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CDPR Assures Fans Witcher 4 Won’t Repeat Cyberpunk 2077’s Launch Disaster 

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  • CDPR has assured fans its next RPG won’t repeat Cyberpunk 2077’s launch disaster.
  • The studio said the development process and communication have improved across the 400 developers.
  • The Witcher 4 can be expected to be released years later, as it has only recently entered full production.

This year’s Game Awards were all the hype, as trailers of many anticipated titles were shown. The Witcher 4 arguably stood out as one of the most gargantuan reveals. With Ciri as the main protagonist, the fans are excited to see how the new Witcher will hold up to Geralt’s legacy.

However, concerns about the game’s release state have also gnawed at fans after seeing how Cyberpunk 2077 turned out. Fortunately, CD Projekt Red has come forward to assure fans that nothing of the sort will happen with this time. The studio has asked the excited community to be patient and ‘let it cook.’

Why it matters: CDPR developers addressing development concerns suggest we will not see another Cyberpunk 2077 launch disaster. The team’s development process and team size have improved considerably.

The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 wants to surpass the legacy of its predecessors by creating a more brutal, dark fantasy world.

Speaking in an interview with IGN, The Witcher 4’s executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga and game director Sebastian Kalemba clarified that CDPR already has everything in line for its development. The production process and communication are smooth, and the company has pushed for transparency across the board.

The way we produce right now also changed in a very good way, meaning that we are very mindfully defining the stages of the production.

Additionally, over 400 developers are hard at work on the RPG to ensure it can be developed with the utmost quality and in the least time possible. CDPR previously also affirmed that it is aiming for a new and broader audience.

The protagonist, Ciri, is a character who is just starting down the Witcher path
The Witcher 4 used an RTX 5090 32 GB GPU for rendering in the trailer.

No release date—or even a window—has been confirmed so far, so the game might be years away. However, CDPR has allegedly considered a PC-only release in the past.

Do you think the launch of Witcher 4 will go smoothly for CD Projekt Red, or do we have another mess-up waiting to happen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forum.

Naughty Dog Turns Off Comments On New IP Intergalactic After DEI Backlash

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  • Fans are criticizing Naughty Dog for DEI character designs with the new IP.
  • This has led the studio to turn off comments on Intergalactic on YouTube.
  • So far, the game hasn’t had a release window or gameplay demonstration.

The last game Naughty Dog released was The Last of Us Part 2 in 2020. It’s been four years since the studio released anything other than remakes, but the team has finally unveiled a brand new IP. Unfortunately, the fans aren’t taking it too well.

Gamers are calling out the announcement for DEI, which has even led to Naughty Dog disabling the comments on YouTube for the first-look trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Why it matters: Most people are calling out the game for being too DEI-focused, and some are even dubbing it as Concord 2. The backlash has led to the studio turning off the comments section.

Naughty Dog has turned off comments on Intergalactic.

Intergalactic features a protagonist called Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter, whose character design is under fire. Fans are heavily criticizing the studio for this design and are already calling the game a flop.

Long-term fans who have been looking for a new Naughty Dog IP seem to be disappointed. The game has been in development for four years, so it likely has a massive budget. If it flops, things could get bad for Sony and the studio.

Comments are still available on other YouTube videos, giving a taste of the community’s current reaction toward the announcement trailer.

I assure this game will make Concordillion dollars.

-baobaodao5788

Still, putting aside the DEI controversy, the announcement looks interesting. The sci-fi IP is set thousands of years in the future on a distant planet, and the whole premise is very different for Naughty Dog, which hasn’t previously worked on ‘intergalactic’ projects.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has received a mixed reception so far.

As such, it will be really interesting to see the studio’s progress from here. So far, we only have a cinematic trailer and no gameplay, so we can’t really tell how the final graphics or gameplay will turn out.

What are your thoughts on Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic? Are you okay with the character designs? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers Forum.

