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Palworld Player Count Shot Up By 700% Following Recent Update

Story Highlight
  • Palworld has been the biggest title of 2024, but it recently lost most of its players.
  • Following an update, the title is going through a huge resurgence, with player counts up by 700%.
  • The update added lots of content, revitalizing interest in the game.

Palworld has been one of the biggest titles of 2024, but the game’s huge player count was short-lived as developers struggled to maintain it. By April, player counts were down by a whopping 97%.

However, a new update was launched recently, introducing a new island called Sakurajima, along with more Pals, enemies, and items. This update has revitalized player interest, resulting in a huge increase in the player count on Steam.

Why it matters: Content is crucial for games like Palworld to maintain their player base over time. Regular updates and new content keep players engaged and invested in the experience, ensuring longevity and success in the community.

Palworld Steam Player Count Up By More Than 100,000 Players – SteamDB

Palworld had been maintaining a player count between 20,000 to 30,000 since May, but following the recent update, it has now surpassed 140,000 concurrent players.

Though this is nowhere near the all-time peak, it marks a 700% uplift in concurrent players. Palworld still boasts the second-highest peak achieved by any Steam release due to its figure of 2.1 million concurrent players.

Pocket Pair, the developer behind this release, has announced plans to introduce an arena mode later this year, allowing players to battle each other, which has been an eagerly anticipated feature.

Following this update, we can anticipate another significant increase in player counts, provided everything goes smoothly. Moving forward, Pocket Pair needs to maintain regular content updates to capitalize on the game’s potential.

Palworld
Palworld Is The Perfect Replacement For Pokemon

Perhaps a title like Helldivers 2 needs a similar update due to its declining popularity. As for Palworld, Pocket Pair may be bringing the title to PS5 soon. This would mark another huge resurgence, highlighting that the game is far from forgotten.

Latest Updates

Unfortunately, the studio may not be able to do much for Nintendo fans since Pocket Pair seems to have determined that the Switch is incapable of running Palworld.

Still, the Sakurajima content update has been quite a hit so far. The studio should concentrate all efforts on making similar expansions in the future to maximize the current interest from audiences worldwide.

You Should Play Elden Ring Convergence Mod After The DLC

Story Highlight
  • Elden Ring is already so massive that it offers hundreds of hours of content along with infinite replay value.
  • However, fans looking for more content should try out The Convergence mod.
  • The mod features new places, bosses, weapons, spells, and much more content, which makes it worth exploring.

Elden Ring is known for its vast open world and replayability. If you want to do every side quest and ending, then it will take you hundreds of hours to complete the game.

Following the launch of the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has added even more quality content. However, fans are bound to get bored eventually, and this is where mods come in. I recommend trying The Convergence Mod if you crave more Elden Ring.

Why it matters: FromSoftware’s titles have an active modding scene. Previous mods like Dark Souls Archthrones were also worth playing.

A Totally Different Experience 

New-Places
The Convergence Mod Has Introduced Some New Places In-Game

The Convergence mod is still built on Elden Ring, but there is just so much more to do that enhances your experience. There are tons of new bosses, classes, weapons, spells, and other things.

There are a whopping 27 new classes, which is nothing but insane. Every class will have its own spawn location and progression in the game. This may seem crazy on its own, but there’s more, and it only gets better.

First off, let me ask you something. When you fought the Draconic Tree Sentinal for the first time, did you think that he had very cool attacks in phase 2? I did, and I honestly wanted to wield his weapon to try it out for myself.

Unfortunately, this weapon wasn’t nearly as great as it seemed during the boss fight. It had the Endure Ash of War, which didn’t make sense at all, at least to me. That said, after obtaining this weapon in the mod, you actually use those moves, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

I Can’t Stop Playing It

New Spells and Weapons
There Are Hundreds of New Spells and Weapons In The Convergence Mod

I have no shame in saying that I have played The Convergence Mod for days on end; it’s just that good. I would even go as far as to call myself obsessed due to how much content is in this mod.

I don’t typically like spells in Souls games, but the ones that are available here are so broken that it’s fun to try them. There are hundreds of new spells that you can get for each class, which forced me to use them, and I don’t regret it.

Another new addition I liked was that after killing an Erdtree Avatar, you can travel to any place in The Lands Between, which certainly saves a lot of time. Also, before you decide to play the mod, note that the bosses are tankier now, and they don’t drop more runes.

So, you will have to struggle a bit more. While you will have a massive arsenal, it is still Elden Ring, which, of course, means it is still punishing in nature. There are tons more weapons, and I am trying to use every single one.

The same goes for spells, as they are extremely good. Ire of the Dragon God instantly became my favorite spell as it is exactly the nuke spell Placidusax uses. Who doesn’t like the good old Placi?

More Bosses = More Fun

New-Boss
Seera, Blade of the Ancients, Instantly Became My Favorite New Boss In The Game

As I mentioned before, the mod has more bosses, which adds to the fun. When I first played the mod, there weren’t that many new bosses, but Seera, Blade of the Ancients, immediately became my favorite one. 

