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Bringing AI to the Desktop with Acer Veriton GN100
Introduction
Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to live in the cloud or come with hyperscale costs. The Acer Veriton GN100 brings workstation-grade AI to your desktop, powered by NVIDIA’s Grace Blackwell GB10 Superchip, it delivers petaFLOP-class performance that enables developers, universities, data scientists, and researchers to run large language models, AI agents, and computer vision workloads efficiently and securely - all on local hardware. This makes high-throughput, cost-efficient AI accessible without relying on expensive, continuously billed cloud infrastructure.
Misconceptions & Reality
However, the issue is that many still assume that serious AI development requires massive cloud bills or hyperscale servers. Some other possible issues include:
* AI is only possible in the cloud: Traditional thinking equates powerful AI with huge data centers, making developers believe local machines can’t handle modern AI workloads.
* Running large models locally is prohibitively expensive: High-end GPUs and specialized hardware are often seen as cost-prohibitive, reinforcing the idea that AI experimentation is reserved for large companies.
* Only full-scale training is valuable: Many assume that without training massive models from scratch, local AI workstations have limited value.
These days, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that running large language models, AI agents, or computer vision workloads locally can now be more cost-effective than paying per-token cloud fees, while at the same time giving teams more control over data, security, and workflows.
AI Workstations like the Acer Veriton GN100 are at the forefront of challenging these perceptions. Powered by the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell GB10 Superchip, the GN100 delivers up to 1 petaFLOP of FP4 AI performance, enabling high throughput, lower energy use, and reduced cost per action, all from its mini PC form factor. With 128 GB unified memory and up to 4 TB NVMe storage, it can handle models up to 200 billion parameters, scaling to 405 billion parameters when two units are linked. This allows simultaneous utilization of large pre-trained or distilled LLMs in the 70B–120B range, including models such as DeepSeek R1 (70B parameters), gpt-oss (120B parameters), or comparable instruction-tuned and distilled LLMs optimized for local inference.
The Veriton GN100 is fully capable of operating as a standalone workstation or a network-connected AI resource, making it an efficient way to offload workloads that exceed standard office PC capabilities. What previously required data-center-scale hardware can now run locally, securely, and efficiently, empowering teams to experiment, innovate, and deploy AI on their own terms.
FP4 & Cost-Efficient Inference
As outlined above, much of the Veriton GN100’s advantage comes from how efficiently it can run modern AI models. A key part of this efficiency is numerical precision.
While FP16 has long been the standard for training and high-accuracy tasks, and FP8 offers a balanced mix of performance and precision for large-model inference, FP4 pushes efficiency even further. FP4 uses half the bits of FP8 and a quarter of FP16, allowing models to run faster, use less memory, and deliver significantly higher throughput - all while maintaining useful model accuracy for inference.
The Veriton GN100 is engineered to take full advantage of this. With support for FP4 and FP8 precision, it delivers high-throughput inference for large language models and autonomous agent workflows by reducing memory requirements and accelerating core computation. FP4’s ultra-low precision dramatically boosts token throughput and lowers power consumption, allowing the GN100 to deliver more inferences per second and more actions per watt than traditional FP16-based systems - a distinct advantage when trying to take advantage of local AI hardware.
Potential Use Cases
Now that high-throughput inference is possible at the local level, the Veriton GN100 enables practical AI applications in a variety of different environments. Here are a couple:
Startups: Low Barrier of Entry for AI Applications
Startups especially are able to take advantage of the Veriton GN100, as it offers a low-cost path to AI adoption by removing the need for ongoing cloud fees. Its high-performance local compute enables teams to prototype, test, and refine AI applications affordably - making it easier to innovate and scale without the financial barriers typically associated with cloud-based development.
Businesses: Local AI Agents
Organizations can deploy local AI agents to fulfill a variety of functions - from data analysis and predictive modeling to image, video, and audio processing. Powered by pre-trained models designed for tasks such as summarization, detection, or classification, these agents run entirely on-premise, keeping sensitive information secure without relying on external cloud services. Thanks to high-throughput FP4 inference, the Veriton GN100 delivers fast, predictable performance for continuous agent loops and multi-agent applications, turning advanced AI workloads into fixed, controllable costs.
Education: Research and Experimentation
Universities, labs, schools, and more can use the Veriton GN100 as a shared AI resource for researchers, scientists, and students alike as they explore pre-trained LLMs specialized for fields like biology, engineering, or data science, along with computer vision and generative AI models. This enables academic teams to experiment, prototype, and run advanced workloads securely on campus infrastructure, reducing reliance on cloud budgets and giving hands-on experience with modern AI tools and skills.
Developer Ecosystem & Resources
The value of the Veriton GN100 extends beyond hardware performance. NVIDIA’s developer ecosystem provides a comprehensive set of tools, playbooks, and workflow examples that help teams make the most of local AI deployment. Through resources available at their DGX Spark website, developers can access optimized model runtimes, sample pipelines, and task-specific configurations designed to accelerate experimentation and development.
These resources make it easier to deploy custom agent workflows without starting from scratch. Whether used as a standalone workstation or a shared node in a larger lab environment, the Veriton GN100 benefits from NVIDIA’s continuously expanding software stack - enabling organizations to prototype, refine, and scale AI workloads directly from this mini form factor PC, clearing the way for eventual adoption of advanced servers or even cloud infrastructure.
Conclusion
All these things taken together, the Acer Veriton GN100 angles itself to bring high-performance AI to the desktop, while making advanced workflows both accessible and cost-efficient. By running pre-trained LLMs, customized AI agents, and computer vision tasks locally, teams can achieve high throughput, reduced energy use, and lower operational costs - all without relying on cloud infrastructure.
With its miniature form factor, scalable architecture, and support for FP4/FP8 inference, the Veriton GN100 demonstrates that AI is no longer confined to hyperscale servers. AI is no longer a distant dream - it’s an accessible, affordable path for businesses, developers, and creators to realize more innovation and creation. Local AI workstations now empower organizations to experiment, innovate, and deploy intelligent solutions securely, efficiently, and on their own terms.
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Acer Nitro QG0 Gaming Monitor: Acer's Best Budget Gaming Monitor
Today we’re delving into the wallet-friendly display that is the Acer Nitro QG0. This Acer gaming monitor gives you supreme bang for your buck, and has recently been reduced from $129.99 to $99.99! Acer Nitro gaming monitors or laptops deliver raw power and performance at prices that won’t break the bank.
This is a serious slice of display for a seriously low price. If you’re or curious about what type of monitor you really get for less than 100 buckaroos, then read on to discover all you need to know about the Acer’s 23.8" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 180 Hz Acer Nitro QG0 gaming monitor.
Acer Nitro QG0 let's you play more by paying less
Looking at the Acer Nitro QG0, it’s plain to see that Acer has made buttery-smooth gaming affordable again. There’s no bells or whistles or flashiness to this display: it's fast, smart and gets the job done. 180 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms Visual Response Boost, and AMD FreeSync™ Premium (application in progress), keep your games smooth, sharp, and responsive. So whether you’re trudging through your latest campaign, or streaming your favorite show, the Acer Nitro QG0 proves that clean, consistent frames needn’t cost a pretty penny. Let’s take a peek at the tech-specs of the 23.8” Acer Nitro QG0 Gaming Monitor - QG240Y S3BIPX, currently available for only $99.99:
* Response Time: 1 ms
* Horizontal Viewing Angle: 178°
* Vertical Viewing Angle: 178°
* Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
* Monitor Features: HDR10 V
* Maximum Resolution: 1920 x 1080
* Standard Refresh Rate: 180 Hz
* Color Supported: 16.7 Million Colors
* Contrast Ratio: 100,000,000:1
* Brightness: 300 Nit
* Tearing Prevention Technology: AMD FreeSync™ Premium (DisplayPort/HDMI)
* Screen Mode: Full HD
* Backlight Technology: LED
* Aspect Ratio:16:9
* Interfaces/Ports: HDMI® Version 2.0, DisplayPort, Audio Line Out
* Maximum Power Supply Wattage: 23 W
* Operating Power Consumption: 18 W
* Standby Power Consumption: 500 mW
* Off-Mode Power Consumption: 300 mW
* Color: Black
* Dimensions: 12.7” x 21.4” x 1.5"
* Weight (Approximate): 5.51 lb
Performance, perfected
If you plan to succeed in gaming, then synchronized precision is a smart place to start. The Acer Nitro QG0 synchronizes seamlessly with your graphics card through AMD FreeSync™ Premium, eliminating tearing and stuttering for gameplay that looks as sweet as it feels. Refreshingly, the Acer Nitro QG0’s refresh rates peak at 180 Hz, that’s three times faster than traditional 60 Hz panels. On screen, this translates to instant reactions, razor-sharp action and GPU-display pacing that’s right in time.
If that’s not enough, then chuck in 1 ms VRB (Visual Response Boost) and you’ve got pretty much instant pixel response that erases motion blur in the heat of battle, or the final minute of the big game. Whatever you play and however you see it, 180 Hz means match-ready smoothness for the people!
Blur less with better panel technology
With its crisp Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, your GPU can comfortably push higher frame rates, maximizing that 180 Hz advantage. On top of that, the Acer Nitro QG0’s Vertical Alignment (VA) panel technology adds depth and intensity to every scene you come across. With a whopping 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio and HDR10 support, on-screen images come to life: bright lights pop, shadows stay mysterious and shadowy, and transitions remain clean, regardless of the pace of the action. In terms of brightness and colors, we’ve blessed the Acer Nitro QG0 with 300-nit brightness and 16.7 million-color support, imbuing a natural balance to everything from neon drenched arenas to murky forests. The 1 ms VRB mode further enhances motion clarity by pushing pixel transitions faster, declaring war on ghosting and keeping things razor sharp!
