Damn, that looks like a lot of layers, and with it, potentially a lot of calculation power needed to create the final picture. The upshot however is that it seems like it could create a 4k picture from a 720p image like that, so let's wait and see...

Some important news came up so...

Exclusive: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 3070 Ti Availability Details

https://wccftech.com/exclusive-nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080-ti-and-rtx-3070-availability-details/

NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti on-shelf by June 3rd, 2021, reviews a day before

"As always, NVIDIA is going for a staggered launch with the flagship hard launching on the 3rd of June. The announcement should happen earlier - likely by 31st May
NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti on-shelf by June 10th, 2021, reviews a day before

The RTX 3070 Ti is going to be available on shelf almost a week after its older brother. Reviews are going to go live a day before.

Please keep in mind all of these dates are subject to the will of Jensen's black leather jacket and are prone to change on the basis of leather migratory patterns. No animals were harmed in the writing of this article."


Days Gone PC Data Collection Policy Is a Privacy Nightmare

https://in.ign.com/days-gone/159155/news/days-gone-pc-data-collection-policy-is-a-privacy-nightmare

Apparently it's implementing a keylogger and a file scanner while it's running. Sony is stating it's to prevent cheating. In a single player game. If true... Guess I will be skipping another Sony game... Shame cause they did a great job on the port this time around!

The Friday news!

SALES /PLAYER COUNT & DEALS

Valheim has shifted 6.8m copies, and continues to sell like hotcakes
https://www.pcgamer.com/valheim-has-shifted-68m-copies-and-continues-to-sell-like-hotcakes/
Video game holding company Embracer Group, the parent company of Valheim publisher Coffee Stain, has published their latest earnings report for the first quarter of 2021 and offered new sales figures for Valheim, which was released into Early Access back in February and sold 4M copies that month alone. The report states that Valheim's sales have since risen to an impressive 6.8M, and that the company expects it to sell another 1. to 1.2M in the current quarter, which ends in July. This confirms the 6M figure developer Iron Gate Studios announced about two months ago.

Win an Alienware streamers bundle or a Crusader Armor code in Magic: Legends
https://www.pcgamer.com/win-an-alienware-streamers-bundle-or-a-crusader-armor-code-in-magic-legends/
Greetings, Planeswalkers! We're teaming up with the team at Perfect World Entertainment for an incredible giveaway to celebrate Magic: Legends! Open Beta is happening now, so you can join the battle against the ancient forces that lurk in the darkness and gather the power needed to vanquish this multiversal evil.
Jump in now to experience a brand-new update that adds a new story and introduces the Pyromancer class to bring the heat! Here's what one lucky Grand Prize Winner will be receiving:

• Dell 27” Gaming Monitor: S2721DGF
• New Alienware Wired/Wireless Gaming Mouse – AW610M
• New Alienware Low Profile RPG Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – AW510K
• New Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset – AW510H
• Magic: Legends Letterboard and Mana Pins
• Digital code to unlock the Planeswalker Bundle for Magic: Legends on Arc Games

We're also giving another 1,000 winners each a code that unlocks the Crusader Armor and two Mission Boosts for Magic: Legends on Arc Games!

NBA 2K21 is available for free on Epic Games Store
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/nba-2k21-is-available-for-free-on-epic-games-store/
Epic Games has announced that NBA 2K21 is available for free on Epic Games Store for a limited time. From today and until May 27th, PC gamers can visit its EGS page and acquire their free copy. (...) Epic Games will give away another mystery game on May 27th. Additionally, the team has launched its MEGA Sale 2021 event. During the next four weeks, Epic will be offering free games, exclusive PC offers, $10 Epic Coupons, and incredible discounts on major titles.

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

-Empty-

MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

Modder is working on a full ray tracing mod for Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
https://www.dsogaming.com/mods/modder-is-working-on-a-fully-ray-tracing-mod-for-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/
Modder ‘Zyanide’ is currently working on a full ray/path tracing mod for Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast. This mod is based on Quake 2 RTX’s path tracer, and will offer real-time ray-tracing effects. In short, this isn’t a simple Reshade Ray Tracing mod or anything like that; this will be the real RT deal.
In order to showcase his Path Tracing mod, Zyanide released the following screenshots and video.

