Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'STALKER 2' to get engine upgrade and new features before PS5 launch

The improvements, targeted for later this year

STALKER 2 update

The studio has not confirmed that all features will be completed by the end of 2025

YouTube/ GSC Game World
Gayathri Kallukaran
By Gayathri KallukaranAug 13, 2025
Gayathri Kallukaran
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.
See Full Bio
Follow:

Highlights:

  • 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.

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.

stalker 2xboxps5gaming

Related News

planet birth around infant star HOPS-315
Tech

Astronomers capture earliest moment of planet birth around infant star HOPS-315

More For You

call of duty

Activision has announced that players will need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

YouTube/ IGN

Activision welcomes ‘Call of Duty’ cheaters in Black Ops 7 beta to test anti-cheat system

Highlights

  • Black Ops 7 beta requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on PC to enforce strict anti-cheat measures.
  • Activision encourages cheaters to test the beta, using the opportunity to strengthen its RICOCHET Anti-Cheat system.
  • Any account banned for cheating in the beta will face permanent bans across all Call of Duty titles.

Stricter PC requirements for fair play

Activision has announced that players will need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled on their PCs to participate in the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta and at launch. Similar to Battlefield 6, these security features prevent modified hardware and unauthorised software from compromising the game.

The beta opens on 2 October for early access players and 5 October for open beta participants. Activision recommends enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in advance to ensure readiness.

Keep ReadingShow less
Forza Horizon 6

Next Forza Horizon game takes players to Japan in 2026

X/ ForzaHorizon

'Forza Horizon 6' arrives in Japan next year for Xbox and PC, coming later to PlayStation 5

Highlights:

  • Microsoft confirms Forza Horizon 6 during Tokyo Game Show 2025
  • Launches in 2026 on PC and Xbox, with PlayStation 5 release to follow
  • Japan chosen as setting after years of fan demand

Microsoft makes it official

Microsoft has formally announced Forza Horizon 6, confirming its release during the company’s presentation at Tokyo Game Show 2025. The next entry in the open-world racing series will debut in 2026, first arriving on Xbox consoles and PC, before later making its way to PlayStation 5.

Japan finally arrives

Long regarded as the most-requested location among fans, Japan will serve as the backdrop for Forza Horizon 6. Executive Matt Booty described the choice as “bringing Japan to life like never before,” highlighting the demand that has persisted since the franchise began.

Keep ReadingShow less
GTA 6 release date

The listing also initially described the game as “the largest game launch in history"

Getty Images

Take-Two stands firm on GTA 6’s May 2026 release date despite rumours

Highlights:

  • Rockstar previously delayed GTA 6 to 26 May 2026.
  • Concerns over another delay grew after insider speculation.
  • Take-Two Interactive says the release date remains unchanged.
  • CEO Strauss Zelnick says details will be shared “in the future.”

Take-Two reiterates GTA 6 release date

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind Grand Theft Auto, has reaffirmed that GTA 6 will launch on 26 May 2026, despite growing speculation over a possible further delay.

Rockstar Games first announced the postponement in May 2025, explaining that the extra time was needed “to deliver at the level of quality” expected by fans. The studio has remained largely silent since, which has fuelled speculation about whether the title might slip again.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nintendo Direct

Longest ever general Direct with a 60-minute runtime

Getty Images

Nintendo Direct confirmed for September 12 with Switch 2 games and Mario anniversary news

Highlights:

  • Nintendo Direct scheduled for Friday, 12 September at 2pm BST / 9am ET
  • Longest ever general Direct with a 60-minute runtime
  • Likely announcements for Super Mario Bros 40th anniversary
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date expected
  • Updates on Switch and Switch 2 games anticipated

Nintendo confirms longest Direct to date

Nintendo has confirmed that its next Nintendo Direct will take place on Friday, 12 September at 2pm BST / 9am ET. The presentation will run for around 60 minutes, making it the longest general Direct in the company’s history. It will feature updates on both upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles and games for the current Switch.

Mario’s 40th anniversary points to major announcements

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, with the date falling on Saturday, 13 September. During the franchise’s 35th anniversary in 2020, Nintendo launched several celebratory products, including Super Mario 3D World: Bowser’s Fury, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, a Game & Watch device, and the limited-release collections Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Super Mario Bros 35.
Currently, no new Mario titles are confirmed to be in development, raising expectations that the anniversary will be a major focus of this Direct.

Keep ReadingShow less
Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft and LG partner to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming

Getty Images

Xbox Cloud Gaming arrives in cars through LG partnership

Highlights:

  • Microsoft and LG partner to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to vehicles via LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP)
  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream cloud versions of Xbox titles on in-car screens
  • ACP currently available on Kia EV3 and will expand to EV4, EV5, and the new Sportage
  • Platform runs on LG’s webOS, which also provides Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more
  • Microsoft will extend Xbox Cloud Gaming to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers
  • Upcoming Tokyo Game Show stream expected to reveal Forza Horizon 6



Microsoft is teaming up with LG to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to internet-connected vehicles. A new Xbox app will soon be available on cars using LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP), allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play cloud versions of Xbox titles directly on in-car screens. The app can be used while charging an electric vehicle or entertaining passengers during road trips. LG’s ACP is currently available on Kia’s EV3 and will expand to the EV4, EV5, and new Sportage models.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc
Contact Us