Daily Archives: May 27, 2025

Business, Games, Gaming, News

There’s life with WRC gaming after surprising dismissal of Electronic Arts

WRC has officially announced that NACON will be the new publisher for its video games starting in 2027. This agreement grants NACON exclusive rights to develop and publish official WRC games and eSports competitions for PC and consoles for six seasons, running through 2032.

As part of this partnership, NACON will begin developing an entirely new WRC game series, aiming to deliver an immersive experience that accurately reflects the championship and meets the expectations of both rally enthusiasts and new players. The games will feature official rallies, vehicles, teams, drivers, and sponsors, marking a complete reboot of the franchise with a fresh vision.

Alain Falc, CEO of NACON, expressed excitement about renewing the collaboration, stating that the company has gained solid expertise in translating rallying into a video game experience through its previous work with WRC between 2015 and 2023. FIA World Rally Championship’s Chief Marketing Officer, Arne Dirks, also praised NACON’s vision for the franchise and its ability to deliver great rally games.

The agreement covers the development and publishing of the official WRC games and eSports competitions, granting NACON exclusive rights for PC and consoles for six seasons, from 2027 through 2032.

As part of this strategic partnership, NACON will begin development of an all-new WRC game series, aiming to deliver an immersive experience that faithfully reflects the reality of the championship and meets the expectations of both rally enthusiasts and new players. The games will feature the official rallies, vehicles, teams, drivers, and sponsors among the many anticipated content elements. This project represents a complete reboot of the franchise, based on an entirely fresh vision, and marks an ambitious new chapter in the brand’s development.

“We are thrilled to renew our collaboration with WRC Promoter. This iconic license provides an exceptional playground to build a highly refined driving experience that lives up to the expectations of rally fans,” said Alain Falc, CEO of NACON. “Between 2015 and 2023, we had the opportunity to work closely with the championship’s official teams and many drivers, allowing us to gain solid and unique expertise in translating rallying into a video game experience. This new venture marks a major milestone: a fully reimagined project driven by a passionate and specialized team, with a clear ambition to elevate rally games to new heights.”

“After a comprehensive evaluation, we are delighted to have reached an agreement with NACON,” expressed FIA World Rally Championship’s Chief Marketing Officer Arne Dirks. “Their vision for the franchise stands out, and their expertise in delivering great rally games is unquestioned. We look forward to breaking new ground together in this collaboration, to truly turn the WRC games into epic adventures and offer gaming experiences beyond rally as we know it today.”

This announcement signals a major shift for WRC games, as NACON takes over from Codemasters, which previously held the license. The new direction promises to elevate rally gaming to new heights, offering players an experience beyond traditional rally simulations.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

It is a ‘Finishing’ time for Mortal Kombat 1?

For Mortal Kombat fans, the journey through the brutal and cinematic world of Mortal Kombat 1 has been an exciting ride. However, NetherRealm Studios has officially confirmed that the Definitive Edition marks the end of new content support for the game. While balance patches and technical fixes will continue, players should not expect additional DLC characters or story expansions moving forward.

A Shorter Lifespan Than Expected

Mortal Kombat 1 launched with high expectations, introducing a fresh timeline and new character dynamics. Despite selling 5 million copies globally, it did not reach the commercial heights of its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11, which surpassed 15 million units. The decision to end content support comes one year and eight months after the game’s release—significantly shorter than the two years and three months of support given to Mortal Kombat 11.

The last major content update for Mortal Kombat 1 arrived in March 2025, introducing the T-1000 as a guest character. Shortly after, NetherRealm released the Definitive Edition, bundling all previous DLC, including the Khaos Reigns expansion, Kombat Packs, and additional skins. This move signaled the end of active development, much like the studio’s approach to Mortal Kombat 11 in July 2021.