ZeroFrame design, size and style
As the name suggests, ZeroFrame design is a supremely slim, nearly invisible bezel technology. Clean, ultra-modern bezels won’t distract you or detract from your gaming or cinematic glory on the Acer Nitro QG0. Size and weight-wise, this display hits the sweet spot for most gamers. 21.4 inches wide and 12.7 inches high (16.23 with stand), the Acer Nitro QG0 weighs under 6 lbs. This is a minimalist display that fits into any environment without screaming “I am a gaming monitor!” Low-key black finish and stylish tapered stand is sharp without being showy, equally ready to take pride of place in your gaming palace, or office.
Don’t Waste a Watt!
What Watt? Here at Acer Corner, we don’t normally go into too much detail about the energy consumption of our products. But energy costs are generally rising, and well, it’s nearing winter in much of the world, so let’s take a moment to consider the energy efficiency of the Acer Nitro QG0. Let’s be clear: high refresh rates doesn’t have to mean high energy draw.
The Acer Nitro QG0 keeps things efficient, running at just 18 W typical consumption, peaking at 23 W, and dropping to 0.3 W in off-mode. Compared with similarly priced displays currently on the market, it’s clear that the Acer Nitro QG0 displays serious power discipline for an 180 Hz display, don’t you think? Serious performance where every frame paints like a masterpiece, and your energy bill barely notices. What’s not to like?
Connectivity + convenience = Nitro flow
As you’ve likely gathered from the paragraphs above, the Acer Nitro QG0 keeps things simple and modern. Fun without the faff! A single DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 handle the visuals, while an audio line-out jack provides flexibility for speakers or headphones. Whether you’re a PC prodigy, or a console champion, you can simply plug in and enjoy smooth high-refresh action right away without the need for adapters or complicated setup. On top of this, 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles ensure you always see a clear, color-true image -whether you’re locked into a match or laid back, kicking it in the crib with a controller and a soda.
The people’s choice
We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about the Acer Nitro QG0 gaming monitor with us today. In our eyes, this is Acer’s best budget gaming display. A monitor by the people, for the people. If you’re looking to step up from a 60 Hz display, or are new to gaming, this is a screen that delivers for gaming, streaming, even lightweight content creation.
Elegant in all environments with its ZeroFrame design, FreeSync Premium, 180 Hz refresh, 1 ms VRB, and HDR10 brilliance, it turns every frame into a fluid experience. Acer’s Nitro QG0 proves that high-refresh performance and vivid visuals don’t have to come with a premium price tag. Be smart and go check out the Acer Nitro QG0 right now! Finally, let’s not forget the Acer student discount, that’s a whopping 15% reduction, meaning that students only pay $84.99 for this monitor.
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Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router
Mesh routers create a single network throughout the home by connecting to a mesh satellite. In this article, we will explore the benefits of a mesh router and introduce the Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router. They differ from traditional routers that broadcast from one point, and instead use a main router and multiple satellite nodes to deliver a strong and consistent Wi-Fi coverage. This also helps to eliminate so-called dead zones, which are locations in a home or office where the Wi-Fi signal is weaker. As such, the core function of a mesh router is to improve Wi-Fi coverage.
Why should you buy a mesh router?
With increasing Wi-Fi speeds and our growing reliance on our smartphones and other devices, stable and reliable wireless internet has become non-negotiable. As more and more people work from home, the demand for glitch-free internet that won’t leave you frozen mid-sentence during online meetings is high. Here are some benefits of mesh routers.
1. Flawless roaming
You want a strong and stable internet connection, and mesh routers make it their duty to find it. They automatically switch between nodes with the strongest signal, even as you move around your office or home, guaranteeing the strongest available connection without manually searching. Moreover, the network can simply reroute traffic through another node without disturbing your connection if one node is sluggish or fails entirely.
2. Enhanced consistency
From laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, to tablets, most of us connect numerous devices to one router and expect the same consistency and speed for each. Mesh routers make this possible, ensuring a faster and more consistent Wi-Fi connection because they distribute traffic through multiple nodes rather than relying on a single router. Users with larger home, office, or coverage areas can add more nodes to the system to ensure consistency and avoid dead zones with poor signal.
3. Easy to set up and manage
Many mesh routers offer an app to set up and manage Wi-Fi connections. This user-friendly method guides users through the setup process, making it as smooth as possible. Moreover, users can set up guest networks, tweak settings, and view connected devices via their app.
Introducing the Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router
This powerful mesh router lets users stay connected at all times without Ethernet cables. It delivers lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and a reliable connection, which is perfect for gaming and streaming. Here are some more of its impressive features.
1. Triple-threat connectivity
Wi-Fi 7 offers unbeatable capabilities to maximize your gaming performance, and is specially designed for high data transmission and minimal latency. Moreover, Wi-Fi 7 BE11000 lets you get ahead of the competition with ultra-responsive gaming and latencies as low as 1ms. The Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router promises superior gameplay without the wires via Wi-Fi 7 and Multi-Link Operation technology.
2. Hybrid QoS
Experience enhanced bandwidth with multiple technologies. The Hybrid Quality of Service is compatible with the Intel® Killer™ Prioritization Engine, offering unrivaled speeds and peak network performance with the help of Wi-Fi 7. Moreover, the mesh router’s Intelligent Device Recognition prioritizes devices and apps to ensure speedy connectivity when you need it most.
3. Multi-link technology
Take advantage of enhanced mesh connectivity thanks to multi-link technology. The advanced system allows mesh nodes to use multiple connections at once, boosting data throughput while minimizing latency and interference, and resulting in a more efficient network.
Mesh routers provide a more stable and reliable internet connection with fewer glitches and lags, enhancing gaming performance and ensuring smooth video calls for those all-important meetings. Moreover, multiple nodes prevent downtime and weak spots, so you do not have to sit next to the router to get a good connection. Mesh routers also deliver a faster internet speed, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Product specifications
* Wi-Fi Tri-Band BE11000 router
* Quad-core ARM Cortex
* 2.4GHz / 5GHZ / 6GHz Wi-Fi
* Ports: 2.5Gbps WAN and 1 Gbps LAN Ethernet Connections
* Color: white
* Height: 8.35 inches (21.20 cm)
* Width: 4.29 inches (10.89 cm)
* Length: 4.29 inches (10.89 cm)
* Weight: 2.02 lbs (0.91 kg)
So, is it worth investing in a mesh router?
Mesh routers offer superior performance and lightning-fast Wi-Fi speeds. They automatically connect to the strongest satellite nodes to ensure you get the most stable internet connection available. Mesh routers are low-maintenance and user-friendly, and can be controlled through an app. The Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router is ideal for gaming and streaming, delivering high data transmission and minimal latency as low as 1 ms. It is small, stylish, and lightweight, making it ideal for the home or office. Get yours today for just USD $329.99 or USD $280.49 with a 15% student discount on the Acer store website.
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Nintendo vs Palworld Lawsuit: Who's Winning Now?
Nintendo is no stranger to lawsuits, but its legal battle with Palworld developer Pocketpair may be one of the most important cases in gaming today. This isn’t just about one game looking too much like Pokémon. It’s about patents, power, and the future of indie developers. As the lawsuit drags on, fans and industry experts are closely watching to see what it means for the games we play and the companies that create them.
What is Palworld and who created it?
Palworld is an open-world survival game developed by Japanese indie studio Pocketpair. The game launched in Early Access on January 19, 2024, and quickly became a massive hit. Players can explore, craft, and collect creatures called Pals. These Pals can fight, build, work in factories, and even wield guns. The game drew instant attention for its similarities to Pokémon, but it offered a darker and more chaotic twist.
In its first six days, Palworld sold over 8 million copies and reached 25 million players within a month. It topped charts on Steam and Xbox, setting player count records for an indie title. Despite its popularity, the game also sparked controversy over how closely it resembled Pokémon. That controversy eventually became the basis for Nintendo's legal action.
The Pocketpair vs Nintendo Lawsuit – how did it start?
In January 2024, just days after Palworld’s explosive Early Access launch, The Pokémon Company released a rare public statement. Without naming the game directly, the company said it had “not granted any permission for the use of Pokémon intellectual property or assets” and was “investigating unauthorized use.” This was widely understood to be aimed at Palworld, and it marked the beginning of a growing legal storm.
On September 19, 2024, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company officially filed a lawsuit in Japan against Pocketpair. However, they didn’t pursue the case through copyright or trademark law. Instead, they targeted the game through patent claims, accusing Pocketpair of infringing on three specific patents related to gameplay mechanics.
What made this unusual was the timing. All three patents were filed after Palworld had already been released. Nintendo based these new filings on a broader “parent” patent from 2021, but the timing and content of the divisional patents led many to believe Nintendo was reacting directly to Palworld’s success.
Why is Nintendo Suing Pocketpair and on what grounds?
Nintendo’s lawsuit claims that Palworld violates three patents tied to familiar monster-catching mechanics. The patents cover features like using a capsule-style item to catch or summon creatures, targeting those items during gameplay, and riding creatures through the game world. While Palworld uses its own terms, like “Pal Spheres” instead of Poké Balls, the similarities in function are at the center of Nintendo’s case.
What makes this situation even more complex is the legal tactic Nintendo is using. The patents in question were not part of the original Pokémon games. Instead, they were filed in 2024, after Palworld became a hit, as divisional patents of a broader 2021 submission. By doing this, Nintendo could tie new claims to an older filing while targeting Palworld’s specific features.
Pocketpair responded by saying it had not been made aware of the exact patents at first. It wasn’t until November 2024 that the studio learned what it was being accused of. And as more details came out, many in the gaming community began to question whether Nintendo was using the patent system to block competition rather than to protect original inventions.
