Category: News

The popularity of The Finals has surged recently, with Steam witnessing an increase of around 10,000 players. On June 12, Embark Studios launched Season 7, providing both new and returning players with compelling reasons to engage with this unique first-person shooter (FPS) title. Initially released to great fanfare after being introduced during The Game Awards 2023, The Finals quickly captivated shooter enthusiasts thanks to its destructible environments and fast-paced gameplay.

Developed by former DICE developers, The Finals saw an impressive peak of nearly 250,000 concurrent players at its launch. While player numbers have fluctuated in the months following that initial spike, consistent seasonal updates have helped retain a dedicated fanbase. The release of Season 7 notably boosted player engagement again, with SteamDB reporting a peak of 28,866 players on the day Season 7 launched—an increase of approximately 10,000 players from previous averages.

Currently, there are about 24,794 concurrent players, and the game is also available on multiple consoles, likely leading to a similar upswing on those platforms. Season 7 introduces a host of new content, including a new map, NOZOMI/CITADEL, divided into two regions by The Rift. Players can also explore exciting new gadgets like the H+ Infuser, Breach Drill, and Healing Emitter, alongside a brand-new battle pass.

Additionally, numerous balance changes and bug fixes have been implemented to enhance gameplay and ensure an engaging experience. Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to see if The Finals can maintain this momentum post-Season 7. With its dependence on online multiplayer dynamics, retaining a solid player count is crucial for the game’s longevity.

Amidst stiff competition from other titles, The Finals continues to resonate with many shooter fans. So, now might be the perfect time to jump back into the action, fueled by the fresh content available!

Since around 7:00 PM EST, Fortnite players have encountered issues with matchmaking and logging into the game. The official Fortnite support team has acknowledged these problems and is currently investigating the situation. Unfortunately, there’s no clear timeline for when these setbacks will be resolved.

The game recently launched Chapter 6 Season 3, introducing an exciting superhero theme, complete with characters like Superman and Robin as part of the new battle pass. Additionally, Hero Items have made their debut, allowing players to harness special abilities during gameplay. The fresh content has drawn many players back to Fortnite, yet current technical difficulties are hindering their experience.

On June 13, reports of server issues surged, causing players to struggle with access. Fortnite Status confirmed on social media that there were login and matchmaking complications affecting numerous players. An update from the Epic Games status page indicated that the issues have been identified, and a fix is in progress; however, the estimated completion time remains uncertain.

At present, the Epic Games status page indicates a “Major Outage,” which affects several game features, including login, voice chat, and the item shop. This disruption is particularly frustrating for players eager to enjoy the game with friends, especially at the beginning of the weekend. It is hoped that Epic Games will swiftly address these issues, allowing players to dive back into the action of Chapter 6 Season 3.

In the meantime, players are encouraged to monitor Fortnite Status for timely updates. Fortnite offers the chance to create, play, and engage in battles with friends for free, whether in Battle Royale, Zero Build, or through a wide array of creator-made games. Enjoy dynamic and varied gameplay experiences while teaming up or going solo to achieve your victory.

PlayStation is reaffirming its dedication to live service titles, despite facing some skepticism from gamers. Executives are optimistic about their future plans, influenced in part by the success of Helldivers 2, a recent hit that debuted in early 2024. This third-person shooter, available on PC and PlayStation 5, quickly sold one million copies within its first three days and reached an impressive 15 million by November.

Helldivers 2 has been well-received both commercially and critically, thanks in part to its innovative approach to the live service model. Unlike many similar games, Helldivers 2 offers players the freedom to enjoy the content at their own pace, as its battle pass system is not time-restricted. Players can also earn premium currency through gameplay, which has been positively received.

The success of its recent update suggests that fans are on board, encouraging Sony to further invest in live service games. However, not all upcoming titles are generating excitement among players. Concerns have been raised about Marathon, developed by Bungie, which has recently faced plagiarism accusations.

The mood at Bungie is reportedly low, with playtesters advocating for a delay beyond the planned 2025 release. In response to these ongoing issues, Sony has paused the game’s marketing efforts. Similarly, Haven Studios’ Fairgames is encountering challenges.

The game received mixed reviews in closed playtests, with many players criticizing its gameplay. The unexpected departure of studio founder Jade Raymond added to speculation about the title’s future. Originally slated for a 2025 release, the timeline for both Marathon and Fairgames may now extend into 2026.

As Sony navigates these hurdles, it remains committed to expanding its portfolio of live service games.

New information has surfaced regarding the much-anticipated Edge of Fate expansion for Destiny 2, indicating that Bungie is set to implement significant adjustments to vendors and game modes. As the launch date approaches, the studio continues to unveil exciting details about the expansion, highlighting changes to the core mechanics of the game itself. One of the notable upgrades in Edge of Fate is the overhaul of the armor system.

Bungie plans to introduce features such as set bonuses and a revamped tier system that enhances stats and perks for players. Additionally, changes to gear vendors like Ada-1 and Banshee-44 will enable players to focus on exotic armor and provide the opportunity to acquire legacy weapons, which will aid in completing player collections. However, the most significant alteration appears to revolve around existing game modes.

