Steam: The Day Before closes today and loses its only player – But the developers are likely starting the next project

Cedric Holmeier Cedric Holmeier Reading time 2 minutes

The Day Before is considered by some to be the flop of the year 2023. In December, the developers announced that the servers would close today. Now it has been revealed that the developers are already working on a new game.

Why are the servers closing today? The servers are closing today due to the major flop of the game. The developers commented in December in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) and called the game “financially failed”.

The Day Before was supposed to become a survival MMO, featuring realistic zombies and impressive graphics. The game made it onto more and more wish lists on Steam, but then everything went wrong:

  • The release was unexpectedly postponed in May 2022
  • After the release of new trailers, players began to doubt the quality
  • Due to a lawsuit regarding the name, The Day Before temporarily disappeared from Steam

On December 7, 2023, the release was finally approaching, but not much of the original hype remained. Nevertheless, The Day Before immediately soared on Twitch, only to be torn apart on Steam .

The reason so many people bought The Day Before might lie in its trailers. You can watch the final trailer for the game here again.

Start video
The Day Before provides new impressions in the final trailer

The Day Before is closing, but it doesn’t matter

Is anyone upset about the closure? Actually, most players should not care; the game had only one loyal player left who was actively playing.

On SteamDB, it is evident that only one player logs into the game daily for weeks. Who this player is and why he continues to play is unknown, but he is probably the only one still affected by the server shutdown. Since Christmas Eve, no more than two players have been in the game at the same time.

Can the game still be played after the closure? No, it can’t be played anymore. However, two modders have announced that they want to preserve the game for posterity. As one of the most controversial releases, the game likely holds some historical value for future generations. Our colleagues at GameStar have reported in detail about how far the modders have come.

More on the topic
New Zombie Game looks like the survival game that everyone hoped for from The Day Before – and it’s by well-known developers
von Ody
The Day Before was once the most anticipated game on Steam – Now the creators are suing a website for defamation
von Karsten Scholz
The studio of The Day Before is asking for freely created content for their new game, offering no payment
von Johanna

The developers are probably already working on the next game

What about the developers? According to CD-ACTION , the developers are already working on a new game. Although the developer studio FNTASTIC has been closed, the minds behind it are said to have been planning their new project several months before the closure.

The laid-off developers from the studio reportedly received offers to work on the new mobile game, CD-ACTION reports, citing a source who likely worked at FNTASTIC.

What kind of game is it supposed to be? The game is reportedly being kept as secret as possible by the developers. So far, according to CD-ACTION, it has only been found out that it is a mobile game. According to the source, the developers want to keep the game secret to be successful despite the global embarrassment.

Did you play The Day Before back then, or are you perhaps the last person logging in? Many players felt cheated by the game. Steam refunded everyone their money, and The Day Before is no longer available. Whether that counts as fraud, we have discussed in our article: The Day Before: “Fraud of the Year” on Steam? – This is what a lawyer says

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. CD-ACTION
  2. GameStar
  3. Millenium

The star of Reacher only made his breakthrough at 39: Uses testosterone, wants to remain a muscle titan for 15 years

Marie Friske Marie Friske Reading time 2 minutes

Alan Ritchson plays the muscular Jack Reacher in the Amazon series Reacher. In an interview, the actor shared how testosterone helped him prepare his body for the role.

Initially, Alan Ritchson started working as a model. In 2005, he made his acting debut as Aquaman in the DC series Smallville. Later, he was seen as Castor in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

You can read more about the actor here at our colleagues at Moviepilot.

However, it was only with the Amazon hit Reacher that Alan Ritchson achieved great success. The first season premiered on February 4, 2022. The second season followed in December 2023.

In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor talked about how he prepared his body for the demanding role in Reacher. He clarified how, at the age of 41, he can still have so much muscle mass: testosterone doping is the answer.

Here you can see a German trailer for season 2 of Reacher:

Start video
German trailer for season 2 of Reacher

“I don’t want to have to undergo surgery after every season”

Before the filming of the first season of Reacher began, the actor was supposed to gain 30 pounds (approximately 13.6 kilograms).

So Alan Ritchson built a home gym. However, he pushed his body to the limit with all the training:

“I harmed my body. I mean, I had a broken AC joint (Acromioclavicular) in my shoulder that I had to get repaired. There was a huge hormone imbalance in my body. I was falling apart. I made it, but it’s probably true that it shouldn’t happen so quickly and in this way.”

After the intense training came stress and exhaustion. For the preparation of season 2, the actor didn’t want to ruin himself completely again. So he used testosterone doping to help his body with muscle building.

Important note: We are gamers and not medical professionals, however, it is advisable not to start testosterone doping on your own. It can have huge side effects and especially in large doses can do more harm than good.

You can find out more about the possible side effects here at the German Sport University Cologne.

Alan Ritchson’s testosterone therapy was most likely medically supervised and as he himself says, he only takes small amounts to support his training.

Especially since the actor wanted to keep his body in shape for the long term, he explained that it was simply more sustainable: “For me, this is a long-term game. I want to play Reacher for 15 years […] I don’t want to have to undergo surgery after every season, and testosterone helps with that.”

More about Entertainment
“I believe he does it out of fear” – Bryan Cranston reveals the secret of a good marriage in Malcolm in the Middle
von Niko Hernes
“Ruffy” from One Piece crowns the best hero in anime history, ennobles the legendary mangaka with his number 1 spot
von Jasmin Beverungen
The best villain from The Boys is missing in the Amazon series, he even surpasses Homelander
von Niko Hernes

Alan Ritchson is a big advocate of using testosterone in small amounts for muscle building. Especially for people over 40, it can be “life-changing,” as the actor mentioned.

However, he still has to train hard at the gym. So doping does not replace training itself, but leads to faster results, as the 41-year-old explained:

“It definitely helps with muscle growth. If you take a little bit of it and then work your butt off in the gym like you normally would, you will see enormous results.”

5 movie mistakes in Hollywood films to annoy your friends with

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. menshealth.com
  2. Filmstarts
  3. adorocinema.com

An NPC in Baldur’s Gate 3 is so hidden that you will never find him – Unless you take out his brother

Sophia Weiss Sophia Weiss Reading time 3 minutes

Baldur’s Gate 3 shines with its thousands of decision-making opportunities – the developers seem to have thought of everything. Many encounters you probably will never see. A YouTuber has now discovered an NPC that is so well hidden that you first have to eliminate his brother to find him.

Which YouTuber discovered the NPC? The probably rarest NPC encounter was discovered by YouTuber Proxy Gate Tactician. In a roughly 10-minute video, he presents what he considers the rarest encounters. Included are the Zentharim leader Friol, three ghouls in the towers of Moonrise, and a golden minotaur.

Start video
Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming to PS5 – Trailer prepares for console release

Which NPC is it? The NPC that Proxy Gate Tactician discovered is Honk. Honk is the brother of Henk, the bartender of the Singing Lute tavern. The bar is located in the Undercity of Baldur’s Gate, specifically in Act 3.

In fact, Honk is only mentioned in the game itself in an in-game note if you have not encountered him yet: HENK, MAKE NOISE IN KITCHEN WHEN CLOSED, HONK. With this, one brother is presumably trying to convey to the other to limit playing the lute to the kitchen and after closing.

This message is also referenced in a reddit post. In it, user IAmWeary asks who the mysterious Honk is. Until the release of the YouTube video, this was probably the only clear search result for the character on Google. Only one wiki for Baldur’s Gate 3 mentions him – on the page for the Singing Lute, edited on January 19, 2024.

More on the topic
Astarion’s actor had so much fun with Baldur’s Gate 3 that it damaged his health, his conclusion today: “It’s stupid”
von Johanna
Baldur’s Gate 3: Decipher the ancient book – How to find and open the necromancy of Thay
von Fabienne Kissel
Baldur’s Gate 3: Recruiting Minthara – How to Get the Powerful Companion
von Benedict Grothaus

How do you unlock the NPC? If you want the pleasure of Honk’s presence, you need to do two things:

  1. You must have Karlach in your party and be in a romantic relationship with her.
  2. You must have killed Henk, the tavern owner, before your Act 3 date with Karlach.

