Latest news with #GameScience
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Player mode: A new video game for bibliophiles to live a dream
August sees the release of three exciting video games: Tiny Bookshop, a narrative management game; Black Myth: Wukong, an action RPG based on Chinese mythology; and Destiny: Rising, a mobile FPS set in a futuristic alternate timeline. If androids dream of electric sheep, book lovers dream of opening a bookshop someday. Live the dream with Tiny Bookshop, a cosy, narrative management game featuring a mobile bookshop. As a travelling salesperson looking to spread the good word, you'll be tasked with keeping your store stocked with must-read titles, finding scenic locales to set up shop, getting to know your customers and recommending the right books to them. The game also lets you test your designing chops by decorating your bookshop with the items you collect, and delve into the mysteries of the town the story is set in. Available on PCs with Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. An action RPG game The 2024 action role-playing game developed and published by Game Science is releasing on the Xbox this month. Inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong assigns the persona of the Destined One, a staff-wielding monkey, to the player who has to embark on a journey to recover six relics corresponding to Sun Wukong's six senses. The game, one of the top-selling ones of 2024, received great reviews and awards for its gameplay as well as game design featuring real-world Chinese cultural and natural scenery like the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, the Wulong Temple in Langzhong, and the Dazu Rock Carvings. The first-person shooter role-playing game Destiny will soon be available on mobiles with Destiny: Rising, which delivers players to a new, alternate timeline in the Destiny universe, a mythic science-fiction world set 700 years in the future in which humans have colonized planets in the Solar System. Following a collapse of this 'golden age' of human exploration, players take on the role of a Guardian, protectors of Earth's last safe city, as they wield a power called Light granted by a celestial being to protect the City from hostile forces.
Geeky Gadgets
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Black Myth Wukong Keyboard : CNC Machined Deluxe Edition with Custom Keycaps $259
Keychron has released their new awesome Black Myth Wukong Deluxe Edition wireless mechanical keyboard this week for $259, for enthusiast gamers and fans of the popular action RPG. The collaboration between Keychron and Game Science represents a deeper approach to themed peripherals than typical gaming merchandise. Rather than superficial branding, the keyboard integrates authentic design elements from Journey to the West mythology and the game's visual language into a mechanically sound foundation. After testing the board extensively across gaming sessions, productivity work, and customization scenarios, it's clear this isn't a typical gaming peripheral—the combination of premium materials, custom components, and game-specific design elements creates something distinctly different in the mechanical keyboard space. Build Quality and Construction The Deluxe Edition centers around a 6063 aluminum body processed through CNC machining, polishing, and sandblasting across 24 manufacturing stages. The result is a solid, dense keyboard with premium fit and finish that immediately differentiates it from standard gaming boards. The aluminum construction provides both durability and thermal management, preventing the flexing common in plastic gaming keyboards during intense sessions. Two components define the Deluxe Edition upgrade: the Ebongold Spaulder keycap crafted from solid brass, and a gourd-shaped functional knob made from durable resin with smooth painted finish. The brass keycap serves as both a decorative element and functional key, typically replacing the escape key with substantial weight and visual impact. The gourd knob handles volume, brightness, and other system controls while maintaining the authentic shape of Wukong's signature accessory from the game. Both components draw directly from Wukong's armor and accessories, but function as integral parts of the keyboard rather than mere decoration. The brass component alone likely accounts for significant manufacturing cost, as solid brass requires specialized machining and finishing processes. Ebongold Spaulder Esc Keycap The themed backplate features laser-etched artwork depicting the Dragon Palace scene from Journey to the West, providing visual depth beyond typical keyboard aesthetics. The etching quality shows fine detail work that maintains clarity even under various lighting conditions. Custom keycaps use a game-inspired font that matches the original interface typography, manufactured through PBT dye-sublimation for durability and color retention over extended use. Gourd Knob The golden paint keycaps and jade paint gourd accent keycap complete the aesthetic package, using colors that reference traditional Chinese design principles rather than arbitrary gaming color schemes. The Cherry profile design maintains ergonomic typing angles while supporting the visual theme. Technical Specifications and Performance Layout and Form Factor The 75% compact layout removes the number pad while retaining function keys and arrow cluster, optimizing desk space for gaming while maintaining productivity functionality. This form factor has gained popularity among enthusiasts for balancing compactness with functionality—you lose the numpad but keep essential navigation and function keys. The reduced footprint allows greater mouse movement range, critical for FPS and competitive gaming where low sensitivity settings require extensive mouse pad real estate. Connectivity Performance Three connection modes provide flexibility across different use cases: 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate for gaming Bluetooth 5.2 supporting up to three simultaneous device connections USB-C wired mode with 1000 Hz polling rate The wireless performance maintains consistent 1000 Hz polling in both 2.4 GHz and wired modes, ensuring competitive gaming viability without latency concerns. I tested input lag extensively using dedicated measurement tools and found no detectable difference between wired and 2.4 GHz modes during gaming sessions. Battery life extends well beyond typical