Now if only enough people could overpay for an extra 1fps so the 9800X3D can come back down in price.

The Tuesday news are here!

SALES/PLAYER COUNTS & DEALS

Steam’s Top 10

(Click here for the Top 100)

Split Fiction sells 1 million copies over 2 days
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/split-fiction-sells-1-million-copies-over-2-days/
Split Fiction, the new co-op action game from Josef Fares and the team at Hazelight Studios, looks to be a hit: Hazelight revealed on Bluesky today that the game surpassed one million copies sold in just 48 hours.
"The love you all show for our game is overwhelming!" the studio wrote. "Everyone here at Hazelight are beyond happy—and we can’t stop enjoying your amazing reactions!"
By way of comparison, Split Fiction's predecessor, It Takes Two—one of the big successes of 2022—took a month to move one million copies. That's quite a difference, and in case you're wondering, no, the speedrun to a million was not the result of people taking advantage of the free Friend's Pass edition of the game, which enables people who don't own the game to play along with someone who does: Electronic Arts confirmed with PC Gamer that the figure represents only full copies of the game sold, and doesn't include Friend's Pass installation.

GOG has decided to empty our wallets with 5 new sales/promos:

• Let’s start with the Managerial Games Promo, with games up to 90% off during 7 days: https://www.gog.com/en/promo/20250311_menagerial_promo
• Turn now for the Tactical Games Promo, also with up to 90% discounts during 7 days: https://www.gog.com/en/promo/20250311_tactical_games_promo
• The Microids Publisher Sale comes next puttings its games up to 91% off during the next seven days: https://www.gog.com/en/promo/20250311_microids_publisher_sale
• The Chest of Treasures Promo, with a bit of everything, has up to 95% discounts during 7 days: https://www.gog.com/en/promo/20250311_chest_of_treasures
• And the last one is the Platformer Games Promo, also with games up to 95% off that, like all the others, will also last 7 days: https://www.gog.com/en/promo/20250311_platformer_promo

Steam has all these deals:

• The Plucky Squire is going to be 25% off until Thursday: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1627570/The_Plucky_Squire/
• Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT ha a 33% discount until the 13th of March: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2215430/Ghost_of_Tsushima_DIRECTORS_CUT/
• Still Wakes the Deep is going to be half its usual price until the 13th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1622910/Still_Wakes_the_Deep/
• Hotline Miami can be yours thanks to the 80% discount it will have until Thursday, the 13th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/219150/Hotline_Miami/
• The Tomb Raider franchise is on sale, up to 89% off, until March 13: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/35801496/sale/TombRaiderSpringSale
• Cursed to Golf will be 90% off until the 13th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1726120/Cursed_to_Golf/
• Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced will have a 50% discount until the 20th of March: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3240220/Grand_Theft_Auto_V_Enhanced/
• Robin Hood - Sherwood Builders will be 60% off until the 24th of March: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1159420/Robin_Hood__Sherwood_Builders/
• Corpse Keeper will have a 65% discount until Marhc 24: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1601740/Corpse_Keeper/
• And here are the 7 weeklong deals. Given what will start this Thursday, it’s not surprising that theyre’s so few of them. Check them out here

Fanatical has three new 24h Flash Deals:

• Frostpunk 2 is 42% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/frostpunk-2
• Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Digital Deluxe Edition has a 48% discount: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/shin-megami-tensei-v-vengeance-digital-deluxe-edition
• And Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition features a 51% deal: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/resident-evil-4-gold-edition

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

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MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim now supports AMD FSR 3 Frame Gen
https://www.dsogaming.com/mods/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-now-supports-amd-fsr-3-frame-gen/
In February 2025, we informed you about a mod that brought support for DLSS 3 Frame Gen in Skyrim. And today, I’m happy to report that a new version of this mod is available with support for AMD FSR 3.1 Frame Gen.
What this means is that now everyone will be able to enjoy FSR 3.1 Frame Gen. This is a big deal as Skyrim can easily become CPU-bound. So, by using this mod, you will be able to enjoy it at higher framerates.
Do note that this mod does not add support for DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Gen or Reflex 1/2. It only brings support for the classic DLSS 3 Frame Gen tech. On the other hand, the team claims that AMD Anti-Lag 2 should be compatible with it.
Ideally, you should use this mod with a base framerate of 60+FPS. Do not use it if you are below 40FPS because you might get a laggier experience.
>> There’s no media in t he article.

