As we enter the third week of April, things are looking up a bit when it comes to new game releases, at least if you're into RPG or adventure games. The major release this week is a new take on the action RPG genre that comes from a German developer. The rest of this coming week's releases involves episode two of a more humorous take on the zombie apocalypse, a halibut in space, some mildew, Waterworld in all but name and finally an eyeball.

No Rest for the Wicked / This week's major release / Thursday 18 April
From Moon Studios, the award-winning developers of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps comes No Rest for the Wicked, a visceral, precision Action RPG set to reinvent the genre. The year is 841 - King Harol is dead. As word of his death echoes throughout the kingdom, the crown passes to his arrogant, yet untested son Magnus. Even worse, the Pestilence, an unholy plague not seen for a thousand years, has returned. It sweeps across the land, corrupting everything and everyone it touches. Madrigal Seline, a ruthlessly ambitious figure in the church, sees the Pestilence as a chance to prove herself in the eyes of her god. Steam Link

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers and the #1 PC Gaming Headset Brand in the US, today announced the expansion of its most celebrated esports headset line to the console realm with the introduction of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for PlayStation and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox. Building upon the legendary reputation of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for PC, these re-engineered console editions are tailored to meet the demands of PlayStation and Xbox esports, offering unparalleled audio precision, vocal clarity, marathon-ready battery life, and enduring comfort.

"The BlackShark headset is an icon among esports pros and hardcore gamers for a reason," said Nick Bourne, Head of Razer's Console, Mobile& Streaming Division. "Leveraging our position as the top gaming headset brand, we tuned these headsets for Xbox and PlayStation, working closely with pro gamers to refine the fundamentals of an esports class headset while introducing upgrades that we know highly competitive gamers are seeking."

Acer unveiled the latest addition to its gaming line with the new Predator Helios Neo 14, a portable powerhouse equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, unlocking AI experiences on the PC. In addition, the Acer Nitro 16 gaming laptop has been refreshed with Intel Core 14th gen processors, allowing users to do more when gaming or creating. Players of all levels will be amazed by the pristine visuals and AI-driven graphics shown when gaming or streaming thanks to the devices' NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40[1] Series Laptop GPUs, which support the latest AI-powered DLSS 3.5 technology and other AI accelerations across creative applications. Brilliant colors and pixels stand out on the laptops' WQXGA display options, combined with 100% support for sRGB color gamut and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility.

To further complement creativity and capabilities on the gaming laptops, these feature Microsoft Copilot in Windows (with a dedicated Copilot key), providing faster access to the everyday AI assistant and Acer's suite of AI-enhanced videoconferencing features. With one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included in every device, players can enjoy hundreds of high-quality PC games. Plus, dual fans, exhaust cooling systems, and liquid metal thermal on the CPUs ensure the gaming laptops' interiors run on full speed even in the most heated gaming sessions.

Today, Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, announced the Logitech G PRO X 60 LIGHTSPEED Gaming Keyboard, a compact, professional-grade keyboard that liberates valuable space to meet the evolving needs of pro-gamers.

Pro esports athletes demand the absolute best equipment to improve their competitive play. The 60 percent keyboard form factor has become increasingly popular among pros because it leaves more space for the dynamic mouse movements required for pro-level FPS competition. A 60 percent keyboard is easier to position perfectly for maximum performance, easily fitting into their competition space, and it's also easier for players to carry to and from tournaments.

The month of April continues with more low-key releases and this week's major release is a somewhat new take on the MMO genre which focuses on players being nice to each other. As for the rest of this week we have a VR Western, a gigantic game, some roads in need of repair, a zone free of infection and turn-based tactics game involving mutant animals.

Sky: Children of the Light / This week's major release / Wednesday 10 April
Sky: Children of the Light is a peaceful, award-winning MMO from the creators of Journey. Explore a beautifully-animated kingdom across seven realms and create enriching memories with other players in this delightful puzzle-adventure game. Steam Link

According to the latest report from The Verge, Microsoft is currently testing a new AI-driven chatbot designed to automate support tasks for its Xbox gaming platform. As the report notes, Microsoft is experimenting with an animated AI character that will assist in answering Xbox support inquiries. The Xbox AI chatbot is connected to Microsoft's Xbox network and ecosystem support documentation. It can answer questions and process game refunds from the Microsoft support website, all aiming to provide users with simple and quick assistance on support topics using natural language, drawing information from existing Xbox support pages. Training on Microsoft's enterprise data will help Microsoft reduce the AI model's hallucinations and instruct it to do only as intended.