However, one of the patents in this “monster capture” family has already been rejected by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for lacking originality. The examiner ruled that the patent showed no inventive step and cited several older titles (including ARK: Survival Evolved, Monster Hunter 4, and Craftopia) as prior art. Because this rejected patent sits between two of the patents currently being asserted in court, it raises questions about the validity of Nintendo’s remaining claims. The decision also supports Pocketpair’s argument that Palworld builds upon long-established gameplay mechanics rather than infringing on unique Nintendo inventions.
How has the lawsuit impacted Pocketpair and Palworld?
Since the lawsuit began, Pocketpair has made several changes to Palworld that directly affect gameplay. In November 2024, the studio released a patch that removed the ability to summon Pals by throwing a Pal Sphere. Instead of launching a ball, Pals now appear beside the player when summoned. This change was widely seen as a response to Nintendo’s legal claims.
Another major update came in May 2025, when Pocketpair altered how gliding works. Before the patch, players could summon a flying Pal mid-air to catch them and glide to safety. After the update, players were required to equip a separate glider item, and Pals now only provide passive buffs to support the glide. These design changes weakened some of the game's charm and added friction to movement and combat flow.
Pocketpair openly acknowledged that these changes were made because of the ongoing legal battle. The studio said it was disappointed but had to make adjustments to avoid further disruptions to development and distribution. Legal experts confirmed that these updates are part of a standard legal strategy: deny infringement, challenge the validity of the patents, and redesign the product to avoid further risk.
Despite the setbacks, Pocketpair is still moving forward. The company plans to release version 1.0 of Palworld in 2026 and has continued updating the game with new content. But the lawsuit has clearly slowed momentum and limited the studio’s ability to communicate freely with fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8FMYI3kTw4
What do gamers think of this?
Reactions to the lawsuit have been split, but the gaming community has largely rallied behind Pocketpair. Many players see Palworld as a bold and creative twist on the monster-catching genre, one that finally pushes the boundaries fans feel Pokémon has ignored for years. They argue that while the game takes inspiration from Pokémon, it builds on those ideas in new and interesting ways, and that alone shouldn’t be grounds for a lawsuit.
Others believe Nintendo’s legal approach is too aggressive. The fact that the patents were filed after Palworld’s release raised concerns that Nintendo was trying to shut down a competitor rather than protect genuine innovation. The use of divisional patents, vague wording, and even midcase rewrites has led some to accuse the company of acting like a patent troll.
Still, not all fans are sympathetic to Pocketpair. A portion of the community feels that Palworld borrows too heavily from Pokémon and should have expected legal trouble. Online debates often center on how much inspiration is acceptable and whether Palworld crosses the line.
Regardless of where people stand, most agree on one thing, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how large publishers use patents in the future. And for many indie developers, that’s a worrying thought.
Who will win?
It's sort of too early to make that call, but the momentum is indeed shifting in Palworld's favor. The Japan Patent Office’s rejection of one of Nintendo’s related patents already casts doubt on the company’s broader legal argument that Palworld copied truly original ideas.
Nintendo still has deep pockets, experienced legal teams, and a long track record of protecting its intellectual property. Pocketpair, on the other hand, is a small indie studio with limited resources but strong public support and a growing body of evidence that many of Nintendo’s patents may not hold up under scrutiny.
Legal experts have pointed out that several of Nintendo’s divisional patents depend on vague or non-inventive claims. If Pocketpair can continue to demonstrate prior art or have additional patents invalidated, the case could set a powerful precedent for the entire gaming industry. A victory for Pocketpair would not only secure its future but could also limit how aggressively large publishers use patents to control competition and innovation.
If Pocketpair wins in Japan, it could also reshape the global conversation. The Japanese ruling wouldn’t automatically apply in the United States, since patent systems operate independently. However, it would serve as persuasive evidence. U.S. courts often take note of foreign rulings when they involve the same patent family or similar claims. With the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office already rejecting most of Nintendo’s related filings for lacking inventiveness, a Japanese win would further weaken Nintendo’s credibility abroad.
Realistically, Pocketpair’s biggest challenge would be financial, not legal. Fighting a U.S. patent case can cost millions and take years to resolve. But if the Japanese courts and patent office both side with Pocketpair, Nintendo may decide that pursuing the fight elsewhere simply isn’t worth the risk or backlash. A win in Japan could therefore become a global turning point, not only for Palworld but for how far big publishers can go in using patents to suppress innovation in gaming.
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Best New Indie Games Released in 2025
From stunning debuts to long-awaited follow-ups, the indie game scene in 2025 has delivered some of the most creative and memorable experiences in gaming. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 brought turn-based combat to life with painterly visuals and emotional depth. Team Cherry finally released Hollow Knight: Silksong after nearly seven years in development. These are just a few examples of 2025 indie games that aren't just fan favorites. Some of them could even be contenders for Game of the Year. But what exactly makes a game “indie”? Before diving into the best indie games of 2025, let’s define what qualifies a title as indie.
What is an indie game?
An indie game is a video game developed by individuals or small teams without the creative or financial control of a major publisher. While the label is somewhat subjective, most indie games share the following characteristics:
* Financial independence: The game is self-funded, crowdfunded, or backed by boutique publishers who do not interfere with creative decisions.
* Creative control: Developers make all design, narrative, and gameplay choices without outside pressure or oversight.
* Small development team: Typically built by individuals or small studios formed specifically for a single project or creative vision.
* Experimental design: Indie games often explore unique mechanics, storytelling, or presentation styles not found in mainstream titles.
* Distinct artistic style: Many use stylized, minimalistic, or retro visuals to reflect the creators’ vision or work within budget limits.
* Digital-first distribution: Released primarily through online storefronts like Steam, Itch.io, or console marketplaces rather than physical retail.
* No publisher control: Even when publishing support exists, the studio maintains independence if there’s no creative oversight from the publisher.
With those traits in mind, let’s take a look at the best indie games of 2025, each one bringing its own fresh take on gameplay, storytelling, or style.
10 best indie games to play in 2025
10. Keep Driving
Developer: YCJY Games
Release date: February 6, 2025
Keep Driving is a turn-based road trip RPG that captures the bittersweet freedom of being young, broke, and slightly lost. Set in the early 2000s, you play as a teenager with a beat-up car, a loose summer plan, and just enough cash for gas and snacks. The goal? Make it across the map to a music festival while picking up oddball hitchhikers, avoiding breakdowns, and surviving a series of clever resource-management events along the way.
Each drive becomes a mini story. You’ll juggle fuel, energy, car repairs, and your passengers’ baggage, both literal and emotional. The game’s turn-based challenges involve playing skill cards and using items from your glove box to avoid setbacks like potholes, biker gangs, and “vague lanes.” But it’s the people you meet that really make the trip. From runaway brides to prison escapees, every hitchhiker adds personality, utility, and the occasional bit of chaos.
With great writing, multiple endings, and a killer soundtrack from Swedish indie bands, Keep Driving captures the spirit of a summer road trip where anything can happen and every decision leaves a mark. It’s heartfelt, weird, and unforgettable.
9. Schedule 1
Developer: TVGS (solo developer: Tyler)
Early Access release date: March 24, 2025
Schedule 1 is a management sim wrapped in satire, chaos, and surprising calm. You start as a down‑on‑your‑luck newcomer in a gritty city, building a small-scale narcotics operation from your hotel room. Over time, this modest setup becomes a sprawling, automated business with dozens of employees and city-wide distribution. Despite the dark theme, the game feels more cozy than criminal. You grow, craft, mix, and sell products, with a pace and tone that’s oddly relaxing.
What sets this game apart is its unusual mix of crime, comedy, and calm. Customers have specific preferences, encouraging you to experiment with blends and discover new product combos. As you grow your business, you'll automate everything from production to distribution and shift from street hustler to logistics mastermind.
Schedule 1 is also a surprisingly fun multiplayer game. You can invite a friend into your world to help with deliveries, production, and expansion. Co-op feels like a chaotic slice-of-life simulator where both players hustle side-by-side, managing deals and skating around town. Whether you're refining recipes together or laughing at the absurd item names, it's a memorable shared experience.
The latest Cartel Update added rival dealers, new quests, ambush events, graffiti mechanics, and property upgrades, expanding the game's scope and challenge. While the endgame is still under development and a few bugs remain, the consistent updates from its solo developer suggest a strong future ahead.
With its weird charm, creative systems, and hilarious co-op mode, Schedule 1 is one of 2025’s most unexpected indie hits.
8. Escape from Duckov
Developer: Team Soda
Release date: October 16, 2025
Escape from Duckov is a clever parody of Escape from Tarkov that swaps gritty online PvP combat for a quirky, offline single-player experience filled with ducks, loot, and danger. You play as a prisoner-turned-mercenary, taking on missions in a world falling apart. Don’t let the cartoonish style fool you. This game is tough, smart, and surprisingly tense.
Each run into the city is a top-down extraction mission. You search for loot, complete objectives, fight armed enemies, and try to make it back to your bunker alive. The AI is smart, the gunplay feels great, and nighttime or storm events introduce real risks. You can also choose from different difficulty settings that affect what happens when you die. Some settings let you recover lost gear, while others wipe your inventory completely.
Outside of combat, you can upgrade your hideout and build out services from NPCs who offer gear and stat upgrades. Each item you bring back can be used, traded, or saved for crafting. The progression is steady and satisfying. There is even mod support built into the main menu for players who want to customize the game further.
Escape from Duckov may look like a joke at first glance, but it delivers smart systems, intense firefights, and a strong sense of atmosphere. It is more than a parody. It is one of 2025’s most original single-player indie experiences.
