Category: News

Lords of the Fallen has reached a notable milestone of 5.5 million players, but its developer, CI Games, has indicated that it is only now nearing the break-even point. Despite being celebrated as a successful AA title following its release in 2023 and selling nearly one million copies within the first ten days, the game’s profitability has been elusive for the studio. Upon its release, Lords of the Fallen received a “Generally Favorable” critical reception, boasting a Metacritic score of 75 at the time.

However, the game’s financial performance has not lived up to such accolades, especially considering it is not classified as a major AAA title. CI Games’ CEO, Marek Tyminski, noted that the milestone of 5.5 million players includes contributions from Game Pass, suggesting that not all users paid full price for the game, which could account for its profitability challenges. The estimated development costs for Lords of the Fallen are reported to be around $77 million USD.

This figure encompasses production, marketing, and physical release expenses. If this estimate is accurate, the game’s sales likely haven’t surpassed the two million mark, which would typically indicate revenue generation at the base price of $60. Additionally, ongoing development and updates after launch suggest that CI Games reinvested earnings back into the game, which might further complicate its financial standing.

Despite these concerns, CI Games appears optimistic about the future of the franchise, currently developing a sequel set for release in 2026. Whether the sequel will achieve profitability remains uncertain, as players eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this epic dark fantasy action-RPG. Players will take on the role of Dark Crusaders, navigating a challenging world filled with colossal battles and a choice between light and darkness for their character’s legacy.

Tales of the Shire, developed by Weta Workshop, is set to immerse players in a cozy life simulator inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. With its release date approaching on July 29, the game has generated excitement, especially with its focus on building relationships and sharing meals among characters. The gameplay mirrors the charm of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as players assist the townsfolk in transforming Bywater from a quaint town into a thriving village.

Activities including house decoration, gardening, fishing, foraging, and trading are central to the relaxed experience. However, the game’s system requirements have raised eyebrows across the gaming community. Preliminary requirements for the PC version are notably demanding, needing at least an Intel Core i5-7600K and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770, with higher specs recommended for optimal performance. Many players were surprised to see such steep requirements for a title that seems centered around a casual lifestyle.

In comparison, other games with similar aesthetics, like Palia and Disney Dreamlight Valley, have significantly lower hardware demands. Furthermore, while Tales of the Shire requires just 3 GB of available space on a hard drive, many potential players with less powerful PCs might reconsider their purchase due to the stringent specifications. Notably, the game has yet to release any information regarding hardware requirements for resolutions higher than 1080p at 60 FPS, leaving fans concerned about performance at enhanced settings. As anticipation builds, players are eager to enjoy the serene life of a Hobbit in the Shire.

With opportunities for decorating, gardening, and building community ties, Tales of the Shire promises an engaging experience—provided system demands do not deter players from joining the adventure.

Bkom Studios has unveiled exciting new co-op gameplay for the upcoming game, Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults. This action role-playing game (ARPG) draws inspiration from the tabletop adventure of the same name and marks a shift in gameplay style, as it adopts an isometric hack-and-slash format.

Unlike earlier Pathfinder titles like Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous, which featured turn-based mechanics, Abomination Vaults is designed to emphasize cooperative action and multiplayer experiences. During the 2025 Summer Game Fest, new gameplay showcased how up to four players can navigate the game’s vast labyrinthine dungeon.

Players have the option to team up with friends or venture into the dungeon alone. In cases where there are fewer than three players, the game’s AI takes charge of the remaining characters.

Notably, players can issue commands to AI companions or even take direct control during combat, adding a layer of strategy. The game features four distinct classes based on beloved Pathfinder champions: Amiri the Barbarian, Harsk the Ranger, Kyra the Cleric, and Ezren the Wizard, each influenced by the second edition of the tabletop game.

While the roles are fixed, there is significant flexibility in build crafting, allowing players to customize each class without navigating intricate RPG skill trees. As players progress, they can adjust classes and leverage acquired items to strengthen their team’s unique synergies, although executing team-up abilities requires skillful timing and coordination.

Initial hands-on previews suggest that Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults resembles the Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance series more than traditional Baldur’s Gate titles, boasting real-time action and dynamic class interactions reminiscent of the Dark Alliance approach. Reviews from the Summer Game Fest have been largely positive, highlighting the co-op gameplay as seamless and enjoyable, essential traits for a dungeon crawler.

However, questions remain regarding how the game will sustain player interest within its extensive dungeon and avoid monotony. As the first-ever co-op hack-and-slash ARPG based on the Pathfinder Adventure Path, players will lead iconic heroes into the ominous Gauntlight Keep, challenging the malevolent sorceress Belcorra Haruvex and her horde of abominations.

Belcorra, resurrected as a ghost, seeks revenge against those who defeated her centuries ago. Players are called upon to delve into Gauntlight Keep’s treacherous depths, confront foul monsters, and ultimately lay Belcorra’s wicked soul to rest.

As heroes explore the dungeon, their unique stories will unfold alongside thrilling gameplay.