As a result, the chatbot's responses closely resemble the information Microsoft provides to its customers to automate support tasks. Recently, Microsoft has expanded the test pool for its new Xbox chatbot, suggesting that the "Xbox Support Virtual Agent" may soon handle support inquiries for all Xbox customers. The development of the Xbox chatbot prototype is part of a broader initiative within Microsoft Gaming to introduce AI-powered features and tools for the Xbox platform and developer tools. The company is also reportedly working on providing AI capabilities for game content creation, gameplay, and the Xbox platform and devices. However, Xbox employees have yet to publicly confirm these more extensive AI efforts for Microsoft Gaming, likely due to the company's cautious approach to presenting AI in gaming. Nevertheless, AI will soon become an integral part of gaming consoles.

Don't worry, we haven't included any April fools games in this week's new releases, even though we're about to enter the first week of April. However, the month of April doesn't exactly start with a bang when it comes to new games, in fact, it feels a bit like the first week of the year, as there's no major release this week. What we do have on offer includes paws, pixels, rage quitting, beats and a sprinkling of Valhalla.

Pawggle / Monday 1 April
One simple rule: Eliminate all the red pegs from the game board before running out of balls. Pawggle is a casual Peggle/Pachinko style game but, this time, you step away from the visor. Step into a world where you become the guiding hand for your furry companions, aiding them by strategically placing blue pegs. Steam Link

Sharkoon Technologies is an international supplier of high-performance, high-quality PC components and peripherals and now presents the SKILLER SGK40. This is a three-block keyboard with an aluminium housing that should be ideal for gaming thanks to its "Edge Light" illumination as well as its comprehensive gaming software.

All-Round RGB Illumination
The Edge Light is an LED strip located on the back of the diamond-cut aluminium housing of the SKILLER SGK40 and provides another RGB highlight in addition to the usual illumination of the keys. Through the downloadable software, the illumination of both the keys and the Edge Light can be extensively customized or, if desired, completely switched off.

Publisher Wired Productions are proud to share that visionary independent developer Tomas Sala's Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles releases today on PC, and PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One.

Once more, gamers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tumultuous realm of the Ursee. Marked by years of relentless conflict and scarred by the ravages of war, the world now hosts only a handful of factions struggling to survive amidst its rugged cliffs and tempestuous waters. With intuitive controls at their fingertips, players will wield the power to rebuild this shattered landscape, erecting towering fortresses in a domain uniquely their own.

Welcome to the 13th and luckiest week of the year, which is also the last week of March and Easter Week in many countries. Fortunately, we're still getting a ton of new games this week, most of which are released on Tuesday for some strange reason. This week's major release is from strategy game experts Paradox Interactive and it's one of several strategy games this week. The remaining game releases this week includes a cosy MMO, robots, a new take on a city builder, some familiar faces that are up to no good as usual, some necromancing, divine heroes and a spice grinder.

Millennia / This week's major release / Tuesday 26 March
Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures. Set the course of history and experience different timelines in every playthrough as you write an epic story through your actions. Lead your people through times of crisis and ages of discovery, face great challenges and opportunities, and build a civilization that prospers through the ages. Steam Link

MSI proudly announces an exciting collaboration with CAPCOM for the launch of Dragon's Dogma 2. Immerse yourself in the AI-powered universe of Dragon's Dogma 2 and elevate your gaming experience with MSI monitors.

Dragon's Dogma 2 - A Tale of Destiny Unveiled
Embark on a thrilling adventure in Dragon's Dogma 2, where the echoes of the Dragon's voice resound in the depths of an underground gaol. As the Arisen, ascend and embark on a quest to fulfill your forgotten destiny, navigating between humanity and beastren realms. Prepare to slay the Dragon and claim the throne in this gripping tale of courage and destiny. Journey through a parallel world that mirrors the setting of the original game, yet offers new adventures. Navigate the bustling human kingdom of Vermund and the rugged canyon nation of Battahl, home to enigmatic beastren. Uncover secrets as you navigate complex power struggles and cultural clashes between these two nations.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., unveiled today the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Mobile Platform, bringing on-device generative AI into the Snapdragon 7 series. The Mobile Platform supports a wide range of AI models including large language models (LLMs) such as Baichuan-7B, Llama 2, and Gemini Nano. Fueling extraordinary entertainment capabilities, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 also brings new select Snapdragon Elite Gaming features to the 7-series including Game Post Processing Accelerator and Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2, enhancing game effects and upscaling gaming content for desktop-level visuals. Plus, this platform brings top-notch photography features with our industry-leading 18-bit cognitive ISP.

