Apex Legends players over the weekend experienced disruptions during live matches as threat actors hijacked their characters, disconnected them, and changed their nicknames. […]
Category: Gaming
cyber attack, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Ubisoft Shuts Down Rainbow Six Siege After MongoDB Exploit Hits Players
Over 87,000 MongoDB instances are at risk from a critical memory leak called MongoBleed. Following the chaos at Ubisoft, see how this zero-password flaw works and how to protect your data.
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Massive Rainbow Six Siege breach gives players billions of credits
Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege (R6) suffered a breach that allowed hackers to abuse internal systems to ban and unban players, manipulate in-game moderation feeds, and grant massive amounts of in-game currency and cosmetic items to accounts worldwide. […]
Gaming, Global Security News, malware, Security
Fake Battlefield 6 Downloads Are Spreading Malware, Stealing Player Data
Bitdefender Labs found fake Battlefield 6 pirated copies and trainers spreading aggressive malware, C2 agents, and infostealers, designed to steal player data and crypto-wallets.
Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global Security News, Microsoft
Microsoft Outage Hits Azure, 365, Xbox, Minecraft and More
A major Microsoft outage has disrupted Azure, Microsoft 365, Xbox, and Minecraft worldwide after a configuration failure, with services now gradually recovering.
cyber attack, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global Security News, malware, Security
Stealit Malware Using Node.js to Hide in Fake Game and VPN Installers
Fortinet warns of Stealit, a MaaS infostealer, now targeting Windows systems and evading detection by using Node.js’s SEA feature while hiding in fake game and VPN installers.
Crypto, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global Security News, malware, Security
Scavenger Trojan Targets Crypto Wallets via Game Mods and Browser Flaws
New Scavenger Trojan steals crypto wallet data using fake game mods and browser flaws, targeting MetaMask, Exodus, Bitwarden, and other popular apps.
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Hacker sneaks infostealer malware into early access Steam game
A threat actor called EncryptHub has compromised a game on Steam to distribute info-stealing malware to unsuspecting users downloading the title. […]
AI, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global Security News
GameForge AI Hackathon 2025: Building the Bridge Between Natural Language and Game Creation
A 72-hour sprint that produced working solutions for one of game development’s hardest problems: making it accessible to non-programmers.
Breaking News, cyber crime, Gaming, Global Security News, hacking, hacking news
FBI seized multiple piracy sites distributing pirated video games
FBI seizes multiple piracy sites for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 games, dismantling their infrastructure. The FBI, with the help of the Dutch FIOD, seized multiple piracy sites distributing pirated video games, including nsw2u.com, ps4pkg.com, and mgnetu.com, dismantling their infrastructure. These sites, active for over four years, offered early access to popular game titles and…
cyber crime, Cybersecurity, fbi, Gaming, Global Security News
FBI Seizes Major Sites Sharing Unreleased and Pirated Video Games
FBI seizes top piracy sites leaking unreleased and pirated video games with millions of downloads and 170 million dollars in losses for developers and publishers.
Gaming, Global Security News
Unity CTO Steve Collins steps down after 6 months
Steve Collins, the CTO of the game engine developer Unity, is stepping down.
Gaming, Global Security News
Unity CTO Steve Collins steps down after 6 months
Steve Collins, the CTO of the game engine developer Unity, is stepping down.
Gaming, Global Security News
Unity CTO Steve Collins steps down after 6 months
Steve Collins, the CTO of the game engine developer Unity, is stepping down.
