In 2025, the gaming industry is set for significant growth, meaning increased spending on games, accessories, and consoles. To ease the financial burden, it's wise to look out for sales. Amazon's Big Spring Sale, occurring from March 25 to 31, offers substantial discounts not only on spring and outdoor items but also on a wide range of gaming products. This includes deals on PlayStation and Xbox games and hardware, Nintendo Switch titles and equipment, headsets, controllers, and accessories. For those eager to save, this sale provides an excellent opportunity to purchase gaming essentials at reduced prices. Keep updated with Mashable Deals for more curated offers.

The latest "Assassin's Creed" installment, "Shadows," set in 16th-century feudal Japan, has sparked controversy over its depiction of a black samurai, Yasuke, as a playable protagonist. Historians consulted for the game confirm Yasuke's historical existence but debate his actual status as a samurai. While some defend the creative choice, others criticize it for lacking historical accuracy and cultural respect. The controversy, amplified by social media, is partly attributed to a coordinated online campaign. Despite Ubisoft's hesitation to explore Japanese history due to sensitivity concerns, the game capitalizes on the allure of feudal Japan, popularized by recent successful titles. Critics warn such depictions might reinforce stereotypes and prejudice against Japan.

This weekend in Connecticut offers a diverse range of activities for all interests. The 2025 Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show at Mohegan Sun features fishing gear, seminars, and a new Kids Fun Zone. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades in Meriden and Greenwich. For a quieter activity, join the Coloring Club for Adults in Bristol or visit the Canton Artists Guild's "Word Art" exhibition showcasing collaborations between artists and writers. Gaming enthusiasts can enjoy the Two Roads Brewing Cask Fest, combining video game-themed cask-conditioned ales with free vintage arcade play. These events promise something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to artistic expressions and nostalgic gaming experiences.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in medieval Japan, marks a significant setting shift for the long-running series. Players alternate between Naoe, a stealthy shinobi seeking revenge, and Yasuke, a powerful former enslaved man turned samurai. Each character offers distinct gameplay styles: Naoe excels in stealth, while Yasuke dominates with brute force. Despite familiar open-world mechanics and Ubisoft's monetization tactics, Shadows captivates through its richly detailed recreation of historical Japan. The game respects cultural elements, such as torii gates and tea ceremonies, enhancing immersion. Engaging narratives, vibrant seasonal changes, and an extensive codex further enrich the experience. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, releasing on March 20th, promises to be a compelling entry in the franchise, blending action with deep historical exploration.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is likened to a basic, filling substance lacking deeper value, consuming significant time yet offering refined gameplay elements. Set in historical Japan, its vibrant visuals and architecture captivate, though character motivations remain simplistic. The open-world checklist feels repetitive, with most map markers offering little engagement beyond castle infiltrations, which are enhanced by new stealth tools like kunai and a light-and-shadow system. Combat has improved with a strategic dodge and parry system, though enemy AI regresses. While the game retains enjoyable aspects of the series' formula, it lacks the charm and unique setups of earlier entries, leaving long-time fans satisfied but unlikely to convert newcomers.

This article provides hints and answers for Tuesday's Quordle game, a word puzzle where players guess four five-letter words in nine attempts. The game gives color-coded feedback: green for correct letters in the right position and yellow for correct letters in the wrong position. Hints for today’s words include references to a song by The Bangles, a measure of gold purity, producing offspring in large numbers, and a garment worn in ancient Greece or Rome. The words start with F, C, S, and T, and one includes repeated letters. The answers are FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, and TUNIC. Players can find future hints and solutions on the author's blog.

In a segment on the TODAY show, Dr. Aliza Pressman discusses strategies for parents dealing with children addicted to video games and managing pre-school meltdowns. The show also features diverse content including a New Mexico couple adopting a baby, Vanna White getting her first tattoo, and updates on pop culture figures like Chrissy Teigen and Savannah Guthrie. Educational topics cover college applications, new school programs aiding boys' academic growth, and insights into parenting from Heather McMahan’s mom. Additionally, segments explore family dynamics, such as Jenna Bush Hager's thoughts on expanding her family, and highlight engaging DIY projects and spring crafts for families.

Microsoft has announced the latest games joining Xbox Game Pass, including the upcoming Atomfall, described as a Fallout-like adventure with quirky characters and an intriguing mystery, and Octopath Traveler 2, a critically acclaimed JRPG. Other additions include 33 Immortals via the Game Preview program, Train Sim World 5, Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, and Blizzard Arcade Collection. Atomfall will be available on cloud, console, and PC by March 27. Conversely, several titles such as MLB The Show 24, Lil Gator Game, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, various Yakuza games, Monster Hunter Rise, and The Lamplighter’s League will leave the service on March 31. Game Pass members can save up to 20% if they wish to purchase these games for their personal libraries.

Emma Kidwell, a writer for Firaxis Games, credits her start in fanfiction for shaping her career in game narrative. Initially writing Twilight fanfiction on platforms like DeviantArt, Kidwell transitioned to role-playing forums and eventually into the gaming industry. Her work includes games like Hindsight, Borderlands 4, and Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. Hosting this year's Independent Games Festival (IGF) awards, Kidwell discusses how fanfiction honed her skills for writing licensed characters, such as those in Marvel’s Midnight Suns. She emphasizes that fanfiction provides a creative sandbox with no rules, allowing writers to experiment freely. Despite its initial dismissal as a lesser form of writing, fanfiction has proven instrumental for many, including Kidwell, in developing their storytelling abilities within structured IP environments.

UCF's Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) and its undergraduate games and interactive media (GaIM) program are recognized as global leaders in gaming education. FIEA, known for its industry-simulated environment, has produced over 1,000 graduates since 2006, many working on top-selling games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Ranked among the world's top two programs, FIEA offers high starting salaries and strong employment rates. The GaIM program ranks No. 5 globally and No. 1 in the South, emphasizing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Both programs benefit from UCF’s partnerships with major companies like Electronic Arts, offering students real-world exposure. With a growing applicant pool and a $400 billion industry, UCF continues to produce skilled developers for the expanding gaming sector.

Retro gaming has experienced a significant revival, allowing players to enjoy classic video games through modern technology. Retro games, known for their simple mechanics and engaging gameplay, evoke nostalgia and offer an affordable, accessible way to revisit gaming history. Players can access these games via emulator websites, official re-releases, cloud gaming services, or ROMs on personal devices. Each method provides unique benefits, such as instant access, enhanced graphics, or customizable experiences. However, some options, like emulator websites and ROMs, exist in legal gray areas. To enhance enjoyment, players can use controllers, utilize save options, join communities, and experiment with platforms. Overall, the resurgence of retro gaming caters to diverse preferences, ensuring players can relive and appreciate classic titles conveniently.

Helldivers 2, a popular live-service game with daily active players battling aliens for Super Earth, has received a significant update (01.002.200) on PC and PS5. The patch focuses on balancing changes for numerous weapons and stratagems, enhancing gameplay mechanics. Notable adjustments include improved NPC behavior, increased AI calculations for better enemy responsiveness, and slight performance trade-offs. Key fixes address crashes, multiplayer issues, and various bugs impacting progression and social interactions. While the update improves overall gameplay, some known issues remain unresolved, such as pathfinding problems and Dolby Atmos compatibility on PS5. This patch aims to refine player experience through comprehensive balancing and quality-of-life improvements.