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Fortnite Back to the Future Collaboration: Info & Guide – Skins & DeLorean

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Epic Games has delivered a blast from the past for the holiday season with the launch of the highly anticipated Fortnite x Back to the Future collaboration. Dropping as part of the Winterfest 2025 festivities, the crossover brings the iconic duo of Marty McFly and Doc Brown to the Battle Royale island, complete with a time-traveling DeLorean that is more than just a cosmetic upgrade.

The collaboration officially hit the Item Shop on December 23, offering a mix of Battle Pass rewards and premium bundles that cater to fans of the legendary film trilogy.

Iconic Skins and Cosmetics

At the heart of the drop are the new character skins. Players can step into the shoes of Marty McFly, which includes a “Future Marty” style variation, or the eccentric Doc Brown. The collaboration also features a suite of themed cosmetics:

  • Back Bling: Flux Capacitor and the iconic camcorder Marty uses in the first film.
  • Harvesting Tool: The “Camcorder Crusher” pickaxe.
  • Emotes: The “Great Scott!” emote and a traversal guitar emote featuring Marty’s Gibson ES-345.
  • Kicks: The legendary self-lacing Nike Air Mags have also made their debut as part of the new “Shoes” cosmetic category.

The DeLorean Mythic: 88 MPH to Victory

The standout feature of this collaboration is the DeLorean Time Machine. While it is available as a vehicle body in the Item Shop (and free for existing Rocket League owners), it also appears as a unique Mythic vehicle on the Battle Royale map.

The DeLorean has 720 health and can be found at specific spawn points, including Sus Studios, Sandy Strip, and a gas station near Clawsy Lodge. The car’s true power is unlocked when players hit 88 miles per hour. Doing so triggers a time-travel effect, instantly spawning a “Plutonium Chest” on the roof. This chest contains “Fortnite OG” loot from Chapter 1, such as the Pump Shotgun and Drum Gun, fitting the time-travel theme perfectly.

Winterfest 2025 Synergy

By integrating these items into the Winterfest event, Epic Games has created a nostalgic atmosphere that encourages players to explore the map for high-tier rewards. The inclusion of the Flux Fall contrail and the “Peel to the Future” loading screen ensures that even players who don’t purchase the premium bundles have something to chase during the holiday break.

Tributes: Vince Zampella Killed in Car Accident – Call of Duty Creator Dies

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The global gaming community is in shock following the confirmed passing of Vince Zampella, the legendary co-creator of Call of Duty and founder of Respawn Entertainment. Zampella, 55, was killed in a high-speed, single-vehicle car accident on the Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Authorities from the California Highway Patrol reported that Zampella was driving a high-performance Ferrari when the vehicle veered off the winding mountain road, struck a concrete barrier, and was quickly engulfed in flames. A passenger in the vehicle was ejected upon impact and later succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.

Tributes Pour in for an Industry Giant

News of the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment world. Electronic Arts (EA), the parent company of Respawn, described Zampella’s death as an “unimaginable loss,” calling him a “visionary creator whose work helped shape modern interactive entertainment.”

Geoff Keighley, creator of The Game Awards and a close friend, paid tribute to Zampella on social media, describing him as a “gamer at heart” with a rare ability to recognize talent. “While he created some of the most influential games of our time, I always felt he still had his greatest one ahead of him,” Keighley wrote.

A Peerless Professional Legacy

Zampella’s influence on the first-person shooter (FPS) genre is immeasurable. In 2002, he co-founded Infinity Ward, where he led the development of the original Call of Duty. He was the driving force behind the Modern Warfare sub-series, which revolutionized online multiplayer and cinematic storytelling in gaming.

After a high-profile exit from Activision, Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment, delivering hits like Titanfall, the massive battle-royale success Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. At the time of his passing, he was overseeing the future of the Battlefield franchise, having recently launched Battlefield 6 to critical acclaim.

A Final Loss to the Industry

The accident occurred just days before Christmas, adding a layer of seasonal tragedy to the loss of a man many considered the “GOAT of FPS.” While investigators continue to look into the exact cause of the crash, the industry has already begun reflecting on a 30-year career that fundamentally changed how millions of people play and connect through digital worlds.

How to Get Potato Graphics in Fortnite

Just like every competitive title out there, Fortnite players would prefer to have the highest FPS with the least input latency at the cost of poor visuals. These poor visuals are what we colloquially refer to as “Potato Graphics” in the esports community, and players find this to be a fair trade given the competitive edge it provides.

Fortnite can be quite demanding, making it difficult to maintain a stable FPS if your system is an entry-level one or if it has been quite a while since you upgraded it. Playing on the lowest possible settings might help you get a little more mileage out of your system while maintaining the same level of performance.

