Live Service
Ongoing coverage on Live Service.
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Dragon Age's former lead writer thinks the series is probably dead, but he'd be happy to take it off EA's hands and 'go somewhere dark and dangerous' with it
Former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider believes the series is likely dead under Electronic Arts, citing a consistent misunderstanding of the franchise's appeal and treatment compared to Mass Effect. Despite his past departure from the series, Gaider expressed interest in reviving Dragon Age if given the opportunity, provided it moves in a 'dark and dangerous' direction away from EA's current strategies.
Players prove Destiny 2 can still produce wonders with discovery of poopy pants transmog
Players have discovered a humorous transmog combination in Destiny 2 that makes hunter characters appear to have 'poopy pants' when using the Scavenger Suit leg armor with the Cobwebbed shader. This discovery highlights the game's enduring capacity for player-driven entertainment, even as Bungie faces staffing changes and the game enters its twilight years.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Review — Whey-hey, up she rises
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced is a faithful remake that enhances the original with quality-of-life improvements and stunning graphical upgrades, particularly in its depiction of the Caribbean. While the combat and Animus menu remain dated, the core experience of sailing and exploration is revitalized, making it the definitive version of the game. The exclusion of the modern-day storyline is seen as a positive for pacing, replaced by expanded endgame content and lore fragments.
"There's really no one left": Former Elder Scrolls Online dev says the MMO "basically funded other failing projects" as Microsoft guts the studio
A former senior content designer for The Elder Scrolls Online, Andrew Young, expressed anger over recent layoffs impacting up to half of the studio's developers. He stated that the MMO "basically funded other failing projects" while struggling with its own resource allocation. The article also mentions the closure of mobile spin-offs like The Elder Scrolls: Blades and The Elder Scrolls: Legends, and notes that Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant cuts expected to total 3,200 jobs.
Crossfire is actually the second singleplayer shooter named after Korea’s Counter-Strike—and the last one…
This article discusses CrossfireX, a singleplayer shooter campaign developed by Remedy Entertainment, and its unfortunate shutdown. It highlights the unique narrative elements Remedy brought to the Call of Duty-style shooter, contrasting them with the more generic military action. The piece also touches on the broader issue of live-service game shutdowns and the potential loss of singleplayer content.
Industry veteran Robert Bowling launches new developer //18.bravo
Industry veteran Robert Bowling, formerly of Infinity Ward, has launched a new Los Angeles-based studio called //18.bravo. The studio aims for a radically different approach to game development, focusing on employee success through royalty plans and profit sharing, and plans to release its assets as open source if the company closes. Bowling criticized the current industry for being over-commercialized and detrimental to both players and staff.
Massively Overthinking: Unbundling the MMORPG genre, 12 years later
Industry figures like Raph Koster discuss the 'unbundling' of the MMORPG genre, where its core components like live services and subscription models have been adopted by other game genres. The article explores what truly defines an MMORPG in the current landscape, with contributors suggesting elements like persistent virtual worlds, community, and a unique 'glue' holding disparate game elements together, rather than just player count.
EA changes Battlefield 6 XP Boosters for the better, only to yet again reveal the change was an error and take it back
EA and Battlefield Studios have repeatedly altered and then retracted changes to how XP Boosters function in Battlefield 6. An in-game message announced a change to time-based XP boosters, only for the company to claim it was an error and revert the system, frustrating players who had previously experienced a similar issue.
Splatoon Raiders Switch 2 preview – ink-redibly familiar
Splatoon Raiders is a single-player spin-off for the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing on the characters from Splatoon 3's Deep Cut. While it retains the core ink-based gameplay, the preview suggests it may be too similar to existing Splatoon content and lacks innovation. The game is set to release on July 23, 2026.
Blizzard’s Unannounced StarCraft Title: The Hard Facts
Evidence suggests Blizzard Entertainment is developing a new AAA open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, moving away from its Real-Time Strategy roots. The project is built on Unreal Engine and led by former Far Cry executive producer Dan Hay, indicating a significant shift in franchise direction and development strategy.
GTA 6 fans worried you'll have to pay extra for online mode
Fans are concerned about the potential cost of Grand Theft Auto 6's online multiplayer, especially given the game's high initial price. While Rockstar Games has confirmed a single-player experience at launch, speculation is rife about whether a future online mode, potentially a successor to GTA Online, will be a free add-on or require a separate purchase, with many hoping for a free-to-play model supported by microtransactions.