To win Karlach’s heart, you need to play a character that is explicitly good. For this, you should already save the tieflings in Act 1 and ideally also rescue the Emerald Grove. Smith Dammon is the most important NPC here, as he can craft Karlach’s hell machine in Acts 1 and 2.

You can read more and more detailed details on how to win over Karlach in our romance guide to her:

More on the topic
Baldur’s Gate 3: Karlach Romance Guide – How to find and charm the hot tiefling girlfriend
von Mary Marx

The second requirement, killing Henk, should be quite easy for you: Visit him in his tavern. You will find it at the waterfront of the Undercity. Karlach does not like unnecessary violence, so it’s best to leave her at the camp for this.

Once you reach the tavern, discreetly get rid of the bartender Henk. After that, you can reintegrate Karlach into the party.

A map with a marker on the Singing Lute tavern.
We have marked the Singing Lute tavern for you here. Head towards the number house but turn right before the bridge.

If you now trigger the romance scene with her, Honk will appear instead of Henk. However, the sequence of the scene remains the same: Honk simply has a different hairstyle and voice than his brother.

What was your rarest encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3 so far? Will you try to meet the rare Honk? Let us know your comments.

Karlach’s base class is Barbarian. If you’re not careful, you could almost make her useless with just one click. Here’s how to prevent that: Baldur’s Gate 3: A player makes a popular companion almost useless – Don’t make the same mistake

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

Destiny 2: Bungie has 40% more employees despite layoffs – “That doesn’t make sense”

Britta ♤ BeAngel Britta ♤ BeAngel Reading time 4 minutes

In November 2023, the developer of Destiny 2 shook the gaming world with the news of layoffs. Of the approximately 1,100 employees at that time, 8% had to go, and the workforce shrank to around 1,000. However, a recent job posting states that the company now employs 1,400 people.

This is the puzzling employee turnover: Bungie, the development studio behind the online shooter Destiny 2, caused great outrage in its community in 2023 with the announcement of layoffs.

  • At that time, the management of the Sony developer informed employees that revenue for the current year was 45% below expectations.
  • As a consequence, the release of the next DLC “The Final Shape” was postponed from February to June 2024.
  • Most notably, 8% of the staff were laid off in total in 2023, which corresponds to around 100 employees, reducing Bungie’s total workforce to about 1,000.

In 2024, Bungie, however, claims to now have 1,400 employees. Players and former developers are confused and wonder: What’s going on here?

Start video
Destiny 2: Lightfall – Gather all Guardians trailer

40% Increase Since Last Year’s Layoffs

Where does this information come from? The information about Bungie’s current employee count comes from a recently published job posting by the company. They are looking for a “Payroll Manager”, that is, a head for handling international payroll.

Specifically, it states:

As the Global Payroll Manager at Bungie, you will lead a comprehensive payroll function and oversee a diverse workforce of 1,400 employees in the USA, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada.

so states the Bungie job posting
This is the job posting with the employee information from 2024

Thus, Bungie would have suddenly hired 400 new employees a few months after laying off 100 employees.

What is speculated about the increase: Despite the impressive number of 1,400 employees that Bungie apparently reached in 2024 according to its job posting, there are some reservations and questions.

A closer look at the development of employee numbers raises doubts about whether the expansion is really as massive as it appears at first glance.

  • Reportedly, Bungie significantly reduced the number of job openings in 2023 and removed many positions from the job board.
  • The developer may have hired back in some areas but not to this extent and pace.
  • It is also speculated that included in this total are some employees from subcontractors and possibly some employees from the Sony studios who are now providing support at Bungie due to shortages.

There has been no official announcement so far that other Sony studios might be joining Bungie. However, many now consider this possibility likely, as a leak had already suggested this.

Roadmap-Annual Destiny 2 2018
This was the Annual Pass for Forsaken. Bungie was unable to maintain that pace without Activision.

This is what a design leak has revealed: A design leak published on January 19 about a “The Final Shape” exotic may indicate that Bungie is receiving external support. The leak itself has since been deleted, but there the publishing designer stated: “This model was created by the Asset Team of PlayStation Studios Malaysia.”

What kind of new positions have been created and what role they play in the development of Destiny 2 remains open.

This, however, reminds some players of the time in 2018 when Bungie was in a similar crisis and once received support from Activision’s support studios in creating content for Destiny 2. The result was Forsaken, a DLC with its seasons that many players still remember fondly. This would thus also make sense in 2023, as Bungie wants “The Final Shape” to be the best expansion they have ever made.

More on Destiny 2:
More on the topic
Destiny 2: How to get the exo bow „Wishender“ and its 4 catalysts
von Britta ♤ BeAngel
More on the topic
Since 2020, Destiny 2 has been missing an important feature with which I built my best builds
von Britta ♤ BeAngel

What does the community say about the numbers? Some do not believe in the possibility of the increase and rather suspect that the employee count was simply not updated when reposting the advertisement. Destiny player NeoAmron also believes this.

“[…] It is likely that the number in the description has not been updated since the layoffs because figures are not always updated. To be precise, Bungie did not hire many people after the layoffs.

comments NeoAmron via X.com (formerly Twitter)

Other players express their views:

  • The player FinAeros says: “I have seen companies reuse job postings that were over 18 months old, so I’m actually not surprised by [this number].”
  • ZacAttackLeader thinks: “[…] If you lay off experienced veteran developers (who had benefits and stock options) just to save money and then hire new ones, you deserve to be shut down. Game companies aren’t the name, but the people who work there.”
  • Aksis_21 on the other hand is outraged and comments: “Then why the hell did they fire developers who have been there for over twenty years?”

While the gaming world eagerly awaits more information, the question remains unresolved whether there is contractor involvement, internal shifts, or simply an oversight.

Feel free to let us know in the comments what you think about the unexpected discrepancy in Bungie’s employee count. In 2024, Bungie will make even more announcements about Destiny 2, which are highly anticipated to assess the future of the game. The first was, for example, a quality of life change that has been overdue for 9 years: In Destiny 2, you will soon be able to undo your character design sins: “Finally, I can take off the helmet”

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Careers.bungie.com
  2. Forbes

The developers of Palworld warn about a bug from which there is ‘no return’ – avoid an item

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 2 minutes

A bug in Palworld can permanently reduce your catching skill if you use a certain item. Even the developers warn against using it.

What kind of bug is it? The developers of Palworld have warned on the official Discord server of the game against using an item, as a game glitch can permanently affect your character’s abilities.

According to this, the item “Memory Reset Drug” is said to decrease your catching skill due to a bug. The item is normally used to reset your distributed skill points so that you can redistribute them if you made a mistake during distribution. It works similarly to the Potion of Forgetting in ARK: Survival Evolved.

This means your catching skill would be permanently decreased if you consume the item, as according to the developers, it is “impossible to recover from it” (via Discord).

Start video
Palworld showcases the small monsters in massive action in the early access trailer

What is catching skill? A higher catching skill helps you to be more successful when catching Pals. The calculated catching chance during a catching attempt is then potentially higher than if you have not increased your catching skill beforehand.

If you want to increase your catching skill, you need to approach a “Statue of Power” and choose “improve own abilities,” and then sacrifice so-called Lifmunk statuettes there. These are small, green-glowing statues of the Pal “Lifmunk”.

You can find and collect Lifmunk statuettes all over the map. Often they are even located on slopes or small hills and mountains. Due to their green glow, you can find them particularly well at night.

More about Palworld
Authority cancels Nintendo’s patent for summoning and fighting creatures
von Dariusz Müller
Instead of working on Palworld, a developer prefers to play Crimson Desert: “Wants to stay at home and play for 12 hours straight”
von Cedric Holmeier
Palworld 1.0 is coming in 2026, but the developers advise: It’s best to delete everything you’ve built in the last 2 years
von Ody

Palworld is currently a huge success on Steam. Many players on Steam spent numerous hours in the “Pokémon with guns” over the past weekend – probably very few expected such success.

On Sunday, Palworld even reached one million concurrent players on Steam. Thus, the survival game is the sixth game ever to break this milestone: Palworld breaks 1 million players on Steam – These are the 3 records that the survival game has already broken

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Eurogamer
  2. PCGamesN
  3. Dexerto

Twitch streamer discovers a 5€ game from Stuttgart, loves it and makes it a hit on Steam

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 3 minutes

A small game from Stuttgart has surprisingly become a success on Steam. At its peak, the €5 title “Halls of Torment” reached 26,005 players on Steam. The main reason for its success was the Twitch streamer Asmongold, who fell right into the developers’ trap. Because Halls of Torment combines the addictive gameplay of “Vampire Survivors” with players’ nostalgic feelings for Diablo: and Asmongold perfectly represents the target audience they wanted to reach.

