Category: News

Krafton has come under scrutiny after the abrupt layoff of the entire leadership team at Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2. Allegations suggest that this move was made in bad faith to sidestep a $250 million earnout tied to the game’s performance. On July 2, reports revealed that Krafton had severed ties with leading figures such as co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, alongside CEO Ted Gill.

The company also announced a significant delay in the early-access release of Subnautica 2, now pushed back to 2026, supposedly to meet the developer’s standards. However, some believe there are ulterior motives behind this decision. Just two days after the layoffs, Cleveland spoke out, asserting that Subnautica 2 was ready for its intended early access launch.

He expressed disbelief over Krafton’s handling of the situation, which only fueled speculation about the company’s true intentions. Reports now indicate that Krafton’s acquisition terms included a hefty earnout contingent on the game’s sales in 2025; by delaying the launch, Krafton might avoid paying this bonus altogether. This context has led to assertions that the layoffs were merely a strategy to escape financial obligations to Unknown Worlds.

The controversy has incited a call for boycotts among the Subnautica 2 community. Following the Bloomberg report, thousands of fans took to Reddit to express their anger, urging others not to buy the game and to remove it from their Steam wishlists. Despite being one of the most anticipated titles on the platform, Krafton’s moves have sparked outrage and hesitance among players.

In response, a Krafton spokesperson contended that the delay was unrelated to contract issues, while also sharing new gameplay footage to reassure the audience that development is still actively progressing. As events unfold, it will be intriguing to observe the repercussions of these decisions and whether more evidence regarding the alleged bad faith termination will surface.

Monster Hunter Wilds, a critically acclaimed action role-playing game, is set to release Title Update 3 in late September, promising exciting new content for players. Since its launch on February 28, the game has enjoyed commercial success, selling over 10 million copies within just two months and becoming Capcom’s fastest-selling title. With a current OpenCritic score of 89, it ranks among the highest-rated games of 2025, competing with notable titles like Death Stranding 2 and Split Fiction.

Capcom has announced a new Festival of Accord event, which will offer exclusive rewards, alongside Title Update 3. While specific details about the upcoming update remain under wraps, fans are anxious to learn what major monster will be introduced next, similar to the addition in Title Update 2, which debuted on June 30. Capcom is expected to provide more information as the release date approaches.

Despite the excitement surrounding Title Update 3, Monster Hunter Wilds has experienced a significant drop in its concurrent player count on Steam, with reports indicating a decline of up to 98% of its player base. This decrease is typical as time progresses after a game’s release. However, many fans remain hopeful about the future of Monster Hunter Wilds, largely due to Capcom’s commitment to ongoing updates and support.

As the release of Title Update 3 nears and the Festival of Accord approaches, the community is looking forward to new in-game features and experiences that may reinvigorate player engagement. Capcom’s continued dedication assures players that there are more adventures and challenges to come in the Monster Hunter Wilds universe.

GSC Game World has recently unveiled the patch notes for the 1.5.1 update of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This update, while smaller in scale, signifies the conclusion of a chaotic period for the game.

Launched in November 2024 after years of delays, STALKER 2 is the fourth installment in the survival horror series and the first in 15 years since 2009’s Call of Pripyat. The game was met with enthusiasm, achieving one million sales within just two days of its release.

This latest patch follows the extensive 1.5 update rolled out in June, which introduced essential features like guns and looting mechanics. Players benefitted from several enhancements, including mutant loot mechanics, new weapons, and major stability fixes.

Since the initial launch, GSC Game World has been diligent in releasing updates aimed at refining the player experience and resolving various technical issues. In a delightful announcement, GSC Game World also celebrated a significant milestone in player engagement.

The 1.5.1 patch addressed numerous bug fixes, including preventing NPCs from floating after being shot and ensuring they would no longer get stuck during patrols or refuse to seek shelter during in-game Emissions. Despite some players expressing concerns about the A-Life 2.0 system, the update corrected issues related to the spawning of mutants and NPCs in restricted areas.

