Category: News

In the recently released Patch 11.2 of World of Warcraft, titled “Ghosts of K’aresh,” players explore the homeworld of the Ethereals. These enigmatic energy beings, first introduced in The Burning Crusade, have players uncovering K’aresh’s history and facing their ancient enemy, Dimensius, the All-Devouring.

However, a surprising observation from fans is the noticeable lack of friendly Ethereals in the new zone. Despite the patch being branded as the “Ethereal Patch,” the majority of allied NPCs in K’aresh are actually Brokers.

Notable community members, such as Ian “The Red Shirt Guy” Bates and Saphras, pointed out that during their exploration on the Public Test Realm, the area was predominantly populated by Brokers. The K’aresh Trust, the Renown faction in this patch, comprises almost solely Brokers, as do many of the settlements.

Even the Eco-Domes, including the new Eco-Dome Al’dani dungeon, are operated by Brokers, a surprising shift from their association with Ethereals in past expansions. While there are some Ethereals present, such as Locus-Walker and a few new Wastelanders who have remained on K’aresh, they are outnumbered by the Brokers.

Moreover, many of the Ethereals we encounter are allied with the Shadowguard, a villainous faction led by Nexus-King Salhadaar, who aims to resurrect Dimensius. This imbalance makes sense within the game’s lore.

Brokers are natives of K’aresh, and previous factions of Ethereals, such as the Protectorate and the Consortium, have left the planet. Nevertheless, fans are left wondering why more Ethereals aren’t represented in a patch that centers around their culture.

Patch 11.2 will officially launch on August 5, with the Manaforge Omega raid opening a week later. Players will soon have the opportunity to explore K’aresh and evaluate the distribution of Ethereals versus Brokers for themselves.

A gaming marketing analyst has recently described the userbase of Steam as “a bunch of drunken sailors who spend money irresponsibly.” While this comparison may rub some Steam fans the wrong way, the analyst, Chris Zukowski, supports his claims with compelling data.

His observations focus on the growing trend among gamers to accumulate vast libraries of games, many of which they may never actually play. Zukowski notes that players often possess more games than they have the time to explore.

Influences like exciting new releases, word-of-mouth recommendations, and seasonal discounts drive this behavior, leading many enthusiasts to indulge in game hoarding. This phenomenon raises the question of why gamers continue to purchase new titles despite having a backlog.

Compounding the issue, developers from a significant indie platform have expressed concern regarding their games being pilfered and resold on Steam by an unidentified publisher. Zukowski points out that a staggering percentage of players often don’t play their owned games, drawing parallels to hobbyists in other fields who are willing to spend on their interests regardless of usage.

According to data from the previous year, the average Steam user has only played about half of their purchased games, underscoring a pattern of “super gamers” who consistently buy without intentions to engage. Another factor contributing to this trend is the prevalence of sales; most Steam users admit to purchasing at least one game during a sale event.

The Steam Summer and Winter sales, in particular, entice players with significant discounts, prompting impulse purchases even when gamers are busy with other titles. Interestingly, related surveys have revealed that many PC gamers are still dedicating their time to older games.

Specifically, a study involving nearly 80,000 gamers showed that 67% of their gaming time was spent on titles over six years old, while 25% went toward games between two to five years old. This indicates that purchasing new games often occurs, even if they go unplayed.

As the gaming landscape continues to expand with both new releases and remakes of beloved classics, many players find themselves overwhelmed with options. Ultimately, whether this behavior stems from poor time management or a sense of optimism, it appears that the trend of spending like a “drunken sailor” isn’t changing anytime soon.

Season 3 of Marvel Rivals, set to launch on July 11, 2023, promises exciting new content for players. One of the significant updates includes the introduction of accessories, a new cosmetic type that personalizes the gaming experience. Alongside these accessories, the beloved character Phoenix will join the expanding roster of heroes in the shooter game.

