Tech Desk 
Nov 17, 2024
This week in gaming brought a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and fresh content for players to explore. Valve celebrates the 20th anniversary of Half-Life 2 with a free update packed with enhancements and expansions, while Capcom reveals an ambitious new title, Monster Hunter: Outlanders.
Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077 teases multiplayer possibilities, and Call of Duty Black Ops 6 launches its latest season with new rewards and battle pass changes.
Whether you're a fan of classic remasters or unique updates, there’s something for everyone in this week’s gaming news.
Half-Life 2 celebrates 20th anniversary with free update
Valve Corporation is marking Half-Life 2's 20th anniversary with a significant update. The refreshed version, free on Steam starting November 18, includes expansions for Episode One and Episode Two, bug fixes, Steam Workshop access, and graphical enhancements.
Players can dive into the legacy with a free documentary on YouTube, while an expanded edition of Raising the Bar, a book on the game’s development, is planned for 2025. The pre-anniversary build is available via the "steam_legacy" beta branch.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 1 Begin
Season 1 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone introduces a streamlined battle pass, cosmetic skins, and new content.
For 1,100 CoD points (~$10), players can access the standard pass, while the BlackCell bundle offers extra perks for $30. Double XP tokens, updated layouts, and iconic additions like Gobblegums for zombie modes enhance gameplay. However, the update removes bonus points, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
Monster Hunter: Outlanders announced
Capcom’s Monster Hunter: Outlanders promises a free-to-play, open-world hunting experience. Players can team up to explore vast biomes, battle classic monsters, and enjoy stunning visuals even on mobile.
Cooperative and solo modes allow flexibility, while community features and regular events aim to keep players engaged. Although the release date is yet to be announced, playtests are planned.
Cyberpunk 2077 sequel teases multiplayer mode
CD Projekt Red is reportedly exploring multiplayer for Cyberpunk 2077's sequel, Project Orion. Rumours suggest co-op gameplay or competitive modes inspired by Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Online.
While these features could revolutionise Cyberpunk’s futuristic open world, CDPR faces the challenge of balancing monetisation and avoiding microtransaction pitfalls.
Stalker 2: Release date and specs confirmed
Stalker 2 is set to launch on November 20 following delays due to bug fixes and challenges caused by the Ukraine war. The game supports four graphic presets, with the highest offering 1440p resolution at 60fps.
It requires 32GB of RAM and 160GB of SSD storage for optimal performance. NVIDIA DLSS3 and Reflex support elevate gameplay for RTX 40 series users.
Warcraft I & II get remastered editions
Blizzard has unveiled remasters of Warcraft I and II, priced at $9.99 and $14.99, respectively, along with a 2.0 update for Warcraft III: Reforged.
Enhanced graphics and modern quality-of-life features promise a nostalgic yet polished gaming experience. A World of Warcraft update and a Hearthstone/StarCraft crossover are also in the works.
Infinity Nikki's release date announced
The highly anticipated open-world game Infinity Nikki launches on December 5 for Android, iPhone, personal computer (PC), and PS5. With 30 million pre-registrations, the game blends exploration, dress-up elements, and pet befriending in a vast open world.
The involvement of Nintendo veteran Kentaro Tominaga adds credibility to its ambitious design.
Resident Evil 2 Remake comes to iPhones
Resident Evil 2’s remake will debut on iPhones and iPads on December 10. Compatible with M1 chips, it offers universal purchase and cross-progression features. Players can pre-order now and enjoy an optimised experience across Apple’s latest devices, joining other titles like Resident Evil: Village and Death Stranding.