Moreover, the update introduced a new Zone Kit for mod support. This MOD SDK update aligns with content from the latest patch, allowing players to seamlessly integrate modifications.

The player community responded positively, with many expressing appreciation for the continued enhancements, while also suggesting further wishlist features. Overall, the Q2 content roadmap for STALKER 2 has provided players with various perks, including new controller abilities, critical fixes for A-Life systems, and the introduction of additional weapons.

Recently, fans also received the STALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition, which brings together the classic titles of the series.

To celebrate its first anniversary, Nexon is offering players of The First Descendant a free character and an array of ultimate weapons. Since its launch, The First Descendant experienced an exciting start but has seen a decline in player engagement recently.

In response, Nexon is actively collecting feedback to enhance the player experience, aiming to keep both returning and new players engaged. Despite a decrease in active players, Nexon is committed to the game’s growth by introducing player-requested features and offering generous in-game rewards to attract audiences back.

Recently, the developers decided to focus on improving the experience for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S by discontinuing support for older console generations. This strategic shift is meant to enhance the quality of future updates, starting with Season 3, which aligns with the anniversary festivities.

At PAX East 2025, producer Beomjun Lee revealed news about the upcoming Season 3 update and an exciting collaboration with NieR: Automata. The First Descendant launched on July 2, 2024, and to commemorate its first anniversary, a special event began on July 3, running until August 13.

During this period, players can complete daily missions to earn anniversary tokens, which can be exchanged for various rewards, including a unique soundtrack release. Players can redeem tokens at Anais in the Albion social space for exclusive cosmetic items, resources, and significant rewards such as 10 million gold or 1 million Kuiper Shards.

While players can select a character from the base game for 300 tokens, they also have the opportunity to choose from three ultimate weapons. These powerful weapons, typically challenging to craft, can be unlocked three times during the event for 200 tokens each, featuring popular options like Thunder Cage and Enduring Legacy.

In 2025, fans should be aware that at least two more EA games will be shutting down. This trend of shutting down games is not new for EA, as the company has already discontinued numerous titles this year. The year began with a significant number of closures in January, where nine games were taken offline.

Among those games, Rory McIlroy PGA Tour, seven mobile titles, and The Simpsons: Tapped Out met their fate. The shutdown of The Simpsons: Tapped Out was particularly disheartening for its dedicated community, who played the game daily and cultivated a strong fanbase over the years. The wave of closures continued into February with UFC 3 and March saw the end of EA Sports UFC Mobile 2 and NCAA 14.

The latest casualty from EA is Madden NFL 21, which had its servers shut down on June 30. This meant that players lost access to achievements/trophies and certain game modes. Looking ahead, Madden NFL 22 will be shutting down on October 20, followed by FIFA 23 on December 12.

While offline modes will still be playable, the inability to access certain features will largely limit the experience for players of these titles. As for the list of EA games shut down in 2025, it includes well-known titles such as Rory McIlroy PGA Tour on January 16 and FIFA 23, the last under the FIFA branding, which will end on December 12. This is a poignant moment for fans who have nostalgic ties to the series.

As EA periodically updates its list of discontinued games, more closures may arise before the year ends. Interestingly, it is also confirmed that Anthem will be shut down on January 12, 2026, as it is an online-only title. Players looking to explore Anthem will need to do so soon.

Mirealle is poised to be the inaugural major release from developer and self-publisher qovagames. This puzzle adventure game invites players into a breathtaking world of floating islands, rich with captivating visuals and a forgotten history concealed beneath the remnants of a fractured realm.

Set to launch exclusively for PC via Steam, players can catch a glimpse of its enchanting level design and storytelling through an engaging announcement trailer. The game joins a popular genre where perspective plays a crucial role, drawing inspiration from the success of puzzle platformers and cozy games.

With its unique blend of familiar elements, Mirealle aims to attract both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike into a world full of intricate puzzles and exploration. Those familiar with the LittleBigPlanet franchise can look forward to a spiritual successor anticipated to arrive on Steam soon.

