Players in Destiny 2 have been waiting for 5 years for legendary threat – Now Bungie explains that it will never return

Christos Tsogos Christos Tsogos Reading time 3 minutes

With the DLC “Rise of Iron,” Bungie has created a new and abstract threat. SIVA, the replicating nanotechnology from BrayTech, has caused a lot of havoc in Destiny 1, and players have been hoping for a return in Destiny 2 for years. Bungie answered questions in a new Q&A, one of which revolved around this old enemy.

Q&A with Bungie – Who was present? Bungie held a Q&A with selected media, with Nikko Stevens, the Senior Narrative Designer, and Liz Baker, the Narrative Designer for expansions, present. Questions were asked about the story development from Witch Queen to Lightfall, as well as specific content in the Season.

One interesting question that should particularly interest veterans from Destiny 1 is why SIVA, a self-replicating nanotechnology, did not make it into Season 19. Many enemy races also made their comeback in Destiny 2. From the Hive to the Taken, everything was represented, yet SIVA with the devilish Splicers was skillfully neglected. Bungie now explains why a comeback is unlikely.

Start video
Destiny 2 Lightfall: The new trailer “Neomuna”

SIVA is a story that is simply checked off

What do the developers say about a return? In response to this question, Nikko Stevens stated that SIVA was often a topic when it came to a Rasputin Season. He said:

We always talk about every related story thread when we start something new. So whenever the Warmind comes up, whether back then in the season of the Worthy or now, SIVA has been narratively part of the conversation. We talk about it; we kick it around. But ultimately, I think SIVA is a story that was told in Rise of Iron and concluded in Rise of Iron.

Many Guardians have been hoping since the release of Destiny 2 that SIVA might make another appearance in the loot shooter. The weapons and their design, as well as the mechanics behind the nanotechnology, have always been eye-catching, but in Destiny 2 only the Exo weapon “Perfected Outbreak” and some Exo ornaments have made it into the game.

Nikko Stevens also addresses a problem that stands in the way of a SIVA release, which is the story of Destiny 2 itself:

While it is narratively possible to turn these stories upside down and bring them back, I think we need to do one thing seasonally to ensure that we focus on the story that the season tells – and that we do not indulge in pieces that do not necessarily advance the story. I think SIVA is cool, but it would be a step backward. We have tried to build on Neomuna and Lightfall and ensure that this story has room to breathe – room to blossom – before players enter this new destination.

While Nikko himself does not deny a comeback, the Senior Narrative Designer makes it clear that the main story around the Light and Darkness saga is the top priority. Everything that does not fit the story will also not be added. This includes SIVA.

Find more about Destiny 2 here:

When did SIVA make its first appearance? SIVA made its first appearance in September 2016 with the DLC “The Rise of Iron Lords” in Destiny 1. In this expansion, Guardians could travel back to Old Russia to contain a sealed threat.

The devilish Splicers who have been changed by SIVA

This threat was a self-replicating nanotechnology called SIVA. The Iron Lords wanted to use this technology for good, as SIVA could break down all matter into its components and reassemble it. While the Iron Lords attempted to recover this technology, they fell into an ambush by an artificial intelligence and were then eliminated by SIVA itself, leaving only a few survivors.

For this reason, SIVA is classified as highly dangerous and is guarded by Lord Saladin himself, so that no one gets the idea of causing another SIVA crisis.

What do you think about Bungie’s focus on more current topics like the upcoming DLC “Lightfall”? Do you think it’s good or unfortunate that SIVA might never make a comeback? Let us know in the comments!

Destiny 2: All about the Lightfall DLC from 2023 – Release, new ability, and editions

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

Tech YouTuber tests tiny PC for 160 euros, is not bigger than your hand – “Pretty convincing.”

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

Linus Tech Tips is one of the most well-known tech channels on YouTube. He tried out a tiny PC that costs around 160 euros.

With the “Pantera Pico PC,” Linus bought a tiny PC. According to the manufacturer, it costs around 160 euros for the basic version. Linus is surprised at how well everyday tasks can be managed with the device – as long as you don’t want to play competitively.

In our article, we introduce the device and explain what Linus thinks about it.

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Mini PC features Intel processor and is ready for Windows 11

What hardware is in the device?

  • Intel J4125 (processor)
  • UHD-Graphics 600 (GPU)
  • 8 GB LPDDR4 (memory)
  • 512 GB M.2 SATA-SSD (storage)
  • Compatible with Windows 11

The Intel J4125 is one of the absolute entry-level processors and is quite slow. However, it is suitable for most everyday tasks such as office work or video streaming. The advantage is that the chip has a TDP of only 10 watts, making it very energy efficient.

More on the topic
Will we finally get good graphics cards for less than 300 € thanks to Intel?
von Benedikt Schlotmann

Additionally, there is a tiny projector that is about the same size as the PC itself. However, the projector alone costs around 180 euros extra. You can buy the device and the projector on Indiegogo.com.

If you’re interested in more hardware:

Good for office use, quite weak for gaming

How usable is the device? Linus explains that the device does have potential. The PC is not very big, and if you only watch YouTube videos and do a bit of office work, then this little thing would easily last “for years”.

Otherwise, the device is “kind of compelling” – unless you want to start gaming seriously. Linus only tests CounterStrike, but the game doesn’t look good, and it doesn’t run smoothly. You can probably imagine how other games would look on this device. So, you won’t find a real replacement for a powerful desktop PC here.

The projector is also quite interesting and offers cool touch features, but is otherwise pretty weak and the image quality is quite poor. But you shouldn’t expect any masterpieces from such an inexpensive device.

Pantera PC with projector
The projector (left) and the PC (right).

Mini PCs are no longer a rarity: Various manufacturers now offer such small devices that promise enough performance for everyday use. Often, these devices use mobile chips that can also be found in laptops. The price range for these devices usually lies between 150 and 500 euros.

MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann bought such a device himself, invested 350 euros, and explains why such a device could be worthwhile for you and your daily life:

My new PC is as big as 2 apples and saves me 10 euros in electricity costs every month

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

FIFA 23: Twitch streamers invest hundreds of euros in packs for TOTY, showing the poor chances of top players

Max Handwerk Max Handwerk Reading time 4 minutes

In FIFA 23 Ultimate Team, the “Team of the Year” is currently running, which is the “TOTY” event. This brings some of the best cards in the game. However, they are hard to obtain.

This is the TOTY: In the “TOTY,” there are a total of 12 cards that have been brutally improved. Players like Mbappé, van Dijk, or Haaland are included and have values in the high 90s. They are among the best, but also the most expensive cards in the game.

The team was released over the past week in three phases. Defensive players, midfielders, and attackers were available for a few days in packs, along with new “TOTY” icons – until Friday evening, January 27.

Then the entire Team of the Year was put into packs all at once. Additionally, further cards were released: “Honourable Mentions,” which are players who narrowly missed out on the TOTY, but at least received a small upgrade. However, they are significantly weaker and less valuable than the 12 “real” TOTY cards.

Many players save their packs for the TOTY to have a chance of pulling one of the coveted cards. However, the chances are very low. This is currently proven by some Twitch streamers who invest a lot of money in the event.

Twitch streamers buy FIFA points, invest – But TOTY cards remain the exception

Many FIFA content creators demonstrate on platforms like Twitch and YouTube how they open packs in Ultimate Team. However, they also emphasize how low the chance of the best cards in FIFA 23 from packs is.

One example is one of the biggest streamers for FIFA 23, “Castro1021.” He is known for his loud personality but also for pack openings. Since the start of the TOTY event over a week ago, he has been investing a lot of FIFA points and pulling packs.

In his new video, he shows the evening when all TOTY cards landed in the packs. Here it should work, and he pulls his first TOTY card – that of goalkeeper Courtois. Shortly after, he pulls another TOTY. Again, Courtois.

He is very happy about the card and torpedoes his streaming room with confetti, but he also explains that he has already invested nearly 10 million coins over the week and nearly 1 million FIFA points.

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Coins can be obtained through transfers or rewards in Ultimate Team, but not FIFA points. If you want to buy FIFA points in Ultimate Team, you can choose from various sets. The largest brings 12,000 points for 99.99 euros. If you calculate that up to a round million, it comes to over 8,000 euros in the course of a week.

Two other streamers invested points on the “Complete Team Night” as well.