What kind of game is this?

  • “Halls of Torment” is a variant of “Vampire Survivors.”
  • The player controls a hero, while enemies relentlessly rush towards them, and the player must fend them off by shooting wildly. The player determines the hero’s weapons and skills by leveling up the hero. The genre designation is “Roguelike Shoot’em Up”. It involves looting, shooting, and leveling up.
  • “Halls of Torment” was developed by a team in Stuttgart, Chasing Carrots, and was designed to reach players who enjoy Diablo. They wanted to capitalize fully on the hype that Blizzard would create for Diablo 4 in the summer of 2023: Halls of Torment was released on May 24 – Diablo 4 on June 5.
Start video
Career and life of Asmongold in 3 minutes – What makes him special?

Twitch Streamer Shows the Game to 21,000 Viewers

What was the breakthrough? The Twitch streamer Asmongold discovered the game in July 2023 and played it live for 13 hours, averaging 21,282 viewers.

Other major streamers like LIRIK, Sodapoppin, and the German channel Bonjwa also started to take notice of the game.

This led to player numbers for the title increasing by 450% in July 2023, peaking at 26,000 viewers. Apparently, many who discovered the game through the Twitch streamers liked what they saw, as the reviews for “Halls of Torment” on Steam currently show an excellent 96% positive rating.

Although the hype was not sustainable and player numbers have now settled at around 900 players online on average, this “second spring” triggered by Asmongold was a welcome windfall for the studio.

Team Capitalized on the Hype Blizzard Created for Diablo 4

What does the developer say about it? In a podcast (via okcool), the mastermind behind the game, Paul Lawitzki, spoke quite calmly about the hype: Before “Vampire Survivors,” the team had worked for years on the simulation “Good Company,” which did not sell well and required a lot of effort:

  • Good Company had an absolute peak of 199.7 players on average and 1,222 players online at peak times on Steam.
  • Halls of Torment had an average peak of 8,264.6 players and 26,005 players online at peak times on Steam.

The studio lost numerous employees for various reasons during the development of Good Company, was financially on the brink, and had to take on contract work. Lawitzki was not happy about that at all.

Ultimately, they recognized the opportunity to develop a “Vampire Survivors” clone with minimal effort. Even though Lawitzki was initially resistant because he distrusted such a “current hype game,” he realized the fascination of the gameplay and “swallowed his pride.” Ultimately, they wanted to create something that would generate some revenue.

They then specifically tried to steer their version of “Vampire Survivors” towards Diablo and play with the fact that fans were eager for “more Diablo,” that there were few alternatives available, and that Blizzard was stoking the desire further. Already in October 2021, Lawitzki recognized the opportunity to profit from the players’ hunger for Diablo:

“I saw a preview of Diablo 4 the year before, and then […] I thought: Ah, I would love to play Diablo now, but Diablo hasn’t been released yet and won’t be for a long time. What happened then? I started playing Path of Exile. I looked for a substitute. And then I thought: I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling this way. We can use that to our advantage.”

It seems that this worked perfectly. At the moment Asmongold, the “typical Blizzard player,” talked about Halls of Torment on stream, played it later, and enjoyed it, it was clear that they had something special.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

Just one YouTube video, showing Asmongold playing “Halls of Torment” and titled “This Game Changed My Life,” reached 1.3 million views. That’s an audience and advertisement for the game that is priceless.

Halls of Torment costs €5 on Steam and is currently in Early Access.

More about the game’s inspiration: Indie game for €2.39 conquers Steam with vampires, looting, and leveling – 99% positive reviews

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

Palworld: Finding Milk – How to Get the Ingredient for Cakes and Food

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

Are you playing Palworld and looking for milk? MeinMMO will tell you how to get milk the fastest way.

What is milk? Milk is an ingredient that you primarily need for cooking recipes. Especially for making the cake that you need for breeding Pals, milk is very important. But you can also make other foods that will quickly fill you up.

How to get milk: If you want milk, there are currently two options: Either you produce milk yourself, or you defeat/catch Pals that drop milk (so-called drop).

Finding and producing milk

Where can you find milk? You can currently only find milk with one Pal: Mozzarina. Mozzarina looks like an oversized cow and can be found west of your starting zone. The easiest way to get there is to unlock the fast travel point in the small settlement and then head northwest from there. We count Mozzarina among the best Pals you can find for your base.

Producing milk: To be able to produce milk yourself, you need to catch a Mozzarina and build a livestock farm. You can unlock the livestock farm at level 5 in the technology tree.

For the livestock farm, you will subsequently need the following materials:

  • 50 wood
  • 20 stones
  • 30 fibers

You can find wood and stones in the wild, and you get fibers as a by-product of chopping down trees along with wood. You then place the caught Mozzarina in the livestock farm. After some time, it will drop milk that you can use.

More about Palworld
More on the topic
Palworld: The best building spot and best campsite – Tips and 3 recommendations for the start
von Benedikt Schlotmann
More on the topic
Palworld: Finding Honey and Making It Yourself
von Benedikt Schlotmann

All guides to Palworld: Are you looking for more tips, tricks, and assistance with Palworld? Then check out MeinMMO. We are following the game for you and have compiled all the guides that are meant to help you in a clear list. Here you can find everything at a glance:

Palworld Guides: All tips, tricks, and Pals at a glance

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

An anime has shown the same episode 8 times – considered a stroke of genius

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 3 minutes

The same episode, over and over again. A horror for anime fans. But today, this is viewed differently and considered bold and brilliant.

In today’s world, anime must present content faster and faster to keep viewers entertained. Many new plot twists, exciting battles, and absolutely no monotonous boredom. However, there was one anime that did the exact opposite and made fans feel what boredom and pure despair can feel like. Today, the series is celebrated as “brilliant” – back then, fans hated it.

Spoiler alert: This article is about the series “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” from 2006. If you haven’t seen it yet, there are some major spoilers coming up.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

What kind of anime is this? “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” begins as a typical slice-of-life anime. It follows the titular Haruhi and her immediate friend group as we accompany them in their everyday life. After some calm episodes, mysterious incidents occur, leading to the certainty that Haruhi is a godlike being, and the entire world exists in its form just to please her.

Haruhi poses a threat to the structure of the whole universe because she is not even aware of her abilities, and in the case of boredom or frustration, she simply adjusts reality.

Throughout the plot, there are 8 episodes known in the anime scene as “Endless Eight” – a bold stroke of genius and at the same time the most boring thing fans have ever seen. Currently, “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

What are the “Endless Eight”? About halfway through the series, the summer vacation takes place. The protagonists experience a trip to the swimming pool, go catching cicadas together, and watch fireworks. Everything is actually peaceful and almost idyllic – but something is not right.

In the end, the characters realize that they are seemingly trapped in a time loop and have already lived this summer over 100 times. However, each time the summer begins anew, they lose their memories of it.

Haruhi Suzumiya Anime Frustration
The protagonists end up in the same place over and over again – 15,000 repetitions.

This very circumstance repeats for the heroes of the series – more than 15,000 times. They spend over 15,000 summers doing the exact same activities, and only very rarely do they realize in the end that they are in the time loop.

This is exactly what is addressed in 8 episodes that play out almost identically every time. The characters go to the pool, catch cicadas, watch the fireworks. They have nearly trivial conversations sprinkled with some comedic moments. It repeats again and again and again.

A total of 8 times this storyline is shown, and virtually nothing new happens. That’s why episodes 12 to 19 are also called “Endless Eight.”

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the YouTube content

Was money saved by doing this? Cynics might say that the studio behind the anime simply wanted to save money and aired the same episode multiple times. However, that’s not the case.

Each episode is drawn separately and features new lines from the voice actors. There are different camera perspectives, and attentive viewers can notice detail changes, such as the positions of the “Do not jump from the edge” sign at the pool. Even the words of the protagonists in the dialogues are slightly different each time, even if the conversations deal with the same themes and the end result of the discussions is always the same.

