Latest news with #ForzaHorizon5
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Microsoft (MSFT) Scores a Win on Sony's PlayStation With Forza Horizon 5
Microsoft (MSFT) stock was on the move Monday after the tech company's Xbox division scored a win on Sony's (SONY) PlayStation 5. Xbox released Forza Horizon 5, previously an exclusive to Xbox consoles and PC, on the PS5 last month. Since then, the game has reportedly sold 2 million units. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Considering Forza Horizon 5 came out in 2021, it's impressive that Xbox was able to squeeze another 2 million sales out of it with a PS5 release. Additionally, Xbox benefits from the quick revenue boost from these sales, as compared to the long-running but lower revenue it generates from its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This also cements the viability of Xbox's current business model. Rather than focus on the release of exclusive games on its consoles, the company has focused on offering its games across multiple consoles, even those of its direct rivals. Doing so generates game sales from consumers who were unlikely to purchase an Xbox console but were still interested in the company's games. What This Means for Xbox While Xbox hasn't performed the best this console generation, lagging behind Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo's (NTDOF) Switch and Switch 2, there's still a space for it in the current video game market. Its desire to bring Xbox games to all platforms has benefited it through this period, as has its various purchases of large studios, such as Activision Blizzard and Bethesda. If Xbox can build loyalty to its IPs across rival consoles, it could set the company up to return to an exclusive strategy. This would incentivize consumers to purchase its consoles to play their favorite titles. Is Microsoft Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold? Turning to Wall Street, the analysts' consensus rating for Microsoft is Strong Buy, based on 31 Buy and three Hold ratings over the past three months. With that comes an average MSFT stock price target of $533.70, representing a potential 6.11% upside for the shares.
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Need For Speed 'shelved' by EA as Forza Horizon 5 PS5 sales hit 2 million
EA's plans for Need For Speed seem to have been put in hold but Forza Horizon 5 has proven there's still a strong appetite for racing games. Arcade racing series Need For Speed was once a juggernaut franchise for EA, with its best-selling entry, 2005's Need For Speed: Most Wanted, selling over 16 million copies worldwide. The popularity of the Fast & Furious films, at around the same time, no doubt contributed to some degree, as the Need For Speed games pivoted from Hot Pursuit to street racing, with 2003's Need For Speed Underground debuting two years after the first film came out. However, while the Fast & Furious films continue to be box office juggernauts, Need For Speed's popularity has nosedived over the past decade. The last game was 2022's Need For Speed Unbound, developed by Criterion, which was a financial failure. There have been rumbles of another Need For Speed being in development at Criterion, most recently in February last year, but it seems EA has put those plans on hold. According to photojournalist Matthew Everingham, who was a contributor to an EA-backed car culture website called Speedhunters, the developer has pulled its funding for the site because it has 'shelved' Need For Speed. 'Speedhunters is on ice,' an Instagram post from Everingham reads. 'EA shelved Need For Speed, and that means no more funding for the site. Grateful for everything – the trips, the stories, the lifelong mates. I'm still shooting, just shifting gears into more video.' Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. The Need For Speed IP is listed as an 'entertainment partner' on the Speedhunters website, which is described as an 'international collective of photographers, writers, and drivers with a shared passion for uncovering the world's most exciting car culture stories'. GameCentral has reached out to EA for comment. If Need For Speed has been shelved, this might be due to Criterion's commitments on the next Battlefield. Criterion is one of four studios working on EA's plans for a 'connected Battlefield universe', alongside DICE, Ripple Effect, and EA Motive. EA announced it had moved the 'majority' of Criterion staff onto Battlefield in 2023, but a blog post at the time claimed 'work will also continue on what's next for Need For Speed' at the developer. Earlier this year, EA laid off up to 400 staff across various studios, so it's possible Need For Speed has been caught in the crossfire as it prioritises Battlefield. It seems racing games in general have been knocked down EA's priority list, after the company ended its partnership with the World Rally Championship in May this year. 'For now, we are pausing development plans on future rally titles,' EA said at the time. Presumably EA feels racing games no longer attract the audience they once did, but there's no obvious reason why they shouldn't, as Microsoft has proven with the Forza Horizon franchise. More Trending Open world arcade racer Forza Horizon 5 has sold two million copies in one month on PlayStation 5, according to the LinkedIn profile of a former game designer at Turn 10 Studios (as spotted on ResetEra). This is particularly impressive considering the original game came out on Xbox Series X/S and PC almost four years ago, in November 2021. At the same time though, the more serious Forza Motorsport was a sales disappointment for Microsoft and developer Turn 10 was badly hit by company wide layoffs earlier this month. But Need For Speed has rarely been a serious racing game, so the problem here seems to be with EA, not changing consumer tastes. EA even has a back-up franchise to fall back on, in Criterion's Burnout series, but there seems even less chance of that returning in the short term. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Xbox handheld prices accidentally leaked by Asus and they're super expensive MORE: Games Inbox: What is the hardest game on PS5? MORE: Patapon 1+2 Replay review – a PSP classic comes to Nintendo Switch
