Hytale restricts me as I always wished from Minecraft

Upon the release of Hytale, MeinMMO author Johanna took a look at the Minecraft competitor. Her conclusion: Hytale gives her exactly what she has always missed in Minecraft.

To be honest: When I heard that Hytale was finally going to have a release, I was quite skeptical. After all these years and the back and forth with Riot Games, I had mentally prepared myself for a fiasco.

Especially since its reach could also be limited by not being on Steam; but that is not the case, as we are seeing right now.

And another to be honest: Minecraft, which is very similar to Hytale, was never really my game. I never spent excessive hours in the game, just – like many others probably do – the two weeks a year when you play the game with your friends. Otherwise, the game never really grabbed me.

Still, I really wanted to try Hytale. The game showed many things in its trailer that piqued my interest: An avatar that you can customize (I am a simple woman), discovering temples and other interesting buildings plus survival elements.

Here you can get a first impression with the gameplay trailer:

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Hytale shows 16 minutes of gameplay with the state from 2025, clarifying how exploring and fighting looks

Limitations are more

What does Hytale give me now? Simply put: limitations and a few RPG elements.

Minecraft is essentially a huge sandbox game that gives you the freedom to build whatever you want. That overwhelms me. It requires too much decision-making. I have to bring a lot of my own creativity to fill the world of Minecraft.

That doesn’t feel the same in Hytale. I don’t feel the pressure to be overly creative to create impressive builds because they already exist.

I know what the counterargument is now: “Hytale is also a sandbox game!” And that is true, no question, especially in its current state. But! Hytale gives me limitations in that it sets a style and doesn’t have too many building options (so far, of course).

The game presents a world that is coherent with its details and design. That inspires me to design my own builds in a way that fits into the world.

A temple in Hytale
Hytale shows me a world with many beautiful details that I can explore.

Furthermore, Hytale already offers many different biomes with many different creatures. Not to mention the monsters.

And another resolved problem that I had in Minecraft: As a solo player, I always felt quite lonely. In Hytale, I also spawn alone, but it didn’t take half an hour before I found other friendly creatures.

A friendly merchant in Hytale.
NPCs greet me by waving when I encounter them. My loneliness is cured!

In Hytale, patience is required

What’s the downside? One thing that annoys me is that Hytale is still in early access and many aspects of the game are not yet possible. I would just like even more “limitations” or things I can do.

Hytale is still quite unfinished in some areas.
Many buildings are unfortunately still not accessible and are marked with such a sign.

But those are small details and with what Hytale already has to offer, I’m excited about what the future of the game holds. I’m sure: I will spend more time in Hytale than the maximum two weeks a year like in Minecraft.

Have you tried Hytale yet? If so, what do you think of it? Let us know in the comments!
Hytale will likely be the game that takes the top spot on my current gamer list. The launch of Hytale seems to have pleased not only me, as the Minecraft alternative broke all records on its release day: Hytale has 2.8 million players at launch, surpassing even the developers’ warnings, who are pushing the first patch

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Hytale has 2.8 million players at launch, surpassing even the warnings of the developers, who are pushing the first patch out

After a long wait, the first version of the Minecraft alternative finally launched on January 13th, and the numbers already show success.

How did the launch go? The developers of Hytale repeatedly warned in the days leading up to the release about issues at launch. It was stated even before release that the game had already sold a million copies and a large influx was expected. On January 11, 2026, CEO Simon wrote on X.com: “We expect over 1 million players on the day of Hytale’s Early Access release (January 13th) […]”.

However, this mark was finally surpassed. According to a screenshot from Hytale content creator Myne on X.com, “Simon,” as he is known in the game, posted that player numbers would be at 2.8 million on the evening of the release. He himself only stated on his X.com account: “We are seeing a VERY HIGH rate of new Hytale players.”

While it is unclear whether these are logins, concurrent players, or sold units, since it is the evening of the release, these numbers are likely to be quite close together. But that is not the only success that Hytale has achieved.

Here you can watch a trailer for Hytale:

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Hytale shows 16 minutes of gameplay with the state from 2025, clarifying how exploring and fighting looks

Mega Success for Hytale

What else has Hytale achieved? The Minecraft alternative is not only successful in terms of player numbers, but it has also become the largest gaming category on Twitch, as the website SullyGnome.com shows. Thousands of streamers and over 400,000 viewers ventured into the new hit and tested how good Hytale really is.

Time for a Patch

How are the developers responding to the surge? While the developers and CEO “Simon” personally warned for days about delays in purchasing, sending confirmation emails, and waiting times at login, they did not remain idle.

On the release day, January 13, 2026, a first patch was released, which is supposed to fix important bugs in the game and especially in the internal systems. Several crashes that previously caused the game to crash or led to login issues were addressed. You can find the complete patch notes on Hytale.com

However, the patch did not bring any expansions for gameplay. These are expected only in upcoming patches, after the developers have managed the surge at launch.

Why does Hytale only start now? The development history of Hytale raised some doubts about whether the Minecraft competitor could really achieve the success that the once highly successful trailer had promised. After the purchase by Riot, they opted for a different engine and a new concept, developing for years, only to then stop development.

Only through the rescue of the original founder “Simon,” who bought back Hytale in 2025, did it return to the original concept of the Minecraft alternative, which now made its debut on January 13, 2026, in an early alpha version. However, the unfinished state did not hinder its rapid success.

Hytale has died and been resurrected; the success of the game likely proves that the developers and CEO “Simon” made the right decision to buy back the game from Riot. How this all worked out, you can find out here: Cancelled game reminiscent of Minecraft, now the creator offers 25 million to Riot to save his work

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. thenerdstash.com

Hytale: Thorium – How to find and use the mayhap strongest material in the game

To craft weapons in Hytale, you need the ore Thorium. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find the material and what it can be used for.

What is Thorium? Thorium is a green ore in Hytale. It is required to craft the third set of armor, weapons, and shield, as well as the fourth set of tools. Here is the item description:

While Ferans do not themselves make use of this metal, they keep a vigilant watch over its deposits in the sun-scorched deserts and arid badlands. Should their age-old enemies rise once more, these reserves would be the first they sought to harvest.

Finding Thorium in Hytale

Where can you find Thorium? Thorium can be found in the Howling Desert among other places. There, the ore can be mined both on and in the mountains. Specifically, you should search the brown-marked areas of the mountains on the map, as Thorium has not yet been found in the lighter regions.

In the desert, there are also dark holes in the ground where Thorium ore spawns like any other ore.

The specific bars can also be a boss drop from an armored skeleton in volcanic areas. YouTuber BundaBlox received two Thorium bars after defeating this enemy:

Thorium – What the ore is needed for

What can you craft with Thorium? Thorium is required to craft the third set of armor, weapons, and shield, as well as the fourth set of tools and the Tier 2 Workbench in Hytale. Before the tools and weapons can be crafted, the ore must be smelted into bars in the Furnace.