Mirealle is described as a cozy puzzle adventure with a visual style reminiscent of the acclaimed Monument Valley series. Players will navigate through levels that combine logical reasoning and observational puzzle-solving, all while experiencing an enchanting narrative.

As they journey through the storybook-like landscapes, they will confront themes of loss, hope, and the importance of care. In this adventure, players take on the role of the small protagonist, Ayra, who will be joined by an adorable corgi companion.

Each floating island is brimming with secrets waiting to be discovered, encouraging players to savor the tranquil exploration inspired by meditation and reflection. The announcement trailer reveals clever perspective puzzles and 3D environmental mechanics that players will encounter as they traverse the islands.

Features such as rotating platforms, glowing cubes, and climbable ladders promise to create an engaging and cozy experience. Gamers who enjoy laid-back titles with a puzzle-solving edge will find Mirealle a delightful addition to their Steam wishlists.

Though an official release date remains undisclosed, enthusiasts can stay tuned for updates on Mirealle and other upcoming cozy games.

There are indications that Super Smash Bros. may soon join the Nintendo Switch Online content lineup. This speculation arises from a keen observation made by a fan regarding a recent Nintendo video focused on new features for the N64 Switch Online service.

Released in late May 2025 alongside the Switch 2, the promotional video highlights various enhancements such as a CRT filter, control remapping, and rewinding capabilities. The video includes a segment that might hint at the addition of Super Smash Bros. A Reddit user, Starfox6664, noticed that during the discussion of the CRT filter, a filter toggle briefly displays over a blurred image of N64 box art.

In the lower-right corner of this segment, there seems to be an outline resembling the Super Smash Bros. cover. Notably, the blurry image shows a significant yellow shape precisely where Pikachu is located in the original artwork, reinforcing the theory.

Further analysis by another Reddit user, LukePS7013, uncovered additional clues within the same video. Above the suspected Super Smash Bros. art, there is a blur that might represent the cover of Glover, an N64 title that was remastered and released on the Switch in February 2025.

While Glover’s inclusion in both the eShop and NSO is not unusual—similar instances have occurred with games like Shadow Man and Turok—its presence adds to the intrigue around potential upcoming releases. The original Super Smash Bros. remains distinct due to its longer combos and increased stun values, possibly making it less accessible than its sequels.

Despite this, its widespread recognition makes it a strong candidate for NSO. However, there is currently no confirmation on when Super Smash Bros. might actually arrive in the Switch Online library, as Nintendo does not follow a predictable schedule for adding new titles.

Recent additions include Killer Instinct Gold on May 16 and previous releases like Shadow Man and Ridge Racer 64 in October 2024.

Stardew Valley has experienced a significant surge in player numbers recently, setting new records on PC. Many attribute this spike to the game’s longstanding appeal, notable achievements on Steam, and the current summer sale, which has attracted many first-time players. This beloved farming simulator continues to dominate the wholesome gaming genre, demonstrating its enduring popularity and ongoing success.

Originally launched in 2016, Stardew Valley has established itself as a cornerstone of the life-simulation genre, often regarded as one of the most successful indie titles ever. It has played a significant role in the rise of cozy games over the past decade. The anticipated release of Update 1.6 in 2024, which promises enhancements to dialogue options, end-game content, and more, ensures that this endearing indie game remains a delightful choice for gamers.

On July 6, Stardew Valley reached an impressive milestone on Steam, achieving a peak player count of 157,851 in a 24-hour period, as indicated by SteamDB. Just days before, it became recognized as the highest-rated indie game on Steam, boasting an overall user rating of 97.66% based on over 898,000 reviews. This significant achievement has rekindled interest among seasoned fans while also welcoming newcomers, thereby boosting the game’s total player base.

With the ongoing Steam Summer Sale, offering a 50% discount that brings the price down to $7.49, many are eager to experience why Stardew Valley remains a top favorite. The game’s charm lies in its relaxing gameplay, delightful visuals, appealing characters, and vast storytelling options. Players can engage in various activities, such as farming, fishing, foraging, mining, and crafting, all while designing their unique farm and befriending numerous NPCs.

