The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), along with its global partners, has released its massive 2025 Global Power of Play study. Based on a survey of over 24,000 players across 21 countries, the report paints a clear picture of why people game and the positive impacts it has on their social, emotional, and mental well-being.

While “fun” remains the number one reason people play video games (cited by 66% of respondents), the study (via Engadget) shows that mental health benefits are almost equally important. A huge 58% of players globally use games for stress relief, with 77% agreeing that gaming helps them feel less stressed and 70% reporting it reduces anxiety. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of players credit games with assisting them to feel less lonely by connecting them with others.

The benefits extend beyond mental health into real-world skill development. The report found that a majority of players believe gaming improves their creativity (77%), problem-solving skills (76%), and ability to work in a team (74%). For many, this has had a direct impact on their lives, with 43% of players saying that gaming has influenced their academic or career path.

Gaming has also solidified its place as a central social platform. This is particularly true for younger players (aged 16-35), where 67% reported having met a good friend, spouse, or significant other through playing video games. The report also continues to shatter old stereotypes about who a “gamer” is. The average age of a global player is now 41, and the gender split is nearly even at 51% male and 48% female. Those interested in reading the detailed report can do so HERE.

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KitGuru says: To you, what was the most surprising data in this report?

AOC has just revealed a new gaming monitor, the Q27G4K/S, which offers a slight speed bump over its 400 Hz predecessor and comes in a rather unusual package. This new 27-inch QHD display boasts a 420Hz refresh rate and, in a nod to the enthusiast community, ships without a stand in the box, making it a “head only” unit for VESA arm users.

The new Q27G4K/S monitor, brought to our attention by DisplaySpecifications, is designed for competitive gaming and features a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with a 2560×1440 resolution. The refresh rate has been pushed to 420Hz, and it's paired with a 1ms GtG response time. The display also supports MBR Sync, allowing motion blur reduction to be used in conjunction with variable refresh rate technologies like FreeSync Premium.

The decision to sell the monitor without a stand is an interesting one. It's clearly aimed at PC builders and enthusiasts who were planning to use a VESA 100x100mm monitor arm from the get-go, potentially reducing waste and, hopefully, the final cost of the product. In terms of image quality, the 10-bit panel offers a peak brightness of 450 nits, enough for it to be VESA DisplayHDR 400-certified. Moreover, it is factory calibrated (deltaE<2 in sRGB mode) and rated for 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage. Connectivity is pretty solid, with two 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 input with DSC.

Currently, this monitor has only been announced for China, but it would be interesting to see this model in Western markets as well.

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KitGuru says: Would you consider getting a monitor without a stand? Do you think other brands should do the same?

In a significant expansion of its product ecosystem, Elgato, a brand synonymous with streaming and content creation, has unveiled its first-ever studio chair. Featuring a design created from the ground up for creators, professionals, and anyone who spends long hours at their desk, the new Elgato Embrace stands out from your typical “gamer” chair.

The focus of the Embrace is on long-term comfort and support. It's packed with a full suite of ergonomic adjustments typically found on expensive office chairs. This includes adjustments for both seat height and seat depth, a dedicated adjustable lumbar support, 4D armrests, a sculpted headrest, and a five-step recline mechanism with a tilt lock.

Aesthetically, the Embrace features a professional design that aims to prioritise posture above posturing. There are no flashy colours, just a clean silhouette with a breathable mesh backrest and high-quality padding that would fit into a professional studio or home office. Elgato says the chair is built with durable materials, including high-tensile mesh and moulded foam, and features a simple assembly process.

The Elgato Embrace is scheduled to be available this Christmas season with a suggested retail price of €499.99.

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KitGuru says: Although a bit expensive for some, the Elgato Embrace could be a good alternative for those who want a solid office chair from a reputable brand without the gamer aesthetics we're used to seeing.

Asus has today announced an expansion of its ProArt Wood Edition PC case lineup, introducing new colour options for both the flagship PA602 and the more compact PA401. These new variants continue the series' focus on blending a clean, professional aesthetic with high-performance cooling and a host of builder-friendly features.