The following amounts of Thorium are needed for the respective items:

  • Thorium Cuirass: 20 Thorium Bars
  • Thorium Shield: 5 Thorium
  • Thorium Pickaxe: 6 Thorium Bars
  • Workbench Tier 2: 30 Thorium Bars
  • Furnace Tier 2: 5 Thorium Bars

Among other things, the Thorium Sword and the Thorium Pickaxe can also be obtained in NPC villages. As more locations of Thorium ore and bars as well as additional crafting recipes are discovered, we will update the guide accordingly. Hytale has just launched in Early Access. More about it can be read here: The “Minecraft Killer” launches today far too late and without Steam, yet sells so well that the next 2 years are secure

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. YouTube
  2. YouTube

RAGNAROK X: NEXT GENERATION – The global MMORPG with 25 million players launches its worldwide Open Beta

RAGNAROK X: NEXT GENERATION has finally launched its global Open Beta. The highly anticipated new mobile MMO with a unique graphic style can now be extensively played.

On January 14, 2026, a new journey begins as RAGNAROK X: NEXT GENERATION (ROX Global) opens its gates for beta players around the world.

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ROX Global has over 25 million players worldwide and is now ready to make its blend of nostalgic charm and modern innovation accessible to an even wider audience. You can now download the game from the official website and respective app stores to return to the world of Midgard.

Get ROX Global here!

A global success story arrives in a new region

Since its debut, ROX Global has achieved success in multiple markets, receiving awards such as Google Play’s Best Game of the Year in regions like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

rox-6

In 2025, the game successfully expanded to America, proving its ongoing appeal and solidifying its position as a top contender in the regional MMORPG charts.

After a constructive soft launch phase, ROX Global now announces the start of the official open beta on January 14, 2026!

Based on feedback from players across various regions, it is clear that communities particularly value the core pillars of classic MMORPGs: steady progression, strategic dungeons, and deep social connections. And today, a new generation of adventurers enters the world of Midgard.

Get ROX Global here!

The core experience – A truly player-driven economy

Based on a 20-year Ragnarok IP tradition, ROX Global preserves the essence of classic MMORPGs from the PC era. It combines venerable systems – such as attribute point distribution and card enchantments – with modern mobile optimization to pave the way for a refreshed adventure:

  • Farm-to-Win (F2W): Pure gameplay progression: All core equipment, upgrade materials, and cosmetics can be obtained purely through gameplay – quests, dungeons, life skills, and especially through the Exchange Center, the game’s trading place. Optional spending accelerates progress, but the choice remains yours: Be a grinder or a payer.
  • Player-driven economy: The Exchange Center allows players to set prices and freely offer their loot. The entire economy is regulated by natural supply and demand, with the system taking only a minimal transaction fee.
  • True F2P accessibility: The premium currency diamonds and the in-game currency crystals are fully exchangeable in both directions, allowing free-to-play players to access all content and even benefit by investing time and trading rare items.
rox-4

Community, epic battles, and the beauty of social gaming in Midgard

At the heart of the ROX Global experience lies its social ecosystem designed to foster community through intense competition and meaningful interaction. Two core pillars define the collective adventure.

rox-7

Brotherhood on the battlefield: Honor and competitive glory

For players who love challenges and team strategy, ROX Global offers robust competitive social systems:

  • Guild Wars (GVG & KVM): The ultimate test of strategy and teamwork. Guilds fight against opponents in large-scale GVG warfare and tactical KVM/5v5 matches to gain city control and rare resources. These systems form the core of competitive gameplay, offering high stakes and exciting battles.
  • Epic global championships: In addition to regional battles, players can compete in massive global tournaments such as the War of the Chosen, gaining the highest honors and exclusive champion rewards.
rox-8
Get ROX Global here!

Bonds & Lifestyle: Social connection and personal expression

Beyond combat, ROX Global offers extensive features for community building and self-expression:

  • Social & pair systems: Through dedicated guild activities and the pair system (oath/marriage), players can form lasting bonds. Couples can host grand weddings and unlock unique partner skills and mounts.
  • Style & personalization: Personal flair is important. The game offers a wide selection of exquisitely crafted outfits, headgear, and quirky mounts – from adorable Poring to the futuristic Whirlwind skateboard – ensuring that every adventurer stands out in Midgard’s vibrant cities.
  • Casual fun: A seamless social integration, including a user-friendly photo mode, ensures that adventurers never feel alone – perfect for players who value a strong community culture.

Start your adventure today: The gates of Midgard are open, and you don’t have to embark on the journey alone. Gather your friends and join us on this epic adventure!

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Elder Scrolls Online addresses one of the biggest weaknesses, but many players may not experience it until 2027

The adjustments for the Dragonknight are on the public test server of Elder Scrolls Online. The initial feedback is surprisingly positive, as the fundamental combat experience is also expected to improve significantly. But what about the players who do not play Dragonknight?

What is currently playable on the test server? On the PTS (Public Test Server) of Elder Scrolls Online, you can test some of the new features that are supposed to come with Update 49 or “Season Zero: Morninglight and Eveninglight.” These include:

  • Adjustments for Dragonknight class
  • Improved two-handed weapon skill line
  • The new Gold Coast Bazaar with a selection of offers
  • Diverse improvements for the overall player experience, comfort, and quality of life

Not yet testable are, for example, the new battle pass system around the Tamriel Folios or the event zone Night Market. Interested parties can download the test server via the PC launcher as usual. To do this, you must activate the option “Show Public Test Server” in the launcher settings.

Start video
Microsoft brings Elder Scrolls Online to the big stage with colorful trailer

The Dragonknight offers hope for more enjoyable battles

What is happening with the Dragonknight? Behind the visual overhaul and balancing updates of the Dragonknight, which were announced as part of the roadmap for 2026, there is a lot going on in detail. There are many changes, especially in the skill lines of the class. But also in the visual and tangible impact of the attacks.

The goal of the developers is to give the Dragonknight a playstyle where it becomes increasingly powerful during combat, to then explode like a volcano. Each skill line is supposed to offer something significant, they want to improve the support abilities of the class, and the overall combat experience with the class should improve.

The details on all the already implemented and still planned adjustments can be found in a very extensive article on elderscrollsonline.com.

Is the goal achievable? The new combat effects of the Dragonknight and the suddenly noticeable impact behind some attacks have received somewhat euphoric praise from many testers.

  • Eigh1 Puppies explains in his video on YouTube: “In my opinion, these changes may easily become some of the most positively impactful new features for the combat experience in recent years.”
  • cujokills celebrates in her video on YouTube: “The new effects look incredible, but they also feel fantastic.”