"Today, we embark on the latest expansion in the 7-series to create new levels of entertainment for consumers - integrating next-generation technologies for richer experiences," said Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is packed with support for incredible on-device generative AI features and provides incredible performance and power efficiency, while bringing Wi-Fi 7 to the Snapdragon 7 Series for the first time."

Thermaltake USA, the leading PC Case, Cooling, Power, and memory solutions, proudly announces the launch of twelve innovative models in the LCGS (Liquid Cooled Gaming System) Reactor series, available exclusively at Best Buy. This launch marks a significant milestone for Thermaltake, introducing the next generation of gaming PCs, meticulously designed with the newly unveiled The Tower 300 Micro Tower Chassis. These gaming powerhouses are equipped with the latest high-performance components, including the cutting-edge Intel Core 14th Gen i9/i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Super Series/4090 graphics cards, 32 GB of DDR5 5600 MT/s memory, and expansive 2 TB NVMe M.2 SSD storage.

Each system in the LCGS Reactor series boasts a 360 mm radiator liquid cooling solution, ensuring exceptional cooling performance and stability during intense gaming sessions. The addition of vibrant color options such as Snow, Black, Hydrangea Blue, and Turquoise adds a personalized touch to these systems, catering to gamers' and content creators' diverse tastes and styles. Tailored for the most demanding gamers and creative professionals, these pre-built gaming desktop PCs are assembled and rigorously tested by Thermaltake's skilled engineers in the USA, ensuring unparalleled build quality and reliability.

NVIDIA announced today that leading AI application developers across a wide range of industries are using NVIDIA digital human technologies to create lifelike avatars for commercial applications and dynamic game characters. The results are on display at GTC, the global AI conference held this week in San Jose, Calif., and can be seen in technology demonstrations from Hippocratic AI, Inworld AI, UneeQ and more.

NVIDIA Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) for speech and animation, NVIDIA NeMo for language, and NVIDIA RTX for ray-traced rendering are the building blocks that enable developers to create digital humans capable of AI-powered natural language interactions, making conversations more realistic and engaging.

Sony is preparing to launch its next-generation PlayStation 5 Pro console in the Fall of 2024, right around the holidays. We previously covered a few graphics details about the console. However, today, we get more details about the CPU and the overall system, thanks to the exclusive information from Insider Gaming. Starting off, the sources indicate that PS5 Pro system memory will get a 28% bump in bandwidth, where the standard PS5 console had 448 GB/s, and the upgraded PS5 Pro will get 576 GB/s. Apparently, the memory system is more efficient, likely coming from an upgrade in memory from the GDDR6 SDRAM of the regular PS5. The next upgrade is the CPU, which has special modes for the main processor. The CPU uArch is likely the same, with clocks pushed to 3.85 GHz, resulting in a 10% frequency increase.

However, this is only achieved in the "High CPU Frequency Mode," which steals the SoC's power from the GPU and downclocks it slightly to allocate more power to the CPU in highly CPU-intense settings. The GPU we discussed here is an RDNA 3 IP with up to 45% faster graphics rendering. The ray tracing performance can be up to four times higher than the regular PS5, while the entire GPU delivers 33.5 TeraFLOPS of FP32 single-precision computing. This comes from 30 WGP running BVH8 shaders vs the 18 WGPs running BVH4 shaders on the regular PS5. There are PSSR upscalers present, and the GPU can output 8K resolution, which will come with future software updates. Last but not least, the AI front also has a custom AI accelerator capable of 300 8-bit INT8 TOPS and 67 16-bit FP16 TeraFLOPS. Audio codecs are getting some love, as well, with ACV running up to 35% faster.