A major change accompanying this new season is the removal of daily missions, which will alter how players earn Chrono Tokens throughout a season. The focus will shift to weekly missions that can roll over if not completed within the designated week. Many fans believe this redesign will reduce the grind associated with previous seasons, enhancing overall gameplay satisfaction.

Moreover, each season will now last two months, allowing players to anticipate fresh content more frequently. The launch of Season 3 will provide a sneak peek at battle pass skins set to debut, further enriching the player experience in Marvel Rivals. A notable aspect of the accessory system is that players can earn Accessory Points through the Quick Match and Competitive modes without spending any in-game currency.

These points can then be exchanged for unique hero-themed cosmetics, ensuring players can customize their characters without additional costs. In a further incentive, players will also have the opportunity to earn the Symbiote Storm skin, inspired by the character’s appearance in the Venomized Variant comics. This skin can be obtained by completing specific Milano Repair Logs challenges, coinciding with the season’s launch.

With all these anticipated changes, many fans are optimistic about the future and potential of Marvel Rivals as they look forward to an exciting new season.

Marvel Rivals has exciting news as players prepare for the upcoming Season 3, which promises rewards through Twitch Drops starting July 11. Following the Hellfire Gala theme of Season 2, this next chapter is titled The Abyss Awakens and will see some beloved characters take center stage. One of the standout additions is Jean Grey’s Phoenix, who will be a major playable character facing off against Knull, the symbiote god. Knull’s power has grown, and he now commands Hela, intensifying his threat across the cosmos.

In addition to Phoenix, Blade will finally make his debut in the game during the latter half of the season. A new Domination map called Klyntar: Celestian Husk will also be introduced, alongside fresh venomized skins for characters like Rocket Raccoon and Squirrel Girl. Players can enjoy freebies to celebrate the new season. A recent leak hints that Fantastic Four fans might also enjoy some pleasant surprises soon.

Players can claim Twitch Drops during a special event that runs from July 11 to August 8. By connecting their game accounts to Twitch and watching eligible streamers, participants can unlock various rewards, including a spray, nameplate, emote, and an exclusive skin for Hawkeye. To earn these rewards, players must watch the streams for specified periods: 30 minutes for the spray, 1 hour for the nameplate, 2 hours for the emote, and 4 hours for the costume. Notably, Hawkeye has undergone a balance update, making adjustments to his Ice Arrow functionality.

The upcoming battle pass will feature new skins for Phoenix, symbiotes, and thematic options for Captain America and Spider-Man, with potential swimsuit skins also expected this season.

Ubisoft has recently announced layoffs affecting 19 positions at Red Storm Entertainment, the studio known for contributing to the Tom Clancy franchise. This move comes amid a wave of layoffs across the entire video game industry, including the earlier closure of Ubisoft’s Leamington studio. Fortunately, the recent cuts at Red Storm will not significantly impact the studio as it aims to maintain its operations. While Ubisoft has avoided substantial workforce reductions in 2025, it has faced criticism for its unpopular decisions, particularly concerning the delisting of popular games.

This controversial move sparked the emergence of the Stop Killing Games movement, which recently garnered over 1 million signatures on a petition aimed at the European Parliament. The petition seeks to impose regulations on the delisting and deletion of video games. According to IGN, Ubisoft described the layoffs as part of a cost-cutting restructuring effort. Established in 1996 with Tom Clancy’s assistance, Red Storm has shifted to a support role for other Ubisoft projects in recent years.

Notably, the studio’s most recent endeavor, The Division: Heartland, was canceled last year. Though the layoff of 19 employees may seem modest compared to recent mass layoffs at Microsoft and other firms, it’s a sobering reality that impacts the industry. Given Red Storm’s nearly three-decade history rooted in Tom Clancy’s legacy, this decision is particularly regrettable. However, fans may find solace in the fact that popular titles, like Rainbow Six Siege, were developed by Ubisoft Montreal.

