The UK Government has introduced a £30 million Games Growth Package to bolster the UK's games industry globally. This initiative includes £10 million annual funding over three years for start-up studios and an expansion of the UK Games Fund to assist young developers. A new UK Video Games Council will bridge industry and decision-makers, promoting growth alongside the government and Creative Industries Council. The plan also tackles skills gaps via a UK Games Skills Network and aims to double London Games Festival investments to £30 million annually. Part of the broader Plan for Change, it invests £380 million in creative industries, with regional support potentially enhancing games funding. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlights this as crucial for developing high-skilled jobs and iconic games. Industry leaders commend the strategy for reinforcing the UK’s global standing in gaming.

My Nintendo Store has sent out Switch 2 pre-order invites, granting early access to the new wireless GameCube controllers. However, the Switch Online GameCube library won't launch until June 5 alongside the Switch 2. This library is exclusive to Switch Online + Expansion Pack members who own a Switch 2. Initially, only three GameCube titles will be available: *The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker*, *Soulcalibur 2*, and *F-Zero GX*. Additional games like *Super Mario Sunshine*, *Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance*, and *Luigi’s Mansion* are expected but have no set release date. The GameCube controller is also Switch 2-exclusive, aiming to enhance the new console's value with expanding content similar to other classic libraries on Switch Online.

This article explores the positive mental health impacts of video gaming, contrary to its frequent negative portrayal in media. The author, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, shares how gaming, particularly Nintendo titles like Mario Kart World and Brain Training, contributes to his emotional stability and cognitive strength. Familiarity with trusted games provides comfort and safety, while multiplayer features such as GameChat foster social connections and laughter with friends. Fitness games like Ring Fit Adventure combine entertainment with physical exercise, enhancing overall wellbeing. Even first-person shooters offer a safe outlet for stress relief. The author advocates for gaming as an educational and therapeutic tool beneficial across all ages, emphasizing its role in personal recovery and mental health maintenance. Through sharing his experiences, he encourages others to recognize gaming's potential as a force for good.

Gaming enthusiasts can save $10 on a $100 PlayStation Store gift card through a limited-time offer available at Newegg. By applying the promo code EPET2Z25 during checkout, customers can purchase the card for $90 instead of the regular price. The gift card is delivered via email, allowing users to redeem it on the PlayStation Store. This deal is ideal for those planning to buy new games, as video game prices may increase soon. Interested gamers should act quickly, as the promotion ends in approximately 13 hours. Additionally, the card can be used to purchase discounted games currently on sale.

Contrary to common misconceptions, video games offer significant cognitive benefits that enhance brain function. They improve problem-solving skills by encouraging strategic thinking applicable to real-world scenarios. Video games also boost memory and attention to detail, particularly fast-paced ones that demand multitasking and quick information processing. Cognitive flexibility is enhanced through multiplayer games requiring adaptability, aiding real-life task-switching. Additionally, action games refine hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Beyond cognition, gaming provides stress relief and fosters emotional regulation in both relaxing and intense genres. Decision-making and risk management are sharpened as players navigate uncertainties within games, translating to better real-life choices. Thus, gaming serves as a mental workout, promoting overall cognitive health.

In response to aggressive immigration enforcement and in-game roleplaying as ICE agents, young Roblox players have organized virtual protests against ICE. These protests, primarily occurring in the Brookhaven server, feature Mexican flags, anti-ICE signs, and sometimes simulated gunfire. With over 85 million daily users, Roblox provides a global platform where children can engage in political activism, processing real-world events through gameplay. Videos shared on TikTok highlight these clashes, showing players roleplaying as protestors or ICE agents. For some parents, like Nediahn Santos, participating in these virtual protests with their children is an opportunity to teach empathy and the importance of speaking out against injustice. Despite claims by critics that adults orchestrate these protests, journalist Taylor Lorenz asserts that children are organizing them independently, reflecting their attempt to understand and respond to the impact of ICE actions on their communities.

The Southern-Fried Gaming Expo returns to Cobb County, offering gaming enthusiasts a chance to play over 500 new and vintage arcade games, pinball machines, and video game systems. Held at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center from Friday to Sunday, the event features Georgia’s largest playable arcade, a tabletop board game library, costume contests, and special guests. Notable attendees include game designers Howard Scott Warshaw and Steve Ritchie, who will give talks and meet fans. The expo runs from 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, with single-day and weekend memberships available. This year's edition promises an updated and exciting gaming experience.

In video games, some companions initially perceived as annoying can become fan favorites due to their hidden depth and charm. For instance, in Baldur’s Gate 3, while new players often favor Astarion or Shadowheart, seasoned players champion Minthara, Act 1's main villain. Despite her role as a destructive antagonist, recruiting Minthara reveals her as the most compelling character, blending pragmatism, wit, and charisma. As a drow paladin, her sharp personality stands out among other companions. Players can recruit her without compromising moral choices by knocking her out instead of killing her in Act 1, allowing them to experience her unique appeal without fully embracing evil actions.

Gabriel Dechichi, known for creating an Unreal Engine game in four weeks, has developed his own C engine, claiming it outperforms Unity, especially for web applications. His demo features hundreds of animated figures to test system performance, asserting that his engine is "10x faster, 10x lighter, 10x better," with a specific claim of being 14 times faster than Unity. Testing on a MacBook Pro showed the C engine handling 1000 units at 250 ms and 1 FPS smoothly, while Unity struggled, taking 1300 ms and achieving the same FPS. This suggests Dechichi's engine could be a significant advancement in game development tools.

Plectrum Soft, the creator of the upcoming indie VR game Project Mix, is seeking a skilled 3D Environment/Prop Artist to develop anime-style, hand-painted assets. This paid, full-time remote freelance role begins August 1, 2025, with an 8-month contract and possible extension. Responsibilities include designing high-quality 3D assets such as vehicles, signage, furniture, and buildings. Candidates must have at least four years of experience in 3D game art, strong technical skills (modeling, UV mapping, texturing), and proficiency in tools like Blender, Photoshop, Unity, and Substance 3D Painter. Knowledge of anime stylization and optimization for mobile and VR platforms is essential. Interested applicants can find more information and apply via the provided link.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the term "dethroned" used in relation to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Zelda titles. It questions whether this language is disingenuous, possibly serving as a defense for Nintendo or implying that journalists' scores outweigh player opinions. The author expresses uncertainty about which implication is worse and invites readers to share their views on whether Expedition 33 was fairly "dethroned." Additionally, the similarity in phrasing across multiple articles is noted. Readers are encouraged to engage further by joining various platforms like the 80 Level Talent platform and Discord server for discussions on gaming topics.

The gaming and K-pop industries are increasingly collaborating to enhance their cultural significance and financial reach. Recent partnerships include Capcom's teaser for an aespa x Street Fighter 6 collaboration, Epic Games' Fortnite teaming up with Hybe artists, and Blizzard's continued partnership with Le Sserafim in Overwatch 2. Additionally, Krafton collaborated with Babymonster for Battlegrounds Mobile’s anniversary. These crossovers aim to broaden the audience for games beyond traditional players and integrate gaming more firmly into mainstream culture. For K-pop, these collaborations offer narrative-building opportunities and access to the lucrative gaming market, reinforcing the mutual benefits driving this trend.