How to maximise FPS in Fortnite

Display Settings

  • Window Mode: Fullscreen
  • Resolution: Lower than your screen (example: 1280×720)
  • VSync: OFF
  • Frame Rate Limit: Unlimited or match your monitor

Graphics Settings

  • Rendering Mode: Performance (Alpha)
  • 3D Resolution: 50% – 70%
  • View Distance: Near or Medium
  • Shadows: OFF
  • Anti-Aliasing: OFF
  • Textures: Low
  • Effects: Low
  • Post Processing: Low or OFF

Advanced Graphics

  • Motion Blur: OFF
  • Ray Tracing: OFF

Playing with the lowest possible settings will allow you to realise the maximum returns from your system and might also help you edge out a little more performance with your present system. Graphics do not matter for competitive gamers, as we have seen with CS2, Valorant, PUBG, and all of the other competitive titles out there, and Fortnite is no different.

If you are really serious about competitive gaming and hold little to no regard for the in-game graphics, then you might be better off playing with these settings to squeeze every frame out of the game. Competitive gaming is all about performance, and any slip-up in the crucial moment can have a decisive impact on the game.

How to Change Reboot Keybind Fortnite

The reboot feature is one of the most characteristic aspects of Fortnite. The feature of reviving dead teammates through reboot vans can immediately turn the tables in your favor during the last circles. But with the new updates in Chapter 7, Epic Games moved the reboot control binding settings, and many players are looking for this essential binding.

This is your one-stop solution for the quickest method to reboot your key bind.

How to Change Reboot Keybind Fortnite

In Chapter 7, Epic consolidated the reboot function under a surprising location. The object carry sidegrade keybind. This architectural shift caught many veterans off guard, but understanding this connection makes the process straightforward. The reboot action now shares bindings with object manipulation, meaning your reboot keybind determines how you interact with both mechanics.

Begin by pressing Escape to access Fortnite‘s main menu. Navigate to Settings, then select the Keyboard tab. From here, scroll down until you reach the Miscellaneous section. This is where Epic placed the reboot controls. Look for the “Object Carry Sidegrade” option; this binding now controls your reboot interactions at vans. Click on the current keybind, then press the key you want to designate for rebooting. Once confirmed, exit the settings menu, and you’re finished.

Most competitive players recommend binding reboot to a key within immediate reach of your movement keys, commonly E, V, or side mouse buttons. This proximity eliminates milliseconds of delay during high-pressure endgame moments. Consider testing your new setup in Creative mode before ranked matches, allowing you to build muscle memory without competitive consequences.

How to Unblock Someone on Fortnite

Sometimes, taking a moment of frustration in Fortnite results in blocking a player you might want to connect with later. It could be an old team member or just a friend you want to join a match with again, and the process to unblock this player is easy. I’m going to show you how to block a Fortnite player on each platform. Keep reading till the end.

How to Unblock Someone on Fortnite

The process of unblocking someone in Fortnite takes three steps. The process can be done in the same way on PlayStation, Android, iOS, and PCs. The initial step involves opening the Fortnite game and finding the profile icon, which appears in the form of a circular avatar in the top corner of the main menu.

Now, come down to the Social section if you are not already there. Scroll down until the Blocked section comes into view, which keeps a record of all the players that you do not want to play against. This blocked section brings together everything that we call the block list.

Look for the player you’d like to re-establish contact with and click on their profile. The Unblock button appears immediately. Click on this button, and the player will be returned to a neutral status. You can then make friend requests and play together.

Note: Just because you unblock the person, it does not mean that you are friends again. Now that you have unblocked the player, they will have to send you a friend request, or you can ask them to be friends.

Additionally, this is an identical procedure on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. There is no limitation on unblocking as many players as you require.

Is IShowSpeed Coming to Fortnite

Darren Jason Watkins Jr., aka IShowSpeed, is arguably one of the most popular faces on the internet. His eccentric videos, live streams, and tours are always the centre of attention for the internet, and one of the games he plays the most is Fortnite, suggesting that Speed’s arrival in the game is highly likely.

According to the latest community buzz, the IShowSpeed Fortnite skin is coming to the game on December 24th, right in time for Christmas. Fortnite has a history of collaborating with top content creators, such as Ninja and MrBeast, who have all donned a skin in the game as part of the Icon Series, making Speed’s arrival a highly likely event.

Speed is a fervent Fortnite player, and in fact, his first live stream was of him playing Fortnite. All of this combined has increased his popularity among Fortnite players, even if he wasn’t already for his work as a creator.

Is Speed coming to Fortnite?

