Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Xbox relaunch of retro gaming classics cancelled due the need of further censorship

The recent cancellation of the Xbox One version of “Steam-Heart’s & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute” by Japanese publisher City Connection has sent ripples of disappointment and sparked a critical discussion within the gaming community. This compilation, intended as a loving tribute to two cult-classic fighting game series from the Sega Saturn era, was initially announced with considerable fanfare, promising to bring these beloved titles to a new generation of players across multiple platforms.

However, the rug was unexpectedly pulled out from under Xbox owners due to what City Connection described as significantly more stringent censorship demands from Microsoft compared to other platform holders.

To understand the weight of this cancellation, it’s crucial to delve into the history of the games themselves. “Steam-Heart’s”, released in 1996 by Jaleco for the Sega Saturn, is a unique 2D fighting game distinguished by its charming anime-inspired art style and a roster comprised entirely of female characters, many with distinct steampunk-esque designs. Its gameplay, while rooted in traditional fighting game mechanics, offered a unique flavor that resonated with a dedicated following.

“Advanced Variable Geo” (AVG), developed by TGL and spanning several iterations, primarily on PC before making its way to consoles like the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, is another series of 2D fighting games featuring an all-female cast. Known for its fluid animation and more mature aesthetic compared to “Steam-Heart’s,” AVG also carved out a niche for itself with its engaging gameplay and memorable characters.

The announcement of the “Steam-Heart’s & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute” was met with considerable excitement. Retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of these specific series eagerly anticipated the opportunity to revisit these titles with modern enhancements and on contemporary hardware. The initial announcement included releases for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and importantly, Xbox One. This multi-platform approach suggested a broad appeal and a desire to make these classic fighters accessible to as many players as possible.

However, the recent statement from City Connection revealed a significant roadblock. While the publisher acknowledged that some level of alteration was necessary to bring the games to modern platforms – a common practice when dealing with older titles that may contain content that doesn’t align with current platform standards or regional sensitivities – the censorship or modification requests from Microsoft for the Xbox version were deemed excessively demanding. According to City Connection, these requests went “beyond what was required for other platforms,” ultimately leading to the difficult decision to cancel the Xbox One release.

The lack of specific details regarding the nature of the contentious content has fueled speculation and frustration. Was the issue related to character designs deemed too suggestive? Were there animations or in-game scenarios that triggered a stricter response from Microsoft’s content review process? Without concrete information, the community is left to fill in the blanks, leading to a spectrum of theories and criticisms leveled against the perceived inconsistencies in platform censorship policies.

This situation unfortunately paints a concerning outlook for similar retro re-releases on the Xbox platform in the future. If Microsoft maintains a significantly stricter stance on content compared to its competitors, it could deter other Japanese publishers, particularly those dealing with titles featuring anime-inspired aesthetics or content that might be perceived as borderline, from even attempting an Xbox release. This could lead to Xbox owners being consistently excluded from experiencing certain classic games, limiting the platform’s appeal for retro enthusiasts and potentially impacting its library diversity.

The cancellation of “Steam-Heart’s & Advanced Variable Geo Saturn Tribute” on Xbox serves as a stark reminder of the often-opaque and seemingly arbitrary nature of platform content moderation. While some level of standardization is understandable, the apparent disparity in requirements between Xbox and other platforms in this instance raises serious questions about the consistency and fairness of these policies.

For fans of these classic fighters on Xbox, the cancellation is a significant disappointment, and it casts a shadow of uncertainty over the potential for similar retro revivals on the platform moving forward.

The hope remains that greater transparency and a more consistent approach to content guidelines across all platforms can prevent similar exclusions in the future, ensuring that all gamers have the opportunity to experience gaming history.

Via Niche Gamer

Games, Gaming, News

This is what’s next from Bloober Team, the devs behind the remake of Silent Hill 2

Bloober Team, the Polish studio behind the critically acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake, has officially released the trailer for its next ambitious project, Cronos: The New Dawn. This new survival horror title takes players on a time-bending journey through a dystopian future and the eerie remnants of 1980s Poland, blending psychological horror with action-packed gameplay.

Bloober Team has steadily built its reputation in the horror gaming genre, with titles like Layers of Fear, The Medium, and Blair Witch. However, it was their Silent Hill 2 remake that truly cemented their status as a powerhouse in psychological horror. The remake successfully captured the haunting atmosphere and emotional depth of the original while modernizing its mechanics, earning widespread praise from both critics and longtime fans.