The Witcher 4 Aiming For New Audience; Ciri To Star As Protagonist In Full Trilogy

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  • The Witcher 4 will attempt to capture the hearts of new players.
  • CDPR has confirmed that Ciri will be featured in a full trilogy, marking a fresh start for the IP.
  • The developer also aims to provide a more in-depth gameplay and narrative.

The Witcher 4 was shown off to the world for the first time earlier today. CDPR’s world premiere confirmed Ciri as the new protagonist and showcased a stunning rendition of The Witcher universe.

Following this reveal, the team has also shared additional details, highlighting its approach to development and future plans. The studio has confirmed, among other things, that The Witcher 4 aims to attract new players to the IP.

Why it matters: CDPR has grown significantly since working on The Witcher 3. The developer attracted a new fanbase after Cyberpunk 2077, and it hopes to continue this momentum in the future.

Speaking to IGN, executive producer Malgorzata Mitrega discussed CDPR’s approach to keeping the IP’s next major release approachable and exciting for newcomers.

We want to aim for new players. The Witcher 4 is being pitched as the start of something new.

-Malgorzata Mitrega

Elsewhere, director Sebastian Kalemba highlighted that The Witcher 4 is a fresh start for the series that will lead into a full trilogy featuring Ciri as the protagonist. As per his statement, the studio decided to pivot to Ciri as the protagonist nine years ago.

The team hopes that these fundamental changes will be enough to entice new players into trying the IP without feeling overwhelmed. For context, Geralt is also said to be returning with this entry, even if his role is expected to be much more limited this time.

The Witcher 4
Ciri Was Given All The Attention In The First Trailer

As part of its attempt at appealing to a wider audience, CDPR hopes to add more freedom to the gameplay and additional complexity to the narrative. All of this is being done to make The Witcher 4 the most ambitious and advanced RPG possible.

What are your thoughts on the team’s approach? Do you think the developer will succeed in bringing in new players to The Witcher series? Let us know in the comments, and join the Tech4Gamers Forums for more discussions.

The Witcher 4: What We Know So Far, Key Takeaways from Developer Interviews

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  • The Witcher 4 confirmed Ciri as the main character; she has undergone the Trial of Grasses and is now a witcher herself. 
  • The game will explore a new chapter in The Witcher universe, in which Ciri tries to establish her identity as a witcher.
  • The developers focus on creating a more diverse and engaging combat system than The Witcher 3.

CD Projekt RED showed the first cinematic trailer for The Witcher 4, the main character of which is Ciri. The developers discussed the project with journalists, and after the demonstration, the publication released a number of materials dedicated to the game.

We’ve reviewed everything CD Projekt RED employees have said about The Witcher 4 and the game’s debut trailer and are sharing the most interesting details about the project.

The Plot of The Witcher 4

  • The game picks up a few years after the ending of The Witcher 3. Any ending of The Witcher 3 will be canonical for The Witcher 4 – even if it seems like Ciri dies.
  • Ciri passed the Trial of the Grasses, became a mutant, and now uses all the witcher abilities.
  • At the time of the events of The Witcher 4, Geralt is still alive, but the developers are not ready to confirm that he will appear in the game. However, they do not deny it either.
  • The Witcher 4 will tell how Ciri tries to become a witcher – to create her code and so on. Ciri was always planned to be the game’s main character; this decision was made at least 9 years ago.
  • With Ciri being younger than Geralt, the developers will have more freedom to explore and define her character.
  • Ciri does not try to remain neutral like Geralt and always chooses a side.
  • CD Projekt is planning a trilogy of The Witcher games about Ciri.

The Witcher 4 Trailer

  • The events of the trailer take place somewhere in the Northern Kingdom.
  • Ciri fights a bauk in the trailer, a monster borrowed from Serbian mythology. The Witcher 4 will also feature creatures from Slavic, Celtic, and Scandinavian mythology.
  • The trailer was rendered on an unannounced GeForce RTX GPU, which could be RTX 5090 32GB. It is expected to be released next month at CES-2025. 