Fans have expressed mixed emotions about the announcement. Some feel disappointed, especially after Ed Boon’s assurances in September 2024 that NetherRealm remained committed to long-term support. The abrupt shift has led to debates within the community, with many revisiting Boon’s earlier statements and questioning the studio’s direction.

What’s Next for NetherRealm?

With Mortal Kombat 1 now considered content complete, NetherRealm Studios is shifting focus to its next project. While the studio has not officially revealed its next game, speculation is rampant. Many believe Injustice 3 could be in development, following NetherRealm’s alternating pattern between Mortal Kombat and Injustice titles. Warner Bros. Discovery has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Mortal Kombat franchise, ensuring that the brand remains a priority in gaming and entertainment.

The Legacy of Mortal Kombat 1

Despite its shorter-than-expected lifespan, Mortal Kombat 1 introduced 34 playable fighters and 21 Kameo Fighters, along with a revamped timeline that reimagined character relationships. While the competitive scene saw some struggles, including lower registration numbers at Evo 2024 and Evo 2025, the game still carved out a unique place in the franchise’s history.

As NetherRealm Studios moves forward, fans eagerly await news of the next big project. Whether it’s Injustice 3, a direct Mortal Kombat sequel, or an entirely new IP, the studio’s next move will undoubtedly shape the future of fighting games.

eSport, Events, Gaming, News

LA Thieves close the last Major Call Of Duty League tournament with a second win in a row

The LA Thieves have once again proven their dominance in the Call of Duty League (CDL), securing victory at the final Major IV of the 2025 season at DreamHack Dallas. This win cements their place as the top seed heading into the CDL Championship Weekend, set to take place in Kitchener, Canada next month.

The journey to the championship was anything but easy. Early in the tournament, the Miami Heretics sent the Thieves into the lower bracket, setting the stage for an intense comeback. The Thieves fought their way back, eliminating Toronto Ultra and OpTic Texas, before getting their revenge against Miami in a decisive 3-0 victory.

In the Grand Finals, the Thieves faced off against Atlanta FaZe, a team known for its resilience and skill. The match was a rollercoaster, with the Thieves taking an early 2-0 lead, only for FaZe to mount a comeback and even the series at 2-2. However, the Thieves regained control, dominating the final two maps to secure a 4-2 series win.

Key Moments & Rivalries

One of the most talked-about moments of the tournament was the heated rivalry between Scrap and SupeR, two of the most outspoken players in the CDL. Their intense exchanges throughout the event added an extra layer of drama, culminating in a fiery showdown when the Thieves eliminated Miami.

Looking Ahead to CDL Champs

With this victory, the LA Thieves enter Championship Weekend with 540 CDL Points, ahead of second-place Atlanta FaZe with 505 points. The top eight teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize, and given the Thieves’ momentum, they are undoubtedly the favorites heading into the final showdown.

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

HCS Dallas Open: OpTic Gaming’s second win in a row for the HCS Opens at 2025

The Halo Championship Series (HCS) continues to be a battleground for the best Halo players in the world, and the HCS Dallas Open was no exception. OpTic Gaming emerged victorious, solidifying their dominance in the competitive Halo scene. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing strategic gameplay, precise shooting, and unmatched teamwork.

OpTic Gaming’s Victory at HCS Dallas Open

OpTic Gaming’s journey to the top was marked by intense matches against formidable opponents. Their ability to adapt to different playstyles and execute flawless strategies set them apart. Some key highlights from their performance include:

  • Clutch Plays: OpTic Gaming’s players delivered incredible moments, turning the tide of matches with well-timed power weapon grabs and coordinated team pushes.
  • Strategic Map Control: Their ability to dominate key areas of the map ensured they maintained control over objectives and dictated the pace of the game.
  • Individual Brilliance: Players like Lucid and Trippy showcased their mechanical skills, landing crucial kills and making game-changing plays.

Basically, the tournament was a comfortable one for OpTic Gaming as they beat Shopify Rebellion and TSM without a single map loss and FaZe Clan where the ones to beat in the grand final.

