Gaming in Russia. Reviews, Walkthroughs, News

Buckshot Roulette is an ugly, mean little game that pits players in a no-win scenario against a sinister, shotgun wielding dealer. The game is a solo effort from developer Mike Klubnika, and it blew up after its launch on itch.io, in part because it found popularity on short-form video platforms. The game has since launched on Steam and has now sold over a million copies. In a world where big-budget, wonderfully crafted games can – and often do – fall off the radar without making a splash, it’s interesting to interrogate the unexpected success of a small game, especially one that’s designed to be so viscerally unpleasant.

DayZ just announced a brand-new map called Sakhal as part of the upcoming Frostline expansion, set in the far east of Russia, based on the real-life Kamchatka Peninsula. It's the smallest map to date, covering 83 km2 of land, which makes it about half the size of Chernarus.

To celebrate Star Wars Day, Disney released a new The Acolyte trailer ahead of the show’s two episode DIsney+ debut on June 4.

Usually, when I recommend a game, I try to give as comprehensive an overview of it as I can. I know that it’s hard to get players to commit time and money to something sight unseen. But with Indika, I’m tempted to say nothing at all. It’s something you should experience for yourself. If that’s enough to intrigue you, you can stop reading here and head on over to Steam.

You might assume that Indika will be dour, given that it's a story-driven game about a nun in a grey, cold, alternative Russia. Then you watch its trailers and find surrealist imagery, genre-hopping, and a bleak sense of humour are part of its arsenal, and suddenly it seems, to me, irresistible.

Major convenience store chain 7-Eleven has announced a surprising merch collaboration with Tetris, which includes the brand's very own handheld gaming device featuring the iconic '80s video game. Fashion and video game collaborations, like the many Pokemon merch partnerships with known brands, are no longer anything new in 2024, but Tetris may have been one of the last titles anyone expected to have merch of.

For a seemingly dour art game excoriating religion, is pretty funny. With its publishing duties handled by 11 bit studios, the small team at the now-Kazakhstan-based studio Odd Meter have devised a discomfiting surrealist dirge of an adventure game, one which matches exquisite moments and inventive visuals with jagged third-person exploration controls. Centered on a nun within the Russian Orthodox Church of the late 19th century, presents a bleak tale stuffed with black humor. Amid the developing political reality surrounding Russia in the present day, the quest feels poignant, even while much of its messaging relies on subjective interpretation.

Escape from Tarkov, arguably the game that popularized the extraction shooter genre, recently got itself embroiled in a huge controversy once again.

New week, new videogames! When will it end, etc. There aren't many obvious headliners out in the next few days, but there are a lot of tantalisingly bleak games. Let's see here, we've got a survival shooter that's essentially set in Black Mesa, a sardonical adventure about questing Russian Orthodox nuns, a game about running the company that starts the zombie apocalypse, and a cosy village grower with an atypical emphasis on disease and death. Lovely!

Fallout has been the watercooler TV show this month, an impressive feat for a video game adaptation. Although Bethesda doesn’t have any new Fallout games to release alongside it, the Amazon Prime series has reinvigorated interest in Fallout, with all its titles seeing notable player count increases. For now, we’ll have to be content with a Fallout 4 current-gen upgrade, but I’ll admit that my mind is drifting to thinking about Fallout 5.

Following the launch of Update 1.6, players have been jumping back into Stardew Valley, with one fan encountering a beneficial bug in which they got an unexpected 100 million gold after their co-op partner's character passed out in the game. Stardew Valley Update 1.6 has already received a number of patches to fix bugs that have popped up following the new additions, and some fans are wondering if certain glitches may be more useful if left unfixed.

Developer ConcernedApe has rolled out Stardew Valley update 1.6.6, containing a plethora of balance adjustments, translation improvements, bug fixes, and more. This update also introduces specific fixes and changes for Stardew Valley modded players and mod authors.

GSC Game World released a new trailer for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl focusing on the environment of The Zone. The area surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant is the main setting for the sequel. With improved graphics, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl enhances the foundation laid down by previous franchise entries.

Daeri Soft’s latest RPG, Crystal Knights, has officially hit Android and iOS globally. It’s a real-time online idle RPG that’s free to play. Daeri Soft is known for other mobile titles like the simulation game, Cat Garden – Food Party Tycoon, and another RPG The Witch’s Knight.

Decades after it took place, the Chornobyl disaster remains so ingrained in the public imagination that it's easy to forget its terrible real-world consequences. But Chornobyl Liquidators, a new immersive sim set to release in June, aims to delve into some of that history in what developer Live Motion Games calls a "commemoration of the disaster and its victims."

When Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors declared an end to the company's nine-month restructuring program at the start of this month, you would have been forgiven for assuming that things would finally settle for the troubled games group.

