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Asad Kashif

At Tech4Gamers, I work as a guides expert. My role involves writing about solving different gaming and tech-related topics that pique my interest and that I believe more people should know about. This position allows me to share my insights and discoveries with a broader audience, enriching their gaming experiences with the unique perspectives I bring.

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Esports which was once just a pass-time has now become a global phenomenon. The multi-million-dollar industry has professional gamers that have achieved celebrity level status and lucrative sponsorships through competitive gaming.

However, despite all the glitz and glamor behind it all lies a grueling and often unforgiving world only those in the business would know. The way to the top is full of relentless competition, physical and mental exhaustion, and constant pressure to perform.

It all may seem like they have it easy, I mean playing games for a living who doesn’t want that? But it’s not as easy as it seems. Let’s dive straight into the struggles that esports athletes face and the sacrifices they have to make to stay on top. 

Mental and Physical Strain

The esports industry with a net worth of over 1.8 billion is a hellscape for gamers. While gaming is often considered a fun activity, professional esports players endure intense mental and physical demands. 

Hours of practice lead to issues such as the carpel tunnel syndrome, eyestrains and chronic fatigue. To add to this, the pressure to perform in high-stakes tournaments can result in anxiety, burnout and even depression. The need to stay ahead forces players into intense practice schedules which often come at the cost of their own well-being.

Toxicity and Burnout

The esports community while passionate can also sometimes be toxic. Online harassment, cyber bullying and criticism from fans as well as fellow competitors is common. This creates the breeding ground for stress and negativity. All these factors combined can take a toll on mental well-being making it difficult for players to stay focused and motivated.

Burnout is a serious issue in esports with many players experiencing fatigue, anxiety and even early retirement as a result of the overwhelming demands of the industry. A single misplay can cost players an entire tournament and the fear of failure weighs heavily on players.

People argue that the high levels of competition that exists in esports has killed the fun of casual gameplay. It’s obvious that without proper support systems and work to life balance the dream of gaming professionally can quickly become a nightmare. 

The Short-Lived Career and Financial Instability

The average career span of esports players is shockingly short, often just around three to five years. As players age their reflexes slow down and its harder for them to keep up with younger players. The highest earning players in the esports are 24-year old’s who together generated around $49,721,728.81 as of March 2021. 

Unlike traditional sports players who have retirement plans and post career opportunities, esports players struggle with finances after their career ends. The average retirement age being 25 years old is also a reason why players find difficulty in future cash inflows from the industry.

Only a small percentage of the retiree’s secure sponsorship deals or transition into coaching, streaming or content creation. For the majority however, the dream of making it big in the industry ends with financial uncertainty and feel the need to restart their careers in a different field. 

Doping and Performance Enhancers

The desire to stay on top has led some players to use performance enhancing drugs, such as Adderall which is commonly used to enhance focus and boost reaction time. While organizations of the industry have started implementing anti-doping policies, enforcement remains inconsistent.

The temptation of using these substances still remains high, especially when the difference between winning and losing can mean millions of dollars. Many players fold under the desire to be victorious and succumb to such methods for better success, leading to long term addiction and unease. 

The Future of Esports: A Call for Change

Despite all challenges the esports industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. However, the industry must accept these stark realities and address them to ensure the wellbeing of its players. Only if managed correctly and if all similar issues are cleared only then esports can be a truly sustainable and rewarding career path.

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Obaid Ur Rehman

At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects. 

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When we think of military shooters, franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield come to mind. Their impact is undeniable, and their record-breaking sales reflect that the demand for military shooters is stronger than ever. 

But what if I told you that there is a game that follows the footprints of these franchises but with a twist? A game that has taken a different route from most franchisees and is built on a foundation that changes people’s perspective of war.

Unique Take On The WW2 Genre

While most World War II games give the perspective of the soldiers on the frontline, the other perspective of the medical operators had always remained uncovered until Medic: Pacific War shed light on it.

A New Perspective on War

Here, you play as a medic soldier amidst a chaotic war atmosphere. You see planes are bombing the area, soldiers are actively getting shot, even your allies, who you’ve interacted with, die right in front of your eyes. 

You can argue that Call of Duty: WWII remains one of the best World War II military shooters because its campaigns showcased elements of survival, teamwork, and highlighted the horrors of the time. However, that theme has been repeated a lot.

Non-Lethal Gameplay

Unlike other WW2 games, this game goes for the non-lethal approach. This means you aren’t given guns; you must rely on stealth, strategy, and speed. You must take cover timely, avoid enemy fire and carefully time your movements. 