app store, Apple, Apps, Gaming, Global Security News
Fortnite returns to the US App Store after a five-year gap
Popular battle royale game Fortnite has finally returned to the U.S. App Store amid game maker Epic Games’ lengthy legal skirmish with Apple. As of Tuesday, Fortnite is also available on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU. It’ll show up in App Store searches soon, Epic said in a post on X.…
app store, Apple, Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, lawsuit, TC
Judge pressures Apple to approve Fortnite or return to court
A federal judge is asking Apple to approve Fortnite’s submission on the U.S. App Store or return to court to explain the legal basis as to why it has not done so. In a new filing, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers confirms the court has received Epic Games’ latest motion, where it demands that…
Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Gaming, Global Security News, Security Awareness, Security Boulevard (Original), Social - Facebook, Social - LinkedIn, Social - X, Spotlight
Tracking Accusations May Have Roblox Back in Court
Roblox is accused of secretly tracking the data of children without consent, an activity that the plaintiffs say violates their privacy under federal law. The post Tracking Accusations May Have Roblox Back in Court appeared first on Security Boulevard.
Apple, Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, Government & Policy
Epic Games asks judge to force Apple to approve Fortnite
Epic Games is escalating its efforts to pressure Apple to allow its game Fortnite into its App Store, with a new court filing asking Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to require that Apple “accept any compliant version of Fortnite onto the U.S. storefront of the App Store.” Epic and Apple have been engaged in a years-long…
Apple, Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, lawsuit
Epic Games says Apple is blocking Fortnite from the US and EU App Stores
Epic Games claims that Apple is blocking its Fortnite app from the U.S. and E.U. App Stores. After winning a decisive victory for app developers in a legal battle with Apple, forcing the tech giant to allow external payments in its U.S. App Store without charging commission, Epic Games attempted to resubmit Fortnite to the…
Gaming, Global Security News
The Backbone Pro controller makes mobile gaming worth the hassle
The mobile controller company Backbone unveiled its Backbone Pro controller this week, which brings iOS and Android gaming experiences to the next level. A successor to the Backbone One controller, the Pro features full-size joysticks, re-mappable buttons, and Bluetooth compatibility, making for a more premium gaming setup. Unlike its predecessor, the Backbone Pro doesn’t need…
AI, Gaming, gemini, Global Security News, Google
Google’s Gemini has beaten Pokémon Blue (with a little help)
Google’s most expensive AI model seems to have crossed a major milestone: Beating a 29-year-old video game. Last night, Google CEO Sundar Pichai posted triumphantly on X, “What a finish! Gemini 2.5 Pro just completed Pokémon Blue!” To be clear, the Gemini Plays Pokemon livestream was created by (in his own words) “a 30 year…
Exclusive, Gaming, Global Security News, Security
How Riot Games is fighting the war against video game hackers
Riot’s “anti-cheat artisan” Phillip Koskinas explains how he and his team go after cheaters and cheat developers to protect the integrity of games, such as Valorant and League of Legends.
Gaming, Global Security News
Epic Games is launching webshops to allow developers to circumvent app store fees after new ruling
Epic Games is taking a victory lap. After notching a big win against Apple in a years-long legal dispute, Epic announced that its Epic Games Store will allow developers to open webshops, which can offer players out-of-app purchases to circumvent fees from Apple and Google. Epic has been in a long legal battle with Apple…
Gaming, Global Security News, Microsoft
Xbox consoles, controllers, and games are getting more expensive
Microsoft announced price increases on Thursday for its Xbox consoles, controllers, and some games. The affected consoles, which include Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S models, will increase in price between $80 and $100 each, depending on the console. These consoles were first released almost five years ago, with the basic Xbox Series S…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News
Fortnite plans return to the US iOS App Store next week
Epic Games’ mega-popular Fortnite is returning to the US iOS App Store next week after a surprising ruling in a years-long legal battle with Apple. The dispute between Epic and Apple began in 2020, when Apple removed Epic Games from the iOS store. Because Apple takes 30% of all in-app purchases, Epic had introduced support…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, TC
Epic Games just scored a win against Apple
Epic Games notched a win in an ongoing legal dispute with Apple. The result could be Fortnite returning to the U.S. iOS app store as early as next week. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said in a ruling Wednesday that Apple was in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction that prohibited the company from anticompetitive pricing.…
Apps, Exclusive, Gaming, Global Security News, Social
Chess.com reaches 200 million members
Chess.com reaches a new membership milestone as it nears its 20th birthday. Chess.com, the online chess platform that was founded in 2005 and launched in 2007, has surpassed 200 million members. Of those 200 million members, 1.5 million are paying users. More than 6 million games of chess are played every day on the platform.…
Gaming, Global Security News, Social
