**SMITE 2: A New Chapter for the MOBA Genre**

The Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre has been an essential part of competitive gaming, with games such as *League of Legends* and *Dota 2* leading the pack for many years. Yet, for numerous gamers, the daunting learning curve, hostile communities, and intricate nature of traditional MOBAs present a considerable entry barrier. Enter *SMITE*—a title that revolutionized the genre by providing a more welcoming, action-focused gameplay experience. With the unveiling of *SMITE 2*, Hi-Rez Studios is ready to elevate the franchise, generating excitement with its array of innovative changes and enhancements.

### A Novel Perspective on MOBAs

For those who may not know, *SMITE* sets itself apart from other MOBAs by utilizing a third-person viewpoint rather than the conventional top-down angle. This design choice results in a more immersive and action-driven experience, granting players direct control over their characters in a manner that resembles an action game more than a strategic one. This distinctive strategy has made *SMITE* a remarkable entry in the genre, drawing players who might usually avoid MOBAs.

As someone who was once wary about entering the MOBA world, I owe a debt of gratitude to *SMITE* for shifting my viewpoint. In contrast to my fleeting and intimidating experience with *League of Legends*, where I faced warnings about constant criticism due to my inexperience, *SMITE* appeared inviting and enjoyable. Its combination of strategic depth and approachable gameplay made it a pleasure to experience, even for a novice. Now, with *SMITE 2* on the way, Hi-Rez Studios is reinforcing the aspects that made the original a hit while introducing an array of new features and enhancements.

### Major Update: Going Free-to-Play

A significant highlight for *SMITE 2* is its shift to a Free-to-Play (F2P) model. Previously offered in Early Access for an initial cost of approximately $40 CAD for the Founder’s Edition, the game will now be available to all players without any upfront expenditure. This shift aligns *SMITE 2* with other leading MOBAs, increasing accessibility for a wider audience.

Nevertheless, Hi-Rez Studios is ensuring that early supporters aren’t forgotten. Players who bought the Founder’s Pack will retain access to all 45 currently available gods, while newcomers will enjoy a rotating selection of gods each week. Additionally, players who heavily invested in *SMITE 1* will be recognized with “Legacy Gems,” a currency that offers significant purchasing capability in *SMITE 2*. This considerate strategy guarantees that devoted fans feel appreciated while inviting new participants into the community.

### A Player-Centric Perspective on Microtransactions

A common worry regarding F2P games is the potential for aggressive microtransactions. Many titles fall into the trap of using opaque loot boxes, pay-to-win systems, or other exploitative mechanisms. However, Design Director AJ Walker has promised players that *SMITE 2* will prioritize clarity and fairness.

“In *SMITE 1*, we had a chest system that was actually very positive,” Walker remarked. “Players appreciated our chest system as a cost-effective method of obtaining content that was available elsewhere. All chests were completely transparent about their contents. There were never any duplicates. Everything had the same drop rate.” This dedication to ethical monetization is a welcome change in an industry frequently criticized for such practices.

### New Deities and Gameplay Enhancements

One of the most thrilling elements of *SMITE 2* is the addition of new gods and gameplay dynamics. The F2P launch will reintroduce beloved deities from *SMITE 1*, such as Geb, Uler, Agni, and Mulan, each receiving new tweaks and enhancements to elevate their playstyles. Furthermore, a brand-new god, Aladdin, will be making his premiere.

Aladdin is characterized as a magical assassin and jungler, featuring a distinctive set of abilities that embody his iconic three wishes. These wishes can be utilized once during a game and provide powerful effects, such as immediate resurrection, bonus gold for upgrades, or an instant reset of ability cooldowns. Aladdin’s gameplay is further enriched through his collaboration with the Genie of the Lamp, who aids in all his abilities. He also brings fresh mechanics like wall-running and the capability to trap opponents in his lamp for 1v1 duels, introducing an additional layer of strategy to team encounters.

