HTC’s latest VR headset, the Vive Pro 2, has been revealed, and will offer new features like 5K resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Here’s a full rundown of the specs:
2448 x 2448 per eye (4896 x 2448 combined)
Up to 120 degree field of view
Dual RGB low persistence LCD screen
90/120 Hz (only 90Hz supported via Vive Wireless Adapter)
It’s all a step up from the previous Vive Pro, which was released in 2018 with a lower, 90 Hz refresh rate, smaller 110-degree field of view and resolution per eye of 1440 x 1600. The Vive 2 will work with all previous SteamVR Vive accessories such as controllers and tracking stations.
HTC Vive Pro 2
HTC says the Vive 2 delivers minimal motion blur and virtually eliminates the meshed lines known as “the screen door effect” which can be noticeable when using older VR headsets. The Vive 2 includes built-in headphones sporting Hi-Res Audio and 3D spatial sound, so users won’t have to shell out for a fancy new audio headset to get the full VR experience.
The headset will retail for $799. Preorders are available now, with the headset officially launching on June 4. For a look at how the Vive 2 stacks up against the competition, check out our list of the best VR headsets.
HTC is running a promotion for existing Vive Pro users, who can save $50 on the Vive Pro 2 headset by preordering before June 4, after which the headset will retail for full price. Headsets with controllers and the Base Station 2.0 will retail for $1,399 starting June 4.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Update 2: Destiny 2 seems to be back online at this point, with its Honeydew error issues fixed. We’ve been able to log in and reach destinations on both PlayStation 4 and PC. Players may still have to wait in login queues to get into the game, as it seems a lot of Guardians are jumping in to try the Season of the Splicer’s new content. But errors seem to be largely resolved, at least so far.
We’ll continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
Update: Bungie has announced it’s taking Destiny 2 down for emergency maintenance to deal with its server issues. It hasn’t issued any information yet about when it’ll make the game available again.
Destiny 2 is being brought offline for emergency maintenance. Stand by for updates.
Destiny 2‘s servers are struggling as players attempt to log in for the game’s latest content season, the Season of the Splicer. Currently, many are getting notifications that servers are at capacity or that they’re losing connection to players’ games, while others are receiving the “Honeydew” error code when they try to load into any destinations.
The errors seem like they stem from an overload of activity due to players trying to play the game’s new content, which kicks off with a story mission on Europa. For our part, we’ve been able to play through the opening mission, but trying to land on any destination is currently impossible.
Bungie has acknowledged the server situation and said on Twitter that it’s investigating the error codes, including Honeydew. But the developer hasn’t suggested any fixes or made any mention of when servers might start working better for players–so it seems we’re stuck waiting right now.
We are currently investigating an increase in HONEYDEW errors when players attempt to load into destinations and activities.
The errors are holding players back from a whole lot of new content. The season kicks off with a new mission that focuses on Mithrax, a story character who has mostly appeared only in background lore up to now. He brings a new six-player seasonal activity for players to take part in called Override, as well.
There’s also the new transmogrification system, which Bungie detailed in the run-up to the Season of the Splicer. That system allows you to change the appearance of your armor pieces by “transmogrifying” them to look like other armor. The system isn’t without its controversy, though–players weren’t happy to learn that Bungie will be limiting the number of armor pieces that can be added to the customization pool each season, forcing players to use microtransactions to buy more if they should want them. It sounds like the system will either be fairly costly or fairly time-consuming to take full advantage of, but thanks to the errors, we haven’t been able to see just how it’ll work in practice.
SteelSeries has revealed its latest competitive gaming mouse, the Rival 5. Designed for right-handed use and with a restriction on grip styles, the SteelSeries Rival 5 might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it does offset that with a very light build, a braided, lightweight cable, and the endurance to last for years. At just $60, it’s a pretty inexpensive way to get an edge in competitive titles.
The Rival 5 maintains the familiar SteelSeries aesthetic, with a black ABS shell adorned with numerous RGB lighting zones that can all be customized through the company’s proprietary software. The guts of the mouse are what making it exciting, starting with the redesigned switches that allow for 80 million clicks and the lightweight design that weighs in at only 85g. This is helped along by a new cable that SteelSeries calls Super Mesh–a new take on a traditional braided cable that tangles less and won’t get in the way while you’re swiping around furiously.