The rumours of Speed coming to Fortnite were fuelled by none other than Speed himself when a fan questioned him about a stream scheduled on Christmas Eve. Speed replied by saying, “Go back to my first stream ever,” which fans worldwide took as a suggestion that a skin is on the way.

If Speed comes to Fortnite, it won’t be just in the form of a skin, and it’s fair to assume that he, too, will come with a bundle housing other cosmetics like gliders and pickaxes, along with a skin or two. Given his popularity, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see this bundle become one of the most popular bundles ever released in the game.

Speed may be teasing something else completely, but that has not stopped fans from raising their expectations. Neither Epic nor Speed has completely explained what exactly they are cooking, as waiting until the 24th remains our only option.

GTA 6 Online Poised to Evolve into a Full-Scale MMORPG, Industry Veteran Claims

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The next iteration of Grand Theft Auto Online may be far more than a simple sequel to the current lobby-based experience. According to industry veteran Rich Vogel, whose credits include legendary titles like Ultima Online and Star Wars: The Old Republic, the planned features for GTA 6 suggest a massive shift toward the MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) genre.

While Rockstar Games has been tight-lipped following the game’s recent delay to November 2026, Vogel’s insights suggest the developer is aiming to save a “flailing” Western MMO market by integrating persistent-world mechanics into its flagship franchise.

The FiveM Influence and “Project ROME”

Speculation regarding this shift intensified after Rockstar’s 2023 acquisition of Cfx.re, the team behind the popular FiveM modding platform. FiveM revolutionized GTA 5 by introducing dedicated servers, persistent economies, and complex role-playing (RP) systems that allowed players to hold actual careers as police officers, paramedics, or business owners.

Vogel suggests that Rockstar is now “officializing” this experience. Internal rumors refer to this evolution as “Project ROME,” an initiative to transform the streets of Leonida into a living metaverse. Rather than the chaotic 30-player lobbies of today, the new system is expected to support much higher player counts in a seamless, persistent world where your reputation and assets have long-term consequences.

Planned Features: Beyond the Lobby

While specific features haven’t been officially confirmed, Vogel indicates that the mechanics he has heard about align perfectly with classic MMO architecture. This likely includes:

  • Deep Social Systems: Structured guilds (Crews) with more functional hierarchy.
  • Persistent Economies: A market influenced by player actions, property ownership, and business management.
  • Evolving World: A map that changes over time, with construction projects being completed or areas being destroyed and rebuilt.

The Risk of the “Grind”

Despite the excitement, the shift toward an MMORPG structure has some fans wary. Traditional MMOs are often associated with “grinding” performing repetitive tasks to unlock gear or progression. However, analysts argue that Rockstar is uniquely positioned to avoid this pitfall by blending its signature cinematic storytelling with the freedom of a persistent world.

As one of the most expensive entertainment projects in history, GTA 6 isn’t just a game; it is a decade-long investment. By pivoting toward an MMO model, Rockstar ensures that Vice City remains a “forever home” for millions of players long after the single-player credits roll.

Sony Files Patent for AI System Capable of Censoring Games in Real-Time

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Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a groundbreaking, yet controversial, patent for an artificial intelligence system designed to censor and modify video game content in real-time. The technology, if implemented, would allow the PlayStation ecosystem to dynamically detect and alter mature themes such as gore, profanity, and sexual content on the fly, tailored to specific user settings or parental controls.

While the patent aims to create a “safer” environment for younger audiences, it has sparked a massive debate within the gaming community regarding artistic integrity and the future of creative freedom.

How Real-Time Censorship Works

According to the patent documentation, the AI acts as a sophisticated “filter” that sits between the game engine and the player’s display. Using advanced computer vision and audio analysis, the system identifies “sensitive materials” as they occur during gameplay.

Instead of requiring developers to create multiple versions of a game (e.g., a censored version for certain regions), Sony’s AI could:

  • Visual Masks: Automatically blur or pixelate scenes of extreme violence or nudity.
  • Audio Muting: Mute or “beep” out profanity in voice-over lines.
  • Asset Replacement: Use deepfake-style technology to replace blood effects with “sparks” or swap out character models for more modestly dressed versions.

A Bridge for Mature Content

Sony frames the technology as a bridge for accessibility. By allowing the AI to filter out mature content, games like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty could potentially be made “safe” for younger demographics under strict parental supervision. This would theoretically allow children to enjoy the mechanical gameplay of adult-rated titles without being exposed to the narrative elements deemed inappropriate for their age.

For developers, this could be a massive efficiency gain. Rather than spending resources on manual censorship for specific markets or age ratings, they could rely on the console’s native AI to handle the modifications according to the user’s PlayStation Network (PSN) profile settings.

