With the Picture-by-Picture (PbP) format, Twitch now automatically mutes the stream’s audio whenever an ad begins. The main video continues to play in a smaller window above the chat, but without sound. This change is part of Twitch’s new ad experience rollout, which aims to allow uninterrupted visual content while advertising runs. However, once the ad ends, Twitch does not automatically restore the stream audio. Viewers are left with a muted stream and have to manually unmute it to resume listening. This adds friction to the experience and can result in viewers missing key parts of the stream if they don’t realize the sound is off. The platform has not communicated this behavior clearly in advance, and some users initially believed it to be a bug rather than an intentional feature. ➤ (Source: GameRant)
Viewer Reactions and Workarounds
Viewer reactions to the PbP ad implementation have been largely negative, especially due to the persistent mute after ads. Many users feel this is a poor user experience, particularly when they return to a stream and find it unexpectedly silent. On social platforms and Twitch-related forums, users have raised concerns that Twitch is prioritizing advertiser needs over viewer convenience.
As a result, some have turned to browser-level solutions to restore functionality. Scripts and extensions on platforms like Greasy Fork detect when an ad starts and ends. They actively mute the stream during the ad and unmute it once the ad finishes. These tools help viewers bring back the seamless experience they had before Twitch introduced the PbP system. However, relying on third-party scripts presents limitations. Not all users are comfortable installing custom code in their browser, and these tools may break if Twitch updates its platform or ad logic.
Streamers have voiced concerns over how the change affects their audiences. Because viewers may not realize their stream is muted after an ad, engagement can suffer. Important conversations, game-changing moments, or key instructions may be missed. This can lead to repeated questions in chat or confusion during live broadcasts.
Some creators have noted a visible drop in interaction during and shortly after ad breaks. This undermines the continuity of the stream, especially in community-driven or narrative-heavy broadcasts. For smaller streamers trying to build an audience, even minor disruptions to viewer flow can have a long-term impact. They also lack control over the ad mechanics, as the muting behavior is imposed by the platform and cannot be toggled off. ➤ (Source: GameRant)
Twitch Rationale
Twitch has not published an official, in-depth explanation for why the stream remains muted after ads conclude. The only formal communication is the feature page on the Twitch Help site, which explains the PbP ad design but does not justify the persistent mute. One plausible reason is that Twitch wants viewers to focus fully on the ad, both visually and aurally, increasing the effectiveness of impressions and boosting advertiser satisfaction.
However, by not restoring audio automatically, Twitch is placing the burden on users to restore their experience. The lack of transparency about this choice has left streamers and viewers guessing about the platform’s intentions, fueling further criticism in the community.
Community Feedback and Future Developments
Feedback from both viewers and streamers continues to accumulate. The Twitch community has raised the issue across platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord. Some request a toggle to allow automatic unmute after ads, while others call for the option to opt out of PbP entirely. Despite the growing concerns, Twitch has not yet indicated any plans to adjust the feature or roll out new options. ➤ (Source: GameRant)
The silence from Twitch has led to speculation about whether the PbP system will remain unchanged or see future revisions. Until then, users are left with makeshift workarounds and platform limitations. Streamers continue to adapt, occasionally adding audio cues or visual reminders in their overlays to warn viewers about the mute behavior post-ad. Whether this becomes standard practice or Twitch revisits the design remains to be seen. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
Stepping into the Shadow Realm, the Land of Shadow, feels less like returning to Elden Ring and more like diving headfirst into an entirely new beast. FromSoftware wasn’t kidding around with this DLC. Forget everything you thought you mastered in the Lands Between; Shadow of the Erdtree demands more, pushes harder, and ultimately delivers an experience that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with, and in many ways surpasses, its phenomenal base game. It’s not just an add-on; for me, this felt like a completely new game, a true evolution.
Let’s get the most pressing point out of the way first: the difficulty. If you found the base game challenging, prepare yourself. Shadow of the Erdtree takes the dial, rips it off, and throws it into a volcano. The step-up isn’t gradual; it’s a sheer cliff face. Bosses hit harder, their attack patterns are more complex, faster, and often cover vast areas. There’s an extravagance to the encounters now – significantly more elemental chaos, area-of-effect (AoE) attacks that demand precise dodging, and relentless aggression that leaves little room for error. Fire, ice, lightning – you name it, it’s thrown at you with alarming frequency and power.