The product listing on SteelSeries’ website does indicate that the Rival 5 is strictly right-handed, with its nine additional buttons lining the left and top of the chassis. The company also suggests that it’s best used with either claw or fingertip grips, which might be an issue if you’re used to larger mice that afford palm-style grips. That shouldn’t come as a surprise given the need to shave off weight from the overall design, but it’s something to keep in mind before making a purchase.
It’s rare that eBay hosts big sales on gaming products specifically, but the online store is running a promotion on games, controllers, and even consoles for the next few days. From now until May 16, you can use promo code PICKSUMMER15 to take 15% off a select range of gaming products, including games for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. That’s in addition to any existing discounts, of course. We’re already starting to see some of the best deals sell out, including a discount earlier today on the PS5 DualSense controller, so it’s worth checking out the sale now in case something catches your eye.
Most of the gaming products on sale are brand new or in “like new” condition–be sure to check the condition on each listing under the product name. It’s a good chance to grab some games from the past year or so if you’ve been waiting for them to drop in price. Star Wars Squadrons is down to $17.85, while Death Stranding is just over $18. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is available for $35 (PS4) and $27 (Xbox), and the newly released Persona 5 Strikers is down to $40.77. The sale focuses on PS4 and Xbox One games, but there are a few Switch deals sprinkled in, like Daemon x Machina for $41.65.
As an official eBay sale, the deals come with free shipping and the store’s money-back guarantee as well. We’ve picked out some of the best deals below–don’t forget to use code PICKSUMMER15 at checkout to see the full discount price.
Microsoft is rolling out a pilot program for a new way to help fans in the US get their hands on a new Xbox amid the global semiconductor shortage that is making it hard to buy all manner of new tech, including consoles.
Microsoft has announced what it’s calling the “Console Purchase Pilot.” Anyone in the US who is signed up to the free Xbox Insiders program on Xbox One can register for a chance to reserve an Xbox Series X|S console.
Details on how the program works are available from the Xbox Insider hub on Xbox One. Posting on Reddit, Microsoft said it will invite a “subset” of Xbox Insiders on Xbox One to participate in the program; those chosen will find an invite for a “flight” called Xbox Series X|S Console Purchase Pilot in their inbox.
Today we’re introducing the Console Purchase Pilot, allowing US #XboxInsiders on Xbox One to register for a chance to reserve an Xbox Series X|S console. Check the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox One for details. Limited space is available and not all who register will be selected. pic.twitter.com/MBkQmbSDWc
This message will only be sent to people on an Xbox One console, not PC, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X|S, or the web. Those who are selected will be asked to designate their willingness to buy either the Xbox Series X or S console. If the program informs you that a console is available, and you’re interested, you will be asked to pay the full amount. People who buy an Xbox Series X|S this way will also get “full retail support” similar to if you bought one at the store; presumably this also includes Microsoft’s warranty.
Microsoft will also send you a survey asking for your feedback about the pilot. “It is important to us to hear from people who have chosen to make a purchase, and from people who have chosen not to make this purchase,” Microsoft said.
Microsoft cautioned that space is “limited,” going on to note that “not all who register will be selected.” If you’re selected, a message will show up in your inbox in a few days.
A spokesperson for Microsoft shared some further details on the new console reservation program with GameSpot. The spokesperson said Microsoft is adopting the new strategy to help players get a console during what has proving to be a difficult time to do so.
“In an effort to help get our limited supply of consoles in the hands of fans, we are testing a console purchase pilot program with Xbox Insiders in the US beginning this week,” the spokesperson said. “This testing may help inform new ways we make products available to fans in the future, and the feedback we receive from Insiders will inform whether we roll out the pilot more broadly. This testing is being done with select Xbox Insiders in the US on Xbox One specifically. In the coming weeks, selected Insiders will receive a notification from Xbox via the Xbox dashboard messaging system alerting them they have a console reserved for them. Allocations for this program are supported with a portion of inventory from Microsoft Store and will fluctuate based on when new stock becomes available. We have nothing further to share at this time.”