The Witcher 4 Game Details We Know So Far

  • The Witcher 4 is still a purely single-player game.
  • The developers are targeting not only fans of the franchise but also new players: after all, The Witcher 3 was released almost 10 years ago.
  • Players will be able to explore new regions of the Continent, and Ciri will see several “epic” areas.
  • Ciri can use magic much more successfully than Geralt.
  • From time to time, players make various decisions that affect the plot and gameplay.
  • The developers intend to improve the gameplay by improving combat over The Witcher 3, making it more diverse and interesting in the new game.
  • The Witcher 4 will be an “accessible gaming experience” for everyone, but that doesn’t mean the gameplay bar will be lowered. It can be challenging if the player wants it to be.

The Witcher 4

The Development of The Witcher 4

  • CD Projekt’s approach to development has changed for the better, and The Witcher 4 won’t have the same problems as Cyberpunk 2077.
  • In particular, developers are now more actively experimenting with mechanics and trying to ensure that the game is always in working order.
  • Developers can still work overtime, but there are fewer overtime hours than in The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 days.
  • The team now has a better idea of ​​the project’s stage, and with over 400 devs working on the game, both external and internal communications have improved.

The Witcher 4 doesn’t have a release date or window yet, but according to recent rumours, CDPR is considering a PC-only release first. What do you think of the details revealed so far? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Astro Bot Wins Game of The Year At TGA 2024 Against All Odds

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  • Astro Bot has taken home the ultimate prize at The Game Awards 2024.
  • It beat the likes of Black Myth: Wukong for the award.
  • PlayStation will likely continue to develop this IP further after this achievement.

Following much excitement over the nominations for Game of The Year 2024, the results have finally been revealed.

While the likes of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Black Myth: Wukong were considered the favorites leading up to the show, an underdog has taken home the ultimate award. Astro Bot has been crowned Game of The Year at The Game Awards 2024.

Why it matters: Many fans believed PlayStation’s platformer deserved the award despite the stiff competition this year.

Astro Bot
PlayStation Celebrating Game of The Year Victory via Twitter

In addition to the ultimate prize, Astro Bot took home awards like the Best Family Friendly Game at The Game Awards 2024.

The platformer was previously praised for its creativity and charm, giving it an edge over the typical AAA titles. It was also created on a short budget, making this accomplishment all the more impressive.

Perhaps the most interesting part is the fact that Elden Ring’s DLC failed to win the award. Because it was Metacritic’s highest-rated title of the year, many expected it to be the winner. 

Nonetheless, this achievement cements Astro Bot as yet another PlayStation classic. Moving forward, the gaming giant will likely increase its focus on this IP, which should lead to more exciting platformer releases.

What are your thoughts on this outcome? Share your opinions in the comments, and join the Tech4Gamers Forums for more discussions.

Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet; New Sci-Fi IP Revealed From Naughty Dog

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  • Naughty Dog has announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
  • This announcement marks the studio’s first new IP in over 10 years.
  • The title will take players to a brand-new sci-fi universe.

The Game Awards 2024 has been a huge event. With major reveals featuring The Witcher 4, Borderlands 4, and more, this show has had no shortage of exciting announcements. Naughty Dog fans, in particular, have had plenty to enjoy.

The studio has finally pulled the curtains off its latest project, unveiling its first brand-new IP in over a decade. During The Game Awards 2024, Naughty Dog premiered the first trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Why it matters: The team has focused excessively on The Last of Us over the last few years, leading to criticism over lack of originality. This announcement has given fans a reason to finally anticipate more news from Naughty Dog.

The game has been shown off with a cinematic trailer that shows several minutes of footage. Naughty Dog’s latest project takes players into a sci-fi universe, promising the same compelling story-telling and adventures that the team is known for.

As per the announcement, the game has been in the works for over four years. The project is also being led by Neil Druckmann, the same director responsible for The Last of Us Part 2.

