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The Finals Announces First Major Event at DreamHack Stockholm

On May 20th, Embark Studios announced the first-ever Major tournament for their competitive shooter, The Finals.

As per an official announcement from the company, The Finals DreamHack and ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) will host their first Major event at DreamHack Stockholm.

“This year’s Major will be held at DreamHack Stockholm, part of ESL FACEIT Group, the leading force in global esports and gaming entertainment,” Embark Studios said in a statement. “It’s the perfect home for our biggest competitive event yet — right here in Stockholm, the city where THE FINALS was created.”

Scheduled to take place on November 28-29, 2025, the first major event for The Finals will see sixteen of the finest teams from throughout the world battling it out for a share of the $100,000 USD prize pool.

The Finals Major Qualifiers Schedule

Teams competing in the inaugural The Finals Major will earn their spots through a series of Open Qualifiers.

The Finals Major Open Qualifiers are set to kick off in early September 2025.

The top-performing teams from each region — NA, EMEA, and APAC — will then proceed to the Closed Qualifiers

The top 16 teams from the Closed Qualifiers will make their way to the Major.

The Closed Qualifiers for the event will be broadcast live.

Embark Studios has yet to reveal details on how to sign up for the open qualifiers, what the tournament format will be, or the broadcast and viewing schedules. The devs have confirmed that all of this information, along with behind-the-scenes insights, will be shared at a later date.

Actors’ Union Raises Concern for Fortnite AI Darth Vader

The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA has raised a complaint against the developers of the popular Battle Royale Game Fortnite over their AI Darth Vader, which, according to them, was created while violating several terms of the agreement between the union and the developers.

According to the union, the developers managed to “replace the work of human performers with AI technology” without informing the union thus violating the terms of agreement thus triggering a complaint stating “unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment, without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain, by utilising AI-generated voices to replace bargaining unit work.”

“We must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader’s iconic rhythm and tone in video games,” read their statement.

While the replacement of artists with AI has been a prevalent problem in recent times, this goes to show that it can go wrong in more ways than one. Having AI generate a voice that cannot be distinguished from the real character is truly disturbing, as it goes to show how easily misuse of this technology can happen.

Epic Games is yet to respond to this, but with the laws surrounding AI being in a grey area, it will be hard to fight this in a legal way, and there is a possibility of a disappointing outcome if it goes to court.

LoL 25.11 Patch Preview: All Buffs, Nerfs & Adjustments

With the release of the highly anticipated League of Legends 25.11 update being just around the corner, Riot Games has officially shed light on its patch preview ahead of its global release.

The LoL 25.11 patch is set to bring a number of crucial changes to the game that are certain to shake up the current competitive meta of the MOBA. Some of the highlights of the upcoming LoL patch include nerfs to Smolder and Cho’Gath, adjustments to Aatrox and Garen, alongside a plethora of other changes.

If you’re here to know more about the patch preview for LoL 25.11, we have you covered.

LoL 25.11 Patch Preview: All Changes

Without further ado, let’s check out the detailed patch preview for LoL 25.11, including all the Champion buffs, nerfs, and adjustments, as confirmed by Riot Games.

Champion buffs

  • Diana (Jungle)
  • Rengar
  • Ryze
  • Sivir
  • Twisted Fate
  • Twitch (AP)
  • Udyr

Champion nerfs

  • Cho’Gath
  • Elise
  • Lucian
  • Smolder

Champion adjustments

  • Aatrox
  • Annie
  • Garen
  • Kassadin
  • Samira

System buffs

  • Horizon Focus

According to a statement from ‘RiotPhroxzon,’ the current meta is in a good place, so the team is avoiding any unnecessary adjustments.

Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 4 Release Date Announced

After months of waiting, Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 4 finally have an official release date from the developers. In a collective announcement post on X, the official Call of Duty handle has announced the release of their flagship projects for 2025.

The announcement confirms the return of fan favourite character Snitch. With the arrival of Black Ops 6 Season 4, Snitch is set to play a key role in the game as the story pans out further into the future. While the final cut scene had us believe that we saw the end of him, the announcement has shocked everyone, making it interesting to see how he survived.

The official announcement confirmed that the game will be arriving on May 29. The collective release will give us both Black Ops 6 as well as an updated version of their Battle Royale in Warzone.

While this has been the pattern for the past few years, it is interesting to see the developers move up the release date from October. Besides the new campaign and new Warzone season, Black Ops 6 will have tons of new elements across different game modes as promised by the developers, but only time can tell whether they are any good.

