Category Archives: Breaking

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Season 5 will be the “good-bye” from MultiVersus

Depending on how you see it, this will come either a surprise or something to be on the expectations and is that WB Games confirmed that MultiVersus servers will be shutdown on May 30, 2025, officializing Season 5 as the final public season.

This decision marks the end of an era for a game that brought together beloved characters from various Warner Bros. franchises in an exciting crossover brawler, at least in online mode that is.

Honestly, MultiVersus started with a lot of promise. Its open beta period saw a surge in popularity, with fans eagerly anticipating its official launch4. However, despite the initial excitement, the game struggled to maintain its player base. The official launch in May 2024 was met with mixed reviews, and the game’s performance fell short of expectations.

Warner Bros. Discovery reported significant financial losses due to underperforming releases, including MultiVersus. The game’s disappointing performance led to a $100 million writedown, contributing to a total of $300 million in losses for the company’s games sector.

This financial strain played a major role in the decision to discontinue support for MultiVersus.

Season 5, which begins on February 4, 2025, will be the game’s last content update. The season will introduce two new playable characters, Aquaman and Lola Bunny, adding a final burst of excitement for fans. Players will have the opportunity to unlock these characters through gameplay, with Aquaman available via the battle pass and Lola Bunny as a daily login reward.

After May 30, 2025, MultiVersus will no longer be playable online. However, players will still be able to enjoy the game offline via local gameplay mode, either solo against AI opponents or with up to three friends1. To access this mode, players must log in during Season 5 to create a local save file.

Additionally, the game will be delisted from digital storefronts such as the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

We have an important update to share regarding MultiVersus. After careful consideration, our next Season will serve as the final seasonal content update for the game. MultiVersus Season 5 will begin on February 4, 2025, and run through May 30, 2025, adding two new playable characters to the roster – DC’s Aquaman and Looney Tunes’ Lola Bunny. All new Season 5 content, including Aquaman and Lola Bunny, will be earnable through gameplay. Both new characters will be accessible when Season 5 begins on February 4 at 9 a.m. PST – Aquaman via the Battle Pass as the first tier reward and Lola as the daily calendar login reward.​

All online features will continue to be available until Season 5 concludes on May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. At that point, there will be an option to play MultiVersusoffline via the local gameplay mode, either solo against A.I. opponents or with up to three friends. To do this, you’ll need to install/download the latest version of the game and log in during Season 5, any time between February 4 at 9 a.m. PST and May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. After logging in, a local save file will be automatically created connected to your PlayStation Network, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store account, allowing you to enjoy the game offline with all earned and purchased content moving forward.​

As of today, January 31, real money transactions will no longer be available for MultiVersus, which means you can no longer purchase Gleamium, but you can still use remaining Gleamium or character tokens to access in-game content until Season 5 ends on May 30 at 9 a.m. PST. Additionally, when Season 5 finishes, the game will no longer be available to download via the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Epic Games Store.​

Most importantly, we want to thank every player and person who has ever played or supported MultiVersus. All of us on the Player First Games and Warner Bros. Games teams have poured our heart and soul into this game. We will be forever grateful for the incredible support of the MultiVersus community throughout this journey.​

We hope that you all enjoy the final Season of MultiVersus. For more information, please visit our Season 5 FAQ or follow our social/community channels. ​

–The MultiVersus Team​

While it’s sad to see MultiVersus come to an end, its journey has been a testament to the power of community and collaboration. The game may have faced challenges, but it brought joy to many fans and created memorable experiences, despite WB Games’ mismanagement.

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

The Video Game History Foundation launches its public digital library

As previously announced back on January 24th, 2025, The Video Game History Foundation has launched the public release of its digital library. This digital library is the result of years of meticulous collecting, cataloging, and digitizing video game history materials.

The library will feature a vast array of materials, including promotional artwork, game development materials, press kits, and over 1,500 out-of-print video game magazines. These magazines will be fully text-searchable, making it easier for researchers and enthusiasts to explore the history of video games.

The digital library will be accessible to the public, allowing anyone to explore its collections from anywhere in the world. This is a significant step forward in making video game history more accessible and preserving it for future generations.

Starting today, the public can access the digital library through the VGHF’s website. The foundation encourages donations to support its ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate video game history.

