**New York Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Valve Regarding Loot Boxes in Video Games**

On February 25, 2023, the office of the New York Attorney General initiated a noteworthy lawsuit against Valve Corporation, the firm famed for its digital distribution service, Steam, and well-known multiplayer titles like *Counter-Strike 2*. Attorney General Letitia James is spearheading the effort, claiming that Valve’s use of loot boxes constitutes illegal gambling according to New York state legislation.

Loot boxes are random in-game assets that players may buy, providing a variety of virtual benefits ranging from cosmetic enhancements to gameplay improvements. Detractors have long expressed worries that these features resemble gambling, particularly since players frequently spend real currency for the chance to acquire items whose value is uncertain. In this scenario, Attorney General James contends that Valve not only fosters a gambling atmosphere through its games but also endangers younger demographics by exposing them to addictive tendencies linked to gambling.

The lawsuit underscores the increasing examination of loot boxes in the gaming sector. With the rising appeal of games, especially among younger audiences, regulators are becoming more attentive to the possible dangers these systems present. New York’s lawsuit forms part of a larger movement where governments worldwide are contemplating tighter regulations on loot boxes and comparable financial mechanisms in gaming.

Valve, which manages one of the largest digital gaming platforms worldwide, is regarded as a key participant in this discussion. The resolution of this lawsuit could establish a significant precedent regarding how gaming companies handle loot boxes and oversee their financial models within their offerings.

As the legal process unfolds, the ramifications of this case could extend well beyond New York, influencing other states and global gaming regulations. Stakeholders in the gaming sector, encompassing developers, gamers, and legislators, will be actively observing the developments as they transpire.

*Developing story…*

If you’ve been holding off playing Helldivers 2 because you’re fervently hoping they’ll eventually add robot cowboy wizards, then firstly, you are eccentric to the point of deranged, and your mother and I are very worried about you, and secondly, why not play the Far Far West demo instead? It’s a one to four player co-op FPS with robot cowboy wizards out the wazoo. Except that robots don’t have wazoos, I think.

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**Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch 2**

*Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition* has officially debuted on the Nintendo Switch 2, representing a pivotal moment as the first mainline *Fallout* title available on a Nintendo console. Following the mixed reviews of *Skyrim* on Switch 2, anticipation regarding the performance of *Fallout 4* on the new hardware was notably high. Thankfully, this adaptation stands as a commendable offering, providing an enjoyable experience for its audience.

Initially released on February 24, *Fallout 4* contains all downloadable content and a vast array of Creation Club content, enhancing the gameplay experience. Of particular note is its provision of three different framerate options, including a 60FPS mode that was notably missing at the launch of *Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* on the same hardware. Initial player feedback suggests that the performance of *Fallout 4* is generally impressive.

### Visual Options and Performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of *Fallout 4* presents three graphical settings: a 60FPS performance option, a 30FPS visual mode, and a 40FPS visual mode. Online reviews indicate that the game effectively maintains these targeted framerates in both handheld and docked modes.

Players should note that while the 60FPS mode enhances fluidity, it might experience blurriness in certain settings due to reduced resolution, particularly in crowded outdoor locations. On the other hand, the 30FPS mode delivers sharper textures and improved visual effects, ensuring a stable gaming experience.

The standout mode may very well be the 40FPS option, which leverages the Switch 2’s 120Hz display and provides an exceptional equilibrium between visual fidelity and smooth gameplay. This choice is also compatible with televisions that support 120Hz in docked mode, resulting in an immersive experience that many players will find enticing.

Crucially, the successful rollout of *Fallout 4* with diverse options and overall dependable performance sharply contrasts with the initial release of *Skyrim*, which was locked at 30FPS and riddled with technical difficulties upon launch.

### Potential Improvements and Considerations

In spite of the advantages of this port, there remain several areas for possible refinement. Players have shown interest in the inclusion of gyro controls and mouse support, functionalities that are currently absent in this version. While such upgrades would be appreciated, many players still regard *Fallout 4* on Switch 2 as an outstanding port, nurturing hope for future Bethesda releases on the platform.

On a less positive note, *Fallout 4* demands a substantial amount of storage—61GB—compared to *Skyrim’s* 53GB. Players may need to carefully manage their storage to accommodate this sizable installation.

