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.
Rockstar Games has released the much-anticipated second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, providing fans with a closer look at the game's story, characters, and expansive setting. Captured on PlayStation 5, the trailer highlights the return to Vice City and invites players to explore the wider state of Leonida.
Following the announcement of a delay pushing the game's release to 26 May 2026, this latest trailer aims to reignite excitement among fans who have been waiting over a decade since the release of GTA V.
Jason and Lucia take centre stage
The trailer introduces the central protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. Rockstar describes the pair as being caught in a dangerous conspiracy that stretches across Leonida. The official synopsis reveals: “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy... forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”
Jason, a former Army member with ties to drug runners in the Keys, is portrayed as someone trying to escape a difficult past. Lucia, who has recently been released from prison, is determined to secure a better life for herself and her family. The trailer hints at a tense, high-stakes storyline built on trust and survival.
Supporting cast and character profiles
Rockstar’s updated GTA 6 website offers detailed character bios, adding depth to the world of Vice City. Key supporting characters include:
Cal Hampton: A paranoid conspiracy theorist and Jason’s friend, often seen monitoring Coast Guard communications from his home.
Boobie Ike: A former street figure who has turned his influence into a business empire including real estate, a recording studio, and a strip club.
Dre’Quan Priest: A music entrepreneur behind “Only Raw Records”, aiming to take Vice City’s music scene by storm.
Real Dimez: A rap duo composed of Bae-Luxe and Roxy, whose early viral success has led to a record deal.
Raul Bautista: A seasoned bank robber looking for crew members willing to take big risks.
Brian Heder: A drug runner from the Keys who houses Jason in exchange for favours and occasional company.
Locations across Leonida
The game world, set in the fictional state of Leonida – Rockstar's take on Florida – appears to be the largest and most varied in the franchise’s history. Trailer 2 reveals a wide range of locations, from urban streets to swampy wetlands.
Vice City: The sun-soaked, vibrant city returns with neighbourhoods like Ocean Beach, Little Cuba, and the VC Port, blending pastel hotels, flea markets, and busy local shops.
Leonida Keys: A tropical archipelago where island life hides dangerous undercurrents.
Grassrivers: Dense wetlands filled with alligators and other threats, promising unpredictable exploration.
Port Gellhorn: Once a tourist haven, now a gritty town run on cheap liquor and back-alley deals.
Ambrosia: A region dominated by industrial activity, local biker gangs, and a powerful sugar refinery.
Mount Kalaga: A mountainous area offering hunting, fishing, and off-grid communities living beyond state control.
Each area brings its own atmosphere, challenges, and storylines, reinforcing Rockstar’s emphasis on player immersion.
Delay and platform release
While the excitement around the new trailer is high, Rockstar has also confirmed a significant delay to GTA 6’s launch. Initially expected in late 2025, the game is now scheduled for release on 26 May 2026. The title is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no official PC release date yet announced.
Rockstar released the first trailer for GTA VI in December 2023. The gap between the two trailers — one year, five months, and two days — mirrors the promotional strategy used for GTA V, whose first two trailers were released one year and five months apart.
A glimpse into the future of GTA
- YouTubeRockstar Games
The second trailer and updated website make it clear that Rockstar is aiming to deliver its most expansive and narratively rich title yet. With dual protagonists, a wide-ranging open world, and a deep supporting cast, GTA VI is set to push the boundaries of what fans expect from the series.
Fans can now dive into character details and explore Leonida’s environments on the official GTA VI website, as anticipation builds toward the 2026 release.
GTA 6 is now showing as available to download on Xbox Series X/S
The full game is not playable; the download is a placeholder
File size is 328.76MB, indicating no actual game content
GTA 6 launches on 26 May 2026 for Xbox Series X/S and PS5
GTA 6 Xbox listing causes fan frenzy
Grand Theft Auto VI has made a surprise appearance on the Microsoft Store, allowing Xbox Series X/S users to download preliminary files for the highly anticipated title, despite the game’s full release being nearly a year away.
The game, due to launch on 26 May 2026, has been officially listed on the store, sparking confusion and excitement among fans. Although the download is now live, the file size is just 328.76MB, far too small for any meaningful content or early access.
What does the GTA 6 Xbox download do?
Downloading GTA 6 on Xbox does not allow players to access any part of the game. Instead, it installs placeholder files in preparation for pre-loading. Attempting to launch it simply displays the game’s cover art briefly before returning users to the Xbox dashboard.
