Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
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How Online Gaming Habits Have Changed in 2026
Online gaming in 2026 has evolved into a more mature, accessible, and socially connected pastime, with shorter, more flexible gaming sessions across multiple devices. Key trends include increased VPN usage, AI integration for smarter experiences, broader demographic accessibility, the rise of esports and streaming, multi-platform and cross-device play, a greater emphasis on social and community gaming, and the dominance of subscription and live-service models over traditional one-time purchases.
How to get the Rascal in Arc Raiders
The Rascal, a new pocket-sized rocket launcher in Arc Raiders, serves as a cheaper alternative to the Hullcracker. It can be found randomly in containers throughout Topside, with higher chances in locked key rooms, Security Breach cabinets, and long gun cases. The Nomadic Envoy Trader may also offer its blueprint, which requires Advanced Mechanical Components, Heavy Gun Parts, and Canister to craft.
What’s changing in PEGI from June—and who it will affect | Invision Game Community
Starting in June 2025, the PEGI age rating system will implement new criteria that tie specific game mechanics to age thresholds. Games featuring loot boxes and other paid random items will be rated PEGI 16, while those with NFTs and blockchain elements will be PEGI 18. Time-limited offers will be PEGI 12, and daily rewards will be PEGI 7 or PEGI 12 depending on penalties for absence. Unrestricted player-to-player communication will result in a PEGI 18 rating unless safeguards are in place.
Sony reportedly pulling back on PC ports for major PS5 games
Sony is reportedly scaling back PC releases for major single-player PlayStation games, shifting focus back to the PlayStation 5 ecosystem. Titles like Ghost of Yotei and Saros may remain console-exclusive, a departure from the previous strategy of porting older exclusives to PC. This change could be an effort to bolster PS5 sales amidst increasing competition.
Sony Ends PC Ports for First-Party Single-Player Games, Confirms PlayStation Leadership
Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed it will cease releasing internally developed single-player games on PC, reversing a strategy that began in 2020. While multiplayer and live-service titles will continue to launch on PC, major exclusives like God of War and The Last of Us Part I will now remain console-exclusive to PlayStation 5. This shift aligns Sony's strategy more closely with Nintendo's approach to platform exclusivity.
Sony Allegedly Confirms No More PlayStation Singleplayer Exclusives On PC
Sony has reportedly confirmed internally that its narrative single-player games will remain exclusive to the PlayStation platform, a shift attributed to declining PC sales. While multiplayer and live-service titles will continue to be released on PC, the company appears to be prioritizing its console ecosystem for its story-driven blockbusters.
Ghost of Yotei Fans Upset as Multiplayer Content Support Ends
Sucker Punch Productions announced that the multiplayer content for Ghost of Yotei, specifically the Legends co-op mode, will not receive further major updates after only a month of support. This decision has led to significant disappointment among players who were expecting more content for the mode.
SEGA cancels billion-dollar “super game” project
SEGA has officially canceled its ambitious "Super Game" initiative, a large-scale live-service ecosystem intended to compete with titles like Fortnite and Roblox. The project, which involved significant investment and restructuring, was quietly confirmed in SEGA Sammy Holdings' fiscal year 2026 earnings presentation. The cancellation reflects a broader industry shift away from chasing live-service trends due to market saturation and intense competition, with SEGA reportedly refocusing on its successful premium game franchises.
'Looks Like We Got Sucker Punched': Ghost of Yotei Fans Gutted Support Has Ended for Free Co-Op Mode
Sucker Punch Productions has announced that the free co-op mode 'Ghost of Tsushima: Legends' will not receive any further content updates, with the 'Raid' update being the last major planned addition. While the mode will remain playable, fans have expressed disappointment with the decision to end support just two months after its launch, especially in the context of live service games.
'There's Truth to It': Sony 'Considering' Bringing Back Your Fave Franchises on PS5
Rumors suggest Sony is exploring the possibility of reviving dormant PlayStation franchises for the PlayStation 5, including titles like inFAMOUS, Sly Cooper, and Ape Escape. While not confirmed, these discussions have energized the fanbase amidst ongoing concerns about the company's focus on live service games.