These layoffs happen during a period where young Americans appear to be spending significantly less on gaming. While there may not be a direct link between these trends, the restructuring efforts highlight the industry’s attempt to adapt to evolving consumer needs. The effectiveness of these decisions remains to be seen, but the necessity of such drastic measures is still up for debate.

Despite experiencing a wave of negative reviews, Ready or Not has notably doubled its concurrent player count on Steam, evidencing the tactical shooter’s sustained popularity. Developed by VOID Interactive, the game launched in early access in 2021 and reached its full 1.0 version in 2023. Set in the fictional American city of Los Suenos, Ready or Not has faced some controversies leading up to its release on consoles.

Earlier this year, the game was subjected to review bombing as players expressed dissatisfaction with certain changes. To secure certification for the console launch, VOID Interactive modified several aspects of the game, including the removal of nudity, a reduction of gore, and alterations to some sensitive scenes involving NPCs. These adjustments did not sit well with a segment of the player base.

Currently featuring 18 maps, Ready or Not players are encouraged to approach them in a specific sequence to grasp the overarching narrative. Despite the game’s recent reviews trending Mostly Negative on Steam, its popularity has remained largely intact. On July 6, it peaked at 17,269 simultaneous players, a significant rise from just under 6,000 on June 26.

This increase coincided with the Steam Summer Sale, prompting new purchases due to a 50% discount. Moreover, Ready or Not: Digital Deluxe Edition is leading trends on PlayStation’s pre-order list, indicating strong future sales on consoles. The game is set to be available on July 15 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with the Standard Edition priced at $50 and the Deluxe Edition at $70.

Upon launch, new single-player and online co-op missions will be added, further enhancing the gaming experience. Overall, Ready or Not’s enduring appeal is underlined by its reputation as a top-tier SWAT-inspired game.

During the recent Nintendo general shareholders’ meeting, an investor raised concerns about the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2, suggesting it might be too high for young gamers. In addressing these concerns, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, maintained that the price reflects the system’s value and the features it offers.

Launched on June 5, the Switch 2 has quickly become the fastest-selling console ever, selling over 3.5 million units in its first four days. Despite its impressive sales, Nintendo is facing challenges in meeting the global demand for the console.

The base price of the Switch 2 is set at $450, with the Mario Kart World bundle priced at $500. However, potential changes in tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, set to take effect on August 1, might affect prices in the U.S.

During the meeting, Furukawa acknowledged that the Switch 2 is priced higher than past consoles.

He expressed confidence in the game’s value, emphasizing that Nintendo aims to deliver entertaining experiences that justify the cost. He also indicated that they would keep an eye on pricing to ensure it does not hinder accessibility for younger customers.

In response to concerns about rising development costs due to the Switch 2’s performance, Furukawa mentioned that Nintendo plans to expedite the production of select titles. However, he did not specify which intellectual properties would be prioritized.

As one of the best-selling products of 2025, the Switch 2’s demand and pricing could keep it in high demand even into 2026, leaving uncertainty about future pricing changes throughout its lifespan.

Developer Sunblink has released a new update for Hello Kitty Island Adventure, titled the City Classics update. This update introduces fresh stories and new activities for players. Initially, the game debuted as an exclusive title on iOS through Apple Arcade, but it has since expanded to platforms including PC and Nintendo Switch.

The genre of “slow life” simulators, popularized by titles like Animal Crossing, has gained attention over the years. The arrival of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch brought a surge in popularity to the genre, thanks in large part to its regular updates and new content. This success motivated developers to create similar titles, one of which is Hello Kitty Island Adventure, launched in 2023.

It provides a unique twist by incorporating Sanrio’s beloved characters, especially Hello Kitty, while emphasizing character-driven stories and engaging gameplay elements, such as underwater adventures. With the City Classics update, players on iOS can now access version 2.7 of the game, which includes the exciting ability to run a tourist shop on City Town, a region first introduced in version 2.0 in 2024. This update features Kuromi-themed furniture sets, the opportunity to form a band with Retsuko, and opportunities to take photos with Tsunoda.