7. Megabonk
Developer: vedinad
Release date: September 19, 2025
Megabonk is a 3D Survivors-like that combines the endless chaos of Vampire Survivors with the buildcrafting depth of Risk of Rain 2. You play as a goofy character called Monke, facing off against swarms of enemies with auto-firing weapons and stat-boosting tomes. At first glance, it might look like another meme game, but spend five minutes with it and you’ll realize there is real design magic underneath the chaos.
Each run has you racing against a ticking clock as you explore the map, defeat enemies, activate shrines, open chests, and prepare for a stage-ending boss fight. The longer you last, the harder the game pushes back with swarms, mini-bosses, and unpredictable item synergies. Over time, you unlock dozens of weapons, tomes, and characters, many of which let you create wild and overpowered builds.
Unlike other games in the genre, Megabonk puts heavy focus on exploration. You don’t just stand still and stack kills. You move, loot, and adapt. Meta progression systems allow you to reroll upgrades, toggle off specific items, and fine-tune your strategy from run to run. Success often depends on understanding how different systems interact and taking risks with random elements.
The game has some bugs and balance issues, but its core loop is so engaging that it’s easy to overlook the rough spots. It also plays extremely well on handhelds like the Steam Deck, where the performance stays smooth even during heavy swarms of enemies and projectiles.
Megabonk isn’t flashy or polished, but it’s deeply fun. It captures the joy of experimentation, power scaling, and leaderboard chasing better than most of its peers. For fans of Survivors-likes or anyone looking for a “just one more run” kind of game, this is a must-play.
6. Look Outside
Developer: Francis Coulombe
Release date: March 21, 2025
Look Outside is a surreal 2D survival horror RPG that blends SNES-era visuals with cosmic dread. Set inside a warped apartment complex under the influence of a mysterious object in the sky, this debut from solo developer Francis Coulombe delivers something bold and unforgettable. The game runs flawlessly on both PC and Steam Deck and features some of the most unsettling worldbuilding of the year.
You have 15 in-game days to survive and uncover one of multiple endings. Each day gives you limited hours to explore, fight, and scavenge before returning to your apartment to rest. Time only advances when visiting new areas, and save points are tied to how long you’ve been active. This mechanic creates long stretches of tension, where a bad decision can mean losing an hour of progress or more.
Combat is turn-based, but party members bring unique twists. One livestreamer gains powers by building viewer count. A punk duo kicks you out of your bedroom but helps you win fights. Their mechanics overlap and evolve in creative ways, turning even the simplest fights into tactical challenges. Who you invite into your apartment changes how the game plays, both mechanically and narratively.
The horror is deeply psychological. The story dives into madness, body horror, and paranoia, with disturbing NPC encounters and branching dialogue that changes your fate. You might meet a painter haunted by his multiplying self-portraits, or a voice in a pipe that drags you into a grotesque romance subplot. Every decision matters, and most of them have unsettling consequences.
The art style echoes classic 16-bit RPGs, but the imagery is far more nightmarish. Enemies mutate mid-battle, crawling with extra limbs or revealing horrifying secrets. The music and sound effects are equally strong, building a sense of dread that never quite fades. With great performance, no major bugs, and frequent developer updates streamed live on Twitch, this is a polished and personal work.
Look Outside is haunting, funny, and full of strange beauty. It rewards exploration and replaying, with multiple endings and hidden content tucked into every floor of the building. For fans of survival horror or retro RPGs, this is one of the most memorable indie games of the year.
5. Monster Train 2
Developer: Shiny Shoe
Release date: May 21, 2025
Monster Train 2 is a brilliant follow-up to the 2020 roguelike deckbuilder that adds more content without breaking what already worked. You still manage units across a three-floor train and fend off waves of enemies using card-based spells and upgrades. But this time, you're climbing up from Hell to storm a corrupted Heaven, and the game's new clans, room modifiers, and gear systems offer deeper strategy than ever before.
The five new factions are creative and fun to experiment with. You can stack damage-over-time effects, spawn mushrooms, use gear that transfers when a unit dies, or cast moon-phase spells that flip each turn. Equipment and room cards can dramatically change the tide of battle, allowing for wild combinations. There's also a new way to modify your Pyre Heart at the start of each run, giving you bonuses that shape your overall strategy.
Every run is filled with important decisions. Choosing your primary and secondary clan, your champion’s skill tree, your Pyre Heart, artifacts, spells, and upgrade paths gives each playthrough a unique feel. The game also makes it easier to learn by letting you reset turns and retry battles if you make a mistake, a welcome addition for casual and hardcore players alike.
For those looking for a challenge, Monster Train 2 offers Endless Mode, customizable challenge tiers, and 21 hand-built Dimensional Challenges that unlock new Pyre Hearts and cosmetics. These modes push your builds to the limit.
On top of its deep systems and excellent performance on Steam Deck and PC, Monster Train 2 now supports multiplayer runs. You can compete with others through daily challenges, community-built rule sets, and leaderboard scoring. That social layer adds extra replay value, especially if you want to see how your strategies stack up against others.
With smart improvements, strong faction design, and a mountain of replayability, Monster Train 2 stands as one of 2025's most polished and addictive indie games. Whether you're in it for high scores, crazy builds, or just an hour of satisfying deckbuilding, this game delivers.
4. Blue Prince
Developer: Dogubomb
Release date: April 10, 2025
Blue Prince is a standout first-person puzzle game that blends roguelite room drafting with tile-based map building, narrative exploration, and clever logic challenges. You play as Simon, a teenage boy who must solve the secrets of his great uncle’s ever-shifting mansion to claim his inheritance. To do so, you must discover the hidden 46th room by building a new floorplan with each run.
Each day begins with a limited number of steps. Every time you open a door, you draft one of three new rooms to connect next, building a custom 9×5 floor grid. Every room has its own category: purple rooms grant extra steps, yellow rooms offer items, and red rooms introduce risk. There are also hidden rooms that only appear under special conditions, encouraging experimentation and long-term planning.
The real puzzle lies in how you interact with this world. Clues are scattered across the house and often span multiple rooms or runs. Some puzzles involve math or levers, but the most satisfying ones require critical thinking, note-taking, and pattern recognition. Over time, you unlock permanent upgrades and special tools that help mitigate randomness and give you better control over your layout.
Despite its randomized structure, the game never feels unfair. Even a failed run usually reveals new secrets, story beats, or mechanics that deepen your understanding of the house. The lore is rich but optional, gradually uncovering the truth behind your uncle’s legacy and the nation he once influenced. Every discovery feels earned, and the sense of progression is steady and rewarding.
If you enjoy games like Myst, Return of the Obra Dinn, or Outer Wilds, Blue Prince belongs in that conversation. It is one of the smartest and most satisfying puzzle games of the year.
3. Hades 2
Developer: Supergiant Games
Release date: September 26, 2025
Hades 2 expands on one of the best roguelites ever made without losing what made the original special. You now play as Melinoë, daughter of Hades and Persephone, who must defeat her grandfather Chronos. It sounds straightforward, but what follows is one of the deepest and most replayable action games of the year.
Each run branches into two paths: Tartarus or Mount Olympus. Both contain distinct enemies, environments, and bosses. This branching structure adds twice the variety and helps keep each session fresh. Whether you're clearing Olympus or diving deeper into the Underworld, the structure always supports discovery.
Combat is faster and more flexible than before. Mel is a spellcaster by nature, with a magic circle Cast, elemental synergy boons, and powerful Hex ultimates. You can equip different weapons like twin torches, a massive axe, or a broom-style staff. Each one has multiple variations that radically change how you approach fights.
Progression is just as satisfying. From Hecate's cauldron upgrades to animal familiars and farming systems, new mechanics are unlocked slowly but never feel like clutter. The returning gods like Hermes and Poseidon have been reworked, and the new moon goddess Selene adds a build-defining mechanic in the form of a customizable Hex tree.
Voice acting is excellent, the character arcs are layered and mature, and the art is once again among the best in the genre. On top of that, Darren Korb’s music may be his strongest soundtrack to date. Boss fights like the Scylla and Sirens encounter even weave their own musical themes into gameplay. It is elegant, creative, and often hilarious.
Hades 2 builds on the original with more story, more builds, and more meaningful decisions. It is not just a sequel. It is the new benchmark for roguelite design.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Developer: Team Cherry
Release Date: September 4, 2025
After seven long years and more than a few fake Reddit posts, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally launched in 2025. The wait was agonizing. Originally announced as a DLC that evolved into a full sequel, Silksong became the poster child for "where is it?" threads, meme countdowns, and endless speculation. Now that it’s here, the game not only lives up to the hype, it cements Team Cherry’s reputation for crafting hauntingly beautiful, brutally precise action platformers.
You play as Hornet, a fast and agile warrior navigating the vertical kingdom of Pharloom. Every inch of the game feels hand-built. From the labyrinthine level design to the melancholic soundtrack, Silksong pulls you into its eerie world and doesn’t let go. It’s harder than Hollow Knight in almost every way. Most enemy attacks deal two masks of damage. Save benches are rare. And the game punishes recklessness, forcing you to approach each encounter with intention.
But the difficulty never feels unfair. Bosses are tough but well-telegraphed. Tools can be swapped through Crests to change your playstyle. Some favor heavy defense, others reward speed and aggression. And Hornet’s healing system, which requires a pause to bind and restore three masks at once, creates a constant push-pull between risk and reward. Exploring feels tense, methodical, and satisfying.
One of the game’s strongest traits is its sense of discovery. The world is dense with secrets, shortcuts, and hidden bosses. The moment you think you've seen it all, a new path opens. Every region has its own personality, from the windswept wastes to industrial ruins. Lore is scattered through sidequests and subtle details, inviting deep dives and debate.