One of them is “Bateson87,” who invested 100,000 FIFA points that evening (about 833 euros). He shows in the video that over the previous week he had already pulled two TOTYs and 3 TOTY icons. However, the 100,000 points that evening did not yield a single additional TOTY card, only three of the weaker “Honourable Mentions” (via YouTube).

YouTuber Danny Aarons also put 100,000 points into the TOTY evening but did not get a TOTY card (via YouTube): “I can’t believe it, I invested another 100,000 points and didn’t pull a TOTY.”

However, this was not his first opening: “Every pack opening costs 600 British pounds, and this is the ninth,” he calculates: “I won’t calculate it because it will make me sick. But guys, do the math – and you haven’t seen how I pull a TOTY yet.” In total, he has probably invested 5,400 pounds (around 6,100 euros).

Overall, the streamers are ultimately able to buy a large part of the TOTY cards on the transfer market from the sheer number of cards they pull from the packs.

But they simultaneously highlight how low the chances of TOTYs from packs are. Of course, you can be lucky and pull these cards. However, you shouldn’t count on it.

More on FIFA 23 on MeinMMO:

The chances of a TOTY player are in the single digits percent range

What are the chances? FIFA 23 shows in the shop how the chances of TOTY cards from packs look. The probabilities depend on the individual packs.

A few examples:

  • With typical Premium Gold Packs, the chance is under one percent.
  • In the current promo pack “Elite Pack Plus,” the chance is 1.1 percent. It contains 26 rare gold players, at least one of which is rated 86 or higher, and additionally, there is a Rare Players Pack included. It costs 150,000 coins or 3,000 FIFA points.
  • The “New Year Special Set” still offers the highest chance, at 6.2%. The pack brings a FUT Hero, 75 rare gold players over 80, and at least six of them over 86.

However, the pack also costs a whopping 500,000 coins or 3,000 FIFA points. Additionally, the contents of the pack are untradable. Whatever you pull from it cannot be sold on the transfer market.

If you’re not into Ultimate Team, you can try the offline career mode in FIFA 23, for example. There, you can build your own club and lead it to the top of the world. Here you can find the best talents in FIFA 23.

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

In 2023 I have the feeling for the first time that I have the wrong console with my PS5

Max Handwerk Max Handwerk Reading time 3 minutes

With Hi-Fi Rush, developer “Tango Games” has simply released a surprise hit for Xbox and PC. As a PS5 player, MeinMMO author Max Handwerk can only watch with some wistfulness – probably not for the last time this year.

“Horizon, God of War, Spider-Man. Horizon, God of War, Spider-Man. Horizon, God of War, Spider-Man.” For almost two days, I’ve been repeating this mantra in my head to remind myself of the fantastic games that the PS5 has already made flash across my screen.

However, this mantra is continually interrupted. And that is by the loud pulsating beat of the trailer for “Hi-Fi RUSH”. A game that no one saw coming, but which there is currently no avoiding.

At the Xbox-Bethesda showcase, the rhythm explosion in comic style was presented, and then it was released directly via Steam and Game Pass. What makes the game is something you can see quickly in the trailer:

Start video
Check out the trailer for Hi-Fi Rush – A crazy game that relies on music and rhythm

Hero Chai fights through a colorful world where everything is synchronized to the same rhythm. Attacks become stronger depending on the sense of rhythm, and a good portion of ease and humor is also taken care of.

The game seems to hit a nerve with people who enjoy colorful, explosive fun. If you visit the “Games” subreddit, the strong reviews of the game are being discussed. Numerous players are sharing what a blast this surprise hit is. On Steam, the game is collecting positive reviews, with 98% favorable reviews.

And here I sit, watching gameplay videos and looking somewhat wistfully at my PlayStation.

I haven’t really missed having an Xbox or a particularly powerful PC until now. But now, “Hi-Fi Rush” is passing me by, even though the game, in all its action-comic-guitar-hero-ness, would definitely be something for me.

And when I look at the rest of the Xbox year, this feeling could become even more frequent.

Exclusive titles in 2023 – does Xbox have the edge?

So far, I haven’t really needed an Xbox for exclusive titles; for me, the PlayStation has generally been equipped with the more suitable titles. For example, I would always choose God of War over Halo.

However, the argument that I’ve always looked at with a bit of envy is the “Game Pass”. The Xbox offering is indeed already very strong, and the catalog is full of exciting games.

And the fact that strong titles are even appearing there regularly from day one, like now Hi-Fi Rush, is simply ideal if you enjoy trying out new games. Who knows if Hi-Fi Rush, with its unusual approach, wouldn’t simply disappear into “nothing” after its surprising release if players couldn’t try it out immediately.

And then Xbox simply has a few good arguments up its sleeve this year. One of them is the upcoming game from Arkane Studios, Redfall.

Start video
Redfall – Detailed Gameplay Trailer

The upcoming co-op shooter is set to release on May 2, 2023, exclusively for Xbox and PC, also available in Game Pass from day one. Even if it’s not entirely clear how strong the new Arkane Studios game will be: it looks exciting all the same.

The last game from the makers of Redfall, Deathloop, was ironically also a time-limited exclusive title, but for PlayStation. The gameplay of the shooter thrilled me back then, and combined with the co-op aspect, which I love in games like Borderlands, Redfall would definitely appeal to me.

Well, and then there’s Starfield.

Start video
7 gameplay highlights from Starfield that you should know about

Here too, it remains to be seen how strong the title will ultimately be when it releases later in 2023. But after all my hours in Morrowind, Skyrim, or the Fallout titles, Bethesda’s space adventure would definitely have made it onto my list if it were coming to PlayStation.

But it isn’t. That’s why it’s also in Game Pass.

Does Xbox have the edge? That remains to be seen. After all, PlayStation will also get its titles this year. For example, the new Spider-Man or the next part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake are upcoming – although not until autumn and winter. Additionally, there are more games that both consoles will receive.

But some exciting titles are indeed missing from PlayStation this year. From my perspective, Xbox is definitely on a really good path. It will be interesting to see how this develops further – and whether Xbox can gather even more interesting arguments that PS5 players would miss.

What do you think about the upcoming releases this year? Let us know in the comments.

The big release list of MMOs and multiplayer games 2023 can be found here.

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

Nasty cartels of greedy players decide who gets banned in WoW

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 4 minutes

Others suggest that perhaps a staff member indeed makes the final decision in the case of an account ban, but that it is virtually just a matter of a few clicks, where accusations are not even checked. This may not be ill will but simply the pressure to handle a certain number of incidents per hour.

More about World of Warcraft can be found here:

How exactly Blizzard goes about administering penalties and reviews is not known. However, in recent years, there have been repeated complaints about unjustified penalties that were later revoked.

It is clear, however, that Blizzard needs to change something about this system. The fact that real cartels are forming for crafting professions that “ban” anyone offering a cheaper price cannot be healthy for the game.

What is your stance on this topic? What should change, and how can Blizzard and the players realistically counteract?

In World of Warcraft, there are nasty player cartels. Those who do not adhere to the prices will be banned. What is behind this?

Blizzard has fulfilled many promises with World of Warcraft Dragonflight. One of them was that crafting professions should finally become truly useful and important again. That is exactly what has happened, as trade is booming and many of the best gear pieces can be crafted by artisans, as long as the materials are procured.

However, the system has its downsides. While on one hand, interaction between players is encouraged, others try to profit as much as possible from the system and eliminate competition, even using unscrupulous methods.

The Elemental Lariat Cartel Eliminates Competition

Even though there are a number of useful crafted items, none is as coveted as the Elemental Lariat. This necklace is desired by basically all classes and specializations as it has a very powerful additional effect and the stats can be freely determined. It is hardly easier to obtain a strong necklace.

At least in theory. However, the recipe for the Elemental Lariat is a very rare drop from some strong, rare enemies from the elemental storms. It can take dozens of kills of these enemies before one gets the recipe. This, in turn, leads to very few jewelers per realm being able to do so.

WoW Elemental Lariat Item trans
The best necklace for almost everyone. Hard cartels determine the prices.

One example is Schlay from the Thrall server, about whom we reported a few days ago. He stood against the “cartel” on his realm and offered the Elemental Lariat for practically free or for a self-determined tip, promoting his services repeatedly. Even though there were many grateful customers and a lot of support, Schlay was initially “silenced” – he could no longer write in the chat. This happens when messages are reported by many others, e.g. as “spam” or “insults”.