Discord appoints former Activision Blizzard exec Humam Sakhnini as CEO
Amid rumors that the company is eyeing an IPO, Discord appointed former Activision Blizzard Vice Chairman Humam Sakhnini as CEO. Discord co-founder Jason Citron will leave his CEO role after thirteen years at the company. Discord straddles the gaming and social media spaces — despite its initial emergence as a platform for online multiplayer gamers…
Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Kids sure love video game movies
“A Minecraft Movie” isn’t just a hit — after three weekends in theaters, the film is estimated to have grossed $344 million domestically and $720 million worldwide. That makes it the biggest movie of an admittedly underwhelming year at the box office (so far), and the second biggest video game movie of all time. Coming…
Gaming, Global Security News, Social, TikTok
TikToker sues Roblox over her Charli XCX ‘Apple’ dance
TikTok content creator Kelley Heyer sued the video game Roblox for using her dance to Charli XCX’s “Apple” without permission. Heyer posted the viral dance in June 2024, which fed off of the hype of Charli XCX’s hit summer album Brat. The dance became so popular that Charli XCX incorporated it into her live show…
Gaming, Global Security News
The Nintendo Switch 2 will still cost $450 in the US, despite tariffs
Nintendo announced on Friday that it will open Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. on April 24, following a delay due to the Trump administration’s hefty tariffs. Fans feared the long-awaited console would spike in price due to Trump’s export rules on international goods, but Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 will still cost $449.99 and…
Apple, Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Apple’s ‘Mythic Quest’ is ending with an updated Season 4 finale
“Mythic Quest,” the Apple TV+ workplace comedy about the making of a popular online roleplaying game, is ending after four seasons. A new version of the show’s fourth season finale — first aired on March 26, and now the de facto series finale — will premiere on Apple TV+ next week, with a new ending.…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Netflix’s latest season of ‘Black Mirror’ comes with a mobile game
Season 7 of “Black Mirror” premiered on Thursday, introducing a new mobile game connected to one of its episodes. The game, titled “Thronglets,” from Netflix’s own Night School Studio, serves as a companion to the episode called “Plaything.” Players interact with virtual yellow pets and strive to keep them alive. If players are successful in…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Netflix’s latest season of ‘Black Mirror’ comes with a mobile game
Season 7 of “Black Mirror” premiered on Thursday, introducing a new mobile game connected to one of its episodes. The game, titled “Thronglets,” from Netflix’s own Night School Studio, serves as a companion to the episode called “Plaything.” Players interact with virtual yellow pets and strive to keep them alive. If players are successful in…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Netflix’s latest season of ‘Black Mirror’ comes with a mobile game
Season 7 of “Black Mirror” premiered on Thursday, introducing a new mobile game connected to one of its episodes. The game, titled “Thronglets,” from Netflix’s own Night School Studio, serves as a companion to the episode called “Plaything.” Players interact with virtual yellow pets and strive to keep them alive. If players are successful in…
Gaming, Global Security News, Government & Policy
Nintendo says it is ‘actively assessing’ the impact of U.S. tariffs
Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser said that the company did not factor in possible tariffs from the U.S. when deciding on the pricing for its Nintendo Switch 2 console, according to Wired. Nintendo unveiled its highly anticipated Switch 2 last week and announced that the console would be released on June 5, priced at…
AI, Gaming, Global Security News, Microsoft, TC
Microsoft releases AI-generated Quake II demo, but admits ‘limitations’
Microsoft has released a browser-based, playable level of the classic video game Quake II. This functions as a tech demo for the gaming capabilities of Microsoft’s Copilot AI platform — though by the company’s own admission, the experience isn’t quite the same as playing a well-made game. You can try it out for yourself, using…
Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Microsoft
‘A Minecraft Movie’ is on-track for a $135M opening weekend
The big screen adaptation of video game mega-franchise Minecraft brought in $58 million on Friday, putting it on-track for a $135 million opening weekend domestically — or potentially even more. That would give “A Minecraft Movie” the biggest opening of the year, beating out “Captain America: Brave New World” (which earned $88.8 million during its…
Gaming, Global Security News, Government & Policy
Nintendo delays Switch 2 pre-orders in response to tariffs
Nintendo is delaying preorders for the newly-announced Switch 2 in the U.S. due to concerns around President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Preorders will no longer begin on April 9. “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,”…
Gaming, Global Security News, Government & Policy
Nintendo delays Switch 2 preorders in response to tariffs
Nintendo is delaying preorders for the newly announced Switch 2 in the U.S. due to concerns around President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Preorders will no longer begin on April 9. “Preorders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025, in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market…
Gaming, Global Security News, Hardware
The Nintendo Switch 2, hands-on: It’s pretty good!