This is not a game that holds your hand. It expects you to get lost, to struggle, to figure things out on your own or through trial and error. And that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Developer: Sandfall Interactive
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is my personal Game of the Year for 2025. It blends the artistic style of French theatre and painting with modern JRPG systems in a way that feels both familiar and brand new. You lead a group of warriors on a desperate quest to destroy a godlike figure called The Paintress, who each year marks a number that determines the age at which people will vanish from existence. It’s a dark premise, but the execution is thoughtful, emotional, and at times even hopeful.
The combat system is one of the best turn-based systems ever made. You don’t just select attacks. You also time button presses during spells, dodges, and parries. This keeps you fully engaged every turn, especially during boss fights that play out like rhythm games. Parrying at the perfect moment rewards you with slow-motion counterattacks. Each character plays differently, with their own unique mechanics and combo systems. The card-wielding Sciel manages light and dark phases. Gustave builds power with hits. Maelle switches between stances based on status effects and weapons. Lune stacks elemental affinities to cast devastating spells.
Outside of battle, the Picto system lets you customize builds with perks and bonuses. It starts simple but expands into complex synergies that reward experimentation. While the menus can get cluttered, the game encourages you to break its systems in clever ways. You can feel overpowered, but only if you earn it.
The game also shines in its storytelling. Its world is melancholic but full of personality. There are goofy wooden creatures called Gestrals, party campfire scenes that reveal character backstories, and dialogue that feels grounded and natural. The themes of grief, mortality, and legacy are handled with care, and the voice acting is top-tier throughout.
Its pacing is another strength. The 35-hour runtime leaves little filler. Dungeons are tight, the overworld is packed with secrets, and side content adds meaningful depth. Even without a quest log, exploration feels organic. The soundtrack deserves its own praise. From symphonic rock to opera to ambient strings, it elevates every moment.
While some later plot twists come fast and a few dungeons could use a minimap, these are small issues in an otherwise outstanding experience. Clair Obscur doesn't just pay tribute to the classics. It understands what made them great and builds something meaningful on top of that. If you love turn-based RPGs, this is not one to miss.
Final thoughts
2025 has been an incredible year for indie games. We’ve seen stunning world-building, bold art direction, and some of the most engaging combat systems in recent memory. These titles prove that you don’t need blockbuster budgets to create unforgettable experiences.
Whether it’s the emotional storytelling of Clair Obscur, the finely tuned difficulty of Silksong, or the endless replayability of Hades 2, indie developers continue to raise the bar. Any one of those three could walk away with Game of the Year, and I wouldn’t be surprised. They’ve earned their place at the top.
If you're ready to dive into these games at their best, make sure your setup is up to the task. Explore powerful Acer gaming laptops and desktops at the Acer Store. Students can also get 15% off with the Acer student discount.
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A New Look at the Acer Iconia X12 Tablet
The Acer Iconia X12 tablet offers an outstanding blend of entertainment and productivity. This article will introduce the benefits of a tablet and the features and specifications of the Acer Iconia X12. Tablets are portable, all-in-one devices with a sensitive touchscreen. They are typically used for playing games, taking pictures, browsing the web, and reading electronic books. They are built for mobility, offering a happy medium between a smartphone and a laptop.
What are the benefits of an Android tablet?
With so many devices on the market, it can be tough to know which is right for your needs. There are significant differences between tablets, smartphones, and laptops, with unique advantages to each. Laptops tend to be bigger and offer more robust computing abilities with more memory storage, making them ideal for multitasking, whereas tablets are smaller and less suitable for intense work sessions. Here are some benefits of a tablet and why they may be a top choice for your needs.
1. Android vs. Windows and Chrome tablets
Android tablets like the Acer Iconia X12 are known for their simplicity, ease of use, and affordability. They also provide access to a huge range of apps via the Google Play Store, which are optimized to run directly on Android devices. While Windows and Chrome tablets are compatible with Android apps, they may not run as smoothly as they are scaled down for their respective operating systems. Chrome tablets are designed for web-based use and therefore tend to rely on using apps in the browser. As such, Android tablets offer a superior choice and quality for entertainment, games, and other apps than Windows and Chrome devices.
2. Lightweight and portable
Tablets are lightweight and portable, with most tablet devices weighing under two lbs (0.90 kg), so you can comfortably carry them in a handbag or purse without noticing much extra weight. This makes them an excellent travel companion, allowing you to take photos and videos to document your trip. Moreover, playing games or watching movies on a tablet is a great way to beat boredom on long journeys or commutes.
3. Long battery life
One major advantage of a tablet device is its long battery life. This is because the hardware components within a tablet consume less power than a laptop, which have a smaller sized battery and more components. Some tablets can last over 12 hours on a single charge, depending on usage, which is enough to get you through a long flight or day of classes.
4. Designed for games and videos
If you enjoy playing games, watching videos, and listening to music, then a tablet might be for you. Tablets are less capable of multitasking and flicking between apps than a laptop but still offer good performance for light tasks like playing games. Moreover, tablets are ideal for note taking during classes and are lightweight enough to carry around in a backpack or school bag. They also support electronic books, helping you save space while still being able to read your favorite novel.
5. Affordability
Tablets are typically more affordable than laptops. Some budget models may cost USD $100 or less, whereas middle tier tablets with a better performance could be in between USD $200 and USD $400. Premium tablets are priced from USD $500, delivering a higher performance for their price tag.
Introducing the Acer Iconia X12 tablet
The Acer Iconia X12 tablet is the perfect blend of entertainment and productivity. It includes stunning AMOLED visuals and quadspeakers sound, as well as up to 400 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. The tablet also features in-cell touch technology for precise responsiveness and unbeatable clarity.
It comes with an optional stylus and keyboard, so you can unleash your creativity as you stay productive with up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Acer Iconia X12 also delivers lightning-fast performance with a MediaTek Helio G99 OctaCore processor and up to 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking. You can also expand its 256 GB storage up to 1 TB using a MicroSD card.
The 13MP rear camera features a flash for taking photos in low-light situations, while the 5MP front camera is perfect for video calls and taking selfies. The handy magnetic kickstand lets you free your hands and show your best side with the perfect viewing angle.
Specifications
* Operating System: Android
* Processor Model: Helio G99, 2 GHz, Octa-core (8 Core™)
* Maximum Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X
* Flash Memory Capacity: 256 GB
* Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Color LCD, CineCrystal, WQXGA
* Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1600
* Number of Speakers: 4
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5
* Webcam Resolution: 4224 x 3166
* Ports: USB, headphone jack
* Battery Run Time: 16 hours
* Input Devices: Stylus, keyboard
* Height: 0.3” (0.76 cm)
* Width: 11.2” (28.44 cm)
* Depth: 7.3” (18.54 cm)
* Weight: 1.21 lbs (0.54 kg)
So, should you buy a tablet device?
Tablets are the sweet spot between a smartphone and a full laptop. They are portable and budget-friendly, offering a nifty travel companion that fits in your handbag. The Acer Iconia X12 is a lightweight but powerful tablet with 8GB of RAM and 16-hour battery life. Get yours for just USD $549 in the Acer online store today, or USD $466.65 with a 15% student discount.
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Introducing the Predator Helios 18 AI (5080 GPU): The 2nd Most Powerful Acer Laptop
If you joined us a few weeks back when we unveiled the most powerful Acer gaming laptop, the Predator Helios 18 AI (RTX 5090), you’ll be glad to know that our season of powerhouse gaming laptops continues today with the introduction of its formidable runner-up, the Acer Predator Helios 18 (5080 GPU).
Acer gaming computers come in many shapes and sizes. And if you don’t look carefully, the names and numbers of the different models can get slightly confusing. The key here is in the 8, or the 9! The Predator Helios 18 AI 5080 version looks and tastes very similar to the 5090, but is less than half the price of its almighty cousin. So, we’re taking a slight step down from the lofty heights of the 5090 GPU to the still very lofty (h)eights of the 5080, let’s take a closer look at the Predator Helios 18 AI 5080 and see if we can’t conquer the gameverse while we’re at it.
Death or glory
The Predator Helios 18 AI 5080 is a ridiculously portable gaming fortress ready to take you to new realms of gaming success. As we mentioned earlier the Predator Helios 18 AI 5080 currently sells for less than half of the $6,999.99 that the 5090 goes for. If you’re looking to dominate the games you play, but don’t want to destroy your finances or remortgage your house, then the 5080 is a wiser choice.
But let’s be clear: this is not a budget laptop! In fact, there are two different models available, the Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop - PH18-73-98GC for $3,549.99, and the Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop - PH18-73-974G yours for $3,099.99.
The difference between these two apex beauties? A matter of RAM and SSD, of course. The slightly more expensive model packs a ceiling cracking 64 GB, DDR5 SDRAM and 2 TB SSD, while the other model kicks down the door with 32 GB, DDR5 SDRAM 1 TB SSD.
Now that we’ve got the price tags and RAM out of the way, let’s get amongst it take a sip of the tasty tech-specs of the Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop (5080):
* OS: Windows 11 Home
* Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processor Tetracosa-core (24 Core™) 2.70 GHz
* GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 with 16 GB dedicated memory
* Memory: 64 GB, DDR5 SDRAM/32 GB, DDR5 SDRAM (see above)
* Storage: 2 TB SSD/1 TB SSD (see above)
* Display: 18" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 IPS 250 Hz
* Display Screen Technology: ComfyView (Matte); In-plane Switching (IPS) Technology
* Speakers: 6
* Network: Wireless LAN Killer 1750x IEEE 802.11be
* Bluetooth: 5.4 or above
* Built in Devices: Webcam, microphone
* Interfaces: HDMI, 5 x USB, Network (RJ-45), audio in/out
* Color: Abyssal Black
* Dimensions: 15.8” x 12.1” x 1.16”
* Weight (Approx): 7.72 lb
The people’s choice
As you can see from these block rocking tech specs, the Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop (5080) shares many of the flagship features of the 5090. Similarly, this is a gargantuan of gaming that lights up any room lucky enough to be graced with its RGB illuminated, abyssal black presence. At the heart of this beast we have the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, a smashing 18-inch WQXGA IPS display, all infused with era-defining AI capabilities. This is the Predator Helios 18 AI for those who recognize exactly where performance meets precision.