With Silent Hill 2 proving to be a turning point for the studio, Bloober Team is now leveraging that momentum to push the boundaries of horror storytelling with Cronos: The New Dawn.

The Story Behind Cronos: The New Dawn

Set in a world where Eastern European brutalism meets retro-futurist technology, Cronos follows a Traveler navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of time rifts that transport them back to the 1980s. The game’s narrative unfolds across two timelines: the bleak future overrun by monstrous abominations and the past, where humanity is on the brink of The Change, a mysterious cataclysmic event.

The setting draws inspiration from the real-life Nowa Huta district of Krakow, Poland, adding a layer of authenticity to the game’s eerie atmosphere. Bloober Team’s Polish roots shine through in the environmental storytelling, making Cronos a deeply personal project for the developers.

Unlike Silent Hill 2, which focused on psychological horror and exploration, Cronos introduces a more action-oriented approach. The game features a unique “merge” mechanic, where fallen enemies must be burned completely—otherwise, they can fuse with existing creatures, evolving into deadlier forms. This mechanic forces players to think strategically, ensuring that every encounter is a tense battle for survival.

Weapons range from laser tripwires to heavy shotguns, offering a diverse arsenal to combat the grotesque creatures that lurk in the wasteland. The game’s combat system draws comparisons to Dead Space, with its emphasis on dismemberment and tactical engagement.

A New Era for Bloober Team

With Cronos: The New Dawn, Bloober Team is proving that it’s not just a studio known for remakes—it’s a creative force capable of crafting original horror experiences that rival the best in the genre. The game is set to release in 2025 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, though a specific launch date has yet to be announced.

As the gaming world eagerly anticipates Cronos, one thing is clear: Bloober Team is ready to redefine sci-fi horror, blending psychological depth with pulse-pounding action. If Silent Hill 2 was their proving ground, Cronos: The New Dawn is their bold next step into the future of horror gaming.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Niantic running its 1st layoffs post selling gaming business that included Pokémon Go & Monster Hunter Now

Niantic, a pioneering game developer best known for its hit game Pokémon Go, has long been synonymous with augmented reality gaming. It earned a reputation for turning ordinary streets into magical gaming landscapes, encouraging players to explore the world around them while hunting for virtual creatures. Its innovative approach to gaming drew millions of players into its virtual worlds, blending physical activity and social engagement.

Niantic began as an internal startup within Google before becoming an independent entity in 2015. With Pokémon Go’s release in 2016, the company skyrocketed to fame, redefining mobile gaming by integrating AR technology into gameplay. The app became a cultural phenomenon, attracting players of all ages. Niantic continued to expand its portfolio with titles like Ingress and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, cementing its position as a leader in the AR gaming industry.

However, even with its success, Niantic faced challenges. In 2023, the company had to downsize significantly due to financial difficulties and unmet internal goals. This included the closure of its Los Angeles studio and layoffs impacting 230 employees. These cuts highlighted the pressures of sustaining its ambitious projects and maintaining profitability in a competitive market.

Fast forward to 2025, Niantic has entered a new chapter with its acquisition by Scopely for $3.5 billion. Scopely, a renowned gaming company under Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, now owns Niantic’s gaming division. This acquisition has led to significant restructuring, including the formation of Niantic Spatial—a new entity focusing on geospatial AI technology.

As part of this transition, Niantic announced that it would lay off 68 employees, effective May 20, 2025. The layoffs, according to CEO John Hanke, are aimed at aligning the company with its new startup-like approach and geospatial AI focus. Hanke assured that these layoffs are not performance-related but are necessary for streamlining operations.

With Scopely’s involvement, there have been concerns among players about potential changes to Niantic’s games, particularly Pokémon Go. However, Niantic has reassured fans that the core experience of its games will remain intact under the new leadership. Despite the challenges, Niantic continues to boast a robust player base, with over 30 million monthly active users across its games.

The acquisition represents a pivotal moment for Niantic, as it shifts from its gaming roots to explore broader applications of geospatial AI. Whether this new direction will yield success and innovation remains to be seen, but Niantic’s journey thus far underscores its resilience and adaptability.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, Xbox

Microsoft Gaming CEO is a Nintendo Switch 2 believer

Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has recently reiterated his enthusiastic support for Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 console, showcasing the deepening collaboration between the two gaming giants. Here’s a comprehensive look into the key points of his statements and their implications for the gaming industry

Is not a secret neither a unknown fact that Spencer has always expressed admiration for Nintendo’s innovation and role in shaping the gaming landscape. His recent comments highlight the strategic importance of the partnership between Xbox and Nintendo. This alliance allows Xbox to extend its reach to audiences who may not primarily engage with PC or Xbox platforms, aligning with Microsoft’s broader vision of accessibility in gaming.

A key element of Spencer’s vision is to bring Xbox experiences to as many platforms as possible. For the Switch 2, this includes plans to bring Xbox franchises like Diablo 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Microsoft Flight Simulator to the console. Notably, Activision, under Microsoft’s umbrella, is also committed to releasing Call of Duty titles on the Switch 2, further solidifying this cross-platform integration.

This approach underscores Xbox’s strategy of creating a unified gaming ecosystem that transcends traditional hardware boundaries. Whether on cloud, PC, or consoles, Xbox aims to make its games and features widely accessible.

Nintendo’s Role in Innovation

Spencer’s comments reflect his respect for Nintendo’s ability to innovate and captivate diverse audiences. He described Nintendo as a “great partner” and expressed excitement about collaborating on the Switch 2. Spencer’s belief in Nintendo’s significance in the industry further cements the potential for groundbreaking developments as the two companies work together.

Speaking in a new interview with Variety, Spencer has reconfirmed about Microsoft Gaming and Xbox supporting Switch 2, stating that he was “a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry”.

We’ve been supporting Switch 1, I want to support Switch 2. Nintendo has been a great partner. We think it is a unique way for us to reach players who aren’t PC players, who aren’t players on Xbox. It lets us continue to grow our community of people that care about the franchises that we have, and that’s really important for us to make sure we continue to invest in our games.

I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry and us continuing to support them. And getting the support from them for our franchises, I think, is an important part of our future.

Scheduled for a June 5, 2025 release, the Switch 2 represents a significant opportunity for Xbox to connect with new audiences. Spencer emphasized that the collaboration with Nintendo aligns with Xbox’s mission to build a community of players across platforms, leveraging the popularity and reach of Nintendo’s hardware.

The partnership between Xbox and Nintendo signals a shift towards greater collaboration and inclusivity in the gaming industry. By working together, the two companies aim to deliver high-quality gaming experiences to a wider audience, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming innovation.

In conclusion, Phil Spencer’s comments underline a strong commitment to the Xbox-Nintendo partnership, with the Switch 2 serving as a pivotal platform for this collaboration. As the June launch approaches, gamers can look forward to seeing how this partnership evolves and shapes the future of gaming.

Microsoft Gaming Chief Phil Spencer on ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Gamble, ‘Fallout’ Season 2 and Mixing Hollywood Pursuits With Xbox Biz Priorities
Microsoft Gaming’s Phil Spencer on “A Minecraft Movie,” ’Fallout” Season 2, and Xbox’s larger goals in Hollywood and gaming biz loyalty.
Source/Via
Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Xbox Game Pass games for April 2025 announced (also games leaving)

Microsoft has unveiled the latest updates for Xbox Game Pass in April 2025, bringing an exciting mix of new titles and farewells to the subscription service. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening:

New Additions

This month, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to a variety of games across different genres and platforms.

The following are the games and their arrival date:

  • Grand Theft Auto V – April 15
  • Neon White (Console) – April 16*
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 16
  • Crime Scene Cleaner (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 17**
  • Tempopo (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 17**
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 24**
  • Towerborne (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 29**
  • Far Cry 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 30
  • Anno 1800 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 1
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 1**
  • Dredge (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 6

* Only added to the Game Pass Standard tier | **Not included in the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier

Games Leaving the Service

As new games arrive, some titles will be departing Xbox Game Pass. Notable exits include:

  • Sniper Elite 5
  • Thirsty Suitors
  • The Last Case of Benedict Fox
  • Kona 2: Brume
  • The Rewinder
  • Have A Nice Death

Subscribers have until April 30 to enjoy these games, with a 20% discount available for those who wish to purchase them before they leave.

This mix of arrivals and departures ensures that Xbox Game Pass continues to offer a dynamic and ever-evolving library of games.

Entertainment, Games, Gaming, Movies, News

The Minecraft Movie: A Blockbuster in the Making

The world of Minecraft has always been about creativity, exploration, and building. Now, it seems the franchise is building something monumental in the cinematic world—a billion-dollar blockbuster. The Minecraft movie, directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, has taken the box office by storm, proving that video game adaptations can be both critically and commercially successful.

A Phenomenal Start

Released globally in April 2025, the Minecraft movie shattered expectations with its opening weekend, earning $301 million worldwide. This made it the second-highest grossing film of the year, trailing only Disney and Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World.” The film’s success continued into its second weekend, pushing its global earnings past $500 million. With such momentum, the movie is poised to join the exclusive billion-dollar club.

What Makes It Special?

The Minecraft movie is not just another video game adaptation; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The film follows four misfits who are transported into the cubic world of Minecraft, blending humor, action, and family-friendly themes. Its PG rating has made it accessible to a wide audience, from young fans of the game to adults nostalgic for their Minecraft adventures.

The movie’s appeal is further amplified by its cast. Jack Black’s portrayal of Steve and Jason Momoa’s charismatic performance have resonated with audiences, turning the film into a meme-worthy sensation. Lines like “I… am Steve” have become viral, fueling ticket sales and social media buzz.

The Minecraft movie has found success not just in North America but across the globe. In China, it debuted as the highest-grossing non-local film of the year, earning $14.7 million during its opening weekend. Other major markets include the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Germany, each contributing significantly to its international box office.

The Road to a Billion

With its current trajectory, the Minecraft movie is set to become the first billion-dollar film of 2025. Its success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Minecraft franchise and the growing demand for video game adaptations. As Hollywood continues to explore this genre, the Minecraft movie serves as a shining example of how to do it right.

The Minecraft movie is more than just a film; it’s a celebration of a beloved game that has captured the hearts of millions. Its journey to a billion dollars is not just a financial milestone but a cultural one, proving that the world of Minecraft is as limitless as the imagination of its players. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just looking for a great cinematic experience, the Minecraft movie is a must-watch.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News, PC, Playstation, Xbox

Here’s what you need to know about Marathon

Bungie has officially announced the revival of its legendary sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS) franchise, Marathon. This marks a significant moment for fans of the series, as the franchise has been dormant for over two decades. The announcement has sparked excitement and curiosity, not only about the new game but also about the rich history of the Marathon universe.

The Origins of Marathon

The Marathon series debuted in 1994 as a groundbreaking FPS for the Apple Macintosh. At a time when PC gaming was dominated by titles like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, Bungie chose the Mac platform for its openness to developers. The original Marathon was set in the year 2794 aboard the colony ship UESC Marathon. Players took on the role of an unnamed security officer tasked with defending the ship against an alien race known as the S’pht. The game’s narrative unfolded through computer terminals, offering messages from the ship’s AIs, crew diary entries, and other databases. This innovative storytelling approach set Marathon apart from other FPS games of its era.

The sequel, Marathon 2: Durandal, released in 1995, continued the story with the security officer being abducted by the sentient AI Durandal. The game introduced players to the S’pht homeworld, Lh’owon, and expanded on the series’ lore. Marathon 2 also introduced multiplayer modes that would later influence Bungie’s Halo series, including Deathmatch and King of the Hill.

The original Marathon games were celebrated for their deep narrative and innovative multiplayer modes. Today’s announcement suggests that Bungie is focusing on leveraging modern technology to enhance these elements. The new game is expected to offer a more immersive experience, with advanced graphics and potentially new multiplayer features that build on the foundation laid by the original series.

This revival is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a bold step forward for Bungie and the Marathon franchise. Fans of the original games and newcomers alike have much to look forward to as Bungie reimagines one of its most iconic properties.

The official 4/12/25 announcement

Bungie’s announcement of the new Marathon game brings the franchise into the modern era. While details are still emerging, the new game is set to take place in the same universe as the original series but will feature updated gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling techniques. Bungie aims to honor the legacy of Marathon while introducing it to a new generation of gamers.

In Marathon, you step into the boots (or rather, cybernetic enhancements) of a Runner, a mercenary tasked with venturing into hostile zones to secure valuable loot. But you’re not alone – or rather, you are alone, but so are up to 17 other players in each zone. Form a crew of up to three and brace yourselves for encounters with rival runners, formidable security forces, and other unknown threats lurking within the ruins.

The core loop of Marathon is simple yet exhilarating: deploy into a zone, strategically gather loot, and successfully extract. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong. Failure to extract means losing everything you’ve acquired. This high-risk, high-reward system injects a palpable tension into every encounter and decision you make.

Before dropping into the chaos, strategic planning is key. You’ll need to carefully build your loadout and select a Runner that complements your playstyle and your team’s composition. Once boots hit the ground, expect dynamic and tactical gunplay. This isn’t a run-and-gun affair; positioning, utilizing your Runner’s unique abilities, and customizing your build will be crucial for survival.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (or Surviving a Nightmare)

While solo runs are possible for the brave (or foolish!), Marathon heavily emphasizes teamwork. The game features intuitive tools like contextual pings to facilitate communication and shared objectives to keep your crew coordinated. Down but not out? Thankfully, teammates can revive each other, offering a lifeline in the heat of battle.

A World That Lives and Breathes (and Shoots Back)

Forget static environments. Marathon promises a dynamic experience with ever-changing events, unpredictable weather patterns that can shift the battlefield, and of course, the wildcard element of other players with their own agendas. No two runs will feel exactly the same, ensuring a high degree of replayability and constant adaptation.

Meet the Runners: Choose Your Weapon (and Abilities)

We got a closer look at a few of the distinct Runner types, each bringing unique skills to the table:

  • Foil: The master of stealth, perfect for scouting ahead, flanking enemies, and avoiding unwanted attention. If you prefer a more clandestine approach, Foil might be your go-to.
  • Glitch: An agile disruptor, designed to get in close, cause chaos, and destabilize enemy formations. If you like to be a slippery and disruptive force, Glitch could be your ideal pick.
  • Support: The backbone of any good crew, providing essential support through extra equipment and vital shield charges. If you prefer a more supportive role, keeping your team alive and well-equipped, this Runner is for you.

Beyond the Loot: Progression and the Long Haul

The loot you manage to extract isn’t just for bragging rights. It fuels your future runs, allowing you to grow in power and tackle even greater challenges. This persistent progression system ensures that every successful extraction contributes to your overall strength and preparedness.

But the journey doesn’t end with looting and extracting. Marathon has ambitious plans for the future, including challenging endgame content, competitive ranked play to test your skills against the best, hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered, a seasonal storytelling approach to unravel the mysteries of Taeti IV, and engaging community events to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

The stage is set, Runners. Season 1 promises to delve deep into the lore and secrets of Taeti IV. Get ready to explore its ruins, face its dangers, and carve your legend in this high-stakes extraction shooter. Marathon looks set to deliver a thrilling and dynamic multiplayer experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Marathon is slated to be released on September 23, 2025 for the Playstation 5, Xbox Series S & X and PC (via Steam), so Bungie being a independent subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment wasn’t a deterrent of the game landing elsewhere from Playstation.

But before the release, the game will have closed alpha testing period that starts April 23 and any players interested in the testing Marathon ahead of its September release can sign up on the Marathon’s official Discord (subject to be selected after the process which includes a NDA and a survey [which disallow me to share details until Bungie authorize me]).

Some early expectations about the game (from game’s Direction Joe Ziegler follow-up declarations) is that Bungie doesn’t see Marathon as a competing response to other extraction games and also, that Proximity Chat will NOT be a thing on the game.

About viewing Marathon as a mere extraction competitor:

I don’t think of making games as directly competing and trying to eat a bunch of other people’s lunch.

On proximity chat:

I think the challenge is how to make sure we’re creating a safe environment for players inside of that space. I don’t think anyone really has a good solution to that just yet.

Editorial, Games, Gaming, News

Understanding the whole Tekken 8 Season 2 initial reception

The Tekken franchise has long been a cornerstone of the fighting game community, evolving from its humble beginnings in the mid-90s to the global phenomenon it is today. However, Tekken 8’s Season 2 has sparked a wave of controversy, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and community expectations.

The Season 2 Patch and Emergency Response

Tekken 8’s Season 2 launched on March 31, 2025, with over 1,500 changes aimed at refreshing the gameplay experience. These adjustments included new moves, balance tweaks, and system changes. While some players appreciated the effort to innovate, the majority of the community—both casual and professional—voiced strong dissatisfaction. Key issues included uninterruptible combos, such as Paul’s “Hammer of the Gods” and Jack-8’s “Make Some Noise” string, which disrupted the game’s competitive integrity.

The backlash was swift and severe, with players review-bombing the game and some professionals threatening to leave the competitive scene. In response, Bandai Namco announced an emergency patch scheduled for mid to late April. This patch aims to address high-priority issues like throw break chip damage and unintentional uninterruptible moves. Katsuhiro Harada, the face of the Tekken Project, acknowledged the disconnect between the community’s expectations and the tuning results, promising that the Battle & Tuning team is working tirelessly to resolve these issues.

Community Concerns and Harada’s Response

The Tekken community has always been vocal, and the response to Season 2 has been no exception. Players criticized the patch for favoring aggressive gameplay at the expense of defensive options, a departure from the technical depth that has defined the series. Harada’s public statements emphasized the importance of listening to community feedback and improving the game for the better. While his transparency is appreciated, some fans worry that the damage to Tekken 8’s reputation may be irreversible.

Comparing Tekken 8 to Early Tekken Titles

The controversy surrounding Tekken 8 Season 2 invites comparisons to the franchise’s earlier days. Tekken 1 through 4 were marked by experimentation and growing pains. Tekken 4, in particular, faced criticism for its uneven balance and controversial mechanics, such as the introduction of uneven stages. However, these early missteps were instrumental in shaping the series’ identity and paving the way for beloved entries like Tekken 5 and Tekken 7.

Unlike Tekken 8, the early titles benefited from a smaller, less fragmented community. Feedback was less immediate, allowing developers more time to refine their vision. Today, social media amplifies community concerns, creating pressure for rapid responses and emergency patches. While this dynamic fosters accountability, it also highlights the challenges of meeting diverse player expectations in a globalized gaming landscape.

Tekken 8’s Season 2 serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing innovation with tradition. As the Tekken Project team works to address community concerns, the franchise’s legacy hangs in the balance. Will Tekken 8 emerge stronger from this controversy, or will it join the ranks of divisive entries like Tekken 4? Only time will tell.

For now, the fighting game community watches closely, hoping that Tekken 8 can reclaim its place as a shining example of competitive excellence.

Games, Gaming, News

Ubisoft will make the fight at The Crew gamers suing the company

Ubisoft, the renowned French video game publisher, has recently found itself at the center of a legal storm following the closure of servers for its popular racing game, The Crew. The decision to shut down the servers rendered the game unplayable, sparking outrage among dedicated fans and leading to a class-action lawsuit. Here’s a detailed look at the backstory, the lawsuit, and Ubisoft’s response.

The Backstory: A Decade of Racing Adventures

Released in 2014, The Crew was celebrated for its expansive open-world setting, allowing players to traverse a scaled-down version of the United States. Developed by Ivory Tower and Ubisoft Reflections, the game offered a unique experience with its persistent online environment. Over the years, Ubisoft provided consistent support, but in December 2023, the game was removed from digital storefronts. By April 2024, the servers were officially shut down, marking the end of an era for The Crew.

The Lawsuit: Ownership vs. Licensing

The server shutdown did not sit well with some players, who argued that Ubisoft had misled them into believing they were purchasing ownership rights to the game. The plaintiffs claimed that Ubisoft’s actions violated California consumer protection laws, including false advertising and unfair competition. They pointed to activation codes with expiration dates as far off as 2099 as evidence that the game was expected to remain playable for the foreseeable future.

Ubisoft, however, countered these claims by emphasizing that players were purchasing a limited license to access the game, not ownership rights. The company argued that this licensing model was clearly stated in its terms of use and product packaging. Ubisoft’s legal team described the plaintiffs’ approach as a “kitchen sink” strategy, alleging multiple causes of action without a plausible claim.

Ubisoft’s Response: A Firm Stance

In its motion to dismiss the case that Polygon got to see, Ubisoft reiterated that The Crew was designed as an online-only game with a revocable license. The company stated that it had fulfilled its obligations by providing access to the game for nearly a decade. Ubisoft also highlighted the introduction of offline modes for its newer titles, The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest, as a way to address player concerns.

This lawsuit raises important questions about digital ownership in the gaming industry. As more games adopt online-only models, players are increasingly confronted with the reality that their purchases may not guarantee indefinite access. Ubisoft’s stance aligns with industry trends, where digital licenses are becoming the norm.

The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how publishers handle server shutdowns and communicate licensing terms to consumers. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding digital ownership and the evolving relationship between players and publishers.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, Nintendo

More expectations that you should consider for the Nintendo Switch 2

I has been a kind of a roller coaster week for the Nintendo segment of gaming fans since the announcement and presentation for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the almost immediate unrelated news about Trump Administration imposing new tariffs to Vietnam has prompted Nintendo on delaying preorders (not release date [yet]) to assess on how it will impact if Nintendo can have the price set or needs adjustments.

But I believe we are in another wave of ups and downs, depending on your perspective on some revealed expectations and that are new outside that Nintendo Switch 2 games will be distributed physically as Switch 1 games which generated of course, a interesting debate regarding people’s expectations on the technical capacities of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Now for the new things…

Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a favored anti-drifting detail

Nintendo Life confirmed that Nintendo acknowledged that the Joy-Con 2 devices of Nintendo Switch 2 will not have the Hall Effect design.

Hall Effect, named after US physicist Edwin Hall, is when you use magnets and electrical conductors to measure the position of the stick which makes them in theory and practice immune to drifting, one of the most hated “Achilles’ heel” of the original Nintendo Switch.

Nate Bihldorff answer Nintendo Life’s inquiry with this:

Let’s jump off the sensitivity stuff then and talk about the stick of the Switch 2 Joy-Con because it feels so different to the original Switch’s analog stick. So is it a Hall Effect stick? Were you inspired by the Hall Effect stick?

Well, the Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good. Did you experience both the Joy-Con and the Pro Controller?

Both!

So, I like both, but that Pro Controller, for some reason the first time I grabbed it, I was like, “this feels like a GameCube controller.” I was a GameCube guy. Something about it felt so familiar, but the stick on that especially. I tried to spend a lot of time making sure that it was quiet. I don’t know if you tried really whacking the stick around but it really is [quiet]. I’m thinking back to my Smash Brothers days, where you just whack it. [The Switch 2 Pro Controller] is one of the quietest controllers I’ve ever played.

Let’s hope that time treats this particular topic well.

If your only desire for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Achievements hunting, bad news!

Polygon brought the question if the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to support Achievements to proper make an appeal like Playstation does with its Trophies system or Xbox with their own Achievement Platform to Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience, Bill Trinen.

Unfortunately, Trinen confirmed with a “nope”, that this will not be the case.

The confusion might arise because The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will both get Switch 2 editions, as well as a new app, Zelda Notes, which will be part of the Nintendo App.

And ironically, that app will have its own Achievements list, so in this perspective, I can assume that game developers can have their own Achievement within their game’s ecosystem.

Nintendo basically is already done with Nintendo eShop Music

Also via an inquiry by Polygon, Nintendo via Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto, that eShop Music is not part and will not be part of Nintendo Switch 2 offerings.

Unlike back then, the eShop now has lots of videos that are showcasing the games. We didn’t want to intrude on that, so we don’t have music there.

Of course, it was acknowledge that Nintendo is focusing on improving the eShop experience ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Originally Nintendo Switch is not being phased out (as expected and for now)

This time and via The Washington Post, Nintendo of America president Bowser was asked about the original Nintendo Switch following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and while it is disingenuous to think that Nintendo will maintain a legacy platform (history speaks for itself), it will be remain to be supported while the transition period is in course.

What I would say is that we’ll continue to observe consumers and how they engage and enter into the platform at various levels to try to really understand what the future may look like.

Here’s the other point. We have an install base [for the Switch] of 150 million plus units. We’ll probably announce more on May 8, when we have our next earnings call. We want to keep those players engaged. Not all of them may be ready to jump to Switch 2.

In average, Nintendo has historically maintained support for its previous consoles for a few years after launching a new system and the average goes between 2 to 3 years, by just looking at past transitions:

  • Nintendo 64 → GameCube (2001): Nintendo 64 saw a gradual decline in support, with its last first-party game released in 2002.
  • GameCube → Wii (2006): GameCube support continued for a few years, with some late releases like “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” in 2006.
  • Wii → Wii U (2012): The Wii remained relevant for a while, especially with its strong casual audience, but first-party support slowed down significantly after 2013.
  • Wii U → Switch (2017): The Wii U had a short lifespan, and support faded quickly after the Switch’s success.

Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 1 will continue to receive support as long as there is demand. This suggests that:

  • 2025-2026: Nintendo will likely continue releasing some new titles for Switch 1, similar to how it supported the 3DS after the Switch launched.
  • 2027-2028: Support may gradually decline, with fewer first-party releases.
  • Beyond 2028: The Switch 1 could still receive third-party games, but official support will likely phase out.

Let’s hope that I am wrong and Nintendo Switch transition to Switch 2 means more years of support for a previous generation and this is good news for gamers at all!

From gaming fan to gaming fans

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