At a presentation unveiling the Nintendo Switch 2, longtime Nintendo producer Kouichi Kawamoto revealed that at one point, he considered calling the Switch’s successor the “Super Nintendo Switch.” It would have been a nice nod to Nintendo’s second console, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which followed the original NES about 35 years ago. But Kawamoto,…
Apple, Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, Google
Epic Games CEO calls Apple and Google ‘gangster-style’ businesses in need of competition
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company makes Fortnite and tools for other developers, including Unreal Engine, called out Apple and Google as “gangster-style businesses” engaged in illegal practices while speaking at a Y Combinator event on Wednesday. The executive also emphasized how the big tech companies’ practices directly affected his own business by scaring…
AI, Gaming, Global Security News
Epic Games acquires Loci to introduce automated 3D tagging
Epic Games announced on Wednesday the acquisition of Loci, an AI platform for automated tagging 3D assets. The deal will help creators with the labor-intensive process of tagging as well as to help detect potential intellectual property (IP) violations. Loci, which uses computer vision models to understand 3D content, automatically tags 3D assets, making content…
Gaming, Global Security News
Roblox enables parents to block experiences and friends
Roblox, the popular gaming platform geared toward preteens, has made substantial updates to its safety policy in the last year following accusations of insufficient safety measures for children, which could expose them to risks like grooming, explicit content, and violent material. The company announced Wednesday three new parental control features, including the option for them…
Gaming, Global Security News
The Nintendo Switch 2 release date is June 5
Nintendo unveiled new details on Wednesday about its hugely anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console, which will be the company’s first new console since the Nintendo Switch was introduced in 2017. The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5. As its name suggests, the Switch 2 is an upgrade on the Nintendo Switch.…
Gaming, Global Security News, Google
Roblox partners with Google on ads
Google on Tuesday announced a new partnership with gaming company Roblox, which will allow advertisers to purchase and scale Roblox’s Rewarded Video and other immersive ad formats. That means marketers who want to reach the younger Gen Z audience that dominates the platform will be able to use Google Ad Manager to place their video…
Gaming, Global Security News
Nintendo used its new app to announce the ‘Legend of Zelda’ movie release date
Nintendo announced on Friday that its live-action “The Legend of Zelda” movie will premiere on March 26, 2027. It’s a little weird to announce this the day after a Nintendo Direct livestream, where the gaming company usually unloads all of its recent news. But that was intentional. The company wants fans to download its new…
Gaming, Global Security News, India, Startups
Krafton acquires controlling stake in Indian gaming studio Nautilus Mobile for $14M
Krafton, known for its titles PUBG and BGMI, has acquired a controlling stake in 12-year-old Indian mobile gaming studio Nautilus Mobile.