These files will eventually be replaced with the full game data shortly before launch, meaning those who download now will benefit from automatic installation when the game is officially released.
— (@)
Should you download it now?
There is no real benefit to downloading the files this early, especially given the limited storage available on most consoles. Players who are low on SSD space may prefer to wait until closer to the release date to install the game.
GTA 6 will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on 26 May 2026. Pre-orders have not yet opened.
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Scott, known online as Accursed Farms, has spent the past year rallying public and political support.
Ross Scott (Accursed Farms) launched the Stop Killing Games campaign in 2023 after Ubisoft announced it would shut down The Crew permanently
The initiative aims to protect consumer access to games after publishers withdraw support
Petitions in both the UK and EU are nearing their deadlines: July 14 (UK) and July 3 (EU)
Despite wide support, the EU Citizens’ Initiative remains short of its 1 million-signature target
Scott plans to step away from campaigning after July, citing burnout and financial strain
Campaign to preserve games faces critical deadline
With less than a month remaining, the Stop Killing Games initiative launched by YouTuber and gaming advocate Ross Scott is approaching its final deadline. The campaign, which seeks to protect players’ access to games even after publishers shut down their servers, was sparked by Ubisoft’s decision to permanently disable The Crew in 2023.
Scott, known online as Accursed Farms, has spent the past year rallying public and political support. Despite media attention and significant effort, the campaign's key goal, a European Citizens’ Initiative reaching one million signatures, remains unmet.
Two major deadlines loom: 3 July for the EU initiative and 14 July for the UK parliamentary petition. With time running out, Scott has signalled he will step away from leading any further campaigns.
A fight against silent erasure
The heart of Scott’s campaign is simple: digital games should not disappear without a clear warning or alternative access. He argues current laws are inadequate, sometimes contradictory, and often ignore consumer expectations. “The law wasn't written for this situation,” he explains. “The industry's terms might possibly be illegal… traditional expectations are that games last indefinitely.”
Scott stresses that the campaign does not demand publishers support games forever, but rather that end-of-life plans and clear communication be required. He believes hitting the one million-signature mark would give regulators a clear mandate to act.
“If we had rolled up with 1 million signatures… that would've been the easy way out for regulators,” Scott said. But as of now, the petition sits at just under half a million.
Awareness vs action
Despite the initiative being one of the most popular active EU Citizens’ Initiatives for much of the past year, progress has slowed. “The problem isn’t getting gamers to care about games; it’s getting people to care about anything,” Scott remarked.
He has worked tirelessly—often 12 to 14 hours a day—on outreach, media appearances, and community engagement. But significant obstacles have stood in the way, including bans on political advertising on YouTube and Twitch in many EU countries, as well as the complexities of working across languages and legal systems.
“I kept hoping someone with more reach and better ad campaigning could just point people to the destination and get it done,” he said, noting that his limitations in marketing, fundraising, and legal planning made the role unsustainable.
Online criticism and internal conflict
In a recent video, Scott also addressed criticism from fellow content creator PirateSoftware (Thor), who he says misrepresented the initiative. Scott spent a significant portion of the video refuting claims that the campaign demanded indefinite game support or only applied to single-player titles.
“It was written on the website from day one,” he said in frustration. “I must’ve said this 100 times now.”
What happens after July?
Whether or not the EU petition succeeds, Scott is stepping back. “No way am I going to spearhead something like this again,” he said. “I took it to the best of my ability. That wasn’t good enough.” He added that the campaign had affected his income and that he now needed to focus on more sustainable work.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Accursed Farms
While he may still assist others behind the scenes, Scott has no plans to lead another full-scale initiative.
Still, he remains realistic about what success might mean. Even if the petition triggers action, it’s unlikely to be simple. He predicts that some games currently “on death row” could be shut down early, but new protections would prevent the same fate for future titles.
A broken system and a final appeal
Scott believes the industry has quietly normalised the removal of digital purchases without public consent. “Nobody voted on this. Companies just started taking away your purchases, nobody stopped them, and it slowly got normalised,” he said. “It felt like a coup.”
He concluded his video with a blunt reflection on the process: “It’s stupid that we didn’t have clear laws on this to begin with… that me, a chump YouTuber, was the one spearheading this.”
Still, despite his exhaustion and the uphill battle, Scott is encouraging those who support the cause to take action before the final deadline.
To learn more or sign the petition before it closes, visit Stop Killing Games. EU residents can sign the European Citizens’ Initiative until 3 July, and UK residents can support the parliamentary petition until 14 July.
