Crytek
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The EU Is Coming For Gaming’s Most Manipulative Monetization Tactics
European consumer protection authorities are taking action against 10 video game companies, including Activision Blizzard and Ubisoft, for employing "dark patterns" and manipulative monetization tactics. These practices, such as selling in-game currency in fixed bundles that force overspending and obscuring real-world costs, are accused of putting minors and vulnerable individuals at risk of gaming addiction. Some games like Fortnite are beginning to offer exact currency purchases, but many still rely on exploitative bundle deals.
The final showdown: Motion blur vs chromatic aberration
This article discusses a reader poll to determine whether motion blur or chromatic aberration is the more disliked graphical effect in video games. It presents both options as finalists in a debate to decide which effect should be removed from games permanently.
Consumer Protection Cooperation Network launches coordinated actions against nine companies on in-game currency
The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has initiated coordinated actions against nine video game companies, including King, Supercell, Mojang, Riot Games, and Activision Blizzard UK, over concerns regarding in-game virtual currencies and microtransactions. The network is enforcing EU's Key Principles, emphasizing that prices for in-game purchases should be displayed in real-world currency and that consumer protection laws should apply as if real money were spent. Industry representatives express concern that the CPC Network's approach may be overly strict and potentially extend existing laws beyond permissible limits.
Here are our PS Plus monthly games for October 2026
Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus monthly games for October 2026, featuring Hunt: Showdown, F1 25, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2. The highlight is Hunt: Showdown, a tense extraction shooter praised for its unique atmosphere and gameplay, available on PlayStation 5. F1 25 and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 are also included for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners.
This mod transforms Doom into a terrifying tactical shooter, and it's partly inspired by another PC gaming classic
A new mod for Doom, titled Blackout, transforms the classic shooter into a slow-paced tactical experience inspired by games like Crysis and Stalker. The mod features real-life firearms with ADS and reloading, slower movement, and a focus on methodical clearing and stealth, aiming to provide a tactical military simulation-based gameplay experience.
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.
What happens after GTA 6?
The article argues that the era of the Western blockbuster game, heavily reliant on pushing graphical fidelity and realism, is ending, with Grand Theft Auto 6 potentially being the last of its kind. It suggests that while GTA 6 will be a massive success, its focus on hyper-realism may not resonate as strongly with players as it once did, especially as hardware costs rise and other games find success through unique art styles and gameplay innovation. The author posits that future game development may shift towards more diverse and complex experiences rather than an endless pursuit of graphical realism.
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.
Loot, paranoia och flykt – historien om extraction shooters
This article traces the history and evolution of the extraction shooter genre, starting with The Division's Dark Zone in 2016 and Escape from Tarkov's beta in 2017. It highlights key titles like Hunt: Showdown and the recent success of Embark Studios' Arc Raiders, discussing the genre's core mechanics of looting, player-versus-player conflict, and the tension of extraction. The piece also touches on the genre's saturation and Bungie's controversial take with Marathon.
“Current and Former” Employees Disagree With DOOM Co-Director’s About id’s Current State
Current and former id Software employees have disputed co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio was not significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs. Developers expressed that approximately 50% of the workforce was cut, leading to a feeling that their contributions were undervalued and that the team has been 'nerfed'. The article also touches on past development challenges, including significant crunch and turnover during the creation of DOOM (2016).
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
Ryse: Son of Rome Had Plans To Be Xbox’s Assassin’s Creed
Ryse: Son of Rome was initially envisioned by Crytek and Xbox to span multiple historical eras, similar to the Assassin's Creed series. However, the game's critical and commercial underperformance led to the cancellation of these ambitious plans.
Crysis 2 had problems, but it got one thing right: destruction
This article revisits Crysis 2, acknowledging its flaws such as poor AI and a convoluted story, but highlights its strength in environmental destruction. The author argues that the game's focus on destruction, particularly in its later stages, makes it enjoyable despite design missteps and limitations compared to the original Crysis.
Crytek Strengthens Global Publishing with Appointment of Zoher Toutanji as Chief Publishing Officer
Crytek has appointed Zoher Toutanji as its new Chief Publishing Officer to lead global publishing operations and expand the company's self-publishing capabilities. Toutanji, formerly of IO Interactive, Riot Games, Square Enix, and Ubisoft, will oversee publishing strategy and commercial operations, supporting Crytek's live-service portfolio and future titles like Hunt: Showdown. This move is part of Crytek's long-term strategy to strengthen its global commercial presence and drive sustainable growth.
Ulysses Graphics appoints Chief Business Officer, Claas Grimm, to strengthen its position as a leading AAA art partner
Ulysses Graphics has appointed Claas Grimm as its new Chief Business Officer to bolster its position as a AAA art partner. Grimm brings over 20 years of experience in business development and operations within the games industry, having previously worked with major companies like Activision and Tencent. The company, which has studios in Ukraine and Poland, aims to leverage Grimm's expertise to enhance its client experience and solidify its reputation for high-quality art production.
The Psychology of “One More Run”: Why Players Can’t Quit Extraction and Survival Games
This article delves into the psychological appeal of extraction and survival games like Hunt: Showdown, Sea of Thieves, and Vampire Survivors. It explains how the core 'cash-out' decision, near-misses, loss aversion, and sunk cost fallacy contribute to the addictive 'one more run' loop that keeps players engaged. The design of these games leverages psychological principles to create compelling and often tense gameplay experiences.
Remember when Star Wars and Command & Conquer ruled PC gaming? June in PC Gamer 10, 20, and 30 years ago
This article looks back at PC gaming from June 1996, 2006, and 2016, highlighting cover stories like Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, Command & Conquer 3, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3. It also touches on the evolution of gaming monitors and significant news from those respective months.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Former Senior Game Designer Joins CD Projekt RED
CD Projekt RED has hired Zdeněk Glatz, the former Senior Game Designer and writer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, as a Senior Open World Designer. Glatz spent eight years at Warhorse Studios. This move is part of CD Projekt RED's ongoing expansion of its development teams for upcoming titles like The Witcher 4 and a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
Humble Choice for May 2026 has Diablo IV, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and more
Humble Choice for May 2026 will feature Diablo IV, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, and several other titles available for subscribers to claim. The monthly bundle service allows users to keep all included games permanently. The lineup also includes Crysis 3 Remastered, Heroes of Hammerwatch II, Nordhold, Rogue Waters, Cubic Odyssey, and Mini Settlers.
GAMERS INVITED TO JOIN ‘BATTLE FOR THE HABITATS’ THIS EARTH DAY – A GLOBAL GAMES EVENT TO PROTECT RAINFORESTS AND OCEANS
PlanetPlay has launched 'Battle for the Habitats,' a global gaming event running from Earth Day to World Environment Day, aiming to raise $1 million for rainforest and ocean conservation. Players can join Team Rainforest or Team Reef by playing over 100 PC and mobile games, with a portion of profits from sales and direct donations going to the Rainforest Alliance and Oceana. The event features discounts on titles from major publishers like Capcom and SEGA, and involves streamers like Maximilian Dood and Briana White.