This is exactly the opposite of Call of Duty 2, which is one of the best WW2 games. This distinct approach feels fresh because it has simply never been done before. WW2 veteran doctors can directly relate to these experiences through this game.  

Huge Environment

Even the environment of this game is huge. It reminds me of the large-scale battle environment of Battlefield 5, which remains a title worth revisiting, even though it has been over six years since its release. 

Realistic Medical Mechanics

One of the most prominent features of this game is its realistic mechanics. The game developers have paid extra attention to how the soldiers were treated during World War 2, and every action you take is historically correct.  

Realistic Procedures

For deep wounds, you can stick the guaze inside the wounded area and then apply a bandage. You also apply Sulfa powder over the bandage that combats infection and gives slightly better chances of survival to the soldier in the field. 

There’s also the same ointment they used back in the war, which you can apply on wounded soldiers before bandaging them. You also use a tourniquet to stop major bleeding. 

Dynamic Injury System

With multiple wounds, you can see which parts of the body have wounds that have higher bleeding and you can choose to treat them accordingly. Apart from the gunshots, soldiers also have burns, which are treated differently.  

Dangerous Setting

After the immediate treatment, you carry the body of these injured soldiers and transport them to the ambulance. During your way, you have to be careful as you’ll encounter bullets and missiles from enemy soldiers and enemy planes. 

A Narrative-Driven Experience

The injured soldiers have bleeding speed and health bar, and you have to make choices as to which ones to save. Unlike most WW2 games that focus heavily on the combat, Medic Pacific War emphasizes the human side of war.

Its gripping storytelling allows players to experience the emotional weight of a doctor as he sees countless deaths. The choices to carefully choose which soldiers to heal also put an extra burden on the players. 

When Will It Be Released?

Unlike most WW2 games and other military shooters in general, Medic: Pacific War’s focus on the saving lives instead of taking them makes it outstanding. Although the older gameplay has been out for quite some time, the game hasn’t been released yet.

It is still in the playtest phase, which is why the voice over and certain mechanics like the ragdoll physics seem out of place. The game is planned to be released later in 2025. However, the exact date isn’t put out.

The game does have that old-time feel, since it is based on the World War 2 that took place in 1939. But, if you want a modern feel to the World War 2 era, China’s upcoming WW2 game, The Defiant, will surely be right up your alley.  

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Ali Rashid Khan

As Tech4Gamers’ Wiki Editor, I dissect gaming products, offering detailed perspectives on a variety of PCMR hardware ranging from the Best Motherboards and CPUs to the Best GPUs, RAM, and PSUs.

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There was a time when you could play newly released games and get over 60 FPS, even on your old graphic cards. For instance, Doom Eternal is so well optimised that it put Doom 2016 to shame. People could play it even with their 2GB GPU.

But in today’s day and age, even at the lowest of the settings and highest of the hardware, you still struggle to run games smoothly. Why is that, who’s to blame and are we ever gonna get that level of optimization back? 

The Current State Of Games Sucks

Modern gaming is knee-deep with optimization issues. Instead of focusing on proper coding and resource management, most developers are choosing the route of relying on shortcuts.

Reliance On Upscaling

One of these shortcuts consists of big companies relying on AI upscaling, like DLSS and FSR. While AI-upscaling is beneficial for budget gaming PC in the modern era, more problems come with this approach. First, let’s see how AI upscaling works.

DLSS 4, for instance, take two frames and guesses what the middle frame would look like. While it would boost FPS, the image quality deteriorates. This is why people see weird shadows, blurry trails, flickering, or absence of atmospheric items.

In games like Red Dead Redemption 2, players experience a lack of rain because the AI couldn’t depict what the next frame should be like. AI has its limitations, at least for now, and it shows.

However, not all hope is lost yet. Unlike many other game devs, the developers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 think that properly optimizing games is far better than relying on upscaling to compensate for poor performance.  

Unfinished Game At Launch

Apart from relying heavily on upscaling, we’re seeing a trend of devs releasing a game and leaving the optimization for later. These poor games launch leave fans unsatisfied and even resentful towards the game, which reflects in their reviews.

This was the case for Cyberpunk 2077, which has one of the worst buggy launches in games history. Its extremely poor optimization had left even the most expensive GPUs with below 60 FPS. 

The thing is, these developers have tight deadlines, and they’re rushing through the game just to release it. Of course, the game will turn out to be poorly optimized. Although not all games are poorly

Bloated Game Files

Another key factor which leaves people frustrated is the huge game file size. Some games exceed 150 GB because of bloated assets and poor compression techniques. However, GTA V gets a pass because it is well optimized for size. 