usage patterns. The USB-C charging port supports standard cables, eliminating proprietary connector concerns. Bluetooth device switching works seamlessly between computer, tablet, and phone connections. The transition lag averages under two seconds, making it practical for users who switch between devices frequently throughout their workflow. Switch Technology and Customization Keychron includes pre-lubricated TTC mechanical switches in two variants: Bluish White: Tactile switches with crisp, definitive feedback and clear actuation point Golden Pink: Linear switches with strong rebound, soft actuation, and smooth travel Both switches come factory-lubricated with appropriate grades of lubricant, eliminating the scratchy feel common in gaming keyboards and providing smooth operation immediately. The lubrication quality matches what enthusiasts typically apply in custom builds, suggesting proper attention to switch preparation. The hot-swappable design supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches without soldering, enabling easy customization across virtually any mechanical switch on the market. During testing, I swapped in Cherry MX Browns, Gateron Yellows, and Kailh Box switches without issues. The switch sockets maintain solid connections and show no signs of wear after multiple swap cycles. Switch removal requires a standard switch puller tool (included in box), and the process takes seconds per switch. This opens extensive customization possibilities—you can optimize different sections of the keyboard for different purposes, such as linear switches for gaming keys and tactile switches for typing areas. Audio Engineering and Typing Experience The keyboard incorporates multiple dampening layers designed to enhance acoustic properties: 3.0mm EVA acoustic foam, IXPE foam, and PET film. Combined with gasket mount PCB design, these elements create deeper, more satisfying typing sounds while reducing ping and hollow resonance typical of gaming keyboards. The gasket mounting system uses compression points around the PCB perimeter rather than rigid mounting, increasing keyboard flexibility and providing cushioned feedback during extended typing sessions. This mounting style has become popular in custom keyboards for its balance of stability and comfort. During extended typing tests, the acoustic profile remained consistent and pleasant. The 'thocky' sound signature appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts while remaining office-appropriate at moderate typing speeds. The dampening effectively eliminates case ping and reduces key impact noise without muffling the mechanical feedback that makes these switches appealing. PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers minimize rattle and wobble on larger keys like spacebar, shift, and enter keys. These stabilizers come pre-lubricated and properly tuned, eliminating the sticky or rattling behavior common in cheaper gaming keyboards. The stabilizer tuning alone represents significant labor investment that many manufacturers skip. Software Integration and Customization QMK Firmware Foundation The board runs open-source QMK firmware on a WB32F3G71 MCU with 256K flash memory. This provides extensive customization possibilities including key remapping, macro programming, layer creation, and advanced lighting effects. The open-source nature means community-driven feature development and transparency in functionality. The 256K flash capacity supports complex configurations with multiple layers, extensive macro libraries, and detailed RGB programming. Power users can create game-specific layouts, productivity layers, and custom lighting schemes that activate based on application focus or time of day. Keychron Launcher Web Tool Instead of downloadable software, Keychron uses a web-based configuration tool accessible through Chrome, Edge, or Opera browsers. This approach offers several advantages: Real-time key programming and macro creation without software installation Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux Continuous updates delivered automatically without user intervention Secure, local configuration that doesn't require cloud connectivity or account creation The web interface provides intuitive drag-and-drop key assignment, macro recording functionality, and RGB customization tools. Advanced users can access raw QMK configuration for deeper customization possibilities. The tool successfully bridges ease-of-use for beginners with power-user functionality for enthusiasts. Visual Design and RGB Implementation South-facing RGB LEDs optimize backlight visibility from the user's perspective while maintaining compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps. This LED placement avoids interference issues common with north-facing configurations when using aftermarket keycap sets—a consideration important for users planning future customization. The RGB system integrates thoughtfully with the overall aesthetic rather than dominating it. Default lighting profiles complement the golden and jade color scheme while supporting both gaming ambiance and professional environments. Custom RGB programming allows users to create game-specific lighting that reacts to in-game events or system status. The translucent legends on the PBT keycaps provide even light distribution without hotspots or dim areas. Even users who typically disable RGB lighting may appreciate the subtle accent lighting possible with this configuration. Real-World Performance Analysis Gaming Performance Evaluation The 1000 Hz polling rate in wireless mode matches wired performance, eliminating the typical wireless gaming compromise. During competitive FPS testing, input registration remained consistent with no dropped inputs or wireless interference. The compact layout provides ample mouse space for low-sensitivity gaming preferences. The hot-swappable switches enable game-specific optimization—linear switches for WASD movement keys, tactile switches for ability keys that benefit from feedback confirmation. This level of customization typically requires multiple keyboards or expensive custom builds. Productivity and Typing Assessment The gasket mount design and premium switches make extended typing comfortable across long work sessions. The 75% layout retains essential function keys while reducing overall footprint, suitable for mixed gaming and work setups where desk space is premium. The acoustic dampening keeps noise levels reasonable