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The launch aligns with Microsoft’s recent announcements
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition available now in the UK and US
Features Xbox-style black design with green trim
Includes Xbox Wireless Controller, Touch Plus controllers, and Elite Strap
Priced at $400 (approx. £320) with limited availability
Includes 3-month access to Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition now available
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition has officially launched in the UK and US. Priced at $400 (around £320), this limited-edition virtual reality headset offers a bundle tailored for Xbox and VR enthusiasts alike. Meta confirmed its release on 24 June, following earlier reports.
Availability is restricted to Meta’s website and Best Buy in the US, and Argos and EE in the UK. Quantities are described as “extremely limited”.
Designed for Xbox fans
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition features a black aesthetic with Xbox’s signature green trim. It includes a matching Xbox Wireless Controller, Meta’s Touch Plus controllers, and an Elite Strap for added comfort during extended gameplay.
The headset supports additional devices, including the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and compatible third-party gamepads such as the Backbone Pro.
Cloud gaming and subscription access
With 128GB of storage, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition also includes three months of access to Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The latter allows users to stream games via cloud on the Xbox app, including titles outside the Game Pass catalogue.
Xbox cloud gaming support has been available on Quest headsets since late 2023, and this release further deepens Microsoft’s ambition to expand gaming access across platforms.
Exclusive to UK and US markets
For now, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is only available in the UK and US, with no international release confirmed. The launch aligns with Microsoft’s recent announcements, including Xbox-branded ASUS ROG Ally handheld PCs due later this year.
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Melee player Joseph ‘Mang0’ Marquez has been released from esports organisation Cloud9
Mang0 released by Cloud9 on 23 June after intoxicated behaviour at streamed event
Incident occurred during Ludwig Ahgren’s Beerio Kart World Cup
Cloud9 cited “zero-tolerance” for harassment
Mang0 apologised publicly and acknowledged his struggle with alcohol
Community reacts with a mix of sympathy and concern
Cloud9 parts ways with Mang0 after over a decade
Professional Super Smash Bros. Melee player Joseph ‘Mang0’ Marquez has been released from esports organisation Cloud9 following inappropriate conduct during a live-streamed event. The announcement came on 23 June, marking the end of Mang0’s 10-year tenure with the team.
The decision was made after Mang0 was seen engaging in drunken and inappropriate behaviour toward women during Ludwig Ahgren’s Beerio Kart World Cup, a social gaming event that was broadcast live online.
Incident leads to swift action
Mang0, while visibly intoxicated, reportedly harassed several female attendees during the event. His behaviour included humping gestures near their faces and pushing a cardboard cut-out of himself into a nearby woman. The actions drew criticism from viewers and attendees, prompting swift responses from both event organiser Ludwig and Cloud9.
— (@)
Cloud9 issued an official statement: “Regardless of tenure or accomplishments, the behaviour demonstrated is entirely unacceptable and directly conflicts with our organisation’s core values. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance regarding harassment or any other form of inappropriate conduct.”
Mang0 responds with public apology
Following the announcement, Mang0 took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express remorse. “No one to blame but myself,” he wrote. “But man, never thought I could hit this low. Probably won’t hear from me for a while. I’m sorry, everyone. Wish I was better.”
In a reply to Cloud9’s statement, he thanked the organisation, saying it had been “amazing” and would always “have a place in my heart.”
— (@)
Mang0 also stated he had spoken with friends about his drinking and intended to quit alcohol immediately. “Feel like I let so many people down,” he added. “Everyone has coddled me for so long and kinda looked the other way when it came to my drinking. I genuinely feel so awful about it.”
History of alcohol use in the community
Mang0 has long been known for his alcohol use, even during Smash events. While some of his previous behaviour—such as having security called on him at Genesis X2—was dismissed as humorous by fans, the latest incident has been seen in a more serious light.
This time, many within the fighting game community (FGC) agreed that the line had been crossed. Ludwig, the host of the Beerio Kart event, has also confirmed that Mang0 is banned from all future events he organises.
Mixed reactions from the Smash community
The Mang0 incident has sparked a divided response from the Smash Bros. community. While some fans expressed sympathy and suggested rehabilitation rather than dismissal, others supported Cloud9’s decision and highlighted the need for accountability in a community that has faced repeated allegations of misconduct.
