Daily Archives: December 3, 2024

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

GG XDefiant – Ubisoft will sunsets its biggest foray on team PvP First Person Shooter

Ubisoft has announced the sunset of XDefiant, its ambitious first-person shooter, starting today, December 3, 2024. This decision comes as a surprise to many fans, especially since the game had only recently launched in full.

Starting today, new downloads, player registrations, and purchases will no longer be available. However, Ubisoft has assured players that Season 3 will still be released as planned. The servers will remain active, and the game will be fully playable until June 3, 20252. During this period, existing players will continue to have access to all game features, including progression, events, rewards, and achievements.

For those who have invested in the game, Ubisoft is offering full refunds to players who purchased the Ultimate Founders Pack and those who bought digital currency or Season Passes since November 3, 2024. Refunds will be processed by the storefronts where the purchases were made and may take up to 8 weeks.

Executive Producer Mark Rubin expressed his gratitude to the community for their support and dedication.

We understand that this news may come as a disappointment, and we deeply appreciate the time and passion you have invested in our community.

While the sunset of XDefiant is undoubtedly a letdown for many fans, Ubisoft’s commitment to releasing Season 3 and providing refunds shows their effort to support the game’s player base during this transition.

The Journey of XDefiant: From Announcement to Sunset

XDefiant, Ubisoft’s ambitious first-person shooter, has had quite a journey since its announcement in July 2021. Initially known as Tom Clancy’s XDefiant, the game aimed to bring together characters from various Ubisoft franchises in a fast-paced, team-based multiplayer experience.

The development process began with a closed Insider test in North America in 2021, followed by a second test in February 2023. A closed beta test took place in April 2023, and an open session was held in June 2023, allowing players to experience the game and provide feedback. Despite the excitement and positive reception, the game faced several delays due to inconsistencies in the game experience.

XDefiant officially launched on May 21, 2024, and quickly gained popularity, reaching 1 million unique players within two and a half hours. The game’s success continued, with over 3 million unique players and around 300,000 concurrent players within 48 hours. However, despite the strong start, Ubisoft struggled to maintain player interest in the highly competitive free-to-play FPS market.

In a surprising announcement, Ubisoft revealed the decision to sunset XDefiant starting December 3, 2024. The game will remain playable until June 3, 2025, with Season 3 still set to be released3. Ubisoft cited the difficulty in attracting and retaining enough players to justify further investment as the primary reason for the decision.

The sunset of XDefiant has led to the closure of Ubisoft’s San Francisco and Osaka studios, with many employees transitioning to other roles within the company. Despite the challenges, the development team’s passion and dedication to the project have been widely recognized.

As the gaming community reflects on the journey of XDefiant, it serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties in the gaming industry. While the game’s sunset is a disappointment for many fans, it also highlights the importance of player engagement and the competitive nature of the market.

Games, Gaming, News, PC, Xbox

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: PC Specs Revealed

Bethesda and MachineGames have unveiled the PC specifications required to run the highly anticipated game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Set to release on December 8, 2024, the game promises to take players on an exciting adventure with the iconic archaeologist, Indiana Jones.

To run Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, your PC will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7 @ 3.3GHz or better, AMD Ryzen 5 @ 3.1GHz or better
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB, AMD Radeon RX 6600 8 GB, or Intel Arc A580
  • Storage: 120 GB

These specs indicate that the game is designed to be accessible to a wide range of players, without requiring top-tier hardware. The inclusion of mid-range GPUs like the RTX 2060 SUPER and RX 6600 means that many gamers will be able to enjoy the game without needing to invest in the latest high-end graphics cards.

In addition to the standard requirements, the game will support DLSS 3.5 for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs, offering enhanced visuals and performance through ray reconstruction. AMD users can look forward to FSR 3.0 support, although specific details on its implementation have yet to be confirmed.

For those whose PCs may not meet the requirements, Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW will provide alternative ways to play the game without needing to upgrade hardware.

Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Intel hasn’t called Game Over with Arc GPU business and Arc Battlemage Series enters the fray

Intel has officially announced its latest Arc Battlemage graphics cards, the B580 and B570, aimed at bringing high performance to budget-conscious gamers. These GPUs are designed to compete with mid-range offerings from Nvidia and AMD, offering impressive specs at competitive prices.

The Arc B580 will be available starting December 13, 2024, priced at $249. It features 12GB of VRAM, a clock speed of 2.67 GHz, and a power draw of 190W. The B580 is designed to deliver best-in-class performance-per-dollar, targeting 1440p gaming with support for Intel’s XeSS 2 upscaling technology.