Gaming, Global Security News
With the Switch 2 coming, Nintendo is working on Virtual Game Cards for cross-device portability
Nintendo announced on Thursday that it is working on Virtual Game Cards, a feature that makes digitally downloaded games more portable across different devices. With the highly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, these Virtual Game Cards will make it easier for users to port over their existing Switch games to their new devices.…
Gaming, Global Security News, Social
Discord made its streaming overlay a lot more user-friendly
Discord announced on Tuesday that it rebuilt its Overlay feature from the ground up. The new Overlay makes streaming games on Discord more user-friendly on the streamer’s end. In its legacy form, streamers could toggle the Overlay display to use Discord while playing games, but this would bring up the entire Discord client in the…
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Browser-in-the-Browser attacks target CS2 players’ Steam accounts
A new phishing campaign targets Counter-Strike 2 players utilizing Browser-in-the-Browser (BitB) attacks that display a realistic window that mimics Steam’s login page. […]
Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global Security News, hacking, malware, Security
Valve removes video game demo suspected of being malware
Valve removed a video game called Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution from Steam after users reported that its free demo contained malware.
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Steam pulls game demo infecting Windows with info-stealing malware
Valve has removed a game titled ‘Sniper: Phantom’s Resolution’ from the Steam store following multiple user reports that indicated its demo installer actually infected their systems with information stealing malware. […]
CryptoCurrency, Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Blockchain gaming platform WEMIX hacked to steal $6.1 million
Blockchain gaming platform WEMIX suffered a cyberattack last month, allowing threat actors to steal 8,654,860 WEMIX tokens, valued at approximately $6,100,000 at the time. […]
AI, Gaming, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News
Roblox releases its open-source model that can create 3D objects using AI
Roblox announced Monday that it’s launching the first iteration of its 3D model, dubbed “Cube,” to allow creators to create 3D objects using generative AI. The company also launched an open-source version so anyone off the platform can build on it. Announced last year at Roblox’s annual developer conference, the company is demoing Cube at…
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social
Discord launches SDK to help developers enhance social experiences in their games
Discord on Monday announced the launch of its Discord Social SDK, a free toolkit that allows developers to leverage the platform’s social infrastructure to enhance their games’ social and multiplayer experiences. The toolkit allows developers to improve their in-game experiences, whether players have a Discord account or not. Social integrations include a unified friends list…
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google
Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC
Google announced new features around PC and mobile gaming today ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC), including new titles, control customization, and developer tools for making mobile games available on PC. The company first introduced Play Games for PC in 2022 in the beta phase. Over time, it has introduced the program to various…
Apps, Europe, Gaming, Global Security News, iOS, Startups
Skich launches an alternative app store on iOS in the EU
Skich, a Tinder-like app for discovering mobile games, announced Thursday the launch of a new marketplace to put it in closer competition with alternative game stores like Aptoide and Epic Games. Skich Store, a new alternative mobile games store, will be available for iOS users in the European Union. The company plans to begin adding…
AI, Gaming, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups
Wolf Games, backed by ‘Law & Order’ creator, uses AI to create murder mystery games
Elliot Wolf, the executive producer and son of “Law & Order” creator Dick Wolf, is entering a new venture aimed at engaging true crime fans. He, along with co-founders Andrew Adashek (CEO) and Noah Rosenberg (CTO), are developing Wolf Games, a new startup that leverages AI to generate daily murder mystery games. The company also…
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mergers and Acquisitions
Pokémon Go maker Niantic is selling its games division to Scopely for $3.5B
Mobile gaming giant Scopely on Wednesday said it has agreed to acquire Pokémon Go maker Niantic’s gaming division for $3.5 billion. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Fintech, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, robotics, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Venture
Supercharge your brand visibility with an exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
From October 27-29, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will bring together over 10,000 startup pioneers, VC leaders, and tech enthusiasts at Moscone West in San Francisco—the epicenter of innovation set to reshape the future of technology. What’s in it for your startup? A golden opportunity to put your innovation in front of an eager audience for all…
