Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
Latest coverage
Before you place all the blame on Sony, former Destiny 2 CM says Bungie was 'very close to shutting its doors'…
Former Destiny 2 community manager Liana Ruppert stated that Bungie was on the verge of shutting down before its acquisition by Sony. Ruppert clarified that the studio's financial struggles predated the deal, making the acquisition an emergency measure. Despite Sony's $3.6 billion investment, the studio has faced challenges, including a significant impairment loss related to Destiny 2 and Marathon.
With Live-Service Crumbling, the Only Forever Game on Show This Summer Is Halo: Combat Evolved
The article argues that Halo: Combat Evolved stands out as the only true 'forever game' showcased during the summer, contrasting with the struggles of major live-service titles like Fortnite. It suggests a trend of development focusing on established franchises amidst the decline of the live-service model.
I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm interested: Destiny's final cutscenes are a painful end to a new saga cut…
This article reflects on the emotional impact of Destiny 2's final cutscenes, particularly the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga and the setup for the new Fate saga. The author expresses sadness and anger over the abrupt end to the new narrative direction, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the Monuments of Triumph update's hidden cutscenes. The piece also touches on the retirement of Zavala and the potential implications of the Winnower's appearance, leaving the reader with a desire for a continuation of the story.
Destiny 2 and Bungie as a whole were "very close" to closing before Sony buyout, according to ex-community lead: "It was an emergency acquisition"
Former Bungie community lead Liana Ruppert stated that the company was on the verge of shutting down before Sony's $3.6 billion acquisition in 2022. Ruppert described the buyout as an 'emergency acquisition' that saved both Destiny 2 and Bungie itself. Despite initial independence, Sony recently reported a $765 million impairment loss on the studio.
Rocket League confirms the return of past Rocket Pass items
Psyonix has confirmed that items from Rocket League's earliest Rocket Passes will be returning to the game. This move aims to make previously exclusive cosmetic items available again, departing from the typical live service model where such items are lost after a season ends. This announcement follows other recent updates, including the reveal of Unreal Engine 6 within Rocket League.
Analyst: Q1 2026 revenue figures show there is still demand for compelling single-player video games
Global game content revenue saw a 3.6% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026, reaching $54.14 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Companies like Capcom and Pearl Abyss reported significant growth, driven by titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert, indicating continued consumer demand for compelling single-player experiences alongside live-service games. PC emerged as the fastest-growing platform.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still Confused
Xbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma issues statement on restructuring following leaked email regarding layoffs
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has issued a statement confirming a restructuring and potential layoffs by the end of June, following a leaked internal email. Sharma cited overspending and the need to "reset" the business, emphasizing that the company has "over extended" in areas like live-service demands. The move comes as Xbox aims to re-evaluate its investment priorities for the next five years.
Square-Enix Should Resurrect Its Graveyard Of Mobile Games After Final Fantasy Resonance
Square Enix's announcement of Final Fantasy Resonance, an HD-2D remake of the mobile game Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, highlights the potential for reviving its numerous shut-down mobile titles. The article argues that the company should consider repurposing its entire mobile catalog, including games like Chaos Rings and Demon's Score, into offline console and PC experiences to preserve their legacies and reach new audiences. This discussion is framed against the backdrop of fan-led revival efforts for games like Nier Re[in]carnation and differing views on game preservation.
There's never been an easier time to boycott Microsoft, the most boring video game publisher in the business
This opinion piece argues that Microsoft's gaming division lacks innovation and momentum, making it an easy target for boycotts. The author criticizes recent game announcements like Halo and Gears of War remakes, and highlights the company's perceived stagnation despite owning numerous studios and franchises. The article suggests that boycotting Microsoft is a small sacrifice given the company's broader business practices and the abundance of alternative games available.
Destiny 3 Isn't in Development, But It May Have Been the Most Talked About Game of the Last Week
Despite Destiny 3 not being in development, it was the most talked-about game due to Destiny 2 reaching content completeness and fans petitioning Sony for a sequel. Bungie is now focusing on the poorly performing Marathon, while Sony faces financial write-offs and community frustration over its live service strategy.
How to score a goal in the hidden net in Destiny 2
This guide explains how to complete the GOOOAAAALLL!!! challenge in Destiny 2's Monuments of Triumph update. Players need to find a soccer ball in the Tower Hangar and kick it into a hidden net located within the old Future War Cult faction room to score a goal. Completing this challenge rewards players with Legendary Marks.
Destiny 2’s Story Doesn’t Have To Be Over For TTRPG Players
This article explores how the narrative structure and communal storytelling of Destiny 2 can be translated into tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). It highlights several TTRPGs like LIGHT: Beacon Edition, Songs for the Dusk, The Brightest Things We Know, and Dungeons & Destiny as potential avenues for players to continue their Guardian's stories in a new medium.
Destiny 2 Players Return In Huge Numbers For The Game’s Final Live-Service Update
Destiny 2 has seen a significant surge in player numbers for its final live-service update, Monument of Triumph, which celebrates the game's history. As developer Bungie shifts its focus to the upcoming title Marathon, players are showing renewed engagement with the Destiny franchise.
Destiny 2 Player Count Soars Above Marathon’s Highest Ever As Guardians Log On For Final Update
Destiny 2 has seen a significant surge in player count on Steam, exceeding 160,000 concurrent players with the release of its final content update, "The Monument of Triumph." This peak player count is notably higher than the highest recorded for Bungie's upcoming game, Marathon. Despite some technical issues like server queues and error codes, the strong player engagement indicates continued interest in the game and has fueled discussions about a potential Destiny 3.
We all know Arc Raiders' loot chase is broken—but this creator proved how bad the duping exploits and…
YouTuber The Gaming Merchant has investigated the significant duplication exploits plaguing Arc Raiders, a live service game. The investigation revealed players selling duped in-game items for real money, particularly on Asian servers, impacting the game's economy and PvP lobbies. Developer Embark has been patching these bugs, but the issue persists.
Xbox console exclusives are returning on a 'case-by-case' basis
Microsoft is re-prioritizing Xbox console exclusives, starting with Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, to encourage hardware purchases. This marks a shift from the previous multiplatform strategy, with exclusivity decisions now being made on a case-by-case basis under new Xbox president Asha Sharma. Large multiplayer and live service titles will continue to be multiplatform.
8 Switch 2 Launch Games for Weekend Gamers (2026) | TAG
This guide recommends eight games for the Nintendo Switch 2 that are suitable for players with limited weekend gaming time. It highlights titles like Mario Kart World, Balatro, and Hades II for their short session-friendliness and suggests avoiding live-service games. The article also provides advice on budgeting and managing a game library for weekend-only players.
Destiny 2's final update – live coverage of the end of an era
Bungie has released the final update, Monument of Triumph, for Destiny 2 after nine years of service. The update brings new features, weapons, and quality-of-life improvements, marking the end of the game's active development. While Destiny 2 will remain playable, there is no immediate announcement for a Destiny 3, with Bungie focusing on incubating new projects.
Guild Wars 3 won't have a 'battle pass fee buried in it', says studio head: 'We're not gonna…
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson stated that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a battle pass fee, aiming for a 'buy and play' model similar to previous titles. The studio is committed to respecting players' time and avoiding the 'modern version of the subscription' that battle passes can represent. This approach aims to differentiate Guild Wars 3 from other live service MMORPGs.
