Game Balance
Ongoing coverage on Game Balance.
Latest coverage
Slay the Spire 2 gets inundated with bad reviews on Steam as players decide they hate an optional balance patch:…
Slay the Spire 2 is experiencing a surge of negative reviews on Steam following the release of an opt-in beta patch, v0.100.0. Players are reportedly unhappy with the balance adjustments and the addition of a new 'Phobia' mode, despite the game maintaining a 'Very Positive' overall rating.
Slay the Spire 2 reveals first major patch, with "huge" balance pass, Phobia mode, and adjusted classes and cards
Mega Crit has released the first major balance patch for Slay the Spire 2 on Steam's beta branch. The update includes a significant balance pass aimed at reducing 'infinites,' adjustments to character classes like The Regent and Necrobinder, and the addition of a 'Phobia mode.' The game has seen considerable success since its early access launch, with over 3 million sales.
Into the Super-verse: Why is City of Heroes still the superhero MMORPG standard bearer?
City of Heroes remains the benchmark for superhero MMORPGs despite its shutdown, outperforming newer titles like Ship of Heroes and City of Titans. The article argues its enduring appeal stems not from perfect mechanics or balance, but from its embrace of the inherent absurdity and wild creativity found in superhero fiction, allowing players to engage in fun, nonsensical scenarios.
Latest Crimson Desert update rolls out extra polish and new tutorial quest
Pearl Abyss has released a new patch for Crimson Desert on PlayStation 5 and PC, introducing a tutorial quest for the Abyss Gears mechanic and adjusting boss balance, including the Reed Devil. The update also improves combat for protagonists Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka. Xbox and Mac App Store versions are expected later.
First big Slay the Spire 2 patch aims "to make infinites harder to achieve" and calms down the creepiest crawlies in the roguelike with a Phobia Mode
Mega Crit has released the first major balance patch for Slay the Spire 2 on its Steam beta branch, aiming to make 'infinites' harder to achieve and introducing a new 'Phobia Mode' for accessibility. The patch includes numerous buffs and nerfs intended to impact various player builds.
Slay the Spire 2 is stamping out infinites, and you're not prepared for what we've lost
The first major balance patch for Slay the Spire 2 is now available in beta, introducing significant changes to iconic cards like Prepared and making the Doormaker encounter more challenging. These adjustments aim to address game balance and eliminate infinites.
"So that we don't flood the game with amazing loot": Marathon director defends Cryo Archive's weekend-only release in the name of balance, queue times and player prep
Marathon game director Joe Ziegler defended the decision to release the new Cryo Archive map as a weekend-only event, citing the need for player preparation, maintaining game balance by preventing an 'overpowered loot' economy, and ensuring consistent player pools for faster matchmaking. While acknowledging player frustration, Ziegler stated that Bungie is open to future iterations and adjustments for the live service game's content releases.
Fatal Frame 2 Remake 1.03.02 update out now, patch notes
Koei Tecmo has released update version 1.03.02 for Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake. The update is available now for Nintendo Switch and includes balance adjustments, specifically nerfs to Aggravated Wraiths and some Onryo.
Slay The Spire 2 Is Becoming A Little Less Scary, But Players Are Unhappy With Patch's Nerfs
Mega Crit has released patch notes for Slay the Spire 2's v0.100.0 update, introducing a 'Phobia Mode' to adjust certain visual elements and implementing various balance changes, including nerfs to some of the Silent's cards and reduced prices for in-shop relics. While the update is currently in beta, some community members have expressed dissatisfaction with specific nerfs, such as to the Silent's Prepared skill.
War Thunder Update 2.55.0.9 Reshapes the Battlefield with Critical Fixes
Gaijin Entertainment has released War Thunder Update 2.55.0.9, addressing numerous bugs and making balance adjustments. The update includes fixes for missile placement on Su-30SM aircraft, removes the BMPT artillery support modification with full refunds, and adds target tracking radar to the Falcon ground vehicle. Additionally, the Golden Quarry and Red Desert maps have been temporarily removed due to underlying issues.