A highlight for the current collections are:

  • Searchable directories and maps from the first 12 years of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
  • An impressive extensive international collection of FromSoftware promotional materials, which was collected by citizen archivist Kris Urquhart and actually FromSoftware donating content.
  • 100 CDs of art and press releases from the classic GamePro magazine.
  • Over 100 hours of footage from the production of the Myst series, including never-before-seen interviews with the Cyan team.
  • The Mark Flitman papers or set of documents collected over the course of Flitman’s career at video game publishers like Konami, Acclaim, Atari, and more.

For those who doesn’t know (and should know), The Video Game History Foundation was founded in 2017 by game preservationist and historian Frank Cifaldi, with the mission to preserve, celebrate, and teach the history of video games. The foundation relies on donations to build its archives and has been working tirelessly to make these resources accessible to the public.

Recently, the VGHF has been vocal about its criticism of the US Copyright Office’s refusal to grant an exemption that would allow researchers to remotely access out-of-print video games. Despite this setback, the foundation has continued its efforts to make video game history more accessible.

Here is the link: https://archive.gamehistory.org/

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

The Division 2 newest expansion Battle For Brooklyn delayed yet again

Ubisoft recently confirmed the delay of the highly anticipated expansion for The Division 2, titled Battle For Brooklyn. Initially scheduled for release in February 2025, the expansion has now been postponed to June 2025. This marks the third delay for the Brooklyn DLC, with the developers citing the need for extra time to refine the content and ensure it meets their high standards.

The announcement of Battle For Brooklyn came during Ubisoft’s annual gaming event, where the developers showcased a teaser trailer for the expansion.

The trailer highlighted the gritty urban setting of Brooklyn, with stunning visuals of the iconic borough’s landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the bustling streets of Williamsburg. The teaser also hinted at new factions, powerful enemies, and a gripping narrative that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

The backstory of Battle For Brooklyn revolves around the struggle for control of the borough in the aftermath of a devastating event. Players will take on the role of Division agents tasked with restoring order and protecting the citizens of Brooklyn from various threats. The narrative will explore themes of resilience, community, and the fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

It is expected that Battle For Brooklyn introduces several new gameplay features that are sure to enhance the player experience. One of the most exciting additions is the new faction, The Brooklyn Resistance, which will provide players with unique missions and story arcs. The faction is led by a charismatic leader who has a deep connection to the borough and its history.

Players can also expect new weapons, gear, and abilities tailored to the urban environment of Brooklyn. The expansion will feature a variety of new weapons, including a series of high-tech gadgets and firearms designed specifically for the dense urban landscape. Additionally, new abilities will allow players to navigate the city more effectively, such as enhanced parkour moves and specialized combat skills.

The new release date for Battle For Brooklyn is expected to be sometime in June 2025, aligning with the game’s yearly cycle. The community’s reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing excitement and anticipation for the new content1. Ubisoft has promised that Battle For Brooklyn will be worth the wait, with its rich storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals.

The Division 2: Battle For Brooklyn is set to be a game-changer for the franchise, offering players a new and immersive experience in the heart of New York City. With its compelling storyline, new gameplay features, and vibrant setting, this expansion is sure to captivate both new and veteran players alike1. As we eagerly await its release, the anticipation continues to build, and the excitement among the community grows stronger by the day.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, PC

Dino Crisis 1 and 2 are back thanks to gaming preservation efforts of GOG

Exciting news for survival horror fans! Capcom’s beloved Dino Crisis series has made a triumphant return to PC via GOG. Both Dino Crisis 1 and Dino Crisis 2 are now available DRM-free, meaning no activation or online connection is required to play. This is a dream come true for fans who have been eagerly waiting for these classics to be revived.

The new versions of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 come with several enhancements to ensure they run smoothly on modern systems. These include:

  • Increased resolution support, with the first game offering near 4K resolution.
  • Modern control support, making it easier to play with contemporary controllers.
  • Improved rendering and sound, providing a more immersive experience.
  • Fixes for common issues, ensuring a more stable gameplay.
  • Localization options, allowing players to enjoy the game in their preferred language.

GOG Preservation Program

The release of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 is part of GOG’s Preservation Program, an initiative aimed at keeping older games accessible and playable on modern hardware. This program involves updating and enhancing classic games to ensure they remain compatible with new PC systems. By providing DRM-free versions, GOG ensures that these games can be played without the need for an online connection, addressing a common complaint among gamers.