This increased challenge isn’t just about inflated numbers, though. It feels earned. The bosses themselves are spectacles, intricately designed monstrosities and warriors that require you to learn, adapt, and execute flawlessly. It brought back that old-school Souls feeling of hitting a wall, studying the enemy, refining your strategy, and finally achieving that incredibly satisfying victory. You will struggle. You will die, a lot. But the triumphs feel monumental because the hurdles are genuinely significant. This isn’t difficulty for difficulty’s sake; it’s a finely tuned challenge that respects the player’s skill while demanding absolute focus. It will absolutely break a sweat for most players, forcing you to dig deep into your Souls toolkit.
Gameplay Approach and New Toys
Thankfully, FromSoftware didn’t just crank up the enemy stats. They gave us players new tools and significantly expanded the ways we can approach combat. The DLC introduces a wealth of new weapons, Ashes of War, spells, and incantations. These aren’t just reskins; many offer genuinely novel ways to play. The visual flair associated with these new abilities is also a huge step up. Expect more vibrant particle effects, more dramatic animations – more everything. Using some of the new weapon arts feels powerful and looks spectacular, adding another layer of engagement to the already solid combat system.
This diversity extends to boss encounters too. While the core mechanics remain – dodging, parrying (if you dare), managing stamina – the sheer variety in boss design often encourages experimentation. Some fights might favor a more aggressive approach, while others demand patience and careful positioning. The increased number of AoE attacks means spatial awareness is more critical than ever. You have more possibilities, more ways to build your character and tailor your strategy to overcome specific threats. It rewards creativity and understanding the tools at your disposal. I found myself constantly tweaking my build, trying different weapon combinations, and rediscovering the joy of experimentation that Elden Ring fostered so well, but amplified here. Stuck mostly to my preferred heavy melee build, augmented with some of the new weapon arts, but the sheer potential for one-shot builds or intricate spell combinations is definitely there for those who enjoy theory-crafting. I just prefer playing through ‘naturally’ the first time around.
A World Drenched in Atmosphere and Visual Splendor
Visually, Shadow of the Erdtree is astonishing. While Elden Ring was already a beautiful game in its own stark, often brutal way, the DLC feels richer, more vibrant, more detailed. It’s not necessarily about a massive graphical leap in terms of raw fidelity – the engine is the same – but the art direction, the environmental design, and the use of color and light are phenomenal. The contrast between light and dark is executed masterfully.
You’ll explore sprawling new regions, from dizzying mountain peaks where thunderstorms rage constantly and elemental drakes rule the skies, to deep, hauntingly beautiful underground cities. I recall descending into one such subterranean area – Nox, I think it was called, or something similar – and being utterly captivated. You’re deep underground, yet above you stretches a false sky filled with stars. Ghostly, spirit-like enemies patrol the ethereal architecture. It’s mind-bending, atmospheric, and visually stunning. These moments, where the environment itself tells a story and evokes a powerful mood, are plentiful. The sense of scale remains immense, but the density of unique locations and visual set pieces feels even greater than in the base game. It genuinely felt like they put a tremendous amount of work into creating new content, not just recycling old assets. Even comparing screenshots from the base game to the DLC, the difference in visual richness is noticeable.
Bosses: The Pinnacle of Design (and Pain)
I’ve touched on the difficulty, but the bosses deserve their own spotlight. FromSoftware has outdone themselves here. The sheer creativity on display is breathtaking. From hulking knights and grotesque abominations to majestic, terrifying dragons and figures pulled from the deepest lore, each major encounter feels distinct and memorable.
Take Radahn, for example – a name whispered with dread. The fight is a relentless spectacle, a true test of endurance and skill. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, bosses reveal second phases, new move sets, or call upon spectral allies (like that ghost bitch emerging from Radahn – pure BDSM, that fight). Some of the dragon encounters are simply fantastic – unbelievably hard but also cinematic marvels, with attacks that reshape the battlefield.
While I don’t want to spoil too much, the design philosophy seems geared towards pushing the player constantly. The windows for attack can be tight, the punishment for mistakes severe. Yet, the choreography of these fights, the way attacks flow and telegraph (once you learn them), is exceptional. They feel like intricate, deadly dances. Overcoming them provides that signature Souls satisfaction, amplified by the sheer scale and spectacle. These encounters are not just roadblocks; they are the highlights, the moments that will stick with you long after you’ve put the controller down.