This is not investment advice. The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Wccftech.com has a disclosure and ethics policy.

Teapot Games has just launched AeroMayhem PvP: Air Combat Ace on Android. It’s an air combat simulation where you fly a fighter jet and take on enemies across vast maps. Based in India, Teapot Games has published other air combat titles like War Dogs: Air Combat Flight S and Jumbo Jet Flight Simulator.

Sign up for the GI Daily here to get the biggest news straight to your inbox

The Acolyte is the latest in a long line of Star Wars shows set to hit Disney Plus. but it's shaping up to be very different to the likes of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. 

Something about postapocalyptic video games makes them perfect for adaptations. Fallout, The Last of Us, and Twisted Metal all have that kind of setting and have been some of the most well-liked video game adaptations ever. Maybe it’s because the apocalypse provides such a rich sandbox to play in, or maybe it’s because that kind of setting forces characters to make difficult choices, but it’s the kind of setting that makes for both good gaming and TV.

The long gestating Yuri!!! on Ice movie has officially been canceled. The movie was announced back in 2017, though news on the production front has been scant since. After a short teaser in 2018 and a note in 2020, the production team finally announced the cancelation on X this Friday.

Stardew Valley’s 1.6 update led to new peak concurrent records on Steam, with a whopping 236,614 players jumping in last month, per SteamDB. Developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has since released update 1.6.4, which contains bug fixes and improvements but also packs 40 new mine layouts.

Following up on the overwhelmingly positive response to Stardew Valley Update 1.6, developer Eric «ConcernedApe» Barone has revealed Patch 1.6.4, which adds even more content and fixes a number of bugs. Stardew Valley Update 1.6 has been released for PC and will be coming to console and mobile platforms soon. In the meantime, ConcernedApe has released a number of key patches, including the latest 1.6.4 update.

Sales of Fallout games have shot up across Europe, with Fallout 4 reclaiming the No.1 spot.

Anime-inspired fast-paced first-person shooter Mullet Mad Jack will launch for PC via Steam on May 15, developer Hammer95 announced. It will support English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Russian, and Japanese language options.

An Overwatch 2 player recently shared an amusing screenshot where hero Reinhardt appeared without his signature long white beard and hair, all thanks to a quirky bug. This unexpected alteration to Reinhardt’s appearance sparked mixed reactions among Overwatch 2 players, who found themselves both amused by this alternate appearance and eager to help the player find a fix to the bug that caused it.

By now, you've probably heard the buzz surrounding Amazon's live-action Fallout show. And as it turns out, it is a faithful and fun adaptation of the hilariously grotesque post-apocalyptic role-playing game series. The live-action show offers a glimpse of the wild world of Fallout and all the bizarre hijinks just waiting to be uncovered, and it's likely got you wanting for some games to try out that have a similar conceit.

Reverse: 1999 Patch 1.8, “Goodbye, Rayashki.” Releasing on April 11th, this patch takes you to early 20th-century Russia, a unique setting for a gacha game. While the core gameplay remains the same, the story in “Goodbye, Rayashki” is fresh.

Apple has issued warnings to iPhone owners in 92 different countries that they have been targeted by a «mercenary spyware attack.» Apple explained that these attacks are «vastly more complex» than standard malware or cybercriminal activity.

After quietly roiling away on Itch.io for a few months, bite-sized strategy gambling game Buckshot Roulette has come to Steam and instantly become one of the most popular and highest-rated PC games of the year. It only costs $3 ($2.69 thanks to an ongoing sale), you can finish it in well under an hour, and there's a very good reason that it's gotten over 6,600 user reviews with a 96% positive score since its April 4 Steam launch. 

Buckshot Roulette is simple, and simply unsettling. Sat across the table from a mysterious opponent clad in a deeply unnerving toothy mask, you pick up a shotgun loaded with shells. Then, you decide whether to point the gun at your opponent or yourself, and pull the trigger. Some of the shells are live, and others are blanks. Guess correctly, and you get to go again.

In the world of cybersecurity, the market for zero-day exploits is booming, with prices skyrocketing for hacks targeting popular devices and software. Crowdfense, a startup specializing in acquiring and reselling zero-day vulnerabilities, recently unveiled its latest pricing list, revealing staggering sums for exploits targeting iPhones, iMessage, and more.

Vivo has launched its latest smartphone, the Vivo V30 Lite 4G, in various global markets like Russia and Cambodia. This new addition to the Vivo V30 series joins the ranks of the previously released Vivo V30 5G, Vivo V30 Pro 5G, and Vivo V30 Lite 5G. Notably, the Vivo V30 Lite 5G differs in specifications depending on the country it's available in. For instance, the version sold in Mexico features the Snapdragon 695 chip, while the one in Saudi Arabia comes with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly instructed his government to begin exploring the creation of a Russian games console in an apparent attempt to reboot the Russian gaming industry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly instructed his government to explore developing video game consoles in Russia.

