Games
• Key Takeaways: * Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and founder of Respawn Entertainment, has died at 55. * Electronic Arts announced his death but did not disclose a cause; EA called his influence “profound and far-reaching.” * Zampella helped build a franchise that has sold more than 500 million copies since
Cloud
• New subscribers get 50% off Google One annual plans for a limited time. • 2 TB Premium drops to $49.99 for the first year; Google AI Pro is $99.99 first year. • AI Pro includes Gemini 3 Pro higher limits, 2 TB storage, Google Home Premium Standard and YouTube add-on
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Nintendo’s eShop holiday sale discounts both Switch 2 and original Switch titles through Jan 4. * Notable Switch 2 deals: Ball x Pit ($12), Final Fantasy Tactics ($40), The Witcher 3 now as low as $14.49. * Several older hits are deeply discounted—No Man’s Sky, Nier:
Gadgets
* Key Takeaways: * Google Pixel Watch 4 became a daily health bridge for Ross and his wife, offering useful training readiness data. * Nikon Z6 III, DJI RS4 Mini and Insta360 X5 tightened Josh’s video/still workflow, enabling 4K/120fps hybrid shoots. * Scott Addict RC paired with Campagnolo Super Record 13
Games
• Key Takeaways: • Nintendo’s December 22, 2025 roundup highlights dozens of free-to-play games available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. • Major multiplayer titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch 2 and Rocket League are available to download free from the Nintendo eShop. • The list spans battle royales, MOBAs, party games
Games
• Winners of Marvel Rivals S5 Livestream Incentive Event have been published. • All winners will be contacted by email before Jan 15; prizes scheduled for distribution by Jan 30. • Eligibility required correct hashtags and official event registration; queries go to marvelrivalscreators@service.netease.com. • Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play team-based PVP
Games
* Key Takeaways: * IO Interactive has delayed James Bond game 007 First Light from March to May 27, 2026. * IOI says the game is playable end-to-end; the extra two months are for polish and quality. * The studio calls First Light its "most ambitious project to date" and confirms features
How-Tos
• Key Takeaways: * A native NVMe driver introduced in Windows Server 2025 can be enabled on Windows 11 via registry edits, producing large random I/O gains. * Tests on SK Hynix Platinum P41 and Crucial T705 drives showed notable random read/write improvements — one report saw up to 85% faster random
Gadgets
• Samsung unveils a 32-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XH) — the world’s first 6K (6,144 x 3,456) glasses-free 3D monitor with eye tracking. • Odyssey G6 (G60H) introduces a record 1,040Hz refresh via Dual Mode (native QHD up to 600Hz) for competitive esports. • Odyssey G8 family expands with 6K, 5K
Games
* Metacritic’s year-end rankings crown Hades 2 as the highest-rated PC release of 2025 (Metascore 94). * The list spans AAA ports, ambitious indies and remasters — Blue Prince (92), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (91), and Hollow Knight: Silksong (90) among them. * Critics rewarded strong design, replayability, and bold storytelling across genres
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Obsidian’s Avowed is John Walker’s game of 2025 for its worldbuilding, companions, and lasting emotional impact. * Multiplayer extraction shooter Arc Raiders surprised Walker and earned second place despite initial reluctance to play online. * The year balanced big-budget standouts (Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza) with breakout indies
Software
• Threads now supports short, in-feed podcast episode previews that play directly in users’ feeds. • Meta is hosting live podcast events to encourage creators and listeners to build communities on Threads. • Threads aims to shift podcast conversations from fan-run Facebook Groups to host-led interactions on its app. • The move pits Threads