New inFAMOUS PS5 Project Rumours Give Fans Fresh Hope
Rumors suggest a new inFAMOUS project is in development at PlayStation, potentially a remake of the original PS3 titles for the PlayStation 5. While the original developer Sucker Punch Productions is currently focused on other projects, journalist Jordan Middler has indicated an inFAMOUS title is being worked on elsewhere within PlayStation. Fans are expressing a mix of hope and caution regarding the potential revival of the series.
PS5's New Weekly Player Tracker Has Revealed Some Brutal Truths for Fans
Sony's new PlayStation 5 weekly player tracker reveals that live service games dominate player engagement, with titles like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto 5 showing significantly higher player numbers than other games. This data highlights the importance of ongoing content updates and microtransactions for sustained player interest and profitability on the platform.
While showering fans in loot boxes, Overwatch director agrees the game's 10th anniversary disappoints and promises…
Overwatch director Aaron Keller acknowledged player disappointment with the game's 10th-anniversary event, which offered loot boxes and recolored skins. He promised that the entire year would be a celebration, with increased loot box rewards in the coming weeks and more content planned for Season 3 to compensate for the lackluster initial event.
Overwatch slaps a loot box band-aid on its disappointing tenth anniversary event, promising more later
Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch tenth anniversary event has been met with disappointment due to a limited offering of recolored skins and loot boxes. Game Director Aaron Keller acknowledged player frustration, promising a year-long celebration with additional events, more rewards, and expanded earnable content in future seasons. While current rewards are limited, Blizzard plans to introduce more varied anniversary elements beyond loot boxes later in the year.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has canceled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, which was in development since 2023 with Embracer Group. The company cited economic and technical challenges, opting instead to pursue a smaller, single-player or co-op experience in Tolkien's universe. This marks the second time Amazon has failed to launch a Lord of the Rings MMO, with a previous attempt canceled in 2021 due to disputes with Tencent.
Subnautica 2 Sold a Million Copies in One Day. Here Is Why That Matters.
Subnautica 2 achieved remarkable success, selling one million copies and reaching 460,000 concurrent players on Steam within its first day, despite early leaks and piracy. This performance indicates a strong market for atmospheric, non-live service games. The game's success has also put its developer, Unknown Worlds, on track to meet significant sales milestones and potential bonuses tied to its acquisition by Krafton.
Killing Marathon would be self-sabotage for Sony
Despite financial losses and player count concerns, Sony should not abandon Bungie's Marathon, as it is a critically acclaimed title that contrasts with the failure of Concord. The game's positive reception and community engagement demonstrate its potential value as a flagship first-party title for PlayStation's ecosystem.
LEGO 2K Drive is getting delisted soon and servers will shut down
LEGO 2K Drive will be delisted from digital storefronts on May 19, 2026, and its online servers will shut down on May 31, 2027. The article speculates that licensing issues or low profitability, evidenced by low player counts on Steam, are likely reasons for the shutdown. This event highlights ongoing concerns about game preservation in the industry.
Stories from making Marvel Rivals
NetEase Games Publishing and Marketing Lead Yachen Bian and Marvel Games Executive Producer Danny Koo discussed the development of the live service team-based shooter Marvel Rivals. They shared insights on the importance of 'time to action,' global community management, and reacting to player feedback during a live recording of the Game Developer Podcast at the 2026 GDC Festival of Gaming.
Lego 2K Drive is being delisted in a matter of days despite only being a few years old - grab it before it's bricked over
Lego 2K Drive will be delisted from digital storefronts on May 19, 2026, with its online multiplayer servers shutting down on May 31, 2027. Publisher 2K has not provided a specific reason for the delisting, though expiring licensing agreements are suspected. The game, which blends kart racing with open-world elements, received a mixed review upon its 2023 release, with criticism directed at its live service components.
