Gaming

AcadArena announces its first PH Esports scholars

Securing a bright future for the next generation of gamers in the country

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Esports AcadArena held its own awarding ceremonies on, of all days, Valentine’s Day — as customary to the day of love. For the entire organization, this was their way of showing love and gratitude to every single member of their network. Whether it’s select individuals or an entire collegiate organization, it was a moment of celebration and recognition.

A part of the festivities was the announcement of the group’s first ever batch of Esports scholars in the Philippines. In partnership with Globe, the organization handed over a ton of awards and scholarship grants in recognition of outstanding students, alumni, and organizations across the country. With each award, these individuals and organizations also received cash grants either for their tuition fees or projects.

The G.A.M.E. Scholar Awardees for Students

AcadAreana CEO Ariane Lim said that this was their way of giving back to their hard working and “passionate student gaming community.” In terms of selecting the awardees, they divided the process across a Community Section and Closed Section. In this fashion, members of campus Esports organizations lended their voice on the best and most deserving. Take note that only members of their Alliance Program were eligible for the awards and scholarships.

For a full list of winners, kindly visit the Esports AcadArena Facebook Page for the full livestream of the ceremonies.

Gaming

FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE now available across major platforms

FINAL FANTASY HD-2D is here

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SQUARE ENIX has released FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE. It’s a new role-playing game that brings the franchise’s classic pixel-art aesthetic into the HD-2D era.

The game launches on October 22, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version will be available through Steam and the Microsoft Store on Windows starting October 23.

FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE reimagines the first story arc of the mobile game FINAL FANTASY Brave Exvius as a full-fledged RPG experience. It combines retro-inspired pixel art with 3D models and dynamic camera angles.

Strategic turn-based combat returns

Players will explore a world featuring familiar FINAL FANTASY elements, including crystals, airships, chocobos, espers, and moogles.

Combat revolves around exploiting enemy weaknesses to stagger opponents, break their defenses, and gain extra turns. Players can also unleash powerful Resonance attacks to turn the tide of battle.

The adventure features Visions, representations of familiar FINAL FANTASY characters who join the party with their own skills and abilities. These include Cloud, Tidus, and the Warrior of Light.

Beyond the main story, players can discover optional challenges and rewards, including encounters with the wandering swordmaster Gilgamesh, a monster-filled Colosseum, the Chamber of Arms, and Ultima Weapon.

Editions and platforms

FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is available as a single-player RPG on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

A Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the Magitek & Grimoire Deluxe Pack. The bundle features a Magitek Armor Key for a chocobo, an exclusive Archwitch’s Grimoire, a Mastery Ring, and consumable items.

A Collector’s Edition includes the physical Standard Edition alongside an acrylic block set, a pixel-art book, a 120-track original soundtrack on CD, and an exclusive FINAL FANTASY TRADING CARD GAME promotional card.

Availability and release timing may vary by region. Check local digital storefronts for purchasing details.

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Gaming

Next Xbox might cost double the price of an Xbox today

The most expensive Xbox Series X costs $900. The next Xbox’s price might double that.

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Buying a new gaming setup must be one of the most torturous things you can purchase these days. The rising price of chips has hampered the buying ability of many a consumer today. Sadly, that trend isn’t changing anytime soon. According to new reports, the next Xbox might cost double of what an Xbox costs these days.

The next console is currently codenamed Project Helix. Spearheaded by relatively new Xbox CEO Asha Sherma, Project Helix has hopes of being an all-around gaming machine capable of playing PC games besides console exclusives. Sharma obviously wants the platform to come back as a worthy destination for gamers.

That’s a monumental task, though, especially after the rising prices of chips are constantly threatening the prices of new devices. Now, according to a profile of Sharma published by Fortune, the next Xbox might cost as high as US$ 1,800. For reference, the limited 25th anniversary edition of the Xbox Series X currently costs US$ 899.

Should Fortune’s estimate hold true, a new console in the coming years is double the cost of the most expensive Xbox Series X variant available today. The next generation of gaming might be even more of a luxury than it already is.

Unfortunately, things aren’t getting better across the board. Gaming on PC and on PlayStation aren’t going to be much cheaper as the RAM crisis continues.

SEE ALSO: Xbox might get rid of physical discs too

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Gaming

Electronic Arts shuts down BioWare for good

The creator of Mass Effect is gone.

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One of the giants has fallen. After blessing the world with several of the biggest franchises in gaming, BioWare is shutting down for good.

If you were a big gamer in the late 00’s through the early ‘10s, BioWare was a household name for you. The studio is responsible for the Dragon Age and the Mass Effect franchises. Those two franchises defined the modern choice-driven RPG landscape today.

Unfortunately, the landscape is changing. Over a year ago, a conglomeration of entities entered acquisition talks over Electronic Arts, which owns BioWare. As the ink finally dries on the contract, some studios are facing the chopping block. After struggling with the lackluster sales of Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare finds itself as the biggest name for a shutdown.

And that’s where we are now. As a result of the shutdown, BioWare’s upcoming project, an untitled Mass Effect title, is also cancelled.

Obviously, Dragon Age and Mass Effect are on top of everyone’s minds. However, the studio’s shutdown also takes away the legacy of Baldur’s Gate (before Larian Studio revamped the series with the award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3) and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Likewise, BioWare won’t be the only casualty. Electronic Arts is also looking into altering its entire lineup of studios and upcoming projects.

SEE ALSO: Electronic Arts is getting bought out

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