Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Epic Games is offering players a free Stormtrooper outfit in Fortnite as part of a new Star Wars-themed promotion, coinciding with the build-up to Star Wars Day on 4 May. The offer is part of a wider collaboration between Epic and Disney, ahead of the launch of a new Star Wars-themed Fortnite season and an expansive digital universe expected in 2026.
To claim the free skin, players must link their Epic Games account with a MyDisney account. This step is required to access the giveaway and connect the two platforms as part of Disney and Epic’s wider partnership, which aims to combine gaming, streaming, and shopping into one interactive experience based on Disney properties.
The free Stormtrooper outfit is just one of several Star Wars-related offerings currently available in Fortnite. In-game celebrations include the premiere of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, an animated series debuting within Fortnite on 2 May. The show focuses on Asajj Ventress, a popular character from The Clone Wars, and features her as Count Dooku’s former apprentice.
To mark the release, Epic has created a special Fortnite island where players can join a virtual watch party for the first two episodes. Those who attend will receive a free Ventress-themed loading screen and can explore the island, participate in Star Wars-inspired battles using blasters and lightsabers, and earn points in various activities.
In addition, Epic is expected to offer a free Star Wars video game through the Epic Games Store. Although the exact title has not been confirmed, speculation suggests it could be one of Electronic Arts’ Star Wars Jedi games. Epic previously made Star Wars Battlefront II available for free in a similar promotion.
The new campaign is part of a broader $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion) collaboration between Epic Games and Disney. The aim is to create a shared digital universe where fans can experience Disney content in new ways — blending gameplay, streaming media, and online commerce across franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar.
How to claim the free Fortnite Stormtrooper skin:
Open a web browser and go towww.epicgames.com. It is recommended to use incognito or private mode to prevent login issues from stored credentials.
Click “Sign In” in the top-right corner. If your account is already signed in incorrectly, click your avatar and select “Sign Out” before proceeding.
After signing in with the correct Epic Games account, click your username in the top-right corner and choose “Account” from the dropdown menu.
In the account settings page, select “Apps and Accounts” from the menu on the left-hand side.
Go to the “Accounts” tab and locate “MyDisney Account” among the available connection options.
Click “Connect” next to MyDisney Account. If you already have a Disney+ subscription, you will have a MyDisney account. If not, it is free to create one.
You will be redirected to the MyDisney website to log in and confirm the connection.
Once the accounts are linked, the Stormtrooper outfit will be added to your Fortnite account automatically.
This giveaway is available for a limited time and is part of a larger promotion leading into Star Wars Day.
Fans eagerly await announcement of a new Zelda game for the Nintendo Switch 2
Discussions centre around combining classic elements with modern open-world gameplay
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom continue to set high expectations
Players want improved dungeons, deeper combat, and better weapon durability
Some fans suggest Wind Waker-inspired visuals and enhanced performance
Anticipation builds for first new Zelda game on Nintendo Switch 2
As Nintendo Switch 2 arrives in the hands of gamers across the world, fans of The Legend of Zelda series are already looking ahead to what the console’s first original Zelda title might offer. While a new Zelda game has yet to be officially announced for the next-generation system, the fanbase is actively discussing its hopes and expectations online.
The Legend of Zelda remains one of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises, with a legacy stretching back to its debut on the NES in 1986. With the success of recent entries like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, players are now speculating on how the next instalment can build upon those achievements.
Fans want a mix of tradition and innovation
A recent Reddit thread, started by user frewbrew, asked fans what they would like to see in a new Zelda game for the Nintendo Switch 2. The responses reflect a desire for both continuity and fresh ideas.
“I want everything Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom did right: open world, exploration, music, atmosphere,” wrote one user, 3ehsan. “With improvements upon everything the most recent entries fell short on, such as classic dungeons, story, and combat.”
Others shared similar thoughts, calling for a return to more structured dungeon design, a hallmark of older Zelda games. “I honestly like how they did dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom, or rather, the quests that include the dungeons,” added RegurgitatedMincer, suggesting the format could be expanded further.
Suggestions include better combat and weapon durability
While the franchise’s shift to open-world gameplay has been widely praised, some players are hoping for changes to mechanics such as weapon durability. “I wouldn't mind the durability system if the swords made of steel and various other metals didn't break after five hits,” noted user Fox_McCloud_Jr.
Combat also emerged as an area where fans would like to see refinement, with many calling for deeper mechanics and more memorable enemy encounters.