You might remember the Lion Guardian enemy in the base game, which drops a somber stone and some other items. For me, it was a unique enemy in-game, and Seera had some uncanny similarities to it.

The boss design was similar to the moveset. However, the moveset was expanded, and the boss was given lightning damage, which made the fight more fun. Also, Gideon is no longer Gideon, but that boss has been replaced with Skrade, Crucible’s Betrayer, which, of course, is more annoying.

Latest Updates

There are many more new enemies and bosses who will provide a memorable experience, so make sure to try the mod out.

This mod also lets you play as Malenia, not literally, but you can make a build and dominate The Lands Between with rot. So, I guess many of the tarnished are going to cosplay as Malenia.

Elden Ring Loses Its Challenge If You Use Bleed And Frost Builds

Story Highlight
  • Elden Ring is arguably one of the hardest games in the industry. 
  • However, some builds make this title extremely easy.
  • Bleed and Frost are insanely broken and effectively serve as easy mode.

Elden Ring has introduced many new fans to the Souls genre due to its groundbreaking success. Its open world offers an extreme level of freedom, which you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

This is the main reason behind its spectacular success, but anything FromSoftware makes is bound to be tough. Elden Ring is no exception, with many claiming that the experience is unfairly difficult.

However, there’s a secret easy mode in the game. If you’re fed up, rely on bleed and frost builds.

Why it matters: FromSoftware never asks players to finish its titles in a certain way. Therefore, such builds can be quite useful for certain players.

Extreme Dominance With Bleed Build

Rivers-of-Blood
A Bleed Build With Rivers of Blood As A Weapon Makes Most Bosses Super Easy | Image By Tech4Gamers

If you think Elden Ring is too hard and want to quit, then do yourself a favor and try out a few bleed builds. Reduvia can be obtained super early in the game, so you can fight Margit, The Fell Omen with this weapon.

Make sure to upgrade it to at least +4 before the boss battle, and you’ll quickly realize how it shreds through bosses. Almost all of the bosses can be bled out, so try it out once.

I have used this strategy against all the main bosses, and it is definitely worth using. For starters, make sure to get the Alexandar Jar Shard. However, later on, you must get the Lord of Blood Exultation and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia.

While you are at it, get Varre’s Mask, too, for additional bleed damage. This will make the whole game a joke. You might have a bit of trouble fighting bosses like Radagon and Elden Beast, but other than that, just spam L2, and boom, the boss is dead.

bleed builds are so broken in elden ring ng+
byu/darthmetri inEldenring

 

As I have used this build, I have a tip for you. Whenever there is a large opening to attack a boss, make sure you are near them and press L2. This will build up bleeding from the Ash of War and the dagger.

Later on, you can try out different weapons, such as Rivers of Blood and Eleonora’s Poleblade.

Is Frost As Op As Bleed?

Dark-Moon-Greatsword-Elden-Ring
Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring is Extremely Broken | Image Credits: Tech4Gamers

For a simple answer, yes. However, I wish it was this simple, as this build is a little complicated. To get a good frost weapon, you will have to get a little stronger and progress through a quest line.

However, there are some good alternatives, like the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War. You can apply this Ash of War to your desired weapon and spam L2 on bosses. Also, for more damage, you can use a torch to attack the boss and reset the Frost.

I have used many builds, and Frost builds still surprise me, as the DPS(damage per second) is just insane. After you have completed Ranni’s questline, do yourself a favor and try out the Dark Moon Greatsword.

This is my favorite weapon, and it makes quick work of most foes without much effort. The sword’s Ash of War coats the weapon in Magic, which deals great magic damage as well as poise damage and also procs frost.

The frost usually occurs after three hits and deals massive damage. You don’t need to use a torch to reset the frost, as the damage output is already so good. Another frost weapon I would recommend to you is Death’s Poker.

This weapon is a cheat code, as its Ash of War dominates bosses. While it deals frost damage, it also deals black flame damage, so there are two different types of damages that are dealt here.

Frost And Bleed At The Same Time

Hybrid-Build
Using A Bleed Weapon Along With A Frost Weapon Is Another Way of Breaking The Game | Image by Tech4Gamers

If you want to make an even crazier build, you can go for a hybrid build between frost and bleed. Simply get two Uchigatanas, where one uses Sepukku and the other has Chilling Mist.

You would have to get a little creative with the talismans and armor, but other than that, it is pretty simple. This build is another example of how you can play Elden Ring in easy mode. 

Latest Updates

I agree that playing the game normally isn’t that easy, and it can be frustrating. However, Elden Ring is the epitome of freedom, and this freedom ties into build variety. I recommend trying such builds to make the experience less frustrating.

Sifu Is Extremely Underrated And Deserves Your Attention

Story Highlight
  • Sifu is one of the few games that lets you enjoy some good hand-to-hand combat. 
  • It was released in the same month as Elden Ring, resulting in it being overshadowed.
  • It deserves another chance today since it offers a very unique combat system.

I have played tons of video games from different genres, but there haven’t been that many that fulfilled my hand-to-hand combat cravings. I am not talking about fighting games like Tekken, Street Fighter, or Mortal Kombat, but the likes of Judgement, Yakuza, and Godhand.