### Returning Game Modes and New Masteries

In addition to new gods, *SMITE 2* will bring back popular game modes from the original, including Joust, Duel, and Assault. These modes present a range of play styles, appealing to both casual and competitive gamers. The game will also introduce new Masteries for gods, allowing

**Why Gore Was Not Included in *Starfield*: Insights from Character Artist Dennis Mejillones**

When *Starfield* debuted in September 2023, it signified Bethesda’s bold step into an expansive sci-fi realm. The game has since surpassed 15 million players and launched its first expansion, *Shattered Space*, in September 2024, garnering acclaim for its detailed world-building, sophisticated character customization, and lifelike visuals. However, one significant absence stood out to fans familiar with Bethesda’s earlier works like *Fallout 4*: the lack of gore. In a recent conversation with KIWI TALKZ, character artist Dennis Mejillones provided insight into the rationale behind this design decision, revealing intriguing technical and thematic considerations that influenced the game.

### The Technical Hurdles of Implementing Gore in *Starfield*

As a seasoned character artist with experience on Bethesda classics such as *Skyrim* and *Fallout 4*, Mejillones is well-versed in the complexities of system design. Nevertheless, he pointed out that incorporating gore into *Starfield* posed distinct challenges due to the game’s sophisticated character creation framework. Unlike *Fallout 4*, where character models are relatively uniform, *Starfield* permits players to deeply personalize their avatars, encompassing body proportions, facial attributes, and more.

This high degree of customization resulted in a “big rat’s nest” of technical obstacles regarding the addition of gore. For instance, determining how helmets would sustain damage or how “meat caps” (the inner designs exposed when a head or limb is severed) would appear required consideration of a diverse range of character shapes and sizes. Each variation demanded careful design and testing, leading to a substantial increase in development demands.

“We built a system for gore, but managing it turned into a nightmare,” Mejillones explained. “There were just too many factors to consider, and it became a technical burden that wasn’t justified.”

### Thematic Misalignment with *Starfield*’s Objectives

In addition to the technical issues, Mejillones highlighted that gore did not mesh with *Starfield*’s thematic goals. While titles such as *Fallout 4* embraced gore as part of their exaggerated, humorous violence, *Starfield* sought a more sincere and realistic tone. The team drew inspiration from science fiction narratives like *The Expanse* and *Star Trek*, emphasizing lo-fi, hard sci-fi aesthetics rather than excessive brutality.

“Gore was appropriate in *Fallout 4* because it complemented the game’s stylized, almost cartoonish take on violence,” Mejillones remarked. “But *Starfield* is an entirely different creature. We aimed for a more realistic, grounded feel. Gore simply didn’t belong in that framework.”

This thematic choice reinforces Bethesda’s determination to create a cohesive narrative and aesthetic experience. By emphasizing realism and immersion, the developers made sure that every facet of *Starfield*—from its expansive star systems to its character dynamics—resonated with its sci-fi universe.

### Working with ID Software: The Decision Against Gore

Interestingly, Mejillones disclosed that Bethesda even collaborated with ID Software, the creators behind the *DOOM* series, renowned for its graphic gore systems. However, despite their expertise, ID Software’s contributions ultimately did not find their way into the final version of the game.

“They provided considerable assistance, but in the end, it just didn’t align with the game,” Mejillones observed. This collaboration underscores the extent to which Bethesda investigated the possibility of incorporating gore, while reaffirming their choice to emphasize thematic coherence over fan desires.

### A Deliberate Design Decision

The exclusion of gore in *Starfield* stands as a testament to the deliberate design choices that shaped the game. While certain fans may yearn for the visceral excitement of Bethesda’s prior projects, the decision to omit gore exemplifies the studio’s commitment to presenting a unified and immersive sci-fi narrative. By honing in on realism and addressing the technical complexities of advanced character customization, Bethesda ensured that *Starfield* distinguished itself as a unique addition to their lineup.

As the game progresses with expansions like *Shattered Space*, it will be intriguing to observe how Bethesda navigates fan feedback alongside their creative ambitions. For now, *Starfield* continues to serve as a prominent example of how thoughtful design can enhance a game’s narrative and aesthetic significance—even if it means parting ways with particular features that have defined the developer’s earlier offerings.

For those keen to venture into the expansive realms of *Starfield*’s universe, the game is accessible on PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store, as well as Xbox Series X|S. Whether you’re charting new star territories or exploring the nuances of its character creator, *Starfield* presents a sci-fi adventure unlike any other—gore or no gore.