Visual upgrades and inspiration from Wind Waker
A number of fans expressed a wish for the next game to push the graphical capabilities of the new hardware. With the Nintendo Switch 2 offering upgraded performance, some are hoping the next Zelda title will be a technical showcase, both visually and in terms of framerate.
Others suggested inspiration could be drawn from The Wind Waker, with its bold art style and seafaring gameplay. Although no direction has been confirmed, fans remain optimistic that the next title will honour the series’ legacy while embracing new ideas.
Waiting for what’s next
Until Nintendo makes an official announcement, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom remain the definitive Zelda experiences available on the new system in enhanced form. But excitement around the next original entry continues to grow.
Whether it revisits familiar territory or charts a bold new path, the new Zelda game for Nintendo Switch 2 is already one of the most highly anticipated releases on the horizon.
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New standalone story with fresh characters and darker themes
Netflix announces Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 at Anime Expo 2025
New standalone story with fresh characters and darker themes
Directed by Kai Ikarashi, known for episode six of season one
Showrunner promises more violence, emotional depth, and realism
Trailer expected to be released during Studio Trigger panel
New season revealed at Anime Expo 2025
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 has officially been announced by Netflix and CD Projekt Red during the Anime Expo 2025 event. The follow-up to the hit anime spinoff of Cyberpunk 2077 will feature a completely new storyline and characters, while retaining the series’ distinctive raw and emotional tone.
The new 10-episode season will not continue the story of David from season one but will instead present a fresh narrative within the violent and chaotic world of Night City.
Creative team returns with new direction
The new season will be directed by Kai Ikarashi, who previously directed the popular episode six, titled “Girl on Fire”, in the first season. A trailer is expected to debut during animation studio Trigger’s panel at Anime Expo, scheduled for 8:30pm PT.
Showrunner and writer Bartosz Sztybor, who returns for season two, told attendees that the next season will be “sadder, darker, more bloody, and more raw.” Reflecting on season one, he remarked: “I just wanted to make the whole world sad… when people are sad, I’m a bit happy.”
The official description for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 promises a standalone tale of “redemption and revenge.” Set in the brutal and spectacle-driven Night City, the story will explore what it takes to be noticed in a world overwhelmed by violence and chaos.
The series remains a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger, and continues to expand the Cyberpunk 2077 universe across different media. No release date has been confirmed for the second season.
The first season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was praised for its animation style, emotional storytelling, and faithful representation of the game’s dystopian setting. Expectations for season two are high as fans await further updates.
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To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production
Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history
Strong demand leads to shortages
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.
“Currently, for Nintendo Switch 2, demand is exceeding supply in many countries, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may be causing our consumers,” he said.
Furukawa acknowledged that even shareholders and their families may be struggling to secure a unit, particularly in Japan, where Nintendo implemented a lottery system through its official My Nintendo Store.
2.2 million applications in Japan alone
The company began accepting applications for the Switch 2 via random draw in early April. Applicants had to meet specific criteria to qualify. The number of entries far exceeded Nintendo’s expectations, with over 2.2 million applications submitted.
Furukawa noted that, as of April 23, he had posted a public message on X acknowledging the high demand and apologising to those not selected. Four lottery rounds have since taken place, but many hopeful customers remain without a console. A fifth draw is scheduled for early July.
While many Japanese retailers also used lottery systems for launch sales, Furukawa stated that more stores are now offering the device for direct purchase.
Nintendo to boost supply
To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production and distribution efforts. “We will continue to strengthen our production and supply systems to deliver as many Nintendo Switch 2 systems as possible to our consumers,” Furukawa said.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched on 5 June and sold over 3.5 million units worldwide within its first four days, according to VGChartz estimates. This marks the most successful hardware launch in Nintendo history, surpassing the original Switch’s launch week total of 1.4 million units.
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The trend is most pronounced among 18 to 24-year-olds
Young adults aged 18–24 have cut video game spending by nearly 25%
Rising game and console prices are key factors behind the drop
Free-to-play games dominate usage, replacing premium titles
Industry faces growing pressure as live service titles saturate the market
Similar trends expected in UK due to parallel consumer habits
Young players cut back as gaming becomes pricier
Video game spending among young adults in the US has fallen sharply, with new data showing a nearly 25% decline compared to last year. Analysts point to increasing game and console prices, combined with the popularity of free-to-play titles, as the main reasons behind the drop.