Having played these titles, I was still craving precise hand-to-hand combat, and that’s when I got my hands on Sifu. This was one exciting experience, and everyone needs to try it.

This game was released in 2022 when everyone was busy with Game of the Year winner Elden Ring, which is probably why it got overshadowed. I was in a similar boat, but I found Sifu extremely underrated after playing it recently.

Why it matters: Very few games can match Sifu’s hand-to-hand combat since it focuses on pure martial arts to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Sifu-Underrated
Sifu Is Criminally Underrated

The Hand-To-Hand Combat

First, let me clarify something. Only play Sifu if you like difficult games, as you have to master the combat. I know some people don’t want to go through the trouble of learning the combat mechanics and prefer just mashing buttons.

However, learning the mechanics has many benefits here. If you have played Sekiro and mastered the excellent yet unforgiving combat, then you know exactly what I am talking about. The game starts out quite limited, giving the option to parry and perform light or heavy attacks.

These end up being the basics of gameplay, but there are some strings and combos that you need to learn for certain takedowns. As a whole, the combat feels satisfying since each hit is fast and fluid.

Sifu is quite linear in nature, but learning the combat is the whole point. You can also pick up things like a baseball bat to beat up opponents. Even the environment plays a role in combat, with different takedowns and animations depending on your position.

Speaking of animations, Sifu excels here. It captures the essence of martial arts with spectacularly animated attacks, each punch and kick being as crunchy and smooth as one would expect.

The combat is just too much fun, and I can never get enough of it. The hand-to-hand brawling alone makes the game worth playing, so I highly recommend everyone try it out.

Hand-To-Hand-Combat
Barely Anything Comes To Close To This Hand-To-Hand Combat System

Stellar Boss Fights And Visual Style

I have lost count of how many playthroughs I have done of Sifu. One key strength that stands out here is the quality of the boss battles. Every boss fight in this game is memorable.

My favorite bosses are Kuroki and, of course, Yang. The latter has proven to be my favorite due to his never-ending combos. The long combo strings make parrying him immensely satisfying, and once you master this fight, it can be over very quickly.

I think Kuroki can be a little difficult to master, as her weapon does chip damage if not perfectly parried. However, fighting her can be just as satisfying due to her varied combo strings.

While Sifu does not have much going on in terms of visuals, it excels in simplicity. The character models are simple, and the environments even more so. However, this simplicity adds to the experience.

Dim alleys, neon-lit clubs, varied architectures, and more keep the aesthetic interesting at all times.

Art-Style
I Never Get Tired of The Art Style In Sifu

You Die, You Get Old 

Normally, you respawn at a checkpoint when you die, right? In some cases, you would have to play the game from the start. However, Sifu is different. You can only die as many as 10 times in a row before the run ends.

This is because of the unique aging mechanic. With each death, your character grows older, his appearance and gameplay changing. Once you reach the age of 70, dying will restart your playthrough. That said, you will not lose any permanently unlocked skills or items, which is a relief.

Latest Updates

You start at 20, so going to 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 will cause you to lose charms on your pendant. Other than that, you won’t be able to unlock certain skills if you die too many times. 

This is definitely a unique feature, adding another layer of excitement to the experience and making it more enjoyable. Sifu has a ton going for it, and it’s a shame that so many missed out.

If you enjoy martial arts and hand-to-hand combat like me, I suggest giving Sifu a shot.

The Decline of Stealth Games Has Been Sad To See

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  • Stealth gaming, once thriving with classics like Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell, barely has a presence anymore.
  • Modern games have now started to incorporate stealth into action-adventure games, taking away the satisfaction of pure stealth fun.
  • The newer Assassin’s Creed releases exemplify this shift, emphasizing combat over stealth missions.

Ah, the nostalgia of those nights, sitting in the dim glow, fingers tight around the controller as I carefully planned my every move. The rush of beating the AI at its own game, slipping past guards undetected, the thrill of a flawlessly executed stealth takedown – these were the defining moments of high-quality stealth gaming. But where did those games disappear to?

In 2024, it seems like stealth gaming is barely hanging on, a mere ghost of its former self. The genre that once had timeless hits like Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, and Dishonored now struggles to keep up.

Looking back at where it started and where it’s at now, I can’t help but ask: what went wrong with this once-loved genre of gaming?

Why it matters: With Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake possibly coming next year, there is still hope for the genre.

The Golden Era of Stealth Gaming

Dishonored 3
The popularity of open-world titles has played a role in the decline of the stealth genre.

The stealth genre really took off with Metal Gear Solid in 1998. Hideo Kojima’s series introduced us to an approach that emphasized avoiding enemies rather than fighting them head-on.

This set the stage for other classics like Hitman, Splinter Cell, and Dishonored. Back then, the stealth genre was all about planning and patience. I loved the challenge of outsmarting enemies and sneaking through levels without getting caught.

Titles like Splinter Cell and Hitman: Silent Assassin became iconic examples of the genre, each offering its own spin on stealth gameplay that hooked me. The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a resurgence of dedicated stealth games.

