Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
Latest coverage
Not So Massively: Reacting to the Not So Massively news of BlizzCon 2026
BlizzCon 2026 featured surprising announcements for several Blizzard titles, including a new hero for Heroes of the Storm and a significant expansion for Warcraft III: Reforged titled The Forsaken Kingdom. The event also revealed Diablo V, signaling a move away from Diablo IV, and a new StarCraft shooter, though details were scarce. Overwatch received a new hero and reworks, while Hearthstone announced a new expansion.
Marathon Overhaul Planned as Bungie Pivots to PvE
Bungie is overhauling its extraction shooter Marathon, shifting focus towards permanent PvE experiences and implementing a progression reset. This change comes after player feedback highlighted a need for more depth and variety. The studio is also moving away from strict seasonal schedules to allow for more flexible development and testing of major features.
As Horizon Forbidden West and Helldivers 2 vanish from Steam in the UK, Sony confirms there's an ongoing issue and…
Players in the UK have reported that Horizon Forbidden West and Helldivers 2 have been delisted from Steam. Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed awareness of the issue affecting select titles in the UK and is working with Valve to resolve it, apologizing for the inconvenience.
Guild Wars 3 dev wants you to be able to take a break for months at a time and know you're "not going to be left behind"
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre is still thriving and that Guild Wars 3 aims to address common player concerns about time commitment. He emphasizes the need for games to allow meaningful progress in short sessions and for players to be able to take extended breaks without falling behind.
All active Aniimo codes for launch, September 2026
This guide provides a list of active Aniimo codes for September 2026, offering players free in-game items such as Glimmer, Credits, Growth Flowers, and Aniipods. It also details how to redeem these codes within the game by accessing the settings menu and completing the 'Chasing The Clouds' quest to unlock the in-game mail system.
Is Aniimo a gacha game?
Aniimo is not a gacha game, despite initial appearances and a previous beta event called Rift Exploration that functioned similarly. Developer Pawprint Studio has removed the gacha mechanics due to player backlash, opting instead for a monetization model focused on cosmetics, shop bundles, and a battle pass system. Players can acquire Aniimo through gameplay, hatching eggs, and completing events.
Bungie's mantra was "I love playing Destiny. I hate that it’s not better" in the MMO's early…
Former Bungie VP Mark Noseworthy reflected on Destiny's The Taken King expansion, calling it his personal favorite and a high point for the game. He described the development mantra as "I love playing Destiny. I hate that it’s not better," highlighting the game's constant struggle to reach its full potential despite its strong core appeal.
Diablo Discussion w/Devs: Diablo V, Season of Hell’s Legacy, and The Amazon | Official XBOX Podcast
Developers from Blizzard Entertainment discuss major Diablo announcements at BlizzCon, including Diablo V, Season 15 of Diablo IV, and the upcoming Amazon class. The team highlights the game's evolution, player reception, and the creative process behind new content and future installments.
"What would a WoW 2 give you that World of Warcraft: Forever isn't already giving you?" - Blizzard addresses the MMO elephant in the room
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a reimagined version of the original game with new content and improved graphics, rather than a direct sequel. Executives Holly Longdale and Kris Zierhut explained that the existing engine and ongoing development of World of Warcraft make a sequel unnecessary and potentially less viable than evolving the current game. The company also mentioned future plans for Diablo 5 and a StarCraft shooter, while acknowledging the challenges and costs associated with creating a WoW sequel.
Marathon September Update Delayed to December 2026 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bungie has delayed the "Symbiosis" update for its extraction shooter Marathon to December 2026, with a smaller "October Refresh" planned for October 6. The author expresses disappointment, viewing the changes as a reactive attempt to salvage the live service game rather than a focused vision. The article criticizes the addition of features like a social space and PvE content, suggesting Bungie is struggling to find a unique identity for Marathon.
PHYSINT – So… What Exactly Is Going On?