Zelda Ocarina Of Time Zora River Unreal Engine 5 Demo Released
https://www.dsogaming.com/mods/zelda-ocarina-of-time-zora-river-unreal-engine-5-demo-released/
YouTube’s ‘CryZENx’ has just released a new demo for his amazing Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake project in Unreal Engine 5. As the title suggests, this new demo lets you experience Zora’s River.
Now what’s cool here is that unlike other UE5 projects, this one is free to download. Not only that, but Nintendo has not made any attempts to shut it down. This is a pleasant surprise. I mean, this is Nintendo we’re talking about. I don’t know how CryZENx has been able to avoid Nintendo’s hammer. So, kudos to him.
As I’ve said before, this is one of the best fan remakes of a classic game in UE5. Contrary to other fan remakes, this one has proper gameplay mechanics. As such, players can explore the environments and fight several enemies. They can also use their ocarina, break objects, collect items, and speak to NPCs. Not only that but this fan remake of this classic N64 Zelda game has in-engine cut-scenes and an inventory system.
>> The article has an almost 50 minutes video.

Swen Vincke stamps seal of approval on Stardew Valley mod that yoinks the Baldur's Gate 3 cast out of D&D and into a cosy pastoral life
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/swen-vincke-stamps-seal-of-approval-on-stardew-valley-mod-that-yoinks-the-baldurs-gate-3-cast-out-of-d-and-d-and-into-a-cosy-pastoral-life/
Typically, in an Isekai anime, the main thrust of the plot involves a poor unsuspecting person dying (usually via unfortunate truck placement) and waking up in a fantasy world of magic and adventure. In the case of Stardew Valley's latest hit mod, it's sort of the inverse—while they don't have trucks in the Forgotten Realms, the entire cast of Baldur's Gate 3 has been transported to Stardew Valley.
It's a downright impressive bit of kit—featuring over 20 new NPCs, a bunch of new locations, items, and the like. More of an expansion than a gag, really, and a clear labour of love. Which is why it's nice that Swen Vincke, co-founder of Larian Studios, has given it his official stamp of approval (thanks, GamesRadar+) on X: "So much love went into this—amazing work!"

GAMING NEWS

Battlefield 6 has the potential to be special with its insane destruction
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/battlefield-6-has-the-potential-to-be-special-with-its-insane-destruction/
A couple of days ago, some videos from the first playtest of Battlefield 6 leaked online. Since then, even more gameplay videos found their way to the Internet. And you know what? Battlefield 6 has the potential to be something special.

Here are 34 minutes of gameplay from Blades of Fire
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/here-are-34-minutes-of-gameplay-from-blades-of-fire/
YouTube’s ‘GameRiot’ has shared a video, showcasing 34 minutes of gameplay footage from MercurySteam’s Blades of Fire. This video is from the game’s latest preview build. As such, it will give you a glimpse at what the game looks and plays like.

Tuesday news, the second part:

The original Verdansk map is returning to Call of Duty: Warzone, to celebrate which we get a soldier crying to Nat King Cole
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/call-of-duty/the-original-verdansk-map-is-returning-to-call-of-duty-warzone-to-celebrate-which-we-get-a-soldier-crying-to-nat-king-cole/
One of the most divisive aspects of Call of Duty: Warzone has been the replacement of the Verdansk map, which the game launched with in 2020, with the Caldera map in late 2021. Ever since the change a sizeable contingent of players have been unhappy, with many considering Verdansk the heart-and-soul of the game, and no subsequent maps measuring up.
Well after just over three years, Verdansk is back! And not for a few weeks: Verdansk returns to Warzone on April 3, and Activision has seriously pushed the boat out with a slow-mo trailer set to Nat King Cole's rendition of "Unforgettable."