However, it’s important to note that the City Classics update has not yet reached the Switch and PC platforms, although a release is anticipated soon. Meanwhile, players on Switch and PC can look forward to the summer-themed Sunshine Celebration event launching on July 10. This event will introduce tropical clothing, furniture options, and relaxing seaside activities.

Despite facing criticism early on for being similar to Animal Crossing, Hello Kitty Island Adventure continues to thrive through regular updates. The incorporation of diverse activities, such as diving and snowy mountain adventures, showcases how the game is carving its own niche in the cozy life simulation genre.

Asmongold, a prominent streamer on Twitch and Kick, has achieved the remarkable status of being the most-watched streamer globally for the second quarter of 2023. This accomplishment places him ahead of other notable figures in the streaming world, including IShowSpeed, Kai Cenat, and Hasan.

Despite being a polarizing character, Asmongold’s popularity is undeniable. His metrics reflect this, as he garnered the most hours viewed on Twitch in March before becoming the top streamer on the platform in April.

Interestingly, Asmongold’s recent success can be attributed, in part, to his decision to stream on platforms beyond Twitch. He recently disclosed that he earned more from just two streams on Kick compared to an entire month of streaming on Twitch.

According to Reports from StreamsCharts and Dexerto, Asmongold was declared the most-watched streamer globally for the second quarter of 2023, amassing a total of 28.58 million hours viewed across both Twitch and Kick. Although he fell to the second place on Twitch with 26.41 million hours, the addition of his Kick streams boosted his overall viewership.

Looking ahead, Asmongold’s future in streaming is intriguing. The streaming landscape is dynamic and can shift rapidly, meaning he could face challenges from rising competitors or new strategies from rivals.

Despite this uncertainty, if Asmongold continues to stream on both platforms throughout the upcoming quarter, his viewership numbers could continue to grow significantly. Kick, while not yet matching Twitch’s popularity, has attracted many streamers by offering a favorable revenue model.

It shares 95% of the revenue with streamers, contrasting sharply with Twitch’s 50/50 split. Although multi-streaming can reduce earnings on Kick, many streamers see the benefits outweighing the drawbacks.

If more significant names follow Asmongold’s path by streaming on both platforms, he may face increased competition in the future.

Persona 5: The Phantom X has announced an exciting update for its beloved character, Joker, who will be receiving a new skin later this year. Although the game made its Western debut in June, it is already progressing towards Version 1.0 and will unveil its first major update on July 10. As a spin-off of the highly acclaimed Persona 5 series, Atlus’ latest gacha game has captured the attention of many players, achieving 1.5 million downloads and dominating both Steam and the App Store rankings. Recently, the developers hosted a special livestream that provided details about the upcoming Version 1.1, which promises fresh story content, events, and more.

During this event, players also got a sneak peek at new character cosmetics slated for future updates, beginning with Joker, also known as Ren Amamiya. In the latest developments, Joker is set to don a Butler skin in Version 1.2. This new look replaces his classic mask with a monocle and changes his outfit to a black-and-white striped vest while transforming his red gloves to white. The release for Version 1.2 is expected in July, as outlined in Persona 5: The Phantom X’s update schedule.

However, details on how players will be able to acquire this skin remain unclear. In the past, the Chinese version utilized a gacha system for skin releases, raising potential costs for players hoping to obtain Joker’s new outfit. In addition to Joker, the game features familiar faces such as Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, and Morgana, who are accessible through the Standard banner. Other characters from the original series, including Queen, Crow, and Fox, are anticipated to be introduced in future updates.

As part of its commitment to keeping players engaged, Persona 5: The Phantom X is adapting its content release strategy for Western audiences, ensuring faster access to new Phantom Idols, main story chapters, and special events.