Fortnite
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Overwatch, Path of Exile, and the In-Game Economy: What Virtual Currency Systems Reveal About Real Money Design
This analysis explores how virtual currency systems in games like Overwatch 2 and Path of Exile are designed to psychologically influence players and abstract real-world spending. It contrasts Blizzard's stable but awkward dual-currency model with Grinding Gear Games' player-driven orb economy, highlighting how these designs reduce the 'pain of paying' and encourage continued engagement. The article also touches on the migration of these principles to other digital sectors and offers advice for players on budgeting for in-game purchases.
Meccha Chameleon ranks second behind Fortnite in PC revenue for June | Newzoo charts
Meccha Chameleon achieved significant success in June, ranking as the second-highest revenue-generating PC title behind Fortnite according to Newzoo. The indie hit, developed by Lemorion_1224 and Hagneiro, has sold over 15 million copies since its June 10 launch. Newzoo's report also highlighted the sustained commercial momentum of live-service titles and the impact of subscription services on game lifecycles.
Xbox Is Putting Ads Before Games, And It Feels Gross
Xbox is testing an ad-supported model for cloud gaming where players can watch ads before playing owned games for an hour. While optional and intended to add value, the author argues this move crosses a line for the industry, potentially leading to more intrusive advertising and broken promises from Microsoft.
Amazon Luna boss thinks rising hardware prices could push more hardcore gamers to cloud gaming — 'You're going to see more people that are priced out of the market'
Amazon's gaming boss Jeff Gattis believes rising hardware prices for consoles and PCs could drive more core gamers towards cloud streaming services like Amazon Luna. He noted that current hardware costs, potentially reaching $1,000-$1,500, could price consumers out of the market. While not Amazon's primary strategy, Gattis sees this trend as a potential tailwind for cloud gaming adoption.
Fortnite’s The Simpsons Crossover Is Coming Back
Epic Games has confirmed that The Simpsons characters will return to Fortnite in a "Reloaded" event on July 29. This crossover, originally held in November 2025, was highly successful and is being integrated into the Fortnite UEFN program for player-created content.
After years of failed MMO efforts, I have finally found my place in the genre with Warframe as a newcomer in 2026
A newcomer to the MMO genre finds a satisfying experience in Digital Extremes' Warframe, despite initial reservations about the genre's endless nature. The author contrasts Warframe's power fantasy and engaging combat with other MMOs like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14, and expresses excitement for the developer's upcoming title, Soulframe.
Fortnite’s Fortnitemares to be featured at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights — MP3s & NPCs
Universal Parks & Resorts is bringing Fortnite's Fortnitemares event to its Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. The scare zone will feature the iconic Battle Bus and characters from the game's Halloween-themed content, offering guests an immersive experience. The collaboration launches August 28 in Orlando and September 3 in Hollywood.
Former Ultima Online lead says MMOs are "finally free of the fever dream of imitating World of Warcraft" thanks to Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and more
Raph Koster, lead designer of Ultima Online, believes the MMO genre has moved beyond the World of Warcraft-imitating phase, citing the success of sandbox titles like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Minecraft. He argues that the demand for social experiences and persistent worlds, even with smaller player counts, makes it an opportune time for new MMOs like his upcoming game, Stars Reach.
Persona collaboration is apparently coming to Fortnite next season
Rumors suggest that the Persona series will be featured in Fortnite in an upcoming collaboration next season. This news comes from leaker SamLeakss, though Atlus has not yet officially confirmed the partnership.
With Pokémon in Fortnite Seemingly Off the Table, Palworld Looks Likely to Crossover Instead
Popular Steam title Palworld is reportedly being considered for a crossover event with Fortnite. This comes as a collaboration with Pokémon in Fortnite appears unlikely to happen in the near future.
Evening Reading - July 21, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers several gaming and entertainment updates. News includes Wreckreation 2 in development, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion details, and Darkest Dungeon: The Fire's Edge DLC. Other mentions include Apple's device leasing program, Nintendo's response to tariff refunds, a Splatoon Raiders review, and collaborations for Fortnite and EA Sports FC.
Maybe Not Everything Needs To Be A Fortnite Collab
This opinion piece critiques Epic Games' decision to collaborate with the horror film Obsession for a Fortnite ad, arguing that the ad misses the film's core themes and is inappropriate given the game's younger demographic. The author suggests that not all popular IPs are suitable for Fortnite collaborations, especially when the marketing fails to grasp the source material's context.
Unity demonstrates 'an Unreal character running through a Unity world' for the first time
Unity demonstrated a Unity Engine game running natively within an Unreal Engine game, showcasing a step towards an interconnected gaming ecosystem. This collaboration with Epic Games aims to allow Unity developers to publish their games within Fortnite, with a new integration planned for early access in 2027. The demonstration featured an Unreal character running through a Unity world with synchronized physics, lighting, and input.
Jimothy, a particularly round raccoon and the internet's latest sensation, has now broken into games
Jimothy, a round raccoon that has gone viral online, is now being featured in various video games. Titles like World of Warcraft, RuneScape, Dead by Daylight, Mouse: P.I. For Hire, The Sims, and Halo have created renders or in-game depictions of the popular animal. The article speculates that Fortnite might also feature Jimothy in the future.
Fortnite reveals Pokemon-like "creature-based games" in upcoming new update, and you can play it this week
Fortnite is launching a new update on Thursday, July 23, featuring "Cuddles and Chaos Collection" which introduces creature-based games with "Sidekicks" in a Pokemon-like style. The update promises fierce battles, adventures, and deep bonds, with conservationist Maya Higa involved in live events. This new collection is reportedly built using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite.
Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 ports were both in the top 10 US PlayStation games last week despite cheating…
Despite significant fan complaints regarding pricing, lack of crossplay, and rampant cheating, the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 have charted in the top 10 most played games in the US. Nostalgia for the titles proved strong enough to overcome these issues, with Black Ops debuting at ninth and Black Ops 2 at sixth place.
What is the release date of Cube Sprites in Fortnite?
Epic Games will introduce Cube Sprites to Fortnite on Thursday, July 23, starting at 6 AM PT. These new collectibles will grant players the Overdrive effect while in the storm, potentially enabling new tactical approaches. The article anticipates eight new Sprites based on datamines.
From Game Pass to Free Sweeps Slots: The Free Gaming Models Xbox Players Should Try
Xbox offers various gaming models to fit modern lifestyles, including subscription services like Xbox Game Pass for discovering new titles and cloud gaming for cross-device play. Free-to-play games such as Fortnite and Rocket League foster community, while casual browser games provide quick entertainment between longer sessions. These flexible options allow players to seamlessly integrate gaming into their daily routines.
How to get the Pollo Sprite in Fortnite
The Pollo Sprite cosmetic in Fortnite is currently only obtainable by receiving it from another player. Epic Games has announced that next week, the Pollo Sprite will be added to normal loot pools, accessible through Rare and Sprite chests, making it easier for players to acquire.
What time is Shiny Hour in Fortnite?
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3 is featuring a special in-game event called Shiny Hour, which will occur twice on July 18th. The event provides players with opportunities to collect various "Sprites" and includes special items like the Batman Grapple Gun. Specific times for the event are provided in Pacific and Eastern Time, as well as British Summer Time.