More exciting anime:
More on the topic
5 anime that are really good in German too
von Cortyn
More on the topic
I watched 10 hours of the worst trash anime so you don’t have to
von Cortyn
More on the topic
The 5 saddest animes that will definitely break your heart
von Cortyn

How do people think of the anime today? Those who watch “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” today often look back at these 8 episodes a bit nostalgically.

Back then, it was especially “bad” for fans who had to wait week after week for new episodes only to see virtually the same episode for over 2 months. This caused the hype for many to die down completely, leading to the series being frequently dropped.

If someone decides to watch this anime today, they are often warned to skip a few episodes. Because to understand what actually happens, 2 or 3 episodes would have sufficed and not the whole 8.

This was already a bold move back then and a clear example of why anime should also be understood as art. Because the “Endless Eight” were, in terms of entertainment value, a test for many and simply boring. But to convey the drama of the plot and make the despair of the protagonists understandable to the viewers, it was quite a stroke of genius.

Have you seen “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”? How did you like the anime back then?

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

Palworld: A building feature respects your time and spares your nerves, players love it – “That saves so much time”

Christoph Waldboth Christoph Waldboth Reading time 2 minutes

A small building feature in Palworld helps you save not only time but also nerves. The community believes this feature should be standard in every survival game.

Which feature is it? In Palworld, you can do quite a bit – including building your own base. However, unlike many other survival games, Palworld offers a feature that makes your life much easier.

To build, you obviously need resources. These can be stored both in your inventory and in storage boxes. The special thing about it is: When you start building, you can also use the resources stored in chests. This means, in plain text: No more annoying transferring of raw materials from one inventory to another. You can rely on the stock.

What sounds user-friendly and therefore logical at first glance is anything but normal in the genre.

Are you looking for antique parts? We have some tips for you on how to find them.

Start video
Palworld showcases the small monsters in massive action in the early access trailer

Players love the feature and want it in every survival game

What do players think about the feature? Palworld is currently breaking record after record. Accordingly, there is also much discussion about the game. After the Reddit user @PurfectlySplendid pointed out the feature in the Palworld subreddit, many users spoke up. They were not aware of the feature and were grateful to PurfectlySplendid for the hint.

Players praise the developer Pocket Pair for implementing the feature. It would improve the game and make inventory management much less frustrating.

  • “The feature is great! It saves so much time!” writes user @zerocool1855.
  • “Good to know! It tidies up my inventory a bit,” says @theKetoBear.
  • @RetroRampage1997, on the other hand, expresses criticism: “You are really praising the absolute minimum for a survival crafting game.”
More on the topic
More on the topic
Palworld is currently the big hype game on Steam, but some say: It doesn’t support it
von Lydia
More on the topic
Palworld: The best Pals for combat, base, and as mounts
von Benedikt Schlotmann
More on the topic
Palworld: Finding and Mining Coal – The 4 Best Locations
von Benedikt Schlotmann

The fact that this feature is usually missing in the genre is a cause for criticism. PurfectlySplendid points out that such a building mode would also benefit other survival games. He cites ARK: Survival Evolved as an example: “I hate having to run to my base in ARK constantly.”

And even Starfield is being ridiculed. Not even Bethesda’s RPG has managed to implement such a feature, writes @AlecKBogArd45.

Have you already discovered the feature? Tips for the best building site for your first base can be found on MeinMMO.

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

A new MMORPG on Steam gives an update on current tests: Images show glowing tombstones and new items

Jasmin Beverungen Jasmin Beverungen Reading time 3 minutes

The sandbox MMORPG Pax Dei is set to launch in Early Access on Steam in 2024. So far, there has been an alpha testing phase where interested players could get a taste of the game. A new test is expected to start soon, showcasing more of the game.

What new features will be visible in the test? Only a limited number of F&F testers have been invited to the upcoming test phase. This means that most players will not get a glimpse of the sandbox MMO and will have to make do with the material released by the development team.

To prevent leaks from this test, the development team at Mainframe Industries has now released the first images from the upcoming test phase. They show what changes have been made in the game recently.

Here are the highlights:

  • The tombstones are now highlighted more prominently by a glowing beam. This makes it easier for other players to find the graves and collect the loot left behind by deceased players.
  • There are new recipes, armor pieces, and weapons. One of the images shows a player dressed like a knight with a flowing cape and fluffy fur.
  • The last image showcases a picturesque night sky, with the sun just setting in one corner. The sky appears so detailed that it resembles a real sky.

The team adds that this is still a build from the test phase and is constantly being worked on. Therefore, the images shown may look different in the final game.

We have included the relevant images here as a gallery:

The tombstone now shines more brightly.
This way players can find the tombstone more easily.
There are new weapons, armor pieces, and recipes.
The night sky looks simply picturesque.

Pax Dei: New Alpha is forthcoming

When can we see the new features for ourselves? Unfortunately, the team cannot share any new details about the next alpha phase at this time. New information will be available in the coming weeks about what has been planned for 2024. At least the game is expected to be released in spring 2024.

In November 2023, players were already able to get a taste of the first alpha phase of the MMORPG. Registered players could be invited to the alpha phase by invitation. A similar process will likely be used for the upcoming alpha as well.

In the first alpha, the following features were available:

  • An open world with more than 20 valleys that is nearly 300 km² in size
  • Many resources that can be crafted into items
  • Building your own house
  • Establishing your own clan with friends
  • Fighting numerous enemies in dungeons

What other new features will be in the upcoming test phase is still unclear. If you haven’t heard anything about Pax Dei yet, you can check out the following trailer on MeinMMO:

Start video
What is Pax Dei, the new sandbox MMO with the unique zoom feature?

What is Pax Dei?

  • Pax Dei is a sandbox MMORPG developed by CCP Games (EVE Online) based on Unreal Engine 5.
  • The game offers many freedoms. We can simply claim an area in the open world and build our house or even an entire city there.
  • To build the cities, you gather resources and craft items from them. Even the equipment items must all be crafted, as they are not dropped by monsters.
  • The game foregoes fixed classes. The playstyle can be adjusted by the choice of weapon and armor.
  • The character editor can also impress with its wide selection.

The MMORPG is initially set to enter Early Access. There is currently no exact date yet. Initially, the title will be available for PC on Steam. Unfortunately, a console version is not planned.

If you are interested in other MMORPGs, you might find something for yourself here: All 65 MMORPGs currently in development for PC.

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

Pokémon GO gets a new raid boss this week, trainers are excited to finally complete years-old research

Paul Kutzner Paul Kutzner Reading time 2 minutes

In Pokémon GO, a legendary Pokémon is making a return. You can find out why this can help you with an old research task here.

Which Pokémon is it? The Pokémon in question is Landorus, which is returning as a raid boss. The legendary Pokémon with the types Flying and Ground will be available in its Therian form from Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM until the following Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM. You will be able to battle and catch it in 5*-raids.

It replaces Tornadus, which is currently still available in raids. If you have not yet completed the somewhat older special research Legendary Season, this would be your opportunity to successfully complete the research.

Trailer for the current season Timeless Journeys.

Start video
Pokémon GO shows the new season “Timeless Travels” in the trailer

Catch Tornadus now if you are still working on the special research

Why should you catch Tornadus quickly now? In the mentioned special research Legendary Season, you will need to take snapshots of the three Pokémon Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus, among other tasks. Many trainers have not yet completed this research to date. If you find yourself in the same situation, you should hurry and catch these Pokémon now.

The opportunity to catch Thundurus is unfortunately already over. If you are struggling with the snapshots of Tornadus and Landorus in the special research, you now have the chance to catch them.

More on the topic
Mimikyu in Pokémon GO would be brutally strong but is not allowed to fight: What does Niantic say about it?
von Max Handwerk
I am already preparing for an important event in Pokémon GO, and you must do so too
von Paul Kutzner
Tournament winner disqualified in Pokémon GO for celebrating incorrectly, fans could save him now
von Paul Kutzner

What is Landorus good for? Landorus (Therian form) is one of the best Ground-type attackers. If you want to strengthen your raid team for this type, this could be a good opportunity for you.

Landorus in its Therian form is also a solid Pokémon for the battle league. It can score points in the Master League and be put to use there.