for office environments while maintaining satisfying mechanical feedback. Build Durability Testing After several weeks of intensive use, the keyboard shows no signs of wear or degradation. The aluminum construction resists flex under heavy use, while the premium keycaps maintain their appearance and texture. The brass components develop a subtle patina that enhances rather than detracts from the visual appeal. The $259 Deluxe Edition pricing reflects several premium components: solid brass keycap, custom resin knob, laser-etched backplate, extensive manufacturing processes, and game licensing costs. The combination of materials, customization options, and authentic theming targets collectors and enthusiasts rather than mainstream gaming audiences. For comparison, the standard version at $199 includes the same technical foundation but replaces brass components with themed alternatives, providing similar performance characteristics at reduced cost. The price difference specifically pays for the premium materials and limited edition components. Final Assessment The Black Myth Wukong Deluxe Edition succeeds as a premium mechanical keyboard that integrates game theming without compromising technical performance. The solid construction, comprehensive customization options, and attention to acoustic engineering justify the premium price. Strengths: Premium materials and construction quality throughout Excellent wireless performance with true 1000 Hz polling Comprehensive customization through QMK firmware and web tools Superior acoustic engineering compared to typical gaming keyboards Authentic cultural and game design integration Hot-swappable switches enable extensive personalization Considerations: Premium pricing limits appeal to mainstream gaming market 75% layout may not suit users requiring dedicated number pads Limited availability The Deluxe Edition is available now through Keychron's website for $259, with the standard version available for $199. Limited production numbers suggest availability windows may be constrained for interested buyers. 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.
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Wuchang: Fallen Feathers' Preview: This Year's ‘Black Myth: Wukong'?
There's a lot riding on Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It's the next major video game to emerge from China, a country with a growing influence on the wider games market. That's largely due to the success of last year's Black Myth: Wukong, a title made by Shenzhen's Game Science that has now sold a whopping 25 million copies worldwide. Will Wuchang follow in its path? After playing the game for just over three hours recently, it's clear it has heaps of potential to be one of 2025's best games. We awaken as the pirate warrior, Wuchang, in a tranquil cave. It's strikingly similar to the opening of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild except we're in ancient China during the late Ming dynasty, not Hyrule. Both are equally picturesque, however. Emerging from Wuchang's slumber, we venture outside. There's a stunning horizon in front of us. Mountains are shrouded in mist. Treetops sway gently in the breeze. But something is awry. Blue feathers sprout from one of our heroine's arms. Just like Link in Nintendo's adventure, Wuchang can't remember a thing. As we climb down a hillside, the game's tone changes. Everything starts to feel apocalyptic. It's eerily quiet. A giant claw has torn through a muddy road covered in blood. It's a fantasy world infused with supernatural horror. Nothing feels safe in this beautiful land all of a sudden. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder That's because a plague is spreading. We meet a local community holed up in a large house who tell us the disease is called the Feathering. Wuchang has it. If it's left untreated, she'll turn into a ghastly creature. And so begins her plight to find a cure and to discover who she was before all this turmoil started. At first Wuchang appears to be just like every other soulslike game. The first hour or so has us experimenting with the standard array of light and heavy attacks. We learn the basics of fighting which, as expected, requires patience to decipher a foe's behavioural patterns. Shrines are dotted around; they can be used to replenish Wuchang's health but doing so will reset all the monsters you've just killed. If you've played something like Elden Ring before, you'll know the drill. But towards the end of my demo it became apparent that the developer Leenzee is trying to do something different with this worn out formula. There's bold choices - jumping isn't an option and you can't parry from the start (although it can be unlocked later). This combat setup is going to be divisive but it actually makes everything feel more cinematic and snappier. There's an emphasis on dodging attacks here too. Time one perfectly and you'll be able to use your weapon's special abilities for extra damage. The further you progress, more weapons and upgrades become available. Just how much depth is offered in terms of customising your own fighting style remains to be seen. A magic system is bolted on too; it means you can flit around the battlefield and fire attacks off from a distance which makes everything generally more aggressive. You take the fight to the enemies in Wuchang more often than not, regardless of how grisly and challenging they can be. An unusual feature captures that spirit perfectly. Every time Wuchang dies, a madness meter increases. This makes her more susceptible to damage while also temporarily powering up her attack statistics. If you're getting absolutely battered by an enemy time and again, it means you can respawn stronger (and again, fight more aggressively) so you stand a greater chance of progressing. Once that bar peaks, a demon appears at the site of your last death. Defeat it and you'll be able to reclaim the red mercury (this game's currency) you dropped. Good luck with that as they're mighty tough to kill. In my short play through I faced a couple of boss fights too. They're a spectacle and feel more accessible than what's usually on offer in this genre as the difficulty is more balanced. There's still a lot to learn about Wuchang: Fallen Feathers - how far will upgrades and progression permit you to diversify your playstyle? Will its locations provide enough variety? It remains unclear but what I've seen so far gives me high hopes.