Vladimir Putin has signed off on a plan to create Russia's own consoles and Steam-like platform. This is one of nine instructions that are supposed to promote the socio-economic development of the region of Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave located between Lithuania and Poland. The region is a Special Economic Zone where manufacturers can enjoy tax breaks; moreover, a silicon production facility was recently established there.

Torn Away is a video game from another era. Not in terms of its World War 2 setting, but rather this game seems purpose-built for the iconic handheld of yesteryear, the Nintendo DS. Ostensibly a 2D Narrative Adventure, Torn Away is packed with 3D analogue-driven mini-games; from opening cupboards to lighting fires and repairing battered boots. Frequently, during such interactions, I felt the nostalgic need for a stylus and touch screen. Problematically, they were nowhere to be found, instead, my trusty gamepad would have to suffice.

Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia's government to explore the development of a series of homegrown consoles. The devices would presumably aim to compete with PlayStation and Xbox within Russian borders.

You can now explore one of Ukraine’s most iconic natural landmarks - and the largest salt mine in Europe - in Minecraft. The virtual replica of the Soledar salt mines and their surrounding town, occupied by Russia troops for the past year in real life, has been led by the wartorn country’s government in an effort to help rebuild a school destroyed during the conflict.

Veena Sud, showrunner for Amazon's upcoming Girl with the Dragon Tattoo TV reboot, has a rather exciting update on the series.

Flowers are blooming, allergies are coming back with a vengeance — spring has officially sprung.

Greetings. This is Hyung Tae Kim, director of Stellar Blade. We are pleased to officially announce the upcoming free playable demo for Stellar Blade, coming March 29 to PlayStation 5.

If you want to store resources in , you might want to craft a wooden box crate at some point. Since you require many resources to craft basic items, your inventory can get full relatively fast, and you really can't get rid of things as they are essential in a post-apocalyptic setting. So, for such situations, you will need to craft a wooden box crate to free up space in your inventory and keep your loot safely stashed in your base.

Nailing down exactly what PS5 game INDIKA is seems like an impossibility, so we will let the trailer above do a lot of the talking. Now confirmed for a current-gen launch on 8th May 2024, you play as a young nun with the devil by her side on a journey of self-discovery. You shall be taken back to the 19th century in an alternative Russia where «religious visions clash with harsh reality» for a third-person adventure likely to live long in the mind.

Indika, the third-person adventure in which you play as a nun on the run in a parallel 19th century Russia, has had its release date revealed in unusual fashion at the Future Games Show Spring Showcase.

Activision may be under new ownership at Xbox, but that’s not slowing down its flagship series. After a few years in development, Call of Duty Warzone Mobile is finally launching worldwide under the Microsoft banner. It’s a major moment for the shooter series that’s endured multiple industry changes over its long lineage. The new mobile game is the latest evolution for Call of Duty, bringing a high-quality battle royale experience to phones.

Psychological thriller Loretta will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch on April 11 for $14.99, publisher DANGEN Entertainment and developer Yakov Butuzoff announced. It will support English, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language options.

The highly anticipated trailer for the forthcoming Star Wars: The Acolyte has finally been released, sparking excitement among numerous fans. Prior to this release, enthusiasts had already voiced their hopes and expectations for the upcoming series.

If you were ever curious about Obsidian Entertainment’s cult classic Alpha Protocol after it’s removal from Steam, good news: it’s out now for PC via GOG. Retailing for $19.99, it’s discounted by 10 percent until April 3rd. Check out the launch trailer below.

The first trailer for new Star Wars series The Acolyte has arrived, and it looks epic.

The collapse of the utterly reckless Embracer Group continues to occur publicly, as juggernaut development unit Saber Interactive has announced plans to split from the embattled Swedish organisation. The division will be purchased by Beacon Interactive, a new holding firm controlled by Saber Interactive’s co-founder Matthew Karch. But as detailed in a press release on the divestment, there’s still plenty to be untangled between the two titans.

Disney has released The Acolyte trailer for the upcoming Disney+ show, which will launch on June 4. The Star Wars series stars Amandla Stenberg as a former Padawan who reunites with her Jedi Master to “investigate a series of crimes but discovers the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.”

It’s been a while since our last new Star Wars show. But the long drought since Ahsokais finally coming to an end as Disney debuted the first trailer for The Acolyte on Tuesday. The new series is set during Star Wars’ High Republic era and will debut on Disney Plus with its first two episodes on June 4.

The Acolyte, the next Star Wars show to hit Disney Plus, has finally set an official release date: the series will premiere on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. This lines up with the previously rumored release date reported by Collider last month.

