.5 hours to 9 hours of playtime.

Bloomberg stated in March 2021 that a new Nintendo 4K Switch with an OLED display might be released before the holidays. In order to prepare for a Christmas launch, Nintendo reportedly asked the Samsung Display Co. to create seven-inch, 720p OLED displays.

The original Switch release was four years ago, so it seems fitting to upgrade the device now. There haven’t been official signs to date that Nintendo is prepared to introduce the Nintendo Switch Pro or any other next-generation console. However, the rumors suggest the Nintendo Switch Pro might be a good buy when it releases in 2023.