While little is known about the game, the premiere appears to hint at dog fights in space and an action-combat system that makes use of a lightsaber-like weapon. Moreover, the art style looks quite intriguing.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Has A Very Interesting Aesthetic

With the announcement out of the way, fans can look forward to more gameplay and details in the coming months. Perhaps the game will also be available to play by 2026 since Naughty Dog has already spent nearly half a decade on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

What are your thoughts on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet? Are you looking forward to more details on the game? Let us know in the comments, and share your thoughts on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Mafia: The Old Country Stuns In The New Trailer At TGA 2024

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  • A new trailer for Mafia: The Old Country, a prequel to the Mafia series, has been revealed at The Game Awards 2024.
  • The game’s narrative will explore the origins of organized crime in early 20th-century Sicily.
  • The Old Country will feature an open-world rendition of Sicily, emphasizing realistic visuals and sound design.

Mafia fans are in for a surprise, as the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country, a prequel set in early 1900s Sicily, gets a new trailer at The Game Awards 2024. The game will explore the beginnings of organized crime while maintaining the gritty storytelling the series is famous for.

Why it matters: The Mafia series is known for its dark stories and detailed settings. With The Old Country, Hangar 13 looks set to respect the series’ legacy while broadening its world.

Mafia: The Old Country is the fourth game in the popular Mafia series, taking players back in time to uncover the beginnings of the Salieri crime family. The new trailer suggests the game will focus on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a tough historical period.

Players will explore beautiful landscapes, busy towns, and crime-filled areas in an open-world version of Sicily. The series is known for its focus on realism, and Hangar 13 promises to bring Sicily to life with photorealistic visuals and amazing sound design.

While much of the gameplay wasn’t shown in the trailer, some features have been confirmed. The trailer shows new additions including smarter NPCs, dynamic weather, and more interactive environments. Players can also expect classic Mafia action, like car chases and shootouts.

Mafia: The Old Country New Trailer TGA 2024
Loyalty costs. So does betrayal. Welcome to The Old Country.

Previous job listings suggest improved combat and stealth mechanics, designed to fit the Sicilian setting. It’s also reported Mafia: The Old Country will offer a non-linear story in an open world similar to Mafia 3.

While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, the game is poised to launch in the Summer of 2025 on PC and major consoles. All in all, Mafia: The Old Country seems set to be one of the most exciting releases yet of 2025.

Keep an eye out for a potential gameplay trailer and more updates from Hangar 13 down the line. What do you make of the Mafia 4’s new trailer? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

The Witcher 4 Reveal Trailer Was Rendered On RTX 5090 32GB

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  • The Witcher 4 was just revealed with a gorgeous cinematic trailer.
  • This trailer was running on an unknown Nvidia GeForce graphics card, likely to be the RTX 5090.
  • The RTX 5090 is expected to feature 32GB of VRAM and will be announced next month.

CDPR just debuted a stunning new trailer for The Witcher 4, confirming Ciri’s role as the protagonist. This trailer also gave fans a taste of CDPR’s next-gen visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, setting a high bar for the final release.

While the trailer itself showed pre-rendered visuals, fans were taken aback by the sheer quality on display. Many have also noted that this footage was rendered on an unannounced Nvidia GeForce graphics card, which seems to be the RTX 5090.

Why it matters: The GeForce RTX 5090 is set to become the world’s most powerful gaming graphics card soon.

The Witcher 4 RTX 5090
Unknown GeForce RTX GPU Teaser via CDPR

According to CDPR’s official trailer, the pre-rendered Witcher 4 cinematics were running on a mysterious GeForce graphics card. This can only be the RTX 5090 since studios typically use the best hardware for such announcements.

Moreover, the GeForce RTX 5090 is right around the corner, with an official announcement expected next month. The graphics card is said to boast 32GB of VRAM and a major leap over its predecessor.

CDPR has already impressed with games like Cyberpunk 2077 in the past. The studio’s upcoming RPG is expected to eclipse past titles in scope, so it would only be fitting to see it using the best hardware possible for the world premiere.