The larger ProArt PA602 Wood Edition will now be available in “Retro Brown” and “Modern Black” finishes, offering new takes on its classic look. The smaller ProArt PA401 Wood Edition is getting a new beige colourway, which includes colour-matched fan frames and blades for a cohesive appearance.

The defining feature of these cases remains the front panel, which is made from real hardwood, treated to resist heat and humidity. The wood is machined into an open-grille design that allows for excellent airflow while providing a unique aesthetic that stands out from typical gaming cases.

As a refresher, the ProArt PA602 is a large mid-tower that comes with two massive 200mm front fans, dual air deflectors to funnel air to the GPU and CPU cooler, and a clever dust filter sensor that illuminates an LED when it's time for a clean. The more compact PA401 still offers great airflow with two pre-installed 160mm front fans and a mesh right-side panel.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Of these two new Asus ProArt Wood Edition cases, which one do you like the most?

Philips has expanded its Evnia gaming monitor lineup with the new 25M2N3200U, a display that is focused on the competitive esports market. The new monitor combines a classic 25-inch, 1080p form factor with a very high refresh rate, aiming to deliver speed and precision for fast-paced games.

The new Evnia 25M2N3200U uses a 25-inch Fast IPS panel with a Full HD resolution and 8-bit colour depth. The key feature for its target audience is the refresh rate, which is overclockable to 310 Hz. This is paired with a fast 0.3 ms response time (MPRT) using Philips' Smart MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) technology to ensure high motion clarity in fast-paced games. It's also worth noting that the display is VESA DisplayHDR 400-certified (450 nits peak brightness).

The monitor is packed with a suite of software features accessible via the Evnia Precision Centre. This includes genre-specific ‘SmartImage' presets, a ‘Smart Crosshair' that automatically changes colour for better visibility against different backgrounds, a ‘Smart Sniper' zoom function, and ‘Stark ShadowBoost' to brighten dark areas of a scene and make it easier to spot enemies.

The Philips Evnia 25M2N3200U also comes with a fully adjustable ergonomic stand for comfort during long gaming sessions and includes built-in eye-care modes like Flicker-Free and LowBlue Mode. Priced at £159 and expected to become available later this month, the new Evnia 25M2N3200U brings the +300 Hz refresh rate to the entry-level market.

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KitGuru says: For those who prefer the higher refresh rate over a QHD resolution, this new Evnia monitor is definitely worth considering.

To celebrate the Early Access launch of Riot Games' new fighting game 2XKO, Razer has announced an officially licensed collection of gaming peripherals. The Razer | 2XKO Collection features three of the company's most popular products, each with a new design inspired by the League of Legends-based tag-team fighter.

The new lineup is headlined by the Razer Kitsune 2XKO Edition, a themed version of Razer's all-button, leverless arcade controller, which is perfect for the fast-paced, frame-perfect action of the game. It is joined by the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro 2XKO Edition, a special version of the company's flagship wireless esports headset featuring THX Spatial Audio.

Additionally, there's the Razer Iskur V2 X 2XKO Edition ergonomic gaming chair, featuring a built-in lumbar support and high-density seat foam cushion to keep you locked in and focused.

This is the first official peripheral collaboration for 2XKO, which launched today in Early Access for PC. The new themed gear is available for pre-order starting now on Razer's official website. The Kitsune 2XKO Edition is priced at $329.99, while the BlackShark V3 Pro 2XKO Edition comes in at $269.99. As for the Razer Iskur V2 X 2XKO Edition, it costs $399.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried 2XKO? What do you think of Riot's new fighting game?

Gigabyte is expanding its range of high-end gaming displays with the announcement of two new QD-OLED monitors. These include a 27-inch QHD model and a high-resolution 32-inch 4K option, both packed with the QD-OLED panel technology suitable for gamers and content creators.