This kind of console reservation system is something fans have been calling for to help secure a console. Given that it’s a limited, pilot program, it’s unlikely to be available for most people and help those who want to get their hands on a next-gen console.
Still, it’s good to see Microsoft taking a step to help people find and secure a system, even if it is only a pilot program for now.
Far Cry 6 and Rainbow Six Quarantine are still on track to release before the end of September 2021, Ubisoft confirmed in its latest earnings call.
The publisher reaffirmed that the two games are still slated to launch in the first half of the fiscal year 2021-2022 timeframe, which would mean both will release no later than September 30, 2021.
Both games were delayed into Ubisoft’s 2021-2022 fiscal year (which goes from April 1, 2021 to March 30, 2022) due to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Far Cry 6 was originally slated to release February 18, 2021, while Rainbow Six Quarantine, a PVE-focused spin-off of Ubisoft’s popular multiplayer shooter, has never had an official release date.
Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which saw millions around the world literally quarantining, it seems Ubisoft is reevaluating Rainbow Six Quarantine’s name. During an investor Q&A portion of a February earnings call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot was asked about the game’s provocative title in light of ongoing pandemic. Guillemot responded by saying the game’s name was being evaluated but had nothing to announce at that time.
It was around the same time that gameplay and images of a game titled Rainbow Six Parasite leaked via the PlayStation Store. Ubisoft later confirmed the new name was simply an internal placeholder name the developers were using for internal game tests, and that the company would have more to share about Rainbow Six Quarantine in the months ahead.
More news about both titles, including Rainbow Six Quarantine’s new name, are likely to come during the upcoming Ubisoft Forward event as part of E3 2021. The digital presentation starts Sunday, June 12 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET.
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Apex Legends has rolled out a new update on all platforms, and it nerfs both the LMG Spitfire and the new marksman weapon, the Bocek Bow. It also fixes a number of bugs, including a “ghost rock” on Phase Runner that lacked collision, so players were hiding in it to troll their enemies.
According to the patch notes linked in the tweet below, the Spitfire’s per bullet damage was decreased from 19 to 18, and its max mag size was decreased to 50. The Bocek Bow’s body shot damage was decreased from 70 to 60, its charge up time was increased slightly, and both its stack size and inventory slot count were significantly decreased.
Re: the BOCEK and the SPITFIRE Before Legacy launched, we knew the Bow would be strong, and we debated whether or not to even ship it with 70 dmg. We erred on the strong side because it’s a really freakin’ cool weapon and we wanted to make sure y’all gave it a chance. (1/10) https://t.co/euYnHTxK66
— John Larson | JayBiebs (@RSPN_JayBiebs) May 11, 2021
Respawn live balance designer John Larson said on Twitter that the team behind the game knew that the Bocek had the potential to be a bit overpowered, but they decided to have it deal 70 damage so players would give it a chance. Larson also stated that the Spitfire nerf is part of an ongoing effort to make the game’s LMG’s feel distinct from assault rifles, and that the Spitfire was simply a bit overpowered at the moment.
It’s Tuesday, and yet another weekly update for Red Dead Online has rolled out. Each week one role or activity gets a set of bonuses and rewards linked to it, and this time around the game’s enterprising Traders are the select bunch. Additionally, players will find that rooting out lawlessness earns them some extra cash this week when they take on bandit hideouts or participate in Trade Route Free Roam events.
All the bonuses, rewards, and discounts available this week in Red Dead Online have been outlined in a blog post from Rockstar Games.
Bonuses For Traders
For any Traders in Red Dead Online, the Wild West has become a seller’s market. Whether they’re moving their cargo locally or taking a risk and delivering it long-distance, Traders will earn twice as much cash as they normally would. Additionally, any completed sale will also earn players an offer for 40% off any novice or promising Trader item or camp dog.
Likewise, any Traders that take up arms for their peers and compete in Trade Route Free Roam Events will earn double the usual Character and Role XP.
If you’re not a Trader yet and aspire to deal in all kinds of animal products, now is the time to join in. A butcher’s table, the camp accessory needed to become a Trader, is currently discounted by five gold bars.
More XP For Clearing Gang Hideouts
You don’t have to be a Trader to earn a bit more XP for taking out some bandits. Anyone who clears out a gang hideout will earn double the usual XP for the next week.