'My own voice was driving me f***ing insane': GTA Vice City actor admits even he couldn't get past his own, notoriously difficult mission
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/my-own-voice-was-driving-me-f-ing-insane-gta-vice-city-actor-admits-even-he-couldnt-get-past-his-own-notoriously-difficult-mission/
Danny Dyer may not be the household name in the US that he is over here in the good old United Kingdom–known for playing all sorts of lads, geezers, and hardmen in movies as well as an eight-year stint on soap opera Eastenders—but you'll have certainly been exposed to him if you've spent a good amount of time in either Grand Theft Auto Vice City or San Andreas.
Dyer's the voice behind Kent Paul, manager of rock bands and beefer with biker gangs. He's there almost from the start in Vice City, appearing in a handful more and being one of the phonecalls Tommy receives after completing the final mission. He remerges again in San Andreas, still managing bands and getting himself into sticky situations.
In a recent "Actually Me" interview with British GQ, Dyer briefly goes over his time as Kent Paul in the series' Wikipedia fact-check segment, "This is the highlight of my career, by the way. Fucking amazing job. Amazing. And I love this game," Dyer says.

Some Monster Hunter Wilds players are skipping the endgame weapon grind because they just freaking hate how they look
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/some-monster-hunter-wilds-players-are-skipping-the-endgame-weapon-grind-because-they-just-freaking-hate-how-they-look/
Monster Hunter Wilds' campaign is, in a sense, a bit of an extended tutorial—that's not to say it isn't a blast, but chewing through the second half of it myself, I get the distinct feeling I'm only just scraping the tip of the gear grinding iceberg before the endgame. And an endgame certainly exists—in the form of Artian Weapons. Yet, some players are choosing to skip them in favour of fashion.

Limbo and Inside studio demands compensation from co-founder Dino Patti for alleged 'unauthorized use of Playdead's trademarks and copyrighted works'
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/adventure/limbo-and-inside-studio-demands-compensation-from-co-founder-dino-patti-for-alleged-unauthorized-use-of-playdeads-trademarks-and-copyrighted-works/
Playdead, the Danish studio behind Limbo and Inside, is demanding compensation from former CEO and co-founder Dino Patti over alleged "infringement and unauthorized use of Playdead's trademarks and copyrighted works in a commercial and marketing context."
In an email to Game Developer, Playdead confirmed it has "submitted demands" to Patti, claiming it has "found it necessary to take this action to protect our trademarks and copyrights, which are essential to Playdead's business and reputation".
The legal demand was originally brought to public attention by Patti himself, who claimed he'd received a "legal love letter" from his former business partner Arnt Jensen several days ago. Posting on LinkedIn, Patti stated that "my old partner has threatened me with an IP lawsuit because I used a publicly available picture, in a LinkedIn post 3 months ago, of the game Limbo that we created at Playdead together."
>> Nasty stuff where, usually, nobody wins but we all lose.

After suing a Disco Elysium writer to prevent him from making his own game, a tech CEO who's allegedly banned from the Disco Elysium subreddit is trying to crowdfund a spiritual successor
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/after-suing-a-disco-elysium-writer-to-prevent-him-from-making-his-own-game-a-tech-ceo-whos-allegedly-banned-from-the-disco-elysium-subreddit-is-trying-to-crowdfund-a-spiritual-successor/
Disco Elysium-like "psychogeographic RPG" Hopetown has announced a Kickstarter campaign launch date of March 17, as well as the addition of new talent from the team that made Disco Elysium. But for a variety of reasons—including that the studio head is allegedly banned from the game's subreddit—I would not recommend backing the project.
>> More nasty stuff.