Fortunately, the game is just two weeks away, giving us enough time to prepare for its release. CoD boasts a huge player base, which makes its opening day one of the interesting ones, while CoD games have generally given out mixed reactions from fans, Black Ops has been a fan favourite in recent history, and the developers look to continue to build on that success with their latest release.

Nintendo Partners With Samsung for Faster Switch 2 Production

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With the gaming world waiting excitedly for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, the console’s launch is already greeted by a record-breaking wave of demand. More than 2.2 million requests were made in Japan alone via the lottery system on the My Nintendo Store, a number much more than the initial expectations of Nintendo.

This resounding reaction has encouraged Nintendo to post an apology, stating that the first shipment will fall short of meeting the great demand. To avoid disappointment, the company has inducted unsuccessful applicants into a second drawing by lot automatically, though it admits this step, too, may fall short of appeasing all interested buyers.

Partnership with Samsung to Boost Production

To meet the demand shortage, Nintendo has entered into a strategic alliance with Samsung to improve production capacity. Samsung will provide critical components, such as the main processing units for the Switch 2, in an attempt to boost manufacturing and achieve the sales goal of 15 million units by March 2026.

This partnership is not new, as Samsung already supplied OLED displays for the initial Switch model. Although the Switch 2 ships with a future-proof LCD screen, plans to include OLED technology in future models are also being discussed, promising more immersive visuals for consumers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 brings major hardware improvements compared to its predecessor. It has a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1080p, variable refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, and HDR10 support. The console is powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor, paired with 12 GB of RAM, putting its performance close to that of last-generation consoles such as the PS4 and Xbox One.

Other upgrades are 256 GB internal storage that can be expanded through 2 TB microSD Express cards, Wi-Fi 6, and an inbuilt microphone for the new GameChat feature. The dock supports 4K/60fps output, addressing those who are gamers and want high-definition experiences.

The Switch 2 costs approximately $449.99 in the United States. While worries have been raised about price rises via global trade tariffs, Nintendo has held these prices stable, although accessory costs have had some changes.

CoD Black Ops 6 Season 4: Release Date, Weapons & More

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With the curtain coming down on Season 3 Reloaded for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, excitement gathers for the release of Season 4. Currently scheduled to roll out on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the update holds out a rich arsenal of new content in the form of guns, operators, and a critical chapter in Zombies’ history.

Season 4 is scheduled to launch on all platforms at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST / 9:30 PM IST, matching the end of the existing Battle Pass. This timing is in line with the yearly seasonal updates in Call of Duty.

CoD Black Ops 6 Season 4 Weapons

Datamine leaks and cinematic teasers indicate that several of the popular fan weapons are making a return:

  • FFAR: A recoil-happy assault rifle that excels at rapid-fire capability.
  • LC10: A SMG that is small but stable, and has a high rate of fire.
  • Olympia: A double-barrel shotgun that’s an old favorite in close combat.
  • Revolver: A six-shot sidearm with details that are kept secret.
  • Brass Knuckles: A melee weapon that provides quick, up-close takedowns.

These additions will expand gameplay and give players a variety of combat options.

The Grim Reaper Scorestreak, a four-barreled rocket launcher, has been said to return, providing high damage against ground and air targets.

Operator-wise, the mysterious Stitch is set to make a comeback. Once thought dead, his return could indicate new developments in the storyline of the game.

Zombies Mode: The Janus Towers Finale

Season 4 is also rumored to bring the Janus Towers map, which could be the climax of the current Zombies storyline. After what happens in Shattered Veil, the players will face the AI entity S.A.M., who wants to take over the body of Samantha Maxis to achieve control over the Dark Aether.

Taking cues from Die Rise, the map is expected to have multi-level play, with features such as zip lines connecting between towers. Players can expect a blend of old and new enemies, ranging from Hellhounds, Manglers, and Disciples.

Leaked material suggests that there will be the return of perks such as Mule Kick and Tombstone, while the Shatter Blast ammo mod will add something new to combat tactics. New consumables ‘Absolutely Over There’ and ‘Power Vacuum’ should provide distinctive effects.

Valorant Pro ‘florescent’ Accused of Sexual Assault, Riot Faces Backlash Over Response

Professional Valorant player Ava “florescent” Eugene has been accused of sexual assault by former Game Changers competitor Marceline “karie” Carson.

