UmGamer Roundup: The main news of the week in the gaming universe!

The week of February 9-14, 2025 was packed with huge ews in the gaming world. Between updates on the competitive scene of Overwatch 2, announcements of several games in the State of Play, and reports and studies that show ample growth potential for the gaming market until 2029, the last few days brought information that shapes the future of the industry.

Check out our roundup of the most important news from the gaming world this week!

The global gaming market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to a report released by Technavio, the sector's revenue is expected to increase by US$ 100.8 billion between 2025 and 2029, driven by the adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.

The report highlights that the immersive experiences provided by AR and VR are redefining how players interact with games, opening up new possibilities for developers and hardware manufacturers.

Technavio also highlights the challenge loot boxes pose in the market in the coming years. While they may improve the gaming experience for some, critics argue that they promote gambling and exploit vulnerable individuals, and have led countries such as Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands to ban or regulate loot boxes. Such actions may require changes to the business models of game developers and publishers.

Source: PR Newswire

The gaming and eSports universe is undergoing changes in 2025, experts point out. In an in-depth analysis carried out by Two Birds, several emerging trends promise to reshape the global market, driving innovations ranging from new forms of consumption and monetization to more immersive and integrated experiences.

The article highlights that the convergence between technology and digital entertainment has led to greater personalization and player engagement, with innovative platforms and new business models that are expanding the industry. Among the highlights are the growing importance of emerging technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, which are not only transforming the way we play, but also paving the way for interactive experiences that go beyond the limits of traditional games.

Another key trend is the integration between eSports and major sporting events, creating a synergy that attracts both fans of conventional sports and enthusiasts of electronic games. This mix is increasing visibility and investment in competitions that already reach global audiences.

Additionally, the report highlights the growth of online communities and the evolution of monetization models, where subscriptions, sponsorships and microtransactions combine to offer personalized experiences. These models can be enhanced with artificial intelligence, which helps identify behaviors and adapt content more effectively.

Source: Two Birds

Overwatch 2 has gained new features in the 2025 season. In an official announcement released by Blizzard, the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) presents structural changes that promise to increase competitiveness and reinforce the title's global presence.

The 2025 season arrives with a completely renewed format, divided into three splits that guarantee continuous and intense competition between the teams. One of the main new features is the implementation of a promotion and relegation system.

Another major change announced is the international expansion of OWCS through the Team Partner Program. In 2025, the championship will be divided into four regions: North America, EMEA and Asia, marked mainly by the return of Overwatch to China.

For more details, check out our article analyzing the new features

Nvidia has announced that it has delayed the launch of its highly anticipated RTX 5070 graphics card from February 28 to March 5, 2025. The decision may have been made to avoid direct competition with AMD's upcoming launch, which is expected to launch its Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT on the same date as Nvidia's originally scheduled launch.

The North American company revealed that, despite the postponement, the RTX 5070 Ti variant – priced at US$ 749 – will follow its schedule and will be launched on February 20, 2025. According to the company, the RTX 5070 is designed to offer performance equivalent to the powerful RTX 4090, but with a significantly lower price, set at US$ 549. This strategy aims to serve an audience that seeks high performance without compromising the budget.

Source: Nvidia

The International Olympic Committee has announced that the first Esports Olympic Games will be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia. According to Reuters, the IOC's initiative marks a decisive step towards the legitimacy of eSports as a top-level sporting discipline.

The decision to host the event in Saudi Arabia, a country that has invested heavily in promoting international sporting events, reinforces the IOC’s ambition to expand its global reach and attract an increasingly diverse audience. “This initiative represents the recognition of eSports as a true sporting and cultural phenomenon,” said an IOC representative.

Source: Reuters

In a broadcast that mobilized thousands of viewers, Sony revealed in this edition of State of Play the main news for the PlayStation 5. During the 40 minutes of broadcast, the company presented a diverse lineup and brought a series of announcements and trailers ranging from major releases to updates and expansions, with titles such as Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater Remake, the new Tales of Annihilation from the Chinese studio Eclipse Glow Games and, at last, a release date for Lost Soul Aside.

Check it out all trailers announced at the State of Play

FromSoftware has released the final details for Elden Ring: Nightreign, the new multiplayer action-roguelite spin-off set in the Elden Ring universe. The game is scheduled for official release on May 30, 2025.

The basic version will be sold from US$39.99, while a Deluxe edition, which will include additional content such as bosses and playable characters, a digital art book and a mini soundtrack, will also be available for US$54.99.

Players are allowed to test the game through a closed beta, with registrations open on the official website and sessions scheduled between February 14 and 17. The beta faced server instability issues during the first day of testing.