The obvious assumption: The jewelers who wanted to keep their price of 20,000 gold for crafting stable reported Schlay together to silence him.

After his penalty was over, Schlay resumed his services and satisfied numerous customers, promoting his craft again. But just a few days later, his account was completely banned – for a significant 10 days.

WoW Game Master No Human Paladin Cross title title 1280x720
Penalties for those who stand in the way of the cartel. The reporting system makes it possible.

Players report threats and pressure: Schlay is not an isolated case, and such cartel structures seem to have developed on most major servers. Many jewelers are in contact with each other and seem to want to keep their prices stable – by any means necessary.

Many report in various posts on the World of Warcraft subreddit that they are contacted by jewelers after they searched for a manufacturer for the Elemental Lariat in the trade channel. When they then explain that they found a cheaper provider, the “cartel members” are very eager to find out the name and even tend to threats and insults if the buyers do not want to disclose the name.

For example, as Fast-Like-A-Snail tells:

On my EU realm, there is a cartel that sets prices for various crafting orders, and if you do not comply, they warn you, and then they report you. If you are not part of the cartel, you will be silenced and banned and cannot offer things at a cheaper price.

I guess that’s how it is on many realms, and it’s something that Blizzard should address. These cartels are no better than the boosting communities they have banned.

Account penalties are issued too easily: Blizzard has repeatedly emphasized in the past that every account penalty is reviewed by an employee beforehand, but serious doubts exist about this statement. Many report that they know exactly how many reports it takes on a chat message to impose this player immediately with a “mild” sanction, such as a speaking prohibition in chat for a few hours.

Others suggest that perhaps a staff member indeed makes the final decision in the case of an account ban, but that it is virtually just a matter of a few clicks, where accusations are not even checked. This may not be ill will but simply the pressure to handle a certain number of incidents per hour.

More about World of Warcraft can be found here:

How exactly Blizzard goes about administering penalties and reviews is not known. However, in recent years, there have been repeated complaints about unjustified penalties that were later revoked.

It is clear, however, that Blizzard needs to change something about this system. The fact that real cartels are forming for crafting professions that “ban” anyone offering a cheaper price cannot be healthy for the game.

What is your stance on this topic? What should change, and how can Blizzard and the players realistically counteract?

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

Fantasy MMORPG fully focuses on PvE and exploration – You can try it for free right now

Max Handwerk Max Handwerk Reading time 2 minutes

Do you want to try a new MMORPG? Then you could check out Embers Adrift: The indie MMO is hosting a free test this weekend.

When does the free weekend take place? Embers Adrift has already started its free weekend. It began on Friday, January 27 at 07:00 and runs until Monday, January 30 at 07:00.

To participate, you need to register on the Embers Adrift website and then download the game. According to the developers, you can use the time until Monday morning to try the game as a newcomer or see what has improved or changed as a returning player.

What does Ember Adrift cost? If you want to continue playing after the weekend, you need to buy the game, as Embers Adrift is not a F2P game:

  • Embers Adrift is offered for $39.99 plus taxes (during the weekend $29.99), which includes one month of gameplay.
  • After that, however, you’ll have to subscribe for a price of €9.99 per month.
  • In the game itself, there isn’t currently a real-money shop or similar options to spend money.

What kind of game it is, we show you here.

Embers Adrift focuses on subscription, PvE content, and old-school vibes

What kind of game is Embers Adrift? Embers Adrift was released on October 15, 2022, making it just over three months old. The game is a PvE sandbox MMORPG that does not include PvP content. You won’t face other players in the open world or arenas.

In the game, players are meant to create their own adventures, which means there is little guidance given. For instance, there are no markers or a minimap. Instead, you need to read quest texts carefully and orient yourself to complete a task.

In this way, Embers Adrift is “old-school,” which also applies to the game’s graphics. Fans of modern, crisp graphics may be disappointed here.

Start video
Embers Adrift gives deeper insights into the story of the dark, new PC MMORPG – Releases this week

These quests are an important part of the gaming experience, just like challenging bosses or dungeons. Players can expect difficult challenges right in the starting area, for instance in the form of powerful enemies. You can attack them at any time, but it may not necessarily be advisable.

What kind of character you go in with is up to you. Three classes and a character editor are available to choose from.

You can find a detailed overview of Embers Adrift’s features here.

More about MMORPGs on MeinMMO:

Who is the game for? MeinMMO MMORPG expert Alexander Leitsch closely examined Embers Adrift last year.

His conclusion was mixed: Embers Adrift is a game full of contrasts that works mainly when played in a group. He described Embers Adrift with its free adventure approach as a niche game that is not for everyone but could provide fun for exploration-minded groups.

You can read Alexander Leitsch’s complete assessment of Embers Adrift here.

Just the subscription model and the purchase price might deter players. However, those who still want to have a look can take advantage of the opportunity this weekend without spending money.

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

Destiny 2 was offline for over 20 hours and no one could play – Developers explain what caused it

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

The loot shooter Destiny 2 was offline for over 20 hours on PC, Xbox and PS5. Now the developers explain why you couldn’t play for so long.

Destiny was offline for over a day on January 24 and 25, 2023. We also reported on MeinMMO that Destiny 2 was not accessible. During the update, it seems the wrong data was copied to the servers, leading to losses for players.

A configuration error of a tool is to blame for the problems.

The developers have now commented on the problems. They have blamed an internal tool that apparently caused the trouble. The developers had copied data from the old expansion “Beyond Light” into the game. This, in turn, reversed gameplay progress (via bungie.net):

We found out that the problem was caused by some currently unfinishable EDZ and Nessus triumphs from Forsaken being moved to the archived triumphs section. To make this change, we used a tool that can move a player’s status from one place to another in the player’s account. This tool is very powerful but requires careful and cautious handling.

Due to a configuration error, we accidentally re-executed an older migration process that was used for the Beyond Light version. The result was that we copied old data from before Beyond Light into the current configuration, which reversed certain aspects of gameplay progress since then.

What is lost due to the reset? This error caused the problem and has now been fixed, but not without the loss of nearly three hours of gameplay.

Compensations are not mentioned, by the way. After all, all purchases made in the lost time span will be refunded. So if you spent money, you should have received it back by now.

How long was Destiny 2 offline? The released hotfix 6.3.0.5 caused unexpected and severe problems.

After triumphs and catalysts had disappeared without a trace, the developers shut down the servers and looked for the error. Overall, Destiny 2 was offline for more than 20 hours until the error was finally fixed.

Destiny is now a free-to-play live service game. Many games have since tried this model, such as The Division 2, Marvel Avengers, or Anthem. However, all have failed. On MeinMMO you can read why Destiny 2 remains a significant exception:

Destiny 2 dominates where others fail – Is it the great MMO exception of live service games?

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

How important is endgame in games like WoW? Some believe that the “addiction” to it has caused severe damage to MMOs

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 3 minutes

Players regularly demand new endgame, that is, content that keeps you engaged even later on. But these demands have now sparked a heated discussion.

Endgame comes for many users after the “boring” leveling phase. Once you have leveled your character to the maximum, the really exciting challenges arise: Intense raids, PvP, or a complex crafting system that needs mastering. Games like WoW offer numerous possibilities:

  • Master dungeons in heroic and mythic mode.
  • Daily world quests that can be completed.
  • Faction quests that can be completed daily.
  • You can team up with other players to defeat epic enemies to gain reputation.
  • Additionally, you can gather crafting knowledge through weekly and one-time activities to maximize your professions.

If there is little or no “endgame,” some players start to get bored quickly because there is nothing left for them to do and no reason to start the game. But is “endgame” really necessary for games to be good?

Do players really need “infinite progression”?

On reddit, players discuss whether this “addiction” for more endgame is truly necessary. The “addiction” that you could run a new raid every week or improve your gear by three more points.

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For many players, the leveling phase is just an extended tutorial before finally being able to start the real game, the endgame. Games like ESO consciously accelerate the leveling speed, so that people can reach the final content faster. Many developers also invest time in the “leveling phase” into beautiful and emotional quests, as a story from WoW shows.

One explains that developers always have to create two games, and that would harm both parts in the long run because neither would be good:

  • On one hand, the game where people level their characters to the maximum.
  • On the other hand, the game where you can then let loose in the endgame.