Week 12 is really delivering a baker's dozen when it comes to big game releases, as we have both new and old big releases this week, with this week's AAA release being an open world action RPG game. However, if that's not your cup of tea, then we still have a week packed to the brim with big releases, although it starts off with a bug-sized indie game, but its theme carries over to the next release and this game somehow involves robots. This is followed by a game where you might want to have someone's hand to hold, as it can get a bit scary, even if it's a remake. Towards the end of this week we have another major release, which also involves robots and was a big hit on the PlayStation consoles. We end the week on a somewhat similar theme as the first two game releases of the week, even though it's on a much grander scale.

Dragon's Dogma 2 / This week's AAA release / Friday 22 March
Dragon's Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience - from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon's Dogma 2 awaits. On your journey, you'll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure. All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon's Dogma 2. Steam Link

CHERRY XTRFY, the specialist for high-quality gaming peripherals, announces the availability of the new K5V2 keyboard - the first gaming keyboard with CHERRY's new mechanical MX2A switches.

CHERRY XTRFY redefines the 65% keyboard class with the K5V2 Compact. The renowned company combines well-known CHERRY quality with a modern design and durable mechanical MX2A Red switches. The keyboard's advanced per-key customizable RGB illumination creates impressive effects with innovative strip LED technology, which can be further enhanced with the USB 3 mode.

The report titled "Gaming Hardware Market by Product (Dedicated Gaming Console, Dedicated Personal Computers/Laptops/Tablets, Gaming Router), Form Factor (All-In-One, Desktop, Small Form Factor), User Type, End-User - Global Forecast 2024-2030" is now available on 360iResearch.com's offering, presents an analysis indicating that the market projected to grow from a size of $152.00 billion in 2023 to reach $277.08 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.95% over the forecast period.

The gaming hardware industry is experiencing unprecedented growth globally, driven by the active use of consoles, specialized gaming PCs, and a wide array of peripherals, including keyboards, mice, headsets, and cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality devices. This growth is fueled by the escalating popularity of esports, increased disposable incomes with a higher inclination toward entertainment spending, and a demand for more immersive gaming experiences. Challenges include the high costs associated with advanced gaming hardware development and a growing interest in cloud gaming.

Lenovo has announced today that the Lenovo Legion Tab, an 8.8-inch Android tablet for the modern mobile gamer, is soon going to be expanding availability from China to select markets in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Asia. The Lenovo Legion Tab bridges the gap between PC and mobile gaming, offering a solution for gamers seeking a high-performance gaming experience that is both accessible and convenient.

The Lenovo Legion Tab transcends the typical expectations of a tablet, delivering outstanding gaming performance thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4 nm processor and 12 GB of LPDDR5X memory all in a 76 mm thin Storm Grey tablet weighing in at just 350 grams. The Lenovo Legion Tab allows for even more gaming on the go owing to its 256 GB onboard storage—expandable with the microSD slot that supports up to 1 TB cards. The 144 Hz 8.8-inch QHD+ Lenovo PureSight gaming display brings visuals to vibrant life, allowing any Android compatible game to shine crisp and colorful. The tablet's integrated haptic system gives gamers a further level of immersion and feedback so they can truly get in the game.

Founded in 2022, Mighty Koi Studio aims to prove that "The Witcher" is not the only Polish fantasy story that can conquer the world. The studio holds the rights to two electrifying titles, offering creators vast creative possibilities. "Thorgal" and "The Night Wanderer" will launch on PS5, Xbox Series and PC. The release date is yet TBA. The team bases its productions on the Unreal Engine 5 with proprietary extensions and utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as photogrammetry and AI.

The approach to plans comes with great ambition, announcing two AA+ / AAA projects and engaging experienced experts from the world of gaming and animation - currently, the team consists of over 100 people, and the number is expected to double by the end of the year, with external studios also being involved. Mighty Koi hopes that the upcoming productions will conquer not only the Polish but also the foreign gaming market and, like "The Witcher," make Polish fantasy literature a world-class product.

As we enter the second week of March, we have a packed week of new releases for you and the big release this coming week is an open world third-person action adventure shooter. This is followed by a game in Vegas, a classic style run-'n'-gun side scroller, a trippy llama related game, a classic collection Sci-Fi game and the 25th release of a sports title. Sorry, no strategy game this week either.