However, the details show that the developers still have quite a bit of work to do, as highlighted by the YouTube video or the feedback document on docs.google.com from Skinny Cheeks. Especially the audio effects and the names of the new skills received a lot of criticism. Furthermore, the balance does not seem to be right yet, as some skills appear to be too weak.

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What is the biggest problem? The developers seem to be moving in the right direction with the Dragonknight adjustments. However, there are still 6 other classes, and more weapons than just the two-handed. According to the roadmap for 2026, by December only the Warden and the Sorcerer will receive a similar modernization.

Priest, Nightblade, Necromancer, and Arcanist will, therefore, not be updated until at least 2027. Perhaps one of the classes will even slip into 2028. When the other weapons will come is unclear.

Even if the developers succeed with Update 49 in noticeably improving the combat experience with the Dragonknight, it will still take a long time until the players who play other classes will benefit. This is noticeably frustrating a part of the community:

  • iforgotmyemailxdd jokes on Reddit: “Great, I’ll play again … in about 2 years.”
  • Idefix2 writes in the official ESO forum: “One class at a time simply takes too long. It would be better to do everything at once.”

Do you feel the same way, or are you glad that the developers are at least working on the combat experience of the classes? Feel free to let us know in the comments. The new payment model for the MMORPG is also being hotly debated right now. More about that can be found here: What does the new Battle Pass bring and what happens to ESO Plus of Elder Scrolls Online in 2026?

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

„Strictly confidential“ function of GTA 6 leaked: Lawsuit forces Rockstar to do something they hate

In the process between the dismissed employees and GTA 6 and Rockstar, the studio claims that “highly sensitive materials” were discussed, which they did not want to announce yet. However, as they had to provide evidence for this, Rockstar leaked exactly the feature they wanted to protect.

What did Rockstar have to prove? During a preliminary hearing regarding the dispute between Rockstar Games and the dismissed employees, both sides presented their own evidence to support their case. This mainly concerned the decision of whether the dismissed employees were entitled to interim compensation. This would mean that Rockstar has to continue paying their salaries until the final hearing.

Rockstar argues with various accusations, including the dissemination of “highly sensitive materials” on an internal company Discord channel. These were so “strictly confidential” that they should not be read aloud in court. However, the evidence for this accusation subsequently became available to the public.

The team from “People Make Games” examined the printed evidence closely and indeed found the “strictly confidential” feature that Rockstar was trying to keep from the public.

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MeinMMO and GameStar discuss the future of GTA 6

Collected evidence amounts to over 2,000 pages

What feature is being referred to? The team from People Make Games examined the submitted evidence from Rockstar Games, which included three thick binders containing over 2,000 pages of material.

In their video on YouTube, they emphasize that there is only physical evidence, so during the few hours they had, they could only skim through many of the pages. They were looking for interesting content that was relevant to the hearing.

They also highlight that the strictly confidential feature is said to involve multiplayer sessions with up to 32 players. This has not yet been officially announced by Rockstar but circulated on the internal company Discord channel when the exact number of players was mentioned in writing.

Rockstar and its strategy of isolation
The Rockstar executives around the Housers (Dan and Sam) are unlikely to be happy about having to disclose internal information in the course of the court proceedings. Rockstar Games has been known for its strategy of isolation for many years. They take every possible measure to prevent leaks. Official interviews are rare. The dismissals of the employees involved in the current court proceedings underscore this.

The discussion on Discord, and Rockstar’s alleged misconduct of the employees, refers to the fact that the QA team at Rockstar had taken vacation and therefore they could not assemble 32 players. The exact message used as evidence for the violation was as follows:

“No idea, they said the big session today was ‘difficult’, but that was 32 players, I don’t know why that should have been difficult.” (Source: YouTube)

What other messages were considered “misconduct” by Rockstar Games? Conversations between employees included concerns about potential crunch times, possible elimination of cafeteria benefits, and worries about the use of generative AI. The chat also addressed pressure regarding commuting to and from the office in dangerous weather.

Additionally, some “stronger” words and insults were reportedly used. “Cowardly entrepreneur ass” and “c*nt” are reportedly two terms mentioned for managers and supervisors.

Particularly surprising is the dismissal of an employee who only formulated one sentence in the affected Discord conversation. And it did not even cast the company in a bad light. Regarding the crunch times, he only wrote: “Nothing I heard in North QA! I’ll keep you updated if that changes.”

Even though the preliminary hearing does not yet involve the official trial, it was the first step for both sides to present their respective concerns and provide evidence. How the process will proceed and how the court will ultimately decide remains uncertain.

Despite the challenges surrounding the issue and delays with GTA 6, its release is still expected to be the “gaming event of the decade.” At least that’s what an expert says, who is confident that nothing would stand in the way of this outcome: Experts say: Even angry employees and delays can’t prevent GTA 6 from becoming the “gaming event of the decade”

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Sentenced to Be a Hero accomplishes something that is very rare in anime with its first episode

The Anime Sentenced to Be a Hero started a few days ago on Crunchyroll. With its premiere, it achieved something that only a few series manage.

What was so special about Episode 1? Sentenced to Be a Hero released its first episode as a one-hour special. This created plenty of hype among fans, as it impressed with its animations and action.

Now, there’s a new image for the upcoming Episode 2 on X. It features Xylo, the protagonist of the series, as well as Teoritta, a goddess. In addition, there are two more characters to discover: Norgalle Senridge and Tatsuya.

With Episode 2, the series transitions into the “Gun Mine Shaft” arc. This is one of the first major missions that Xylo must complete with Teoritta. Here, they need to explore a mine that transforms people and animals into monsters. The arc forces the characters to fight with limited evasive maneuvers due to the narrow corridors.

The transition to the new arc simultaneously means that the first arc was already concluded with the first episode. The novels on which the anime is based are divided into missions and backstories. Episode 1 already covered the entire “Forest Mission” arc.

This is rare in the anime field. Another example is Oshi no Ko, whose premiere was almost 90 minutes long. A counterexample, where the first arc stretches over several episodes, is Demon Slayer. Here, the first Final Selection-arc lasts a whole 5 episodes.

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Sentenced to Be a Hero: Trailer for the anime shows heroism as punishment

Sentenced to Be a Hero keeps expectations high

What do fans say about this? On Reddit, fans find it “really cool”. They hope that the upcoming episodes can maintain the quality of the premiere. If that’s the case, Sentenced to Be a Hero would be “an example of how much direction can work wonders.”

However, viewers also wish that the anime wouldn’t ignore the premise of 2 seasons, as Oshi no Ko would. Here, fans on Reddit are dissatisfied with the pacing.

But so far, the anime community is celebrating the series. One user summarizes it and renames the anime to “Sentenced to Be Peak”.