For the competitive crowd, the new Gigabyte MO27Q3 is a 27-inch monitor that pairs a QHD (2560×1440) resolution with a 360Hz refresh rate. The Samsung QD-OLED panel promises a near-instant 0.03ms GtG response time and is certified for VESA ClearMR 18000, ensuring exceptional motion clarity. It also boasts 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage, a 10-bit colour depth, support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync, and a peak brightness of 1000 nits.

For those who prefer a more immersive, high-fidelity experience, there's the new MO32U2. This is a 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) QD-OLED monitor that operates at a 240Hz refresh rate. It shares many similarities with its smaller sibling, including the same 0.03ms response time, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync support, 10-bit colour depth, 1000 nits of peak brightness, and a 99% DCI-P3 gamut. However, the VESA ClearMR certification is reduced to 13000.

Both new monitors are factory-calibrated (DeltaE < 2), DisplayHDR True Black 400-certified and loaded with features, including support for FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility, a built-in KVM switch for multi-device setups, a fully ergonomic stand, and a 3-year warranty that includes burn-in protection. Connectivity is also decent on both models, each with two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with 18W power delivery.

KitGuru says: Based on their specs alone, which of these new Gigabyte QD-OLED monitor would you prefer?

Following the success of its recent Pokémon collaborations, Razer has today announced two new additions to the collection, this time focusing on the fan-favourite Gengar. 

The new products coming out as part of this collection are the Razer Cobra – Gengar Edition and the Razer Gigantus V2 – XXL – Gengar Edition. The Cobra is Razer's lightweight wired RGB gaming mouse, which has been given a purple makeover featuring Gengar's mischievous grin and is equipped with Razer's fast optical switches. It's paired with a huge XXL version (940 x 410 mm) of the Gigantus V2 soft mouse mat, which features a large, vibrant graphic of the spooky Pokémon.

Both the new Gengar-themed mouse and mousepad are now available for £64.99 and £54.99, respectively. These new items join the previously released Razer Kraken Kitty V2 – Gengar Edition headset, allowing dedicated fans to create a complete, matching Gengar-themed battlestation.

Alternatively, suppose you like Pokémon but prefer something a bit more light-hearted. In that case, there's the vibrant Pikachu-themed collection, which also includes a mouse mat (smaller), a Cobra mouse, a Kraken V4 X headset and a BlackWidow V4 X keyboard.

KitGuru says: Are you a fan of Pokémon? Do you like Gengar? Would you get any of the new Razer-Pokémon collab gear?

AOC has announced two new monitors for its mainstream AOC Gaming lineup, both of which aim to offer a substantial amount of features for the money. The new models include a 320 Hz QHD monitor designed for competitive players, as well as a larger 32-inch monitor equipped with dual-mode technology for enhanced versatility.

For competitive gamers, the new AOC Gaming Q27G4SRU looks like a fantastic value proposition. It's a 27-inch monitor with a Fast IPS panel, combining the esports sweet-spot resolution of QHD (2560×1440) with a 320Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GtG response time. It's also Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, VESA DisplayHDR 400-certified (with a peak brightness of 450 nits), and covers 136.9% of the sRGB gamut and 93.7% of the DCI-P3 colour space.

The second monitor is the U32G4U, a 32-inch display that brings AOC's dual-mode technology to a larger screen size. This allows users to switch between two native modes on the fly: a 4K (3840×2160) resolution at 160Hz for single-player games and productivity, or a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution at 320Hz for competitive titles. Additionally, the monitor is rated with a 1ms GtG response time.

Both new monitors feature fully ergonomic stands, console mode (120Hz at their native resolution) and a generous set of I/O, including dual HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 and a 4-port USB hub. These monitors are set to launch in mid-October, with the Q27G4SRU priced at £249.99 and the U32G4U at £339.99.

KitGuru says: Which of these two new AOC Gaming monitors would you choose?

Nacon's gaming audio brand, RIG, has today announced its latest headset, the R5 Spear Pro HS. This new wired headset is officially licensed for PlayStation 4 and PS5 consoles and packs some interesting features for its price, including graphene drivers and a modular customisation system for the earcups.