# CES 2025: CGMagazine’s Best of Show Highlights

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 has come to a close, leaving technology fans exhilarated by the revolutionary innovations presented in Las Vegas. From advanced gaming configurations to state-of-the-art laptops and captivating AR gadgets, CES 2025 truly showcased the pinnacle of technological advancements. CGMagazine dedicated the week to exploring the exhibition floors, engaging with industry experts, and trying out the latest devices to compile our **Best of CES 2025** list. Here’s an in-depth look at the exceptional products that impressed us this year.

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## **ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Laptop**
ASUS continues to elevate portable gaming with the 2025 version of its **ROG Zephyrus G14 Laptop**. This year’s edition is sleeker, lighter, and now boasts an exceptional 3K OLED display with a VESA HDR True Black 500 certification, a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and G-SYNC compatibility. The revamped keyboard ventilation system and Arc Flow fans provide optimal cooling for gamers and creators alike. This remarkable laptop exemplifies ASUS’s dedication to innovation, securing its place on our Best of CES 2025 list.

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## **TGIF X Creative T0 Arena Desktop Theatre System**
Gaming audio has taken a forward leap with the **TGIF X Creative T0 Arena Desktop Theatre System**, a collaboration between the gaming chair company TGIF and audio leader Creative Labs. This system incorporates a compact soundbar, subwoofer, and wireless surround speakers seamlessly into TGIF’s ergonomic gaming chair. Offering ultra-low latency wireless audio and a 48-hour battery lifespan, this setup provides an immersive surround sound experience without the tangle of wires. Its futuristic design and inventive concept make it a standout in gaming audio.

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## **Atari Gamestation Go**
Retro gaming lovers celebrate! Atari returns with the **Gamestation Go**, a portable handheld console that includes over 200 officially licensed titles from the Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, and Arcade systems. The device features a **Smart Glow** function that illuminates the controls tailored to each game, giving a modern flair to its nostalgic design. Blending retro appeal with portability, the Gamestation Go is an essential item for vintage gaming aficionados.

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## **ASUS ROG Mjolnir**
ASUS delivered a thunderous surprise with the **ROG Mjolnir**, a power solution inspired by Thor’s legendary hammer. Featuring long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries, this device supports USB Type-C PD up to 100W, Qi2.0 wireless charging, and can power devices up to 1200W for a minimum of 30 minutes. Its eye-catching design and remarkable functionality make it a playful yet functional addition to any tech setup, earning it a spot on our Best of CES list.

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## **GIGABYTE MO32U Gaming Monitor**
The **GIGABYTE MO32U** gaming monitor amazed us with its 32-inch QD-OLED display, 4K resolution, and 165Hz refresh rate. Tailored for both PC and next-gen console players, it includes HDMI 2.1 support, an extensive color range, and AI-driven burn-in prevention technology. The integrated KVM switch and Resolution Switch functionality make it a flexible option for gamers and multitaskers alike. This monitor is a brilliant representation of the ongoing evolution in display technology.

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## **Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye Pinball Machine**
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of **Dungeons & Dragons**, Stern Pinball unveiled **The Tyrant’s Eye**, a pinball machine that merges traditional gameplay with an engaging storyline. Players ally with the Dragonshield Guild to confront Tiamat, enhanced by dice rolls and animatronic dragons that provide an authentic D&D experience. Featuring a star-studded voice cast and Stern’s Insider Connected platform for progress tracking, this pinball machine is a heartfelt tribute to both D&D and pinball fans.

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## **Lenovo Legion Go S**
Lenovo’s **Legion Go S** handheld gaming device made an impression with its 8-inch WUXGA display, 120Hz refresh rate, and AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor. Offered with either SteamOS or Windows 11, the Legion Go S ensures seamless access to Steam libraries and console-like functionality. With dual USB4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and up to 32GB of RAM, it guarantees exceptional performance, positioning it as a formidable player in the handheld gaming arena.

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## **XREAL One Pro AR Glasses**
The **XREAL One Pro** AR glasses establish a new benchmark for immersive technology. Weighing merely 87 grams, they come equipped with a modular camera add-on, X1 spatial computing chip, and a sleek 11mm flat-prism lens. With a