Red Dead Redemption 2 VR Mod available for download
https://www.dsogaming.com/mods/red-dead-redemption-2-vr-mod-available-for-download/
LukeRoss, the man behind the VR Mod for Grand Theft Auto 5, has released a VR Mod for Red Dead Redemption 2. This mod is currently in an Early Access phase and, unfortunately, it’s put behind a Patreon wall.
In order to make his R.E.A.L. VR Mod work with RDR2, LukeRoss had to create a whole new framework for VR injection. LukeRoss has been working full-time on this mod for the past six months, which is also why he put his mod behind the Patreon wall.
LukeRoss also hopes to be modding other AAA games with the same level of quality and attention. The modder is currently looking into modding Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Zero Dawn, Watch Dogs: Legion or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Resident Evil Village mod makes Lady D's big honkin' hat keep getting bigger
https://www.pcgamer.com/resident-evil-village-mod-makes-lady-ds-big-honkin-hat-keep-getting-bigger/
It's unanimous: We all love the tall vampire lady from Resident Evil Village. Lady Dimitrescu has long legs (you need them if you want to be over nine feet tall), long claws, and no doubt a long-lasting impact on the series (at least we hope so).
She's also got a big honkin' hat. But even though her brim is already as wide as a double doorway, it could stand to get a little bit bigger, wouldn't you say?
One modder certainly thought so. A mod by Kallialee has a bit of fun with LadyD's already impressive hat. The mod makes it grow bigger and bigger as the game progresses. Each time we see the XXL vampire in the video below her fancy lid has grown a few dozen sizes.

Valheim mod adds Odin's mighty magic bong
https://www.pcgamer.com/valheim-mod-adds-odins-mighty-magic-bong/
While we're patiently awaiting the big Hearth and Home update for Valheim, it's not a bad time to kick back, relax, and spend time with your buds. By buds, I mean friends. But also I mean weed.
Take a huge bong rip in Valheim. That's what I'm telling you to do, Vikings.
Odin's BongLantern mod adds a craftable magic bong. Yes, it's a lantern, too, and while equipped, even on your back, it'll light up your surroundings so you don't need to carry a torch or wear that headband flashlight anymore.

GAMING NEWS

Fast-paced retro arcade shooter, Cloud Cutter, is now available on Steam
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/fast-paced-retro-arcade-shooter-cloud-cutter-is-now-available-on-steam/
Just Two Ltd has announced that its fast-paced retro arcade shooter, Cloud Cutter, is now available on Steam. Cloud Cutter is using Unreal Engine and promises to bring classic arcade shoot ‘em up gameplay with top-notch graphics.

Open Beta phase launched for the 3v3v3 first-person shooter, Nine to Five
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/open-beta-phase-launched-for-the-3v3v3-first-person-shooter-nine-to-five/
Back in December 2019, we informed you about a free-to-play 3v3v3 first-person shooter, Nine to Five. And yesterday, its development team launched the second beta phase for it.

New official gameplay footage for Overwatch 2 released
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-official-gameplay-footage-for-overwatch-2-released/
Blizzard has revealed some brand new gameplay footage for Overwatch 2. This video showcases 5v5 gameplay on the new map New York. This is the first gameplay of 5v5 and is played on the payload game mode fans of Overwatch should be familiar with.

Friday news, the last part:

The Sims 4 goes all Property Brothers with the latest game pack
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-sims-4-goes-all-property-brothers-with-the-latest-game-pack/
EA has unveiled the latest game pack for The Sims 4, revealing more details from the recent roadmap provided for the game's next three months.
The Dream Home Decorator pack offers a new interior design career, tasking you with fixing decor disasters and giving spaces a fresh lick of paint. Clients will give you their preferred furniture and styles, while telling you what they're not so keen on.

This Russian retro-futurist survival game looks like STALKER and Tarkov's alien baby
https://www.pcgamer.com/this-russian-retro-futurist-survival-game-looks-like-stalker-and-tarkovs-alien-baby/
Pioner was first announced as in-development way back in 2017, though there were few details beyond some gun models and environments. Now the game, being worked on by GFA Games, has its first proper trailer and a tentative release window of late-2021/early-2022.

Call of Duty: Cold War's new Zombies Easter Egg starts now in Outbreak
https://www.pcgamer.com/cod-cold-war-outbreak-easter-egg/
It's midseason update day in the world of Call of Duty, and that means a dizzying number of things to do across both Warzone and Black Ops – Cold War. But behind the flashy Nakatomi Plaza and multiplayer maps is a pretty big update to Cold War's Outbreak Zombies mode. Starting today, Outbreak mode has a new "main quest" (or Easter Egg) that continues the elaborate Zombies narrative and sets the stage for a new, traditional Zombies map coming in Season 4.

Tank players are nervous about Overwatch 2's 5v5 future
https://www.pcgamer.com/tank-players-are-nervous-about-overwatch-2s-5v5-future/
After over a year of talking about co-op modes in Overwatch 2, Blizzard has finally revealed some of the major changes coming to its main PvP mode. By far the most radical change on the way is a shift from 6v6 to 5v5, a change that game director Aaron Keller says "simplifies everything" about Overwatch's often-chaotic firefights.
As a result of the reduction, Overwatch 2's team compositions will be limited to two DPS heroes, two Supports, and only a single Tank. Early reactions from fans about the player count shift are all over the map, but I've noticed a distinct uncertainty about the future of the Tank role.
>> Meanwhile, here are some of the new PVP maps.