Unreal Engine 5 has also become popular as the technology of choice for developers looking to make the best use of new gaming hardware. Therefore, The Witcher 4 and Nvidia’s upcoming flagship would be an instant match.

This graphics card is said to cost as much as $2000, but more information on pricing and performance should be coming next month at CES.

What do you think about this teaser? Are you excited about Nvidia’s new RTX 5000 hardware? Let us know in the comments, and join the Tech4Gamers Forums for more discussions.

Borderlands 4 Debuts Incredible First Look Trailer At The Game Awards 2024

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  • Gearbox Software has revealed a first look at Borderlands 4 at TGA 2024. 
  • The graphics look incredible and the gameplay looks really fun and chaotic.
  • The game has a rough release window of 2025. 

Gearbox Software first revealed Borderlands 4 at Gamescom 2024 with a brief teaser. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for something new. The hype grew even further when the company CEO said the trailer is so good, it’s freaking him out. 

Finally, at today’s Game Awards, we have a new Borderlands 4 trailer, and the game looks incredible. 

Why it matters? After the recent hugely underwhelming Borderlands movie, the fate of the franchise rests in the hands of the sequel. And from what we have seen so far, it looks promising. 

The trailer gives us a detailed look at the new characters including the enemies and the new Vault Hunters. The art style has carried over from Borderlands 3, but the game looks a lot more detailed. 

Like its predecessor, Borderlands 4 will also feature a 4-player co-op. The game takes place on Kairos, a new planet for the new release. It is filled with ‘jerkface ratnozzle scrote monsters’ that need to be taken care of by the players.

Playable characters from Borderlands 4 trailer

It also gives us a brief look at the gameplay. And from what we’ve seen so far Borderlands 4 could turn out great. It has a heavy task riding on it and the studio must be hoping it delivers all the expectations.

Nonetheless, Borderlands 4 comes out in 2025 and it can currently be wishlisted. However, there is no solid release date as of yet. In addition, Gearbox has also labeled the game as the most ambitious Borderlands game yet.

What are your thoughts on the Borderlands 4 trailer? Are you a fan of the franchise? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Elden Ring Nightreign Announced, Coming In 2025

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  • Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree was released this year and took many fans by surprise. 
  • FromSoftware has just announced a standalone co-op multiplayer game set in the world of Elden Ring. 
  • Elden Ring Nightreign will be released in 2025. 

Elden Ring, Game of the Year 2022, innovated the gaming industry, especially the RPG genre. The game has millions of fans, and they would be excited to know that right after they have witnessed the best expansion in the history of gaming, a co-op multiplayer game set in Elden Ring’s world has been announced.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone game featuring co-op multiplayer, has just been announced during The Game Awards 2024.

Why it matters: Given how big of a fandom of Elden Ring is, it is a big win for them, and props to FromSoftware for keeping its fans engaged just after releasing a massive DLC.

The trailer starts with an eerie and creepy environment, which isn’t anything new when it comes to FromSoftware games. The Land Between is shown as covered with blue flames, and the environment gets creepier. 

The game seems to feature a lot of new classes, bosses, and abilities. Of course, there will be new weapons, armour, and other things too. Another feature has shown where a bird-like creature takes away the tarnished air for traversal. 

Nameless King In Elden Ring Nightreign
Nameless King Has Made Its Entry Into Elden Ring Nightreign

Not only that, but a feature from Sekiro also seems to have been added where ‘Wolf’ can climb some high places. And guess what? The Nameless King from Dark Souls 3 also made its entry.

It seems like a collaboration between different FromSoftware games in the world of Elden Ring. Many new bosses have been added, and they look creepier than ever. FromSoftware has done it again, and it never disappoints.

While a definitive release date hasn’t been given yet, Elden Ring NightReign is set to release in 2025.  

What do you think about the game? Are you excited about another Elden Ring experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

The Witcher 4 Debuts Stunning Trailer; Ciri Confirmed As The Protagonist

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  • CDPR has finally revealed the first trailer for The Witcher 4. 
  • The game replaces Ciri with Geralt as the protagonist to mark the start of a new saga.
  • No release window has been confirmed as of yet. 