In summary, *Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition* on Nintendo Switch 2 is a powerful contribution to the *Fallout* series, demonstrating Bethesda’s dedication to quality on the new console. With strong performance options and captivating content, it offers a hopeful preview of Bethesda’s future offerings on the Switch platform.

Gather round, lovers of classic RPGs. The enhanced editions of the first two Baldur’s Gate game, plus Icewind Dale and BG expansion Siege of Dragonspear, have gotten their first patch since 2021. Well, I say gotten, patch 2.7 is only out in Steam beta for now – it’ll hit GOG too further down the line.

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I’ve long thought of STALKER 2‘s gunplay as an underappreciated component of the eerie survival shooter. It’ll never top anyone’s FPS all-timer list but its shootsticks are thunderously bangy, handling with both weight and smoothness, and your own barely-there mortality usually flavours encounters with a delicious high-stakes tension.

The only shortcoming is a lack of visual drama, but that can now be addressed with Cazanu’s new CinematicFX mod: where missed bullets hitting innocent masonry would previously amount to an understated thunk, scenery impacts now throw up vast clouds of dust, smoke, and debris. Cinematic effects, indeed.

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**Resident Evil Requiem: An In-Depth Exploration of Leon Kennedy’s Growth and Charm**

The newest chapter in Capcom’s celebrated *Resident Evil* series, named *Resident Evil Requiem*, presents Leon Kennedy in a way that has struck a chord with both longtime and new fans. After finishing the game twice in a short span, players begin to notice the intricate details that the developers have skillfully integrated into the storyline and character aesthetics. A remarkable feature of the experience is how the game enables players to connect with Leon’s character on a more profound emotional plane, especially when dealing with his low-health situations where players can detect his weary grunts and sense the burden of his challenges.

Capcom has disclosed that a dedicated group of female developers was tasked with refining Leon’s character design, with the goal of evolving him into a representation of the “attractive uncle” trope as he approaches his 50s. This initiative was spearheaded by director Koshi Nakanishi, who underscored the significance of detail, affirming that the team painstakingly considered even the smallest elements, like the wrinkles on Leon’s neck, to boost his visual authenticity and emotional impact. Their objective was to create a character that is not only visually appealing but also stirs admiration and fondness among fans.

The progression of Leon Kennedy’s character is intriguing. Since his introduction in *Resident Evil 4*, where his design was striking and unforgettable, he has transformed into an object of desire and intrigue. The character’s multifaceted personality—melding charm, brooding intensity, and self-effacing humor—has established him as a cherished icon, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The contrast of his rugged exterior and witty quips set against a backdrop of horror creates a compelling dynamic that players find attractive.

Gameplay components in *Requiem* greatly enhance this charm. From alluring reload sequences to intense finishers, each action Leon undertakes carries a singular weight that adds to his character’s charisma. The game effectively captures his essence, enriching the sensory experience of players. This intensified involvement results in a nostalgic yet novel encounter every time players step into Leon’s role, motivating them to delve into his interactions and movements closely.

Leon Kennedy’s broader appeal can also be linked to the universal fantasy of yearning for a charismatic, rugged hero who exemplifies survival and resilience. His character traits strongly resonate with those who admire mature portrayals of male protagonists, especially in scenarios that emphasize their vulnerabilities and strengths.

In the end, *Resident Evil Requiem* not only provides an exhilarating gaming adventure; it solidifies Leon Kennedy as a cultural symbol—one that continues to enchant various fan groups. For those who have long admired him, he persists as a figure of intrigue, embodying the complexities of aging heroes in video games while still appealing to our fundamental desires for connection and adventure.

For fans seeking a powerful yet relatable character, Leon presents a lasting magnetism. As the community continues to honor his growth and contributions to gaming narratives, he stands as a testament to the artistry of character development and the enduring influence of well-crafted design in video games.

Ubisoft’s latest bout of executive musical chairs continues with a report that Clint Hocking, creative director of Far Cry 2, Watch Dogs Legion, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and the forthcoming Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, has left the company.