Free Treasure
Players in need of some quick cash can almost always take out a treasure map and go hunting for gold. This week, a map can quickly be earned by purchasing any pamphlet from a Fence. After getting your pamphlet, the map will be added to your account within three days. Don’t worry about the prohibitive price of pamphlets either, because all non-role pamphlets are discounted by 30% as well.
Discounts For Everyone
This week’s offers and discounts apply to player camps and Trader role items. If you’re in the market for a new tent, camp theme, or even a hunting wagon, now’s the time to pick one up.
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The developers behind record-breaking Roblox game Adopt Me have launched an entire new studio to support it, called Uplift Games.
A press release from Uplift Games reveals that whilst the studio was “originally founded by two talented Roblox developers, the team has now expanded to a 40-strong game studio, including a mix of experienced Roblox creators and veteran developers”.
Roblox is a hugely popular online platform, which allows players to create their own games for others in the community. Its success has been enormous, particularly with young players and, after going public in March, it was revealed that Roblox is now worth more than development giants Take-Two and Ubisoft combined.
Adopt Me originally launched on Roblox in 2017, and has gone on to become “the fastest growing and most successful Roblox title of all time”. Adopt Me is a game created within Roblox, where players can “build houses, collect and trade over 150 cute pets, and use in-game tools to create their own fun with friends”. The game has seen over 22 billion visits to date, and set a new world record for concurrent players on Roblox, hitting 1.92 million concurrent users in April 2021. The game also saw “100% growth” of new players between January 2020 and January 2021.
With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that the team wants to flex its creative muscle and talent in a different direction – but Uplift also stressed its commitment to supporting Adopt Me through Roblox, stating that, “The studio will remain focused on Adopt Me, as well as future unannounced projects”.
Interestingly, Uplift Games has been keen to highlight its positive health-focused approach to any projects it works on, stressing that, “The studio has an ambitious mission statement to deliver a healthy and inclusive working environment, while operating a hugely successful self-funded game. Developers have the freedom to work when and how they wish to meet development goals, which are themselves carefully managed by studio leadership to minimize overwork and burnout”.
Given some of the recent high-profile reports of intense crunch and developer burnout in the games industry, this is a refreshing approach to see from a development studio. A statement from Josh Ling, the Director of Business Operations, confirmed this approach, saying that “Uplift Games is a place where great successful games can be made by people who live happy and healthy lives”. It’ll probably be a while until we see anything new from Uplift Games, but at least the development team is free to work at their own pace.
Roblox’s success is enticing more traditional game developers to the platform, with VVVVVV creator Terry Cavanagh creating his latest game exclusively for it.
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Liam Wiseman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @liamthewiseman
Devolver Digital, the boutique games publisher behind Genital Jousting and Hotline Miami, will have a presence during the week of E3 2021, and now the company has revealed when its showcase may be. The publisher said on Twitter that it’s “probably” scheduled for June 12. The “probably” is likely in keeping with Devolver’s trademark humor and tone, as opposed to any real uncertainty over when the show takes place (we think).
June 12 is the first day of E3 2021’s digital show. Devolver is not involved with E3 2021 in an official capacity, but the company is seemingly kicking off its own show to make the most of the elevated interest in games that week as the company was known to do in pre-pandemic years.
Devolver and E3’s organizer, the ESA, have clashed before. Devolver was known to host its own event across the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center where it would promote its games and work with journalists and influencers who attended E3 proper. Devolver said in 2017 that it lost $100,000 due to its spat with the ESA.
Probably June 12.
— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) May 11, 2021
Devolver’s E3-week digital showcases are known for being completely over-the-top and absurd. Devolver normally works with actress Mahria Zook for the show, and she plays the character of a fictional gaming executive known as Nina Struthers. Here’s to hoping 2021’s Devolver E3 show is zany and off-the-rails again this year.
Devolver didn’t share any teases for what it might showcase during its E3 briefing, but keep checking back with GameSpot for the latest from Devolver and other companies leading up to the event. Some of Devolver’s upcoming games include Weird West and Shadow Warrior 3, among others.
GameSpot’s Play For All charity event also returns this June as we celebrate video games and lend support to important causes. We’ll have more details about what we’ve got planned soon.