In a total surprise move, CD Projekt Red has revealed the first trailer of The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards happening now. While it had been in rumors, Ciri now officially takes the mantle of the protagonist from Geralt for the sequel. 

Why it matters? Ever since CDPR revealed that Project Polaris has been in development, fans have been looking forward to hearing something further about the title. And now, it’s finally here with a stunning first look. 

Although the trailer doesn’t show any gameplay, it introduces Ciri as the main playable character. We see her in a village in the middle of a ritual, then she moves to a forest where she fights and slays a monster. 

Overall, the game seems to have a very dark and gritty tone. It also doesn’t give a sneak peek at Geralt, who we know will be part of the game but won’t be the main character. This marks the start of a new saga in the franchise. 

Ciri is the protagonist in Witcher 4

The title is developed using Unreal Engine 5, and CDPR aims to perfect the engine with The Witcher 4. In addition, the website also calls the title ‘most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date’. 

The trailer has sent a surge of excitement to the fans. CDPR hasn’t revealed a release window, but it did state that, it will now reveal its games within closer proximity of launch. So, we can expect a late 2025 or 2026 launch. 

What are your thoughts on The Witcher 4 reveal trailer? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum

Battle Passes Work Well In F2P Games, Says War Thunder Producer

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  • According to War Thunder producer, battle pass systems are a key revenue source for free-to-play games.
  • This system supports ongoing game development and content updates.
  • While successful in many F2P games, battle passes are not a universal solution and different games may require alternative monetization strategies.

In a recent interview with Tech4Gamers, Vyacheslav Bulannikov, War Thunder producer, discussed the role of battle pass systems in free-to-play games. He explained how these systems help both paying and non-paying players while providing consistent revenue for continued game development.

Why it matters: Battle passes and in-game items are the primary revenue sources developers rely on to sustain the development of free-to-play games.

War Thunder Battle Passes Important For F2P Games
The battle pass system is not necessary in paid single-player titles.

While explaining the importance of battle passes, Bulannikov stated:

Battle Passes are a good system that allows both paying and non-paying users to get new content regularly by playing the game. This system usually works well and is well received by the players of free-to-play games.

– Vyacheslav Bulannikov

He explained that free-to-play models, like the one in War Thunder, allow developers to offer large, content-packed experiences for a wide range of players. Most players enjoy the game for free while still supporting the community.

However, he also pointed out that not all games are suited for the free-to-play model. Games like Counter-Strike, Fortnite, and Genshin Impact use different approaches that fit their specific audiences, showing there’s no single solution for all.

Battle pass systems have been successful in many free-to-play titles. They usually offer rewards like skins, in-game currency, and exclusive content.

For example, War Thunder’s “Skilled Marksman” battle pass gives players free premium vehicles for completing missions, while paying players get extra perks like more vehicles and other bonuses.

Free-to-play made huge content-rich and widely popular titles like War Thunder possible. The majority of our players do not pay anything but still enjoy the game and are an important part of our community.

– Vyacheslav Bulannikov

However, things can go very wrong for developers if the battle pass system isn’t implemented correctly. We saw how the new battle pass change hurt Apex Legends’ reputation, with players flooding reviews and marking the game as “overwhelmingly negative.”

War Thunder Battle Passes
Battle passes have become a cornerstone of the free-to-play model as they support developer’s financial sustainability.

The appeal of battle passes comes from their dual purpose. They offer a fair and rewarding experience for free players, keeping them engaged long-term, while also helping developers earn steady revenue through premium tiers.

This balance is key to maintaining the quality of live-service games. Bulannikov stressed that this system supports ongoing development, helping F2P games stay competitive in a crowded market.

Players generally accept battle passes in free-to-play multiplayer titles. When developers add this system to paid single-player games, it’s rightly seen as greedy and exploitative.

Do you think battle passes are necessary in F2P titles? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or join the conversation on the Tech4Gamers forum.