The trend is most pronounced among 18 to 24-year-olds, who are spending significantly less across multiple consumer categories — but none more so than gaming. This raises fresh concerns for an industry already facing stagnation in demand and shifting player behaviour.
Prices climb, budgets shrink
Gaming has always been a relatively expensive hobby, but recent pricing trends have stretched the wallets of young players even further. Sony’s £70 price point for new releases has become standard, while Nintendo has now priced Mario Kart World at up to £75.
Meanwhile, hardware costs are rising too. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is listed at £395.99, a figure many now view as affordable in relative terms. These price hikes appear to be pushing young adults away from buying new games and consoles altogether.
Video game spend among 18 to 24's is down sharply."Young grads are having a much tougher time finding jobs. Student-loan payments are restarting for millions of borrowers... credit-card delinquency rates have risen to their highest points since before the pandemic..."www.wsj.com/personal-fin...
Matt Piscatella, executive director and analyst at Circana, published a report showing that spending among 18–24s in the US dropped across all tracked categories in April 2025. The steepest fall was in video games, with a near-25% year-on-year decline.
Although other age groups saw only a minor 1–2% fall in gaming spend, the sharp drop in the youngest adult demographic is particularly worrying for publishers hoping to build long-term audiences. By contrast, categories like beauty and sports equipment recorded spending increases, highlighting a shift in consumer priorities.
Free-to-play dominates playtime
A growing number of gamers are turning to free-to-play titles, which offer zero upfront cost and instead rely on in-game purchases. A Circana report from earlier this year revealed that over 70% of PlayStation 5 and Xbox users in the US were mostly playing one of the top 10 free live service games — including Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Roblox.
These games often consume players’ time without requiring them to purchase newer titles, which may explain why even blockbuster releases are struggling to make a dent in the market.
Industry pushes live service, but results vary
In response to changing habits, many studios are doubling down on live service games that focus on long-term engagement and microtransactions. Sony has heavily invested in the model, though its only notable success in recent years has been Helldivers 2 — developed externally rather than in-house.
Yet live service games are also facing saturation. A March 2025 study showed most PC gamers prefer older, established titles such as League of Legends and Counter-Strike, leaving little room for newcomers to gain traction.
Challenges ahead for the gaming sector
The near-25% drop in gaming spend among young adults points to deeper issues in the industry — from pricing strategy and game value perception to competition from free alternatives. While the current data focuses on the US, similar consumer patterns in the UK suggest the trend is likely to be mirrored here.
As players increasingly favour free content and established titles, studios and publishers may need to rethink how they deliver value and remain competitive in a market facing both economic and cultural shifts.
Helldivers 2 launches on Xbox Series X|S on 26 August 2025.
Sony is publishing the title on Xbox, an unusual move for the company.
Crossplay confirmed between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
The announcement coincides with Gears of War: Reloaded’s PS5 debut.
Helldivers 2 to launch on Xbox Series X|S this August
Sony has confirmed that Helldivers 2 will launch on Xbox Series X and S on 26 August 2025, marking a rare move by the company to release one of its games on a rival console. The announcement was made during a livestream and comes on the same day Microsoft’s Gears of War: Reloaded is set to arrive on PlayStation 5.
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Helldivers 2 is a co-op third-person shooter that has already achieved major success on PlayStation 5 and PC, where it launched in February 2024. The title has since sold over 12 million copies in just 12 weeks, becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game of all time.
Cross-platform play confirmed
Helldivers 2 will support full crossplay between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, allowing players across all platforms to team up in their missions to defend Super Earth. The game’s director, Mikael Eriksson, addressed the new platform launch in a post on Xbox Wire.
“We know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game,” Eriksson said. “We have so much more in store for the future months and years – and the more players we have the more stories we can tell! The fight for Super Earth has only just begun.”
- YouTube YouTube/ IGN
Breaking from tradition
The release of Helldivers 2 on Xbox marks a significant shift in strategy for Sony, which traditionally limits PlayStation Studios titles to its own consoles and, increasingly, to PC. Until now, MLB The Show has been one of the few exceptions, launching on Xbox under the MLB brand.
This announcement is part of a broader trend across the gaming industry. Microsoft is also expanding its reach beyond Xbox, with several former exclusives heading to PlayStation. These include Gears of War: Reloaded, Hellblade 2 (arriving in August), and The Outer Worlds 2 (set for an October release on PS5).
The launch of Helldivers 2 on Xbox is expected to grow its player base further and signals a continued move toward cross-platform gaming and reduced console exclusivity.