The new episodes of Sentenced to Be a Hero are released weekly. It’s particularly convenient that the German dubbing is available right at the release of the new episode. You can read when the next episode will be released here: Sentenced to Be a Hero: When will the next episode of the anime be released? Overview of releases

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A Godzilla movie on HBO Max has been torn apart by critics, but I have watched it multiple times because it shakes my living room

HBO Max launches in Germany with many different movies and series. MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes has to recommend a film that has been unjustly rated poorly by critics.

Which film is it? In 2019, Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters was released as a sequel to the American Godzilla film from 2014 (in between, Kong: Skull Island was also released). This time, it is not the humans who must confront Godzilla. The King of the Monsters faces another monster that wants to rule over the Earth.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received rather mediocre reviews from critics. With 351 reviews, the film only has a 42% rating. To me, that is a true scandal, as there are only a few films that can offer such a spectacle.

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Im Trailer zu Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters, zeigt die Riesenechse, warum sie so gefürchtet wird

The King of Monsters is always impressive

What makes the film so good? Since 1954, Godzilla has represented spectacle. A gigantic monster that destroys entire cities is simply impressive. As in previous films, Godzilla in King of Monsters acts more as a hero of humanity, who must stop the threatening Kaijū.

And that alone is already a lot of fun. There are many monsters from Godzilla’s history to see, and the battles are intense. They are brutal, look great, and the bluish color and the constant rain give the film a unique look that I can watch over and over.

Especially amazing are the sound and the sound design. Godzilla (and the battles) sound fantastic. Sitting in the cinema seat, you constantly have goosebumps. Last year, I bought a sound system for my living room and the first thing I watched was this film. Godzilla literally made my living room shake, just with its roar.

That’s exactly what I love about the franchise. I want to see the giant creatures presented grandly to marvel at, jaw dropped, in front of the screen or the TV. And in King of the Monsters, the monsters are indeed beautiful, threatening, and spectacular.

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Humans are the problem

What is the biggest criticism? The biggest problem with the film is precisely the humans. You often read that the action and battles are strong, but the boring scenes with the humans detract from it. And yes, that is true. Many of the dialogues are complete nonsense, and I would have preferred more monsters.

But there are moments when the humans show awe, respect, and wonder in the face of the monsters. Just like you do when watching the film. And frankly: silly dialogues are somehow part of it.

Overall, it’s the best film of the Monsterverse from Warner Bros. Even though I had a lot of fun with Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong, none of the US films managed to capture the mystique of the monsters as well.

Make sure to watch Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters. It is a spectacle for the eyes and ears, and it shows why this franchise, despite its age, has not lost any of its fascination. And even if the humans are sometimes annoying: for all the positive aspects, you can ignore that.

Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters can be watched on the new streaming service HBO Max. Besides Godzilla, Batman, Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter also find their place on the streamer. You can find more information here: HBO Max launches today in Germany – All info about the price, program, and subscription of the Netflix competitor

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Famous tech YouTuber tests PC worth 8,600 euros, but can’t even start Cyberpunk 2077

The well-known tech YouTuber Linus Tech Tips built a PC from old components to see how much gaming performance is in a machine from the years 2010 – 2015. 

What does the creator present? In the YouTube video from March 16, 2024, on the Linus Tech Tips channel, he tests an 11-year-old PC that, according to his statement, would currently cost about $10,000 or about €8,600 (as of January 13, 2026). 

The interesting thing about this computer, according to Linus, is its enormous size and the possibility to use four graphics cards simultaneously via SLI. This is a technology no longer in use, where older NVIDIA graphics cards that support the function could be used together in one PC to gain more performance. The connection also confused another user, to whom the community explained, why the SLI technology is now obsolete. 

In the video, Linus presents the hardware of the PC and checks how well games like Crysis 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider run. In the case of Cyberpunk 2077, the game doesn’t even start and crashes even with a legacy patch for older hardware. 

If you’re not done with old technology, check out the video about a cult classic in gaming history:

Start video
He created a legendary game, but didn’t get paid for it – Today he’s still a millionaire

A huge motherboard, a 1600-watt power supply, and four graphics cards are inside the computer

What hardware does the YouTuber use? In the video, Linus uses the following parts for his project: 

  • Motherboard: EVGA Classified Super Record 2 (SR-2)
  • Processor: Two Intel Xeon x5690 
  • Graphics cards: Four EVGA GTX 980 TI and later an RTX 3090 Ti 
  • RAM: Six 4 GB DDR3 RAM with 1600 MHz from Corsair
  • Power supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1600 T2
  • Storage: Two terabyte Samsung Evo 850 SATA SSD 
  • Case: EVGA DG-85

This results in a PC that was still powerful a decade ago, albeit very expensive.

More than one graphics card was already inefficient according to Linus 11 years ago

Is the system still worth it from today’s perspective? In the video, the tech YouTuber shows that the system can output games from the past at least 60 FPS, but he also notes that the SLI technology had already been very costly in the past.

With an active GTX 980 Ti, for example, Crysis 2 from 2011 ran in WQHD in the video at about 60 – 70 frames per second. After three additional GTX 980 TIs were installed and SLI was activated, the FPS rose to about 120 – 145. Linus explained that the performance had already been very similar with two graphics cards.

In the following test of the Shadow of the Tomb Raider released in 2018, the PC averaged about 45 FPS, while, according to the YouTuber, little power of the additional GPUs was used. Cyberpunk 2077 did not start at all and could not be tested. 

To boost performance, Linus later replaced the GTX 980 Ti with an RTX 3090 Ti. The initially chosen RTX 4090 couldn’t be used because there was no software for this graphics card for Windows 7. With the change of the graphics card, the FPS improved significantly. For example, in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, performance improved on average from about 45 to around 90 FPS.

Linus shows above all that technologies like SLI were only partially worthwhile for gamers many years ago. Additionally, the computer itself was very expensive at its time. Linus was also surprised when he spoke with Valve about the price of the Steam Machine: Well-known tech YouTuber hopes the Steam Machine will only cost $500, but Valve’s reaction is quite clear

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. YouTube

New Zombie Game turns you into the “Gatekeeper of the Apocalypse”, lets you beat survivors with a hammer

Recently, a new zombie game was released on Steam, allowing you to experience the apocalypse from a different perspective: not that of a hardened survival expert, but that of a bouncer – and he has his methods to determine who gets in and who doesn’t.

Which game is being talked about? It’s Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, the first game from developer Brigada Games on Steam. Devolver Digital acts as the publisher. The game is a pure single-player experience where you guard a checkpoint in a city during the zombie apocalypse.

Thus, you are effectively “the bouncer of the apocalypse,” as Steam user TickleMeTao summarizes in his review. You alone decide who may enter the city and who may not. However, one major mistake could be enough for you to bring the plague inside.