Following closely, the Arc B570 will launch on January 16, 2025, with a price tag of $219. It comes with 10GB of VRAM, a clock speed of 2.5 GHz, and a power draw of 150W. Like its higher-end counterpart, the B570 also supports XeSS 2, promising enhanced performance and visual quality.

Intel’s new GPUs are built on the Xe2 architecture, which brings significant improvements in performance and efficiency. The B580 and B570 are expected to outperform their predecessors, the A750 and A770, by around 24% on average across a range of games.

With features like ray tracing and frame generation, these GPUs are set to offer a compelling option for gamers looking to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank.

The gaming community has been eagerly awaiting Intel’s entry into the GPU market, and the Battlemage series seems to be a promising step forward. With competitive pricing and strong performance, the Arc B580 and B570 could shake up the mid-range GPU market and provide more options for gamers.

Games, Gaming, News

Marvel Rivals Unleashes Wolverine, Black Widow, and More in Latest Trailer

Marvel Rivals, the highly anticipated hero shooter from NetEase, has just released a new trailer that reveals an incredible lineup of characters for its launch. With only a few days to go before its official release, the game is generating a lot of excitement among fans.

The latest trailer showcases Wolverine, Black Widow, Cloak & Dagger, Iron Fist, and the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl as part of the initial roster. These characters join an already impressive lineup that includes Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and many more. The game promises to bring the Marvel multiverse to life with its diverse cast of heroes and villains.

Marvel Rivals is a competitive multiplayer title where teams of six players battle it out in various Marvel-inspired locations. The game features dynamic environmental destruction and unique team-up abilities, making each match a thrilling experience. Players can expect fast-paced action and strategic gameplay as they fight to control payloads and capture points across different worlds.

One of the standout characters in the trailer is Black Widow, whose gameplay has been compared to Overwatch’s Widowmaker. Black Widow’s sniper skills and defensive abilities make her a formidable opponent on the battlefield3. Wolverine, with his adamantium claws and healing factor, brings a brutal melee combat style to the game.

Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 6, 2024, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). The game will be free-to-play, with a microtransaction model and battle pass system for additional content.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Playstation

Sony wants to trigger nostalgia with previous Playstation boot loading screens on PS5

In celebration of Playstation’s 30th anniversary, Sony has released a special update for the PS5 that brings back nostalgic elements from previous console generations. For a limited time, PS5 owners can now customize their console’s design and boot-up sequence to reflect their favorite Playstation eras.

The update includes the iconic PS1 boot-up screen, complete with the classic white flash and startup sounds that many gamers fondly remember. Additionally, players can choose from themes based on the PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, and a special 30th-anniversary theme. Each theme not only changes the visual style of the home screen but also incorporates the unique sound effects from the respective console generations.

“This update is our way of saying thank you to our fans for three decades of incredible memories and experiences,” said a Sony representative. “We hope it brings back some great nostalgia and allows players to relive those cherished moments.”

The limited-time nature of this update has created a sense of urgency among fans, who are eager to experience these retro features before they disappear. Sony has also launched a 30th-anniversary sale on the Playstation Store, offering discounts on games from all generations, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

While some fans have expressed a desire for more permanent customization options, many are appreciating this temporary nod to the past.

As the gaming community continues to celebrate this milestone, it’s clear that Sony’s efforts to honor its history are resonating with players. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newer player, this update offers a unique way to connect with the rich history of Playstation.

Update New Firmware for PS5

Sony announced the entrance of version 24.08-10.40.00 for Playstation 5 consoles and the changelog includes:

We’ve improved the process of transferring data from another PS5 and enhanced stability when transferring large amounts of data, such as captures.

We’ve improved the messages and usability on some screens.

Gaming, News, PC, Technology

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Resigns: What It Means for the Tech and Gaming Industry

In a surprising turn of events, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has announced his resignation after a tumultuous three-year tenure. The news has sent shockwaves through the tech and gaming communities, raising questions about the future direction of the company and its impact on the industry.

Gelsinger, who took over as CEO in February 2021, embarked on an ambitious plan to restore Intel’s dominance in the semiconductor market. His efforts included significant investments in manufacturing capacity and a push to expand Intel’s foundry business. However, despite these efforts, Intel’s stock has plunged 61% during his tenure, and the company has faced numerous challenges, including layoffs and financial setbacks.

From a gaming perspective, Gelsinger’s resignation is particularly concerning. Intel’s chips are a crucial component in gaming hardware, and any instability at the company could have ripple effects on the gaming industry. Gamers are already wary of the increasing costs of hardware and the potential for supply chain issues, and Gelsinger’s departure adds another layer of uncertainty.

