Online Games
Ongoing coverage on Online Games.
Latest coverage
The Daily Grind: What’s your reaction to yesterday’s BioWare news?
The article discusses the news of BioWare's closure, noting the emotional impact on the staff and the significance of their past titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. It prompts readers to share their own reactions, memories, and whether the news was expected or surprising.
The Daily Grind: What’s your favorite ARPG series?
The author is revisiting Diablo III and enjoying its 'Big Numbers Make Loot Explode' gameplay loop. This prompts a discussion about players' favorite action RPG series, including franchises like Diablo, Torchlight, Path of Exile, Wolcen, and Grim Dawn.
The EU KIDS Act: What game developers need to know
The proposed EU KIDS Act introduces significant restrictions for online games sold in EU territories, particularly concerning minors under 18. Key provisions include prohibitions on features like login bonuses and penalties for not playing, restrictions on interactions between minors, and new regulations for AI companions. The act also touches upon virtual currency transparency and lootboxes, though their inclusion in the operative text for games is unclear. Game developers must assess how these regulations will impact core gameplay mechanics and design choices.
European Union’s KIDS Act wants more age verification and less login bonuses for online games
The European Union is proposing the KIDS Act, a draft law aimed at regulating online games and other digital services to protect minors. The act seeks to implement stricter age verification, discourage excessive playtime through measures like limiting login bonuses, and enhance parental controls. It also aims to provide transparency regarding the real monetary value of in-game transactions and virtual currencies.
Single player games might require age verification if they use Steam under EU Kids Act's current draft, according to MEP's senior policy adviser
A draft of the EU Kids Act proposes mandatory age verification for users accessing online platforms, which could impact single-player games distributed or updated via platforms like Steam. While the legislation is still a proposal, its current broad definition of 'online games' has raised concerns among industry advocates about its potential reach.
European Commission's proposed EU Kids Act could see online games forced to enact stricter age verification amid new rules around accounts for under 15s
The European Commission is proposing the EU Kids Act, which would mandate stricter age verification for online games and other digital services for users under 15. The legislation aims to protect minors from exploitation by requiring tiered account systems and parental controls, though concerns about data protection and anonymity remain.
Game History and Preservation
A bill aimed at preventing publishers from shutting down online games has advanced in California. This legislation seeks to address concerns about game preservation and the longevity of digital titles.
Stop Killing Games Campaign Scores Big Win with California Bill
A new California bill, supported by the Stop Killing Games campaign, aims to protect online games from disappearing by requiring clearer end-of-life policies from companies. While some express concerns about technical challenges and development costs, the legislation seeks to ensure players' investments and digital history are better protected. This move could set a precedent for national standards in game preservation and influence future game design towards longevity.
The Last of Us Online was roughly 80% complete when it was cancelled, claims former director
Former Naughty Dog director Vinit Agarwal claims the cancelled The Last of Us online game was approximately 80 percent complete when development ceased. Agarwal stated that the project was cancelled to prioritize Neil Druckmann's next game, describing the decision as devastating after seven years of work. The cancellation occurred shortly before it was publicly announced.
500+ BEST Kahoot Names for 2025
This article provides a comprehensive list of over 500 creative and humorous Kahoot names for 2025, categorized for boys, girls, and general use. It also includes a brief guide on how to change your Kahoot display name within the platform.
Recommendations for Young Gamers: 9 Fun Online Games for Kids to Play
This article provides recommendations for fun and educational online games suitable for children, emphasizing the importance of parental supervision and age-appropriateness. It highlights games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, alongside educational platforms such as National Geographic Kids and Funbrain, and mentions the puzzle game Suika Game.
