Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
Latest coverage
Path of Exile co-creator tells developers "don't survey your players" because "'your audience is good at recognizing problems and bad at solving them'"
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson advises game developers against surveying players for design direction, stating that audiences are better at identifying problems than solving them. He emphasizes that while player feedback is crucial for identifying issues, developers must maintain their own vision for the game's direction. Wilson also touches on the potential pitfalls of player surveys, such as creating false expectations and optimizing for vocal players rather than the entire community.
As its retirement looms, Destiny 2 is still the gold standard for joyous gunplay
Despite the impending end of its live service updates, Destiny 2 continues to offer exceptionally satisfying gunplay, a legacy honed by Bungie's work on Halo and Marathon. The game's shooting mechanics are praised for their tactile feel and expressive combat, even as the article laments the perceived inability of Bungie and Sony to find a way to continue the game's timeline.
Remedy's CEO isn't worried about Control Resonant launching close to GTA 6: 'It’s going to put the spotlight even more on games than maybe in past years'
Remedy Entertainment's CEO, Jean-Charles Gaudechon, is not concerned about Control Resonant launching near Grand Theft Auto 6, believing the major release will boost the entire gaming market. He suggests that GTA 6's launch could encourage players to purchase consoles like the PlayStation 5 and subsequently discover other titles. Gaudechon also touched upon his past experience at Electronic Arts and Remedy's strategy for building its franchises.
Another live service game crashes as Sony switches off servers for PS5 exclusive Destruction AllStars
Sony has shut down multiplayer servers for the PlayStation 5 exclusive Destruction AllStars due to ongoing technical issues, effectively ending online support months ahead of the planned November 25th shutdown. The game has also been removed from the PlayStation Store, though single-player modes will remain accessible with potential impacts from the server closure.
Red Dead Online wasn't a missed opportunity in the eyes of Take-Two's boss, but I'd say it's proof that following the GTA train doesn't guarantee the world
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick defended Red Dead Online's success, citing Red Dead Redemption 2's sales and the online component's longevity. However, the article argues that Red Dead Online's performance should be viewed in comparison to Grand Theft Auto Online, suggesting that simply following GTA's successful model does not guarantee similar results. The piece concludes that while not a complete failure, Red Dead Online serves as a reminder that even successful companies like Rockstar Games can face challenges when replicating past successes.
PS5 exclusive Destruction AllStars shut down after five years
Destruction AllStars, a PlayStation 5 exclusive vehicular brawler developed by Lucid Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has been taken offline and removed from the PlayStation Store. Sony cited ongoing technical issues as the reason for shutting down the live service game. While single-player modes will remain accessible until November 25, 2026, all multiplayer services have ceased operation.
BPMG Bets on Legacy Game IP as Faster Path to Web3 Gaming Adoption
Korean company BPMG is focusing on integrating Web3 technologies into existing live-service games with established player bases, rather than launching new Web3-native titles. This strategy aims to leverage existing communities for more sustainable blockchain gaming adoption. BPMG has secured $5.2 million in Series A funding to support this hybrid Web2-Web3 expansion.
Sony is officially shutting down Destruction AllStars
Sony is shutting down servers for Destruction AllStars on November 25, 2026, and has removed the game and its microtransaction currency from the PlayStation Store. While single-player challenges will remain, multiplayer services have been offline since 2024 due to ongoing technical issues. The game, which was intended as a PlayStation Plus launch title, did not achieve significant success and its developer, Lucid Games, was later acquired by Tencent.
Destruction AllStars delisted, multiplayer servers shut down
Destruction AllStars has been delisted from the PlayStation Store and its multiplayer servers have been shut down, leaving only the offline Arcade mode playable. Sony has stated that single-player modes will remain accessible until November 25, 2026. The game, originally a PS+ title in 2021, struggled with player numbers, leading to developer Lucid Games introducing bots for matchmaking shortly after launch.