Number of the beast: 24 core mind
For tactical excellence the Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop (5080) is built out from the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU. 24 cores represent the pinnacle of the core mind: 8 cores for heavy lifting, while the other 16 cores ensure that everything in the background is covered. A clock speed of 2.70 GHz can be overclocked to a maximum of 5.4 GHz giving you a massive speed boost when it’s needed.
This CPU has a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for you to offload tasks like background removal and audio optimization for seamless streaming. What’s more, Intel Application Optimization (APO) continually tweaks and tinkers with your PCs performance letting you get the most out of the latest games as well as older titles.
Intelligent savagery: RTX 5080
This is where the Predator Helios 18 AI (5080) earns its name. Let’s make no bones about it: the GeForce RTX 5080 isn’t a compromise, it’s NVIDIA’s latest generation of GPU technology, balancing sheer graphics horsepower with thermal efficiency.
Built on dedicated GDDR7 video memory, the 5080 handles high-res textures and lighting with ease, pushing the 2560 × 1600 WQXGA display to its limits. Whether you’re playing AAA titles at max settings, creating in 3D, editing 8K footage, or simply streaming your favorite show, the 5080’s dedicated graphics memory ensures zero slowdown and ever- consistent frame pacing.
On top of all this, AI-enhanced rendering (using NVIDIA’s own machine-learning optimizations) sharpens detail and maximizes performance, so visuals stay crisp and clean under the heaviest of loads. If you’re a gamer or creator who requires laptop portability with desktop-level output, the 5080 is your ticket to rarefied freedom. What you see is what you get: AI-infused computing with ray tracing, ultra high-speed rendering, and real-time visual computation, all fine tuned for efficiency and cool running.
Speaking of running temps, a beast like the Predator Helios 18 AI kitted out with such monstrous CPU and GPUs is bound to run slightly on the warmer side of toasty. Naturally, this laptop is also equipped with 6th gen aeroblade 3D fan technology. The Predator Helios 18 AI features the world’s thinnest 0.05mm fan blades that rise and adapt at high speeds, increasing airflow efficiency by 20%!
Choose wisely
As we mentioned above, there are currently two configurations of the Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop (5080). So, how to choose between the two?
* Firstly, the 64 GB DDR5 RAM and dual PCIe 5.0 SSD (2 TB total) model. This slightly pricier version delivers instant loadouts with zero lag, and is built for creators with vast libraries.
* Meanwhile, the 32 GB DDR5, 1 TB SSD model is still a full-blooded Predator, just leaner and every bit as fast. Slightly smaller capacity trims cost and heat, while delivering Predator performance, as expected.
Both of these fantastic devices run the same Ultra 9 engine and RTX 5080 GPU, so choice comes down to how much space and multitasking headroom you demand!
A solid second
That’s about all we’ve got time for today, gamers of the universe. For more info about the display, and other bits of the Predator Helios 18 AI, we recommend you peruse this article, and check out the flagship Predator Helios 18 AI (RTX 5090) while you’re at it. Balance is the new benchmark for on-the-go gaming, and the Predator Helios 18 AI (5080) can walk the tightrope like no other!
With its 24-core Intel processor, GDDR7 RTX 5080 graphics card, and the choice of two ultra-intelligent configurations, it’s engineered for those who require power and precision. Gaming is power, and the Predator Helios 18 AI (5080) certainly delivers in the smartest way possible.
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Still Using Windows 10? Here’s Why It’s Time to Switch to Windows 11
The end of support for Windows 10 is no longer a future concern, as of October 14, 2025, Microsoft has officially stopped providing free security updates and feature support for Windows 10. If you're still using a Windows 10 PC today, your system is now unprotected unless you've taken specific steps to stay secure.
Some regions, such as the European Union, receive one additional year of free critical security updates through October 2026. In most other areas, including the United States, you must either upgrade to Windows 11 or sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to continue receiving protection. These updates only cover important security fixes and do not include new features or quality-of-life improvements.
For organizations and businesses, ESU can be purchased through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program at $61 USD per device for Year One. This cost doubles each year, for a maximum of three years. ESU is also available at no cost for Windows 10 virtual machines running in specific Microsoft cloud services.
If you haven’t enrolled in ESU, upgraded your system, or bought a Windows 11 device, now is the time to act. Below, we explain why.
Why you should upgrade to Windows 11 now
If you are still using Windows 10 without extended protection, you’re exposing your system to increasing risk. Even with ESU, you are missing out on key improvements. Here are four major reasons why upgrading to Windows 11 is the better choice:
1. No more security patches
Windows 10 no longer receives free security updates. This means newly discovered vulnerabilities will go unpatched for most users. Over time, this creates significant risk as hackers begin to target unprotected systems. Even if you pay for ESU, it only covers critical security fixes and nothing else.
2. Decreasing software support
Developers are already shifting their focus to Windows 11. While your apps won’t stop working overnight, software companies will gradually drop Windows 10 compatibility. This means fewer updates, reduced features, and eventually, no support at all.
3. No access to new features like Copilot
Microsoft’s latest tools, such as Windows Copilot, AI enhancements, and modern accessibility features are only available on Windows 11. If you want to use the newest functionality, you’ll need to upgrade your operating system.
4. Loss of technical support
Microsoft and many third-party providers are phasing out assistance for Windows 10 users. Whether it’s help from official support teams or compatibility with newer hardware, Windows 10 users will be increasingly left behind.
To learn more about the benefits, read our guide on why you should update to Windows 11.
What to do if you can't upgrade yet
Not everyone can upgrade immediately. Maybe your hardware isn’t supported, or you’re waiting to buy a new PC. If you plan to stay on Windows 10 a little longer, here are some ways to protect yourself in the meantime.
1. Use Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates to help Windows 10 users stay protected after support ended on October 14, 2025. There are two general pathways: free extensions (if eligible) and paid access.
Free options for home users
If you're using Windows 10 Home or Pro, you may be eligible for one year of free ESU by completing one of the following actions:
* Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points
* Turn on Windows Backup and sync it with Microsoft OneDrive
These options are aimed at consumers and are available through Microsoft's official ESU extension page. They may only apply to certain regions or be available for a limited time. In the European Union, all users automatically receive one additional year of critical security updates through October 2026.
Paid options for ESU access
If you're not eligible for the free extension, or you prefer not to use Microsoft Rewards or OneDrive, you can purchase ESU in the following ways:
* Windows 10 Home and Pro users can pay a one-time fee of $30 USD for one year of ESU coverage. This is a consumer-level offering and does not require volume licensing.
* Windows 10 Business and Education editions must go through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program. Pricing starts at $61 USD per device for the first year, and it doubles each year for up to three years.
Each of these options ensures continued access to critical and important security updates only, with no new features or quality-of-life improvements.
Note: Virtual machines running Windows 10 in Microsoft cloud services such as Azure receive ESU at no additional cost.
2. Disconnect your PC from the internet
If your Windows 10 PC is being used for offline tasks, like editing documents or running legacy software, you can reduce your risk by keeping it disconnected from the internet. This minimizes exposure to remote attacks, but it's not a long-term solution.
3. Switch to Linux
If your computer can’t run Windows 11 and you don’t want to pay for ESU, installing a Linux distribution is an option. Linux is free, secure, and supported by an active developer community. It's not a direct replacement for all Windows applications, but it can be a solid alternative for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.
Final thoughts: Upgrade while you still have options
Windows 10 support officially ended on October 14, 2025. If you are still using it and have not taken any action, your system is now at risk. Extended Security Updates can buy you some time, but they are limited, may cost money, and do not include new features or full support.
Upgrading to Windows 11 is the most secure and future-proof choice. If your current device is eligible, you can upgrade through Windows Update. If not, there are many Acer laptops that run Windows 11 available at a range of price points and if you have a valid university/college email you can sign up at Student Beans for a 15% discount on your next purchase from the Acer Store.
To learn more about the benefits, read our guide on why you should update to Windows 11. If you have already made the switch, here is how to set up your new Windows 11 computer/laptop.
Now is the time to act. The longer you wait, the fewer options you will have.
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How to Set Up Your New Windows 11 Computer
As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft has officially stopped providing security updates and feature improvements for standard Windows 10 installations. While Extended Security Updates (ESU) are still available through paid plans or specific programs in the EU or Microsoft’s cloud services, they are limited in both scope and duration. For everyone else, upgrading or setting up a new Windows computer running Windows 11 is the safer path forward. This guide walks you through how to set up a new laptop with Windows 11, including performance, privacy, and security steps every user should follow from day one.
How to configure a new computer: 10 setup steps
1. Plug in your laptop or make sure your desktop is properly connected
Before you begin setting up a new computer, make sure your device has a reliable power source. If you're using a laptop, connect it to the charger. For desktops, double-check that all cables are securely attached, including the power cable, monitor connection, and peripherals like your keyboard and mouse.
A sudden shutdown during initial setup can lead to data corruption or incomplete configurations, so don't rely on battery power alone. It’s also a good idea to place your device in a well-ventilated area, especially if you're setting up a new PC that will handle gaming or creative workloads.
2. Update Windows 11 to the latest version
Once your new Windows computer is powered on and connected to the internet, the first thing you should do is update Windows 11. Microsoft continuously rolls out updates that include security patches, performance improvements, and new features—especially those tied to AI and Copilot+ functionality.