After REPO 'kinda blew up', its developer asks the community for advice on how to make matchmaking lobbies
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/horror/after-repo-kinda-blew-up-its-developer-asks-the-community-for-advice-on-how-to-make-matchmaking-lobbies/
REPO is the latest co-op horror viral sensation, taking the template established by Lethal Company and adding wacky physics and googly-eyed robot protagonists. It's a combination that has proved wildly popular, with REPO currently positioned as the fourth highest-selling game on Steam.
Now, developer semiwork has posted its first community update since the game launched. Starting with the acknowledgement that "Our game REPO kinda blew up", the video mainly covers familiar ground for these kinds of updates. Semiwork assures players that the studio is working hard on new features for the game, like new enemies, weapons and so forth. The video also provides a sneak peek of a new level, which is in very early production and so looks fairly abstract, but appears to be either a museum or an art gallery.
The primary intent of the video, however, is a request for help from the community on the issue of matchmaking lobbies. For context, REPO launched without matchmaking lobbies, which semiwork apologised for in a previous video. The studio didn’t explain why it launched without this feature, simply stating "we had no idea". But the inference seems to be they didn't anticipate the need for them, as they didn't expect the game to be as popular as it has become.
>> Understandable.

WoW's nerfed its poor Delve companion into a dwarf-shaped crater after his tank spec made them too easy, and people aren't happy
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/world-of-warcraft/wows-nerfed-its-poor-delve-companion-into-a-dwarf-shaped-crater-after-his-tank-spec-made-them-too-easy-and-people-arent-happy/
World of Warcraft's new Delves system is, in my humble opinion, a net plus to the game—it's nice to have something I can solo (or hop in with a buddy or two) that gives me gear. But that's not to say it hasn't had its own teething problems. Balance issues and damage bugs have pockmarked them since release, though I've still had plenty of fun with them on the whole.
Well, say hello to the next Delve discourse: As part of the game's latest patch, Undermine(d), Brann—who is a companion that accompanies you during delves—received a tank role. This was pretty significant, seeing as before he was only able to deal damage or heal.
(...)
The issue is, he was maybe a little too good. Players with low-level gear, healers in particular, were able to push high-rank Delve tiers without much trouble, which means that Blizzard's had to step in and correct things.

That's why we also need Intel to be competitive.

The 5800X3D launched for $450, but it was soon found for $50 or $100 less than that and, for brief moments, even well below $300. Now? The 7800X3D has rarely dipped under $400, to the point that the 9800X3D launched to not only the same MSRP, but it was also the actual retail price at the time. Madness!

*Edit* I got a bit carried away. The 7800X3D did, in fact drop below $400 and even close to $350 at some point before going up again.

The 7800X3D was consistently below $400. I got mine for $360. The price didn't go back above $400 until a few months before the 9800X3D's launch due to scarcity. That said, the 9800X3D's pricing is a direct result of Intel being a non-factor. Honestly the Intel 13th Gen/14th Gen degradation issues are what help boost demand of the 7800X3D causing the aforementioned price increase in the first place.

Ok, I got carried away. Thanks for pointing that out, I stand corrected.

I still think the idea stands, that without proper competition AMD didn't have any presssure to lower the price of the part over time.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D Zen5 gaming CPUs are now available

https://videocardz.com/newz/amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d-and-ryzen-9-9900x3d-zen5-gaming-cpus-are-now-available

AMD RX 9000 series outsells entire RTX 50 lineup in just a week among ComputerBase readers

https://videocardz.com/newz/amd-rx-9000-series-outsells-entire-rtx-50-lineup-in-just-a-week-among-computerbase-readers

Acer confirms early May release for GeForce RTX 5060 laptop, MSI RTX 5050 laptop spotted with 8GB GDDR7 memory

https://videocardz.com/newz/acer-confirms-early-may-release-for-geforce-rtx-5060-laptop-msi-rtx-5050-laptop-spotted-with-8gb-gddr7-memory

NVIDIA to officially introduce GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 graphics card tomorrow

https://videocardz.com/newz/nvidia-to-officially-introduce-geforce-rtx-5060-ti-and-rtx-5060-graphics-card-tomorrow

Hopefully after this, I can finally get some rest lol. Has been a busy past few months.