HoYoverse to invest billions into AI over the next three years
HoYoverse, the publisher of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, announced a significant investment of over 100 billion yuan ($20 billion AUD) into artificial intelligence over the next three years. The company aims to develop an in-house AI ecosystem to enhance future game development, including AI-powered NPCs and automation processes. This initiative positions HoYoverse alongside other companies like Krafton in adopting an AI-first approach to game creation.
Destruction AllStars delisted from PS Store, servers to shutdown in November 2026
Destruction AllStars has been delisted from the PlayStation Store and its multiplayer servers were immediately taken offline due to ongoing technical issues. Server support will officially end on November 25, 2026, though single-player and Arcade Mode will remain accessible until then. The game's premium currency has also been removed.
Destiny 2 Closing is Real, and it’s More Painful Than I Thought — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bungie has announced the end of Destiny 2's live service, with the final update scheduled for June 9, 2026. This decision follows significant revenue shortfalls, particularly after the poorly received Lightfall expansion, and a major wave of layoffs. The article discusses the mismanagement and ambitious decisions that led to this point, the impact on the community, and the uncertain future for Bungie's other title, Marathon, without Destiny 2's financial support.
Red Dead Online Has Been “Immensely Successful And Long-Lasting”, per Take-Two’s CEO
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Red Dead Online has been "immensely successful and long-lasting," denying it was a missed opportunity despite development focus shifting to Grand Theft Auto 6. He highlighted Red Dead Redemption 2's continued sales success, attributing it to the franchise's spectacular entertainment value and visual quality.
GTA 6 was meant to launch this week – but can it ever live up to the hype?
Grand Theft Auto 6, originally slated for a May 26 release before delays, is now set for November 19. The immense anticipation surrounding the title, coupled with the record-breaking success of Grand Theft Auto 5, places significant pressure on Rockstar Games to deliver. Industry experts and publishers are keenly watching, with its release potentially impacting PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S sales and the broader gaming landscape, especially concerning live service models and the studio's first title without co-founder Dan Houser.
Can Season 2 Turn Bungie's Marathon Around?
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon has struggled with sales and player retention since its launch, despite positive reception from its core fanbase. With Season 2 on the horizon, featuring new content and improvements, the developer is looking to re-energize the game. Bungie must focus on community engagement and continuous delivery to build upon the game's strong foundation and ensure its long-term success.
Warframe leads join fans mourning Destiny 2: "There is no Warframe without the legacy of Bungie games"
Warframe's creative director Rebb Ford and design director Pablo Alonso have expressed sadness over the end of development for Destiny 2, acknowledging the legacy of Bungie's games. Despite Warframe predating Destiny, the two live-service looter-shooters have long been compared and shared players. Bungie has stated Destiny 2 will remain playable but will not receive further updates, leaving its future uncertain.
PlayStation Delists and Shuts Down Servers for Destruction AllStars
Sony Interactive Entertainment has shut down the servers for Destruction AllStars, a live-service game that launched during the PlayStation 5's initial release window. The game is no longer playable online.
One Of Sony’s First PS5 Exclusives Is Now Delisted, Multiplayer Shutdown
Destruction AllStars, a PlayStation 5 exclusive originally planned as a launch title, has been delisted from the PlayStation Store and its multiplayer services shut down. While the offline Arcade mode remains playable, the game's premium currency is no longer available. The title, developed by Lucid Games and published by Sony, was a free PlayStation Plus offering for a period after its February 2021 release.
Destruction AllStars Delisted and Servers Suddenly Taken Offline
Sony has unexpectedly delisted Destruction AllStars and taken its multiplayer servers offline without prior warning. While offline modes remain accessible for owners, the game's digital storefront presence has been removed. The PlayStation 5 exclusive, which struggled to find an audience after a delayed launch and significant price cut, joins other failed Sony live service ambitions.
No, says Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, of course Red Dead Online isn't a missed opportunity, the game sold 85…
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Red Dead Redemption selling 85 million units does not indicate a missed opportunity, and that Red Dead Online has been immensely successful. He also commented that even without Grand Theft Auto Online, Red Dead would still be considered a massive franchise. The article also touches on the perception of Red Dead Online being underserved compared to Grand Theft Auto Online.
