Valorant
News, coverage and analysis tracking Valorant across the outlets.
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Best PvP Games in 2026: Most Popular Competitive Multiplayer Games Right Now
This guide highlights the top Player versus Player (PvP) games dominating the competitive gaming landscape in 2026, based on player counts and popularity. It covers titles across genres like tactical shooters (Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT), battle royales (PUBG: Battlegrounds, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone), and MOBAs (League of Legends, Dota 2), as well as popular mobile titles. The article also discusses the enduring appeal of PvP games, the importance of balanced gameplay, strong matchmaking, and community support for long-term success.
One of Jeff Kaplan's 'regrets about Overwatch' was making it so team-orientated: 'I would downplay the team factor and try to put more focus on individual contribution'
Former Overwatch boss Jeff Kaplan expressed regret over the game's heavy emphasis on team coordination, stating that if he were to create a hero shooter today, he would prioritize individual contribution. He believes this shift is necessary because players are inherently selfish and that the current team-dependent design makes it difficult to carry matches or compensate for weaker teammates.
One of Marathon's best tricks? It dodges the "Blorko" problem that doomed Concord and Highguard
Bungie's upcoming shooter Marathon distinguishes itself from recent hero shooter failures like Concord and Highguard by focusing on functional 'Shells' rather than heavily marketed individual characters. This approach allows players to engage with distinct playstyles without the pressure of immediately bonding with pre-defined personalities, a strategy that has proven challenging for other games in the genre.
PulsarLLC Drops Hiring Wave That’s Got Gamers Actually Making Bank in 2026
PulsarLLC has announced a significant hiring initiative for paid positions in streaming, competitive gaming, and creative roles, including GFX/VFX designers. The company is actively seeking players for Fortnite, Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Valorant, alongside managers and investors. This direct approach aims to simplify the process for individuals to monetize their gaming skills and passion.
Marvel Rivals Introduces Innovative Anti-Throwing System - GameHaunt
NetEase Games has launched the Victim Compensation Protocol for Marvel Rivals to combat incentivized throwing, a practice where players are paid to intentionally lose matches. The new system automatically refunds lost ranked points to victims of sabotage and their teammates. This proactive approach, combined with account bans for perpetrators, aims to create a fairer ranked play environment, distinguishing it from other hero shooters that primarily rely on player reports.
Is Marathon Heading for the Same Fate as Concord and Highguard? | Invision Game Community
The article analyzes the challenges faced by new live-service multiplayer shooters, using Concord and Highguard as examples of recent failures. It discusses how Marathon, Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter, faces similar retention hurdles despite initial testing interest, and its success hinges on Bungie's experience with Destiny 2 and creating a compelling gameplay loop.
Valorant ranks order, distribution, and ranking system explained
This guide explains the Valorant ranking system, including the order of ranks, their distribution among players, and how to achieve and maintain a rank. It covers the current patch's details on Act ranks and the progression system.
Website that let Marvel Rivals players pay each other to throw matches pivots to "transparency initiative" after NetEase get mad
Marvel Rivals developer NetEase has implemented new systems to detect and combat match-fixing after a third-party website facilitated players being paid to throw matches. The developer has introduced an active server-wide detection system and a compensation system for affected players, while the website in question has pivoted to a "transparency initiative."
Riot Games’ Wild 2024: Record $434M Profit But $603M in Dividends to Tencent
Riot Games reported a record profit of $434 million in 2024, but paid out $603 million in dividends to shareholders, primarily Tencent, using cash reserves. This financial strength allows for continued investment in games like League of Legends and Valorant, as well as their respective esports scenes, despite broader industry challenges.
NetEase warns Marvel Rivals Throwing Bounty participants face punishment
NetEase has issued a warning to players participating in "throwing bounty" activities in Marvel Rivals, stating that such actions undermine competitive integrity and will result in severe penalties, including permanent bans. The company is implementing a specialized investigation protocol to identify and address this negative gameplay trend.
2XKO is no longer in PlayStation 6 top downloads charts and nobody is remotely shocked
Riot Games' 2XKO has fallen off PlayStation's download charts, indicating lower-than-expected popularity for the 2v2 fighting game. Despite attempts to market it as a mainstream title and introduce expensive cosmetic skins, the game struggles to gain traction beyond the dedicated fighting game community, leading to layoffs and questions about its long-term viability.
VALORANT Crossplay Leak Splits Community Down the Middle
A leak suggests Riot Games is considering crossplay for VALORANT, dividing the community. Supporters believe it will expand the player base and allow friends to play together, while opponents worry about competitive integrity due to potential advantages for mouse and keyboard players over controller users. The implementation would require careful consideration of matchmaking and balance.
Keiko Faces Former Team Liquid in Do-or-Die VALORANT Masters Match
A highly anticipated VALORANT Masters Santiago match will feature player keiko facing his former team, Team Liquid, in a critical elimination game. This personal storyline adds significant drama to the competitive esports event, with both keiko and Team Liquid having personal stakes beyond just advancing in the tournament.
PlayStation Store: February 2026’s top downloads
Resident Evil Requiem led the download charts for PlayStation 5 in both the US and EU regions for February 2026. The article provides comprehensive download rankings for PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play titles on the PlayStation Store.
Trump administration debates getting Chinese Tencent money out of US gaming over feared security risks
The Trump administration is reportedly debating whether to force Chinese company Tencent to divest its US gaming investments, citing national security concerns. This includes Tencent's full ownership of Riot Games and a significant stake in Epic Games. The administration is also concerned about Tencent's influence on games like Clash of Clans, despite its Finnish development.
Report: Trump administration may pressure Tencent to divest from US studios
A report indicates that the Trump administration is considering pressuring Tencent to divest its stakes in US-based video game companies like Riot Games and Epic Games. This potential action comes ahead of a planned meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Twitch tells women to “get back in the kitchen” on International Women’s Day with tone deaf tweet
Twitch faced backlash for its International Women's Day tweet promoting an Overcooked 2 tournament, which critics deemed tone-deaf due to the common sexist insult "get back in the kitchen." Despite the game being chosen by the Women's Guild, the decision was seen as harmful in a male-dominated industry already facing toxicity towards women. Alternative game choices like VALORANT or Helldivers 2 were suggested to better highlight women in gaming.
Inside the Data-Driven Strategies of College Esports Players
Collegiate esports programs are increasingly relying on data analysis to gain a competitive edge, with universities investing heavily in facilities, scholarships, and dedicated analysts. Players are tracking numerous metrics using tools like Excel and specialized software to improve performance, scout opponents, and make strategic decisions during matches. This data-driven approach is becoming crucial for recruitment and success in competitive gaming.
G2 Esports Valorant: G2 Esports sign former XSET female Valorant roster | Gamzo
G2 Esports has officially signed the former XSET female Valorant roster, now named G2 Gozen. The team demonstrated their skill by going undefeated in the qualifying stage of the VCT Game Changers event, ultimately securing a 3rd-4th place finish. They are set to debut under the G2 Esports banner at the second Game Changers event for EMEA on October 25, 2021.
ValoNERD #9: How to hide level in Valorant: Here's how you can hide your account level in Valorant | Gamzo
This guide explains how to hide or change your account level border in Valorant following patch 3.08. Players can access the Collection tab, select Player Cards, and either choose a new border or untick the option to display their account level.