Marvel Rivals Season 7 Patch: Cap Is Back, Panther Gets Wings
NetEase has released an emergency balance patch for Marvel Rivals ahead of Season 7, significantly altering four heroes: Captain America, Emma Frost, Black Panther, and Gambit. The patch addresses Captain America's animation cancel, adjusts Emma Frost's Diamond Form, enhances Black Panther's offensive capabilities, and modifies Gambit's ultimate duration. Additionally, a global nerf to Ultimate charge rates across all heroes aims to slow down the 'ult-spam meta' and encourage more neutral gameplay.
Marvel Rivals fans mourn Captain America after nerfs, but NetEase says "only a fraction of mechanically flawless players" could pull off his best combos
NetEase Games has nerfed Captain America in Marvel Rivals again, citing that only a fraction of players could execute his complex animation-cancelling combos. The developer released an emergency patch to address player backlash, explaining the changes aim for more consistent offensive pressure and mobility, though some players feel the hero is now the worst tank in the game.
Mewgenics' latest update makes one of its most unpredictable fights a bit fairer, and includes maybe the best patch note of all time: 'Fixed case where a non-binary cat with dwarfism would crash the game if playing in Brazilian Portuguese'
The latest patch for Mewgenics, developed by Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, addresses numerous bugs and implements balance changes. Notably, a humorous patch note details a fix for a non-binary cat with dwarfism crashing the game in Brazilian Portuguese due to naming conventions. The patch also limits certain powerful spells from the miniboss Arthur's Metronome ability, making encounters less punishing.
Marvel Rivals Season 7 Patch Notes: Hulk Is Finally Good
Marvel Rivals Season 7 introduces significant balance changes, including a global 20% nerf to ultimate charge rates across all roles. This update aims to reduce ultimate spam and increase actual gameplay time. Key hero adjustments include substantial buffs to Hulk and Blade, making them more viable, while Elsa Bloodstone, Deadpool, Daredevil, Gambit, and Invisible Woman receive various nerfs to address their dominance or balance their kits.
Marathon players have discovered an incredibly strong movement technique, one that may just be too good to be fair
Marathon players have discovered a powerful movement technique using the Thief Shell's grapple device combined with a slide and jump, granting significant forward momentum with a quickly resetting cooldown. This technique is controversial, with some players calling it an exploit that gives the Thief an unfair advantage, while others argue it represents skillful expression and could lead to interesting meta developments. The article speculates on how Bungie might address this, potentially by adjusting the grapple cooldown.
EVE Online drops an update that shakes up the Catalyst meta and starts a special election event
CCP has released a major update for EVE Online that rebalances ships to alter the meta, introduces a beacon event for carriers, and improves the Pochven region. The update also includes tweaks to force projection and launches a special Gallente Election event filled with challenges and rewards. CCP stated the update aims to strengthen ship roles, improve risk versus reward, and foster a healthier ecosystem for diverse strategies.
CCP Games Launches Major Update for EVE Online: Catalyst, Strengthening Ship Balance and Ecosystem
CCP Games has released a major update for its sci-fi MMO EVE Online, titled Catalyst. This update focuses on refining ship balance, strengthening the in-game ecosystem, and introducing new high-risk, high-reward PvE activities. The update also sets the stage for the upcoming Gallente Presidential Election within the game.
Marvel Rivals Season 7: Every Change You Need to Know
Marvel Rivals Season 7 introduces sweeping gameplay changes, including a significant reduction in ultimate energy gain across all heroes to slow down the pace of fights and reduce CC stacking. New hero White Fox is available now, with Black Cat coming in Season 7.5. The update also adds a new map, Lower Manhattan, and adjusts several hero abilities, with buffs for Black Panther and nerfs for Gambit's ultimate.
New Arc Raiders Patch Finally Takes Aim at the Il Toro to Make it Feel 'More Like a Weapon of Its Rarity' - IGN
Embark Studios has released Arc Raiders update 1.20.0, which includes balance adjustments for the Il Toro shotgun and a reduction in the sell price of energy clips. The update aims to make the Il Toro feel more appropriate for its rarity and to rebalance in-game economy. The patch is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Tekken 8's Huge, Game-Changing Season 3 Balance Update Available Now on PS5
Bandai Namco has released a major 3.0 update for Tekken 8, focusing on a "back to basics" approach to game balance for Season 3. The update includes numerous character adjustments, changes to game systems, and new content for the in-game shop. This significant overhaul aims to enhance character individuality and refine the overall combat experience on PlayStation 5.