Karie, who claims to be a friend of florescent’s former partner, put forward the allegations against the 18-year-old via an X (formerly Twitter) post on May 17. Speaking on behalf of her friend, referred to as “Brick,” Karie detailed their account of the alleged experience with florescent.

Florescent Valorant Allegations Explained

In the document attached to her X post, Karie alleged that “Brick” was sexually assaulted by florescent on January 3, 2024, after visiting florescent—despite having made it clear beforehand that she did not want to engage in any sexual activity.

“On January 3rd, 2024 Brick went to Ava’s house, Brick knew it would end up being sexual because they had talked about it days prior and Brick had stated not wanting to do anything sexual to which Ava then stated ‘alr then I don’t really wanna see you’ in response but despite not wanting it to be sexual She still opted to go and get it over with because She just wanted to be with Ava,” the first document reads.

“Brick told me that when she got to Ava’s house Ava had changed her phone password so she couldn’t access it, Ava had claimed it was because she didn’t want Brick to know where she lived (Ava had ubered Her there) Brick brushed it off and soon after Ava started initiating sexual things, to which Brick had consented and participated in, it ended up turning into them having sex, and she told me that she was in a lot of physical pain the whole time kept telling Ava that it hurt and Ava just chose to ignore it. After Ava finished, Brick went to clean herself up and noticed that she was bleeding. She then went back into her room, too embarrassed to say anything, and they took a nap together.”

Karie also included several screenshots —purportedly of her conversations with “Brick”—in the document, though no names were mentioned.

Later that day, as Brick tried to leave, she was allegedly subjected to further pressure from florescent, despite repeatedly rejecting her advances. After resisting for nearly half an hour, Brick eventually gave in and “let Ava do what she wanted.” According to the document, florescent allowed her to leave afterward.

Approximately twelve hours after the allegations first surfaced, Karie shared a follow-up document under her previous X post—this time, it was a personal statement from Brick herself.

In her statement, Brick described the relationship between her and florescent to be “toxic, abusive, and controlling.” She mentioned that they would repeatedly break up and get back together, since they had “practically had no friends outside of each other.”

Riot’s Response & Community Backlash

Two days after the allegations were put forward by Karie, Riot Games released a statement addressing the matter.

“On May 17th, we were made aware of the sexual-assault allegations made against a competitor,” the Valroant devs said in the statement. “Such allegations are among the most serious an individual can face, and we urge anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.”

The company announced that it will not pursue its own investigation, but will cooperate fully with legal authorities and determine florescent’s eligibility for future VCT participation depending on the results.

The statement did not mention florescent by name, which drew backlash from a portion of the Valorant community, with fans pointing out that in previous cases, such as with Jay “Sinatraa” Won and other male players in Riot Games titles, the individuals were named directly in official announcements.

Others also highlighted the contrast with Sinatraa’s case in 2021, who was suspended from competitive play as soon as allegations emerged. In florescent’s case, however, Riot stated it would evaluate her future eligibility rather than taking immediate action.

The florescent allegations have raised some serious concerns in the Valorant community and sparked debates regarding Riot’s handling of such cases, with many players calling out the company for inconsistency. As the situation unfolds, the community continues to wait for meaningful action and clearer accountability.

Does Marvel Rivals Have Anti-Cheat?

“Does Marvel Rivals have an anti-cheat?” has quickly become one of the most frequently asked questions among players of the hero shooter.

Since the dawn of competitive multiplayer gaming, cheating has remained one of the biggest problems for players and developers alike. Regardless of how advanced safeguards have become, cheaters continue to find a way to circumvent anti-cheat systems and ruin other players’ gameplay experiences.

Marvel Rivals, being one of the biggest modern-day competitive games, is no exception to this either. Over the past few months, cheaters have become a common occurrence in the game, especially in the higher ranks. From aimbotting to glitching out of the map and being completely unkillable, Marvel Rivals has seen all sorts of cheats surfacing within its short lifespan of just over six months.

This has led many gamers to question whether Marvel Rivals has a functioning anti-cheat system.

Does Marvel Rivals Have an Anti-Cheat System?

The short answer is yes, Marvel Rivals does have an anti-cheat system. Developed by NetEase itself, the devs claim that the Marvel Rivals anti-cheat system is effective at identifying and removing cheaters. Plus, it doesn’t go as far as kernel-level anti-cheat, which a lot of players appreciate for privacy and performance reasons.

