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.
Grand Theft Auto 6's highly anticipated second trailer has been dissected frame by frame by fans, with one viewer pointing out a small visual oversight. The brief moment, lasting just a second, has sparked light-hearted reactions across the gaming community.
The error occurs during a high-octane scene where Jason, one of the game's protagonists, fires a handgun from a car. Reddit user Cat_With_Banana96 noted that light appears on Jason’s face a fraction of a second before the muzzle flash of the gun, creating a discrepancy in the trailer’s lighting sequence. The fan shared screenshots to highlight the moment, which takes place during a fast-paced sequence lasting only a second.
The detail was quickly picked up by other viewers, with many joking about the slip-up. Comments such as “That’s it, pre-order cancelled” and “Literally unplayable” filled the replies, clearly intended as humorous jabs rather than serious criticism. The trailer, released by Rockstar Games, has otherwise been widely praised for its visual fidelity and cinematic presentation.
While the lighting issue is minor, it has drawn attention because of Rockstar’s reputation for high standards and the frequent comments from Take-Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick about striving for “perfection”. Fans have largely taken the slip in good humour, acknowledging the incredible amount of detail throughout the rest of the trailer.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Rockstar Games
The second trailer gave fans a closer look at the game’s setting and characters, including more footage of Jason and Lucia, the protagonists. Styled as a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, the pair were shown navigating chaotic scenes including swamp pursuits, helicopter action, and romantic moments, offering more insight into the game’s narrative and tone.
Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release in 2025. The game will take players to Vice City and beyond, and expectations remain high despite the long wait. For most fans, a small continuity error in a trailer is unlikely to dampen excitement for what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious titles in Rockstar’s history.
GTA 6 fans speculated Rockstar could appear at Gamescom after its logo was spotted at Take-Two’s booth
The studio has not confirmed any presence, with the game still scheduled for release on 26 May 2026
GTA Online players can currently claim up to £1.6m in-game currency as part of Rockstar’s End of Summer giveaway
Speculation continues to swirl around Grand Theft Auto VI, one of the most anticipated video games of all time. Rumours of a Rockstar Games appearance at Gamescom were fuelled this week when the company’s logo was spotted on Take-Two Interactive’s booth. However, Rockstar has not confirmed any showcase at the event, and the release date remains set for May 2026.
Gamescom rumours
Fans noticed Rockstar’s branding among Take-Two’s displays at Gamescom, sparking hopes that new footage or details might be revealed. But there has been no official confirmation that GTA 6 will feature at the event.
The most recent update from Rockstar came in May, when the studio dropped the second trailer, fresh screenshots, artwork and an overhauled website. That followed the announcement that the release had been pushed back from autumn 2025 to 26 May 2026.
Release date confirmed
Take-Two, Rockstar’s parent company, reiterated that date during its quarterly earnings call on 7 August. With at least nine months still to go, leaks, speculation and fan theories continue to dominate discussion around the title.
GTA online bonuses
In the meantime, Rockstar has launched new incentives for Grand Theft Auto Online players. Those who log in before 17 September will receive £800,000 in-game cash, while GTA+ subscribers will be awarded an additional £800,000, bringing the total to £1.6m. Bonuses are deposited within 72 hours of logging in.
Rockstar also announced limited-time boosts, with triple rewards on Export Requests and double rewards on all Simeon Contact Missions. Players who complete all Premium Deluxe Repo Work missions before the deadline will unlock a £400,000 in-game bonus.
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Staying updated
With Rockstar staying tight-lipped until closer to launch, the GTA community is left to sift through teasers, rumours and occasional updates from the studio. Fans eager for official news will likely need to wait until 2026 for the next major reveal.
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Preview build highlights strong combat and traversal
Long-delayed sequel set for release on 21 October across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S
Developed by The Chinese Room, published by Paradox and White Wolf
Preview build highlights strong combat and traversal, but limited role-playing depth
Concerns remain over empty-feeling environments and linear gameplay
A sequel years in the making
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has endured a troubled development since its initial announcement in 2019. Originally due in 2020, the game faced delays and even suspension before being handed to UK studio The Chinese Room, best known for Still Wakes the Deep. It is now set for release on 21 October on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Having played several hours of a preview build, early impressions are mixed. While the game captures the power fantasy of being an elder vampire, it offers a narrower role-playing experience than many expected.
Immediate power and fluid combat
Players begin not as a fledgling but as “Phyre”, an elder vampire who has awoken after a century. From the outset, Phyre possesses advanced abilities such as scaling buildings, moving with supernatural speed, telekinetically hurling objects, and punching enemies across rooms.
The action has a sharp, tactile feel, enhanced by clan-specific powers. In the Brujah clan preview, abilities such as Lightning Punch and charge attacks added to the fast-paced combat. However, two clans will only be available via paid content.
This emphasis on action means levels are more linear, but traversal and combat arenas have been carefully designed, showcasing the studio’s flair for atmospheric environments.
Atmosphere and limitations
The game is set in a wintry Seattle, with detailed interiors and moody lighting. Environments such as derelict buildings and a hotel party scene highlight The Chinese Room’s strengths in environmental storytelling.
Yet interactivity is limited. Many doors and NPCs are non-functional, with only quest-linked characters available to engage. Even populated spaces, such as the hotel lobby or city streets, often feel empty. Dialogue with key characters is functional but restrained, with only a few standing out, such as the darkly humorous Nosferatu character Tolly.