All changes in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a remake that modernizes the original game with technological advancements and updated sensibilities, while also removing certain elements. Key changes include the removal of modern-day sequences, revamped tailing missions with multiple success paths, and the addition of three new crewmember officers with unique abilities. Gameplay enhancements feature reworked combat, improved parkour, more nuanced stealth, a dynamic weather system, and expanded underwater exploration. The multiplayer component has been removed, and the game integrates with the Animus Hub platform, featuring live service elements. Visually, the remake boasts enhanced graphics, lighting, and textures, with no loading screens when entering cities, and environmental destruction.
New Guild Wars card game “Mistbound” announced
ArenaNet and NC Corporation have announced Mistbound, a new collectible card game set in the Guild Wars universe for mobile and PC. The game features a dynamic 5x3 grid with directional movement for units and commanders, offering deep strategic gameplay inspired by Guild Wars 2's professions. Mistbound will be free-to-play with monetization hooks similar to other live service titles.
Diablo 4’s Next Crossover Goes In A Much Different, “Lighter” Direction
Blizzard Entertainment is launching a crossover event between Diablo 4 and Overwatch in Diablo 4's Season 14, Death Awakening, starting June 30. While primarily shop-focused, the collaboration will offer free Overwatch-themed weapon cosmetics, a mount trophy, player emblems, and an armor dye. This marks a shift towards broader, lighter-toned collaborations for Diablo 4 as it matures as a live-service game.
Bungie's at a crossroads: Should Destiny 3 be a live service, just a campaign, or something else entirely?
This article discusses the future of the Destiny franchise, questioning whether Destiny 3 should adopt a live service model, focus solely on a campaign, or return to a more traditional expansion-based release schedule. The author reflects on the pros and cons of Destiny 2's current live service approach and the challenges of sustaining such a model for Bungie and its aging player base.
Rumour: Marvel Poised to Attack Free-to-Play RPG Market with 'Project Comet'
A rumor suggests Marvel is developing a free-to-play, gacha-based action RPG codenamed 'Project Comet', potentially by Scopely. The game is expected to feature a wide roster of Marvel characters and may launch on mobile platforms, with aspirations for console releases to compete with titles like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves.
What GTA 6 Will Demand of Your Time | TAG
Grand Theft Auto 6 is projected to require between 60-90 hours for its main story, with 100% completion potentially reaching 150-200 hours, excluding its online component which offers infinite playtime. Rockstar Games' history indicates escalating game length and detail, suggesting GTA 6 will be longer and richer than previous titles. The article advises players, particularly busy adults, to plan their calendars accordingly, manage their backlogs, and consider pacing strategies to complete the game within a reasonable timeframe.
Halo: Campaign Evolved announces restrictive PS5 account requirements for multiplayer
Halo: Campaign Evolved will require PlayStation 5 players to link their PlayStation accounts to a Microsoft account and maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription for both online and offline multiplayer. This requirement, mandated by either Sony or Microsoft, is a notable restriction for a paid PlayStation Plus subscription. The game will launch on June 29th, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, featuring only the main campaign and three prequel missions, with no plans for additional content or competitive multiplayer modes.
GTA 6 for Adults Who Can't Take the Week Off (2026) | TAG
This guide offers strategies for adult gamers to enjoy Grand Theft Auto 6 at their own pace, addressing concerns about limited playtime and avoiding burnout. It provides advice on preparing before launch, managing spoilers, and approaching the game's extensive content, including its online component, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The article emphasizes that the game's value lies in its longevity rather than a quick completion.
Solo-Built Mafia MMO The Fifth Family Tops 3,300 Players, Ships Menagerie and Factional Vigilantes Systems, Opens to Strategic Investment
The solo-developed mafia MMORPG, The Fifth Family, has announced two new content updates: The Menagerie, a pet and companion system, and Factional Vigilantes, introducing 95 unique operatives. The game has surpassed 3,300 registered players and 400 daily active users since its March 2026 launch, generating five-figure GBP revenue. Developer Reece is now seeking strategic investment, publishing, and partnership opportunities.