Tom's Guide
01-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I played 200 hours on the LG UltraGear 45GX90SA OLED gaming monitor — and it's so good I'm using it as my TV, too
Earlier this year, I found out that the LG UltraGear 45GX90SA is living a secret double life — both as a seriously good gaming monitor and an impressively well-featured OLED TV. But as someone who has used more traditional single-function gaming monitors, I was a little unsure about exactly how much I'd use these additional features. Like, how much would I actually jump over to Netflix on webOS vs just using it on my desktop? Well, as it turns out, after using it as the main screen in my rather tiny apartment, the answer is 'a lot,' and I can 100% see the appeal over the long-term in this being one of the best gaming monitors you can buy. To be able to use the same screen for my day-to-day work and gameplay by night is one thing, but to be able to kick back and enjoy this 45-inch OLED panel as a TV can make this the central focal point of any studio apartment. Being able to dual-purpose this screen has been a revelation in minimizing the aesthetic of my usually chaotic room. But to get there, you need to find $1,700 and the speakers are a bit too tinny for the full binge watching experience. That being said, for the amazing couple of weeks I had using this over a TV taking up way too much room, this is a great buy. LG UltraGear 45GX90SA Price $1,699 / £1,499 Display 45-inch Resolution 3440 x 1440 pixels Aspect ratio 21:9 Refresh rate 240Hz Response time 0.03ms Panel type OLED Dimensions 39.1 x 26.1 x 13.3 inches Weight 41.7 pounds Yes, it's rather heavy, so two people are definitely needed. But outside of the weight, setting it up as a cinch. Once I fired up the 45GX90SA in my bedroom, my living room was a distant memory and studio apartment living made sense. Let's get to the obvious bit this has to do well — pack a good picture, and oh boy the 3440 x 1440-pixel OLED screen is gorgeous here. Monitor LG UltraGear 45GX90SA Alienware AW2725Q Average brightness (nits) 537 334 DCI-P3 color gamut (% - closer to 100% is better) 79.2% 129.3% It's the kind of numbers you'd expect when paying a big price for the screen — strong color accuracy, big brightness and immersive HDR. Whether it's bright and colorful games like the fast-moving surroundings of Mexico in Forza Horizon 5, or the neon-soaked streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, this is simply a mesmerizing trip with every frame. Plus, things are kept buttery smooth and responsive with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, which all comes without a hint of that OLED flicker you see on other gaming monitors of this caliber. Top it off with color accuracy that gives you confidence in your creative work, and you're onto a winner. But there's a whole second mode here too. Thanks to the implementation of webOS here, this is a pretty fully-featured smart TV. Off the rip, you've got all your usual streaming suspects included and even some cloud gaming. Basically, this meant I could shut down the power-hungry PC and watch my favorite shows (and even have a sample of some games) without needing to run up the electric bill — all while making the most of that inky OLED screen. Because at the end of the day, I don't need an RTX 5070 Ti whirring in the background to watch 'Love Island USA' with my fiancée and dish. This makes the 45GX90SA what I will call the optimal everything screen: something that fits multiple purposes just great, and can be expanded with the LG content store with more apps down the line. Also shout-out to the LG remote. Not only is it a cinch to use for navigating webOS with preset buttons for the most popular streaming services, but it's infinitely easier to tweak monitor settings for your gameplay over using the built-in buttons and joystick. But as I went from firing up my favorite games and getting work done, to binge watching to my heart's content, two things felt a bit off with the LG UltraGear 45GX90SA. Not much more I could say about this beyond that subheading. For its weight and size, I was expecting there to be at least a little more oomph to the speakers on here — especially important given you're billing this as both a desktop monitor and smart TV-esque hybrid. That's not to say there's clarity here. Even at high volumes, there is no sign of distortion, and for monitors, that should be applauded. However, the bass is lacking here to really make dramatic moments of games and movies really land. The retail price of the LG UltraGear 45GX90SA is a steep one — nearly $1,700. I know that you're getting something mightily impressive here that can do double duty. But of course there are some lower cost options kicking about that could do the job too, as well as just getting a regular monitor and using the PC connected to it for all your streaming needs. Yes, I'm aware that webOS is not necessary, but it does create good separation and keeps the power demands down. At its core, the LG UltraGear 45GX90SA is a phenomenal gaming monitor — packing vivid color production, a buttery smooth refresh rate with rapid response time and an impressive brightness that really brings that deep 800R curve to immersive life. But it's so much more than that. With impressive connectivity, it can be the central hub to all of your devices, and in one fell webOS swoop, it has the size and capability to be your main screen in a studio apartment (or an ultimate distraction at your desk when you're supposed to be working…sorry boss). Though it isn't completely blemish free. The speakers are pretty tinny, and at $1,699, it's a pricey purchase. But I can't ignore that this is one of the most fully-featured gaming monitors I've ever used — great for tiny dwellers and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Geeky Gadgets
11-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT Review : Best Budget GPU for 1440p Gaming?