Game preservation is becoming increasingly important as the industry moves forward. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer available, making initiatives like the Preservation Program crucial for keeping gaming history alive. By bringing back games like Dino Crisis, GOG not only honors the legacy of these titles but also provides new generations of gamers the opportunity to experience them.

Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 will have an introductory price of $9.99 each, but as in the case of Resident Evil first 3 games collection, a bundle that includes both games will be available for $16.99.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Rise of the Ronin highly anticipated PC version Set for March release

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have officially announced that their open-world action RPG, Rise of the Ronin, will be coming to PC on March 11th, 2025. Previously exclusive to PS5, this game immerses players in the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history, offering an open-world experience with a focus on combat and story-driven decisions.

The PC release will offer numerous enhancements to take full advantage of the hardware capabilities that many PC gamers have come to enjoy.

Here are some of the standout features:

  • 8K Resolution Support: The game will support stunningly detailed visuals to immerse you in the world of 19th-century Japan.
  • 120 Frames Per Second (FPS): For those with high-refresh-rate monitors, the game promises a buttery-smooth experience.
  • Ray Tracing Support: Immerse yourself in realistic lighting and shadows that elevate the visual fidelity of the game.
  • Ultra-wide and Super Ultra-wide Monitor Compatibility: Widen your field of view and take in more of the action with support for larger monitors.
  • 3D Audio Support: Experience the sounds of the Bakumatsu period with immersive 3D audio.
  • Customizable Controls: The PC version will feature customizable keyboard and mouse controls to suit your gaming style.
  • Support for Nvidia DLSS, AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution, and Intel XeSS: These technologies will help improve performance and visual quality even on older PC hardware.

Set during Japan’s rapid modernization and internal conflicts in 1863, you play as a ronin forging your destiny amidst political unrest and war. Your choices significantly impact the storyline, allowing multiple endings.

You can check the PC reveal trailer on Steam and get early purchase bonuses like extra combat styles and a unique katana and armor set.

Those who purchase the PC version of Rise of Ronin before April 2nd, 2025, will receive special bonuses. These include four unique combat styles and an extra katana and armor set3. The combat styles being offered are Aisu Kage-ryu for the katana, Hayabusa-ryu for the katana, Hayabusa-ryu for the naginata, and Nioh-ryu for the katana. The Iga Ninja armor set and katana are additional bonuses for those who jump on this exciting release early3.

Breaking, Featured, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

How gaming hardware performed in the past months?

The video game industry experienced a turbulent year in 2024, witnessing a significant decline in hardware sales. According to data from Circana, video game hardware sales in the U.S. dropped by 29% compared to the previous year. This blog post delves into the intricate details of this decline, examining the factors that contributed to this downward trend and what it might mean for the future of the gaming industry.

December 2024 U.S. Video Game Market Highlights from Circana – December 2024 projected U.S. consumer spending on video game hardware, content and accessories declined 8.9% when compared to a year ago, to $7.5B. Spending during the 2024 year fell 1.1% compared to 2023, to $58.7B.

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-01-23T14:03:20.587Z

A Year of Decline

In 2024, video game hardware sales fell from $1.55 billion in 2023 to $1.11 billion, marking a steep 29% decrease. Several factors contributed to this decline, most notably the lifecycle stage of current gaming consoles and consumer anticipation for upcoming innovations.

The Impact of PlayStation 5 Pro

November 2024 brought a glimmer of hope with the release of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) Pro. This release temporarily boosted hardware sales; however, the surge was short-lived. By December, hardware sales had plummeted again, reflecting a 25% year-over-year decrease. The initial excitement around the PS5 Pro was not enough to sustain sales momentum through the holiday season.

Platform-Specific Sales Trends

Each major gaming console experienced its own unique challenges and declines in 2024:

  • Nintendo Switch: As the Nintendo Switch approached the end of its lifecycle, its sales dropped by a staggering 38% in December 2024. The console, which enjoyed immense popularity since its release, now faced the inevitable slowdown as consumers anticipated a new generation of Nintendo consoles.
  • Xbox Series Consoles: Microsoft’s Xbox Series consoles also faced a significant decline, with a 38% decrease in year-over-year sales for December 2024. Despite price cuts and holiday promotions, the platform could not escape the overall downturn in the market.
  • PlayStation 5: The regular PS5 saw an 18% drop in sales year-over-year. Even though the PS5 Pro’s release provided a temporary boost, it was not enough to offset the decline in sales of the standard model.