Building on a Legendary Foundation
While Shadow of the Erdtree feels remarkably fresh, it’s still built upon the tried-and-true FromSoftware template. The core elements are here: the equivalent of bonfires for resting and leveling (Sites of Grace), the familiar NPC quest structures (often cryptic and easy to miss), weapon upgrades, and the overarching dark-fantasy tone. The storytelling remains environmental and item-description based, rewarding exploration and interpretation. In this sense, it’s undeniably an extension of Elden Ring, a continuation of its world and mechanics.
But calling it just “more Elden Ring” does it a disservice. It’s like saying a masterpiece sequel is “just more of the original.” It takes that fantastic foundation and builds upon it significantly, refining mechanics, expanding possibilities, and dialing up the intensity and visual splendor. It’s Dark Souls Plus, Elden Ring Plus – it’s the next logical, yet somehow still surprising, step in the evolution of the formula. It learned from the base game and elevated nearly every aspect.
Sounds and Feelings
The sound design and music also deserve praise. The ambient sounds create a thick atmosphere, but the boss music? Spectacular. Epic orchestral scores swell during critical moments, particularly during the final encounters, perfectly matching the on-screen intensity. It genuinely enhances the experience, although admittedly, after getting pummeled for the tenth time, sometimes you need to turn it down just to focus on survival!
For me, personally, Shadow of the Erdtree now sits at the absolute pinnacle of the Souls-like mountain. It shares that top spot in my heart only with Sekiro, mainly due to a strong emotional connection I have with that game. But objectively? Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree might just be the best thing FromSoftware has ever produced. It’s a staggering achievement, a challenging, rewarding, and visually stunning expansion that feels essential. It’s not just DLC; it’s a masterpiece in its own right, setting an incredibly high bar for whatever comes next (looking at you, ED:Nightreign). Erdree is an experience that blew me away, exceeding already high expectations, and reminding me why this developer remains the undisputed king of the genre they helped define. If you loved Elden Ring, this isn’t optional. It’s the culmination.
About the Game
Title: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Type of Game: Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG), Soulslike Expansion DLC Developer: FromSoftware Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment Release Date: June 21, 2024 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC Game Reviewed: PC Game
Bygone Dreams: Prophecy reached the top of Steam’s trending free-to-play chart soon after its release on May 6. Developed by Sarajevo-based indie studio Prime Time and published by GrabTheGames, the title functions as a standalone prologue. It introduces a larger project expected to launch next year. Set in the dream realm of Lume, this 2–3 hour game blends Slavic mythology with Bosnian folklore. Players can explore the surreal setting, try the combat mechanics, and get an early look at the world-building. ➤ (Source: notebookcheck.net)
Bygone Dreams: Prophecy Brings Slavic and Bosnian Lore Into the Spotlight
The story follows Wa, a dreamborn guardian summoned into a corrupted world threatened by a spreading nightmare. To stop the unraveling of the dream plane, Wa must retrieve lost ancestral powers and push back against the darkness. The setting draws clear influence from regional legends and mythologies, bringing a sense of unfamiliarity and cultural depth often missing in mainstream fantasy RPGs. Combat plays a central role, and it adheres to familiar Soulslike formulas. Players can perform light and heavy attacks, fire ranged weapons, cast spells, and dodge-roll to survive. Every encounter relies on spacing, timing, and reactive gameplay.
Though Bygone Dreams: Prophecy borrows from punishing action RPGs, it doesn’t try to overwhelm. The overall pace is accessible, and enemy encounters avoid frustrating difficulty spikes. You can stagger enemies mid-animation, interrupt certain actions, and chain magical abilities with basic weapon strikes. Magic doesn’t replace physical attacks but complements them through combos and resource-aware usage. Most notably, the game plays well on mouse and keyboard without needing remapping or mods — something many indie Soulslikes struggle with. Controls are clean, tight, and built with accessibility in mind. ➤ (Source: notebookcheck.net)
Bygone Dreams: Prophecy Uses a Stylized Visual Approach
Visually, the game creates a strong identity. Prime Time blends cel-shading with lithographic-style textures that mimic aged prints or inked sketches. This rough but cohesive style avoids the overused retro-pixel approach and lands somewhere between graphic novel and animated woodcut. Lighting shifts help emphasize the contrast between dream-like safe zones and threatening, corrupted areas. These visual transitions aren’t just stylistic — they support the tone of the game’s progression. Each zone feels handcrafted and meant to guide the player toward a specific mood.