Will Landorus be available as a Shiny? Shiny hunters can also rejoice. Landorus will also be available in its Therian form as a Shiny variant.

What do you think of the Pokémon? Are you excited for Landorus in its Therian form? Are you planning to strengthen your battle teams with this Pokémon or do you still need it for the special research? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments. You can also find out about which events await you in January 2024 in Pokémon GO.

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

Woman wants to buy her son a gaming PC for 1,900 euros with hardware that doesn’t even exist – she’s lucky because she asks her nephew for help

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

A woman wants to buy her son a gaming PC for 1,900 euros with hardware that doesn’t even exist. But at the last moment, she asks her nephew for advice. And that was a good decision. Because the system contains a few real “highlights” that you cannot buy anywhere else.

Buying a gaming PC should be well thought out. A woman wanted to buy her son a new gaming PC, but she asked her nephew for help beforehand. And that was a good decision, as the consulted player reports. Because the specifications of the “new” computer look scary:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from Reddit that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the Reddit content

G.Force memory and outdated GTX 1050

What’s inside the offered system? The official specifications as provided by the seller are as follows:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800
  • Mainboard: ASUS ROG B550 Mainboard
  • Operating System: Windows 11
  • Memory: G.Force 64 GB DDR 2400 Memory
  • Graphics Card: ASUS Cerberus GTX 1050, 8 GB VRAM
  • Storage: Intel 1 TB SSD Hard Drive
  • Drive: LG DVD Drive
  • Internet: 10/100/1000 Ethernet Controller
  • Power Supply: Thermaltake SLI Ready 1050w Power Supply

What’s the problem with the build? Several components mentioned here either do not match, do not exist at all, or are jumbled together. Here are a few examples:

  • The GTX 1050 is now 8 years old and has never been released with 8 GB of video memory. However, the GTX 1050 as ASUS Cerberus does exist, but only with 4 GB VRAM (via asus.com).
  • A 1 TB SSD Hard Drive from Intel also seems strange, although there are indeed hybrid models available with SSHD drives that combine HDD and newer SSDs. Intel only sells SSDs, primarily to servers (Optane series).
  • The Thermaltake SLI Ready 1050W also does not exist. SLI refers to the ability of a graphics card to connect multiple graphics chips together. However, a 1050-watt model from Thermaltake does indeed exist.
  • The G.Force memory is also a strange combination, as GeForce is a designation from Nvidia for graphics cards.

What is also a problem? The excessively high price. For a GTX 1050, you now pay between 60 and 70 euros used. Additionally, the other components used never justify the price of 1,900 euros. Moreover, it is questionable what you get for the money when the names and designations of the components seem more or less jumbled together.

Some speculate that the sold GTX 1050 might instead hide a graphics card that is notorious among players as a scam.

How did the situation turn out? The woman asked her nephew for advice on whether she should buy this gaming PC. And that was indeed her luck, as he was able to strongly advise her against buying this excessively priced computer.

More about hardware and tech
Crimson Desert: The best settings for the most FPS
von Benedikt Schlotmann
Crimson Desert finally shows specs for the PS5 and confirms what many have feared
von Benedikt Schlotmann

Old hardware is only worth it in a few cases

Is old hardware worth it at all? The problem with very old components is often that they are self-limiting: You can only equip a 10-year-old processor with a similarly old mainboard and DDR3 memory. Therefore, you will never be able to enjoy modern features. Additionally, older CPUs often do not operate in a cost-effective manner.

For modern hardware, you already need to replace the entire system (mainboard, memory, and CPU). Upgrading old hardware with similarly old hardware is almost never worth it.

A list of hardware that you should not buy anymore can be found in the following article directly on MeinMMO:

7 upgrades for your gaming PC that you should definitely not buy

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

Diablo 4: Patch Notes for Season 3 – Blizzard nerfs one of the strongest effects by 14%, for Barbarians even more

Benedict Grothaus Benedict Grothaus Reading time 19 minutes

Blizzard has released the official patch notes for Season 3 with Patch 1.3.0 in Diablo 4. Included: a major nerf for Overpower. The mechanic was particularly important for Barbarians in Season 2. A player calculates how strongly the nerf affects Barbarians.

This is what the patch notes contain:

What kind of effect is this? Overpower is one of the mechanics that can multiply the damage of all classes. However, Barbarians benefit the most from it, as well as Druids, whose damage reached the billions.

Each class can overpower with a fixed chance of 3% per attack. The effect becomes stronger the more health and buffs your character has. Since both are generally higher for Druids and Barbarians than for other classes, Overpower is particularly strong for them.

Barbarians even have a talent that makes Overpower even stronger. One reason why HotA Barbarians were the absolutely strongest build for some time in Season 2. With Season 3, there are now heavy nerfs. The patch notes state:

  • Overpowering attacks now receive +1% damage instead of the previous +2% per 1% of your base health in buffs.
  • Overpowering attacks now receive +1% damage instead of the previous +2% per 1% of your base health that you have as additional bonus health.
  • And for Barbarians: The overpower damage from Brutal Force has been reduced from 15% to 8% per rank.

A user on Reddit calculated how significant the nerf would effectively be. He estimates a 14% decrease in damage due to the general nerf for all classes. The additional nerf from the Barbarian talent results in an overall 23% decrease in overpower damage for the class. You can find the exact calculation on Reddit.

Start video
Diablo 4: The Announcement Trailer for Season 3

Patch Notes for Season 3 – The Highlights

Barbarians also receive a few buffs. Weapon expertise now requires about 50% less experience to level up, and the Berserker mode deals more damage.

Hunters receive new legendaries that apparently build on executing a single, powerful strike from the shadows – classic “assassin” gameplay. Buffs are also available for Crow Feet and Glide Blade.

Sorceresses, who were among the strongest classes in Season 2, could finally get a proper fire build in Season 3. There is a new unique that significantly strengthens meteors. You can find the complete patch notes on the next page.

More about Season 3
More on the topic
Diablo 4: Players find, Season 3 “looks like a big win”
von Nicole Wakulczyk
More on the topic
Diablo 4: Blizzard discusses plans for Season 3 – The most important info from the stream
von Nicole Wakulczyk
More on the topic
Diablo 4 gets leaderboards in Season 3, but not right away – How do they work and when do they come?
von Nicole Wakulczyk

One of the most important changes for all classes is that Hell Floods are now basically permanently active. With a 5-minute break between floods, they will otherwise be active every hour, just like Blood Harvests in Season 2.

In addition, there are changes specific to Season 3. There is a completely new mechanic where you can build and customize your own companion. The “Construct” can tank for you or deal more damage. How it works, we explain here for you: This is how the new Seneschall mechanic works – All stones and their powers

On the next page, we will show you the complete patch notes for Update 1.3.0 with all the changes to classes and items.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Patch Notes von Blizzard
Pages: 1 2

WoW: 7 classes receive strong buffs, DPS and healers rejoice

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 3 minutes

Powerful buffs are coming to World of Warcraft. Paladins rejoice, but so do shadow priests and 5 other classes.

Although Season 3 of World of Warcraft Dragonflight has been running for many weeks, the balance is still not perfect. Some classes are clearly lagging behind others, and some specializations are hardly usable – at least in the high-level PvE area, where every percentage point of performance counts. Blizzard is adjusting the balance here and changing several classes. There are only buffs to bring the weaker specializations closer to the others.

The most important points at a glance:

  • 7 classes are getting buffs, some in multiple or even all specializations.
  • The buffs mainly affect DPS specializations.
  • There are no nerfs.
  • Druid healers receive massively reduced mana costs for their spells.
  • Warrior and Death Knight tanks will be a bit more stable.
Start video
WoW: Patch 10.2.5 – Release trailer for the Seed of Renewal

WoW: All class buffs on January 24, 2024

All changes going live on January 24th are detailed here for you:

Death Knight

  • Blood
    • Bone Shield now grants armor based on 80% of strength (previously 70%).
  • Frost
    • All damage is increased by 4%. Not active in PvP.
  • Unholy
    • All damage of the Death Knight and their companion is increased by 4%. Not active in PvP.