AI, Exclusive, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Microsoft
Microsoft appears to be working on 3D gaming experiences for Copilot
Microsoft appears to be working on 3D gaming experiences for Copilot, its AI-powered chatbot platform, according to a new job listing. The listing, published this week, seeks a senior software engineer based in Beijing specializing in 3D rendering engines, particularly engines typically used to build web browser-based video games (Babylon.js, three.js, and Unity). “Are you…
AI, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
People are using Super Mario to benchmark AI now
At least we can watch AI play Mario. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Framework’s first desktop PC is optimized for gaming and local AI inference
Framework, the company that is better known for its modular, repairable laptops, just released its first desktop computer. It’s a small desktop PC that punches above its weight. The most interesting part is what’s inside the device. Framework is one of the first companies to use AMD’s recently announced Strix Halo architecture, also known as…
AI, Anthropic, Claude, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Anthropic’s Claude AI is playing Pokémon on Twitch — slowly
On Tuesday afternoon, Anthropic launched Claude Plays Pokémon on Twitch, a live stream of Anthropic’s newest AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, playing a game of Pokémon Red. It’s become a fascinating experiment of sorts, showcasing the capabilities of today’s AI tech and people’s reactions to them. AI researchers have used all sorts of video games,…
AI, Anthropic, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Anthropic used Pokémon to benchmark its newest AI model
Anthropic used Pokémon to benchmark its newest AI model. Yes, really. In a blog post published Monday, Anthropic said that it tested its latest model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, on the Game Boy classic Pokémon Red. The company equipped the model with basic memory, screen pixel input, and function calls to press buttons and navigate around the…
CryptoCurrency, Exploits, Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Fake CS2 tournament streams used to steal crypto, Steam accounts
Threat actors are exploiting major Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) competitions, like IEM Katowice 2025 and PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, to defraud gamers and steal their Steam accounts and cryptocurrency. […]
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social
Twitch caps streamers’ storage at 100 hours of highlights and uploads
Twitch on Wednesday announced it will begin limiting streamers to 100 hours of highlights and uploads, and will delete content if a channel exceeds the limit. The company said it’s introducing the change because highlights haven’t been effective in driving discovery or engagement, and because storage is costly. The storage cap goes into effect on…
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Pokémon Go maker Niantic is reportedly selling its games division
Niantic, the company behind the popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, is looking to sell its game development business, Bloomberg reported. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
CryptoCurrency, Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Cracked Garry’s Mod, BeamNG.drive games infect gamers with miners
A large-scale malware campaign dubbed “StaryDobry” has been targeting gamers worldwide with trojanized versions of cracked games such as Garry’s Mod, BeamNG.drive, and Dyson Sphere Program. […]
Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, hacking, malware, Security
Hackers planted a Steam game with malware to steal gamers’ passwords
Researchers found that PirateFI was never designed to be a real game, but a vehicle to infect gamers with malware and steal their passwords with an infostealer called Vidar. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Funding, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups
Gamemaker Polymath aims to make learning math as enjoyable as Roblox
As gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft continue to grow in popularity among young children, and with platforms like YouTube consuming hours of their daily screen time, edtech companies face challenges in capturing their attention. Polymath aims to tackle this by combining gamified mechanics inspired by these popular games with adaptive math lessons to make…
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Can sim drivers make the shift to F1? Max Verstappen thinks so
Motorsports have long been a pay-to-play arena, with young drivers spending thousands of dollars just to get started in karting. Four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen knows this all too well, but he also sees a way to change it through sim racing, a virtual form of car racing that closely replicates real-world racing. It’s…
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Malicious PirateFi game infects Steam users with Vidar malware
A free-to-play game named PirateFi in the Steam store has been distributing the Vidar infostealing malware to unsuspecting users. […]
Cybersecurity, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, hacking, malware, Security
Valve removes Steam game that contained malware
