Ninja Theory and Microsoft reveal Muse, an AI gameplay tool
- Trained on Bleeding Edge, Muse generates gameplay ideas using GPT-4-level understanding of 3D physics.
- The model, now on Azure AI Foundry, could let devs prototype boss fights or parkour mechanics in minutes.
- Critics worry it’ll homogenize design.
YouTube tests voice replies
- Select creators can now reply to comments with 30-second voice clips.
- The feature, currently iOS-only in the U.S., aims to counter TikTok’s impersonal algo.
- Creators report 3x higher reply rates with audio, calling it “a game-changer for loyalty.”
Taylor Swift breaks IFPI record with fifth global artist crown
- Swift became IFPI’s first five-time Global Recording Artist, outselling Drake and SEVENTEEN.
- The Tortured Poets Department topped streaming charts in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, though engagement rumors with Travis Kelce overshadowed her wins.
GTA 5 PC patch adds Discord integration ahead of GTA 6 hype
- Rockstar’s 541MB update enables Discord Rich Presence, showing friends what heist or race you’re in.
- The move aligns with its new official Discord server, which hit 200K members in days.
- Fans speculate it’s a test run for GTA 6’s social features.
South Korea breaks ground on world’s largest AI data centre
- Backed by $2B in government funding, South Korea’s new AI hub near Seoul aims to dominate generative AI research.
- The facility will host 50,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, positioning the country as a rival to U.S. and Chinese tech giants.
Super Micro stock soars 45%
- Shares in Super Micro surged after forecasting “AI-fueled” 2026 growth.
- The firm plans to file delayed financials by 25 February to avoid Nasdaq delisting.
- Analysts warn the rally masks governance issues, but gamers eye its servers for next-gen cloud gaming infrastructure.
Samsung accidentally leaks new Galaxy A phones
- Samsung’s Chilean website has leaked details about three upcoming mid-range smartphones: the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. Listed on an out-of-warranty repair page, these models are expected to launch in March.
- The A56 (SM-A566) will feature a metallic frame and a punch-hole display, while the A36 retains a plastic body. The budget-friendly A26 sports a notched display.
- Although repair costs weren’t listed, this slip hints at Samsung’s imminent release plans.
- The leak adds to the excitement surrounding Samsung’s mid-range offerings, which face stiff competition in the market.
Google expands fingerprinting for ads, ignites privacy backlash
- Google quietly enabled device fingerprinting for advertisers on smart TVs and consoles, ditching cookies for covert tracking.
- The UK’s ICO slammed the move as “irresponsible,” while EU lawmakers debate emergency restrictions.
- Privacy-focused browsers like Brave report a 200% spike in downloads since the policy went live.
Patreon report blames algorithmic feeds for crushing creator reach
- 53% of creators say connecting with fans is harder now than in 2020, per Patreon’s State of Create report.
- Fans increasingly prefer long-form content (52%), but platforms prioritize short videos.
- CEO Jack Conte called TikTok-style feeds “a creativity killer” as creators pivot to paywalled communities.
Xbox Game Pass adds Avowed and Watch Dogs: Legion
- Microsoft’s February Game Pass update includes Obsidian’s fantasy RPG Avowed and Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs: Legion.
- Meanwhile, F1 24 (7/10 on IGN) and Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader (8/10) join the lineup, though Wo Long and Yakuza 3-4 exit soon.
Acer hikes US laptop prices by 10% due to tariffs
- Acer CEO Jason Chen confirmed laptops will cost 10% more starting March 2025, blaming Trump-era tariffs on Chinese imports.
- The Predator Triton 17 could jump to $4,178, squeezing gamers and students.
- Critics argue the tariffs fail to boost U.S. manufacturing, with domestic production rising just 8%.