Dishonored offered players a choice between stealth and action, harkening back to the genre’s roots. Games like Alien: Isolation and Outlast revived stealth gaming by showing how sneaking around and staying hidden is crucial for staying alive.

The Decline in Popularity

 

The decline of the stealth genre can be traced back to several factors. One big problem is that many games today sacrifice stealth for more action-packed scenes.

Even titles labelled as “stealth” often turn into loud shootouts soon after starting. The emphasis has shifted from sneaky strategies to just charging in and shooting, with stealth almost forgotten.

Look at the newer Assassin’s Creed games. They’ve kept some stealth features but really push players towards fighting and flashy kills. The satisfaction of blending in and quietly taking out targets has been swapped for chaotic fights and action.

Fortunately, it seems Ubisoft is more interested in stealth this year.

What happened to stealth games, which were once abundant?
byu/learner1314 inpcgaming

The new generation demands high-octane, action-packed video games, and publishers realize that.

They don’t have the patience to plan the stealth executions anymore carefully. I think one of the saddest things about the genre fading away is the scarcity of pure stealth games. In 2024, there are hardly any titles solely focused on sneaking around.

Interestingly, while releases in the genre are becoming rarer, stealth elements are showing up in other genres. Many big-budget titles now mix in stealth to add variety. Games like Far Cry and Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain let players pick between fighting head-on or sneaking around, twisting stealth into the broader gameplay.

But even with these changes, the pure stealth experience—where avoiding detection is everything—has lost some of its shine. The thrill of quietly navigating levels without getting caught has taken a backseat to faster, more high-octane gaming.

Indie Stealth Games Saving the Genre

Assassin's Creed Games Strayed Away From Stealth Gaming
While some modern games offer stealth options, they rarely feel essential to the overall experience.

While big-budget AAA games have moved away from pure stealth, indie developers have fully embraced and revamped the genre. Without the same commercial pressures, these developers have curated experiences that stay true to the genre’s essence.

I enjoyed playing titles like Mark of the Ninja and Aragami. They have my respect for keeping the genre alive and staying true to the stealth mechanics and gameplay. There’s also one indie game called Winter Embers, which heavily takes inspiration from Thief.

Latest Updates

Many indie games often delve into new settings and ideas, bringing fresh perspectives to stealth gaming not seen in mainstream titles. With their boundary-pushing approach, indie developers show that there’s still a dedicated audience hungry for stealth adventures.

So, is stealth gaming dead? Not quite. It may be on life support, but there’s still a glimmer of hope. Hideo Kojima has hinted at a new IP based on stealth-based espionage gameplay. 

Moreover, Ubisoft is working on Splinter Cell Remake, which may have a few interesting ideas of its own.

Bright Memory: Infinite Is Thrilling And Leaves You Wanting More

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  • Bright Memory: Infinite is a fun indie game that you can finish in one sitting.
  • It’s a visual masterpiece, blending advanced tech with ancient Chinese themes. It’s like playing a blockbuster action movie.
  • It may have its flaws, but the potential is there for something truly amazing in the future.

I know I’m a little late to the party, but I have to say Bright Memory: Infinite blew my mind. After playing the original Bright Memory, which I found through Steam Recommendations, I had high hopes for the next installment.

Honestly, when it comes to first-person shooters, the industry is saturated with titles that often feel more like recycled content than creative experiences. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a prime example of that. However, Bright Memory: Infinite offers a refreshing detour from the norm.

Created by a solo developer, this game offers an exciting journey. After playing this high-octane adventure for hours, I can say that Bright Memory: Infinite is an enjoyable ride, though with a few minor caveats.

Why it matters: Many indie titles deserve more exposure, and Bright Memory: Infinite is one of them, though it’s not without flaws.

A Visual Feast For The Eyes

Bright Memory: Infinite Visuals
The game utilizes the power of Unreal Engine and delivers breathtaking visuals | Image via Tech4Gamers

Bright Memory: Infinite blew my mind with its fascinating visuals. As soon as I started playing, I was treated to stunning landscapes, detailed characters, and amazing special effects.

I was also able to run the game smoothly at over 60 frames per second with ray-tracing. The game boasts graphics that blend advanced technology with mythical themes. Its art style blends elements of rural China with futuristic sci-fi, creating a unique world.

The attention to detail in the environments, along with the smooth animations, makes every moment feel like a scene from a blockbuster action movie. The combat sequences are just as impressive, featuring smooth sequences and dynamic effects.

Whether I was unleashing gunfire from high-tech weapons or pulling off dodges, the action was always visually captivating and thrilling.

Bright Memory Infinite
Bright Memory: Infinite is a visually stunning action game that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Fast-Paced Gameplay With Fun Combat

A distinct feature of the game is its highly responsive movement system. I could slide, dodge, and leap around the battlefield effortlessly, making the combat fast-paced and exciting.

Using psychokinetic attacks added to the thrill as enemies were spectacularly blown apart. This level of control made each encounter challenging yet extremely satisfying. The gameplay also offers a decent level of depth.

Its mix of gunplay and melee combat is thrilling. I could easily switch between shooting enemies and cutting them down with a sword, adding a dynamic element to the combat.