With a successful force of a reset after scoring of 4-1 and a laser-focus gameplay, they manage to have a perfect 4-0 after reset and nailing the HCS Open Dallas 2025 Trophy.

Next stop for HCS is HCS Major Salt Lake City 2025 at August 1st’s weekend and preceded respectively by HCS Open & Qualifier between Jun and July

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News

Here’s how the weekend of Combo Breaker 2025 went

Combo Breaker 2025 has wrapped up, and what a spectacle it was! Held from May 23 to May 25 in Schaumburg, Illinois, this year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of the beloved fighting game tournament. With 24 games featured, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the competition was fierce, and the surprises were plenty.

Major Tournament Results & Highlights

Street Fighter 6

  • Champion: Leshar (Ed, Mai, Terry) – Dominated the tournament, securing a 3-2 victory over Itabashi Zangief in the grand finals.
  • Runner-up: Itabashi Zangief (Zangief) – A veteran of the scene, fought hard but couldn’t overcome Leshar’s relentless offense.
  • Notable Moments: Blaz vs. DualKevin was a nail-biter, and Bonchan struggled against Leshar, proving how strong Ed has become in competitive play.

Tekken 8

  • Champion: Mulgold (Claudio) – Earned 560 points toward the Tekken World Cup after defeating ATIF and Knee in a thrilling final.
  • Runner-up: ATIF – Showed incredible skill but fell short against Mulgold’s calculated gameplay.
  • Big Reveal: Armor King was announced as the next Season 2 DLC character, alongside a July 10 release date for Fahkumram.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

  • Champion: GO1 – Won 12 straight rounds, proving his mastery across multiple fighting games.
  • Runner-up: Reynald – A legendary SNK player, but couldn’t stop GO1’s momentum.
  • Esports Debut: This was the first major tournament for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and it did not disappoint.

Mortal Kombat 1

  • Champion: SonicFox (Cyrax) – Finally broke their losing streak at Combo Breaker.
  • Notable Matches: Rewind vs. VideoGamezYo was a highlight, featuring fast-paced attacks and Kameo switches.
  • DLC Characters in Action: Homelander and T-1000 made appearances in the Top 8, adding an unexpected twist to the competition.

Other Major Tournament Results & Highlights

Guilty Gear Strive

  • Champion: UMISHO (Happy Chaos) – Secured victory with a 3-1 comeback in grand finals.
  • Runner-up: Jack (Sol Badguy) – Showed incredible skill but couldn’t hold off UMISHO’s relentless zoning.
  • Notable Moment: UMISHO’s win earned her a spot at the 2025/26 ARC World Tour Finals.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

  • Champion: Xerom (Charlotta) – Dominated the finals with a clean sweep.
  • Runner-up: Zane – Struggled against Charlotta’s aggressive playstyle.
  • Esports Impact: This win secured Xerom a spot at the 2025/26 ARC World Tour Finals.

Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes]

  • Champion: BigBlack – Defended his title with a 3-1 reset victory.
  • Runner-up: Knotts – Put up a strong fight but couldn’t stop BigBlack’s momentum.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Champion: ATATA – 3-1 victory.
  • Runner-up: Ikan.

Exciting Announcements

  • Tekken 8 DLC: Armor King joins the roster in Season 2, with Fahkumram arriving on July 10.
  • Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: Andy Bogard was revealed as a playable character.
  • Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Galleon was confirmed as the next DLC character, with a showcase happening right after the event.
  • Guilty Gear Strive: Unika was revealed as a new playable character, with a gameplay trailer shown during the event

Combo Breaker 2025 was a thrilling celebration of fighting games, packed with intense matches, shocking upsets, and exciting reveals. Whether you’re a hardcore competitor or a casual fan, this year’s event had something for everyone. With new DLC characters, legendary players, and unforgettable moments, Combo Breaker continues to be a cornerstone of the fighting game community.