Live Service
Ongoing coverage on Live Service.
Latest coverage
Ace Combat 8 becomes fastest-selling game in the series, and very nearly the highest rated
Ace Combat 8 has achieved 1 million sales within its first week, making it the fastest-selling title in the series. The game also holds the second-highest Metacritic score in the franchise, though controversy has arisen regarding the PC version of the pack-in game, Ace Combat: The Belkan War. Ace Combat 8 introduces new live service-style multiplayer modes.
Forza Horizon 6's first major expansion will pull up in January, now Playground Games just need to offer any kind of hint whatsoever as to what it'll look like
Playground Games announced that the first major expansion for Forza Horizon 6 will be released on January 21, 2027. While details about the expansion's theme are scarce, it will be included with premium editions of the game. The article also touches on Microsoft's ongoing layoffs and boycott concerns.
Arc Raiders’ Huge Update Introduces Its Best Gadget Ever
Embark Studios has released a significant update for Arc Raiders, titled 'Frozen Trail,' introducing a new frosty map, a challenging raid-like event, new weapons, an overhauled skill tree, and customization options. The update also adds innovative gadgets like a Tether Launcher and a versatile grappling hook, reinforcing the game's 'tools, not rules' design philosophy and aiming to re-engage players with its co-op experience.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort needs to ditch this one thing from the original Switch Sports
The author argues that Nintendo Switch Sports Resort must abandon the "Collections" system from its predecessor, which relied on FOMO and timed online play for item unlocks. This model, also seen in other Nintendo sports titles like Mario Strikers: Battle League, was criticized for its lack of content at launch and reliance on free updates. While Mario Tennis Fever's $70 price point is still high, its substantial launch content suggests Nintendo may be re-evaluating its approach.
Valve's patch note supremacy
Valve's approach to patch notes, particularly for Deadlock and historically for Team Fortress 2, is praised for its creative and engaging presentation, styled like tourism brochures or comic books. This contrasts with the more functional patch notes of games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and highlights Valve's past innovation in storytelling and post-launch support for live service games.
Overwatch’s ten new hero releases was ‘the right thing for the game,’ but don’t expect that next year
Overwatch has released ten new heroes this year, a significant increase from previous years. While this pace may not be sustainable for next year, developers believe releasing heroes seasonally is the right approach for the game's ongoing narrative and competitive balance. The team is focused on maintaining polish and continuing to tell stories annually.
Diablo 4: Age of Hatred Collection review for Nintendo Switch 2
The Diablo 4: Age of Hatred Collection offers a satisfying narrative and engaging gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2, making it a strong contender for the action RPG genre. However, the mandatory online requirement and live service model detract significantly from the experience, especially on a portable platform designed for flexibility.
Quake Champions eliminates its free-to-play monetization elements in favor of a $10 box price
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a $10 box price on Steam, removing all battle passes and microtransactions. This change, likely a de facto maintenance mode following layoffs at id Software and Bethesda, also offers existing players continued access and refunds for purchased currencies. The Microsoft Store version has been retired.
Quake Champions ditches free-to-play and kills off its Microsoft Store version eight years after its original release
Quake Champions is transitioning from a free-to-play model to a paid product, eight years after its initial release. The Microsoft Store version is being discontinued, with the game now exclusively available on Steam for £8.99/$9.99. This change also marks the end of ongoing development for the game.
4 years after full launch, Quake Champions is a paid game on Steam with old content unlocked and microtransactions removed as devs announce an end to updates
Quake Champions has transitioned to a paid model on Steam, removing microtransactions and unlocking all characters and most vanity content. This change comes four years after its full launch and marks an end to further content updates for the game, with id Software and Bethesda Softworks citing structural changes within Microsoft's gaming division.
Don't expect regular Destiny 2 updates to return, despite the surprise "unvaulting" of game additions
Bungie is bringing back removed Destiny 2 campaigns, raids, and destinations for free, but will not reinstate live service seasons or seasonal events. This 'unvaulting' does not signal a return to regular development, as most of the Destiny 2 team was laid off. Updates will be limited to major bug fixes, with the content expected to arrive sometime next year.
Quake Champions takes a shower, shedding all its 2017 live-service grime and becoming a $10 game
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play live-service model to a one-time $10 purchase on Steam. The update removes all live-service elements, including Battle Passes, challenges, stores, and loot boxes, making all champions and most vanity content available to all players. While no further content updates are planned, the game is considered improved by shedding its live-service grime.
Diablo 4 game director says it's 'liberating' to be done with expansions as Blizzard can continue the narrative through seasons instead — 'We completed the story, but the butterfly effect can take us anywhere'
Diablo 4 game director Brent Gibson stated that the team finds it 'liberating' to focus on continuing the game's narrative through seasons rather than expansions. Blizzard confirmed that Diablo 4 will not receive further expansions, with the story now progressing through seasonal content until the eventual launch of Diablo 5. This shift allows for more creative freedom in storytelling.
GTA 6 Multiplayer Could Launch In 2027, Twitch CEO Says
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy speculated that Grand Theft Auto 6's multiplayer component could launch in 2027, based on discussions with Rockstar Games. While Rockstar has described the initial release as single-player, the success of Grand Theft Auto Online suggests a future multiplayer mode is highly anticipated. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version expected later.
13 years in and on its third console generation, how does GTA 5 hold up for a return visit?
This analysis revisits Grand Theft Auto 5 thirteen years after its initial release and on its third console generation, the PlayStation 5. While the game's visuals and technical enhancements, including ray tracing and DualSense haptics, hold up remarkably well, its satirical commentary on American capitalism and societal issues feels dated and at times exhausting. The article highlights how GTA Online has become the primary driver of the game's longevity, evolving into a live service that continues to resonate with players.
Login errors delay Diablo 4's big new Season of Hell's Legacy anniversary update
The launch of Diablo 4's Season of Hell's Legacy was significantly delayed due to widespread login errors, impacting players across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, as well as the new Nintendo Switch release. Blizzard Entertainment acknowledged the issues and worked to resolve them, with the season eventually going live over six hours late, though some features were temporarily disabled.
BlizzCon 2026: StarCraft confirms a single-player focus but is also seeking devs with multiplayer know-how
Blizzard Entertainment confirmed that the upcoming StarCraft shooter will primarily focus on a single-player experience with a defined beginning, middle, and end. While job postings suggest potential multiplayer or live service elements, the game is currently slated for a 2030 release with a focus on the 'Marine fantasy'.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
StarCraft is a narrative-driven shooter with 'a definitive ending' and 'not a seasonal game'
Blizzard Entertainment announced a new StarCraft game, described by GM and creative director Dan Hay as a narrative-driven, open-world shooter with a definitive ending, not a seasonal live-service title. Set 70 years after StarCraft 2, the game will feature a customizable protagonist and allow players to explore a rich world, engage in serious missions with narrative consequences, and scavenge for gear. The game is slated for a 2030 release.
Lineage II to Launch First New Live Server in More Than a Decade | Invision Game Community
NC (formerly NCSOFT) announced that Lineage II will launch a new Live server on September 15, the first in over a decade. This new server aims to provide a fresh start for both new and returning players of the 22-year-old MMORPG. Pre-registration is open, offering rewards and a 500% EXP boost to encourage player progression.
