Gaming
FFVII Rebirth director plays on ‘graphics’ mode
In Final Fantasy and other games
Ever wonder what visual fidelity mode the game creators actually play on? We do. That’s why when we had the opportunity to ask FFVII Rebirth Director Naoki Hamaguchi, we didn’t hesitate.
The Graphics vs Performance mode discussion is always a hot button topic in gaming no matter the game. In most discussions, we’ve observed that there appears to be more players who favor Performance mode.
What mode are you playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in perf or quality?
— ACG – Loves Games | Loves Reviewing (@JeremyPenter) March 3, 2024
As mainly a graphics player, this writer felt some sort of vindication to learn that Hamaguchi also has the same preference.
Speaking to select media before his meet and greet held at the SM The Block in the Philippines, he says he “personally likes to play games in graphics mode as well because he simply likes to see better graphics.”
Graphics vs Performance
We also asked if, during development, there was more of a focus on Graphics mode vs Performance. Hamaguchi explains that this was not the case.
“There wasn’t really a focus point for the development team. There was no preference. It was really just: Performance Mode, we have to get 60fps and so, to what level we would drop the graphics to be able to achieve 60fps. Graphics mode needs only 30fps, so it would really just be about brushing up the graphics. There wasn’t a focus on which one we would prefer during the development process.”
Patch coming to improve FFVII Rebirth Performance Mode
The FFVII Rebirth director also mentioned that a patch is coming to Performance mode. He couldn’t detail everything that will be updated but he mentioned one particular thing that will be addressed.
“We have heard feedback from players that in certain situations or character positions, the facial lighting shadow looks very scary. That’s one part that we’re trying to work on.”
Looks like the lighting issues from the demo still aren’t fixed. This happens in really bright/shadowed areas. I think it’s an Unreal Engine 4 issue more than anything though. #FF7R pic.twitter.com/Hlfq0fMQhs
— Andy (@AndSpaceY) March 1, 2024
He added that the team is working on the patch as we spoke and that it shouldn’t take long for it to be released.
Global K-pop sensation LE SSERAFIM is returning to BlizzCon.
Blizzard Entertainment has announced that the five-member girl group will perform as the closing musical act at BlizzCon 2026. LE SSERAFIM will take the Main Stage on Sunday, September 13 (PT), bringing fans another live performance after its BlizzCon debut in 2023.
The appearance also comes ahead of the group’s upcoming U.S. tour. Blizzard teased that the performance will make it a “Perfect Night” for fans attending the convention at the Anaheim Convention Center.
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LE SSERAFIM returns to Blizzard
LE SSERAFIM debuted in 2022 under SOURCE MUSIC, a label of HYBE. The group is composed of Sakura Miyawaki, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha Nakamura, and Hong Eunchae.
The group’s name is an anagram of “I’m Fearless,” reflecting the confidence that has defined its music since debut.
This won’t be LE SSERAFIM’s first crossover with Blizzard. The group previously collaborated with Overwatch 2, bringing themed cosmetics and a special event to the hero shooter.
BlizzCon 2026 is sold out
BlizzCon is Blizzard Entertainment’s annual community celebration. It brings together fans of World of Warcraft, Diablo IV, Overwatch 2, and other Blizzard franchises for game announcements, developer panels, esports, cosplay, and hands-on experiences.
Passes for BlizzCon 2026 have already sold out. However, Blizzard says tickets may still become available through the Tixr public resale marketplace.
Fans can learn more about LE SSERAFIM’s appearance on Blizzard’s official blog.
Gaming
AMD FSR Upscaling 4.1 now available for Radeon RX 7000 Series
Update drops earlier than expected, powering more than 300 supported games
PC and handheld gamers can officially skip the wait, as AMD has launched its FSR 4.1 upscaling technology for Radeon RX 7000 series (RDNA 3) GPUs.
Computing and Graphics Group Senior Vice President and GM Jack Huynh made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter). This development brings machine learning powered gaming to millions of players across more than 300 games.
By downloading the latest AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 driver, users can unlock the new AI upscaling suite on existing RX 7000 series desktop graphics cards.
(The driver can be downloaded here.)
The update drastically sharpens image reconstruction, delivers far superior temporal stability, and keeps motion ghosting to an absolute minimum. That’s across a massive library of supported titles.
Beyond optimized frame rates out of the gate for those two blockbusters, the release packs vital architecture stability improvements and bug fixes for the broader Radeon ecosystem.
Huynh added that AMD is actively engineering lightweight machine learning models to expand FSR 4.1 optimizations to a wider base of gamers. More details are to come.
Moreover, the driver for the FSR 4.1 upscaling technology will deliver day-one support for two highly anticipated releases: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations.
if you are wielding an RDNA 3 desktop rig or an RDNA 3-powered handheld, like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion GO, simply open up the AMD Software suite, get the update, and test the new AI tech.
Gaming
GTA VI: New images unveiled as pre-order details, price finally announced
Highly-anticipated title to launch on November 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Grand Theft Auto VI finally has a price. The highly-anticipated upcoming installment in the series is set to launch on November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Pre-orders will begin on midnight, June 25. Available versions are the Standard Edition at US$ 79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at US$ 99.99.
The Ultimate Edition amplifies the single player experience with an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story.
Here are some newly-released exclusive images:
Alongside the Standard and Ultimate Editions, all Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders and purchases before November 20 will also get the Vintage Vice City Pack.
This is a collection of items that flash back to when the neon burned brightest:
Players who pre-order digital versions of GTA VI will be able to begin pre-loading on November 12. This is to ensure they are able to play at launch on November 19.
The physical version, which contains a download code inside the box, will be available starting November 12 as well to support pre-loading.
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