The Community Backlash

Despite the practical benefits, the gaming community has expressed significant concern. Critics argue that real-time AI censorship could lead to “over-sanitization” and undermine the artistic vision of creators. There are also fears that such a system could be made mandatory in certain regions, removing the choice from adult players.

Furthermore, technical skeptics question the AI’s accuracy. If the system incorrectly flags a non-offensive asset as “mature,” it could lead to immersion-breaking glitches or distorted gameplay experiences. As of now, Sony has not confirmed if or when this technology will be integrated into the PlayStation 5 or the rumored PlayStation 6.

Call Of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Passes Away at 55

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The video game industry is in mourning following the tragic news that Vince Zampella, the visionary co-creator of Call of Duty and head of Respawn Entertainment, has passed away at the age of 55. According to reports from the BBC, Zampella died following a serious car accident on December 22, 2025.

His death marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in modern gaming history a man whose work redefined the first-person shooter (FPS) genre and shaped the competitive landscape of the 21st century.

A Legacy of Innovation: From CoD to Apex

Zampella’s career was defined by his ability to capture lightning in a bottle. In 2003, along with Jason West and Grant Collier, he co-founded Infinity Ward and released Call of Duty. The franchise went on to become a multi-billion dollar pillar for Activision, with Zampella’s direction on Modern Warfare (2007) and Modern Warfare 2 (2009) setting the gold standard for cinematic storytelling and multiplayer engagement.

Following a highly publicized departure from Activision, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment. There, he continued his streak of hits with the critically acclaimed Titanfall series and the battle royale phenomenon Apex Legends. Most recently, he had been tasked by Electronic Arts (EA) to lead the Battlefield franchise, successfully steering Battlefield 6 back to its large-scale multiplayer roots.

The “Architect” of Modern Shooters

Colleagues and rivals alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to the “Architect” of the FPS genre. “Vince didn’t just make games; he created cultures,” shared one industry veteran. “Every time you sprint, aim down sights, or call in a killstreak, you are interacting with his DNA.”

Beyond his mechanical contributions, Zampella was known for his fierce advocacy for developer rights and creative independence. His leadership at Respawn created a culture that produced not only top-tier shooters but also the beloved Star Wars Jedi series, proving his versatility as a creative executive.

EA and Respawn Entertainment have yet to issue a full formal statement regarding succession plans, but the loss of his leadership is expected to be felt deeply across their upcoming projects. For fans, Zampella’s passing is a somber end to 2025 a year he spent actively engaging with the community to revitalize some of gaming’s most storied franchises.

PGL Relocates 2026 Belgrade Event to Bucharest Amid Scheduling Conflicts

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Romanian tournament organizer PGL has announced that its Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event, originally slated for Belgrade, Serbia, in late 2026, has been relocated to its in-house studios in Bucharest. The event has been officially rebranded as PGL Masters Bucharest 2026, marking the second consecutive year that PGL has moved a planned Serbian tournament back to its home base in Romania.

The shift comes as part of a series of revisions to PGL’s 2026 calendar, aimed at navigating a congested esports schedule dominated by rival organizers and shifting global rankings.

Logistical Challenges and Date Adjustments

The tournament, which was initially scheduled for October 22 – November 2, will now run from October 24 to October 31, 2026. By shortening the event by two days, PGL aims to provide more logistical flexibility for teams participating in IEM China 2026, which is scheduled to begin immediately afterward on November 2.

Unlike the originally envisioned event at the 18,000-capacity Belgrade Arena, the relocated tournament will be a Studio LAN. This move to a controlled environment ensures high-quality production standards while avoiding the “unforeseen logistical circumstances” in Serbia that PGL cited for the change.

Tournament Format and Prize Pool

Despite the change in venue, the stakes remain high. PGL Masters Bucharest 2026 features a $1.25 million prize pool and will host 16 of the world’s elite teams. The competition structure includes:

  • Direct Invites: 12 teams based on the July 2026 Valve Regional Standings (VRS).
  • Qualifiers: 4 spots earned through regional qualifiers in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
  • Match Format: A Swiss best-of-three (Bo3) group stage leading into a single-elimination Bo3 playoff, culminating in a best-of-five (Bo5) Grand Final.

A Disrupted Calendar

The relocation is the latest hurdle in PGL’s ambitious 2026 roadmap. The organizer has already been forced to cancel an August 2026 event due to overlaps with the expanded Esports World Cup and scrap an early-October event following the announcement of ESL Pro League Season 24.

Industry analysts point to these frequent changes as a symptom of the “TO wars,” where established giants like ESL and BLAST often clash with PGL’s attempts to secure prime dates. By moving to its Bucharest studios, PGL secures its operational independence and guarantees the event proceeds despite the pressure from rival schedules.