Bungie has released a recent update addressing various aspects of Destiny 2, including adjustments to the Rite of the Nine activity and fixes related to triumphs. One mode in particular, Gambit, which debuted during the Forsaken expansion, has garnered mixed reactions over time. Despite initially being popular due to its unique PvPvE gameplay, it suffered from prolonged periods without updates, leading some players to feel it was neglected.

Regrettably, fans will soon learn that Gambit is set to go on hiatus following the launch of Edge of Fate. Although Bungie confirmed the mode will still be playable and will continue to offer legacy rewards, there are no immediate plans for new content. Interestingly, Gambit is not the only mode affected; the Iron Banner will also take a break until September.

In response to these changes, Bungie announced the return of Heavy Metal and a new Crucible mode titled Cutting Edge. Destiny 2 invites players to immerse themselves in a rich narrative, defend humanity against formidable foes, and explore a vast solar system. Choose to embody one of three Guardian classes—Titan, Warlock, or Hunter—and embark on a journey filled with challenges, unique gear, and thrilling cooperative missions.

Download now and begin writing your legendary tale in the stars.

Rumors are swirling about the possibility of Canadian rapper Drake having his own radio station in the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. While this information remains unconfirmed by Rockstar Games, fellow rapper Jermaine Dupri recently mentioned it on a podcast, suggesting that Drake might be able to upload exclusive tracks directly to the game before they become available elsewhere.

This isn’t the first time speculation around major musical artists in the upcoming game has surfaced. Earlier in the year, a credible insider hinted that DJ Khaled would also feature in Grand Theft Auto 6 with his own radio station.

Though neither of these claims has been officially substantiated, hints about other real-life artists potentially hosting their own radio stations have sparked interest, though details remain scarce. During an interview on June 12 with New Rory & Mal, Jermaine Dupri dropped a bombshell, stating, “Drake got his own radio station in Grand Theft Auto.”

He implied that Drake’s involvement could allow him to share new, unreleased music through the game. However, it’s unlikely that Rockstar Games will comment on this rumor before the game’s release, leaving fans to speculate until the game launches on May 26, 2026.

In addition to this exciting news, a plethora of recent leaks regarding Grand Theft Auto 6 have made notable claims about its gameplay. According to a credible source, the game may be structured into five chapters and could feature over seven hundred accessible stores.

It has also been suggested that the game’s weapon wheel might resemble the one in Red Dead Redemption 2, with some features potentially removed during development. While this information is thrilling, fans are advised to approach these claims cautiously, as many details may change before the official release.

Until then, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an exciting addition to the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Sony remains dedicated to releasing Marathon by the end of its fiscal year, March 31, 2026, despite mixed feedback from alpha testers. The upcoming extraction shooter, developed by Bungie, has encountered significant controversy, prompting concerns about its development trajectory. Initially scheduled for a September 2025 launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game has been marred by allegations of art plagiarism, casting doubts over its future similar to the challenges faced by Concord. Marathon involves player-versus-player mechanics where teams or solo participants must collect loot within a perilous environment and successfully escape.

The initial alpha was not well-received, resulting in low team morale, which led many to speculate about potential delays. However, Sony takes a more optimistic stance regarding the game’s readiness. Notably, the recent PlayStation State of Play did not feature Marathon, raising eyebrows about its status. In a presentation, Sony noted that despite requests from alpha testers for a delay, Marathon’s release is still slated for FY25.

The presentation highlighted early engagement and characterized the title as innovative, which contrasts sharply with community sentiment. Hermen Hulst, CEO of Studio Business Group, acknowledged the varied feedback but emphasized that it is valuable for refining the game to enhance player satisfaction. While employees have expressed concerns about morale, Hulst expressed excitement for the impending release and assured that learnings from the alpha phase would facilitate continuous improvement. Additionally, to prevent issues like those that plagued Concord, Sony is implementing more rigorous processes during development.

Although Bungie has recognized the art plagiarism issue and committed to avoiding similar missteps in the future, it will be crucial to monitor how Sony addresses these challenges as it prepares for the launch.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing seven million copies sold worldwide. Following the success of the original game released in 2011, the sequel combines fast-paced third-person shooting with intense melee combat. Players assume the role of Lieutenant Titus, a hardened Ultramarine, who fights against various threats across the galaxy utilizing advanced weaponry and robust armor to navigate the brutal conflicts.

Since its launch in September 2024, the game has maintained a strong foothold in the gaming community. It has been lauded for its combat design and artistic direction, effectively capturing the characteristic tone of Games Workshop’s grimdark sci-fi universe. Much of this success can be attributed to developer Saber Interactive, who has consistently provided updates and content drops post-launch.

These efforts have kept Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 relevant, ensuring both loyal fans and newcomers remain engaged and excited. On June 12, the Space Marine 2 team announced via Twitter that the game had surpassed seven million players. They expressed gratitude to the community for their support, referring to them as “defenders of humanity” and emphasizing themes of “courage and honor.” This milestone builds on the already impressive count of 4.5 million players just a month after the game’s release, indicating sustained engagement within the player base.