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check was released on January 12, 2026 on Steam. MeinMMO author Cedric Holmeier has already played the demo at Steam Next Fest 2025. In his article from back then, you can read more about how it really plays: New game on Steam prepares you perfectly for the zombie apocalypse if you want to work in administration

Here you can see a trailer for the game:

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Quarantine Zone: The Last Check – Trailer for the new zombie game on Steam

Bouncer of the Apocalypse with Chaos Potential

How does Quarantine Zone: The Last Check play? The gameplay is essentially similar to games like Papers, Please or Contraband Police. Your primary task is to subject newcomers to medical checks to determine if they are infected with the zombie virus.

During this, rather humorous situations can arise: As seen in the trailer, one of your tools is a hammer. With it, you can test people’s reflexes like ordinary doctors to see if they are healthy.

The survivors also respond accordingly if you (hopefully only accidentally) hit them on the head or other, well, sensitive areas with this hammer. Overall, the game doesn’t take itself too seriously, even though the underlying atmosphere is quite dark.

Be careful where you swing that hammer…

Additionally, you will search the survivors for dangerous contraband items. Occasionally, you may even shoot zombies yourself: From a tower, you can mow down hordes of the undead with a machine gun, or pick them off one by one with a pistol from the ground.

Fun, but Repetitive Gameplay – and Quite a Few Bugs

How is the game currently received? Out of 777 reviews (as of January 13, 14:34), 76% are positive. The biggest drawbacks are not only the somewhat repetitive gameplay but also the numerous bugs that plague the game at launch.

  • Steam user karakura_king warns in a review about a serious bug that could cause you to restart the campaign. Nevertheless, he is very convinced of the game: “10/10, will keep Crazy Dave in my base!”
  • TickleMeTao raves about the game in his review: “It makes you laugh, panic, and question your morals at the same time. If you’ve always wanted to feel important while accidentally causing a disaster, this game understands you perfectly.”
  • For Steam user RoyCosta, the number of bugs is simply too high. He writes in his review: “Yes, the game is fun, but the number of bugs I encountered in just two hours is a joke.” He believes the game is not worth its current price.

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is regularly priced at 19.99 Euro on Steam, but is on sale for 17.99 Euro until January 26, 2026.

While Quarantine Zone: The Last Check was recently released on Steam, another game has purposely decided against releasing on the platform for its early access. This might potentially result in a significant loss of reach, but sales numbers still remain strong. You can read more about it in this article: The “Minecraft Killer” launches far too late and without Steam, yet sells so well that the next 2 years are secure

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Here are 4 well-known races that you probably can play in Divinity – and 2 completely new ones that are still uncertain

After Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian is planning their biggest game yet with Divinity and a sequel to the popular Divinity: Original Sin 2. There isn’t much information about the game yet, but the developers have already hinted that many clues are hidden in the trailer. MeinMMO has taken a closer look and identified at least the potentially playable races, even though some of them would be unusual.

[toc]

In the Divinity games so far, character creation has been somewhat limited. In most parts, you could only play as humans (or half-dragons), and it was only in Divinity: Original Sin 2 that various races were available to you.

There isn’t much information yet about the playable races in the upcoming Divinity, but the trailer already shows numerous races from Rivellon (the world of Divinity), of which some will certainly be playable. During the big AMA on Reddit, the developers even explicitly stated that while they cannot say anything about playable races yet, one can get a good idea from the trailer.

In our overview, you can learn what else we know about Divinity.

The Divinity series differs significantly from Baldur’s Gate 3 and other settings, especially in terms of its world and races. Classic fantasy tropes are virtually absent here. MeinMMO will explain the races visible in the trailer and what makes them special.

Please remember that none of this is confirmed information but our speculations based on the trailer and our experience with the Divinity series. You can find the trailer on YouTube, for age protection reasons we only show a shortened version here:

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Humans – The Most Widespread Race in Rivellon

As in most worlds, humans, with their will to reproduce, are the dominant race of Rivellon. They are somewhat the “average” or benchmark of the world: nothing special, useful for everything, but also not outstanding in any direction.

In addition, they are – as often in fantasy settings – the youngest race in history, but nevertheless have a turbulent past with empires and dramas surrounding divinity, inquisitions, and autocratic power structures… as one might expect.

In the Divinity games, humans have been the most flexible race, meaning they have gameplay bonuses that are useful for all sorts of builds and are not strictly defined. At the same time, they are also the most pigheaded race.

The stubbornness, fanaticism, and belligerence of humans have caused some of the greatest upheavals in history, but they have also managed to eliminate them.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Trainer doubts an important decision in his life, receives a sign in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO you can catch some rare monsters. For a trainer, such a catch represented an answer he had been waiting for.

Catching rare monsters in Pokémon GO represents one of the biggest motivations for many trainers in the game. Particularly sought after are monsters that are both Shiny and have perfect IV values, the so-called Shundos (a mix of “Shiny” and “Hundo”).

A trainer reports on Reddit that he caught such an specimen. And at a time when this catch held a very special significance for him.

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Pokémon GO shows its new season in the trailer

“Divine Intervention”

What decision is it about? The trainer reports in his post on Reddit, which has received over 6,800 upvotes, that his wife is in the process of changing employers. For the trainer, this means a certain adjustment.

Since he drives her to work and the new workplace is opposite to his university, he has to plan an additional 20 minutes every morning. At the same time, he sees the new employer for his wife as a great opportunity.

So he is conflicted about the new job.

What does this have to do with Pokémon GO? While his wife was at the new employer signing the new contract, the trainer was waiting in the car in the parking lot. During this time, he opened Pokémon GO – and a Shiny Magikarp appeared.

After catching it, he checked the IV values of the monster and saw that the Magikarp was a 100%-IV specimen. So he had not only caught a Shiny, but a Shundo.

What does the trainer say about it? The trainer interprets this catch as a sign that his wife’s decision is the right one. He argues that the chances of obtaining a Shundo Magikarp outside of events, research tasks, or raids are very low.

He writes: “I don’t know what kind of sign this is, but if the universe wanted to grab my attention, it’s very specific to send me a golden Magikarp with perfect IVs. Anyway, I guess I’ll have to get used to the longer commute and trust the course of things. If this eventually turns into a Shundo Gyarados, I will officially call it divine intervention.”

Have you ever experienced something like this? Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments. If you are still looking for the next content in the game and want to know when it will take place, we have the perfect overview for you: all events in January 2026 in Pokémon GO.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

WoW: Many rewards are disappearing – You have only 7 days left

The pre-patch for the next expansion of World of Warcraft is coming. However, many rewards will disappear forever.

The era of The War Within is already coming to an end, as next Wednesday we will begin with the pre-patch 12.0 of World of Warcraft and enter the age of the Midnight expansion. This also means that some achievements will no longer be available, and some rewards will either be completely removed from the game or become significantly rarer. We will show you what will be lost next Wednesday if you haven’t collected it yet.