We have Very Gary Computing to thank for this bit of scuttlebutt. Apparently, Hocking’s departure was communicated to staff this week by Assassin’s Creed’s new leadership team. Jean Guesdon, the brand’s just-appointed head of content, will take over as creative director for Hexe.

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### Intlist: A Controversial Bounty Platform in Gaming

On February 23, 2023, Intlist was introduced, enabling users to issue bounties on “griefers & throwers” in well-known online games such as *Marvel Rivals*, *Overwatch*, and *Valorant*. Nonetheless, the *Marvel Rivals* community has raised considerable concerns about the platform, mainly holding NetEase responsible for the establishment of Intlist and the larger issues related to player misconduct.

#### The Genesis of Intlist

Intlist was established by a collective of individuals, one of whom is a former professional player known as EchoRivals. The platform’s creators contend that it emerged due to a “void” left by NetEase, which they assert has insufficiently tackled matters related to Engagement-Oriented Matchmaking (EOMM) in *Marvel Rivals*. The founders maintain that were NetEase to enhance their systems—particularly by abolishing EOMM and implementing stricter sanctions on players who sabotage games—their platform would cease to exist. Conversely, NetEase has repeatedly denied the use of EOMM in *Marvel Rivals*.

#### Community Backlash

Players of *Marvel Rivals* have shown irritation towards NetEase for its lax stance on punishing individuals who intentionally disrupt games, often referred to as “throwers.” Conversations on the subreddit r/rivals reveal that numerous users routinely voice complaints about the absence of efficient punishment measures, with some posting grievances on a daily basis. The community’s frustration has escalated to the point where they are now calling for action against Intlist, perceiving the website as worsening the problem instead of solving it.

#### The Ethics of Bounties

Intlist provides monetary incentives for players who take steps against the specified targets, which provokes ethical queries. Despite their assertions that posted bounties are “not an endorsement to harass the target,” many bounties include identifiable details—such as Twitch usernames—enabling users to possibly track targets beyond the game itself. This feature has intensified further outrage among *Marvel Rivals* players who worry that such actions could incite harassment.

A notably contentious bounty listed on Intlist targets pro player Jay3, offering a $7 bounty on his virtual head. This explicit instance of singling out an individual for public accountability has ignited intense discussions regarding the motives and consequences behind Intlist’s activities.

#### Security Concerns

Adding to the challenges facing Intlist, the platform encountered a security breach that led to unauthorized access to select user information. After this incident, founder EchoRivals informed the Intlist Discord server that several email addresses linked to bounty posts had been compromised, resulting in increased scrutiny and criticism of the site’s oversight and security measures.

#### Conclusion

Intlist is maneuvering through a divisive environment within the gaming community. While its founders profess to be addressing valid complaints regarding player behavior, the ethical issues it introduces, along with persistent security concerns, place it under considerable examination. The situation is evolving, with both the *Marvel Rivals* community and NetEase being urged to pursue a resolution that will suitably tackle player misconduct without resorting to potentially harmful or risky measures like public bounties. The efficacy and future of Intlist are yet to be determined as the gaming community continues to articulate its concerns.

Resident Evil: Requiem is filled with winking reminders of previous games, so I was surprised the touchstone I kept coming back to was the one Capcom surely want me to forget: Resident Evil 6. The latter set out with bold aspirations. It took all the various reinventions the series had adopted throughout the years and spliced them into one giant hunk of Resident Evil meat, hoping it would mutate into a grisly hybrid that could channel all the styles of previous experiments. Sadly, the Resi 6 Golem also dined out on ideas from Call Of Duty and Michael Bay movies, creating more of a shallow frat bro than an ultimate life form. All these years later, Requiem feels like Capcom picking up the scalpel to take another crack at that ambitious goal.

It’s pulled in various test subjects, but the core elements are the skin-crawling dread of Resident Evil 7 and the karate-kicking action of Resident Evil 4 Remake. On the whole, Requiem’s Golem is a stronger hybrid than Resi 6. The initial six or so hours of its lifespan are a triumph, trapping me under the weight of its oppressive horror before letting me slip free to get sweet revenge in a flurry of hyper-violence. The game starts to disintegrate into messy chunks shortly after, but those opening few hours are absolutely worth letting this prototype out of the lab.

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