This digital deck-builder about life in a travelling circus is having a free open beta
https://www.pcgamer.com/this-digital-deck-builder-about-life-in-a-travelling-circus-is-having-a-free-open-beta/
The Amazing American Circus is a digital deck-builder about—you guessed it—a circus: Specifically, a circus traveling across the US in the late 19th century. You'll expand and upgrade your show as you follow the open road from town to town, while squaring off against an array of opponents including rival ringmasters and characters drawn from American history and folklore, like Nikola Tesla and Bigfoot. Your ultimate goal: To perform in front of president Teddy Roosevelt and his royal guest, Queen Victoria, and vie for a shot at a grand tour across Europe.

Phantom Abyss looks like a first-person Indiana Jones game with parkour
https://www.pcgamer.com/phantom-abyss-looks-like-a-first-person-indiana-jones-game-with-parkour/
Phantom Abyss is a first-person roguelike about exploring randomised temples laden with traps and bottomless chasms. The whip wielding protagonist is fast and agile but not particularly violent: Their job is to retrieve sacred relics, and as far as I can tell there’s no combat in Phantom Abyss. The whip can be used as a kind of grappling hook, or else to trigger switches, but you won’t be slaying bats with it. Tonally, it sits somewhere between Spelunky and Indiana Jones, with a touch of Fall Guys in its obstacle course-style progression.

Hot Wheels Unleashed looks brilliant in this new gameplay trailer
https://www.pcgamer.com/hot-wheels-unleashed-looks-brilliant-in-this-new-gameplay-trailer/
Ever since Hot Wheels Unleashed was announced I've harbored an almost guilty suspicion that it will be my game of the year. Just look at it! It's a frivolous arcade racer with loops, massive jumps and boost pads. The tracks wind around giant real world locations, such as tool sheds, the exterior of skyscrapers and college campuses. It's like if Trackmania became a kart racer, kind of. It just looks fun.

Among Us teases new crewmate colour ahead of 'next big update' announcement this June
https://www.pcgamer.com/among-us-teases-new-crewmate-colour-ahead-of-next-big-update-arriving-june/
Over on Twitter, Among Us developer Innersloth showed off a rose colour for crewmates to get fans excited for the upcoming big update to the game. The proper reveal of what's next for Among Us will take place during this year's Summer Game Fest, Geoff Keighley's online video games show featuring a whole host of game companies.

No Man's Sky gifts you with Mass Effect's Normandy SR1 for completing its latest expedition
https://www.pcgamer.com/no-mans-sky-gifts-you-with-mass-effects-normandy-sr1-for-completing-its-latest-expedition/
This week marked the start of Beachhead, the second expedition since No Man's Sky's Expeditions update launched back in April. Because each expedition tasks you with completing certain milestones and offers unique rewards at the end, the community has been wondering what the big reward could be, and today Hello Games revealed that each player who completes Beachhead can permanently add Mass Effect's Normandy SR-1 to their frigate. "We are thrilled and flattered that Bioware and EA let us pay tribute in this way," the official statement reads. "As huge fans of the series, it's a lovely moment for sci-fi fans."

Microsoft and Bethesda will reportedly hold a joint summer conference in June
https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-and-bethesda-will-reportedly-hold-a-joint-summer-conference-in-june/
The E3 season, or whatever it's called these days, is rapidly closing in. Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest gets the ball rolling on June 10, followed by the online-only E3 from June 12-15, and individual events like Ubisoft Forward, EA Play Live, and of course the PC Gaming Show and Future Games Show.
Microsoft and Bethesda will also return with online presentations this year, and according to a Le Figaro report (via VGC), this year they'll be doing a joint event. Specifics weren't revealed, although Matt Booty, head of Microsoft Studios (and thus a guy who's in a good position to know about these things) said it will take place in a few weeks, dropping it right into the meaty part of the Big Summer o' Games.

Destiny 2 will have a crossplay beta next week, after Vault of Glass arrives
https://www.pcgamer.com/destiny-2-will-have-a-crossplay-beta-next-week-after-vault-of-glass-arrives/
Destiny's original raid, Vault of Glass, is coming to its sequel this weekend, on May 22, with the latest This Week At Bungie blog post giving us the lowdown on what to expect. The post also announces a crossplay beta, running from May 25 to May 27.