The Best-Selling Console of 2024

Despite the overall decline in hardware sales, the PlayStation 5 emerged as the best-selling console for 2024 in terms of both hardware spending and unit sales. Sony’s efforts to revitalize its offering with the PS5 Pro contributed to this achievement, albeit the gains were not as substantial as hoped.

Accessory Sales Remain Steady

While hardware sales took a hit, accessory sales remained robust. Accessory sales in December 2024 mirrored those of the previous year, showing no significant year-over-year change. Overall, accessory sales in 2024 saw a 6% increase compared to 2023. The PlayStation Portal topped the charts as the best-selling accessory, while the DualSense Midnight Black controller recorded the highest unit sales.

Total Revenue Overview

December 2024’s total revenue for video game hardware and accessories was $4.85 billion, significantly lower than December 2023’s $6.45 billion. This drop further highlights the extensive impact of the decline in hardware sales on the gaming market.

The Insider Gaming article encourages readers to discuss these findings in their forums, providing a platform for gamers, analysts, and industry insiders to share their perspectives and insights. The discussions could offer a deeper understanding of the market dynamics and factors influencing these trends.

The steep decline in video game hardware sales in 2024 signifies a notable shift in the market. This trend may be driven by the lifecycle of current consoles, consumer fatigue, and anticipation for future technologies. Console manufacturers will likely need to adjust their strategies, possibly accelerating the development and release of next-generation systems to rekindle consumer interest and drive future sales.

The decline in video game hardware sales in 2024 poses significant challenges but also opens up opportunities for innovation and growth in the gaming industry. As we move forward, it will be crucial for manufacturers and developers to understand and adapt to these evolving market dynamics, ensuring that they stay ahead of consumer trends and technological advancements.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Xbox

Increased External Storage Support for Xbox coming soon

In a significant update for Xbox users, Microsoft has announced that Xbox consoles will soon support external USB drives larger than 16TB. This new feature is currently being tested with Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring and is expected to roll out to all users in the coming weeks.

Key Details of the Update:

  • Expanded Storage Capacity: Newly formatted drives larger than 16TB will be divided into multiple partitions, each appearing as a separate device on your console. This allows users to utilize all available space for games and apps1.
  • Reformatting Required: Drives larger than 16TB that have already been formatted will need to be reformatted to take advantage of the updated support.
  • No Upper Limit Specified: Microsoft has not yet specified an upper limit for storage devices, suggesting that the new partition method may allow for significantly larger storage capacities.
  • Xbox Series X|S Compatibility: While games optimized for Xbox Series X|S consoles still need to be installed on the console’s internal SSD or a matching Seagate or WD_Black Expansion Drive, external drives can be used to store game data and then moved onto the console’s SSD or an NVMe SSD expansion card.

Expand Your Xbox Storage with Support for Larger Drives

We are enabling support for external USB drives larger than 16TB, so you can be sure your favorite games are always ready to play! Newly formatted drives that are larger than 16TB will be formatted with multiple partitions to utilize all available space for games and apps. These will appear as multiple devices in the storage devices list.

Why This Matters:

With game install sizes steadily increasing over the years, this update is a welcome relief for gamers who have extensive libraries and need more storage space. It ensures that your favorite games are always ready to play without worrying about running out of space.

The feature is expected to be gradually released to wider testing groups before becoming available to all Xbox users, probably over the next couple of weeks. This means that soon, you’ll be able to connect even larger external hard drives to your Xbox console, providing virtually unlimited storage power.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Genshin Impact Settles FTC Case with $20 Million Fine

he popular open-world action RPG, Genshin Impact, has recently made headlines due to a significant settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The game’s developer, HoYoVerse, formerly known as Cognosphere, agreed to pay a hefty $20 million fine to settle allegations of violating children’s privacy laws and misleading players about the true costs of in-game purchases.

The FTC accused HoYoVerse of using dark-pattern tactics to deceive children, teens, and other players into spending large sums of money on loot boxes, which are virtual mystery boxes that can be purchased with real money or in-game currency. These loot boxes offer a chance to win rare in-game items, but the odds of obtaining these items were not clearly disclosed, leading to confusion and frustration among players3.

The settlement requires HoYoverse to implement several changes to its practices, including:

  • Parental Consent: HoYoVerse must obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13 and restrict in-game purchases for players under 16 without parental consent.
  • Clear Disclosure: The company must provide clear information about the odds of winning specific prizes and the real-world costs of purchasing loot boxes.
  • Data Deletion: HoYoverse is required to delete any personal information previously collected from children under 13 without parental consent.