Some believe that this “addiction” is not needed at all. Because endgame and great balance are not so important if players receive enough variety. Then they wouldn’t get bored:

All players need is variety, and then they will do the rest of the work themselves. When a monster drops a cool weapon that you can’t use in Elden Ring, you start to fantasize about how to build your next character to use it. People are still addicted to Skyrim over a decade later because there’s always a new mod to try with the next playthrough.

– That’s what user Infidel-Art thinks (via reddit)

Games like Elden Ring still captivate thousands of players today. And that’s not because they offer great endgame, but because they tell a long story that eventually ends. Players would look forward to starting a new adventure.

Are there also positive examples? Others mention counterexamples such as games like EVE: Online, which do not have a maximum level that players could reach. Here, players develop their own stories.

Such games also include the single-player game Crusader Kings 3, which thrives on players developing their own stories with each playthrough:

More on the topic
In my Game of the Year I have 14 children, 4 women and I am the Emperor of Ireland
von Schuhmann

Many want to play a character and form strong friendships

However, not everyone shares the opinion on endgame. There are plenty of users who respond: Many want to play the same character for years and not always start anew. After all, they have grown fond of their character and connect memories with it. They have fought battles with them or experienced bitter failures. This has nothing to do with the demonized endgame.

Modern MMORPGs would weaken in completely different aspects. Thus, modern MMORPGs have “forgotten the social aspect of the genre,” and it’s not just about combat, but about the many small things that make an MMORPG (via reddit.com).

There has long been the discussion of whether solo content could even kill MMORPGs because people prefer to play alone and have no desire for social contacts. Because features like dungeon finders make MMOs too easy, thus you don’t have to maintain social connections anymore.

Author Anny from MeinMMO also believes that social contacts in MMORPGs hardly take place anymore. And different factors are responsible for this:

Social media have stolen what I loved about MMORPGs in the past

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

Trainer has put over 6 years of effort into Pokémon GO and has transformed his city into a PokéStop paradise – Reveals how it works

Max Handwerk Max Handwerk Reading time 4 minutes

Those who play in the village or in small towns know it: You want to play Pokémon GO, but far and wide there are only a few stops or gyms. A trainer had the same problem, so he took matters into his own hands. We asked how it went.

Of course, when you play Pokémon GO in a big city, the distances are short. In cities like Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich, there are plenty of stops or gyms to use. Spawns, Rocket Grunts, items – you can easily collect all of that with a little walk.

The next 5-star raid boss is often just a small hop away – and with luck, you might even meet some fellow players who want to catch the monster.

But in smaller towns and villages, things look different. It can happen that you have few to no stops, and you have to drive to the next town to complete a raid.

One Italian Pokémon GO player also had this problem. Under the name “AMindJoke,” he shared a tweet of his small town in Tuscany from 2016. There wasn’t much going on in terms of stops or gyms.

On the other hand, he also shared a screen with significantly more stops – and explained that he had done a lot himself to turn his town into a PokéStop paradise.

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This is what it looks like in “AMindJoke’s” neighborhood – 2016 vs. today

“At the beginning, it was really difficult”

The trainer named “AMindJoke” plays a lot of Pokémon GO and has been around since the summer of 2016 – so good six and a half years.

He is active in the battle league, occasionally streams on Twitch, and has already caught over 2 million Pokémon in the game. At first, the trainer played several hours a day before work and relationships moved the gameplay to the evenings.

To reach such large numbers, according to the trainer, a schedule and clear goals were needed – but also a good place where one could play. And that is exactly what he created with a few friends in the neighborhood. He tells us this in the interview.

Why did you start submitting PokéStops? “At first, there was no significant incentive to play here. In the first year of the game, I was constantly driving to larger or better cities to play, mainly Florence and Viareggio,” the trainer explains.

At the beginning of 2018, he and a friend started creating PokéStops – through roundabout ways. The two had to rely on the predecessor game “Ingress” to suggest interesting locations.

Because in Pokémon GO itself, that was not possible yet: “Everything started when a friend showed me that it was possible through Ingress to create more portals that were converted into PokéStops or gyms in our beloved game,” recalls AMindJoke.

“We began to play Ingress together as well, so for a while, we played two games simultaneously,” he explains. As a result, he had to use a GO Plus to catch Pokémon on the side – because he only had one smartphone available.

Start video
Pokémon GO: Finding Rocket Bosses – How to Collect the Rocket Radar and Track Them Down

How did you manage to get so many PokéStops? “We knew that there were a ton of attractions in the area that had never been suggested in Ingress. After all, many cities in Italy are blessed with many historical things,” reports the trainer.

But just because they had suitable locations, it didn’t mean that getting the PokéStop was straightforward: “In the beginning, it was very hard for them to be accepted. Only the Ingress community evaluated locations at that time, and there were literal ‘wars’ between them, making it difficult for them to be accepted,” says AMindJoke.

For some really good candidates like historical palaces, even with the plaque at the entrance, it took us 7 to 8 requests before they were accepted!

Sometimes it could take weeks to months for a request to go through. This changed when proposals could also be submitted and evaluated by Pokémon GO players: “From then on, it became faster and we could fill the town more quickly!”

Today, the program “Niantic Wayfarer” is used to evaluate stops.

Do you have any tips on how to turn your neighborhood into a PokéStop paradise as well?

AMindJoke suggests engaging in exchange: “In Italy, there are communities where you can discuss ‘portals’, whether they are eligible for approval, how you can improve your requests and such things.”

The clearer the requests and the more experience you gain, the faster you learn what works:

I think the best way to have more success in getting your requests accepted and to fill your town is to learn the Niantic guidelines for requests and also to talk to people in each community to see what they approve and what not, because ultimately, there are certain things that are more accepted than others in every country!

One such example is mentioned by the trainer: “For example, mailboxes in the UK. They are a common thing for PokéStops there, while they would not be accepted in Italy. So always try to find out which things are best to apply for, and also learn the rules on how to submit a PokéStop (title, description, location, etc.)”

We will show you how to submit stops in Pokémon GO here.

But one thing is clear: To successfully get so many stops, it takes effort and ultimately also time. Because suitable candidates for stops are not necessarily found on every corner. How do you find them?

Here, too, the trainer has found a way: “How do I find all the things I can apply for? During my work breaks, I like to browse Google Street View in my city to look for potential candidates and find the positions to then go there and request them,” says AMindJoke.

How does it look in your neighborhood? Do you regularly submit stops or is everything already full? Do you try to submit stops more often? Tell us in the comments!

Otherwise, currently in Pokémon GO the high voltage event is coming up. What is in it, you will find out in the overview.

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

User doesn’t want to carry PC and monitor around – Builds gaming PC into unique “laptop”

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

A user transforms their gaming PC into a mobile system – but not in the usual way. It looks quite fascinating.

A user has built a fascinating system: He integrated the monitor of his computer into the case and came up with a few other tricks.

He has put together such an unusual, powerful device for on-the-go use. We present it to you here.

Desktop PC with integrated display unit can be transported in a suitcase

A user introduced himself as a video editor and explained that he didn’t want to lug around his computer and monitor all the time. Therefore, he came up with something special: He built a unique “laptop” (via reddit.com):

I am a video editor. I got tired of dragging my entire tower and monitor around, so I developed a prototype for this all-in-one travel case that revolves around the smallest 4k monitor I could find. More details in the comments.

What technology did he use?

  • LG 24UD58, 4K 60 Hz (monitor)
  • Asus Prime Z390-A (motherboard)
  • i9-9900K (processor)
  • 64 GB G.Skill ddr4 3,200 MHz (RAM)
  • MSI GeForce RTX 2080 (graphics card)
  • 1 TB n.2 nvme Samsung 990 Pro (SSD)

By the way, he designed the case for the hardware and the display unit himself. So, it is an aluminum case, and he made the panels on the sides with a 3D printer.

More on the topic
Your next gaming PC stands on legs, costs 2000 € and does not need an extra monitor
von Benedikt Schlotmann

“Yes, a laptop is better suited for this use case.”

In the comments, some users ask why he doesn’t just buy a notebook with an additional display. After all, it would be much easier to handle than such a heavy desktop PC. The thread starter also explains in a comment that it might have been the better idea, but he also had a lot of fun building it.

