Hi-Rez Studios
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Saudi media conglomerate MBC expands into video game industry with new studio
Middle Eastern entertainment company MBC Group has launched MBC Game Studio, a new subsidiary focused on video game development. The studio's first project is "1001 Threads of Mizan," an action-adventure game set in the world of One Thousand and One Nights. MBC Game Studio aims to build a successful game franchise and elevate the local industry, while also confirming a policy against using generative AI technology.
Perfect Ten: Looking back at the absurdly stacked MMO year of 2010
The year 2010 was a landmark year for MMORPGs, marked by numerous significant launches, business model shifts, and notable events. Key moments included the launches of Star Trek Online, Global Agenda, and Mortal Online, alongside the controversial launches and shutdowns of All Points Bulletin and the initial version of Final Fantasy XIV. The year also saw major shifts with EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online adopting free-to-play models, and the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansions.
Early access MOBA SMITE 2 shows off the next two deities coming in its mini-roadmap
Hi-Rez Studios has released a mini-roadmap for the early access MOBA SMITE 2, detailing the upcoming addition of two new deities. Cu Chulainn will be added on July 28th with summer cosmetics and UI features, followed by Ix Chel on August 11th, who will focus on echo itemization and be part of the new Grim Pact saga event centered around Neith.
SMITE 2’s open beta is still going as Hi-Rez patches in Chronos and lots of god stat changes
Hi-Rez Studios has released a new patch for SMITE 2's open beta, introducing the God of Time, Chronos, and implementing numerous god stat changes. The update also includes adjustments to base health, protections, minion health, and item balance, aiming to alter time-to-kill and overall survival rates.
The Next Chapter In Roguelite FPS.
Prophecy Games has announced Deadzone Rogue 2, the sequel to its popular roguelite FPS, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game builds upon the success of Deadzone: Rogue, which has garnered over 750,000 players and positive reviews across multiple platforms. A demo announcement is expected in June 2026, with a full release date to follow.
Perfect Ten: Old MMORPGs we used to talk about all the time but aren’t mentioned today
This article discusses ten MMORPGs that were once highly anticipated and frequently discussed but have since faded into obscurity. Games like Tabula Rasa, RIFT, Mythos, The Secret World, and Marvel Heroes are highlighted, with reasons for their decline ranging from studio closures and mismanagement to shifting player interest and lack of sustained development.
5 dead games I still can’t stop thinking about
This article discusses five 'dead games' that, despite player abandonment or functional abandonment, remain memorable due to their strong core concepts or communities. Games like Anthem, Deceive Inc., Gigantic, Titanfall 2, and Paladins: Champions of the Realm are examined for their initial appeal and the reasons for their decline, often citing issues with live-service models, market timing, or lack of sustained support.