In response to the settlement, HoYoVerse stated that while it believes many of the FTC’s allegations are inaccurate, it agreed to the settlement to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and trust with its community. The company also announced plans to introduce new age-gate and parental consent protections for children and young teens in the coming months5.

Of course, this settlement has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of in-game purchases and the responsibility of game developers to protect young players. Many gamers have expressed concerns about the predatory nature of loot boxes and the need for more stringent regulations to prevent similar issues in the future.

The Genshin Impact settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the gaming industry.

As the FTC continues to crack down on unfair and deceptive practices, it is likely that other game developers will face increased scrutiny and be required to make similar changes to protect their players.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Hollow Knight Silksong is alive despite long silence

The Hollow Knight Silksong community has been buzzing with excitement and speculation recently, thanks to a cryptic social media post by William Pellen, co-director at Team Cherry. Pellen changed his profile picture to a slice of chocolate cake and posted a mysterious message hinting at something big coming soon. This coincided with the announcement of Nintendo’s Switch 2, leading fans to believe that Silksong might be revealed at the event.

However, Matthew Griffin, Team Cherry’s Marketing and PR director, stepped in to clarify the situation. Griffin confirmed that the cake photo had no deeper meaning and wasn’t part of any alternate reality game (ARG). He reassured fans that Silksong is still in development, progressing well, and will eventually be released.

The excitement around the cake photo and the Switch 2 announcement highlights the passionate dedication of the Hollow Knight community, which has been eagerly awaiting Silksong since its announcement in 2019. Despite the long wait, Griffin’s update provides some much-needed reassurance that the game is still on track.

Silksong is being developed by a small team at Team Cherry, and they’ve been relatively quiet about its progress. This has led to increased speculation and rumors each year. While there’s no official release date yet, Griffin’s recent update confirms that the game is real and will eventually be released.

The game itself is highly anticipated, with fans looking forward to exploring new areas and facing new challenges as the Hornet, a character introduced in the original Hollow Knight. The development team has promised over 150 new enemies and a new difficulty setting called Silk Soul mode, which will change the game after the first playthrough.

Despite the lack of official news, the community remains hopeful that Silksong will make an appearance at the upcoming Nintendo Direct event for the Switch 2.

Until then, fans will continue to speculate and eagerly await any updates from Team Cherry.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

PlayStation Live Services future in question?

In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced the cancellation of two more live service games, one of which was a highly anticipated God of War title. The affected projects were being developed by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, two of Sony’s well-regarded studios.

As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment past CEO Jim Ryan’s legacy, one of his last main task was having Sony announcing an ambitious plans to launch over 10 new live service games by 2026.

However, the company’s recent decisions indicate a significant shift in strategy. The cancellations follow the mixed results of their live service experiments, with notable successes like Helldivers 2 and notable failures like Concord.

BREAKING: PlayStation has canceled two more live-service games, from subsidiaries Bend and Bluepoint, Bloomberg has learned.Fans have long wondered what Bluepoint has been working on for the last couple of years. I can report it was a live-service God of War game. www.bloomberg.com/news/article…

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) 2025-01-16T23:09:48.705Z

The two cancelled projects were part of a larger initiative to expand Sony’s portfolio of live service games. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, Bluepoint Games was working on a live service game set in the God of War universe. This news came as a shock to fans who had speculated about Bluepoint’s new projects since their well-received PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls.

Bend Studio, known for their work on Days Gone, was reportedly developing a new IP with multiplayer elements that built upon the open-world systems of their previous game. Unfortunately, neither project will see the light of day.

In response to the cancellations, a Sony spokesperson emphasized that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games would be closed down. The company is working closely with both studios to determine their next steps. Sony’s CEO Hermen Hulst had previously indicated a renewed focus on single-player games, which seems to align with the recent cancellations.

Needless to say that the cancellations have raised concerns among PlayStation fans about the future of Sony’s software lineup. With several live service projects scrapped, there is speculation that Sony may be shifting its focus back to single-player experiences. While this may disappoint fans of live service games, it could also mean exciting new single-player titles from Sony’s talented studios.

Sony’s decision to cancel these live service games marks a significant moment in the company’s gaming strategy. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony adapts and what new projects they will bring to the market.