PlayStation has canceled its partnership with Hideo Kojima's Kojima Productions for the upcoming game Physint, citing a difficult decision after three decades of collaboration. Kojima Productions has since partnered with Xbox for the project, which is described as an 'action espionage game' and also working on the horror title OD. The article speculates on the reasons for PlayStation's decision, including high budgets and a potential shift towards live-service games, while highlighting Xbox's eagerness to support Kojima's ambitious vision.
Bungie ends Marathon's seasonal schedule, delays a September update to December, and makes it more like Destiny 2
Bungie is overhauling Marathon's live service model, ending its strict seasonal schedule in favor of larger, more impactful content drops, similar to Destiny 2's strategy. A significant update, Symbiosis, is planned for December 8, introducing new modes and features, with further evolution expected through March and beyond. This shift aims to address player feedback regarding depth, variety, and long-term engagement.
Bungie delays next Marathon update and ends 'strict seasonal schedule' as it goes all-in on Destiny-like…
Bungie is delaying the next update for its game Marathon and moving away from a strict seasonal schedule to allow for more flexible development. This change means content planned for this month is pushed to December, with an October update to reset progression and economy. The developer aims to create a more stable and engaging experience, potentially making Marathon more like Destiny 2, though some players are unhappy with the extended wait for new content.
In a big change for Blizzard, it sounds like the new StarCraft shooter won't be a live-service game
Blizzard has revealed that the new StarCraft game, slated for release in 2030, will be a narrative-driven, open-world shooter with a definitive beginning, middle, and end, departing from the company's recent focus on live-service titles. Project leader Dan Hay described it as a 'box product' that players can purchase and experience fully, with opportunities to explore the world and engage in activities at their own pace between story missions. While acknowledging StarCraft's legacy as an RTS, Blizzard is carefully considering future directions for the franchise.
Sony continues to anger fans as The Last Of Us Part 2 multiplayer mod axed
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly forced the cancellation of a fan-made multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part II on PC. The mod's creator, Speclizer, announced the termination following a request from Sony, drawing criticism from fans who view it as another 'terrible decision' by the company. This action comes after Sony also cancelled its own live service title, The Last of Us Online, in 2023.
Arc Raiders Expeditions may never come back; Embark might "scrap the whole system altogether"
Embark Studios is considering a complete overhaul or even scrapping the 'Expeditions' endgame system for Arc Raiders, as it will not return until 2027 with major improvements. Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal stated that the team is evaluating significant changes or potentially replacing the system entirely due to player feedback.
Our World of Warcraft Forever hype is dampened by $30 elves: New Skyborne race locked behind expansion-tier purchase
The upcoming World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion includes the new Skyborne Elf race and its starter zone behind a $30 "Skyborne Hero Pack" purchase, separate from the main expansion cost. This pricing is criticized as being high, comparable to an expansion pack itself, and contrasts with the value offered by other new games and the inclusion of most other content within the standard subscription.
Ship of Heroes will officially sunset after just one year of live operation on September 22
Ship of Heroes will officially cease operations on September 22nd, just one year after its launch. Despite efforts to improve the game by lowering the price and removing the subscription, the shrinking development team and a disastrous launch led to its eventual sunset. The developers expressed gratitude to the community for their feedback throughout the game's nine-year development and one year of live operation.
PlayStation has had its worst week ever and it deserves it - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature expresses strong criticism towards Sony PlayStation, arguing the company deserves its recent troubles. The author points to the cancellation of Hideo Kojima's Physint game, the poor reception of Marvel's Wolverine, and the shift to live service games as self-inflicted wounds, contrasting Sony's perceived mismanagement with Xbox's current business practices.
Wolverine review roundup: Frankly, we're starting to feel a little better about the whole 'PlayStation 5…
Reviews for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine indicate that while the game has strong character work and moments of satisfying combat, it ultimately falls short of expectations for a major PlayStation 5 exclusive. Critics noted repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth, with some calling it a disappointment for the platform.