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WoW: Patch 11.2.7 – The warning shows what threatens Quel’thalas

Which rewards are no longer available?

Here is a short list of the rewards that will no longer be available starting January 21:

The Future Ahead: Dimensius the All-Devouring – Defeat Dimensius on heroic difficulty or higher. This achievement will no longer be available. The mount Royal Voidwing can still be earned until the release of Midnight.

Peak Climbers: Dimensius the All-Devouring – Defeat Dimensius on mythic difficulty. This achievement will also no longer be available.

I Can Do It Alone: Nexus Princess Ky’veza – the special depth on the difficulty “??” is still available, but the achievement and the related customization for the Depth Mount will no longer be available once the pre-patch goes live.

Mythic+: On January 19, the rankings of all characters will be “locked” – and the top 0.1% of the best characters will receive a special achievement and title after a few weeks.

PvP: Most seasonal PvP rewards are no longer available, such as the Gladiator title or the arcane weapon enchantment.

Legion Remix Ends: Last but not least, with the pre-patch, the time of WoW Legion Remix also comes to an end. There are numerous transmogs, pets, toys, and housing decorations that will either no longer be available or will be available only at greatly increased prices.

So if you still want to grab some rewards from The War Within and the final Season 3, now is the last chance to do so. Because next week we will begin with the era of Midnight, the 2nd chapter of the Soul of Worlds saga.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

Diablo 4 is testing a new endgame feature where you can flaunt your skill – First players are rather moderately impressed

The leaderboards are back in Diablo 4. In the associated activity “The Tower”, you can compete with others and show what you can do. However, the endgame feature is not particularly well received by the community.

What kind of endgame feature is this? The “new” feature is the leaderboards, which are back in Diablo 4. The leaderboards were introduced in Season 3 of Diablo 4, but Blizzard removed them from the game after a few seasons to bring them back later in an improved form.

For Season 11, they were finally announced along with the new activity “The Tower”, initially as a beta version. On Monday, January 12, 2026, the feature went live in Diablo 4, but it seems to still have some issues according to community feedback.

What players criticize about the leaderboards: If you scroll through the Subreddit for Diablo 4 or the Blizzard forums, you quickly come across numerous threads about the leaderboards and the Tower. Many players currently express similar criticisms, including:

  • The Tower feels at its core like the Pit – but without loot or other rewards.
  • The gameplay is overall simply too similar to the Pit and offers too little individuality.
  • During the time-limited run, you have to collect particles, which slows down the flow of the game.
  • The pylons, which are supposed to provide buffs, must first be “defeated” like enemies before you can activate them with a click.
  • The leaderboard itself, which is supposed to be the main incentive for the competitive activity, is bugged. Names do not display correctly; sometimes you can only see that you have made it into the “Top 500”.
  • Moreover, the activity offers relatively few experience points, making it hardly worth it for just that.
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Diablo 4 showcases its new features from Season 11 in the gameplay trailer

Blizzard plans to further improve the activity

Will it stay that way? Probably not. Blizzard has already made it clear that both the leaderboards and “The Tower” are still in the beta phase. In a blog post, the developers point out that players may encounter “one or two bugs”. Feedback from the community should be used to adapt and improve the player experience throughout the beta.

In the long term, Blizzard also wants to add rewards and expand both the Tower and the leaderboards with additional features. However, what those will look like is still open.

The plan is to design the activity so that players want to return season after season to compete anew.

While the leaderboards are currently facing a lot of criticism, another seasonal feature is generating significantly more enthusiasm. With Season 11, Blizzard has introduced the new crafting system Sanctification into the game, and the community is really enjoying it. Diablo 4 fans agree: The new crafting system must stay, as it finally gives them a reason to grind.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

A Knight of Seven Kingdoms literally shits on Game of Thrones, showing a new perspective on Westeros in 6 strong episodes

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the new series in the universe of Game of Thrones. For MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes, it is a major highlight right at the beginning of the year because it avoids the weaknesses of other shows.

What is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms anyway? The new HBO series premieres on January 19, 2026, on HBO Max. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place about 80 years after House of the Dragon and nearly 90 years before Game of Thrones. At that time, Westeros was quite peaceful and follows Ser Duncan the Tall on his path to becoming a noble knight.

Along the way, he meets the young Egg, who wants to be his squire. Together, the two aim to grow and face the dangers in Westeros.

The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms consists of 6 episodes, all of which I was able to watch in advance. Already after the first episode, I knew that the show was on the right track, as it is already one of the significant series highlights of January.

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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms shows in the final trailer that one can expect more humor than in Game of Thrones

Though set in Westeros, it is not Game of Thrones

Already after just under 4 minutes, the series shows: It does not want to be a Game of Thrones, even though it is set in Westeros. As the main musical piece from Game of Thrones plays, it suddenly gets interrupted because Ser Duncan, played by Peter Claffey, is sitting on the toilet. This directly prepares the audience for the atmosphere of the series.

Especially Ser Duncan himself is quite atypical for Westeros standards. He wants to be a noble knight. He struggles with insecurities and does not use nasty plots to get closer to his goal. Duncan is lovable, heroic, and indeed a true knight.

This is an exciting contrast in a world full of nasty villains. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a light-hearted series. While there are dramatic or emotional scenes, most of the time it is fun because the show relies on a lot of humor and wit.

What I particularly liked was the timing of the series. Jokes are never drawn out, and dramatic scenes are lightened up with a fart or other scatological humor. It fits surprisingly well into the dirty world.

However, the series never becomes too silly, but remains lovable. Many of the side characters only need a few lines to earn a place in my heart. A major highlight in this regard was Ser Lyonel, played by Daniel Ings, and Ser Raymun, played by Shaun Thomas.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Peter Claffey and Daniel Ings
An unusual combo: Ser Duncan and the party-loving Ser Lyonel (Image source: press.wbd.com)

2 people who want to grow

In Season 1, you accompany Duncan and Egg as knight and squire. The two have great chemistry, which made me root for both of them right away. Their relationship consists of several facets: Duncan as the big, strong hero, Egg as the smart, intelligent little boy. Both with hearts in the right place.

Even when Duncan yells at him or scolds him, you can see that he feels bad about it. In the quiet moments between them, their relationship is quietly but credibly developed. They become a team quickly, but both also struggle with their own problems. They complement each other perfectly and form a beautiful red thread for the rather simple story that unfolds over 6 episodes.

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The episodes are between 30 and 40 minutes long, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms shows how to perfectly utilize 6 such episodes. Stranger Things and Fallout have disappointed me recently. They unravel the story with side plots for supporting characters that are rarely satisfying. It is simply too much.