Several users noted that the Smash scene has faced multiple scandals in recent years and argued that leniency in such cases risks normalising inappropriate behaviour.
What’s next for Mang0?
As of now, Mang0 remains out of competition, with no clear path to return. While he continues to express remorse and a desire to change, it is unclear whether tournament organisers beyond Ludwig will also impose bans or whether sponsors may reconsider supporting him in the future.
Mang0 has stated that he intends to reflect and “redeem” himself over time, but his future in competitive gaming remains uncertain.
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Several early Death Stranding 2 reviews emphasise the game’s meditative pace and symbolic narrative
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach releases on 26 June 2025 for PlayStation 5
Critics highlight its stylised storytelling, visual design, and A-list cast
Gameplay centres on post-apocalyptic cargo delivery and exploration
Reviews call it hypnotic, emotional, and sometimes frustratingly slow
Players are divided over its pacing, symbolism, and niche appeal
A cinematic sequel that’s both familiar and strange
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches worldwide on 26 June, and early impressions suggest it’s just as unconventional as the original. Described by critics as a “hypnotising, slow-paced art-house game,” the sequel continues the unique blend of traversal gameplay, cinematic storytelling and surreal world-building introduced in Death Stranding (2019).
Set in an alternate future where the boundary between life and death has collapsed, the sequel follows protagonist Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he leaves his quiet life in Mexico to reconnect isolated communities across Mexico and Australia. The goal: restore access to a high-tech communication system called the chiral network in the wake of a fragmented, post-disaster world.
Critics praise storytelling, tone, and ambition
Several early Death Stranding 2 reviews emphasise the game’s meditative pace and symbolic narrative. The story is said to be layered with allegory and poetic metaphors, often requiring players to interpret its dreamlike events and characters.
Kojima’s vision is clearly rooted in cinematic inspiration. The opening includes a six-minute cutscene, and reviewers note that long, quiet stretches of walking allow players to reflect on the game’s meaning. One reviewer described it as “a game that invites scrutiny and rewards patience,” while another called it “equal parts game and existential art project.”
The cast features major talent including Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, George Miller, Guillermo del Toro, and Shioli Kutsuna, many of whom reprise roles or take on new surreal identities. Their characters serve as metaphors as much as people: one rains wherever she goes, another pilots a ship with a tar-infused hand. The emotional performances are surprisingly affecting, particularly in quieter scenes.
Gameplay: Delivery missions, upgraded combat
At its core, Death Stranding 2 remains a delivery game. Players guide Sam through rugged terrain, balancing cargo, managing supplies, and planning safe routes between settlements. While this sounds mundane, reviews say the game’s detailed systems — including tools, gear, and environmental challenges — add real depth.
- YouTubeYouTube/ KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
Combat has been expanded. Players can now face off more often with Beached Things (BTs) and hostile humans, using grenades, firearms, or stealth tactics. The mechanics have been refined since the first game, with some calling the combat “slick” and “surprisingly satisfying.”
One review notes, “The pleasure is as much in the preparation as it is in the action,” referring to the logistical decisions players make before embarking on missions. New traversal tools and improved mission variety also help keep things engaging.
Post-pandemic influence and online connection
Kojima reportedly rewrote the sequel’s story during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the parallels are evident. Themes of isolation, fear of contact, and re-establishing human connection run throughout the game.
Like its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 includes asynchronous multiplayer features. Players can build structures and leave equipment or messages for others in their own single-player worlds. This feature has been interpreted by reviewers as a satirical nod to social media, with “like” icons and digital clutter slowly overtaking the environment, a subtle critique of online attention culture.
Not for everyone, but rewarding for some
While the game has received strong praise from critics for its ambition and style, it has also been described as a “niche experience.” Some players find the pacing too slow and the gameplay too repetitive. Others argue that the symbolism can become overbearing or confusing.
Still, for fans of Kojima’s previous work or anyone seeking something outside mainstream action game formulas, Death Stranding 2 offers a compelling and unusual journey.
“Everything that was good and frustrating about the first game is back,” one critic summarised. “But this time it’s more polished, more confident, and more meaningful.”
Final verdict from the review community
Most Death Stranding 2 reviews agree on a few core points:
It’s visually stunning, with atmospheric design and excellent voice acting
The delivery gameplay is detailed and deliberate, appealing to those who enjoy planning and slow exploration
The narrative is symbolic and open to interpretation, rewarding thoughtful players
It’s not action-packed, and won’t suit everyone, but it stands out in today’s gaming landscape