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Hit markers are an FPS crutch
This opinion piece argues that hit markers, while providing clear feedback in multiplayer first-person shooters, have become an overused crutch that detracts from immersion, particularly in single-player experiences. The author contrasts the effectiveness of intuitive visual and audio feedback in older titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Left 4 Dead 2 with the modern prevalence of hit markers in games like Halo and Back 4 Blood, suggesting a decline in immersive design.
Crossfire Developer Lays Off 14 Employees After High-Profile Reveal – Rumor
That's No Moon, the studio developing a new third-person shooter based on Smilegate's Crossfire IP, has reportedly laid off 14 employees. This news follows the game's recent trailer debut at Summer Game Fest. The studio has not officially confirmed the layoffs, which come amid a wave of similar workforce reductions at other gaming companies.
Halo Co-Creator Calls Out Remake For Pandering To “New Era Of Players With 0% Attention Span”
Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo, has expressed mixed feelings about the new remake, Halo: Campaign Evolved. While praising upgrades to movement, cinematics, and lighting, he criticized the game's heavy-handed hint system as pandering to players with short attention spans. Lehto also commented on the game's release on PlayStation and the online negativity surrounding it.
Halo co-creator says the Campaign Evolved hate is overblown, even if some of its creative liberties "are absolutely…
Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo and designer of the original Campaign Evolved, believes the online criticism of the new remake is overblown. While acknowledging a few 'cringe' creative liberties in the overhauled cutscenes, he praises the upgrades to movement, cinematics, and visuals, finding the overall experience fun.
Destiny 2 players are learning how to crack into its infamous content vault by tinkering with old builds
Players of Destiny 2 are discovering ways to access and explore content that was removed from the game through Bungie's controversial content vaulting system. A new tool, Destiny 2 Shadowkeep Singleplayer Exploration Mode, allows users to navigate previously inaccessible areas for preservation purposes, though it does not reintroduce gameplay mechanics.
Even after 200 hours, Marathon's greatest secret is still deciphering the rhythms of rival players
This analysis delves into the strategic nuances of Bungie's extraction shooter, Marathon, after over 200 hours of gameplay. It highlights how understanding player rhythms, sound cues, and map flow is crucial for survival and success, even when direct combat is lost. The article emphasizes that victory in Marathon is defined by player objectives, such as completing contracts or exfiltrating safely, rather than solely by eliminating opponents.
Humanity’s missing angels return in ominous sci-fi RPG Angelic: Dark Symphony from former Bungie and Crytek devs
Angelicore Game Studios, founded by former Bungie and Crytek developers, has unveiled Angelic: Dark Symphony, a dark science-fiction RPG for PC. The game features tactical turn-based combat and an ensemble cast telling a story about genetically engineered 'angels' who rebelled against humanity and have now returned after 200 years. The first campaign takes place on a colony called Dreadheaven, where a group of heroes investigates a sudden silence.
Choose My Adventure: ‘Destiny 2.5’ is for the old diehards, not for me, and that’s pretty awesome
The author reflects on returning to Destiny 2, concluding that the game has evolved into a legacy title primarily for its long-term, dedicated fanbase rather than new or returning players. While appreciating the game's systems and the rewards for veteran players, the author acknowledges they are no longer part of that core community and bids the game farewell.
Destiny's community found Light while fighting the Darkness
This article reflects on the Destiny franchise's community, highlighting how players formed strong bonds and support networks beyond the game's mechanics and content. It emphasizes the positive impact of player interactions, charity events like GuardianCon, and the enduring memories created over the years, even as Destiny 2 reaches its end of service.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Reminded Me That Halo Infinite Was Great, Actually
Playing the remake Halo: Campaign Evolved highlights the strengths of Halo Infinite's gameplay, despite its development struggles and narrative issues. The article argues that Infinite modernized the core gameplay loop established in Halo: Combat Evolved, particularly with the addition of the grappling hook, and that the new Halo Studios should learn from both Infinite's innovations and the series' past successes.
