Rust's News Crafting Update & The Return of Blizcon

Hello !👋,
Welcome to this weeks round up of the latest gaming news and deals - here’s what we have in store today:

• 🔥 Latest deals including 47% Off Balatro

• 🚨 New Rust Crafting Update

• ❄️ Blizcon is returning

• 🛹 Skate gets Microtransactions already

• 📢 TDU Solar Crowns season 3 release

• 🤬 Ubisoft has a very very angry Shareholder

Plus a PowerWash Simulator 2 announcement, and Copilot for Gamers?

THE THRIFTS 🔥

This weeks best deals

We’re like treasure hunters, but with keyboards and caffeine-fuelled determination. We search every corner of the internet—even the weird ones—to find the best deals. If there’s a price drop or flash sale, we’ve found it and brought it to you.

*we may make small amounts of commission which helps keep this newsletter going

THIS WEEK’S UPDATES 📈

1/ Rusts New Crafting Update Adds an Array of New Recipes, Automation Tools & More

The latest Rust crafting update brings major enhancements, reinforcing its spot as a top survival game. Facepunch Studios has introduced new cooking, beekeeping, and automation features. Players can now bake bread, craft pies, and make teas, while meat spoils unless stored in powered fridges.

A new engineering workbench upgrades water, electricity, and industrial systems, adding more depth to automation. Beehives can be harvested for honey or turned into farms, while bee grenades offer a new combat element. The update also introduces a chicken coop for raising chickens and gathering eggs.

Base management sees improvements with the hopper attachment, which automatically collects items (including from corpses), and a triangular planter for efficient gardening. Armor crafting now includes additional insert slots for bonuses, and players can view the name of the item’s creator.

Other updates include improved drones, reduced crafting times for over 40 items, and graphic upgrades, such as better meat models and neon signs using less power. Facepunch is also launching premium servers next week, requiring players to have a $15 or more Rust Steam inventory to filter out cheaters.

See the full list of changes here, or simply watch the Official YouTube Video

2/ Blizcon Returns in 2026

BlizzCon, Blizzard's iconic gaming convention, is making a return in 2026 after a year of uncertainty following its cancellation in 2025 due to the Xbox merger.

Despite a year of silence and the cancellation of major events like E3, Blizzard confirmed that BlizzCon will return with its signature features like the opening ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, hands-on gameplay, and competitive events.

The event promises to elevate the experience and deepen its commitment to players and their connections to Blizzard's game universes.

BlizzCon 2026 will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center from Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, September 13. Blizzard emphasizes that the event will be designed with the same dedication as their games, focusing on creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Fans can visit the official website to sign up and stay updated on ticket details as the event draws closer.

3/ 2024's Best City Builder Just Dropped a Map - with a Massive Hill

Manor Lords, named the best city builder of 2024, is still in early access, and developer Slavic Magic (led by Greg Styczeń) is preparing a major update. Key additions include:

1. New Map: Devil’s Hill, centered around a massive hill, featuring valuable resources and a potential battleground for Lords.

2. Castle Planner Changes: More control over individual upgrades and wall placements.

3. Progression System Rework: The development tree is being reworked to balance realism, history, and gameplay fun, though it’s challenging to satisfy both historians and players.

While the update lacks a release date, there are hints of new AI-controlled towns and other exciting features. Manor Lords has sold over three million copies, becoming a surprise hit for Slavic Magic and publisher Hooded Horse.

You can pickup Manor Lords at 30% off for £24.49 on Steam

4/ EA's Skate gets Microtransactions - BEFORE Launch Date?

EA’s free-to-play Skate game has introduced microtransactions in its closed alpha testing phase, ahead of its planned early access launch in 2025.

Players now have the option to purchase a virtual currency called San Van Bucks using real money, which can be spent on cosmetic items. According to developer Full Circle, this feature was added to test the purchasing system and ensure a smooth, user-friendly experience during the early access period.

Alpha testers have been informed that all progress will reset prior to the early access launch. However, any purchases made during the alpha will be converted back into virtual currency and remain accessible.

