AI, RAM Shortages, and Gaming’s Next Shake-Up – February | DogHouse 35
AI is reshaping the tech world fast — and it’s starting to strain the systems that power it. From data centers projected to consume most of the world’s memory chips to new battles over AI tools, GPU features, and even lawsuits shaking major platforms like Valve and Hasbro, the industry is feeling real pressure. This week’s roundup explores the rising cost of innovation, what’s happening with RAM pricing and next-gen memory, and how AI is colliding with gaming, hardware, and entertainment. If you want to understand where tech is heading — and what it might cost — you’re in the right place.
Wanna listen to our takes on all the articles? Check out: The DogHouse 35 | Big AI Moves, RAM Prices, and Industry Chaos Explained
Bark Bits
INDUSTRY, AI, AND TECH
Data Centers Will Consume 70% of Memory Chips in 2026
The AI boom is putting massive strain on the global memory supply, with data centers projected to consume nearly 70 percent of all memory chips by 2026. That surge is driven by AI training, inference workloads, and hyperscale expansion as companies race to dominate the space. As a result, consumer markets like gaming PCs, laptops, and servers could face renewed shortages and higher prices. Manufacturers are prioritizing enterprise clients over retail buyers, which risks pushing gamers and small businesses to the back of the line. Even as production ramps up, demand is accelerating faster than supply can realistically keep up. The chip shortage, once thought to be fading, may soon hit everyday hardware again.
Intel’s New Z-Angle Memory Takes on HBM
Intel is co-developing a new memory technology called Z-Angle Memory to compete with high-bandwidth memory used in AI data centers. The design stacks memory vertically to deliver two to three times more capacity while improving bandwidth and cutting power use in half. This approach aims to solve the bottlenecks created by AI workloads that overwhelm traditional RAM layouts. If successful, Z-Angle Memory could lower operating costs while boosting performance for massive models. Intel sees this as a strategic move to reclaim ground from competitors dominating the AI infrastructure space. It also signals that memory innovation is becoming just as important as GPU development.
RAM Prices Begin Stabilizing — At a Cost
After months of climbing prices, RAM costs are finally showing signs of leveling out, though they remain historically high. Entry-level modules are stabilizing, while premium kits are still expensive but rising more slowly. The slowdown suggests manufacturers are finding a temporary balance between production and demand. However, AI data centers continue pulling supply away from consumer markets. That keeps pricing pressure on gamers and PC builders. While panic buying may cool, affordability hasn’t fully returned yet.
NVIDIA’s $100 Billion OpenAI Deal Disappears
LINK: Nvidia’s $100 billion OpenAI deal has seemingly vanished – Ars Technica
Reports of a massive Nvidia-OpenAI partnership worth nearly $100 billion have quietly vanished, raising questions about what really happened behind the scenes. Early rumors suggested a major infrastructure and GPU investment deal, but confirmation never materialized. Analysts believe the announcement may have been overstated, restructured, or dropped entirely. This highlights how volatile and speculative the AI investment market has become. Companies are moving fast, but not every headline translates into real contracts. It’s another reminder that hype doesn’t always equal execution.
Microsoft CEO Warns AI Needs a Purpose
Microsoft’s CEO says AI companies must start doing something genuinely useful with the massive energy they consume. Without real-world value, the public may revoke the “social permission” needed to justify the power costs of large AI models. Data centers already use enormous amounts of electricity, and AI only multiplies the demand. If people see AI as wasteful instead of helpful, regulation and backlash could follow. Microsoft’s warning frames AI not just as a tech issue, but as a social one. Utility, efficiency, and trust may soon matter as much as performance.
RuneScape Dev Takes a Hard Line on AI
LINK: RuneScape Dev Takes “Hard Line Stance” On AI – GameSpot
RuneScape’s developers are taking a firm stance against generative AI content inside the game and its community. They’re banning AI-generated assets, scripts, and automation that undermine fairness and creativity. The studio argues AI threatens player trust, economic balance, and artistic integrity. While other companies cautiously experiment, RuneScape is drawing a clear boundary. Their decision reflects growing tension between innovation and authenticity in gaming. Not every game wants AI rewriting the rules.