The gaming giant told affected users: “Consider fully reformatting your operating system” © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Gaming, Global Security News
Sony says PlayStation Plus members will get five-day extension after outage
After the PlayStation Network experienced a global outage that lasted for nearly a day, Sony says it will compensate PlayStation Plus subscribers by giving them an extra five days of service. The outage seems to have lasted from Friday evening until Saturday evening in the United States, with many PlayStation owners reporting difficulty loading their…
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
DDoS attacks reportedly behind DayZ and Arma network outages
An ongoing distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack targets Bohemia Interactive’s infrastructure, preventing players of DayZ and Arma Reforger from playing the games online. […]
a16z, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC
Little Umbrella’s next Jackbox-style game pits you and your friends against an AI game show host
Web-based party games are making a comeback, now with the infusion of generative AI. Among the startups joining the trend, the current forecast looks good for one startup, Little Umbrella, which leverages AI for its social party games. The company announced on Thursday its $2 million seed funding round. Little Umbrella plans to use the…
Gaming, Global Security News, Microsoft
Microsoft lifts Windows 11 update block for PCs with gaming issues
Microsoft has removed a safeguard hold that prevented devices with Auto HDR enabled from installing the Windows 11 2024 Update due to gaming issues. […]
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Resolution Games announces Battlemarked, an upcoming VR Dungeons & Dragons game
Last year, Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games announced an exciting development: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the popular tabletop role-playing game (RPG), is being adapted for virtual reality. Until now, specific details about the new game have been kept closely under wraps. However, on Wednesday, the companies finally unveiled the official title and more…
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, iOS
Epic brings third-party titles to its mobile game store
Epic Games is adding third-party games to its mobile app store, and helping developers cover associated iOS fees. The company is launching a free games program, and will cover the cost for all titles from developers that participate in the program on iOS or iPadOS devices. With this program, Epic will roll out new free games…
Gaming, Global Security News, Microsoft
Microsoft previews Game Assist in-game browser in Edge Stable
Microsoft has announced that Game Assist, its recently unveiled in-game browser, is now also available in preview for Microsoft Edge Stable users. […]
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, TC
At the Microsoft Excel World Championship, selfies and a ‘hype’ tunnel
An arena. A hype tunnel, the kind through which NBA players typically streak. A competitor dressed in a jersey patterned with a six-pack abs. In a new piece, the New York Times takes readers to an event that organizers call the Microsoft Excel World Championship, a 40-minute, Las Vegas-based competition featuring 12 contestants — all…
Gaming, Global Security News, Government
FTC cracks down on Genshin Impact gacha loot box practices
Genshin Impact developer Cognosphere (aka Hoyoverse) has agreed to a $20 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its gacha loot box monetization and is now banned from selling them to teens under the age of sixteen without parental consent. […]
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
Nintendo teases Mario Kart as first Switch 2 title
A console is only as good as its games. While Nintendo didn’t reveal anything in the way of specs for the forthcoming Switch 2 platform, the gaming giant showed off what appears to be the first game confirmed for the hybrid platform: a new take on the racing classic, Mario Kart. After all, it wouldn’t…
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
Nintendo unveils the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo shared the first images of the Nintendo Switch 2 in a video posted on YouTube. The successor to the widely popular game console will be simply called the Switch 2. As the name suggests, it shares the same design philosophy with a modular form factor. Right out of the gate, the video shows the…
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
Nintendo Switch 2 could be announced this week: The rumors (and facts) so far
With CES 2025 finally in the rearview, it’s time to move on to the next round of big hardware announcements. Rumors have emerged over the last few weeks, pointing to an imminent announcement for the next-generation of Nintendo’s wildly successful hybrid Switch console. In particular, word from industry stalwart Eurogamer (among others) pegs a January…
Gaming, Global Security News, Security
Stolen Path of Exile 2 admin account used to hack player accounts
Path of Exile 2 developers confirmed that a hacked admin account allowed a threat actor to change the password and access at least 66 accounts, finally explaining how PoE 2 accounts have been breached since November. […]
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
What’s behind ballooning video game budgets?