Druid

  • Feral
    • Rip now deals 10% more damage. Not active in PvP.
    • The periodic damage of Maul is increased by 5%. Not active in PvP.
    • Ursoc’s Fury now deals 10% more damage. Not active in PvP.
    • Wild Frenzy now deals 5% more damage. Not active in PvP.
    • Moonfire now deals 10% more damage.
    • Savage Fury now deals 25% more damage.
  • Restoration
    • Swiftmend now costs 1.4% of base mana (previously 1.6%).
    • Wild Growth now costs 3.8% of base mana (previously 4%).
    • Rejuvenation now costs 2.8% of base mana (previously 3.2%).
    • Blooming now costs 3% of base mana (previously 3.2%).

Hunter

  • Survival
    • All damage by the hunter and their companion is increased by 4%.

Paladin

  • Holy
    • Shield of the Righteous now deals 30% more damage.
    • Consecration now deals 30% more damage.
  • Retribution
    • Ashbringer now deals 20% more damage.
    • Flow of Truth now deals 28% more damage.
    • Flaming Flames now deals 28% more damage.
    • Blade of Justice now deals 20% more damage.
    • Final Verdict now deals 10% more damage.

Priest

  • Holy
    • Holy Word: Sanctification now heals for 25% more health points.
    • Healing now heals for 25% more health points.
    • Flash Heal now heals for 15% more health points.
    • Holy Word: Punishment now deals 30% more damage.
    • Holy Smite now deals 30% more damage.
    • Shadow Word: Pain now deals 15% more damage.
  • Shadow
    • Mind Blast now deals 10% more damage.
    • Consuming Plague now deals 10% more damage.
    • Shadowy Apparition now deals 20% more damage.
    • Psychic Link now causes 30% of the damage of all single-target spells to be transferred to enemies afflicted by Vampiric Touch (previously 25%).
WoW Draenei Embracing the Shadow titel title 1280x720
Shadow priests are getting buffs – several times in a row.

Shaman

  • Restoration
    • All healing done is increased by 5%. Not active in PvP.
    • Lava Burst now deals 20% more damage.
    • Flame Shock now deals 20% more damage.
    • Lightning Bolt now deals 20% more damage.

Warrior

  • Arms
    • Execute now deals 10% more damage. Not active in PvP.
    • Devastate now deals 30% more damage. Not active in PvP.
    • Deep Wounds now deals 15% more damage. Not active in PvP.
    • Amirdrassil Set 4-piece bonus: The bonus damage of the affected Thunderclap increases to 200% (previously 100%). Not active in PvP.
  • Protection
    • Frontline Fighter now grants 40% stamina (previously 35%).
    • Clench now absorbs 5% more damage.

In addition to the changes here, there are further adjustments that only apply to PvP. You can view these in the official WoW forum.

More about WoW:
The 16 MMORPGs with the most players according to official numbers from the developers
von Karsten Scholz
WoW: Midnight Tier List – Ranking of the Best Classes for DPS, Tanks and Healers
von Christos Tsogos
WoW Midnight stutters, has freezes and graphic errors – Here’s how to fix it
von Cortyn

When does it go live? The changes will go live with the maintenance on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. After the morning server maintenance, the changes will be active, so you can directly benefit from the buffs in dungeons and raids in the new week.

Are all classes satisfied then? That remains to be seen. The buffs definitely ensure that the currently weakest classes look much better in performance. However, there are also some specializations that are eagerly awaiting a rework and thus a major change to their talents – such as the Windwalker Monk, which is threatened with extinction.

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

Pokémon GO: Events in January 2024 – All dates and bonuses

Paul Kutzner Paul Kutzner Reading time 2 minutes

Here you will find all events in January 2024 in Pokémon GO. We show you all the currently known dates, details, and explain which ones are particularly worth attending.

What are these dates? As every month, there are several events waiting for you in January. From themed events to raids and many other dates.

To help you keep track of the events in January 2024, we have created this overview for you. Not all events are known yet. As soon as there is further information from Niantic, we will, of course, inform you about it.

Trailer for the current season Timeless Travels.

Start video
Pokémon GO shows the new season “Timeless Travels” in the trailer

All Events in January 2024 at a Glance

Which events are coming in January? As usual, you can expect a variety of events in January. These include raid days, battle league events, and community days.

We continuously update this list as soon as new information is available. This way, you will always be well informed about which events are upcoming and what you can earn there.

DateEvent
January 1 to January 3Event: New Year’s Event
January 1 to January 10, 20245-star raids with Schabelle
January 1 to January 10Mega raids with Mega Ampharos
January 2Spotlight hour with Formeo
January 3Raid hour with Schabelle
January 5 to January 12PvP: Super League Remix and Hyper League
January 6Community Day with Bauz
January 6 to January 10Event: White Odyssey
January 6 to January 21Crypto raids with Crypto Lavados
January 9Spotlight hour with Evoli
January 10Raid hour with Boreos (Therian Form)
January 10 to January 175-star raids with Boreos (Therian Form)
January 10 to January 24Mega raids with Mega Meditalis
January 12 to January 19Master League and Fantasy Cup – Edition: Super League with 4x Stardust
January 13 to January 16Event: Fairy Dreams
January 14Raid Day with Hisui Tornupto
January 16Spotlight hour with Trasla
January 17Raid hour with Voltolos (Therian Form)
January 17 to January 245-star raids with Voltolos (Therian Form)
January 19 to January 24PvP: GO Battle Week
January 19 to January 24Event: Crashing Battles
January 19 to January 26PvP: Super League, Hyper League, Master League with 4x Stardust
January 20Community Day Classic with Porygon
January 23Spotlight hour with Schmerbe
January 24Raid hour with Demeteros (Therian Form)
January 24 to January 315-star raids with Demeteros (Therian Form)
January 24 to January 31Mega raids with Mega Stahlos
January 26 to February 2PvP: Super League, Hisui Cup – Edition: Super League
January 27 to January 28Crypto raids with Crypto Ho-Oh
January 27 to February 1Event: Stolen Treasures
January 30Spotlight hour with Tarnpignon
More on the topic
Mimikyu in Pokémon GO would be brutally strong but is not allowed to fight: What does Niantic say about it?
von Max Handwerk
I am already preparing for an important event in Pokémon GO, and you must do so too
von Paul Kutzner
Tournament winner disqualified in Pokémon GO for celebrating incorrectly, fans could save him now
von Paul Kutzner

Which Events are Particularly Interesting?

Keep an eye on these events: Depending on how you play the game, different events may be more or less interesting for you. However, we would like to highlight the following events for you:

  • Raid Day (January 14): On the Raid Day on January 14, Hisui Tornupto will make its debut in the game. Whether and in which form this Pokémon will be available again in the game is still unclear. Therefore, you should take this opportunity.
  • Spotlight Hour (January 16): In the Spotlight Hour on January 16, Trasla will be waiting for you. This Pokémon evolves into Guardevoir, which is among the strongest Pokémon of its type as both a Psychic and Fairy attacker. If you’re missing one or more specimens of this Pokémon, the Spotlight Hour is an event you should remember.

What do you think of the events in January? Are there any that particularly interest you? Feel free to share your opinion on the events in the comments.

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

Pokémon GO: Landorus (Therian Forme) counters – The 20 best attackers in the raid

Patrick Freese Patrick Freese Reading time 2 minutes

The best counters against Thundurus (Therian Forme) in Pokémon GO in the guide. We show you the best attackers and movesets. With this, you can defeat Thundurus in raids. 

What kind of Pokémon is Thundurus? It comes from the fifth generation of Pokémon and is of the Electric and Flying type. Along with Tornadus and Landorus, it forms the “Forces of Nature”.

When is Thundurus in raids? You will find it in 5-star raids in Pokémon GO from January 24, 2024, to January 31, 2024. Here we show you the best counters against Thundurus (Therian Forme) and which types it is weak against (type effectiveness).