And here are the GOG and Steam deals for the weekend:

+GOG

• The first one is the Weekly Sale with its indie games up to 90% off: https://www.gog.com/promo/20210517_weekly_sale
• The Midweek Sale with its permadeath games up to 90% off will last another 22 hours: https://www.gog.com/promo/20210519_midweek_sale
• The The Witcher Sale with up to 85% discounts will last another 3 days: https://www.gog.com/promo/witcher_2_anniversary_sale</a<
• The Weekend Sale is full of pixel-art gaems up to 80% off: https://www.gog.com/promo/20210521_weekend_sale
• Red Faction turns 20, and that's a perfect excuse to put the games 80% off (89% if you get the bundle with all of them) during the next 3 days: https://www.gog.com/promo/red_faction_anniversary
• And there's also a Special Sale featuring Paradox Interactive, with up to 80% discounts during the next 3 days: https://www.gog.com/promo/pdxcon_2021

+Steam

• The new daily deal is ABZÛ, 75% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/384190/ABZU/
• The first of the weekend deals is Beyond The Wire, still in Early Access, free to play and also 35% off during the weekend: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1058650/Beyond_The_Wire/
• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is 60% off until the 24th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/359550/Tom_Clancys_Rainbow_Six_Siege/
• F1 2020 is also free to try and 75% off until Monday: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1080110/F1_2020/
• Publisher Annapurna Interactive puts its games up to 75% off until Monday, 24: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/AISale2021
• Paradox Interactive puts its games up to 80% off during the weekend, and some of them are also free to try: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/paradox
• Publisher Klabater puts its games up to 90% off until May 27: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/klabater
• And of course, there's also the weeklong deals.

And that's it, no more news to add, at least from my part. Until next time, have a happy and gaming weekend.

Days Gone benchmarks are out

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/days-gone-benchmark-test-performance/4.html



I believe it is a Direct X 11 game which Nvidia continues to dominate in


AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT with Navi 23 GPU pictured?

https://videocardz.com/newz/amd-radeon-rx-6600-xt-with-navi-23-gpu-pictured




Retailer Already Taking Pre-Orders For GeForce RTX 3080 Ti at Over $2700 US, RTX 3070 Ti For Over $2000 US

https://wccftech.com/retailer-taking-pre-orders-geforce-rtx-3080-ti-at-over-2700-us-rtx-3070-ti-for-over-2000-us/




Seagate Lists the Mach.2: The World's Fastest HDD

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/seagate-lists-dual-actuator-hdd-exos-2x14

"With a 524MB/s sustained transfer rate, the Mach.2 is the fastest HDD ever, its sequential read and write performance is twice that of a normal drive. "


Intel Xe-HPG based DG2 with 5 different chips – new slides and confirmations

https://www.igorslab.de/en/intel-xe-hpg-based-dg2-with-5-different-chips-new-foils-and-certifications/

To bad it wants to collect all my info, because Days Gone seems to be a rather good port and I wouldn't need to turn down many things to play it at 60fps. Oh, well, too bad.

That HDD is mighty impressive, but it will cost an arm and a leg. And it's also Seagate.

1080ti 1440p benchmark got me like

I mean, it's last gen and I've handled other open world games netting me at 80-100fps, not entirely max settings mind you, but I expected a bit better for AAA results from this.

Might be better after some patches?, I dunno, but I'm still gonna wait for this to go on sale, but I ain't happy with 70fps, since I know games like that can kick my nuts down to 50fps in some areas (like Conan/Ark and even Valheim have done to me before). 

I know, it's just that if I have to turn down a load, for a game that ran and looked decent on a PS4, with a 1080ti, a GPU that was and still is much better than the PS4's, I shouldn't have to dial back as much to get well above 70fps.

I have been noticing some hitching from some footage from multiple tubers so far, so I'll still sit back and wait to see what sorts of patches they throw in.

Yea it's annoying but it sort of makes sense. It's similar to Horizon Zero Dawn where the game was originally targeting 30FPS and because of that, you need a super powerful GPU to even get it to run 60fps because a game that targets 30fps scales very poorly. It does ironically perform very similar to horizon zero dawn (post all the patches) in that sense. Just without the stuttering and etc.

New Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition PC Patch Adds PS5 DualSense Controller Support, Complete With Adaptive Triggers and Haptics

https://wccftech.com/new-metro-exodus-enhanced-edition-pc-patch-dualsense-ps5/

It actually works exactly like the PS5 version which is nuts


Twitch launches a dedicated ‘hot tubs’ category after advertiser pushback

https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/21/22447898/twitch-hot-tub-category-launches-amouranth-advertising



Most likely cause this chick got banned from receiving ad money due to advertisement complaints but her pair of influences are too big for twitch to lose. So twitch created a new category for advertisers to better control where their ads go into.

(slightly nsfw)

https://i.imgur.com/XrrZasS.png


NVIDIA to end Kepler architecture support with R470 drivers

https://videocardz.com/newz/nvidia-to-end-kepler-architecture-support-with-r470-drivers#disqus_thread

RIP GT 710


ASUS to launch more fanless X570 motherboards in the third quarter

https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-to-launch-more-fanless-x570-motherboards-in-the-third-quarter

Mobos shouldn't have fans to begin with tbh.