Why does it cost some companies hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a popular video game? A couple weeks ago, The New York Times blamed the never-ending quest to deliver more photo-realistic graphics— and it suggested the industry is beginning to see diminishing returns, leading to layoffs and studio closures. However, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier…
CES, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
The new Atari handheld knows its market
CES isn’t much of a gaming show. Every year, however, a few notable products slip through the news deluge. Created in collaboration with My Arcade, Gamestation Go fits the bill. The handheld sports a 7-inch display and comes preloaded with north of 200 titles from various Atari generations. Of course, simply being portable game emulator…
Fundraising, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Grand Games, the Turkish startup behind Magic Sort, drinks up $30M
Gaming startups, specifically those building casual mobile games, are very hot in Turkey right now, and today another one is announcing a sizable round. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Elon Musk, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, TC
Gamers can’t fathom how 6x CEO Elon Musk found time to best Diablo IV
On October 16 and November 20, Elon Musk tweeted videos of himself clearing the highest level of the Diablo IV video game in about 2 minutes. While Diablo IV has been out since mid-2023, the latest “season,” called The Pit, launched on October 7. Many asked: How did he find the time to do it…
CES, ces 2025, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
SteamOS expands to other gaming handhelds with the Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS is slowly becoming an alternative to Windows for handheld gaming devices. After launching the Steam Deck with SteamOS, its own operating system, Valve is now partnering with third-party manufacturers so that they can release gaming handhelds with SteamOS support. On Tuesday, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S at CES 2025. Unlike its predecessor, the…
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Startups
Google puts $1M into 3D design app Rooms after more than 1 million ‘rooms’ created
3D design app Rooms just landed more funding. Launched into beta in 2023, the app from ex-Google employees allows users to build and code interactive 3D rooms and mini-games using a library of more than 10,000 items, which can be further edited using the programming language Lua. Now, Google itself has invested $1 million into…
Apps, CES, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Peacock is experimenting with mini-games and short videos
As Peacock continues to trail behind major players in the entertainment industry like Netflix, TikTok, and YouTube, the streaming service is adopting strategies similar to its rivals with two new initiatives: mini-games and a short-form vertical video feed. The company previewed these experiments at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Monday. Starting this…
CES, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
Acer’s new gaming handheld is ridiculously large
Acer unveiled two new gaming handhelds at CES 2025. The company clearly believes that bigger always means better, as it is pushing the physical limits of gaming handhelds with an enormous 10.95-inch display. Named the Nitro Blaze 11, the device comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor — a CPU originally designed for laptops…
CES, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, nvidia
Nvidia unveils $2,000 RTX 5090 GPU
As anticipated, Nvidia Monday kicked off its CES 2025 keynote by unveiling the new RTX Blackwell family of GPUs. The centerpiece of the line is the RTX 5090. The card bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, but now sports, 92 billion transistors, 4,000 AT TOPS, 380 ray-tracing TFLOPS, and 1.8 TB/s bandwidth. The 5090…
AI, CES, chips, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
AMD unveils new chips for laptops, desktops, and gaming handhelds at CES 2025
At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, AMD unveiled a slew of new chips destined for devices ranging from desktops to gaming handhelds. AMD is riding high coming into this year’s CES. The company commanded a 28.7% share of the desktop CPU segment in Q3 2024, up 9.6 percentage points compared to the same quarter the…
developers, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News
People are playing a new DOOM-themed CAPTCHA
CAPTCHA programs that are used to determine whether a site visitor is a person or a bot come in pretty standard formats. Think text distortion (where users type the characters they see in a box amid other squiggles); image recognition (you’re selecting, say, all the squares in a grid with a bicycle image); and checkbox…
AI, Asia Pacific, Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Transportation
TuSimple pivot from self-driving to AI animation is complete with CreateAI rebrand
TuSimple has completed its pivot away from autonomous trucking to AI animation and gaming with a rebrand. The company shall henceforth be known as CreateAI. The rebrand comes as TuSimple is embroiled in controversy over the company’s plans to move its remaining U.S. assets to China to fund the new business, which it initially announced…