What notebooks are currently available? There are currently plenty of alternatives on the market for mobile gaming or work.

  • Apple has released its MacBooks with M1 and M2 chips. In tests, these have made a significant leap forward and deliver plenty of performance (via theverge.com).
  • Currently on the market are several high-performance notebooks with RTX 3000. Notebooks with AMD graphics cards are rarely found. However, AMD has introduced new chips for 2023.
  • For less demanding users, there are also computers in paperback format that fit into hand luggage. This is also a way to save electricity and money in everyday life.

However, there has been criticism of Nvidia’s mobile graphics cards for some time. Nvidia refers to its mobile graphics cards as “laptop GPU”, but the technical details of the notebooks rarely reveal how powerful the installed GPU really is (via computerbase.de).

This is because Nvidia installs different graphics cards under the same name, which have different performance levels. For this, one must pay attention to the TDP of the installed chip. In some cases, an RTX 3070 Mobile is even faster than an RTX 3080 Mobile. Nvidia also wants to stick to this labeling with notebooks with RTX 4000.

My new PC is the size of 2 apples and saves me 10 euros in electricity costs every month

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

Destiny 2 dominates where others fail – Is this the great MMO exception of live service games?

Britta ♤ BeAngel Britta ♤ BeAngel Reading time 4 minutes

Destiny 2 set new standards in 2019 when it transitioned from a pay-to-play shooter to a free-to-play live service game. Since then, many games have attempted to follow this model, such as The Division 2, Marvel’s Avengers, or Anthem. However, they have all failed. We tell you why this is not the case for Bungie, even though the community often complains about it.

Live service games are in demand: The term “live service” or “games-as-a-service” promises players a constant flow of content for games that would normally have ended after their campaign for years to come. This model allows a game to be played for much longer. Developers can also monetize it for a longer period.

In 2019, Bungie took the leap and shifted the focus of Destiny 2 to this new live service model. They also added free-to-play with “New Light” to their top shooter. Guardians who were interested in additional content could simply purchase it at any time from then on.

However, the model not only sparked players’ interest. The competition also followed suit, hopped on the “games-as-a-service” train, and devoted its resources to long-term player experiences. But what Bungie managed so easily posed an incredibly large challenge for many other games, causing several developers to fail dramatically.

Of course, Destiny 2 is not the only successful live service game out there. The biggest example is probably the MMORPG World of Warcraft. Still, it seems that very few developers manage to survive the gauntlet for a functional live service game and, above all, to provide what is necessary for it.

Looking at Destiny 2 in 2023, everything is not always rosy with the ongoing seasonal content.

In Season 17, Guardians complained massively about the content recycling of the once flagship of Calus, the Leviathan. Bungie did connect it to the ongoing story but brought back the old raid as a “new” location.

The Leviathan, the massive ship of the Cabal Emperor, returned in Season 17 changed but with an emotional message for Destiny 2:

Start video
Destiny 2 shows the new season in the crazy trailer – “You will become the exterminator of fear”

This pattern continued in Season 19, where content from Season 10 was recycled. In addition to the Mars swallowed by darkness, the Seraph Bunkers also emerged from hiding. Bungie provided a practical time dilation as an explanation.

So what is it that makes Bungie an exception in live service and ensures that the loot shooter has so far successfully continued this model?

A unique mix with a solid foundation

Bungie benefits not only from market dominance: Destiny 2 is an MMO shooter that thrives mainly on its good mix of competitive and cooperative elements. Players always have a suitable gameplay mode for every mood.

  • Those who enjoy PvP gameplay have several modes to choose from in Destiny: regular PvP, an Iron Banner PvP event, and the PvP endgame Trials.
  • Those who prefer shooting aliens can also do so. It spans various difficulty levels up to the top tier for hardcore players.
  • And those who want both can jump into the PvEvP mode Gambit, where they can fight both aliens and other Guardians.

Both Anthem and Marvel’s Avengers only offered their players pure PvE content. And not only that. Their story was never continued as an ongoing story update. Something Bungie has also done from the very beginning with his live service for Destiny 2.

Tom Farnsworth, Bungie’s Senior Design Lead, once emphasized to MeinMMO that you must not only provide good service.

[…] the real strength of live service games is that you are always building towards something better.

explains Tom Farnsworth, Bungie’s Senior Design Lead to Mein-MMO.de

Thus, over all the gaming challenges, there is also a captivating, ongoing story in Destiny 2 that you can actively experience as a Guardian. This optimized “Bungie formula” over several seasons is what allows you to distinguish yourself quite well from other games.

Can Bungie maintain its service standard? That remains to be seen. Some other live service games that have failed felt incomplete from the start. There were often technical issues, many of which were fixed too late or never. And the live service did not always consist of new content, but of content droughts, because content could not be completed in time. In the end, that drives away even the last nerve-wracking players.

More on the topic
Destiny 2: Everyone thinks Season 17 is pure content recycling – But that is not true!
von Britta ♤ BeAngel

At least for now, Bungie can present a wealth of advantages.

  • When errors occur, support responds quickly and takes care of timely updates or maintenance so that issues do not linger for long.
  • The story of Light and Darkness captivates many players and makes them curious about what is to come.
  • You can play Destiny 2 with your friends and explore the world together or face challenges together.

However, the strong facade begins to crack when serious bugs plague the game, cheaters attack PvP, and excessive recycling is increasingly viewed as critical by long-term players.

Find more top news about Destiny 2 here:

After Destiny 2, the next games will probably also be provided with new content in the same way as the current loot shooter from the studio. Therefore, Bungie will not be able to postpone the most pressing issues that currently plague Destiny 2 for too long.

This could otherwise potentially affect the long-term trust of many players and as a result also impact the company’s always excellent reputation. The best live service means nothing if a bitter community uninstalls the game.

Which live service game do you remember that no longer exists today, and what did you miss about it? Do you think Bungie will take the same path? Or will the developer keep its goal in sight and ensure that its community becomes more satisfied again? Feel free to share your personal opinion in the comments.

At least the first steps have been taken. For Lightfall, many changes are coming that should mark a new beginning and put Destiny 2 on track for the future:

Destiny 2: Lightfall will radically change the build system – Should be a new beginning

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

Destiny 2: Xur today – location and offer on 27.01.

Britta ♤ BeAngel Britta ♤ BeAngel Reading time 5 minutes

Shader has no Xur. Instead, Exotics for each character class in Destiny 2. Today he finally stops by the loot shooter again and offers interested parties his goods. MeinMMO shows you what he has and where to find him.

What happened this week in Destiny 2? A lot. Guardians in Destiny 2 have initiated their own, extra-heavy challenge. But only one has completed it fully so far.

Furthermore, Bungie is in the process of polishing its loot shooter and adjusting some aspects in Lightfall that should soon make life significantly easier for players.

However, this good news was somewhat overshadowed when Destiny 2 had to go offline for about 20 hours on Tuesday. A triumph bug caused issues for the developer and left Guardians with long faces.

This led to some players suggesting that one should think about a Destiny 3 while Destiny 2 is falling apart:

Destiny 3 is trending on Twitter because players believe Destiny 2 is falling apart after 5 years

Destiny-2-Sog-der-Habsucht-2
Don’t forget: Xur also has Deep Sight weapons in his treasury

All info about Xur on January 27, 2023 – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

When does Xur come? The vendor appears today promptly at 6:00 PM on a planet of his choice. He spends several days there until he disappears again with the next weekly reset on January 31.

Where is Xur? This is his location for the weekend

Xur’s position: Xur takes mysterious routes, which is why no Guardian knows where he will land before 6 PM. However, MeinMMO knows his habits and can locate him for you accurately.

Xur is located this weekend in the Last City on the Tower in the Hangar
Destiny-2 Xur Tower Hangar
Xur is in the Hangar

Xur’s inventory from January 27 – 31 – All Exotics at a glance

What does Xur offer? At Xur, every class, be it Warlocks, Hunters, or Titans, can shop. It also doesn’t matter whether you are new to the game or already an experienced Guardian. Xur’s exotic shopping paradise is open to everyone. He has been a reliable supplier for years and probably the coolest spaghetti face in the solar system.