Engadget
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Black Myth: Wukong is getting an Xbox port on August 20
Black Myth: Wukong is finally coming to the Xbox Series X|S, one year after it was released for the PlayStation 5 and for Windows PCs. Its developer Game Science will roll out the Xbox version of the game on August 20, but you'll be able to pre-order the game starting on June 17 at 12PM Eastern time. If you place your pre-order before July 10 12PM Eastern, you'll be able to get the typically $60 title with a 20 percent discount at $48. The action role-playing game is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West , adapting its universe, as well as its characters and their backstories. You'll take control of a monkey protagonist based on the novel's main character, Sun Wukong, who uses a staff as a weapon. The staff shrinks and extends in combat and has several possible techniques that provide you a variety of moves to choose from. It's considered as China's first true AAA game and broke Steam's concurrent players record for a single-player title just a few hours after it became available. In addition to announcing that the Xbox version of the game is coming out in August, Game Science has also launched a promotion for all platforms. Starting on June 17 at 12PM until July 2 at 12PM Eastern time, the standard and Deluxe PS5 editions of the game will be 20 percent off at $48 and $56, respectively. The PC version will be priced the same, though the sale will begin on June 19, 1PM and end on July 10, 1PM Eastern time on Steam, WeGame and the Epic Games Store.
Forbes
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Black Myth: Wukong's Xbox Release Date Is One Year After PS5's
Black Myth: Wukong The saga of Black Myth: Wukong's absence on Xbox is finally coming to an end as Game Science has announced the enormous hit is coming to the platform. And curiously, it is one year to the day after the game's release on PlayStation and PC on August 20, 2024. Wukong will now be released on Xbox on August 20, 2025. This caps off a long saga that I ended up tangled up in when I reported that a source with knowledge of the situation told me that Black Myth: Wukong had an exclusivity deal with Sony was keeping the game off Xbox, which was later confirmed by IGN and Windows Central. That eventually elicited a statement from Microsoft heavily implying that was indeed what was happening, and claims that their hardware (namely Xbox Series S) was responsible for the delay was not the case. The statement: Still, that eventually led Game Science to comment on the difficulty of porting the game to Series S, which many took as confirmation that was the reason for the delay after all, not a deal. But neither Sony nor Game Science, through all of this, denied that an exclusivity deal was in place. Even now, no exclusivity deal is now absolutely confirmed, nor will it ever be, publicly, most likely. But the fact that Wukong is releasing exactly a year after its PC/PlayStation-only release would certainly indicate that is likely the case. I stood by my source back then and I maintain that's why this is happening now. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Black Myth: Wukong I've seen it brought up that August 20 is a special date in general for Black Myth: Wukong. There is no official date for the birth of the Monkey King in legend, but August 20 has been mentioned in the past. It is the case that Game Science first debuted Wukong footage on August 20, 2022. Then they did a hands-on on August 20, 2023. Then there was the PlayStation release in 2024 and now Xbox in 2025. I don't take this as some sort of explanation. You could certainly say that Game Science picked the date on purpose due to its supposed relationship to Wukong lore. But if you did that and then say, made a year-long exclusivity deal, that would of course end on…August 20 of the following year. Multiple things can be true. It may really have been tough to develop Wukong for Microsoft's lower-spec Series S, but simultaneously, a deal could have been in place. However, five months ago, this was the director of Black Myth: Wukong on Weibo: "Several years" appears to have been exactly a year between platform releases and less than six months from when he said this. I trust what I was told, and here we are. Again, such a deal is unlikely to ever be confirmed publicly, but this is the date, one year after PlayStation's release. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