Excitement is in the air for fans of SNK and Capcom as the two companies unite once more, introducing Street Fighter’s Ken Masters to the roster of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. While the DLC roadmap for the game hinted at Ken and Chun Li’s arrival, this marks the first visual showcase of Ken in action. The collaboration highlights the friendly relations that have emerged between Capcom and SNK, especially following the recent re-release of the SNK vs. Capcom series in the Capcom Fighting Collection 2. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves not only brings back classic characters but also introduces new and unconventional fighters, renowned for their difficulty to master.

Ken Masters has now been officially revealed through a new trailer, although a specific release date is yet to be announced. Fans can expect to hear the familiar voice of David Matranga, who reprises his role from Street Fighter 6, alongside Ken’s updated look featuring a brown coat. Alternately, players can choose his classic red gi from Street Fighter 2, adding nostalgia to the mix. Ken’s gameplay is expected to resonate with longtime fans, including signature moves such as the Shoryuken, Hadoken, and Tatsumaki Senpu-kyaku.

The trailer showcases Ken’s new abilities from Street Fighter 6, including the Dragonlash Kick, which offers a side switch. The enhancements aim to invigorate sales for City of the Wolves, especially since its launch hasn’t met expectations, prompting significant leadership changes within SNK. After 26 years, the Fatal Fury series is set to make a grand comeback with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The game boasts a striking art style and an innovative REV system that promises heightened excitement.

With new control schemes catering to both newcomers and veterans, players can anticipate a thrilling adventure in the vibrant streets of South Town.

A senior Bethesda official has confirmed that Fallout 76 will feature crossover content inspired by the second season of the Fallout TV series, although specific details remain under wraps. The first season of this adaptation premiered on Amazon Prime Video in April 2024, achieving significant success that boosted the popularity of the related video games, as evident from player data. This success led Bethesda to create crossover content for multiple entries in the franchise, including Fallout 76.

The upcoming second season of the show, set in New Vegas, will be highlighted through new content in Fallout 76. Jon Rush, the game’s Creative Director, revealed in a recent statement that the production teams of both the show and the game are consistently in dialogue about possible crossover opportunities. He emphasized that they are keen on aligning gaming content with the TV show’s seasonal releases, hinting at future plans.

However, it seems unlikely that Fallout 76 will introduce significant crossover elements from the TV show, particularly story-driven quests. The Amazon series takes place in the year 2296, while Fallout 76 is set in 2102, creating a gap of almost two centuries that complicates lore-consistent interactions. Rush noted that while direct crossover opportunities are limited, there may still be thematic references or subtle nods due to the separate timelines.

Bethesda introduced the Vault 33 Survival Kit in conjunction with the first season’s premiere, which included themed items and various consumables. Players can expect similar types of content for the second season. While there is no official release date for Fallout Season 2, Amazon targets December 2025, suggesting new crossover content may arrive late in Fallout 76 Season 22 or early in Season 23, which is currently shrouded in mystery.

Ben Hall, the world director for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, has recently shed light on a significant challenge that Ubisoft faces during the development of the franchise. The complexity of crafting immersive historical worlds is a key aspect of the series’ allure.

Players are drawn into meticulously designed landscapes that transport them to different eras, and even the less favored titles receive appreciation for their captivating environments. Each installment sparks discussions among fans about their favorite locations and settings they wish to explore in future games.

One beloved entry in the series is Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, released in 2013. Hall discussed in an interview with Edge Magazine the specific challenge of integrating verticality in settings like Ancient Greece, which lacks prominent tall structures.

He emphasized that “verticality is really important,” describing the gameplay as engaging players in climbing and navigating through varied landscapes. In contrast to the rich verticality of cities like Victorian London depicted in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Odyssey presented a different set of obstacles.

Hall noted that the smaller buildings in Ancient Greece made it more difficult to create the usual sense of elevation and exploration associated with the series. To address this, Hall and his team took innovative approaches, such as designing large statues rooted in mythological or historical accuracy.

These towering figures not only served as awe-inspiring landmarks but also encouraged players to explore the environment, offering moments of vertical gameplay while pursuing main quests. As the franchise continues to evolve, each title will grapple with the unique challenges posed by its setting.

While specific games may find it easier to incorporate verticality, the essence of the series relies on balancing exploration and heritage. Although whispers of a Black Flag remake circulate, the series remains committed to delivering dynamic worlds and engaging gameplay experiences.

Dave the Diver is making a splash in MapleStory with the launch of the Stargazer Patch 2 update on July 16. This collaboration introduces beloved characters Dave, Bancho, and Cobra from the indie sensation to the classic 2D MMORPG.

Released in 2023, Dave the Diver has gained popularity for its entertaining mix of restaurant management and underwater exploration. Both games are under the Nexon umbrella, which allows for this exciting crossover.

Nexon’s MapleStory frequently receives updates and collaborations to maintain its vast player base, including past crossovers with franchises like Godzilla and Yakuza. The confirmed collaboration was announced through a YouTube trailer and an official blog, detailing how the characters from Dave the Diver will find themselves in the MapleStory universe after falling through a whirlpool.