The high replayability and ongoing updates keep the game fresh and exciting, attracting new players continually. The triumph of Stardew Valley illustrates a shift in the gaming industry, where indie games are increasingly seen as competitors to major AAA titles. While it remains to be seen if the player momentum can be sustained, the game’s continuous acclaim from players and critics, along with the developer’s commitment to long-term support, solidify its status at the top of Steam’s charts.

Fans of the Roblox farming simulation game, Grow a Garden, are advising players to steer clear of the “Forever Pack,” claiming it does not offer sufficient value for the money spent. Recently, Grow a Garden has gained massive popularity on the Roblox platform, attracting attention with its frequent updates that have introduced new crops, pets, and game mechanics. However, a particular item in the shop has raised concerns among the community.

The summer season was welcomed with a significant “Mega Summer” update, which added a variety of new content, including “traveling merchants” with rotating item inventories based on their type. As part of this update, players were introduced to new flowers and several new pets to enhance their gameplay experience. Despite these fresh additions, the Forever Pack has drawn criticism from some users.

A Reddit post by a user named Crafty-Shoulder-703 highlighted their disappointment after purchasing the Forever Pack. They reported receiving only two apple seeds, a few watering cans, and about 1,000 sheckles, which left them feeling unsatisfied. Many other users echoed similar sentiments in the comments, with one suggesting that they would only consider purchasing the pack if it included premium items like a super seed.

The feedback prompted fans to propose alternative strategies for players, such as taking advantage of daily packs that consistently offer the same contents. Various Grow a Garden content creators have also been sharing videos focusing on these daily packs. One fan suggested that the Forever Pack could be improved by including seed packs or eggs specifically designed for players’ farms, comparing the unpredictability of the packs to a gambling mechanic within the game.

Despite these concerns regarding the Forever Pack, Grow a Garden continues to thrive, with regular updates keeping the gameplay exciting. Following the “Bizzy Bees” update, the game experienced a surge in player count, drawing over 11 million players eager to explore the new features. Overall, Grow a Garden remains a captivating experience for its dedicated fanbase, buoyed by ongoing enhancements and community engagement.

Roblox players can now dive into a thrilling new dinosaur-themed update for Grow a Garden, which was released on July 5. This addition coincides perfectly with the recent release of Jurassic World Rebirth, adding to the excitement of fans of both franchises.

Grow a Garden, a stunning success story of 2025, was initially created by a solo teenager and launched in late March. It quickly achieved remarkable success, becoming the first Roblox game to surpass 5 million concurrent players, a record the game has since expanded fourfold.

In April, Splitting Point Studios, a Roblox specialist, acquired a minority stake in the game and began co-developing it together with the Florida-based Do Big Studios, which later also purchased a minor share. The Prehistoric Update introduces players to a range of dinosaur-themed content, including dinosaur pets, unique seeds, and engaging event content.

With weekly rewards and hourly quests, this update encourages regular gameplay, keeping Grow a Garden participants coming back for more. A standout feature of the update is the Bone Blossom Seed, awarded through quests, which boasts an incredible base value of 175,000 Sheckles, making it the most valuable crop in the game.

Though it doesn’t yield as much as the Candy Blossom, its harvests average around 875,000 Sheckles, approximately 10% higher in value overall. Additionally, some seeds that were previously removed with the Summer update have made a return, although they can’t be purchased in the Seed Shop.

Dinosaurs are featured as part of new pet-swapping rewards, allowing players to transform their pets rather than just trading them for extra slots. New dinosaur pets like the T-Rex and Brontosaurus have been introduced, alongside secret weather events and a Sandstorm lobby event, providing an exciting layer to gameplay.

The update’s launch shortly after Jurassic World Rebirth aligns well with the blockbuster’s impressive box office performance, further enhancing its appeal to players.