Defeating Thundurus in raids with these counters

  1. Shadow Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
  2. Shiny Gliscor with Ice Fang and Avalanche
  3. Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
  4. Mega Abomasnow with Weather Ball and Avalanche
  5. Primal Kyogre with Waterfall and Blizzard
  6. Mamoswine with Powder Snow and Avalanche
  7. Mega Rayquaza with Powder Snow and Meteor Mash
  8. Mega Gardevoir with Magical Leaf and Triple Axel
  9. Glaceon with Weather Ball and Avalanche
  10. Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
  11. Shadow Walrein with Weather Ball and Ice Spear
  12. Shadow Kyogre with Waterfall and Blizzard
  13. Mega Swampert with Water Gun and Waterfall
  14. Shadow Articuno with Weather Ball and Triple Axel
  15. Frosmoth with Ice Shard and Triple Axel
  16. Articuno with Weather Ball and Triple Axel
  17. Shadow Porygon-Z with Hidden Power and Blizzard
  18. Galarian Frosmoth with Ice Fang and Avalanche
  19. Shadow Regice with Weather Ball and Blizzard

Weaknesses of Thundurus: This Pokémon is of the Electric and Flying types and has weaknesses to Ice and Water. Focus on Ice type in raids to defeat Thundurus.

More on the topic
Mimikyu in Pokémon GO would be brutally strong but is not allowed to fight: What does Niantic say about it?
von Max Handwerk
I am already preparing for an important event in Pokémon GO, and you must do so too
von Paul Kutzner
Tournament winner disqualified in Pokémon GO for celebrating incorrectly, fans could save him now
von Paul Kutzner

Is there a shiny Thundurus in Therian Forme? You can catch shiny Thundurus in Therian Forme in Pokémon GO. In the following graphic, you can see the differences to the normal form:

Pokémon-GO-Demeteros-Tiergeistform-Titel-Shiny
Thundurus in the normal Therian Forme (left) and in the shiny Therian Forme (right)

How many trainers do you need? If you have the top counter Pokémon and have reached a fairly high level (40+) in Pokémon GO, you can fight Thundurus in Therian Forme with just two people. With lower levels but strong counters, you should aim for more trainers.

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

Steam: Last Epoch aims to be an “Action RPG for Eternity” – “Diablo 4” rival shows its world in the trailer

Lydia Lydia Reading time 2 minutes

Last Epoch has been in Early Access on Steam since 2019. On February 21, 2024, the ARPG will celebrate its full release on Steam. A new launch trailer is meant to build anticipation.

What kind of game is it? Last Epoch is an action RPG that stands out from the competition like Diablo 4 with its unique time travel mechanics. It has been in Early Access since 2019 and has sold over a million copies during this time.

In a press release, Judd Cobbler, the Game Director of Last Epoch, says: ‘Since we are primarily fans of the genre, we have always stayed close to our community and tried to consider their needs and wishes while developing an action RPG for eternity.’

For the upcoming full release on February 21, 2024, the developers are now releasing a launch trailer that is intended to introduce players to the story and the game world, as well as provide insights into the various classes, battles, and challenges.

You can watch the trailer here:

Start video
Last Epoch: The ARPG Showcases Classes, Battles, and Challenges in the Launch Trailer

Players will be able to choose from 3 editions

How much will Last Epoch cost? The ARPG will be available in three different versions, ranging from 34 to 65 euros. You should be able to pre-order the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions starting today on Steam. What the editions include can be seen here:

  • Standard Edition – 34.99 €: Includes the base game, as it was already available during Early Access on Steam. Buyers also receive the exclusive pet ‘Golden Guppy’.
  • Deluxe Edition – 49.99 €: In addition to the ‘Golden Guppy’, the Deluxe Edition includes the complete soundtrack of the game as a digital download and 50 Epoch Points. Also included are the pet ‘Adolescent Chronowyrm’, the cosmetic armor set ‘Fallen Ronin’, and the portal ‘Firefly’s Refuge’ starting February 21.
  • Ultimate Edition – 64.99 €: In addition to the cosmetic items and the soundtrack of the Deluxe Edition, the Ultimate Edition includes 100 Epoch Points and unlocks the cosmetic armor set ‘Temporal Guardian’, the pets ‘Twilight Fox’ and ‘Adult Chronowyrm’, and the portal ‘Celestial Way’ starting February 21.

What if I already own Last Epoch? Those who already own Last Epoch can upgrade to the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition on Steam.

More on the topic
Competitor steals the best mode from Path of Exile, proves in the new trailer how good it looks
von Cedric Holmeier
An ARPG keeps crashing Diablo 4 on Steam, now it wants to conquer the PS5 with the new expansion
von Cedric Holmeier
An ARPG grows by 1,400% on Steam, is larger than Diablo 4 and Path of Exile combined
von Lydia

As an added bonus for players, there will be unique loot in the form of Twitch Drops starting February 22. Fans should visit the ‘Last Epoch’ category on Twitch for this. The offering of streamers could be rich, as: One of the biggest Twitch streamers for Diablo 4 says: Last Epoch will be the next big ARPG

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

8 out of 10 most desired games on Steam are expected to be released in 2024 – Which one do you want to play?

Lydia Lydia Reading time 4 minutes

The quirky survival shooter Palworld is already one of the most wanted games on Steam. But the young year still holds many exciting releases. MeinMMO wants to know from you which one you are most looking forward to.

What kind of games are these? The titles listed here are the top 10 most wanted games on Steam. This means they are on the wish lists of a particularly large number of users. The nice thing is: 8 of these titles are scheduled to launch this year.

We have briefly introduced you to the 10 most wanted games on Steam, so you can get an impression. If you are not interested, go here directly to the survey, where you can vote for your most anticipated game.

[toc]

Hades 2

Hades 2 is the sequel to the indie darling from Supergiant and will put you in the role of Melione, the “immortal princess of the underworld”. The predecessor became a surprise hit in 2020 and is for many the game of the year. Therefore, it is not surprising that the developer studio is developing a second part for one of its games for the first time.

Hades is currently the most anticipated game on Steam and is supposed to enter early access in 2024.

Start video
Hades 2 – Game Awards Trailer

Manor Lords

Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game where you are supposed to not only build your cities but also experience them. Additionally, the game offers epic and tactical battles. With over 2 million wish list entries, Manor Lords ranks second among the most wanted games on Steam. And the developer himself probably least expected it.

Manor Lords is set to release on Steam on April 26, 2024.

Start video
Manor Lord Release Date Trailer

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong is also a sequel to a popular indie title. The Metroidvania is considered an absolute cult hit, and fans have been waiting for years for the second part. Unfortunately, there is still no release date known for Silksong, even though some gamers continue to hope that it might finally happen this year.

The trailer for the game even outshone AAA titles like Diablo 4 and Starfield in 2022.

Start video
Hollow Knight Silksong – Xbox Game Pass Reveal Trailer

Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is an ARPG and focuses, as a Souls-like, primarily on massive boss fights. The game is said to tell the story of the Monkey King Sun Wukong, a legendary figure from the Chinese novel “Journey to the West”.

The release on Steam is scheduled for April 20, 2024.

Start video
Black Myth: Wukong in the trailer

Frostpunk 2

With Frostpunk 2, there is another sequel among the most wanted games on Steam. It takes place 30 years after the first part and presents the player as a magistrate faced with tough decisions. There is only one goal: the city must not perish.

The grim city-building game is supposed to release in the first half of 2024. Fans already feel stressed by the trailer.

Start video
Frostpunk 2 creates goosebumps with new trailer

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the next sequel on the list. The successor to the popular survival shooter takes players to Chornobyl, where an atomic disaster has led to unusual mutations. In addition to typical survival elements like hunger and sleep, you also need to protect yourself from radioactive radiation and fight bandits and other nasty characters.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was supposed to release on March 30, 2024, but has been postponed. Nevertheless, it is still supposed to release this year. The new release date is September 5 (via Steam).

Start video
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl: “Come to Me”, the official trailer

Enshrouded

Enshrouded is a survival RPG from Germany being developed by Keen Games. In a conversation with MeinMMO, the developers explained that the focus should be on creativity and the community. Additionally, the game promises a detailed housing system.

The “more mature Minecraft” is set to enter early access on Steam on January 24, 2024.

Start video
Steam: Enshrouded shows in the new trailer what to expect in January

Nightingale

Nightingale is a survival game that also has an open world and a lot of crafting features. However, the remarkable aspect is the unique setting, which is supposed to immerse the player in a Victorian fantasy world. This “Gaslamp Fantasy” combines steampunk elements with magic and has evidently captured the interest of numerous players.

Nightingale is supposed to release on February 22, 2024, on Steam and has already shown 20 minutes of gameplay in advance.