To adapt to their new environment, they will establish a new Bancho Sushi branch and begin diving for fish again, interacting with native players and NPCs. This crossover event, exclusive to MapleStory Global (GMS), is part of a significant update that includes the return of the Ride or Die boss challenge and a Hyper Burning Max event aimed at boosting player experience levels.

Additionally, the update introduces new mastery nodes for 3rd and 4th jobs, enhancing gameplay for all classes. However, it’s worth noting that this collaboration is a one-way affair, with only characters from Dave the Diver appearing in MapleStory.

Fans of the indie game will need to wait for the upcoming In the Jungle DLC, now expected to be released by 2026. With its engaging blend of gameplay elements, Dave the Diver remains a standout in the realm of casual RPGs.

Square Enix is reportedly working on a remake of Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, originally released in 2000. If these rumors are confirmed, it would continue the trend of the company revitalizing classic Dragon Quest games for contemporary platforms. The franchise has enjoyed significant longevity, with 11 mainline installments since its debut in 1986.

Over nearly four decades, Dragon Quest has been made available on numerous systems, from the NES to the PS5. The most recent release in the series was Dragon Quest 11 in 2017, while Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake launched in 2024. Additionally, a collection of the first two games is slated for the HD-2D Remake treatment in 2025.

The anticipated remake of Dragon Quest 7 is mentioned in internal documents as being distinct from mere graphical upgrades, suggesting a more thorough overhaul of the original game. The release window is projected for either late fiscal year 2026 or early fiscal year 2027, likely between January and March 2026 or shortly thereafter. Should the Dragon Quest 7 remake debut as expected, it would mark the third successive Dragon Quest release in three years by Square Enix.

However, the company’s immediate focus will be on launching the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 2D-HD Remake for PC and consoles on October 30, 2025. In this massive adventure, players join young Auster and his friends, Prince Kiefer and Maribel, on a quest to restore lost lands. Armed with mystical stone tablets, they travel back in time to assist struggling towns, solve intricate puzzles, and navigate turn-based battles against a myriad of unique monsters.

With over 50 vocations to choose from, players can customize their heroes and explore a world brimming with possibilities.

Yakuza 5 Remastered has recently introduced an exciting co-op mod developed by a talented solo creator. This new feature allows players to enjoy the game in a cooperative multiplayer format, even if they don’t have a friend to team up with.

Dubbed “Intertwined Fates,” this mod significantly enhances the gameplay experience of Yakuza 5, the fifth installment in the acclaimed franchise. The mod adds a second player who can control Ichiban Kasuga, the beloved protagonist from Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

While this choice doesn’t align chronologically—as Ichiban’s character was not introduced until eight years later—it highlights the developer’s affinity for him. Intertwined Fates enables cooperative play for the entire game’s storyline and revamps various mini-games like dance battles and hunting activities to suit a two-player dynamic.

Key features of the Intertwined Fates mod include full story accessibility in two-player mode. If a second player is absent, Ichiban can be controlled by AI during battles, although he won’t be present in free roam.

The adapted dance battles now have Haruka executing button inputs while Ichiban handles directional controls. Furthermore, cooperative play is supported in hunting activities, and Ichiban has been integrated into several mini-games, offering a visual presence without impacting game mechanics.

To maintain narrative continuity, cutscenes have been modified to accommodate the second player, with it leading to some humorous moments as Ichiban simply observes the scenes. Additionally, Ichiban comes with a unique moveset, which is disabled if other moveset mods are detected.

Though primarily designed for local co-op, the mod also offers options for online cooperation, making it more accessible for players who prefer playing solo with an AI companion.

Masahiro Sakurai, the director of Kirby Air Riders, recently shared updates on the highly anticipated kart racer and took a moment to honor the late Satoru Iwata, former Nintendo President. At the recent Switch 2 Direct in April, several exciting first-party Nintendo games were announced, including a sequel to the beloved 2003 title, Kirby Air Ride. This new game is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, with Bandai Namco collaborating with Sakurai on development, much like their involvement in the Super Smash Bros. series.

Rumors suggest that Sakurai was given the opportunity to work on Kirby Air Riders as a strategic move by Nintendo in exchange for developing the next installment in the Super Smash Bros. franchise, although there are no official announcements regarding that yet. After spending considerable time on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Kirby Air Riders has become a passion project for Sakurai.

This game marks his reunion with HAL Laboratory, the original developer of the Kirby series, for the first time since 2004’s Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. In a recent update via Twitter, Sakurai celebrated the anniversary of the original Kirby Air Ride by expressing enthusiasm about the project. He mentioned that Kirby Air Riders is “shaping up to be something great.” While details about the game are still sparse, fans are eagerly anticipating how it will expand on its predecessor by possibly introducing new playable characters and retaining beloved modes like City Trial.

As the gaming world looks toward 2025, the excitement for kart racers, including the upcoming Kirby Air Riders, Mario Kart World, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, continues to build. Directed by the visionary Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby Air Riders promises to deliver a delightful racing experience featuring the iconic pink hero.