Is it possible to find a graphics card that balances performance, affordability, and future-proofing without compromise? The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT, particularly in its Asus TUF Gaming Overclock Edition form, makes a bold claim: it can deliver 1440p gaming excellence while staying within a mid-range budget. For gamers tired of choosing between breaking the bank or settling for outdated hardware, this GPU promises to be a fantastic option. But does it truly live up to the hype, or is it just another contender in an already crowded market? In this rundown, we'll explore whether the RX 9060 XT is the perfect fit for your gaming setup—or if it falls short of expectations. Throughout this review, ETA Prime unpacks the RX 9060 XT's key specifications, real-world gaming benchmarks, and standout features like its power efficiency and cooling technology. You'll discover how it performs in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5, whether its 16GB of GDDR6 memory is worth the investment, and how it stacks up against competitors in the mid-range GPU space. Whether you're building a compact PC or upgrading your rig for the latest AAA games, this GPU might just strike the balance you've been searching for. Let's see if the RX 9060 XT can truly redefine what it means to be a mid-range powerhouse. AMD RX 9060 XT Overview Key Specifications: What Powers the RX 9060 XT? At the core of the RX 9060 XT is 16GB of GDDR6 memory operating on a 128-bit bus, making sure smooth and consistent gameplay in modern titles. The GPU's boost clock reaches an impressive 3,340 MHz, providing the necessary processing power to handle demanding games with ease. Its 2.5-slot design incorporates triple axial-tech fans and subtle RGB lighting, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The RX 9060 XT is also notable for its power efficiency. It requires only a single 8-pin PCIe power connector and is compatible with a 550W power supply unit (PSU). With a Total Graphics Power (TGP) ranging between 180W and 190W, users can also opt for a 10% power boost for additional performance headroom. This combination of efficiency and flexibility makes it an excellent choice for gamers who want a capable card without excessive power demands. Benchmarking the RX 9060 XT: How Does It Perform? Synthetic benchmarks provide a clear picture of the RX 9060 XT's capabilities. In tests like 3DMark, the GPU positions itself as a solid mid-range performer, trailing slightly behind higher-tier models such as the RX 970 and RX 970 XT. These results confirm its status as a cost-effective solution for gamers who prioritize performance without overspending. RX 9060 XT Best Mid-Range GPU for 1440p Gaming? Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to AMD Radeon hardware that you may find helpful. Real-World Gaming: A 1440p Powerhouse The RX 9060 XT truly shines in real-world gaming scenarios, particularly at 1440p resolution. Its performance in popular titles demonstrates its ability to handle demanding settings while maintaining smooth frame rates. Below are some examples of its performance across various games: Cyberpunk 2077 : 78 FPS (Ultra settings, no FSR). : 78 FPS (Ultra settings, no FSR). Horizon Zero Dawn : 101 FPS (Very High settings, no FSR). : 101 FPS (Very High settings, no FSR). Marvel Rivals : 72 FPS (Ultra settings, FSR Quality). : 72 FPS (Ultra settings, FSR Quality). Spider-Man 2 : 98 FPS (Very High settings, FSR Quality). : 98 FPS (Very High settings, FSR Quality). Forza Horizon 5 : 84 FPS (4K, Extreme settings, no scaling). : 84 FPS (4K, Extreme settings, no scaling). Fortnite : 114 FPS (1440p, Epic settings, no scaling). The inclusion of FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and frame generation technology enhances gameplay further by boosting frame rates and making sure smoother performance. These features are particularly beneficial for graphically intensive games, allowing users to enjoy a more immersive experience without compromising on visual quality. Cooling and Noise: Quiet Efficiency The Asus TUF Gaming RX 9060 XT excels in thermal management, thanks to its triple axial-tech fans. During gaming sessions, the card maintains an average temperature of 64°C, with peaks reaching only 68°C. Despite its efficient cooling capabilities, the GPU operates quietly, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a noise-free gaming environment. This combination of effective cooling and low noise levels ensures that the RX 9060 XT performs reliably under various conditions. Design and Build: Practicality Meets Style The RX 9060 XT strikes a balance between practicality and aesthetics. Its sleek design features gray accents and a vented backplate, giving it a polished and modern appearance. The inclusion of a dual BIOS feature allows users to switch between quiet and performance modes, offering flexibility based on individual preferences. Whether you prioritize silent operation or maximum performance, the RX 9060 XT adapts to meet your specific needs. Value for Money: A Mid-Range Contender The RX 9060 XT delivers exceptional value for its price point. The 16GB version is particularly well-suited for 1440p gaming and future-proofing, while the 8GB variant caters to 1080p esports players. With pricing starting at $299 for the 8GB model and $349 for the 16GB version, the RX 9060 XT is an attractive option for gamers seeking high performance without exceeding their budget. Its competitive pricing and robust feature set make it a compelling choice in the mid-range GPU market. Future-Proofing and Versatility The RX 9060 XT is designed with future-proofing in mind, making it a versatile option for various setups. Its compact design and efficient power consumption make it an excellent choice for small form factor PC builds and Steam OS gaming. Additionally, its advanced features, such as FSR and frame generation, ensure that it remains relevant as gaming technology evolves. This adaptability positions the RX 9060 XT as a reliable investment for gamers looking to build or upgrade their systems with longevity in mind. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MitchCactus Announces Platform Expansion as It Solidifies Its Position as a Legit Platform with Continued Growth