Here come the gaming news:

SALES/PLAYER COUNTS & DEALS

GOG has a bundle (that started yesterday) and a new sale:

• The Klabater Franchise Bundle will be 75% off until the 19th of March: https://www.gog.com/en/game/klabater_franchise_bundle
• Despite last week’s Weeklong Deals still being available for another 2 days, there are new Weeklong Deals, with up to 95% discounts during the next 7 days: https://www.gog.com/en/promo/20250312_weekly_deals_3_march

Steam has three new deals, but not a single sale:

• There’s a new daily deal: Men of War: Assault Squad 2 is going to be 80% off during 25 hours: https://store.steampowered.com/app/244450/Men_of_War_Assault_Squad_2/
• Gremlins, Inc. Will have an 80% discount until the 25th of March: https://store.steampowered.com/app/369990/Gremlins_Inc/
• And ATOM RPG Trudograd will also be 80% off until the 25th: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139940/ATOM_RPG_Trudograd/

The Humble Store has launched a Bethesda Sale with up to 90% discounts during 8 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/bethesda/.

And Fanatical has three new 24h Flash Deals:

• STARFIELD can be yours with a 49% deal: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/starfield
• Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is 52% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/banishers-ghosts-of-new-eden
• The third one is Command: Modern Operations, with a 72% discount: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/command-modern-operations

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

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MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

Attention, fashion hunters: There's a Monster Hunter Wilds mod to disable all those obnoxious glowing buff effects that distract from your fits
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/attention-fashion-hunters-theres-a-monster-hunter-wilds-mod-to-disable-all-those-obnoxious-glowing-buff-effects-that-distract-from-your-fits/
Any real hunter understands that the true Monster Hunter endgame is fashion, and Monster Hunter Wilds is elevating aesthetics to new heights with simplified access to layered armor and the removal of gender-specific armor sets. But there's a hurdle tripping up this bold new era of hunter drip: Wilds has plenty of outfits, but it's also got a mountain of meal buffs, consumable items, weapon effects, and armor skills that drench your hunter in an irritating full-body glow.
How are you supposed to upstage all those hunters with black-and-red Gore Magala suits when your immaculate Blangonga ensemble is washed in a bright orange sheen after chugging a Hot Drink for an arctic hunt? It's unjust. But it's one of the many injustices modders have provided a solution for.
Over on Nexus Mods, you can download Persistent Buff Glow Removal from modder PeaslyWellbott. It's an REFramework script that nixes as many or as few of Wilds' full-body glow effects as you desire.
By default, it'll hide glows from buff consumables and Palico skills, but it also has options for disabling glow effects from healing items, weapon charges, and Frenzy effects. Some of those latter options might make optimal play a little trickier without the visual cues, but beauty demands sacrifice.
>> The article has a couple screenshots, but I don’t know if they show the effects of the mod.

New Version of Skyrim Fan Remake in Unreal Engine 5 Released
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/new-version-of-skyrim-fan-remake-in-unreal-engine-5-released/
In December 2024, we shared a fan remake demo of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in Unreal Engine 5. And yesterday, Greg Coulthard released a brand new version of it, featuring over 1000 new textures.
For those unaware, this project brings the entire map of Skyrim in Unreal Engine 5. So, this is what we’d get from a remaster of this classic TES game on a modern engine.
This is an amazing project. The only downside is that the demo does not have any gameplay mechanics. Right now, you can only explore the world of Skyrim in UE5. Still, this is something that a lot of Skyrim and TES will appreciate. And yes, that beautiful header image is from this demo. At times, the Skyrim UE5 port can look THAT good.
The biggest feature of this new version is the new Texture Pack from Digital Dreams. While it’s not perfect, this Texture Pack makes the game look better than before. According to its creator, the pack has over 1000 new textures.
>> Besides the header pic mentioned in the article, there’s also an almost 12 minutes video.

GAMING NEWS

Monster Hunter Wilds March 10th Update Released, Patch Notes
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/monster-hunter-wilds-march-10th-update-released-patch-notes/
Capcom has released the March 10th Title Update for Monster Hunter Wilds, and shared its full patch notes. So, let’s see what this latest update brings to the table.