The game’s music is not a backdrop — it’s a tool for worldbuilding. The developers produced over 50 original tracks ranging from ambient dreamscapes to orchestral and folk-inspired battle themes. Many of the compositions use regional instrumentation, echoing the game’s folklore roots. Combat music ramps up gradually and doesn’t reset awkwardly between enemies, which helps preserve immersion. The result is an emotional score that shapes the flow of encounters and exploration, not just one that reacts to them. ➤ (Source: notebookcheck.net)
Player Reviews Highlight Strengths and Weak Spots
User feedback on Steam has been largely positive. Around 89% of early reviews rate the game favorably, with most players praising the unique visuals and carefully designed combat mechanics. The atmosphere and soundtrack are frequent highlights, as is the sense of cohesion across visual, narrative, and sound elements. Criticisms tend to point out stiff or static cutscenes and a lack of exploration incentives, but reviewers often note that these are forgivable given the prologue’s short runtime. Bugs or performance issues aren’t a major concern so far, which is notable for a small studio release.
Short But Focused Prologue Lasts About 2–3 Hours
Unlike many free-to-play titles, Bygone Dreams: Prophecy doesn’t rely on progression systems, loot loops, or grinding to keep attention. The prologue is a linear, curated experience lasting about two to three hours, depending on player speed. Its purpose is to establish the world of Lume, showcase the studio’s direction, and gauge public interest ahead of the full release. There’s no monetization, no in-game store, and no upgrades beyond what’s required for the short campaign. It plays more like a vertical slice or early access narrative chapter than a demo or live-service teaser. ➤ (Source: notebookcheck.net)
Bygone Dreams: Prophecy Is Developed in Bosnia
What makes this project stand out is not just its content but its origin. The developer, Prime Time, operates from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and brings a regional flavor to both game design and narrative elements. This context gives the game a cultural foundation that feels rare in the genre. Bygone Dreams avoids falling into Western or Japanese fantasy templates, instead embracing mythology, dream logic, and symbolic storytelling more aligned with Balkan storytelling traditions.
Full Version Arrives in June 2025
The full version of Bygone Dreams is scheduled to launch in June 2025, though no pricing has been announced. Players interested in continuing the story of Wa and exploring Lume in greater depth can add the title to their Steam wishlist. Developer posts suggest that feedback from the prologue will be used directly to inform the final release, which will expand on every major element — story, mechanics, art, and music. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
After years of absence, the cultural phenomenon Flappy Bird has triumphantly returned to mobile devices, now available exclusively through the Epic Games Store on Android. This relaunch marks a significant shift from recent attempts to revive the franchise, with developers making a clear statement that the game will remain firmly in the traditional gaming space without any cryptocurrency elements.
A Fresh Start Without the Original Creator
Dong Nguyen, the Vietnamese developer who created the original viral sensation before famously removing it from app stores in 2014, is not involved in this new iteration. Nguyen had cited concerns about the game’s addictive nature as his primary reason for pulling the plug at the height of its popularity, reportedly walking away from an estimated $50,000 per day in advertising revenue.
gm Flappy Bird Community ☀️
We are excited to announce that Flappy Bird Publishing just launched Flappy Bird for Epic Games Store for Android!
This is the first of several activations across the Flappy Bird ecosystem for 2025, and we can’t wait to keep you posted on these. https://t.co/GtEAU3ufF4
— Flappy Bird Foundation (@flappybird_Fndn) April 29, 2025
The current version comes after the Flappy Bird Foundation acquired the rights to the intellectual property when Nguyen did not maintain the trademark. This transition of ownership has allowed for the game’s revival under new management while maintaining the core elements that made it a global sensation. ➤ (Source: Gamerant)
Classic Gameplay with Modern Additions
Players will immediately recognize the familiar tap-to-flap mechanics that made the original game both frustratingly difficult and impossibly addictive. The pixelated bird must navigate through a series of green pipes, with each successful passage adding to your score counter.