The new RIG R5 Spear Pro HS features 40 mm graphene-coated drivers designed to be both lighter and stiffer, thereby eliminating distortion and enabling a clearer sound. For gamers, this should translate to better positional accuracy for hearing enemy footsteps and other crucial in-game audio cues.

The headset also introduces a new “Snap+Lock” mod system. This allows users to easily swap out key components via magnetic connectors, including the ear cushions and the external earcup “Mod-Plates”. RIG plans to release additional accessories and limited-edition plate designs in the future, allowing for a reasonable degree of personalisation.

For comms, the R5 Pro HS is equipped with a 6 mm flip-to-mute boom microphone. The in-line controls also feature a “max lock” on the volume slider, useful for players who prefer to manage their audio levels directly on their console or controller. The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS will be available in Europe on October 10th for £69.99/€79.99, while the US launch is set for November 1st at $69.99.

KitGuru says: The modular system of Nacon's new headset looks cool, but the fact that it's a wired headset might deter some people from purchasing it.

Elon Musk has once again taken to X to make an incredibly bold promise regarding his artificial intelligence company, xAI. In a tweet yesterday, Musk claimed that the ‘xAI Game Studio' will produce a full-scale AI-generated video game by the end of next year.

This (via IGN) follows up on a statement from about a year ago, where Musk first announced his intention for xAI to enter the gaming space to “make games amazing again”, complaining about the influence of large conglomerates on the industry. While xAI's Grok chatbot is a capable large language model, the leap from a chatbot to a complete video game studio is quite substantial, especially considering that it's supposed to happen within a year or so.

This ambitious timeline stands in stark contrast to the more grounded predictions of industry experts. Sometime ago, Nvidia's VP of Applied Deep Learning Research, Bryan Catanzaro, stated that he doesn't believe AI will be able to create games in a way where you write a prompt and it generates a game from it. He views AI's role as an enhancement tool that interfaces with game engines, like neural rendering, rather than as a complete replacement for them.

While advancements in generative AI have been progressing at a breakneck pace, the consensus among game developers is that the technology is still best used as a tool to accelerate and assist human creativity, rather than replace it entirely, at least for the foreseeable future.

KitGuru says: Musk is famous for setting ambitious deadlines, and it seems this one is no different. We'll have to wait and see if xAI can deliver on this promise, but for now, it seems very unlikely.

AOC has unveiled a new high-refresh-rate gaming monitor, the Q27G4SL/WS, which features a unique panel technology designed to be more comfortable on the eyes during extended gaming sessions. The new display is the first 320 Hz monitor to receive a TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization certification, ensuring reduced eye strain when using the device.

This new circular polarisation technology aims to reduce eye strain and glare. By mimicking the way sunlight naturally diffuses in a spiral pattern, the light emitted from the monitor is less direct, which AOC claims reduces the harsh stimulation on the user's lens and retina, resulting in a healthier, more natural viewing experience.

The Q27G4SL/WS is a 27-inch Fast IPS monitor with a crisp QHD (2560×1440) resolution and a blistering 320 Hz refresh rate. However, to use a 320 Hz refresh rate, the 10-bit colour panel will be limited to 16.7 million colours (same as an 8-bit panel). To use the 10-bit panel to its full potential, users must reduce the refresh rate to 260 Hz. Regardless of your option, it's recommended to use one of the two HDMI 2.1 ports, as they support a higher bandwidth than the alternative DisplayPort 1.4 (will require DSC to drive such refresh rates).

The monitor also boasts a 0.3 ms MPRT for high motion clarity and is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, with a typical brightness of 350 nits. Calibrated out of the box (delta E < 2), this monitor can cover up to 125% of the sRGB colour gamut and 96% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Moreover, the monitor sits on a fully ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, and includes standard gaming features such as a built-in crosshair overlay. VESA 100×100 support is also present.