Disney has set with a new poster for the Star Wars series, as well as the release date for the new trailer.

AI roundup: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlights the risk of AI to democracy at a global summit. Yeol talked about how fake news and disinformation are being spread with the use of AI and how it could create a big threat. In other news, Qualcomm announced its new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset with the ability to support on-device generative AI. Know more about such AI news today, March 18, 2024.

Krampus is an incredibly powerful Salutor in , focusing on depleting enemies' Focus quickly and dealing damage based on lost Focus. Unlocking him, however, requires completing two hard-to-miss quests in Port Praga. His boss fight is not very difficult, so taming Krampus should only take roughly 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

The rising tide of AI scams targets vulnerable populations; US hosts first military AI conference with global allies; Israeli startup harnesses AI for antibody discovery; AR Rahman advocates AI as tool for music enhancement, not job displacement- this and more in our daily roundup. Let us take a look.

2024 is shaping up to be top-heavy for video game release, with major titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League already out of the gates. March promises to be a busy month for video games, too. WWE 2K24 released on March 8, bringing its familiar and fun wrestling playground in an updated package. Team Ninja's latest action-RPG, Rise of the Ronin, comes out later this month. The developer is known for its gruelling but rewarding Souls-like Nioh series and is expanding the scope this time around with an open-world, narrative-driven role-playing title.

Embracer Group has announced the $247 million sale of Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive, a new parent company that is owned by Saber co-founder Matthew Karch.

In a stark warning, F.A.C.C.T., a leading Russian cybersecurity firm, has raised alarm about the sinister use of eSIM technology by criminals to pilfer phone numbers, enabling access to sensitive bank accounts. The revelation, reported by Bleeping Computers, sheds light on a disturbing trend where eSIM, initially designed for convenience, are now being exploited as tools for nefarious activities.

KONAMI has remained silent about the release date of the Silent Hill 2 remake. However, several clues point to an inbound announcement.

Saber Interactive is officially splitting from Embracer Group, bringing a few more studios formerly owned by the Swedish company with it as well.

Embracer Group confirmed it is selling Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive on Thursday morning, following rumors of a sale last month. Saber Interactive is a massive company that not only develops games like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game but also owns several studios.

As expected, the Embracer Group has sold much of Saber Interactive, which is known for the Metro series, Gloomhaven and remakes of classic Star Wars titles. The buyer is a group of private investors under the umbrella of Beacon Interactive, which is run by Saber co-founder Matthew Karch.

Embracer has officially sold Saber Interactive, to the tune of $ 247 million.

Saber Interactive has parted ways with Embracer Group, buying back the rights to its own work as well as much of its network of studios and contractors. 

Saber Interactive have parted ways with Embracer Group, buying back the rights to both themselves and numerous other studios in a deal initially valued at $247 million. The deal includes 38 ongoing game development projects plus the rights to 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironworks, New World Interactive, Nimble Giant, Mad Head, Digic, Fractured Byte and PR agency Sandbox Strategies, as well as Metro developers 4A Games and Pinball FX maker Zen Studios via options.

Embracer Group has sold off some assets of Saber Interactive, the developer of the long-awaited Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, for $247 million. A couple of years ago, Embracer Group seemed poised to become a major player in the video games space as it acquired multiple key studios like Eidos Montreal, Crystal Dynamics, and Limited Run Games, reaching an incredible 110 game development companies by April 2022 with plans to buy more. One of the companies acquired by Embracer was Saber Interactive in 2020, which became one of the conglomerate’s 12 major divisions thanks to its numerous subsidiaries.

Embracer has sold Saber Interactive for $247 million.

Troubled European publishing giant Embracer Group has sold Saber Interactive as part of a bid to leave Russia.

Embracer Group has entered into an agreement to sell Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive, a company controlled by Saber Interactive co-founder Matthew Karch, for a purchase price of USD $247 million, the company announced.

Saber Interactive has split from Embracer, with at least 38 ongoing game development projects among the divested assets and over 3,000 staff moving across. However, a number of key studios remain at Embracer, including Tripwire, Aspyr, and Beamdog.

Embracer Group has announced the $247 million sale of Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive, a new parent company that is owned by Saber co-founder Matthew Karch.

Recent reports had indicated that Saber Interactive was on the verge agreeing a deal with parent company Embracer Group that would see it going independent. That has now been officially confirmed.

Troubled video game publisher Embracer has announced the sale of more of its assets — this time, large portions of Saber Interactive, for the price of $247m.

A Dragon’s Dogma 2 player has recently recreated the famous pop star Kanye West in the game and shared a small tutorial explaining how others could achieve the same result. Since the release of Dragon’s Dogma 2’s character creator, many gamers are coming up with well-made new heroes, showcasing the tool's power and their creativity.