To no one’s surprise, Tekken 8 is still filled with cheaters
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/to-the-surprise-of-no-one-tekken-8-is-filled-with-cheaters/
In February 2024, we reported on the many pluggers and cheaters that you will encounter in Tekken 8. And, you know what happened in a whole year? NOTHING. Bandai Namco has done nothing to fix its game. In fact, and to the surprise of no one, things got even worse.

PUBG: Battlegrounds Patch 34.2 Released & Detailed
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/pubg-battlegrounds-patch-34-2-released-detailed/
KRAFTON has released Title Update 34.2 for its battle-royale game, PUBG: Battlegrounds, and shared its full patch notes. This patch brings festive decorations, Arcade mode enhancements, a new Survivor Pass, and more.

inZOI gets detailed PC requirements, will support Ray Tracing
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/inzoi-gets-detailed-pc-requirements-will-support-ray-tracing/
KRAFTON has released the detailed PC system requirements for its upcoming game that will rival EA’s The Sims. inZOI is a life simulation game that will be powered by Unreal Engine 5. So, let’s take a look at these latest detailed PC requirements.

The news, part two:

PCG's best city builder of 2024 is adding a map with a gigantic hill in the middle: the perfect spot for your next castle
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/pcgs-best-city-builder-of-2024-is-adding-a-map-with-a-gigantic-hill-in-the-middle-the-perfect-spot-for-your-next-castle/
Manor Lords was the best city builder of 2024, even if the game remains in early access, and studio Slavic Magic, aka developer Greg Styczeń, has revealed what it's been working on for the game's next major update: a new map, castle planner changes, and a progression system rework.

'I was recklessly brave to even think about creating a game of this scale': Inzoi director admits he now sees 'why so few companies have attempted to develop a life simulation game'
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/i-was-recklessly-brave-to-even-think-about-creating-a-game-of-this-scale-inzoi-director-admits-he-now-sees-why-so-few-companies-have-attempted-to-develop-a-life-simulation-game/
Inzoi director Hyungjun 'Kjun' Kim has not been quiet about how difficult developing a life sim has been. He's repeatedly lavished praise on The Sims for seemingly achieving the impossible for the last 20 years, and called developing Inzoi "an entirely new frontier and a significant challenge" despite having over two decades of game development experience to back him up.
With Inzoi's release finally on the horizon—yup, after a delay last year, it's actually launching in early access this month—Kjun did some reflecting on his past, plucky self in his final Kjun's Concerns column on the official Inzoi Discord.

It's another day of Disco Elysium-related announcements trying to kneecap each other: Studio ZA/UM has put out a teaser for its first new game since 2019, and it's not Disco Elysium 2
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/its-another-day-of-disco-elysium-related-announcements-trying-to-kneecap-each-other-studio-za-um-has-put-out-a-teaser-for-its-first-new-game-since-2019-and-its-not-disco-elysium-2/
At literally the exact same time that Disco Elysium-like RPG Hopetown⁠—which has its own issues, believe me⁠—released a new trailer, embattled Disco Elysium studio ZA/UM came in with the steel chair: A first teaser for its own follow-up game, codenamed project C4.

How long can a live service game last? Theoretically, 'forever,' says Mecha Break developer: 'The last game I was in charge of has been alive and well for 16 years'
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/how-long-can-a-live-service-game-last-theoretically-forever-says-mecha-break-developer-the-last-game-i-was-in-charge-of-has-been-alive-and-well-for-16-years/
It seems like the number of live service games that fall flat is eclipsing the number of games that retain a large enough player base to stay online for more than a year. MultiVersus, Babylon's Fall, Spellbreak, Rumbleverse, Concord, and others have all launched and shut down within the last two years. It's hard to know how long a live service game will last in the cutthroat environment the game industry finds itself in today.
For Mecha Break developer Amazing Seasun, the hope is that their Gundam-inspired mecha battler will remain online indefinitely.
"Theoretically a game can survive in perpetuity, forever," Amazing Seasun CEO Kris Kwok said via translator at a Mecha Break event held just prior to the start of the open beta in February. "[I've] been in the game design industry for 21 years, the last game I was in charge of has been alive and well for 16 years."
>> He’s talking about a Chinese MMORPG.