Sony Sells Home Entertainment Business to TCL
Sony is reportedly selling its home entertainment business to TCL, raising questions about the future of Bravia TVs. The move allows Sony to focus more on software, gaming, and services while TCL expands its global hardware reach. Consumers worry whether Sony’s legendary picture quality and design philosophy will survive under new ownership. TCL gains prestige, but Sony loses direct control over a historic brand segment. It’s a strategic shift reflecting the shrinking margins in hardware. The TV market is becoming less about identity and more about scale.
Hasbro Sued Over Magic Card Overprinting
Hasbro is facing a lawsuit from its own shareholders for allegedly flooding the market with too many Magic: The Gathering cards. Investors argue the aggressive printing strategy damaged long-term brand value for short-term profit. Overproduction has weakened scarcity, resale value, and consumer trust. The lawsuit claims Hasbro prioritized quarterly revenue over sustainability. It’s a rare case of fans and investors aligning in criticism. The outcome could reshape how collectible games balance growth and preservation.
Valve Loses Attempt to Dismiss $900M Lawsuit
LINK: Valve Loses Attempt To Throw Out $900m Class Action Lawsuit
Valve failed to throw out a $900 million class-action lawsuit targeting its Steam marketplace practices. Plaintiffs argue Valve maintains unfair pricing control over PC game distribution. The court ruling means the case can move forward instead of being dismissed early. This puts pressure on Steam’s long-standing business model. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could reshape how digital storefronts operate. It’s one of the biggest legal challenges Valve has ever faced.
Project Genie AI World Model Goes Live
LINK: Project Genie: AI world model now available for Ultra users in U.S.
Project Genie, an AI world-model system, is now available to Ultra users in the US. The tool allows AI to simulate, design, and reason about interactive game environments. It’s designed to accelerate development by letting AI understand worlds, physics, and player behavior. Developers see potential, but also risk of creative displacement. Genie represents another step toward AI-assisted game creation. The line between designer and algorithm keeps getting thinner.
AI Tool Project Genie Shakes Gaming Stocks
Google’s Project Genie announcement rattled the gaming market, sending stocks for companies like Roblox, Nintendo, and CD Projekt Red crashing. Investors fear AI-driven tools could disrupt traditional development pipelines and labor costs. If AI can rapidly prototype worlds, studios may face pressure to restructure. Markets reacted fast to the perceived threat. It shows how closely finance is now tied to AI announcements. Innovation doesn’t just change games — it moves economies.
HARDWARE
GameStop Stick Drift Trade-In Event
LINK: Trade Your Stick Drift Controller for Full Credit at GameStop thru Feb. 14th – The Freebie Guy® ️️️
GameStop is letting players trade in stick-drift controllers for full credit through February 14th. The promotion targets one of the most common hardware frustrations in gaming. Instead of repairing broken sticks, users can upgrade at little or no cost. It’s a consumer-friendly move that also drives store traffic. For many players, drift issues kill competitive performance. This offer gives worn controllers a second life through replacement.
DLSS 4.5 Performance Guide
LINK: NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution: Full Guide, Image Quality Analysis & Performance Impact
NVIDIA’s DLSS 4.5 brings new image reconstruction improvements but also introduces performance tradeoffs. While visual quality increases, older GPUs see noticeable performance drops. NVIDIA warned users that newer versions prioritize fidelity over raw speed. Testing confirms gains in clarity but losses in frame rate depending on hardware. For players, upgrading DLSS now involves choosing between beauty and speed. It’s a reminder that not all updates are universally beneficial.
Intel XeSS 3 Expands Frame Generation
Intel has enabled XeSS 3 multi-frame generation across Arc GPUs and Core Ultra iGPUs. This allows supported games to create extra frames for smoother performance. Unlike before, XeSS can now work in more titles without deep developer integration. Intel is pushing accessibility to compete with Nvidia’s DLSS. The move makes Intel GPUs more appealing for budget builds. Frame generation is becoming standard, not optional.