MitchCactus expands its platform to meet growing global demand, reinforcing its status as a trusted leader in legit gaming services BRISBANE, Australia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MitchCactus, a globally recognized platform trusted by over 100,000 gamers, is proud to announce a major expansion of its services as it continues to solidify its reputation as a safe, legit, and innovative marketplace for in-game currencies, modded accounts, and performance boosts. Originally launched as a Forza Horizon-focused YouTube channel, MitchCactus has rapidly evolved into the premier destination for gamers seeking fast, reliable, and secure ways to level up across titles like Call of Duty, Valorant, EA FC 25, and more. This latest phase of growth marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to transform the gaming experience by eliminating the grind and delivering top-tier digital assets with unmatched value and customer originally began as a Forza Horizon-focused YouTube channel, providing tutorials, reviews, and in-game news. The platform quickly evolved into a fully operational gaming marketplace when its founders identified a recurring pain point among gamers — the struggle to keep up with updates, unlock exclusive content, and stay competitive in a fast-paced digital environment. In response, MitchCactus was launched with a clear mission: to become the go-to ally for gamers seeking top-tier support and legit solutions to fast-track their progress. Today, MitchCactus offers a wide range of digital services including in-game currencies, modded accounts, and progression boosts for popular titles such as Call of Duty, Forza Horizon 5, Valorant, and EA FC 25, among others. Whether players are seeking rare items, unlocked achievements, or powerful custom accounts, MitchCactus delivers with unmatched speed and precision. Why MitchCactus is the Top Choice for Gamers Globally: Legit and Safe: Every transaction on MitchCactus is backed by rigorous safety protocols and a 100% money-back guarantee. Customers either receive exactly what they paid for—or they get their money back. Unbeatable Value: The team constantly monitors market trends to ensure competitive pricing, giving gamers the best value on every purchase. Fast, Hassle-Free Delivery: With a round-the-clock team of dedicated boosters and support agents, MitchCactus ensures rapid fulfillment of all orders, letting gamers focus on playing rather than waiting. Effortless Purchasing Experience: From game selection to package configuration and secure checkout, MitchCactus offers a smooth, intuitive ordering process—completed within minutes. How It Works: Choose a game and preferred service. Customize your package based on personal gaming goals. Checkout with secure billing. Receive instant order confirmation and detailed communication via email. From there, MitchCactus takes the wheel, delivering premium gaming assets and services directly to the customer with zero stress or delay. What sets MitchCactus apart is its grassroots origin and unwavering commitment to the gamer community. Born from the frustrations of casual and hardcore players alike, the brand is built by gamers, for gamers—focusing on transparency, customer care, and continuous service innovation. 'Our journey started with a simple YouTube channel and a passion for Forza,' says a spokesperson for MitchCactus. 'When we saw the growing demand for a legit platform that could provide safe and reliable gaming services, we stepped in—and never looked back. We're here to help players skip the grind and enjoy gaming the way it's meant to be.' The company's ambition doesn't stop with the games it already supports. MitchCactus is actively expanding its catalogue to include more titles while enhancing customer support systems and infrastructure to handle increasing demand. With 24/7 support and a robust backend system in place, the team remains agile, ready to meet the evolving needs of the gaming community. Looking Ahead MitchCactus continues to operate with a clear vision: to simplify and elevate the gaming journey for players worldwide. By combining best-in-class services, affordable pricing, and round-the-clock support, MitchCactus stands out as a legit platform committed to changing the way gamers engage with their favorite titles. Whether you're a casual player looking to get ahead or a competitive gamer chasing elite status, MitchCactus has the tools, team, and trust to help you reach the next level. For more information, visit: Media Details Company Name: MitchCactusContact Person: Support Team - support@ +61466352705 (Not Monitored for Support)Website: Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the MitchCactus. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