Originally announced as a development project in 2020, Skate transitioned to a free-to-play model revealed in 2022. The game has kept fans engaged through its "The Board Room" video series, which shares updates and insights into its ongoing development.

5/ Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown New Season Bring More Solo Content

The open world, MMO style racing game, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has struggled with low player counts and ongoing issues, but Season 3 aims to bounce back. The update addresses player feedback by adding more solo experiences, bringing back Convoy missions, and expanding customization options.

New features include a solo race mode with adjustable AI difficulty, rapid restarts, and a navigation system for timed routes. Players can also personalize their vehicles with custom license plates and enjoy three new cars: the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, Aston Martin Valour, and DeLorean DMC-12.

While the Clan Wars feature is delayed, a fresh Solar Pass packed with rewards adds more incentives to play. Season 3 launches on March 19, giving the game a chance to rebuild momentum and re-engage its community.

You can pickup the Standard Edition here for £12.99 or grab the Gold Edition here for £19.99

6/ Ubisoft Shareholder Plots Protest Outside of Paris HQ

A minority shareholder in Ubisoft, AJ Investments, plans to protest outside the company's Paris HQ in May, accusing it of poor management, lack of transparency, and failing to disclose key developments. CEO Juraj Krúpa highlighted concerns about declining shareholder value, game delays, and secretive dealings, including alleged discussions with companies like Microsoft and EA over Ubisoft's IPs and a partnership with Saudi’s Savvy Group. These uncommunicated actions, coupled with continuous financial missteps, have aggravated dissatisfaction among retail investors.

Krúpa cited repeated delays of the game "Assassin's Creed Shadows," originally slated for July 2024 and now delayed to March 2025. These changes in timing and revised financial guidance contributed to sharp stock declines, disproportionately harming smaller investors while institutional players benefited from purchasing stocks at distressed prices. Krúpa demanded a clear recovery roadmap and warned of potential legal action for misleading investors.

Ubisoft’s ongoing issues, including high-profile game flops, layoffs, and canceled projects, have contributed to industry speculation about its sustainability. Rumors suggest that Tencent, initially interested in taking Ubisoft private, might back away due to the Guillemot family's insistence on retaining control. AJ Investments has also previously called for leadership changes and private ownership after disappointing performance, including the below-expectations release of Star Wars Outlaws.

AJ Investments criticized Ubisoft’s management for lackluster execution and announced the protest to ensure accountability and better shareholder returns. While Ubisoft has tasked Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan with exploring strategic options, Krúpa emphasized urgency, stating that if management delivers actionable solutions to increase shareholder value, the protest will be canceled. If not, AJ Investments is prepared to escalate the matter legally.

BYTE SIZED

Just the Headlines, No Side Quests 🤏

Split Fiction Sells 1 Million copies in 2 Days
Hazelight Studios, the creator of Split Fiction, announced on Bluesky that the game has sold over one million copies in less than 48 hours. For comparison, its predecessor, It Takes Two, took an entire month to reach the same milestone. An incredible achievement!

Smite 2 Update
Smite 2 has released an update to it's Open Beta. It introduces a new god, Princess Bari, a goddess of funeral rites and shamanism. The update also includes a HUD editing feature and game mode changes along with several balance tweaks. You can read the full release notes here

Microsoft Unveils Copilot for Gaming
Microsoft has introduced "Copilot for Gaming," an AI-powered assistant designed to be the ultimate gaming companion. Focused on capability, adaptability, and personalization, it helps with tasks like game recommendations, quick setups, in-game tips, and staying connected with friends. For example, it can suggest characters in Overwatch 2 or guide building in Minecraft. Oh and Copilot promises not to be intrusive...

PowerWash Similator 2 Announcement
PowerWash Simulator 2, set to release in late 2025, builds on the success of the original game with exciting new features and a reimagined campaign. Players can look forward to exploring quirky new maps like Sponge Valley and Lubri City, a customisable homebase, both splitscreen and online multiplayer, all while encountering sentient gnomes that bring an unexpected twist to gameplay. You can watch the announcment trailer here