The gaming community has also been critical of Intel’s recent decisions, such as calling their newest business GPU, Intel Arc brand, as a “failed experiment” when they were actually welcomed in their initial phase and after a few updates with more games’ support This move has further strained the relationship between Intel and its gaming audience along with the Core gen 13 & 14 technical failures that affected many PCs during 2024.

As Intel searches for a new leader, the company has appointed interim co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus. The gaming community will be watching closely to see how the new leadership navigates these challenges and whether they can restore confidence in Intel’s commitment to both the tech and gaming industries.

Games, Gaming, PC

GOG Steps Up to Preserve Warcraft 1 and 2 Amidst Blizzard’s Delisting

In a bold move to ensure the longevity of classic games, GOG has announced its commitment to preserving Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II despite Blizzard’s surprising and UNFORTUNATE decision to delist them from its storefront.

This decision comes just a month after Blizzard released remastered versions of these iconic games on its Battle.net marketplace.

Starting December 13, 2024, the original Warcraft games will no longer be available for purchase on GOG. However, GOG has reassured its customers that the games will remain accessible to those who have already purchased them.

This is part of GOG’s newly launched Preservation Program, which aims to keep classic games compatible with modern systems indefinitely.

We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done on Warcraft I and Warcraft II, bringing them back to life after decades of unavailability.

Through our efforts, we’ve introduced several new features to both titles, including multiplayer support over LAN and enhanced graphical options like antialiasing and anisotropic filtering.

-GOG via their official blog.

The company has introduced several enhancements to the games, including multiplayer support over LAN and improved graphical options like antialiasing and anisotropic filtering.

GOG’s Preservation Program ensures that even if a game is delisted, it will continue to receive updates and tech support to maintain compatibility with future systems. This means that fans of the original Warcraft games can rest easy knowing they will still be able to enjoy these classics without any issues.

We want to reveal a new feature to our recently announced Preservation Program. Once a game joins the Program, we pledge to maintain its compatibility even if it gets delisted from the store.

This means that owners of those titles can still expect a seamless experience and tech support for those titles. This also considers potential changes in Windows OS that may impact games’ playability.

For those who haven’t yet snagged the Warcraft I & II Bundle, GOG is offering a discount code MakeWarcraftLiveForever to knock $2 off the regular price of $14.99. This is a fantastic opportunity to own these timeless classics DRM-free and ensure they remain playable for years to come.

I want to personally add that this move by Blizzard Entertainment is as anti-consumer AF as it gets. It’s emblematic of the entire Activision Blizzard mindset where profit is prioritized over genuine gaming experiences and preservation efforts. It’s frustrating to see companies deploying tactics like “compromised” FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as a convenient marketing ploy rather than addressing the needs and concerns of the gaming community.

This begs the question: why are gamers increasingly skeptical about remasters and remakes? It’s because these efforts often come at the expense of the original versions, eroding the authentic experiences that the gaming community cherishes. Companies should realize that preserving the source material while introducing new versions shows respect for the legacy of these games and the loyalty of their players.

From my part… I was looking for the physical version as part of my retro gaming spending for next year, but if my discount purchase allows me to both contribute and spite Blizzard at the same time, I’m all game!

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Triangle Strategy Temporarily Delisted from Nintendo eShop: What We Know So Far

In a surprising move, Square Enix’s critically acclaimed tactical RPG, Triangle Strategy, has been temporarily delisted from the Nintendo eShop. The game, which has garnered praise for its engaging turn-based combat and epic storyline, is no longer available for purchase on the platform.

However, Square Enix has assured players who have already purchased the game that they can still download and play it at their leisure.

The sudden removal has left many fans puzzled, as no official reason has been provided by Square Enix. The publisher simply stated that the game is “temporarily unavailable” and that they are working on resolving the issue.

This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident earlier this year when Octopath Traveler was temporarily delisted from the eShop before returning with a change in publisher from Nintendo to Square Enix.

Speculation is rife among the gaming community about the reasons behind the delisting. Some believe it could be related to licensing issues or a potential move to bring Triangle Strategy to other platforms such as PS5 and Xbox.

This theory is supported by Square Enix’s recent efforts to expand its games to a wider audience.

While the gaming community eagerly awaits more information, Square Enix has promised to provide updates as soon as the game is available for purchase again. In the meantime, fans can still enjoy Triangle Strategy on Steam, where it is currently on sale.

UPDATE (1/06/2025):

Square Enix announced that Triangle Strategy was back on the Nintendo eShop, but did not entered into details on why it was needed the temporarily delisting.

It is still strongly suggested that a change of publisher ahead of more ports coming this year as the main quite reason.