Gaming

NBA 2K25: All the gameplay improvements

Everything you need to know

Published

August 3, 2024

GadgetMatch

NBA 2K25 has released a new preview trailer showcasing everything players need to know regarding gameplay enhancements. The sports title was announced a few weeks ago, with NBA champion Jayson Tatum and Hall of Famer Vince Carter revealed as the cover athletes.

Same with what was integrated on NBA 2K24, the NBA 2K25 edition will likewise come with ProPLAY for next-generation realism and animations. For starters, what ProPLAY does is replace traditional motion-captured animations with real-world NBA footage to contribute to an even more realistic gameplay experience.

In a nutshell, the game’s improvements cover a new dribble engine, offense, defense, and even AI’s role to gameplay. Here’s a summary of the Courtside Report.

All-new dribble engine

For the upcoming game, among the improvements are a revamped dribbling engine and enhanced overall gameplay on both offense and defense. NBA 2K25 mentioned that 1,500 dribbling, 1,300 off-the-ball, and 1,100 signature shot animations were added, making it the “most amazing upgrade” added to the gameplay engine in years.

Particularly, the all-new dribble engine was built from the ground up. Thanks to ProPLAY, the engine generates dynamic motion from real-world footage for a more authentic feel. Players will notice tighter stops, more explosive launches, and smoother and more lifelike court probing.

Furthermore, players can expect about 20 to 40 unique dribble styles from a particular athlete, compared to just four or five from last year. That’s a vast improvement, as the engine has taken about six times the amount of motion data as the previous version of NBA 2K.

Offense

Meanwhile, NBA 2K25 also adds a bunch of gameplay improvements on offense for variety, accessibility, and freedom, including:

Shot Canceling
Signature Go-To Shots
Shot Timing Profiles
Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting

Think of these additions as a follow-up to Dribble Breakdowns concept introduced to 2K24. Holding up on the Pro Stick will trigger Signature Go-To Shots. For variety, gamers will be also able to break out of any advanced shot and switch to other moves via Shot Canceling.

For those who are totally new to the game, NBA 2K25 debuts a new setting Called Shot Timing. This allows users to customize the risk-versus-reward of their shot timing.

For instance, the “Low Risk-Reward” option will provide a more forgiving shot timing. But it comes with a smaller green window, so it would be more difficult to pull off excellent-timed releases. On the other hand, “High Risk-Reward” will lead to a more challenging shot timing with green-or-miss outcomes, basically.

Lastly, Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting introduces a brand new way to shoot. That’s instead of simply pressing and releasing the shot button or stick. Players will have to pull the shot stick down to start the shot first. Afterwards, as they see the jump shot animation reach its Set Point, they should push the shot stick up and try to match the timing and speed of the player’s Push motion.

This feature makes it more intuitive for players to accurately mimic each real-world player’s signature shooting motion.

Defense

Moreover, NBA 2K25 features a brand new defensive cutoff system. This is so defensive players can match offensive players who have been able to change direction with the right stick. Using the same stick on defense, one may control their player and quickly slide laterally into position to cut off an offensive player’s attack. A successful read of the ball handler may stonewall the offensive counterpart or cause them to fumble the ball.

Even the contest system has been improved significantly. The game will use a dynamic weighting system, rather than a fixed one. This evaluates the impact of defense at the start of the shot versus the release, and computes the proper coverage impact. In addition, perimeter and interior defensive ratings, as well as height differential, will now play a more important role.

2K Sports Q&A

In case you still have questions regarding NBA 2K25’s gameplay and the improvements you expect to see, the title’s gameplay director, Mike Wang, has been responding promptly to inquiries on Twitter/X.

For example, he explained how 2K25’s shooting model will take into account shot ratings a lot bigger. While shot timing or rhythm shooting still plays a part, a higher rating will lead to a better shooting percentage.

If you have the time to scour his profile, you’ll find a lot of helpful answers to fans’ queries.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: