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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.

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.

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.

Business, Gaming, News, Playstation

Shuhei Yoshida – One of the OG from they early days of Playstation development is retiring

In a heartfelt announcement, Shuhei Yoshida, a key figure in PlayStation’s history, has revealed that he will be leaving Sony Interactive Entertainment after 31 years. Yoshida, who joined the company in 1993 during the development of the original PlayStation, has played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming landscape.

I’m leaving Sony Interactive Entertainment on January 15 2025… it’s like announcing the launch date of a new game, [something] I haven’t done for a long time.

I’ve been with PlayStation from the beginning, and this is my 31st year with PlayStation. And when I hit 30 years, I was thinking, hmm, it may be about time for me to move on. You know, the company’s been doing great.

I love PS5, I love the games that are coming out on this platform. And we have new generations of management who I respect and admire. And I’m so excited for the future of PlayStation. So, you know, PlayStation is in really good hands. I thought, okay, this is my time.

Yoshida’s journey with PlayStation began as an account management lead, where he was responsible for securing third-party partnerships for the console. Over the years, he held various influential positions, including Vice President of SCE America and President of SCE Worldwide Studios. His tenure saw the release of numerous iconic games, such as Gran Turismo and Ape Escape.

Reflecting on his career, Yoshida shared some of his favorite moments, including the success of the digital-only game Journey, which won the Game of the Year award in 2012.

He also expressed his love for working with indie developers, describing it as “treasure hunting” for unique and innovative games.

GG and farewell good sir!

You can read more at Playstation Official blog post here.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

CD Projekt Red announces big Cyberpunk 2077 & The Witcher news

In a major announcement, CD Projekt Red has revealed that The Witcher 4, codenamed Project Polaris, has entered full-scale production. This marks a significant milestone for the studio as they gear up to develop the first installment in a new Witcher trilogy.

Alongside this exciting news, CD Projekt Red also announced that Cyberpunk 2077 has surpassed 30 million copies sold worldwide.

The Witcher 4, also part of Project Polaris (the new trilogy including a new story line which will not focus on Geralt Of Rivia), has moved from pre-production to full-scale development. CD Projekt Red’s joint CEO, Michał Nowakowski, expressed pride in the team’s progress and dedication to delivering a remarkable experience.

And two Cyberpunk news

Cyberpunk 2077 continues to perform strongly in the market, with the game recently crossing the 30 million copies sold milestone. The Phantom Liberty expansion, which featured actor Idris Elba in a major role, has sold over eight million copies since its release in September 2023.

These impressive figures highlight the game’s enduring popularity and the dedicated community that continues to support it.

Also, CD Projekt announced last October that it was collaborating with media company Anonymous Content on a live-action project set in the world of Cyberpunk and also, this week it was confirmed that it’s working on a new Cyberpunk animation project which will be released on Netflix, but at this time is unknown if this will serve another storyline or will follow Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

In addition to The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red is working on several other projects. These include a new IP codenamed Project Hadar, a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 codenamed Project Orion, and a new game set in the Witcher universe titled Project Sirius.

Business, Featured, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo will sell its presence in China Market meaning the end of its run there

In a significant announcement, Nintendo has revealed that the Nintendo Switch eShop and all online services will be discontinued in China by 2026. This decision will impact millions of gamers in the region, marking the end of an era for Nintendo’s presence in the Chinese market.

The Chinese Nintendo eShop will stop selling games and software by March 31, 2026 and after this date, all titles, including paid and free games, will no longer be available for purchase or download followed by the ability to download titles, redeem codes, and access DLC and other network elements by May 15, 2026.

To soften the blow, Nintendo, in collaboration with Tencent, is offering up to four free games to players with active WeChat accounts tied to their Nintendo Switch consoles. This offer is available from November 27, 2024, until March 31, 2026. Eligible games include popular titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu.

For context, the Nintendo Switch was launched in China in 2020 through a partnership with Tencent, a major player in the Chinese tech industry. Since then, several older Nintendo Switch titles have been localized for the Chinese market.

However, unspecified changes in Tencent’s business operations have led to the decision to end online services in the region by Nintendo simply not renewing their partnership.

The news has been met with mixed reactions from the gaming community. While some players are disappointed by the loss of online services, others are appreciative of the compensation offered by Nintendo. Many are hopeful that this move will lead to improvements in the services offered in other regions.

Games, Gaming, News, PC

Another PC gaming launcher bites the dust and 2K joins the club with fanfare

In a move that has been widely celebrated by the gaming community, 2K has officially removed its launcher from all PC games. This decision comes after years of criticism from players who found the launcher to be cumbersome and unnecessary. The removal of the 2K Launcher is expected to streamline the gaming experience and improve performance for many titles.

The End of an Era

The 2K Launcher, which was used for launching games like Bioshock Remastered, Mafia Trilogy Definitive Edition, and XCOM 2, has been a point of contention for gamers. Many players complained about the launcher causing performance issues and complicating the game-launching process. With the complete removal of the launcher, players can now launch their games directly from platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store.

Key Changes

  • Direct Game Launch: Games that previously required the 2K Launcher will now launch directly from Steam or Epic Games Store. This means no more extra steps or waiting for additional software to load.
  • Improved Performance: By eliminating the launcher, 2K aims to improve game performance and reduce loading times. This should result in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
  • Mod Support: For games like XCOM 2, which relied on the launcher for mod support, 2K has introduced new launch options to ensure that mods can still be used. Players can now choose between the original mod launcher and a new option that directly launches the game.

Community Response

The gaming community has responded positively to this change, with many players expressing relief and excitement. The removal of the 2K Launcher is seen as a step towards a more streamlined and user-friendly gaming experience. Players are hopeful that other publishers will follow suit and remove their own launchers, further improving the PC gaming landscape.

By simplifying the game-launching process and enhancing performance, 2K has taken a positive step towards better serving its player base. This change is a win for gamers who have long called for the removal of unnecessary launchers, and it sets a precedent for other publishers to consider similar changes.

Business, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Playstation, Technology

Bloomberg: Sony is already working on a return to portable gaming market

PSP and PS Vita wasn’t much of an example of dethroning Nintendo in the portable section of the gaming market by Sony and while it did gained fans from Playstation pro players, the company decided to focus on home gaming console with the entrance of the Playstation 4.

Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck with the respective responses from MSI, Lenovo and two gaming generations later, Sony might be making a return of the spiritual successor of the Playstation Portable but with the due diligence and homework.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is in the “early stages” of developing the device, which is still years away from a potential release according to sources close to Bloomberg.

Obviously, Nintendo being challenged as never before in the portable gaming front by all ways including portable PC devices and Smartphones, Sony sees the opportunity to try things again and it seems that the Playstation Portal build some confidence on Playstation actually trying again.

This comes as Microsoft Gaming CEO confirmed that Xbox is developing its original portable hardware which admittedly, will not be ready for this year, leaving Sony with the opportunity to capitalize by also, not competing directly with the successor of the Nintendo Switch, due to be announce between this month up to March 2025.

The original PlayStation Portable (PSP), released by Sony in 2004, was a groundbreaking handheld gaming console that brought console-quality gaming to the palm of your hand. Despite its unceremonious run without the expected success, the PSP was a significant competitor to Nintendo’s handheld consoles and was praised for its powerful hardware and multimedia capabilities. It sold over 80 million units worldwide and had a lifespan from 2004 to 2014.