KitGuru says: Even with its limitations, the new Q27G4SL/WS appears to be an overall solid monitor for gaming, especially if you prioritise your eyes' health.

The game that just keeps on giving, Vampire Survivors, is about to get even more addictive. Developer Poncle has today kicked off a series of weekly teasers for the game's next major update, version 1.14, and the first reveal is the big one that fans have been waiting for: online co-op is officially on its way.

A new trailer, which opens on a faux Windows 95 desktop, offers our first glimpse of the 4-player online co-op in action. Poncle stated that you'll be able to play online with up to 3 other friends. The feature has been available for public testing on the game's beta branch since August, but this marks the first official confirmation of its official release.

Today's teaser is the first of five weekly previews that will detail the new features coming in the 1.14 update. This schedule strongly suggests that the update itself will launch alongside the final preview in approximately five weeks, indicating a likely release in mid-November. We already know from the beta branch that the update will also include at least two new stages, Mazzerella and Westwoods, along with their associated unlocks.

Poncle also mentioned that one of the upcoming weekly reveals “might finally answer a burning question that has been asked thousands of times”. Whether that means we'll finally find an actual vampire in Vampire Survivors remains to be seen, but for now, the confirmation of online co-op is more than enough to get fans excited for what's next.

KitGuru says: Are you still playing Vampire Survivors? Do you already have someone to play with when online co-op officially releases?

If you've been on the fence about upgrading to Nvidia's latest hardware, a new game bundle might just sweeten the deal. The green team has announced that, for a limited time, it will be bundling a free copy of Embark Studios' upcoming extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, with the purchase of select GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs and systems.

For those unfamiliar with the game, Arc Raiders is a PvPvE extraction shooter that serves as a great showcase for the new Blackwell architecture. The game features ray-traced global illumination and supports the latest DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation. Nvidia Reflex is also supported, which helps keep input latency low during gameplay.

According to the bundle page, the promotion includes a digital copy of the Arc Raiders Deluxe Edition, which already features various cosmetics, items, and currency, as well as the bonus Astro Cosmetic Pack. To be eligible, you'll need to purchase a qualifying GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, or RTX 5070. The offer applies to standalone graphics cards as well as pre-built desktop PCs and laptops that contain one of these GPUs.

The bundle is now live and will run until November 4th, 2025. You'll have until December 2nd to redeem your game code via the Nvidia App. As is usually the case, the offer is available worldwide through participating partners, with some regional exceptions. Therefore, Nvidia advises checking with your local retailer to ensure they are part of the promotion before making a purchase.

KitGuru says: Are you planning to upgrade your GPU to play Arc Raiders? You may be able to get both by taking advantage of this bundle.

A new high-refresh-rate gaming monitor from Samsung has quietly appeared on the company's UK website. The new Samsung Odyssey G6 G60F is a 27-inch display that pairs a QHD resolution with a 350Hz refresh rate, all powered by a Fast IPS panel.

As reported by Prad, the Odyssey G6 G60F is clearly aimed at competitive gamers who prioritise speed above all else. It features a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with a 2560×1440 resolution, a 350Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms G2G response time. The display is certified for both FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible, eliminating screen tearing during fast-paced action.

To hit that high refresh rate, it seems some compromises have been made in other areas. The panel is an 8-bit display with a standard 99% sRGB colour gamut, so you won't get the vibrant wide-gamut colours of more premium displays. HDR support is also relatively basic, with a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and a typical brightness of 350 nits. The 1000:1 contrast ratio is also fairly standard. Moreover, connectivity is basic, including an HDMI 2.1 port and a DisplayPort 1.4. The single USB port is for service use only.

On the other hand, the stand is fully ergonomic, offering tilt, swivel, height, and pivot adjustments. An “Auto Source Switch+” feature is also included for multi-device setups.

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KitGuru says: The new Odyssey G6 has an interesting feature set. The QHD resolution, paired with a 350Hz refresh rate, creates a very good combination, but pricing will be the key to its success.