The sword is more than a secondary weapon; it can deflect bullets, juggle enemies in the air, and perform powerful finishing moves, similar to Devil May Cry. This mix of combat styles kept the gameplay fresh and fun, and it encouraged me to try different attack combinations for each encounter.

The boss fights, in particular, were a little challenging but worthwhile.

Bright Memory: Infinite Boss Fights
The character design is fantastic here. | Image via Tech4Gamers

The Only Problem? It Ends Too Soon

Bright Memory: Infinite has its flaws despite its strengths. The game is very short – it took me about 2 hours to finish the main story and an extra 4 hours for 100% completion.

This short length can be both good and bad. It’s good because the action stays exciting and never gets old. It’s bad because I am left wanting more of it. The story is also a bit disjointed.

The narrative follows Shelia, a skilled agent investigating a mysterious threat to the world. Though the premise is intriguing, the story feels rushed and underdeveloped, leaving many plot points unexplained and characters lacking depth.

The game’s short length makes this worse, ending just as the story gets interesting. It feels more like a series of action scenes rather than a complete narrative journey. I don’t think there’s much replay value here, either.

Short but Sweet
The story is thin and underdeveloped, but hey, who needs a plot when you’re having this much fun?

Final Thoughts

Despite its shortcomings in the story department, Bright Memory: Infinite is an undeniably impressive achievement, especially considering it was made by a solo developer.

There have been no new announcements regarding the release of a new Bright Memory entry for now. However, the studio announced that they are working on a larger-scale project based on Unreal Engine 5, so I’ll keep my eye on it.

Latest Updates

I can only hope FYQD Studio keeps building on this, maybe giving us a bigger sequel that fixes this installment’s issues. Till then, if you’re looking for a short but sweet adrenaline rush, Bright Memory: Infinite is worth checking out.

EA No Longer Understands The True Essence of Battlefield

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  • EA’s vision for Battlefield conflicts with what fans are asking for.
  • The publisher’s focus on innovation over tradition and its seeming disregard for player feedback remain significant concerns.
  • EA must learn from past mistakes and listen to player feedback.

The Battlefield series has long been a favorite of mine, mainly due to its intense, large-scale battles. However, recent releases like Battlefield 2042 have disappointed me and many others, leaving me disillusioned.

Despite EA and DICE promising improvements, it appears they still haven’t quite understood what players really want. The next Battlefield title is set for a major release, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson announcing it will involve the largest development team ever.

Moreover, the next entry will feature heavy live service elements.

Why it matters: Battlefield, a once popular franchise that went toe-to-toe with Call of Duty, has become a shadow of its former self.

The Disconnect

BF 2042
Battlefield 2042 was launched in a disastrous state with an unimaginable number of bugs.

A major problem is the clear gap between what EA believes players want and what they actually desire. Recent announcements from EA suggest they plan to “reimagine” the series with a “connected ecosystem” and focus on live service features.

However, this shift is seen by many as straying from the core Battlefield experience that fans cherish. The release of Battlefield 2042 was troubled by technical problems, missing important features, and decisions that confused longtime fans.

Here’s a ridiculous thing: according to a report, DICE hired over a hundred content creators just to ignore their advice. Despite several improvement patches and content updates, the game never fully regained favor among players.

On forums and social media, players expressed frustration and urged a return to the fundamentals that made earlier entries beloved: reliable gunplay, well-crafted maps, and a strong emphasis on team strategy.

One prime example of EA not listening to what fans want from the franchise is literally the current state of Battlefield 2042. When the game finally received praise following the improvement patches, the publisher announced they would cut support.

 Why Live Service?

Live Service Games
Live service has become a popular trend for publishers to chase.

As I mentioned earlier, the next entry will also implement “tremendous” live service elements. I have mixed feelings about the move to a live service model, which focuses on battle passes and seasonal updates.

While it keeps the game fresh with new content, there’s concern that it detracts from the core gameplay. Battlefield has been criticized for becoming overly focused on grinding for cosmetic rewards, sometimes overshadowing the gameplay experience itself.

Battlefield 2042 made a significant mistake by ditching the traditional class system in favor of a hero-based approach like Rainbow Six Siege. To rebuild player confidence, EA must assure players that the next release will return to its roots, focusing on squad-based gameplay and ensuring a stable launch.

Instead of focusing on live service elements, EA needs to address the core gameplay issues. I’m not seeking another Fortnite or Apex Legends; I crave the authentic Battlefield experience centered on gameplay and massive battles.

EA Continues To Ignore Player Feedback

Battlefield 2042
EA will discontinue support for Battlefield 2042 soon.

EA’s disconnect is evident in its seeming disregard for player feedback.

The Battlefield community has clearly expressed what it wants: a focus on the series’ original strengths, like the solid multiplayer modes in Battlefield 1, a well-developed single-player campaign, and less experimentation that distracts from the core experience.

I just need a normal Battlefield, for crying out loud. I can’t comprehend how EA can be so bad at designing something so obvious and straightforward. However, the company’s strategy consistently leans towards innovation while sacrificing tradition.

