Live Operations
Ongoing coverage on Live Operations.
Latest coverage
Why Sports Games Have Become Year-Round Digital Fan Platforms
Sports video games have evolved from annual releases into year-round digital fan platforms that integrate competition, media, commerce, and community. Publishers now continuously update content, reacting to real-world sporting events and player performances to maintain engagement long after the initial purchase. This shift has also led to new monetization strategies, the rise of esports, and a re-evaluation of the traditional annual release model.
With the sword of Microsoft hanging over it, Blizzard quietly drops Overwatch in Korea into the hands of Nexon
Blizzard Entertainment is transferring publishing duties for Overwatch in Korea to Nexon, with a new PC service set to launch on August 12. This move comes amidst significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, including layoffs and studio divestitures. Nexon aims to enhance the Overwatch experience through hyperlocalization and advanced live operations.
Evening Gatherings and Events
Evil Empire has successfully organized effective indie showcase events while managing Castlevania, live operations, and developing its own intellectual property. The company is noted for its approach to indie game promotion.
How Evil Empire makes one of the most effect indie showcase events – while juggling Castlevania, live ops, and building its own IP
Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, has successfully organized the Triple-i Initiative, an effective indie game showcase event. The company also manages live operations for other studios' games, such as Brotato, while developing its own original IPs.
Social Sandbox Game Pixel Worlds: MMO Sandbox Returns to Mobile!
Pixel Worlds: MMO Sandbox has been rebooted and relaunched on mobile by new publisher Social First. The game, originally developed by Kukouri Mobile Entertainment, shut down in December 2024 before Social First acquired the intellectual property. The relaunch features a refined progression system, a controlled in-game economy, and improved moderation, emphasizing player interaction and creativity in its free-to-play sandbox environment.
USC GAMES ANNOUNCES JOHN RICCITIELLO AND FRANK D. GIBEAU AS 10TH ANNIVERSARY EXPO KEYNOTE PANEL SPEAKERS
USC Games has announced that former Unity Technologies and Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello, and Zynga President Frank D. Gibeau will be keynote speakers at its 10th anniversary USC Games Expo on May 12, 2026. The event will showcase over sixty student-developed games and feature interactive installations, an esports tournament, and previews of titles from a new Games as a Service and Live Operations class.
Reddit posts can be more important than data, and other lessons from maintaining Candy Crush as a forever game
Eva Ryott, King's head of live operations, discusses maintaining Candy Crush Saga as a 'forever game' by focusing on player needs and leveraging AI for content creation and workflow support. She highlights the importance of combining data-driven insights with innovation and listening to player feedback, even from platforms like Reddit, to keep the long-running mobile title engaging.
Trophy Hunter introduces Night Hunt - a new nighttime hunting experience
Trophy Hunter has introduced 'Night Hunt,' a new feature that transforms existing arenas into challenging nighttime environments with exclusive nocturnal animals and gameplay conditions. This update aims to expand the game's content and offer new competitive opportunities for players, including weekly events and a ticket system for participation. Players can earn recognition through achievement badges and rankings, with top performers receiving permanent profile displays.