The best baseball player alive is coming to Fortnite, and so is his dog
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/battle-royale/the-best-baseball-player-alive-is-coming-to-fortnite-and-so-is-his-dog/
Debating baseball is almost as much fun as playing baseball, but there's one point that's beyond all discussion: Shohei Otani is the best player in the world right now, and it's not even close. Which makes it appropriate that Otani will become the first Major League Baseball player to be added to Fortnite's Icon Series.

World of Warcraft guild uses exploits to get world 'first' on the game's new raid, gets banned, puts its name backwards and does it again
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/world-of-warcraft/world-of-warcraft-guild-uses-exploits-to-get-world-first-on-the-games-new-raid-gets-banned-puts-its-name-backwards-and-does-it-again/
WoW's new patch, Undermine(d), opened the gates to its new raid recently. Which means, as is tradition, a race to Mythic world first has begun. While guilds have been wearing their keyboards and MMO mouses to the bone to have the honour of being the first to punch Gallywix and his dumb tophat into the stratosphere on the raid's hardest difficulty, there's been a jester doing a silly little jig in the hardcore raider's court.

BlizzCon 2025 isn't happening, meaning the event will miss its 20th anniversary, but it will return in 2026 to 'meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration'
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/blizzcon-2025-isnt-happening-meaning-the-event-will-miss-its-20th-anniversary-but-it-will-return-in-2026-to-meaningfully-elevate-this-iconic-celebration/
It's good news and bad news for Blizzard fans. The bad news is that BlizzCon is skipping 2025, making it the second year running the convention hasn't transpired, and the fifth time since 2020 that BlizzCon had not held a live event. The good news is that BlizzCon is definitely happening in 2026, with Blizzard providing dates, a location, and even a few details.

Should Age of Empires and Quake be in the 'World Video Game Hall of Fame'? You can vote for them to be inducted this year
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/should-age-of-empires-and-quake-be-in-the-world-video-game-hall-of-fame-you-can-vote-for-them-to-be-inducted-this-year/
The Strong National Museum of Play has announced their annual candidates for induction into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. This year the complete list of nominees includes Age of Empires, Angry Birds, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), Defender, Frogger, Goldeneye 007, Golden Tee, Harvest Moon, Mattel Football, NBA 2K, Quake, and Tamagotchi.

No Rest for the Wicked developer Moon Studios is now 'fully independent' after acquiring the rights to the game from Take-Two
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/no-rest-for-the-wicked-developer-moon-studios-is-now-fully-independent-after-acquiring-the-rights-to-the-game-from-take-two/
The fallout from Take-Two Interactive's selloff of its Private Division publishing label continued today as Moon Studios announced that it has acquired the rights to its latest game, No Rest for the Wicked, and is now "fully independent."

Oops! Bungie rolled out Destiny 2's Rite of the Nine event three weeks early, and new loot is already dropping
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/oops-bungie-rolled-out-destiny-2s-rite-of-the-nine-event-three-weeks-early-and-new-loot-is-already-dropping/
Destiny 2 players got an exciting taste of the future when the Rite of the Nine event, which is set to go live on April 1 alongside the Heresy Act 3, went live today instead. Whoops.

Today there’s a third part of the news:

Here's a roguelite dungeon crawler Steam reviewers call 'a botanical Diablo' and 'like Cult of the Lamb' except you manage a mystical garden
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/heres-a-roguelite-dungeon-crawler-steam-reviewers-call-a-botanical-diablo-and-like-cult-of-the-lamb-except-you-manage-a-mystical-garden/
There's no reason a dungeon crawler needs to be dark and violent or even take place in a dungeon. Case in point: Grimoire Groves, a colorful and cozy roguelite that just launched on Steam.

Rebellion CEO seems kind of awed by major studios making massive videogames: 'How do you organize a game that has 2,000 people working on it?'
https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/rebellion-ceo-seems-kind-of-awed-by-major-studios-making-massive-videogames-how-do-you-organize-a-game-that-has-2-000-people-working-on-it/
During a recent, wide-ranging interview with PC Gamer's Joshua Wolens, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley said the studio's formula for success is built on being "very professional with controlling scope and costs," and a willingness to say, when necessary, "guys, this game's too big." But while making massive, sprawling games isn't something Kingsley seems interested in doing, he does seem genuinely impressed by those who do it.