Game Engines

Most games in this era are pushing for Unreal Engine 5, which, while technologically advanced, has faced challenges, particularly with features like Lumen and Nanite, which lead to many performance issues.

CD Projekt Red have shifted to Unreal Engine 5 for their upcoming Witcher 4; EA is shifting to this engine for their next Battlefield game, abandoning the Frostbite engine. Even Halo have ditched their engine to switch to UE5.

Improvements

Despite all of this, there are some improvements which could make future games well optimized and timeless for years to come. Game devs should consider these things; it’ll be a win-win situation.

Prioritze Performance & Test On Variety Of Hardware

Instead of pushing for having intensive graphics, game developers should focus on optimizing the game for its performance from the very early stages. Additionally, they shouldn’t just test games on the latest hardware only.

Games should be tested on mid-range and slightly older systems to ensure most players get the best out of it. In return, they’ll get more money because they’ll cater to a larger audience instead of limiting themselves to the higher-end PC users only. 

Game Engines & Upscaling

While using engines like Unreal Engine 5 and Unity could be handy, huge devs should make their own engines to run their games. If they can’t, they should at least optimise these games just like Sony optimized Days Gone by fixing Unreal Engine 4.

While AI upscaling is a tool to aid in performance, it shouldn’t be relied on fully. Instead, they should make games that perform the best and use upscaling only as a tool that would complement the game itself. 

Delay Launches

This might sound controversial, but game devs should, by all means, delay launches. If it means that we’ll get better games right from the release, delaying is better than buggy releases. 

Assassin’s Creed: Shadow has been delayed recently because devs wanted to polish the parkour mechanics. Even though it might seem frustrating, it is a commendable approach if it means that the game will turn out to be great.

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Uzair Shabir

At Tech4Gamers, I’m a Senior Error Fix Writer specializing in troubleshooting problems. Each article results from deep research, testing fixes and providing solutions.

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For years, the stealth-action fans have been starved for a game of this genre. Back in the days, stealth games were prevalent but now we see a clear decline in these games, which is always sad to see. 

We know of no other stealth game being developed except for one. Reportedly, Ubisoft is working on a Splinter Cell Remake despite facing cancellation rumors. However, that isn’t even official, so fans are more deprived than ever. 

Already Looks Promising

So, to cure all of our sadness, Korean developers have taken matters into their own hands. They have come up with their own upcoming stealth-induced title, Project TH. While it is still in development, devs are consistently showing their progress.

At first glance, fans might be sceptical because many games showcase their early developments, which disappoint fans due to poor execution. But EVR Studio, the team behind Project TH, proved all the fans wrong with their dev logs. 

Stealth Done Right

Upon first glimpse, we can clearly see that they have taken heavy inspiration from the Tom Clancy games as if it is a combination of games like Splinter Cell, The Divison, and Ghost Recon Series.  

From the moment I saw the gameplay, I knew it was different yet similar. The game didn’t just incorporate action, but it integrated stealth as its core element. From what I saw, I was immediately reminded of the Splinter Cell series. 

Lighting & Shadow System

The game lets you infiltrate enemy places with a silenced pistol, an assault rifle, and night vision goggles. You can use the pistol to destroy the bulbs to move in pure shadows. Speaking of light, it isn’t only for aesthetic reasons.

There’s a light meter in this game much similar to the older Splinter Cell games. Depending on where you are, the light meter shifts. You have to be careful around enemies and often have to rely on shadows to sneak your way in. 

Many fans of this genre will be pleased by this lighting feature. The Splinter Cell Remake is expected to feature ray tracing to enhance gameplay, which could add more immersion to this feature. It would be great if EVR Studio also does that. 

Hide The Bodies

You can also lure the enemies towards you by using throwable objects, which indicates the implementation of sound cues. After eliminating the enemies, you can also drag their bodies to hide them from other enemies, just like in Hitman.

High-Action Non Stealth Gameplay

But stealth isn’t the only thing this game focuses on; it also integrates high-octane action. The mechanics of this game purely resemble Splinter Cell Conviction, which could’ve been the foundation for a John-Wick game. 

The outdoor gameplay mechanics and outlook scream of Metal Gear Solid, which is also Ubisoft’s inspiration for the Splinter Cell Remake. With how EVR Studio is progressing, there’s a chance that they could outpace Ubisoft in their own genre. 

Brutal AI

We could see how explosive the game gets when stealth is taken out of the equation. The enemies are brutal and, in some cases, flocking towards you like zombies. The AI is pretty enhanced and deals damage even from a far distance. 