Something for the Weekend – 01/08/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony's cautious approach to physical media, Nvidia's reported graphics card price increase, and Double Fine regaining independence with layoffs. New game announcements include Thimbleweed Park 2 and a Croc 2 remaster, with Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Marathon's PvE mode receiving updates. PlayStation Plus August 2026 Essential games were revealed, and Xbox Network experienced downtime due to a licensing service issue.
Indies devs band together for 100-game, $10 bundle aiming to help an "unprecedented number" of laid off…
Indie game developers have launched a $10 bundle featuring over 100 games and assets to support developers affected by recent layoffs. Spearheaded by Necrosoft Games, all proceeds, minus processing fees, will go to a Game Industry Hardship Fund managed by United Videogame Workers. The bundle includes titles like A Short Hike and Arranger, with funds intended to help laid-off developers with essential living expenses.
Recension – Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo: Campaign Evolved successfully modernizes the iconic 2001 campaign with graphical and audio enhancements, while preserving the brilliant sandbox combat and balanced weapon design. Despite some aging level design and the notable absence of a traditional multiplayer mode, the remake offers a compelling experience for both returning fans and newcomers to the Halo universe.
Halo: Campaign Evolved's 'death barriers' and ungenerous out-of-bounds restrictions are making the 42 skull grind a real bore
Players are expressing frustration with the restrictive 'death barriers' in Halo: Campaign Evolved, which punish exploration and conflict with the game's collectathon-style skull hunting. Unlike previous Halo titles, the remake's out-of-bounds restrictions are seen as overly harsh, with some suggesting a 'death timer' similar to Halo Reach as a more player-friendly alternative.
Bungie will keep Marathon’s Vault Breaker PvE mode online
Bungie has announced that the experimental PvE mode 'Vault Breaker' for their extraction shooter Marathon will remain online until August 18th, extending beyond its original July 21st to August 4th window. This decision comes after positive player engagement and feedback, with the mode offering a glimpse into Marathon's PvE future and allowing players to explore the Cryo Archive map.
Marathon adjusts the solo queue for its PvE roguelike mode and applies a small list of fixes
Marathon has adjusted its solo queue for the PvE roguelike mode, Vault Breaker, to be less punishing for solo players by reducing enemy aggression and increasing critical damage. The update also includes various bug fixes for issues like unclaimable rewards and UI problems. A double XP weekend is scheduled from July 31st to August 3rd.
Stealth and armour placement rule supreme in Tyr, the new tank shooter from former Destiny and Valorant devs, with a public playtest now live
Tyr, a new multiplayer tank shooter from former Destiny and Valorant developers at Stoke Games, is currently holding a public playtest until August 2nd. The game emphasizes stealth and strategic armour placement, featuring unique tank designs and mechanics where visibility and reconnaissance are crucial for survival. Tyr is slated for an early access release later this year.
Marathon’s Vault Breaker disappoints, but there’s still hope for Season 3
Bungie's new time-limited Vault Breaker PvE mode in Marathon, while offering a glimpse into the game's sci-fi universe without player threats, is not a successful solution for the game's current issues. The mode, set in the Cryo Archive, is difficult for new players to grasp and its progress does not carry over to the core game, limiting its appeal. Despite this, the article suggests that Season 3 holds promise for Marathon with a dedicated PvE experience and core game improvements.
As Destiny 2 is laid to rest, Warframe is experiencing 'massive growth,' studio boss says
Digital Extremes president Sheldon Carter stated that Warframe has experienced 'massive growth' over the past few years, contrasting with the decline of its rival Destiny 2. While acknowledging the connections between the studios, Carter expressed that Warframe is now thriving, allowing for continued development of their second project, Soulframe. He also highlighted Warframe's accessibility across various platforms, from PlayStation 5 to older Android phones.
How to play the Halo games in order: chronologically and by release date
This guide details how to play the Halo games in both chronological and release date order. It lists all major titles and spin-offs, providing their original release years and their place within the Halo timeline, including platforms where they are currently playable.