To check for updates:
* Go to Settings
* Select Windows Update
* Click Check for updates and install everything available
This step is essential for getting ready for Windows 11, as many Copilot features and system improvements rely on having the latest version installed. You may be prompted to restart your system one or more times. Let all updates finish before moving on to the next setup steps.
If you’re still debating the move to Windows 11, this article breaks down why now is the time to update to Windows 11.
3. Install and update your device drivers
Once Windows 11 is updated, make sure your hardware drivers are up to date. Drivers ensure your components such as the graphics card, Wi-Fi module, audio system, and peripherals work properly with your operating system.
Here’s how to update drivers:
* Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates to check for available driver updates
* Visit your computer manufacturer's support site for the latest drivers specific to your model
* Use dedicated tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Software for graphics drivers
* Restart your system after all key drivers are installed
Windows Update handles many drivers automatically. However, it may not install the most recent or optimized versions. Manually checking helps prevent compatibility issues and gives you access to performance improvements that the built-in updater might miss.
4. Strengthen your system security in Windows Security settings
Before you start installing apps or browsing the web, take a few minutes to improve your computer’s built-in defenses. Windows 11 includes several security features under the Windows Security panel that can help protect your new PC from malware, phishing, and hardware-based attacks.
Start by opening Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security, then do the following:
* Add a Microsoft account if you haven’t already, so you can sync security settings and enable device recovery
* Click App & browser control and turn on Reputation-based protection to block harmful files and untrusted apps
* Go to Device security > Core isolation and turn on Memory integrity
* In Device security, scroll down to Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection and enable it if your system supports it
These features improve system resilience against newer threats and are especially important for anyone using their new Windows computer for work, school, or online transactions.
5. Personalize your Windows 11 PC
Now that your system is secure and updated, it’s time to make your new Windows computer feel like your own. Personalization not only improves your experience but can also help boost productivity and comfort.
To start:
* Open Settings > Personalization
* Choose a theme, set your background wallpaper, and adjust colors and accent tones
* Customize the Start menu by pinning your favorite apps
* Move or remove widgets, and clean up your desktop layout
* Go to Taskbar settings to hide icons you don’t use and enable ones you do
If you're setting up a new laptop with Windows 11 for daily work or creative tasks, spending a few minutes here can help streamline your workflow and reduce clutter from the beginning.
6. Uninstall unnecessary apps and bloatware
Most new Windows computers come with preinstalled software you probably don’t need. This can include trial antivirus programs, promotional apps, and manufacturer utilities that run in the background and slow down your system.
To clean up your PC:
* Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
* Review the list and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or plan to use
* Look for items like trial games, third-party utilities, or duplicate apps (for example, two antivirus programs)
* You can also right-click apps in the Start menu and select Uninstall
Removing bloatware helps your system boot faster, reduces background activity, and clears up disk space for the apps you actually want.
7. Disable unwanted startup apps and background services
Many new laptops and desktops load unnecessary programs at startup, which can slow down boot times and consume memory. Disabling unwanted startup apps helps your system start faster and frees up resources for the programs you actually use.
To manage startup settings:
* Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc
* Click on the Startup tab
* Right-click any app you don't need to run at startup and select Disable
* If you’re unsure about a program, search its name online before turning it off
You can also go to Settings > Apps > Startup for a more user-friendly view of which apps are enabled. Streamlining your startup process is a simple but effective way to keep your new Windows computer running smoothly.
8. Set privacy and security preferences
Taking control of your privacy settings is one of the most important parts of configuring a new computer. Windows 11 collects usage data and enables targeted ads by default, but you can adjust these settings to limit tracking and increase control over your personal information.
Start by going to Settings > Privacy & security, then review these key areas:
* General: Turn off options like “Let apps show me personalized ads by using advertising ID”
* Activity history: Disable storing activity history on the device if you prefer
* App permissions: Limit access to your location, camera, microphone, and more on a per-app basis
* Diagnostics & feedback: Switch from full diagnostics to required data only
If you're using a browser like Firefox, consider adding a content blocker such as uBlock Origin. It helps prevent tracking, blocks ads, and improves browsing speed. You can find it for free in the Firefox Add-ons store.
This is especially useful if you're setting up a new PC for work, research, or any task where privacy matters.
9. Install your essential apps and tools
Now that your system is cleaned up and secured, it’s time to install the apps you actually plan to use. What to install on a new PC depends on your habits, but there are some basics that most users will want right away.
Consider adding:
* Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave
* Office suites such as Microsoft 365 or LibreOffice
* Cloud storage tools like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive
* Media players such as VLC
* Gaming clients like Steam, Xbox, Epic Games, or GOG
* VPN software if you want extra privacy when browsing on public networks
* Creative tools like Adobe apps, GIMP, or DaVinci Resolve if you work with content
This is also a good time to sync your browser settings and log into accounts so everything is ready to go. Think about what you use daily and install those apps first to avoid cluttering your system with software you don’t need.
10. Create a backup and set up a recovery plan
Now that your new Windows computer is customized and ready, take a moment to prepare for future issues by creating a recovery plan. Backups are essential for protecting your files from hardware failure, software bugs, or accidental deletions.
To get started:
* Open Settings > System > Recovery and create a recovery drive using a USB stick
* Enable File History or use OneDrive to back up personal documents and folders
* Consider setting up System Restore points or using Windows Backup for full-image backups
* Store important recovery passwords or encryption keys somewhere safe
If you ever need to reset your system or recover from a crash, these tools can save hours of frustration. It’s a step many users skip when setting up a new PC, but it becomes invaluable when something goes wrong.
Final thoughts: Keep your system safe, fast, and ready
Setting up a new computer is more than just turning it on and logging in. Each step, from updating Windows 11 and installing drivers to adjusting privacy settings and creating backups, helps ensure your system is secure, responsive, and tailored to your needs.
If you're still running Windows 10, consider signing up for Extended Security Updates. These are available for free in the EU and through certain Microsoft cloud programs, but only for a limited time. Running an outdated system without updates puts your computer at serious risk. The safer option is to upgrade or replace your current device.
If you haven’t made the move yet, now is the time to update to Windows 11 or choose from a range of Acer laptops that run Windows 11. If you want to check out more Acer products make sure to check out our store page. For students, with a valid college/university email, you can get 15% off your next Acer computer purchase by signing up via Student Beans.
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Major AAA Gaming Flops of 2025
2025 has been packed with massive game releases, from long-awaited sequels to brand-new IPs. Some, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hades 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, have pushed the boundaries of creativity and lived up to their potential. Others have pushed players to the brink of frustration. A handful of titles carried enormous hype but landed with a dull thud. Whether they were technical messes, commercial flops, or simply disappointing follow-ups, these games quickly earned a spot among the biggest gaming flops of the year.
Some failed despite strong ideas. Others stumbled out of the gate with broken mechanics, messy launches, or poor business models. In a year loaded with high expectations, the biggest game flops of 2025 serve as a reminder that no franchise or studio is too big to fall.
So what makes a video game flop?
Not every bad game is a flop, and not every flop is a bad game. Sometimes, a project delivers solid gameplay but misses its commercial mark. Other times, it’s the complete opposite like a marketing success with broken systems underneath. For this list, we looked at three key failure points:
* Poor sales: A game doesn’t need to be unplayable to fail. If it can’t recoup its budget or meet expectations from publishers and investors, it’s a commercial flop.
* Unoptimized or buggy gameplay: Bugs, stuttering, crashes, or poor frame rates can make even good games feel unplayable. Technical issues are still a major dealbreaker in 2025.
* Shallow or broken game design: Good ideas fall flat without strong execution. Games that feel clunky, dull, or outdated lose players quickly.
* Fails to live up to its predecessor: Sequels carry expectations. If a new entry feels like a step backward or abandons what made the original great, fans will walk away.
* Bad value or aggressive monetization: Games that hide core content behind paywalls or overpriced DLC packs feel like cash grabs. A lack of meaningful content in the base game is also a red flag.
Most of the biggest gaming flops of 2025 fall into one or more of these categories. Some hit several at once. Let’s start with the mildest disappointment on the list and work our way toward the real disasters.
Biggest AAA gaming flops of 2025
7. Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds is not a bad game. At its core, it's a visually ambitious, content-rich title that builds on Capcom’s proven formula. But for PC players, it has become a symbol of frustration. Eight months after launch, the game still runs poorly for a large part of the community. Despite three major updates, Capcom has failed to deliver the one thing players have asked for since day one: a properly optimized PC port.
Performance issues dominate the conversation. Stuttering, low frame rates, heavy reliance on DLSS, and blurry visuals affect even mid-range and high-end machines. Capcom's RE Engine, while impressive in smaller titles like Resident Evil, struggles to handle the open-world scale of Monster Hunter Wilds. The game’s third update led to over 1,500 negative Steam reviews in a single day. Some users even reported the game running worse after the patch.
Capcom has promised fixes in Title Update 4, but trust is wearing thin. The game launched strong with 10 million units sold in its first month, including 8 million in the first three days. However, only 477,000 copies sold between April and June. That is a sharp drop and reflects a deeper issue than content fatigue.
The gameplay itself is not the problem. Many console players continue to enjoy the hunt. But when performance problems persist for this long, they become the story. Monster Hunter Wilds shows how technical issues and poor communication can sink momentum, even for a giant like Capcom.
6. Avowed
Avowed had every reason to succeed. A respected studio, years of development, major backing from Microsoft, and the legacy of Pillars of Eternity behind it. But after all the buildup, Obsidian’s fantasy RPG landed with a shrug. The result was a technically rough, creatively scaled-down title that failed to meet expectations, both from long-time fans and the broader RPG audience.