While Marvel Rivals is still in its early stages, NetEase’s custom-built anti-cheat system for their hero shooter certainly shows promise. However, as cheat developers continue to find new ways to exploit the system, the devs will have to continue working on their anti-cheat and keep it updated to have the upper hand in the never-ending war against cheaters.

VALORANT Mobile to Offer More Features Than PC

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Recent leaks reveal Riot’s mobile version will launch with advanced replay system, free skins, and social features that PC players have wanted for years

Valorant Mobile is shaping up to be more than just a portable version of Riot Games’ popular tactical shooter. It appears all set to surpass its PC counterpart with an impressive array of exclusive features. According to recent leaks and reports, the mobile adaptation will launch with several highly requested capabilities that PC players have been demanding for years, potentially creating an awkward situation for Riot Games as mobile players gain access to tools that desktop players still lack.

Exclusive Features Coming to VALORANT Mobile

Recent information shared by Valorant Mobile News (@ValorantMobileX) on X reveals an extensive list of mobile-exclusive features. Among the most notable additions is a replay system, allowing players to review past matches from different perspectives, which is a feature PC players have requested since the game’s 2020 launch. Not to mention all the meme we get to see on it.

Beyond the replay system, Valorant Mobile will reportedly offer:

Core Systems Enhancements

  • A built-in stat tracker that eliminates the need for third-party tools
  • MVP animations and mid-game MVP recognition
  • A VCT-style spectator mode for watching professional matches and friends’ games
  • Custom rooms with extensive modification options
  • The ability to earn free skins through mission completion

Training and Practice Tools

  • An advanced training mode with features similar to Aim Lab
  • Situation-based training for specific skills like jump peeking and jiggle peeking
  • Agent-specific tutorial missions that reward players upon completion
  • Enhanced practice range with new capabilities

Social and Sharing Features

  • A TikTok-inspired shorts system for posting and liking gameplay clips
  • Global chat system for community interaction
  • In-game recruitment tools for finding teammates
  • Gifting system for sharing items with friends

The revelation of these mobile-exclusive features has created some frustration within the PC community, where players have been requesting many of these tools-particularly the replay system-for years.

The situation is particularly notable given that Riot Games’ VALORANT Executive Producer Anna Donlon had previously mentioned in 2023 that replays were in development for PC.

Release Timeline

While Valorant Mobile has reportedly surpassed 10 million pre-registrations in China, the global release timeline remains somewhat unclear. Pre-registration is currently live in China, with numerous sources suggesting a potential global launch by late 2025.

Stay tuned to the TalkEsport app for detailed gaming and esports coverage, latest news, and much more!

Dead by Daylight Codes for May 2025

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Purchasing Bloodpoints, Iridescent Shards, and Rift Fragments is on the horizon as the developers get more and more generous with the codes. Once again, the developers have released the Dead by Daylight codes for May 2025, and here is everything you need to know.

Make sure to copy and paste it correctly in the game to be able to enjoy the rewards that come with the below-mentioned codes.

All Dead by Daylight Active Codes

CodeReward
IFLOOKSCOULDCHILLFrosty Eye cosmetics

Dead by Daylight Permanent Codes

CodeReward
CAWCAWFeathers of Pride Charm
LETSROLLDwight Charm
WARRIORPUPPERSWarrior Puppers Charm
REDDIT1MIL8-bit Crow Profile Badge
PARTYHATS244th and 5th year Anniversary crowns
PRIDEPride Charm
PRIDE2022Pride Charms (Original and updated versions)
FLAGLWLW Flag Charm
MFLAGMLM Flag Charm
FLAGBBisexual Pride Flag Charm
ISFLAGIntersex Pride Flag Charm
FLAGPPansexual Pride Flag Charm
FLAGTTrans Pride Flag Charm
AFLAGGAgender Pride Flag Charm
GFLAGFGenderfluid Pride Flag Charm
NBFLAGNonbinary Pride Flag Charm
GFLAGQGenderqueer Pride Flag Charm
AFLAGSAsexual Pride Flag Charm

How to Redeem Dead by Daylight Codes

  • Launch the Game and head over to the main menu.
  • Go to the Store on the left side of the screen.
  • Once inside the Store, find the ‘Redeem Code’ and open it.
  • Press the ‘Redeem’ button after typing in your code, and if you entered a valid code, the rewards will be added to your inventory entered a current one, you will have the rewards in your inventory.

Following these steps correctly will ensure that you can redeem the codes before they expire. Make sure to keep checking back with us as we update these codes from time to time, and they are nothing less than a bonus for avid Dead by Daylight players.