Narrative potential
The main character shares their mind with an embedded noir-style private investigator, offering narration, commentary, and occasional gameplay shifts. In one preview sequence, this allowed for more nuanced, dialogue-driven play, hinting at the kind of role-playing depth long-time fans may be hoping for.
- YouTube YouTube/ The Chinese Room
Still a work in progress
As a preview build, what was shown may not reflect the final product. Developers suggest that Seattle will feel more populated and interactive later in the game. However, given that preview builds are often curated to highlight strengths, questions remain about how much role-playing flexibility the final release will deliver.
Release outlook
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is due for release on 21 October. Early impressions suggest a game leaning more towards action and stealth than traditional role-playing, leaving the extent of its depth and replayability still uncertain.
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Players will be able to traverse these environments using vehicles
Insider claims Resident Evil Requiem will feature a combat system similar to The Last of Us Part II.
Leon Kennedy reportedly returns as one of the protagonists despite official silence.
Players will be able to travel through open-level areas using vehicles.
New lighting, shadow, hair, and environmental physics systems have been implemented.
Release date set for 27 February 2026.
With just days to go before Resident Evil Requiem is showcased at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, new leaks suggest the game will deliver its most ambitious mechanics yet. According to reliable insider Dusk Golem, the next entry in Capcom’s survival horror series will blend innovations with influences from The Last of Us Part II, introduce open-level exploration with vehicles, and push technical boundaries with upgraded visuals and AI.
A combat system inspired by The Last of Us
Dusk Golem reports that combat in Resident Evil Requiem has been heavily reworked, drawing inspiration from The Last of Us Part II while adding unique elements of its own. Leon Kennedy, who Capcom has not confirmed as a protagonist, is said to feature prominently in these combat sequences.
Open-level design and vehicles
The game will reportedly feature open-level areas such as Raccoon City, designed to perform smoothly despite their scale. Players will be able to traverse these environments using vehicles, adding a new layer of mobility and exploration to the series.
Switch between first and third person
One of the officially announced features is the ability to swap between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time. Dusk Golem notes that this has required Capcom to design and balance the gameplay as if developing two separate games simultaneously.
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Technical upgrades
Capcom has reworked its development tools to accommodate the game’s ambitions, introducing a new lighting and shadow engine, improved hair rendering first seen in Pragmata, and expanded environmental physics. Interactivity has been increased in sequences featuring the character Grace, while the interplay between light and darkness is expected to be a key gameplay element.
Smarter enemies
A new dynamic AI system powers an enemy that actively pursues the player, adapting its behaviour on the fly for a more unpredictable and tense experience. This AI will respond intelligently to the player’s actions, creating varied encounters across playthroughs.
Eleven games coming to PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra on 19 August.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered available for PS5; PS4 players get Game of the Year Edition.
PS Plus Premium subscribers gain access to PS1 versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3.
Game trial for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach available to Premium members.
Sony has announced 11 new titles joining the PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra catalogues this month, with Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered leading the line-up. The additions, arriving on 19 August, include major console exclusives and classic titles, offering a strong month for subscribers across both tiers.
Full August line-up
The games being added to PS Plus Premium and Extra on 19 August 2025 are:
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key (PS4, PS5)
Coral Island (PS5)
Earth Defense Force 6 (PS4, PS5)
Harold Halibut (PS5)
Indika (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4, PS5)
Mortal Kombat 1 (PS5)
PS1 version of Resident Evil 2 (PS4, PS5) – Premium only
PS1 version of Resident Evil 3 (PS4, PS5) – Premium only
Sword of the Sea (PS5)
Unicorn Overlord (PS4, PS5)
These titles join the service alongside August’s PS Plus Essential games, including Lies of P.
Spider-Man swings back onto PlayStation
Marvel’s Spider-Man remains one of the most acclaimed superhero games, combining a compelling story with fluid web-swinging gameplay. PS5 owners will receive Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, while PS4 users will access the Game of the Year Edition.
The line-up also features Sword of the Sea, a new console exclusive, and retro horror classics Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 for Premium subscribers.
Extras for Premium subscribers
The PS1 versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 are emulated releases offering modern features such as rewind, save states and enhanced resolution. Premium members will also be able to try Death Stranding 2: On the Beach via a five-hour game trial starting 19 August.
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The studio has not confirmed that all features will be completed by the end of 2025
PS5 version of STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl planned for release later this year
Game to be upgraded to Unreal Engine 5.5.4 for improved performance and stability
New gameplay features and balance tweaks also in development
GSC Game World has confirmed plans to deliver significant updates to STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl ahead of its upcoming PlayStation 5 release. The improvements, targeted for later this year, include a major engine upgrade and a host of gameplay additions.
Engine upgrade for better performance
The developer’s primary focus is upgrading the game to Unreal Engine 5.5.4. According to the studio’s statement on Steam, the update will bring new features, tools, and optimisations designed to enhance performance and stability. STALKER 2 faced performance issues following its launch on PC and Xbox Series X|S in November last year, though many have since been addressed.
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Planned gameplay enhancements
In addition to the engine upgrade, GSC Game World is working on a range of new content and refinements, including:
Exploration-based equipment
Gameplay balance adjustments
Additional open-world events
New missions
New weather type
‘Master’ difficulty mode
Extended day-night cycle
Loot system overhaul
Stamina and energy rework
Immersive display mode
User interface updates
Release outlook
The studio has not confirmed that all features will be completed by the end of 2025, noting that plans may change. However, the goal remains to implement most of the improvements alongside the PS5 release later this year.