One positive thing? According to recent findings, campaign mode is expected to make a return.

What I Want From The Next Battlefield Game

Battlefield 5
EA has a chance to redeem the franchise.

EA needs to take a hard look at what made this series successful. Go back to the fundamentals: reliable gunplay, solid core mechanics, and large-scale maps. Battlefield shines brightest when it offers a stage for massive, team-based warfare.

The disastrous release in 2021 should be a lesson learned. Thoroughly polishing the game before launch and conducting extensive beta testing could have prevented many of the technical issues that affected DICE’s last outing with the franchise.

A good single-player campaign can offer a compelling story and attract longtime fans. Battlefield has had mixed results with its campaigns in the past, but they present an opportunity to tell war tales that complement the multiplayer action.

I mean, that’s half the reason why Call of Duty is still popular.

Latest Updates

The series is up against tough competition, and it must concentrate on its strengths. Despite the challenges, some fans remain hopeful. With the expertise of various studios, there’s a chance to bring back the IP’s former greatness. I just hope EA doesn’t mess up again.

Fans Told Konami It Killed Metal Gear Solid When Asked For Feedback

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  • Konami has revisited Metal Gear Solid after leaving it dormant for a long time.
  • It recently shared fan feedback in a recent broadcast, and some fans were unhappy with the developer.
  • They made harsh comments, stating that Konami killed Metal Gear Solid and that it should give up on the upcoming remake.

In recent years, Konami has decided to revisit its old Metal Gear Solid titles, and many people are thrilled to see the franchise being revived. However, some fans have been unhappy with how the series has been handled over the years.

This sentiment was evident during a recent broadcast from Konami, where the publisher shared information about its promising title, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and addressed fan feedback.

While there was a lot of positive feedback, the studio also faced harsh criticism.

Why it matters: The Metal Gear Solid franchise was left dormant for a long time, so it’s understandable that fans would feel disappointed after seeing their favorite series fade away without any new entries.

Some fans expressed dissatisfaction, stating that Konami had ‘killed’ the series. Fans also suggested the studio should give up on the new title.

Some other negative comments pointed out that Konami couldn’t handle a remaster properly and that gameplay-affecting bugs should have been fixed before release. This criticism, while negative, is more constructive in nature.

The fan feedback was 65% neutral, 24% positive, and 11% negative. Although this feedback might have been difficult for the team to accept, they did a commendable job of understanding and addressing their fans’ frustrations.

We’re truly grateful for all the kind words. But on the other hand, the fans that were watching have a lot of different feelings about the series, which we understand.

-Noriaki Okamura

Okamura acknowledged that the feedback was tough, but he didn’t blame the fans for sharing their honest opinions. He assured them that Konami was listening to the feedback and taking them seriously.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake
Metal Gear Solid 3’s Remake Was Announced Last Year

The studio needs to take these criticisms seriously since Metal Gear Solid is one of gaming’s biggest IPs. The publisher needs to avoid making errors, especially since they can lead to regrets later on, similar to the falling out with Hideo Kojima.

Latest Updates

The recently released Master Collection Vol. 1 included multiple games from the franchise but was not well received by fans, further deepening the disappointment.

The remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 is set to arrive sometime next year, so the publisher still has time to take fan feedback into account. Konami may even consider working on Metal Gear Solid 6 if this experiment ends up being a major success.

Elden Ring DLC Hate Over Difficulty Was Completely Undeserved

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  • Shadow of the Erdtree has been criticized by many due to its extreme difficulty.
  • FromSoftware making a DLC way harder than the base game is nothing new.
  • Players criticizing the game should stop obsessing over the difficulty and try to get better.

Shadow of the Erdtree instantly became controversial after release. Many players joined the hype train and found it too hard to enjoy. Some players who previously cheesed the base game found the early areas of the DLC way too punishing.

This led to outrage, and such players left negative reviews on Steam. Due to that, Shadow of the Erdtree received a mixed reception. I have played the DLC and have already fought the last boss.

Having played the new expansion for over 30 hours, I think it getting review-bombed is completely unjustified.

Why it matters: FromSoftware games are known for being hard, so negatively reviewing a game from a developer that makes challenging titles doesn’t really make sense.

The Dancing Lion
The DLC Has Proven To Be Extremely Hard For Many Players | Image Source: Tech4Gamers

The FromSoftware Pattern

I have played nearly every game FromSoftware has ever released, and this developer is known for extremely challenging releases. Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Sekiro, every game was tough.

The DLCs released for these games are all extremely hard. While Sekiro didn’t really receive a DLC, it did get some mods that were more challenging. Other titles, like Bloodborne and each Dark Souls release, received DLCs that were way harder than the base content.

Reflecting on past games, you can see the FromSoftware pattern. With each new release comes a greater challenge, and something similar happened with Elden Ring. The game was by no means easy.

For me, it was the most difficult of all Soulsborne titles. Therefore, it received an even more challenging DLC, which is exactly what I expected. However, the expansion exceeded my expectations.

The new bosses, weapons, and everything else have been incredibly exciting. This level of difficulty was obvious, so I don’t know why people are surprised.