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Netflix Says Users Can Cancel After HBO Merger
LINK: Netflix says users can cancel service if HBO Max merger makes it too expensive – Ars Technica
Netflix publicly stated that users can cancel if a potential HBO Max merger results in prices rising too much. The statement tries to reassure consumers worried about streaming consolidation. Mergers often lead to higher costs and fewer choices. Netflix positions itself as customer-friendly while competitors merge. It’s also a subtle jab at industry bloat. Streaming wars are shifting from content to value.
New Super Mario Galaxy Trailer Shows Yoshi
LINK: New Super Mario Galaxy trailer gives us our first look at Yoshi. | The Verge
Nintendo revealed a new Super Mario Galaxy trailer featuring a first look at Yoshi. Fans finally see how the beloved character fits into the space-themed platforming. The footage hints at new mechanics and expanded movement. Yoshi’s return adds nostalgia and gameplay depth. Nintendo continues balancing innovation with legacy appeal. Galaxy remains one of Mario’s most celebrated formats.
Markiplier’s ‘Iron Lung’ Explodes After Removal
LINK: Markiplier’s ‘Iron Lung’ Removed From Box Office Charts, Returns Making 7x Its Budget
Markiplier’s film Iron Lung was temporarily removed from box office charts, then returned with massive revenue growth. After reappearing, it earned nearly seven times its original budget. The strange disappearance of the chart actually boosted attention. Fans rushed back to support the project. It shows how creator-driven films can outperform expectations. Internet communities now rival traditional marketing power.
Arc Raiders Patch Lets You Keep Weapons
LINK: Arc Raiders’ new patch adds an augment that makes you keep weapons upon death
Arc Raiders’ newest patch introduces an augment that allows players to keep weapons after death. Previously, dying meant losing valuable gear. The update softens punishment while encouraging experimentation. It makes solo and aggressive play more viable. Players feel less risk-averse with better persistence. Arc Raiders continues refining its balance between challenge and reward.
Arc Raiders Adds Solo vs Squads Mode
LINK: Arc Raiders announces wild new ‘Solo vs Squads’ mode
Arc Raiders also announced a new “Solo vs Squads” mode. This pits individual players against full teams for higher risk and reward. The mode caters to skilled solo competitors craving intensity. It reshapes strategy and pacing across matches. Arc Raiders keeps expanding player choice. Competitive diversity is becoming a core design pillar.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Stays on Unreal 4
LINK: Square Enix is sticking with Unreal 4 for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 | GamesIndustry.biz
Square Enix confirmed Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 will continue using Unreal Engine 4 instead of upgrading to UE5. The decision prioritizes stability and familiarity with development over flashy engine tech. While UE5 offers advanced features, switching mid-series adds risk. Square prefers consistency across the trilogy. Fans get continuity rather than experimental shifts. Sometimes restraint beats reinvention.
Tech Treat Games
- LEGO® Party!: a 4-player party game that’s built different! Compete against your friends in wacky Challenge Zones and 60 hilarious minigames from across your favorite LEGO sets like Pirates, Space, NINJAGO®, and more. Play your way! Join your friends, no matter their platform, locally or online!
- DOOM: On Sale (As of this recording) for $3.99
- DOOM: Eternal: On Sale (As of this recording) for $3.99
- Humble Bundle: RollerCoaster Tycoon Collection 2026 (pay what you want and help charity)
EPIC GAME OF THE WEEK
- Botany Manor: Welcome to Botany Manor, a stately home in 19th-century England. You play as the inhabitant Arabella Greene, a retired botanist. Explore your house and gardens to figure out the ideal habitat of forgotten flora. Grow each plant to discover the mysterious qualities they hold…
Pack Talk
Have an older PC and not really sure what to do with it now that you have an upgraded system? Check out this article with 17 ways to reuse your old PC.
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