Outcast - A New Beginning / This week's major release / Friday 15 March
20 years after the award-winning action adventure hit, Outcast, pioneered the genre of non-linear open-world games, the long-awaited sequel sees Cutter Slade return to the spectacular alien world of Adelpha. Resurrected by the almighty Yods, he has returned to find the Talans enslaved, the world stripped of its natural resources, and his own past intertwining with the invading robot forces. It's up to him to go on a mission and save the planet again. Steam Link

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces the LX700-4K Laser Projector for Xbox. Designed exclusively for Xbox, the LX7004K features native 4K Ultra HD resolution, 3,500 lumens of brightness, and built-in Harman Kardon speakers for immersive big-screen audio and video experiences with images up to 300-inches.

ViewSonic again partnered with Microsoft to deliver the best gaming experience to Xbox series X/S consoles to develop the LX700-4K laser projector. It is compatible with the Xbox CEC (consumer electronics control), and features Xbox-exclusive resolution and refresh rate combinations. When used with other video sources, the LX700-4K runs with a 4.2 ms response time and 240 Hz refresh rate for super smooth gaming or video playback.

ASUS today announced the TUF Gaming GT302 ARGB chassis, a case that makes it easy to build a high-performance PC with great cooling. Prepped and ready for great out-of-the-box cooling, equipped for wide compatibility with high-performance parts, and thoughtfully constructed inside and out for an easy PC DIY experience, the GT302 ARGB resets expectations for a mainstream case.

Great cooling - right out of the box
Most PC builders go big on cooling to ensure an excellent balance of performance and quiet operation. From the moment it is pulled out of the packaging, the TUF Gaming GT302 ARGB gives users a superb foundation for high-end cooling. This starts with a front panel designed first and foremost to maximize airflow efficiency. It is constructed of a wide-open, high-porosity square-type mesh that leaves ample room for fresh air to enter a PC. Four pre-installed 140 mm ARGB case fans move cool air through the chassis. These fans are exceptionally thick, measuring 28 mm in depth. These fans deliver up to 3 mmH2O static pressure and 115 CFM airflow for excellent cooling with quiet operation.

Samsung Electronics continues to redefine the boundaries of immersive gaming with the Odyssey Neo G9 (G95NC), which has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards for its unparalleled performance and innovation. The Odyssey Neo G9 set a new standard with its 57-inch Dual UHD display, combining unmatched visual clarity with cutting-edge technology to deliver an immersive gaming experience as well as boosts in productivity. This state-of-the-art monitor is the equivalent of having two 32-inch monitors in one unit, with a 1000R curved screen for maximum immersion.

With Quantum Matrix Technology, coupled with a lightning-fast 240 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, the Odyssey Neo G9 also offers vibrant visuals, precise control and seamless action in every frame. The Odyssey Neo G9 has received high marks from media, such as Newsweek and Techaeris, with the latter recognizing it as the "world's first dual UHD monitor that delivers in spades." In fact, the Odyssey Neo G9 earned a spot in Techaeris' 'Best of 2023' category, underscoring the Odyssey Neo G9's impressive performance and features that make the monitor a standout choice for gamers.

Following its high-end 4K UltraGear pricing reveal, LG has released the full specs and pricing on a further three SKUs that were also announced back in December of last year. The models in question are the 34GS95QE, 39GS95QE and 45GS95QE, all of which sport a 3440 x 1440 resolution. As the model names suggest, we're looking at 34, 39 and a massive 45-inch display panel in these monitors. Other common denominators are that all three models are curved at 800R and a 240 Hz refresh rate, as well as a 21:9 aspect ratio. All three models also feature FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync support, a 275 cd/m² typical brightness and a 0.03 ms GtG response time.

Inputs also appear to be shared across the range with all models offering two HDMI 2.1 inputs and one DP 1.4, plus one USB 3.2 Type-B input and at least a pair of Type-A outputs and a headset jack. The stands are limited to height, tilt and swivel adjustments due to the curved nature of the displays. Price wise, these new OLED models are unlikely to sell as hotcakes, as the 34GS95QE starts at US$1,299.99, followed by the 39GS95QE at US$1,499.99 and finally the 45GS95QE at US$1,699.99. Considering that there are similar displays with lower refresh rates from several competitors at far lower price points, LG is likely going to have to offer some hefty discounts for these new models before they start selling in any kind of quantity.