Mesmer
FromSoftware Cranked Up The Difficulty To Maximum With This DLC | Image Source: Tech4Gamers

The Hypocrisy

Each release by FromSoftware was considered hard, and there is no doubt about it. However, things changed a little when Elden Ring was released. Many considered the game easy, mainly because of the many broken weapons and summons.

To balance things out, FromSoftware added many unique buffs for players. It added summons like Mimic Tear that could help you beat the bosses easily. However, many players said that FromSoftware made the game too easy.

Meanwhile, if you played it without summons, you probably found it harder than the previous FromSoftware offerings. Many players used broken builds and summons, and now they are having a hard time in the DLC since the scaling is quite different.

60 points in vigor won’t save you from getting two-shotted. If everyone managed to beat Elden Ring and had enough courtesy to call it easy, why are those fans outraged with the DLC now?

Didn’t they want the game to be harder? It is now way harder, so they should be able to enjoy it. Elden Ring sold 25 million copies, so it was bound to attract millions of new players.

Many of them are unfamiliar with FromSoftware, and this has been the result. Perhaps the biggest shame about the situation is that not enough people talk about everything Shadow of the Erdtree does well.

new areas
The Only Way To Beat The DLC Is To Get Better At It | Image Source: Tech4Gamers

Shadow of the Erdtree Is Great

Learning the boss’ pattern and besting them in combat has always been the way to play Soulsborne games.

If you think the DLC is too hard, there’s no shame in using summons to beat the bosses. Even Miyazaki has admitted that he tends to use everything at his disposal to overcome such challenges.

However, what’s most important is to enjoy everything that FromSoftware has done with this DLC. There’s a reason Shadow of the Erdtree is now rated higher than The Witcher 3’s DLCs.

The map is so densely populated that Limgrave seems barren by comparison. The bosses have a new sense of scale, and the lore has become even more interesting after this expansion.

There’s a lot to like about Shadow of the Erdtree, but this pointless discourse has captured everyone’s attention.

Latest Updates

If you’re struggling with the DLC, use the Scadutree Fragments to make your life easier, but please appreciate everything that FromSoftware is offering here.

No other developer packs this much content into a DLC, so ignoring everything positive for just the difficulty is pointless. It’s time to move on and accept Shadow of the Erdtree for what it is.

More Modern Games Should Offer Split-Screen Support

Story Highlight
  • Split-screen is a highly valuable gaming feature, yet not many support it.
  • The feature promotes social interactions, allowing players to experience real-time interactions and strategies together.
  • Moreover, it lowers the barrier to gaming, making it more accessible worldwide.

Split-screen has been one of the most valuable additions to gaming, allowing multiple people to play on a single screen and system as if they were on separate devices at the cost of lower resolution and sometimes reduced performance.

The lowered barrier to entry without requiring multiple systems is a fantastic benefit. However, this feature appears to be underrated, and many developers often overlook its potential.

I believe split-screen is an incredible feature that more titles should support.

Why it matters: Local multiplayer gameplay provides a unique experience that single-player or online gameplay cannot replicate. This is why demand for its return has increased recently after its absence became more evident.

The Downfall of Split-screen Gaming

Fortnite Split Screen
Fortnite Initially Launched With Split Screen, Which Was Sacked Due To Performance Issues

Split-screen gameplay can be transformative in many ways since it fosters face-to-face interactions. It allows players to share real-time strategies, something that is often missing in online gameplay.

Nostalgia also plays a significant role in split-screen gameplay for gamers worldwide, including myself. However, there are several reasons why more developers are not focusing on this feature.

One major factor is that split-screen gameplay requires more power, as the game is essentially running twice on the same system. However, modern consoles and PCs are more than capable of handling this task.

Even if hardware limitations arise, one potential solution could involve sacrificing graphical fidelity to ensure smooth split-screen gameplay. Implementing this, however, may require additional development time, which could be an offset for developers.

Furthermore, there’s a growing trend in the industry moving toward profits rather than prioritizing customer satisfaction. Local multiplayer gameplay could potentially work against developers by allowing multiple players to share a single copy of a game and device.

Online gameplay became the final nail in the coffin for local multiplayer, with nearly everyone having access to the internet and separate consoles.

Split-Screen Gaming Is Still Incredible

It Takes Two
It Takes Two Has Sold Over 16 Million Units Worldwide

I played Call of Duty Advanced Warfare and Ghosts a lot back in the day, and even though they were criticized as weaker Call of Duty entries, some of my most memorable moments in those games came from playing local multiplayer with friends and family.

I would also like to point out games, such as It Takes Two and A Way Out, that have gained massive popularity despite exclusively offering split-screen gameplay. It Takes Two even won Game of the Year in 2021, making a strong case for focusing on such gameplay elements.

Furthermore, Fortnite has also introduced split-screen support, which has been highly appreciated. Despite the impact on frame rates, it remains a cherished feature among players.

Stray Co-op Mod
A Stray Mod Lets You Play The Game In Local Co-Op With Up To 3 Players

Similarly, huge hits like last year’s Game of the Year, Baldur’s Gate 3, support split-screen multiplayer. Such examples show that this feature still has plenty of potential when developers utilize it properly.

