Gaming
Zenless Zone Zero 3rd beta: New character, combat system, more
Signs up now open
HoYoverse has announced the next beta test for Zenless Zone Zero on iOS, Android, and PC.
The Amplifying Test will introduce significant changes to the combat and Hollow exploration systems, improving flow and pacing. The combat design is now more dynamic, maximizing the excitement especially in Rally Missions and Hollow Zero.
The latest beta will also showcase a new character, new faction, brand-new Bangboo mechanics, combat challenge Shiyu Defense, and more. Players may sign up through the official website here: zenless.hoyoverse.com.
Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero is HoYoverse’s upcoming action RPG set in an urban city called New Eridu. New Eridu serves as the last bastion of civilization after being ravaged by a supernatural disaster called the Hollows.
Players take on the role of Proxy, team up with Raiders, and defeat enemies to unravel the mysteries behind New Eridu. Among the main antagonists are the Ethereals, The Corrupted, and more inside Hollows.
GadgetMatch got to play the second closed beta test late last year, so here’s an in-depth walkthrough for your benefit: Making Sense of Zenless Zone Zero
Amplifying Test
The latest closed beta test improves on the game’s overall gameplay experience. The Amplifying Test will debut Zhu Yuan and a new faction called the New Eridu Public Security’s Criminal Investigation Special Response Team.
Moreover, the latest Bangboo models will also bring a newly-developed combat technique to the battlefield: the Bangboo chain attacks.
There is also a new combat challenge called the Shiyu Defense, along with a series of combat missions available for players through the Hollow Deep Dive System. This updated system allows players to dive straight into challenging boss battles, minus additional steps.
The upgraded HDD system also features a more optimized Hollow Board that shall allow players to explore the Hollows more efficiently.
Gaming
Horizon Hunters Gathering is an upcoming co-op roguelite spinoff
If you liked Nightreign, you might like this.
Like Valve, the PlayStation’s tentpole franchises are allergic to the number 3. The Last of Us, the ongoing God of War arc, Spider-Man, and Horizon all don’t have a third game yet. These franchises, however, have all gotten rumors of spinoffs. Now, Horizon is getting more than just a rumor; an official co-op spinoff is happening. Say hello to Horizon Hunters Gathering!
Today, Guerilla unveiled Horizon Hunters Gathering, an official co-op roguelite set in the Horizon universe. The game will feature multiple players working to take down difficult enemies, bosses, and dungeons.
The title shares similarities with Elden Ring Nightreign. For one, players can choose between six characters with different roles. The main mode, called Machine Incursion, takes players to a wide map with powerups and roaming monsters. The map then has a shrinking ring that… well, you know what a shrinking ring does.
Horizon Hunters Gathering also has a different game mode called Cauldron Descent. Compared to the Nightreign type of gameplay, Cauldron Descent is a more traditional roguelite mode. Players enter a dangerous dungeon and choose alternate paths that vary in challenges.
Both game modes will be available through an upcoming closed playtest through the PlayStation Beta Program.
Because this is from Guerilla themselves, this is an official game. But it’s far from the only spinoff for the universe. Previously, NCSoft, a South Korean gaming studio, announced Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMO set in the Horizon universe. Like Horizon Hunters Gathering, Steel Frontiers has an unknown launch date.
SEE ALSO: Horizon Steel Frontiers is an MMO set in the Horizon universe
Gaming
Valve is delaying the launch of the Steam Machine
But it’s still scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Overshadowed only by the Nintendo Switch 2, the upcoming Steam Machine was one of the most exciting gaming devices announced last year. Unfortunately, especially if you were waiting intently for the console’s launch, Valve is delaying the device by an undisclosed amount of time.
Initially, Valve anticipated a launch for the Steam Machine sometime in the first half of 2026. However, as the calendar rolls on into the second month of the year, the company has yet to announce either a price or a launch date for the console. Valve says that both should be out by now.
In a recent update, the company confirms that ongoing chip shortages have forced a reevaluation of the Steam Machine’s price and shipping date. This also goes for the Steam Controller and the Steam Frame. Valve is going back to the drawing board to figure out what is feasible for the console market.
On the bright side, Valve is still aiming to launch all three devices in the first half of the year. It’s just a matter of determining when that is.
The Steam Machine is just the latest in a growing line of devices affected by the chip shortage. Today, chipmakers are funneling their supplies to the supposed demand for AI servers. Naturally, more infrastructure means less chips reserved for regular consumers.
Also recently, NVIDIA was rumored to skip this year for a new GPU launch because of the AI “boom”. It’s the first time that this has happened in thirty years.
SEE ALSO: Valve announces its own console called the Steam Machine
Yesterday, AMD made the bold claim that the next-generation Xbox is coming next year. In a world drowning in manufactured hype for AI, hearing about GPUs going back to gaming is refreshing. NVIDIA, however, still has its pipelines clogged with artificial intelligence. According to reports, the company will not release new graphics cards this year.
This is unprecedented. A new graphics card is often a highlight for gamers every year. Even in recent times when prices beggar belief, a newly launched chip still generates hype.
Now, for the first time in thirty years, NVIDIA will not launch a new card in a calendar year (via The Information). Like a lot of things happening this year, AI is the culprit.
Buoyed by the dreams of billionaires, GPU companies are busy dedicating their stock of chips for AI servers. Because these servers artificially blew up the demand for GPUs, everything else that needs such a chip is projected to see a price hike this year. This includes smartphones, gaming consoles, and cars. Regular consumers have been left to deal with the aftermath of the imaginary AI boom.
According to The Information, NVIDIA’s current lineup is only partially composed of chips meant for gaming. Only around 8 percent of its revenue came from that segment in the first nine months of last year. In its defense, AI chips are much more profitable right now, but it’s still a big blow against consumers who just want to play games.
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