The story of Ser Duncan and Egg does the opposite. It respects the viewer’s time, letting side characters truly be side characters. Short lines are enough to clarify relationships, and for me as a viewer, there is no interruption in the actual story. I want to see the story of Duncan and Egg, not that of all of Westeros. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms achieves this fantastically.

This is how prequels, sequels, and spin-offs should be. Not everything has to be an ever-growing narrative. Even small stories about a knight and his squire can show facets of Westeros that are just as good as royal intrigues and scheming.

The 6 episodes went by easily, and I didn’t need a nasty cliffhanger to be excited for Season 2. I want to see what happens next for the two because the characters are so great, not because multiple side plots are left unresolved.

You just have to love the two heroes (Image source: press.wbd.com)

Action must not be missing

Despite the funny mood and distance from Game of Thrones, the series looks quite good. It is beautifully shot, the sets are idyllic, and fit perfectly with the characters. I also really liked the costumes.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms shows in the fight scenes that they at least draw inspiration from Game of Thrones. The few action sequences are beautifully choreographed, play with some ideas, and show how dirty a knight’s battle can be. Moreover, not only swords are used as weapons, creating variety.

No matter how silly the humor was beforehand, I was always emotionally invested during the fights and cheered for my favorites. I wanted to see them win because they had grown so dear to me.

Stranger Things and Fallout disappointed me at the end of 2025, but with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the series year of 2026 has a wonderful start. I am already excited to see where the heroes go in a future Season 2, as I wish Duncan and Egg all the best in a nasty world like Westeros. On January 19, 2026, you can watch the first episode of the series yourself. You can find all information about it here: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: When does Episode 1 come out? – All release dates of the HBO series

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

ARC Raiders: Weekly Trials – Best Strategies for Maximum Rewards

In ARC Raiders you can complete new weekly challenges every week, the Weekly Trials. Many of them require a specific approach to achieve the highest possible score, and we will show you how to do that every week.

Update, March 23, 2026: The list has been updated with new challenges for the week of March 23.

What are Weekly Trials? From level 15, you unlock the “Trials” menu in the Raider tab – here you can access the Weekly Trials. The Weekly Trials consist of 5 tasks that you can track and gather progress on. The tasks revolve around destroying specific ARCs, collecting resources, or dealing damage.

Every Monday, these tasks rotate and are replaced by new ones. If you have made progress on the retired challenges, you will be rewarded and get a spot on the leaderboard. Many Raiders like to use the Trials to secure useful rewards, but to get the most out of them, you need to boost your score enough to reach at least 3 stars.

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Spieler in Arc Raiders schreit so laut um Hilfe, dass der Nachbar die Tür aufbricht

Weekly Trials from March 23 to March 29 and the best strategies

Challenge 1: Damage ground-based ARC enemies

Best Strategy: Here it pays off to combine this with the second challenge, because there you also have to take down ground troops. However, focus not only on the smaller units. In the Buried City, especially near the Town Hall, large machines like Bastions also patrol, which drop a lot of points.

Challenge 2: Destroy ticks, fireballs, and pops

Best Strategy: Pops can be easily found and taken out solo on the “Buried City” map. Use the Night Looting and visit the area around the parking garage. Pops can be found in the following buildings:

  • Space Agency
  • Research Facility
  • Galleria 
  • Hospital 
  • Library

You can search all these places in a circle and quickly cover them. For their destruction, it is best to use the Anvil, as one shot is sufficient per pop.

Challenge 3: Defuse mines during “Locked Gate”

Best Strategy: Visit the Pilgrim Peak during the event and look for the mines. They are wild scattered on the slopes and hard to miss. They look like silver-colored plates with a glowing ring in the middle. To defuse them, just step on them and then immediately press the “Defuse” button.

Challenge 4: Harvest plants

Best Strategy: To get the most out of harvesting, you should harvest different plants based on an important map condition. It is best to use the Night Looting. The best place to complete the challenge is Galleria on the “Buried City” map. Visit the place and collect the plant “Small-flower Evening Primrose.” If you haven’t been able to collect enough points yet, you should visit the Marano Park and continue harvesting. 

However, you should know that not all plants count towards your progress. You should focus on the following plants:

  • Agave
  • Moss
  • Fungi
  • Small-flower Evening Primrose

What doesn’t count are fruits from trees like lemons or apricots.

Challenge 5: Search the containers in the Medical Research Facility

Best Strategy: There is no best strategy here. Just sprint to the Medical Research Facility and open every container you see. You should also search containers that have already been opened – you can still earn points from those.

That’s it for now this week. We will update our overview after each new week and list new strategies so you can complete the challenges quickly. So feel free to visit again and bookmark the page to not miss any updates. You can find more about ARC Raiders here: ARC Raiders makes a big mistake if it listens to whiny gamers – and could be the end of the shooter

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.

81-year-old grandma plays Minecraft on YouTube to earn money for her grandson’s cancer treatment, the plan works

What to do when a loved one is shaken by a terrible diagnosis and an expensive treatment falls upon the entire family? An 81-year-old grandma found an unusual answer to these difficult questions on YouTube.

Why is grandma playing Minecraft? When 17-year-old Jack Self was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, it was clear to his grandma Sue Jacquot that she had to do something. She let her grandchildren show her Minecraft. At first, it was just to spend more time with the boys. However, this evolved into something bigger after a few months.

The 81-year-old woman started the YouTube channel GrammaCrackers to share her adventures in Minecraft with the world. Among her videos was a link to gofundme.com. There, Jack’s brother Austin set up a campaign to raise money for the horrendous treatment costs.

One can hardly believe it, but the graphics have improved over the years – like with this update last year:

Start video
Minecraft shows in the video how the graphics of the game will improve

“We were all completely stunned”

GrammaCrackers is a success! Sue Jacquot is doing fantastically well with many viewers. Although her channel currently only has 11 videos, she already has 153,000 subscribers. Her most successful video has over 560,000 views.

Even more importantly: a significant amount of money has been raised through the channel. The GoFundMe campaign has brought in just over $35,000. This was supplemented by regular YouTube donations ranging from $1 to $5,000.

Austin Self told CNN (via local12.com): “We were all completely stunned that she managed to understand the game, and from there everything took off.” Jack added: “It was just very touching to see how kind everyone was to me and my grandma.”

And the best news last: The treatment was successful for Jack and he is cancer-free today.

Here is the first video from GrammaCrackers:

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How is the community reacting? With many warm and heartfelt words.

  • TaitonVisessuk writes on YouTube: “The fact that she is 81 years old and produces great content for her grandson’s cancer treatment is simply beautiful.”
  • MashBro explains on YouTube: “My grandmother helped me overcome my cancer when I was a child. My mother was hardly ever there for most of my life, but my grandmother would have done something like that for me. I know your grandson appreciates that.”
  • mrgee8447 celebrates on YouTube: “That’s how I see myself in 40 years.”