This is Xur’s offering this week:

This is Xur’s offer from January 27 – 31

Weapon: Suros Regime – Kinetic Auto Rifle for 29 Legendary Shards

Titan: AC/D0 Feedback Fence – Arc Gauntlets for 23 Legendary Shards

  • Mobility: +19
  • Resilience: +10
  • Recovery: +2
  • Discipline: +16
  • Intellect: +2
  • Strength: +13
  • Total: 62

Hunter: Sealed Ahamkara Grasps – Arc Gauntlets for 23 Legendary Shards

  • Mobility: +3
  • Resilience: +18
  • Recovery: +10
  • Discipline: +8
  • Intellect: +6
  • Strength: +16
  • Total: 61

Warlock: Crown of Tempests – Arc Helmet for 23 Legendary Shards

  • Mobility: +6
  • Resilience: +7
  • Recovery: +18
  • Discipline: +10
  • Intellect: +10
  • Strength: +12
  • Total: 63

Legendary Armor Set: This week, Xur is selling the “Seventh Seraph” set.

Nexxoss-Gaming provides you with a closer look at Xur’s offer and shares his personal recommendations on what might be worth it for you:

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Nexxoss-Gaming showcases Xur’s offer

Xur also sells legendary items and offers unique rolls for Exotics from no longer available exotic missions from past DLCs each week. However, please note: You can only purchase the weapons if you also own the corresponding expansion.

Currently, he has these two weapons on offer:

  • The exotic hand cannon “Fallen Moon” (Beyond Light DLC) with “Snapshot Sights”
  • The exotic scout rifle “Telling of a Dead Man” (Beyond Light DLC) with “Outlaw”

The cost of the weapons: For these two Exotics, the costs are 1 Ascendant Shard, 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, and 200 Legendary Shards each.

Xur always carries: An Exotic Engram for 97 Legendary Shards is always available from Xur, as well as the weekly quest to obtain an exotic cipher.

Trials of Osiris from January 27 – 31 – Map, Weapons, and Info

Endgame PvP returns this weekend in the Trials. After that, the sweaty mode will take a week break because Lord Saladin is back with his Iron Banner. This means there will be no Trials the coming weekend.

trials-osiris-season18-destiny2
This week it’s still Lighthouse – Next week it’s Iron Banner again
What are the Trials in Destiny 2?

The Trials of Osiris are an endgame PvP activity and they take place every weekend. There is only one exception, which is when the Iron Banner event is active. Just like last week. Bungie will once again open the inventory of the 14th Saint this weekend with fresh Trials Passes as well as loot streams so that you can increase your glory in the PvP endgame.

Which map is in play this week? Unlike in regular PvP, where maps rotate, there is only one fixed map that is played each weekend in Guardian vs. Guardian endgame.

This week’s map is: Eternity

destiny-2-trials-raum
The map “Eternity”
If you are interested in playing the Trials in a fixed team, MeinMMO recommends the Callout Maps via Warmind. This way, you can describe to your fireteam where the opponents are currently located on the map, which are useful information for the entire team.

This is how you get your loot: The Trials of Osiris have a reputation rank system. Your top loot rewards from the PvP matches are currently available for:

  • Seven wins
  • 50 rounds
  • as well as the infamous flawless run, which takes you to the Lighthouse

This is the reward for a flawless run: Every week, you can also expect a very special weapon at the Lighthouse, which you will receive for your flawless run, i.e. 7 wins, in its master version. You can earn the weapon until the upcoming Tuesday, January 24, at 6:00 PM.

As a reward, you will always receive an Adept weapon if you make it safely to the Lighthouse.

This week’s Adept weapon is: Forgiveness, Master

forgiveness pistol destiny 2
In Trials, this weekend the pistol “Forgiveness” is the master version

All Trials weapons have a Trials origin perk: “Speed Loader” – Improves reload speed, stability, aim assist, and range when you are the last remaining member of your fireteam or fighting alone.

You can focus your Trials engrams at the 14th Saint on your desired weapon. On top of that, there are upgrade prisms and ascendant shards. Keep in mind that your reward will increase even further once you have a full pass – even if you lost one or two games.

When do the Trials officially start? The Trials of Osiris begin today, January 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM and end with the weekly reset on January 31, 2023, at 6:00 PM.

Which news from Bungie did you like best this week? Feel free to share with us in the comments.

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

LoL: YouTube millionaire Mr. Beast wins big event in Vegas – 3 Twitch streamers lose so much money there

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 3 minutes

In July 2022, a special event took place in Las Vegas for League of Legends . 10 content creators played LoL against each other. The spectacle was organized by wealthy YouTuber Mr. Beast. However, while trying to keep up with the YouTube star, 3 Twitch streamers had to, as Mizkif explained in January 2023, take a hit in LoL.

What kind of event was it? The event took place in the summer of 2022 in Las Vegas. Some of the biggest gaming influencers played 3 rounds of LoL against each other. Mr. Beast, a massive content creator on YouTube, challenged the overly ambitious Twitch streamer Ninja to a competition for $150,000: they both formed teams, and the proceeds went to a good cause.

  • On Team Ninja: Ninja himself, Tyler1, Doublelift, Ludwig, and Sapnap
  • On Mr. Beast’s team were: Mr. Beast, Yassuo, Voyboy, Mizkif, and Emiru
Start video
How the Worst Troll from Twitch Became the Face of League of Legends

Mr. Beast’s team wins the LoL event against Ninja

How did the tournament turn out? Ninja’s team was actually the favorite: after all, he had two exceptionally strong players in Tyler1 and Doublelift on his side. But blabbermouth Ludwig played so terribly that he was singled out as the main culprit for the defeats.

Mr. Beast’s team had two strong players in Yassuo and Voyboy – Emiru and Mizkif also performed significantly better than many had previously expected.

Mr. Beast’s team won the first 2 matches and the tournament – there was also a 3rd match, which Team Ninja was able to win.

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Tyler1 then accused the horrified Ludwig of losing the game “practically alone.”

First Mizkif was $10,000 ahead, then Mr. Beast showed up

What came out now: This was all half a year ago. Now, Twitch streamer Mizkif recounted during a retrospective on 2022 what happened behind the scenes at the gaming tables in Vegas. Apparently, he, Mr. Beast, and the two LoL streamers Yassuo and Voyboy were into gambling.

Mizkif says he and Voyboy were playing there in Vegas and suddenly Mizkif was about $10,000 ahead:

That was honestly one of the best moments of my whole life. I understand why people like to gamble: I thought, “Damn, this feels good!”

But then Mr. Beast approached him and asked him to come to his table and told him to bet the $10,000. “You’re probably going to double that!” he told him.

Mizkif was initially skeptical, suggesting to wait until the stream was running, but Mr. Beast said, “No, bet it!”

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The 3 Twitch streamers with the biggest ego play LoL for $150,000 – Here’s how the spectacle Ninja vs. MrBeast went
von Schuhmann

How did it end? From that point, Mizkif says, they just kept losing:

  • He lost every cent. Took out $2,000 from an ATM, but that money vanished quickly too.
  • Voyboy maxed out 2 credit cards and also lost that money.
  • They then wandered around asking people for money, but that money slipped through their fingers too.
  • Ultimately, they drove home “desperate.”

But it was even worse for LoL streamer Yassuo than it was for him and Voyboy:

“Yeah, it was quite a journey into despair, it was quite crushing. But you know who lost the most? Yassuo. Yassuo lost about $50,000 or $60,000.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qgQdCNCyw

Mr. Beast is to blame for everything: You can’t really say no to him

When asked why he let himself be lured into gambling so foolishly, Mizkif replied:

You can’t really say no to Mr. Beast. So I placed the bet and lost every cent.”

The lesson from this is probably: Don’t try to keep up with people who are so much richer than you.

The money he gambled away back then is probably what Mizkif wishes he had back now:

Twitch: Successful streamer is dismayed at how much tax he has to pay – “I’m done”

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

CoD Warzone 2 changes backpacks and armor plates in Season 2 – This shows the dilemma the developers are in

Marius Mach Marius Mach Reading time 3 minutes

Call of Duty Warzone 2 has received mixed feedback since its release. The loot and armor plate systems were particularly criticized. Now the developers have announced a reversal – Warzone 2 is set to return more to its predecessor.

What was criticized? Already at the announcement during the CoD: Next Event last September, many of the invited content creators expressed doubts about the systems of CoD: Warzone 2. They particularly criticized three changes compared to the old Warzone.