Some modders have even implemented split-screen options themselves because developers ignore this feature. Stray is a great example of such an incident.

Latest Updates

Considering the positive experiences and community support for local multiplayer, I strongly advocate that more games adopt this feature. Ultimately, however, the decision lies with developers and their assessment of this feature’s value to their games.

If it does not benefit them to their liking, they will not bother with such a feature, so we can only hope for a return to the good old days of local multiplayer gaming.

Xbox Cannot Afford To Lose For The Third Console Generation In A Row

Story Highlight
  • Microsoft has failed to find its footing in the industry after its success with the Xbox 360.
  • The Xbox One proved to be a huge failure, and the Series S|X seem to be following suit.
  • Microsoft’s recent decisions indicate that its console business may cease to exist if things don’t change.

Microsoft entered the console market over two decades ago. As a fresh competitor that brought experience from the software side, it showed plenty of promise. However, it’s no secret that Xbox has always been one step behind the rest.

This was not the case with the Xbox 360, but one victory out of four attempts is hardly something to write home about. Meanwhile, PlayStation and Nintendo have constantly gone back and forth after recovering from major losses.

Until recently, Microsoft lacked a solid first-party lineup. However, even with the current slate of games at its disposal, the gaming giant is now going third-party. In my opinion, the Xbox brand can’t afford to take another hit.

Why it matters: Xbox seems to be at a point of no return, and Microsoft has shown little interest in reviving its hardware business. At this point, the gaming giant may have just one more hardware release left for the fans.

Xbox Has Already Lost Twice In A Row

Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 Had Many Great Exclusive Titles

Let’s reflect on recent console generations from Nintendo and PlayStation. In the former’s case, the Wii U was the biggest letdown. For PlayStation, the PS3 became its biggest setback and remains an example of Sony’s hubris.

In both cases, there’s a common trend. Both gaming giants had just seen massive success in their previous generations. This highlights that one failure after a huge success is far from rare in the industry.

However, what’s also common here is that both PlayStation and Nintendo managed to bounce back in spectacular fashion. The Switch has sold millions of units today, and the PS4 is still going strong.

The same cannot be said for Xbox. After it dominated the industry with the Xbox 360, Microsoft made a few mistakes in 2013. Over a decade later, it seems the gaming giant still lives in the shadow of that misstep.

The Xbox Series S|X, while very powerful, are on track to perform even worse than the Xbox One. Reflect on history, and you’ll think of games like Fable, Gears of War, Forza Horizon, Halo 3, and a lot more in Xbox’s lineup.

This solid lineup helped Microsoft’s biggest console reach 84 million sales, which was no small feat. The same spark has been missing in the gaming business currently, even though things are looking better after the recent showcase.

This Generation Has Not Lived Up To Its Potential

Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S Has Become The Subject Of Criticisms From Developers

The Xbox Series S|X have not turned out anywhere near as great as anticipated. For starters, the budget Xbox Series S has failed to live up to its potential, becoming well known for holding various games back.

On the other end, the Xbox Series X is falling behind the competition. Not only the PS5 but this generation of Microsoft hardware is currently tracking behind the Xbox One, which should be a clear indication of things going very wrong.

Recent first-party titles like Redfall have not been that great, and Starfield has not been the biggest hit Xbox wanted. Moreover, the gaming giant has shut down talented teams like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks.

Halo Infinite has also turned out to be yet another disappointment. For all the promises Microsoft made in 2020, barely any of them have been fulfilled four years into the generation.

Xbox is clearly no longer cut out for the hardware market, making another potential loss a huge deal.

Xbox’s Future In The Market

Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X Remains The World’s Most Powerful Console Today

Not too long ago, Peter Moore hinted that Xbox may eventually leave the hardware market. However, as Matt Booty puts it, the gaming giant is finally beginning to hit its stride. This may be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Following its latest showcase, Xbox finally has a major first-party lineup. This is great, but the gaming giant is giving people even fewer reasons to buy its hardware.

Latest Updates

Big games like Doom: The Dark Ages are coming to the PS5, and even more titles are planned to go multiplatform. At this point, what does Xbox do that PlayStation or Nintendo can’t?

The only good thing that happened to Xbox over the last few years was Game Pass, and since its growth has also stalled, I see no way for Microsoft to grow console sales. The industry needs more competition, and I don’t want to see Xbox becoming similar to a publisher like Sega in the future. However, if the next Xbox console fails, this is inevitable. 

ASRock Set A Whopping 17 Overclocking Records At Computex 2024

[Press Release] Computex 2024 marked an exciting event for PC enthusiasts, various manufacturers, and gaming fans. While several companies debuted new products at Computex, others flexed their technical expertise and demonstrated skills like overclocking.

ASrock World Records
ASRock Outdid Itself At Computex

ASRock stayed at the forefront of G.Skill’s OC World Record Stage and demonstrated its superior technology. While participating in the competition, ASRock managed to set multiple world records.

It also boasted 5 Global First Place and 12 Hardware First Place positions. All in all, the company was more than successful. Following this victory, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of overclocking even further.

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