Destructible Environment

Not only that, but the game features destructible environments. This means that if you opt for action instead of stealth, you’ll be greeted by the brutal AI’s fire which will destroy the items around you.

You can see how this indoor office has turned into a ruin in a matter of seconds as enemies opened fire. The monitor flies away; the grenade blows up the tables, and the broken fragments are scattered on the ground, all adding to the immersion. 

Unhinged Melee 

The melee combat is also outstanding. The game has various animations, some of which are like finishers that take more time and act as the ‘final blow.’ These animations range from slashing the neck to repeatedly stabbing your enemies. 

Will The Koreans Beat Ubisoft?

As a lifelong Splinter Cell fan, I’ve waited for games that resemble the older titles of this series. While I’m excited for Ubisoft’s remake, chances are it won’t be released before 2026.

Project TH might come out by the end of this year (2025) and, if executed perfectly, would satisfy the big itch for stealth fans. If done right, it could dominate the genre and even beat Ubisoft in its own field.   

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Moiz Banoori

At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.

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Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise, consistently ranking in the top three for most fans. Its intense pirate-esque nature, open-world exploration, and naval battles all make it stand out.

Ubisoft is reportedly working on its remake, which has raised my excitement and set high expectations. The original game already had widely admired elements, which the remake could easily retain to maintain the original’s spirit. 

What Not To Change

Ubisoft isn’t the only company investing in remakes. Max Payne 1 & 2, Control 2, Final Fantasy 9, and even Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell are all getting remakes. With many upcoming remakes, Ubisoft must ensure that Black Flag isn’t a quick cash grab. 

Classic Pirate Theme

To prevent this, they should focus solely on keeping the original game’s most essential aspect: the pirate theme. While other titles focused more on the Assassin part, Black Flag allowed players to live and breathe as pirates.

This means that Ubisoft should retain the intense naval battles, freedom to explore and find treasure, and singing chanties while sailing around. They should enhance these features without removing or reducing them, as it would be a disservice.

Intense Naval Battles

Naval battles were one of the core of this title and although they were already good, they could be improved. With modern gaming technology, I expect ship battles to have shakier camera angles to create a sense of chaos.

Moreover, keeping the same motion blur when sailing a ship would be great since it added a sense of speed. The explosions should be more refined; the ships should have destructible parts that are scattered and fall around when destroyed. 

Side Missions

Leaving the White Whale hunting side mission would be wonderful. It’s always great to live the pirate life by hunting whales the traditional way with a spear, and I would be very frustrated if they removed it by labelling it as ‘animal abuse.’

What To Change Or Improve

Combat & Stealth

Apart from nailing many things in the original, the original Black Flag lacked stealth and combat. Ubisoft should borrow ideas from Assassin’s Creed Shadows for its stealth mechanics and combat because they are extremely well done. 

Tedious Missions

The ‘tailing the guards’ missions should be minimized or revamped because some of these  missions were exceedingly long, where you had to spend a lot of time just waiting and crouching behind enemies, which moved extremely slowly.  

What To Add: New Possibilities 

The original game was based around multiple islands, but the islands that were far away weren’t accessible either by you or with the help of your ship. Given the new technology, it would be interesting to explore and access a lot of distant islands. 

Detailed Underwater Experience

While the original game had pretty decent underwater exploration, but the remake could have a fully fleshed-out underwater experience. With enhanced visuals, added marine life, more explorable spots and even some mysterious sea creatures. 

Yes, it might be too much for a remake, and changing or adding too many things would turn it into a sequel rather than a remake. But, still, adding some of these things in a limited amount would make it even better than the original. 

Accessible Islands

We already had treasure maps, but these newly accessible islands could become new spots for more treasure hunts. This would enhance the pirate and the open-world feel of the game.

Heavy Storms

The remake is said to introduce gameplay changes, which will improve the combat and ecosystem. For other gameplay changes, I’m expecting a dynamic weather system with more emphasis on strong winds and storms.

Huge waves, reduced visibility, and stronger winds could make sailing more immersive and unpredictable. It would be even better if we had to strategize our sailing methods to counter the heavy storm winds. 

Seemelss Loading

With the new technology, the remake should seamlessly load different locations of the game. Previously, there were loading screens at multiple points, which hindered the immersion, but I’m fully expecting a seamless integration for the remake.

Can We Expect Black Flag Remake In 2025?

While I’m very excited about the Black Flag remake, its release is reportedly pushed to 2026, as the Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ delay has impacted the rest of the Assassin’s Creed roadmap, including this remake.