  1. Loot – With Warzone 2, the loot system in the battle royale was overhauled. Except for supply crates, loot no longer appears on the ground. Players must search backpacks and bags to get their hands on the best items. All of this takes time and slows down the gameplay.
  2. Armor plates – In Verdansk or Caldera, players started with 3 armor plates by default. In the new Warzone, however, players only start with 2 plates in the battle. With a bit of luck, you can find a vest that allows you to equip 3 armor plates. If you don’t find a vest, you’re at a disadvantage.
  3. Gulag – In Warzone 2, the developers changed the Gulag from a 1 vs. 1 match to a 2 vs. 2 match. They hoped this would create more dynamism in the battles. At the same time, this mode should familiarize players with proximity chat.

Even months after the release of Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2, criticism from the community persists. Apparently, this is also reflected in the numbers: Warzone 2 has already lost many players, and some streamers are turning away.

With Season 2, the developers also want to tweak the weapon balance. If you want to level a new weapon now, we have 3 tips for you:

Start video
CoD Warzone 2 – 3 Tips on how to quickly level up your weapons

Developers respond to criticism, promise many changes

What have the developers announced? In a post on the CoD community blog, the developers discuss all the changes they plan for Season 2. In addition to technical updates and bug fixes, there will also be numerous gameplay changes. It remains to be seen how exactly they will implement these changes; however, a clear trend is already apparent: Warzone 2 is set to become more like Warzone 1 again.

Backpacks are being removed, and loot should behave again as it did in Warzone 1. Bags and eliminated players will drop their loot on the ground. Players should spend less time organizing their inventory.

The changes aim to speed up the gameplay. Furthermore, it should prevent players from hoarding multiple field equipment and revives.

The Gulag is returning to the familiar 1 vs. 1 mode. While some players cheer this change, others are disappointed. The 2 vs. 2 mode could indeed be frustrating, but it also created unique moments. It is certain that Warzone 2 loses a unique feature with this change.

The same applies to the armor plates. In Season 2, every player starts with a 3-plate vest by default. You will no longer have to search for an upgrade. This makes battles fairer. However, it also loses another tactical element.

Have the developers mentioned any other changes? Yes! The developers are also discussing changes to the weapon balance. With the new season, there will be new meta weapons as well. The same goes for perks; you will be able to choose them freely in the future. The current strongest perk will be toned down.

The developers are also planning changes to movement, buy stations, and loadouts. The changes aim to make fights more exciting. They also want to make it easier for you to re-enter the game after a win in the Gulag.

Warzone 2 risks losing its own identity

Why could the changes become a problem? The developers are in a dilemma: the mentioned changes to BR clearly aim to win back players who did not like the systems of Warzone 2.

At the same time, these changes could lead to Warzone 2 losing its own identity. The more systems the developers adopt from the old Warzone, the less Warzone 2 appears as a standalone game. One must ask if the developers might end up alienating more players with these changes than they can potentially win back.

It is questionable who even wants these changes. Are streamers and content creators truly representative of larger parts of the community? One thing is certain: fresh wind is coming to Al Mazrah. New content and appropriate maintenance do any service game good. The changes with Season 1 and Season 1: Reloaded were already a first step in the right direction.

More about CoD: Warzone 2 on MeinMMO:

What do you think about the changes? Do you support the return to the systems of Warzone 1? Or do you like Warzone 2 as it is currently? What changes and content would you like to see in the upcoming seasons? Share your opinion with us and discuss with the community!

Which Call of Duty is the best? You have voted.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Call of Duty Blog

The RIG 800 Pro HS sounds great on PS5 and PC in tests, but loses a lot of potential in 2 areas

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 8 minutes

Nacon has introduced the RIG 800 HS, a gaming headset for PC, PS4, and PS5. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann was able to test the gaming headset and explains whether it is worth it for everyday use.

With the RIG 800 HS, manufacturer Nacon offers a gaming headset for around 200 euros. In addition to a particularly low weight, the model especially features a charging station where the headset can be stored.

I was able to test the gaming headset from Nacon in detail for you and will explain for whom the model is worthwhile and where it has weaknesses.

Who tested it?

I have been testing hardware for our readers at MeinMMO since 2019. Besides gaming mice, gaming headsets and keyboards are my absolute favorites. I’ve got a dozen headsets hanging in my closet both professionally and privately. With a head circumference of 58 cm, I have a rather smaller head.

The RIG 800 Pro HS was provided to me by NACON for testing. I was able to test the device on PC and PS5.

Asking MeinMMO Benedikt

Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware Editor MeinMMO

Features and Technical Details:
DesignOver-Ear/Closed
Connection typeWireless via RF/Bluetooth or wired via USB-A
Frequencies20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
CompatibilityPC, PS4, PS5
Weight288 grams
IncludedHeadset, Micro-USB cable, docking station, manual
Price (RRP)199.99 euros

Contents

In addition to the gaming headset, there is also a micro-USB cable and an English quick start guide in the box. However, the special feature is the base station, which is also included. Here you can “mount” the headset and charge it in this way.

Additionally, the base station offers the ability to connect to the PC or PS5 via micro-USB and thus also serves as a wireless connection. This means I connect the USB transmitter to the base station, then to the PS5, and the connection is established.

NACON RIG 800 Pro HS contents
The contents of the NACON 800 Pro HS.

Design and Build

The device from Nacon features a simple black design without RGB lighting or other strong decorations. The microphone is permanently built in and can be flipped up.

The headset also features faux leather cushions. Since the pressure from the clamping is quite high, it becomes quite warm under the cushions on my ears after a few hours. At around 20 degrees room temperature, this isn’t so dramatic, but at high summer temperatures, I imagine it would be uncomfortable.

All the control elements are on the left side of the headset and are easily reachable, large enough, and differ well from each other.

NACON RIG 800 Pro HS buttons
The buttons are all on the left, but differ in feel.

The headset comes with a station where you can place the headset, which then charges it. The headset is charged both directly and at the station via micro-USB. This is simply outdated in 2023.

I am therefore also astonished at the charging time until the headset is full. It is stated as 7 hours, which is annoyingly long for a gaming headset. For comparison: The TurtleBeach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX charges in 15 minutes sufficiently for 8 hours.

The included charging cable is, by the way, far too short and barely reaches to connect the station to my PS5 or the PC. I cannot use the headset sensibly with the cable either on the PC or the PS5.

Build Quality

The entire headset is made entirely of plastic and completely forgoes premium materials. This is quite disappointing for a headset that costs around 200 euros. I would have preferred to see steel-reinforced headbands, like those offered by the 80 euros more expensive ASTRO Gaming A50 or the equally priced Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max.

However, an advantage is that the headset has a modular design. In theory, you can remove the headband, ear cushions, and also the cable channel in the headset.

NACON RIG 800 Pro HS detailed view

Software

The headset itself does not offer extensive software with additional functions on either the PS5 or the PC. Therefore, you have to use the sound settings that the headset offers you directly out of the box.

The setup is generally very easy. The base station or the wireless adapter is connected to the PC or PS5, and the connection is established.

On the next page, I will discuss comfort, sound, and battery life of the headset.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Pages: 1 2 3

The largest MMORPG on Steam promotes with a live-action trailer – “I have never cringed so hard”

Anny Anny Reading time 2 minutes

Lost Ark is currently promoting an MMORPG with a live-action trailer. In the admittedly somewhat silly video, real people are sucked into the game and join the battle with their setups. One even brings his floor lamp.

Under the title “Lost Ark: The Odyssey Continues”, Amazon Games and Smilegate present the first live-action trailer of the MMORPG.

The trailer begins with a young man coming home and sitting at his desk. As he starts Lost Ark, suddenly his entire room shakes. A portal then opens, sucking him and his desk and PC inside.

Together with 4 other players, of whom 3 are also sitting at desks, he flies over the clouds towards the in-game continent Luterra. The player without a desk sits on a chair with a laptop on his lap and a floor lamp next to him.

We see them floating with their setups through various places in the game world Arkesia, buying weapons and launching attacks from the desk. Together, they fight a huge monster as a 5-man raid.

At the end of the video, many more players can be seen, floating at their desks towards a massive wave of monsters. “Join the birthday party,” is displayed at the end. Because Lost Ark will be one year old in February.

