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.
A possible next-gen upgrade for Red Dead Redemption 2 has surfaced following a reported leak, suggesting Rockstar Games may soon bring its award-winning title to Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
The information comes via GameReactor, which claims to have spoken to a source close to Rockstar. According to the report, an enhanced version of the game is in development, although no official announcement has been made. As such, the details should be treated as unconfirmed.
Red Dead Redemption 2 was originally released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While it remains visually impressive even by today's standards, fans have long called for an updated version that fully utilises the capabilities of newer consoles. At present, the game runs on next-gen hardware only via backwards compatibility, without dedicated performance or visual upgrades.
The leak also mentions the possibility of Red Dead Redemption 2 being re-released on the rumoured Nintendo Switch 2. While this claim has raised eyebrows, it comes alongside reports that Cyberpunk 2077 is also heading to the upcoming Nintendo console, lending some credibility to the idea.
- YouTubeYouTube/ PVP Cat
It is not yet known whether the upgrade would be available as a free update for current owners, or sold as a new edition. Should Rockstar decide to charge for the enhanced version, it could prompt criticism from players, especially as the studio has previously offered limited free upgrade paths.
The potential upgrade arrives amid ongoing frustration among fans over the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, now expected in May 2026. A next-gen re-release of Red Dead Redemption 2 could help maintain interest and goodwill in the interim.
The leak further suggests Rockstar may also be planning a new version of Grand Theft Auto IV. Rather than a full remaster, this is believed to be a re-release featuring improved resolution and framerate, along with all previously released DLC content.
If confirmed, both titles could mark a busy year for Rockstar, even without the launch of its next major instalment. However, until an official statement is released, the reported leaks remain speculative.
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser is developing a new open-world video game.
The game is set in the universe of A Better Paradise, a sci-fi audio series launched in 2023.
A Better Paradise is being adapted into a novel series, with the first volume due in October 2025.
Houser left Rockstar in 2020 and founded Absurd Ventures in 2021.
There is no confirmed release date for the game at this time.
Dan Houser, the acclaimed co-creator behind Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto, has officially confirmed that his new company, Absurd Ventures, is developing a new open-world video game. The title will be set in the universe of A Better Paradise, a science fiction IP first introduced in audio format last year.
A new venture after Rockstar
Dan Houser, a founding figure at Rockstar Games, played a central role in writing and producing some of the studio’s most celebrated titles, including Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto V, and Bully. After leaving Rockstar in 2020, he launched Absurd Ventures in 2021.
Unlike traditional game studios, Absurd Ventures describes itself as an “entertainment company” focused on developing stories and properties across various media formats, including audio, literature, and interactive platforms.
A Better Paradise: The new universe
In 2023, Absurd Ventures released its first original IP: A Better Paradise, an audio fiction series starring Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead). The series quickly reached number one on Apple’s fiction chart.
The story follows Dr Mark Tyburn, an inventor and psychologist who attempts to build a digital game world powered by AI superintelligence. However, his creation leads to unintended and dangerous consequences, resulting in the technology being abandoned and hidden until it is rediscovered.
This dark sci-fi premise laid the groundwork for a larger universe. In a recent press release, Absurd Ventures confirmed that A Better Paradise will be expanded into a novel series and a video game.
Novel series launches this autumn
The first novel in the series, titled A Better Paradise Volume One: An Aftermath, is set to release on 14 October 2025. Published by Absurd Ventures Press, it will be available in print, eBook, and audiobook formats.
The novel will explore the deeper origins of the in-universe video game and the developers behind it, who are now being hunted by the AI entity they inadvertently helped create. According to the publisher, it will delve into the themes of creation, control, and the unforeseen consequences of advanced technology.
Open-world video game confirmed
Alongside the announcement of the novel, Absurd Ventures revealed that an open-world video game set in the A Better Paradise universe is in development.
While few details have been shared, the game is expected to be a narrative-rich experience, drawing from the themes and lore established in the audio and literary versions of the story. The game appears to be a spin-off rather than a direct adaptation of the original audio narrative.
There is no confirmed release window for the project, and it is unclear how far along the game is in development. However, given that Absurd Ventures was founded in 2021, it is likely that early work on the title has already been under way.
High expectations from Rockstar fans
With Houser’s reputation for storytelling and world-building, expectations are high for this new title. Fans of Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto will likely be paying close attention to any future updates on the project.
Although still in the early stages, the announcement has generated excitement among players hoping for a fresh take on the open-world genre from one of its most influential creators.
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Death Stranding 2 tops UK physical game sales chart, but lags behind original’s debut
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes top spot in UK physical sales for week ending 28 June.
Mario Kart World drops to second place.
Physical launch sales of Death Stranding 2 are 66% lower than the original.
Sales are also 33% lower than PS5 exclusive Astro Bot at launch.
Market trends indicate a shift towards digital game purchases.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has debuted at number one in the UK’s weekly physical game sales chart, replacing Mario Kart World at the top. However, while Kojima Productions' latest release secured the top spot, its physical sales are significantly down compared to its predecessor.
Weaker physical launch than the original
According to industry analyst Chris Dring from The Game Business, physical launch sales of Death Stranding 2 were 66 per cent lower than those of the original Death Stranding title. The drop is attributed to a broader shift in consumer behaviour, with a growing preference for digital downloads over boxed copies.
Dring also reported that the new game’s launch performance was 33 per cent lower than that of Astro Bot, another recent PlayStation 5 exclusive. Despite both being PS5 titles, the two games cater to different audiences, making direct comparisons limited.
UK top 10 physical game sales
The latest chart, compiled by GfK and published via VGcharts, lists the top ten best-selling physical games in the UK for the week ending 28 June 2025:
Death Stranding 2 – NEW
Mario Kart World
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
Hogwarts Legacy
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Minecraft
The Thing Remastered
EA Sports FC 25
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Game of the Year Edition
Mortal Kombat 1
The presence of long-running titles like Minecraft and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe highlights the continued popularity of legacy games in the retail market.
Market shift towards digital
The performance gap between Death Stranding 2 and the original underscores a key trend in the video game industry: physical sales are declining as more players opt for digital platforms. This shift has impacted launch week figures, particularly for story-driven, cinematic games like Death Stranding 2 which are often pre-ordered or downloaded via online stores.
Despite this, Death Stranding 2 has been well received critically, with Eurogamer describing it as "a busier, louder, and more emotionally resplendent take on this singular hiking sim."
What’s next for Death Stranding 2 players
Fans returning to the world of Sam Porter Bridges can explore new gameplay mechanics and hidden easter eggs, including a nod to Pac-Man. Players looking for help can refer to walkthrough guides and curated lists of key moments not to miss in Death Stranding 2.
Whether its chart-topping performance translates into long-term success remains to be seen, but its arrival at number one signals strong interest in Hideo Kojima’s latest creation, despite quieter numbers on the high street.
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This appearance sparked confusion and excitement among fans
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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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.