The latest Monster Hunter Wilds event quest gives piles of Armor Spheres for hunting a Chatacabra, making this a very bad week to be a frog in the Forbidden Lands
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/the-latest-monster-hunter-wilds-event-quest-gives-piles-of-armor-spheres-for-hunting-a-chatacabra-making-this-a-very-bad-week-to-be-a-frog-in-the-forbidden-lands/
Chatacabra have been having a hard month. The giant frog creature is the very first monster players face in the introductory quest of Monster Hunter Wilds, meaning the unfortunate amphibians have been assailed by as many as 8 million hunters since February 28. If that extinction-level event wasn't bad enough, the newest Wilds event quest gives players who might've moved on to mightier prey a very good reason to set their sights on the Chatacabra once more: farmable Armor Spheres.

Gemma's English VA is right with us on Monster Hunter Wild's confusing menus, which makes me feel a little better for having to Google symbols all the time
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/gemmas-english-va-is-right-with-us-on-monster-hunter-wilds-confusing-menus-which-makes-me-feel-a-little-better-for-having-to-google-symbols-all-the-time/
Monster Hunter Wilds is my first MH game—there's not been a real reason for me to abstain for this long, by all accounts I should be a series fan already, but I'm finally getting my feet wet with monster viscera. I've also been struggling a ton with its menus, which are flooded with symbols and shorthand. Luckily, I'm not alone, as Kristen McGuire—the English voice actor for everyone's beloved blacksmith Gemma—has also been grappling with the eldritch script.
In a recent post to the MHWilds subreddit (thanks, GamesRadar+), McGuire has been asking for advice. "This is my first MH game that I’ve ever played, and I feel woefully underprepared. Do you have any tips for a total noob like me?"
>> I’m only posting this because those tips may also help you.

Marvel Rivals is carrying on the tradition of chaotic patches after buffing two of the most annoying heroes, but I main one of them, so I'm not complaining
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/marvel-rivals-is-carrying-on-the-tradition-of-chaotic-patches-after-buffing-two-of-the-most-annoying-heroes-but-i-main-one-of-them-so-im-not-complaining/
I've been waiting patiently for Human Torch to be adjusted ever since he was added alongside The Thing at the beginning of Marvel Rivals Season 1.5. Human Torch is another flying hero who has the ability to launch fireballs at enemies, crash down on other heroes like a meteor, and create fire zones that deal damage over time to those who walk into them. But his most powerful ability is a team-up perk that gives Storm the ability to turn her ultimate into a raging fire tornado. Long story short, I was expecting NetEase to adjust this character as soon as the next patch went live, but I seem to be mistaken.
Instead of nerfing some of Human Torch's abilities, NetEase has actually made this hero slightly more powerful in the latest patch: "The fiery hero is getting a boost to his primary attack damage output and Ultimate Ability, enhancing his solo takedown potential." Human Torch's primary fire is now faster and has two extra ammo, wave damage has increased from 70 to 80, and the energy cost for his ultimate has decreased from 4,000 to 3,400.
But the wildest change has to be to the Flame Tornado, which has had a damage increase from 100 per/s to 120 per/s. (...)
I can't really complain about Human Torch's buff, though, because NetEase has also improved a hero that I play quite often alongside him, Cloak and Dagger.

GTA 5 publisher takes legal aim at account-selling site for allegedly raking in 'millions in revenue', while recruiting hackers to keep its cogs turning
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/grand-theft-auto/gta-5-publisher-takes-legal-aim-at-account-selling-site-for-allegedly-raking-in-millions-in-revenue-while-recruiting-hackers-to-keep-its-cogs-turning/
Take-Two Interactive, publisher of Grand Theft Auto 5, is suing PlayerAuctions, a Chinese-owned site known for facilitating the trading and selling of player accounts and digital currencies in online games.