Start video
Nightingale Realmwalker – Trailer

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 belongs to the tabletop universe of “World of Darkness”. Numerous video games have already been adapted from this. However, this is a sequel to the vampire RPG that thrilled players 20 years ago.

In part 2, you play as a vampire ancestress in Seattle, where a bitter conflict is raging. Although there is no exact release date yet, the release is planned for 2024 (via Steam).

Start video
Bloodlines 2 Gameplay Trailer

Blight: Survival

Blight: Survival is set to be a medieval co-op game that combines horror, survival, and soulslike elements. Together with up to 3 friends, the player will be unleashed against zombies and is supposed to investigate the origin of the deadly plague.

If you have been counting, you might suspect that Blight is the second of the 10 games that does not have a release planned for 2024. So far, no timeframe for a release has been announced.

Start video
Blight: Survival – Gameplay Reveal

Survey

Here you can vote for the game you are most looking forward to. We have limited the selection to the 10 most wanted titles, regardless of whether they are supposed to be released in 2024.

Which release are you most looking forward to in 2024? If your favorite is not among the listed titles, feel free to mention it in the comments.

We would also love to hear about your first experiences if your most anticipated game happened to be the freshly released Palworld, as it was also in the top 10 until its early access launch on January 19, 2024. Since then, it has been breaking one record after another.

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

5 Movie Mistakes in Hollywood Movies That You Can Annoy Your Friends With

Marie Friske Marie Friske Reading time 3 minutes

We have compiled film mistakes in major Hollywood movies in a list. You can find a total of 5 blunders and one bonus here that you can share with your friends at the next movie night as a know-it-all.

[toc]

1. Forrest Gump – A Saturday that is actually a Monday

Start video
Trailer for Forrest Gump 1994, tragicomedy with Tom Hanks

After the death of his beloved, Forrest Gump stands mourning in front of her grave. On the gravestone we can clearly see the date engraved when Jenny passed away: It is March 22, 1982. Forrest Gump says that she died on a Saturday.

However, if you look up the date in the calendar, you can see that the date was actually not a Saturday, but a Monday.

2. Jurassic Park – The wrong mosquito

Start video
Jurassic Park 3D – English Trailer

Thanks to a small mosquito that sucked the blood of the dinosaurs and was preserved in amber, the prehistoric giants can be revived in Jurassic Park.

But realistically, the researchers would have failed immediately because: The mosquito shown is the completely wrong specimen, as explained by an insect researcher.

The mosquito is male, so it doesn’t drink blood at all. Moreover, this species of mosquito generally does not feed on blood.

The researcher also noted that DNA usually has a half-life of 521 years – it would have already broken down long ago and would no longer be detectable in the blood.

3. The Lord of the Rings – A ring bearer went home empty-handed

Start video
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – Trailer (German)

At the beginning of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, we see the various ring bearers among the elves, dwarves, and men. At the same time, it is told that among the latter 9 kings received special jewels.

While 8 of the men simultaneously lower their hand, in which the ring is visible, the king all the way to the right stands out because he does not make the movement. He holds no ring in his hand, unlike his colleagues.

In this YouTube video, you can watch the prologue of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, including the ring bearer without a ring.

You can find this and other film mistakes related to The Lord of the Rings here from our colleagues at Moviepilot: If you know these 13 Lord of the Rings mistakes, you’ll never be able to unsee them

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Pages: 1 2

Palworld is currently the big hype game on Steam, but some say: It doesn’t support it

Lydia Lydia Reading time 3 minutes

The hype around Palworld is hard to miss right now. However, not everyone is happy about it. Some social media users even advise against supporting the survival game. MeinMMO explains what’s behind it.

What’s this discussion about? Since its first announcement in 2021, Palworld has been referred to as “Pokémon with guns.” This perception hasn’t changed, even with the statement from developer Pocketpair that it actually has nothing to do with Nintendo’s classics and wants to be more like ARK.

However, some players feel that the similarities to Pokémon are over the top, accusing the survival game of blatant theft. In a now-deleted post, there was even a call to not support the game. For others, the very similarities in design are a major plus point.

At MeinMMO, our expertise lies in gaming and everything that comes with it. However, we are not lawyers and therefore restrict ourselves to discussions within the community, without providing a legal assessment.
Start video
Palworld showcases the small monsters in massive action in the early access trailer

How similar is too similar?

Pals look too much like Pokémon: It’s undeniable that some Pals have a striking resemblance to existing Pokémon. For some players, this is likely exactly what makes the game appealing: They get the cute creatures of their childhood, but in a lovely open game world with survival mechanics and adult content.

And besides: “Cute creatures aren’t something Pokémon invented,” says Twitch streamer Gronkh, who is clearly taken with Palworld.

However, the issue isn’t that simple. The accusations against Palworld aren’t just that it features cute creatures in a similar style to Pokémon. Rather, some Pals are alleged to be nothing more than reskinned existing Pokémon with a different color palette or type change.

X user “onion_mu” shows in a thread which Pokémon the Pals are allegedly cobbled together from:

https://twitter.com/onion_mu/status/1748108600935919688?s=20

Criticism due to artificial intelligence: The similarities between Pokémon and Pals leave a bitter taste for many, particularly because they are linked to another hot topic: artificial intelligence.

Because Palworld developer PocketPair is also behind the game “AI: Art Impostor,” which uses generative AI to create “artworks.” On the Steam page of the game, some creatures can even be found that now appear as “Pals” in Palworld.

Takuro Mizobe, CEO of PocketPair, has often expressed his views on the benefits and possibilities of using artificial intelligence on X, formerly Twitter. In December 2021, Mizobe also posted a series of AI-generated “Fakemon,” i.e., Pokémon hybrids.

This raises the question for some users of whether the Pals in Palworld were even designed by humans.

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from Twitter that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the Twitter content
Note: We have already asked PocketPair for a statement regarding artificial intelligence and will supplement it here as soon as we receive a response.

As long as it’s fun?

The incredible success of Palworld shows that many players simply don’t care how much a game resembles another, as long as the end result is entertaining. And this “Pokémon with guns” seems to be a lot of fun.

MeinMMO editor Dariusz is a fan of games like Pokémon and ARK. He says: Palworld is absolutely ridiculous and immensely fun.

This impression seems to be shared by most players, as Palworld has a rating of 93% positive reviews on Steam.

The fact is that PC gamers – as well as fans of other consoles – have felt ignored by Nintendo for years. Games like TemTem and now Palworld fill this niche. Especially since Pokémon has drawn attention in recent years largely due to performance issues, empty game worlds, and unattractive textures (via GamePro).

A creature collector in Unreal Engine simply meets a need for many fans, especially since many of the controversial aspects of the game, such as slaughtering and consuming Pals, are still purely optional.

On our Facebook page, there is already an active discussion on the topic. We have highlighted some reader opinions here for you:

  • “Simply whining, because Palworld delivers what Pokémon hardcore fans would like. Competition invigorates business and could prompt Game Freak to rethink. I like the Pokémon games, especially Scarlet was a lot of fun for me. Still, I wish more emphasis would be placed on quality, as the performance in Scarlet/Purple is really poor.”
  • “Palworld is just what fans have been wishing for all along… playing Pokémon online with friends.”
  • “The blame lies with Pokémon/Nintendo themselves. Palworld is only 1 day in EA and is already looking great, doing a lot right.”

Some players even go so far as to hope that the success of Palworld could encourage other developers to take on their own Pokémon clone.

Of course, there are not only positive voices, but many of the negative voices seem to relate to the fact that users can’t get into the survival aspects or actually wished for more “Pokémon with guns.”

More on the topic
Authority cancels Nintendo’s patent for summoning and fighting creatures
von Dariusz Müller
Instead of working on Palworld, a developer prefers to play Crimson Desert: “Wants to stay at home and play for 12 hours straight”
von Cedric Holmeier
Palworld 1.0 is coming in 2026, but the developers advise: It’s best to delete everything you’ve built in the last 2 years
von Ody

What do you think? Do you consider Palworld to be a blatant copy, and if so, do you find that troubling? Have you checked out the game yet or are you still undecided? Please feel free to let us know in the comments.

Have you been caught up in the hype train and don’t know what to do? Then perhaps our Palworld Guides: All tips, tricks, and Pals at a glance can help you.

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