Did you already know? A Japanese organization regularly holds an esports tournament for seniors. The winner from December 2025 is a full 18 years older than the 74-year-old finalist. You can read all about it here: At 92 years old, a grandma wins her first esports tournament, takes down her 18 years younger opponent

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. local12.com

In a new game on Steam, you manage a hospital during the zombie apocalypse – has a feature to drive streamers insane

As if running a hospital wasn’t stressful enough, in CURE – A Hospital Simulator a zombie apocalypse is added on Steam. And for Twitch streamers, it gets particularly stressful, as they can be terrorized by their viewers.

What kind of game is this? It is CURE – A Hospital Simulator on Steam. As the name suggests, players have to manage a hospital. But the developers didn’t think that was challenging enough, as there’s also a zombie apocalypse.

Patients can suffer not only from a “normal” illness but also carry a zombie virus that makes them a danger to everyone present. Therefore, it is not uncommon in the game to simply shoot your patients.

You can experience CURE – A Hospital Simulator with up to 4 players simultaneously. Perfect for playing with friends.

You can watch the trailer for the game here:

Start video
In CURE – A Hospital Simulator you lead a hospital in the midst of a zombie apocalypse

Streamers must take care of their viewers in the hospital

How are streamers driven to madness? The game features a function that allows Twitch streamers to better engage their viewers in their chat. This way, the chatters can have a direct influence on the events in the game.

Using the chat, viewers send NPCs with their name into the game. The NPC then appears as a patient with various ailments and must be treated by the Twitch streamer.

Additionally, new subscribers to the Twitch streamer are displayed on the monitors in the game. The developers have ensured that the integration of viewers is optimized for both larger and smaller Twitch streamers.

In an interview with gamesindustry.biz, the developer Doron Nir stated that this possibility for interaction between Twitch streamers and their viewers in the chat is intended to generate more reach for the game. He calls it the “Shoutout Engine.”

The result: The game has reportedly been sold over 20,000 times and streamed by more than 1,000 content creators without a marketing budget, according to gamesindustry.biz. For the future, developer Nir hopes for further success with other games through this special engine.

There are several games where Twitch viewers can appear in their favorite streamer’s game. One such game is PlateUp!, where chatters can appear as hungry guests with their names. MeinMMO author Linda Baumgartl played this game for over 50 hours, even without Twitch chat: A couch co-op game forced me to serve impatient guests for 50 hours, but I loved it

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. gamesindustry.biz

Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 an indie game? One of the developers has a clear opinion on this

When the new role-playing game from Sandfall Interactive was not only awarded Game of the Year at the 2025 Game Awards, but also recognized as Best Indie Game, many discussed: Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 really still an indie? One of the developers is now commenting on this.

What does the developer say? Nicholas Maxson-Francombe is the Art Director at Sandfall Interactive and has shaped the visual style of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with his work. It is also thanks to him that the role-playing game was able to win a record number of awards at the Game Awards.

These include: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score & Music, Best RPG, Best Performance (Jennifer English), Best Independent Game, and Best Debut Indie Game.

In an interview in the latest issue of Edge, he expresses whether the role-playing game can still be considered an indie project despite the support of a publisher, or if other games that are more clearly identifiable as indie should have won in the indie categories.

We feel like an independent company, but we get a lot of support from [Publisher] Kepler, much more than other indie games. It definitely feels like those games deserve it more, especially since we are nominated in so many categories. But at heart, we are indie.

We developed the game with an indie spirit, with a small team, with great creative freedom, and without a parent company or even a publisher giving us directions. We also consciously chose a publisher that has a true indie mentality and prioritizes creativity.

Nicholas Maxson-Francombe in an interview with Edge (via gamesradar.com)

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hinterlässt bei den Spielern eine Leere

Indie or not Indie – the old discussion?

Is there a definition for indie? None that is universally applicable and recognized. The term indie (i.e., independent) primarily implies independence. But what does this refer to? To the creative process of development? To funding? To support with PR and marketing? Is one only indie if they do everything independently?

This could also apply to very large companies that own their own publishing, PR, and development departments. Some define the indie concept primarily based on the size of a developer. A team of 4 people? Indie! A team of 100 people? Not indie! Easy! But at what number is the line drawn? Is 10 just right or already too much?

In short: The definition of indie is still so vague after all these years that it can lead to wonderful discussions. But regardless of whether Clair Obscur comes from an indie studio or not: It is a fantastic game. Just like some other RPGs from last year: 2025 should go down in history as one of the best years for role-playing games.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Gamesradar

Although Trymacs has that at Sauercrowd, which other newcomers dream of, he is now turning to another game

Like many other Twitch streamers, Maximilian “Trymacs” Stemmler is participating in the large German WoW project Sauercrowd. However, while his colleagues continue to live and die in the dungeons of the MMO, he seems to be turning to another project.

What does Trymacs have in Sauercrowd? Although Trymacs is a complete newcomer to World of Warcraft, he has performed excellently alongside the other participants. So far, he cannot claim any deaths with his initially created hardcore character. That’s something many other newcomers to WoW cannot claim for themselves.

Trymacs has also invested a considerable amount of time: In the past 30 days, the Twitch streamer has spent over 91 hours in the MMO (Source: SullyGnome).

However, it seems that the air has gone out for the streamer in the WoW project, as Trymacs appears to want to focus on another game for the time being: ARK Survival Ascended.

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Vom Pizza-Lieferant zu einem der größten deutschen Twitch-Streamer – Leben und Karriere von Trymacs in 2 Minuten

Trymacs starts with his colleagues in ARK Survival Ascended

What is Trymacs playing now? Since Sunday, January 11, 2026, Trymacs has turned to another project: Together with his Twitch colleagues eliasn97, MontanaBlack, Niklas Wilson, Zarbex, and GTime, he has started in the survival game ARK Survival Ascended.

Trymacs played the game back in 2020, but then there was a break. Since then, his community has been wishing for the Twitch streamer to finally dig up the survival game again, and now it’s happening.

Viewers who still want to see Trymacs in WoW will have to be patient or expect breaks. He might even say a complete farewell to Azeroth soon. The Twitch streamer mentioned, that if he should die, he wants to stop with WoW Classic immediately. And even in the event of success (he reaches level 60), he does not see a long future for himself in the MMORPG: One raid, being immortal, and bye-bye!

Additionally, Trymacs is already planning the next games he wants to play: At the release, he is trying out Hytale, for example, and soon he wants to play Pokémon again.

His last longer stream of Sauercrowd was the one in which he had to endure a punishment from his two Twitch colleagues HandOfBlood and Papaplatte. Because previously, Trymacs evaded taxes, allegedly because he wanted to pay them all at once instead of waiting in line longer: Trymacs allegedly evaded taxes in Sauercrowd, ending his punishment early because German radio breaks him

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Trymacs auf YouTube