The new release builds upon this foundation with the introduction of a Quest mode, offering structured challenges across varied environments. Players can unlock new character skins and explore themed worlds, adding depth to the once-simple experience without compromising its accessible nature.
According to the development team’s roadmap, fans can expect regular content updates throughout 2025, potentially introducing seasonal events and additional game modes to keep the experience fresh. ➤ (Source: Gamerant)
Moving Away from Cryptocurrency
This release represents a deliberate pivot from a previous attempt to resurrect Flappy Bird on Telegram in 2024. That version incorporated various cryptocurrency elements, including plans for a FLAP token, but faced significant backlash from gaming traditionalists and was eventually discontinued.
The developers have been emphatic about their Web2-only approach for the current version, stating explicitly in their press materials that the game “will never incorporate Web3 features.” Monetization now follows the traditional mobile gaming model through non-intrusive advertisements and optional in-app purchases for cosmetic items that don’t affect gameplay. ➤ (Source: Gamerant)
Looking Toward Broader Availability
Flappy Bird is currently exclusive to Android users via the Epic Games Store. However, the development team plans to expand access in the coming months. iOS users can expect the game in their app store later in 2025. A browser-based version is also in the works to make it available on all devices.
The free-to-play model keeps the barrier to entry low. This could help Flappy Bird become a cultural hit once again.
It’s still unclear if this version will match the original’s explosive popularity. For now, Android users can revisit the simple, challenging gameplay that made it famous a decade ago. Stay tuned to our website for more reviews and news. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
The Crips for eSims for Gaza Bundle on Itch.io provides 237 items, including 74 indie video games, for a minimum donation of $16. Organized by the disability justice collective Crips for eSims for Gaza, the bundle aims to fund eSIMs for Palestinians in Gaza, facilitating communication amidst ongoing conflict.
Diverse Range of Content
The bundle includes:
74 indie video games, such as Baba Is You, Arctico, Bleed 2, SkateBIRD, and Street Uni X.
86 tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), including FIST: Ultra Edition, a game about paranormal mercenaries inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Doom Patrol.
26 books, 17 comics, 3 soundtracks, 14 game assets, 5 tools, and 12 miscellaneous items.
All items are DRM-free, with some offering Steam keys.
Examples of Included Games and Media
Here are selected highlights from the bundle:
Save me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition
Arctico
Bleed 2
Baba Is You
Frogsong (Steam key)
STREET UNI X
FIST: Ultra Edition
MetaWare High School (Demo)
Repurpose (Steam key)
Textreme 2 (Steam key)
The Immaculate Drag (Steam key)
com__et (Steam key)
A Butterfly (Steam key)
SkateBIRD
WIZARDS
Electric Zine Maker (a work in progress)
The Limbo of Loss
Emiror – The Blank Page RPG
TAIPEI METRO QUEST
Reliquary
Lonely People Potion Shop
The Case of the Serialized Killer
Trash Bandits
The Life We’ve Chosen
The Pried Eye: A Trophy Dark Incursion
Someone Dies In This Elevator
GOODBYE BOOBS!
A New Throne, The Queen of Thieves #1
Fantasy Character Art Pack: Season 1
Pocket Isopod
The Faithful Witch
this mech has a ghost in it
Creature Feature the TTRPG
Keep Going
Suffocate – comic
Nature/Town/Farm/Villagers
LUMINOUS VEIN
My Roommate Mothman
I’m Stuck in Retrograde
Moonstruck
Tiny RPG – Char Workshop I
Never Ending Witch’s Tower
Before the Flood
Tiny RPG – Battle Kit 2
Cartoonists for Palestine anthology
Game Assist for Palestine Zine
What Palestinians’ Use of eSIMs Can Teach Us About Tech
This is just a fraction of the full offering, which also includes coloring books, zines, poetry, digital art assets, and multiple TTRPG systems. ➔ (Source: PC Gamer)
Proceeds Aid Communication Efforts in Gaza
Funds raised from the bundle support the purchase and top-up of eSIMs for Palestinians, enabling access to vital communication channels. This initiative assists individuals in contacting family, receiving alerts, and documenting events. The Crips for eSims for Gaza Bundle is available until May 20. Contributors can access the entire collection for a minimum donation of $16.