Fans have been highly supportive online, sharing their experiences and highlighting how the game has integrated into their daily routines. Additionally, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 found a spot among Microsoft’s top 20 best-selling Xbox games of 2024. The excitement continues with a major content drop scheduled for June 26, introducing Siege Mode—a new three-player co-op experience where players face waves of Tyranid and Chaos enemies in an Imperial fortress.

Although discussions around expanding co-op party sizes have emerged, Saber has confirmed the limit will remain at three players for the time being. Looking ahead, Focus Entertainment has officially announced the development of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3, signaling the franchise’s ongoing evolution.

Concord has emerged as one of PlayStation’s most notable failures in recent years. In light of this, Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, assured that the company has learned from past mistakes. While Sony has a reputation for successful single-player titles like The Last of Us and God of War, it has recently shifted its focus toward live-service games, despite the setbacks with Concord.

The company remains optimistic about the future of its live service endeavors. The hero shooter Concord struggled to make a lasting impression on gamers and was short-lived, shutting down just a month after its release on September 6, 2024. The closure of its developer, Firewalk Studios, soon followed.

Hulst offered some clarity on the game’s downfall during a Q&A with investors. He noted that the game entered a fiercely competitive market without sufficient differentiation from other titles. This sentiment aligns with the feedback from players who found Concord bland and lacking in innovation.

According to Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, Concord fell short of adding unique value to the genre, which is essential for any game hoping to stand out in a crowded landscape. Despite these challenges, PlayStation is committed to its live-service strategy, with multiple titles underway. Hulst emphasized the company’s reflection on its approach post-Concord, reassuring investors that “we’re not gonna make the same mistakes again.”

While he was not specific about the changes, he highlighted an intensified vetting process for new opportunities. He pointed to Helldivers 2 as a successful example of the genre, noting that its player count surged following recent updates. Concerns also linger around Bungie’s upcoming title, Marathon, with some fans dubbing it “Concord 2.0.”

Early tests have yielded mixed reviews, but Hulst stated the company is actively monitoring feedback and utilizing it to improve the game. The fate of Marathon and future PlayStation live-service projects remains uncertain, but the leadership appears confident in implementing a refined strategy.

GameStop customers who have purchased video games online over the past five years may be eligible to receive either cash or store credit under a proposed $4.5 million settlement stemming from a class action lawsuit. This settlement is currently under review by the Supreme Court of New York. Although the amount each customer is likely to receive is minimal—up to $5 in cash or $10 in online store credit—it does provide a form of recompense for affected individuals.

Over the years, GameStop has seen a decline in physical store sales and has closed many of its outlets since reaching its peak in 2015. In response to the shift toward digital media, the company has enhanced its online platform. However, issues regarding the management of its website have allegedly led to legal troubles, resulting in this class action lawsuit.

Customers who also use Facebook may have already received notifications about the settlement from the email address [email protected]. This case, Aldana et al. v. GameStop, Inc., revolves around allegations that GameStop violated the Video Privacy Protection Act by sharing customer personal information with Facebook through the Meta Pixel tracking system.

The relevant timeframe for impacted online purchases is from August 18, 2020, to April 17, 2025, and only customers who used their actual names on Facebook are considered part of the settlement class. Individuals who purchased games solely at physical stores will not be affected. GameStop maintains its position that no laws were violated but has agreed to settle to avert costly litigation.

A fairness hearing is set for September 18, 2025, where the court will decide on the approval of the settlement. Those wishing to accept the compensation must respond by August 15, and accepting the compensation will preclude further legal action related to the same issue. Compounding GameStop’s challenges, a recent incident revealed that some consoles were damaged due to faulty handling by employees, prompting a commitment to replace the affected consoles.

Fans of life simulation games are in for a treat as InZOI has just received its first price reduction since it debuted in early access on Steam. Many players view InZOI as a viable competitor to The Sims 4, though some have expressed disappointment regarding its current content level. Nevertheless, developers have plans to introduce more features before the game’s full launch. InZOI made its early access debut for PC on March 28, attracting a strong player base initially.

Many players were captivated by the game’s realistic graphics and organized gameplay. However, interest waned soon after as players discovered that they had already explored most of the available features. This has led many to hold off until further content is released. Interestingly, a potential new feature from The Sims 4’s upcoming Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack could provide InZOI with fresh gameplay elements to enhance its offerings.

In light of these ongoing developments, the recent price cut could be just the incentive new players need to dive in. Currently, InZOI is available for $35.99, down from $39.99, with this limited-time offer ending on June 26. The decision to reduce the price may relate to recent declines in player engagement. Following a peak of over 87,000 players at launch, concurrent player counts dropped sharply.

By early June, only about 1,500 to 2,000 players were active on peak days. However, the price cut has had a positive impact, with player numbers climbing back above 3,300, marking the highest levels since May. Another significant factor contributing to the revival of player interest is the recent June patch. This update introduces substantial new content, including 175 new building items and enhancements to the functionality of characters, providing players with new family-building options and updated gameplay mechanics.

All of these changes, coupled with the price reduction, may signal a promising future for InZOI.