The signs were there. Avowed went through multiple reboots, changed directors, and scrapped its original vision for a massive open-world multiplayer experience. The final version replaced that ambition with a zone-based structure closer to The Outer Worlds. The darker, more serious tone from the 2020 teaser was also gone, swapped out for a more colorful, slightly cartoonish art style that confused fans expecting something closer to Skyrim.
At launch, reviews were mixed to positive, with critics landing around 80 on average. But even the positive reviews came with qualifiers. Players were less forgiving. Performance issues, long load times, stuttering, and minor bugs frustrated PC users. Combat was flashy at first, but became repetitive fast. Dialogue choices and character backgrounds had little impact. Towns felt static. Exploration was limited. For an Obsidian game, it lacked soul.
Obsidian pitched Avowed as a narrative-focused RPG. What players got felt closer to a Game Pass filler title. Within a week, active player numbers dropped sharply. Steam reviews skewed mixed, and discussion forums filled with complaints about the shallow systems and lack of immersion. Meanwhile, Microsoft touted 5 million players in its first month, but most had accessed it through Game Pass, not full-price purchases.
Technically, Avowed is playable. But for a game sold at $70 and marketed as a flagship RPG, that is not enough. The final product felt like a compromise, built on years of internal struggle and creative resets. It didn’t crash or burn. It just quietly fell flat.
5. Little Nightmares 3
By the time Little Nightmares 3 was announced, the franchise had already earned its place as one of the most distinctive horror platformers of the past decade. Fans expected a return to unsettling worlds, eerie sound design, and silent storytelling. What they got instead felt like a diluted imitation.
The problems started with the change in developer. With Tarsier Studios moving on, Supermassive Games took over and tried to emulate the formula. The result checked the right boxes visually, but lacked the atmospheric precision of the first two entries. Gone was the sense of dread. Gone was the feeling that everything in the world wanted you dead. Instead, players encountered disconnected enemies, confusing level pacing, and environments that looked the part but lacked tension.
Some of the new monsters, like the steam-avoidant supervisor or the oversized nursery baby, leaned too hard into spectacle. The menace was gone. Others simply ignored the player, leaving many sequences feeling lifeless. Even the AI companion system, meant to support online co-op, often broke immersion through glitches or awkward puzzle solutions. With no local co-op available at launch, solo players bore the brunt of the rough design.
Where the previous games thrived on ambiguity, Little Nightmares 3 leans heavily on outside media. Major plot elements are locked behind a companion podcast, and in-game storytelling feels gutted as a result. Instead of sparking theories, the narrative delivers explanations. Instead of mystery, there’s marketing.
By the time the credits roll, players are left not with answers or closure, but a roadmap for paid DLC. The base game feels like setup. The ending lacks emotional weight. What was once a masterclass in environmental storytelling has become a platform for franchise maintenance.
Little Nightmares 3 isn't broken, but it misunderstands what fans valued. It plays it safe, loses its identity, and drifts into mediocrity.
4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft wanted Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be a fresh start. A full-priced, next-gen only title with a brand-new setting, two protagonists, and refined stealth-action gameplay. Instead, it became one of the year’s most polarizing releases and an example of how ambition without clarity can backfire.
Set in Sengoku-era Japan, Shadows introduces two main characters: Yasuke, a real historical figure reimagined as a slow, heavy bruiser, and Naoe, a fictional female shinobi with the agility and stealth mechanics more familiar to series veterans. In theory, this duality could have added depth. In practice, the split created friction. Naoe often felt sidelined in her own arc, while Yasuke's brute-force combat style clashed with the series' long-standing stealth identity.
Players were confused by the tone. The game mixed stylized combat with serious historical references but never struck a consistent voice. Level design leaned heavily into forced combat zones, and enemy AI remained weak. The open world was detailed but sparse. Side content quickly grew repetitive. Despite being marketed as the next evolution of Assassin’s Creed, it lacked the systems and polish that defined earlier titles like Origins or Odyssey.
The backlash was swift. Longtime fans criticized the decision to sideline Japanese stealth fantasy in favor of a combat-heavy approach. Others pointed to the awkward pacing, shallow RPG mechanics, and clunky character switching. Even the marketing came under fire, with trailers that oversold player freedom and underdelivered on mechanics at launch.
Sales reflected the reception. Ubisoft had projected Shadows to be one of its top sellers of the year. Instead, it sold just 2.4 million copies in its first six weeks. That was a steep drop compared to Valhalla. In response, Tencent invested €1.16 billion into a Ubisoft subsidiary to stabilize the franchise and retool future titles. Publicly, Ubisoft called it a restructuring. Internally, it looked more like damage control.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not the worst game of the year. But it failed to live up to its legacy, missed the mark on core mechanics, and left the fanbase divided. That alone makes it one of the most notable video game flops of 2025.
3. FBC: Firebreak
Few games this year flamed out as fast as FBC: Firebreak. Marketed as a high-octane, multiplayer-centric tactical shooter, it hit the scene with aggressive promotion and some early buzz. But within weeks of release, that buzz turned to silence and then to ridicule.
Firebreak was supposed to combine tight gunplay, dynamic maps, and a near-future dystopian setting. Instead, players got a shallow, chaotic experience that felt more like a budget beta than a finished product. Movement was clunky. Gunplay lacked impact. The game struggled to find an identity, bouncing between hero shooter and tactical sim without committing to either.
Worse, it launched with severe technical issues. Matchmaking failed regularly. Hit registration was unreliable. Servers were inconsistent at best and unplayable at worst. Even after emergency patches, the experience remained frustrating.
The monetization didn’t help. Cosmetics were overpriced, and the in-game store pushed bundles more aggressively than any actual gameplay. There was no real incentive to grind, and no reason to stick around after the first week.
Critics were unkind, and players were even less forgiving. Steam reviews tanked. Twitch interest disappeared. Within a month, its active player base dropped by over 80 percent. The developers promised a roadmap, but by then, most players had already uninstalled.
FBC: Firebreak didn’t just underdeliver. It failed to justify its existence in a crowded market. No unique hook, no standout mechanics, and no staying power. It will likely be remembered as one of 2025’s fastest-burning video game flops.
2. Civilization VII
Firaxis had a golden opportunity with Civilization VII, a chance to modernize a legendary series and bring in a new generation of strategy fans. Instead, they delivered a game that confused veterans, bored newcomers, and cratered player counts within weeks.
Its biggest issue was identity. The age-based system, which reset objectives every few turns, stripped away the long-term planning that made the franchise famous. Gone was the feeling of building something lasting. Instead, every era felt like a timed challenge with arbitrary rules, undermining progression and making tech trees, wonders, and even early-game choices feel disposable.
Players noticed. The game peaked at 85,000 concurrent players on Steam, then dropped below 9,000 within a month. Civ VI, now eight years old, consistently performs better. On PlayStation, it debuted at number 125 during its launch week. For comparison, Civ VI sold over a million PC copies in its first two weeks.
Meanwhile, the split between leaders and civilizations was marketed as innovation but came off like monetization in disguise. Bundles priced at $30 offered thin content, often launching with bugs or missing features. Even core mechanics like city-states and religion were underdeveloped. Diplomacy was forgettable. The AI still couldn’t manage a war. Victory types felt either broken or irrelevant.
Firaxis promised updates, but fans weren’t waiting. Most went back to Civ VI or left the genre entirely.
What makes Civ VII sting isn’t just that it launched rough. It abandoned the magic that made Civ what it was. Ambition is welcome, but not at the cost of fun.
1. MindsEye
There was real hope that MindsEye, the debut from Build A Rocket Boy, would revive the cinematic open-world action game. Instead, it turned into one of the most baffling failures of 2025.
It began with potential. The prologue was tense and stylish, setting up a near-future techno-thriller about a military drone pilot who loses his connection to a powerful neural implant. The early promise didn’t last. What followed was a bloated mess of half-baked ideas, glib dialogue, and an increasingly absurd plot involving cyborg soldiers and a military coup in a city modeled after Las Vegas.
Critics were harsh. Eurogamer called it “an unmitigated disaster,” and the combat was universally panned as some of the worst in recent AAA history. The main character lacked basic abilities like dodging, melee attacks, or throwing grenades. He couldn’t even enter cars from the passenger side without awkward pathing. The drone mechanic, positioned as a signature feature, felt undercooked and unengaging.
The world itself, Redrock City, looked impressive on the surface but lacked meaningful interaction. Players were constantly pressured to move between missions, with no incentive to explore. Driving was one of the few highlights, thanks to a surprisingly responsive vehicle model, but car chases were rare and often poorly designed.
Side missions introduced the game's creation tools, meant to empower player-made content, but these segments were riddled with sloppy pacing and confusing design. One of the first optional missions lasted under two minutes and involved shooting poorly placed enemies in a lifeless environment. Other side content was equally hollow and failed to showcase the tools’ creative potential.
MindsEye didn’t chart on major sales rankings and failed to gain any traction on Twitch or YouTube post-launch. For a game designed to launch a new platform and studio, it landed with almost no impact. Instead of feeling like a spiritual successor to GTA or Cyberpunk 2077, it felt more like an empty tech demo trying to impersonate better games from the past.
Conclusion
In 2025, even the biggest studios with massive budgets and trusted franchises could not guarantee success. Titles like MindsEye, Civilization VII, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and FBC: Firebreak show how rapidly things can go wrong when innovation misfires, systems collapse, or core gameplay is ignored. These games didn’t just miss the mark, they lost the trust of players who had once believed in them.
What stands out is not the ambition, but the execution. These failures are reminders that high expectations, expansive design, and a strong legacy are not enough without polish, meaningful mechanics, and a coherent vision. In a crowded market, survival depends on more than hype.
If you want to explore even more high‑profile flops and what went wrong in years past, check out this article on Major AAA Gaming Flops of 2024.
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