You can watch the whole thing yourself here:

Start video
Lost Ark Live-Action Trailer

Community reacts with sarcastic jokes

Under the video on YouTube there are some comments from players. Many just find the video funny and make sarcastic jokes, while others claim that the creators of the trailer have never played Lost Ark.

We summarize a few comments here for you:

  • Dustyy: “Nobody is disconnected in the raid, it’s a miracle!”
  • Benjamin Pongatz: “The new ‘Gamer’ class looks amazing.”
  • MSFT: “I’m convinced that the creators of the trailer have never played Lost Ark before.”
  • ItsOnlyAGame: “I think I’ve never cringed so hard. It hurts because I have been playing Lost Ark since day one and I keep wondering what Amazon and Smilegate are doing. I guess I have my answer.”
  • sangheili333: “Whoever made this has never played this game.”
  • Accendino: “As a day-one player, I can confirm that my desk now shoots fireballs and laser beams.”

More about MMORPGs on MeinMMO:

What do you think about the new live-action trailer of Lost Ark? Do you find it appealing and do you want to fly to Arkesia with your desk right away? Are you playing Lost Ark and do you think that the game feel is well represented? Would you have wished for a more serious approach? Feel free to let us know in the comments here on MeinMMO!

Lost Ark is currently one of the most played MMORPGs on Steam. Here you can see which others are involved:

The 10 MMORPGs with the most players on Steam in January 2023

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

Destiny 2: Players spend 9 months grinding for weapons – Can be completed in just a few days soon

Christos Tsogos Christos Tsogos Reading time 3 minutes

In Destiny 2, there are many weekly news regarding changes in Witch Queen and Lightfall. This time, however, it is about the grind of the Deep Sight resonance weapons. This will be adjusted before the journey to Neomuna so that even sluggish Guardians can still obtain their blueprints.

What has Bungie announced? As usual, Bungie has released another, albeit smaller edition of their TWaB blog posts. This time, besides a selection of Halloween skins, there are also changes regarding the Deep Sight resonance weapons of the respective seasons of Witch Queen.

Bungie is changing the focus of these craftable weapons from weekly to daily. While players used to walk to the season vendor every week to secure their blueprints, the remaining blueprints can soon be obtained daily.

Note that you can go to any vendor in the H.E.L.M that offers such weapons to unlock your remaining blueprints. However, vendor upgrades may be required for this.

Start video
Destiny 2 Lightfall: The new trailer “Neomuna”

We assume that you can only pick up one Deep Sight weapon per vendor daily. However, due to uncertainties among the Guardians in the Destiny Reddit, we have additionally requested a correct statement from Bungie. As soon as we have this, we will adjust this article for you.

Bungie gives you many blueprints, but why?

What could be behind this action? Bungie claims they want to help the Guardians complete their collection before Lightfall appears. However, we believe that the developer will make the weapons hard to access after Lightfall, if not completely inaccessible.

So this is your last chance to grab your favorites before the season content of seasons 16, 17, 18, and 19 leaves the game on February 28, 2023, and Bungie might lock the guns and blueprints behind RNG.

When will the change happen? This change will be released with the upcoming weekly reset, which will be on January 31 at 6 PM.

More about Destiny 2 can be found here:

What does the community say about the change? The players in Destiny 2 are happy about the upcoming change as it allows them to obtain their missing plans without much grind. On Reddit, players are sharing comments like:

  • stormwave6 – “I literally have to get one more blueprint and then this is announced. I’ve spent 9 months on it.”
  • The_Corn_God95 – “Waiting for the last few weeks of the season pays off immensely”
  • SirPatrickIII – “Making the life/experience of others easier does not diminish my own joy. This is a fantastic change.”
  • cmonbennett – “I’ve done all mine and dusted them off, and the ones I like are already leveled up. I think this is a great step to allow people to catch up on what they’ve missed. Everyone should have access to cool weapons.”

What do you think about Bungie allowing players to still collect their remaining weapons and complete their blueprints? Feel free to leave a comment!

Destiny 2 is getting ready for the expansion: Many great news to win back players

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

Twitch bans one of the most successful streamers in the world for apparently snacking too much

Lydia Lydia Reading time 3 minutes

The American streamer Kai Cenat (21) made a meteoric rise on Twitch last year. Now, however, he has to take an unplanned break, as the streaming platform has suspended him after he consumed too many edibles.

What kind of streamer is he? Kai Cenat is huge in the USA, but still relatively unknown here. In 2022, he surpassed the previous sub-king of Twitch, the Canadian Félix “xQc” Lengyel, and cracked 80,000 paid subscriptions in September and shortly thereafter 90,000.

More on the topic
20-year-old breaks 80,000 paid subscriptions – Kai Cenat believes: Twitch does not support him because he says that one word too often
von Schuhmann

With his energetic streams, Kai Cenat mainly appeals to a younger, black audience. This target group receives little attention on Twitch otherwise, as other successful black streamers like JiDion and IShowSpeed have been permanently banned from the platform, the “Fortnite God” Myth switched to YouTube.

Start video
Prime Gaming, the secret behind Twitch’s success

Streamer Munches Edibles Live on Twitch

What did Kai Cenat do? In a stream on January 24, our time, Kai Cenat ate edibles, which are candies enriched with cannabis extracts. They are known to have an effect that often takes a while to kick in, but when it does, it hits the consumer much harder.

Inexperienced newcomers tend to consume too much because they “don’t feel anything yet.” In a tweet before the stream, Kai Cenat had announced that it was the first time he was trying edibles.

We have included a clip of the stream that was posted by the US site Dexerto on Twitter:

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Link to the Twitter content

How did the stream go? In the stream, Kai Cenat showed off his haul and let his chat advise him on how much he should take. However, he ignored the guidelines suggested by Google.

Apparently, the 21-year-old overestimated himself, as his energy noticeably decreased during the stream until he eventually slumped forward and remained motionless for a few moments. A friend of the streamer eventually helped him up and ended the stream.

While some viewers are sure that Kai Cenat lost consciousness and experienced a so-called “Green Out,” others believe that the streamer might have acted a bit and exaggerated the effects.

Why is this difficult? Twitch doesn’t joke around with this. The platform has clear guidelines regarding “self-destructive behavior.” According to the community guidelines, this includes:

  • Dangerous consumption of alcohol or other substances that lead to loss of control
  • Abuse of legal substances (e.g., prescription medications, nitrous oxide)
  • Actions that endanger one’s life or health
  • Any content or activities that include, promote, offer, or incite illegal actions (grass is not legal in Georgia, where Kai Cenat lives)

It explicitly states that no exceptions will be made if the behavior was meant as a joke or intended for entertainment purposes (via Twitch).

Twitch Takes Action, But the Timing is Unfortunate

How is Twitch reacting now? On January 26, it became known through the automated Twitter account StreamerBans that Kai Cenat received his fourth ban (via Twitter).

As is customary with Twitch, there are no details on why the ban was imposed. It is also not yet known how long it will last. However, it is quite likely that the ban is related to the edibles stream.

Ultimately, the action could be interpreted as a violation of the guidelines on self-destructive behavior. However, it remains unclear why action was taken only two days later, after the 21-year-old had already held another stream.

It is therefore not excluded that another violation was identified that has nothing to do with the edibles.

Why is the timing unfortunate? The ban hits Kai Cenat just before his announced subathon, a marathon stream where every completed subscription extends the time a streamer remains on air.

The subathon was likely planned for February, which is celebrated in the USA as “Black History Month.” On Twitter, Kai Cenat complains that at that time he wasn’t even live, so he couldn’t have done anything.

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Whether the subathon can take place as planned is still uncertain.

More news on MeinMMO:

For Twitch, this is probably a difficult situation, as a violation of the guidelines cannot simply be ignored. Banning the biggest black streamer during Black History Month, however, might not create a good image.

Kai Cenat is not the first streamer whose substance consumption has caused trouble:

Twitch bans streamer who drinks completely wrong

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

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Today the Tera Raid with Titan Quajutsu starts – All Information

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 3 minutes

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the Tera Raid with Titan Quajutsu starts today, January 27, 2023. What kind of event this is, what rewards await you, and what makes Titan Quajutsu so exciting, you will find out on MeinMMO.

What kind of event is this? In a black Tera Raid, you will fight with three other players or AI teammates against a Terakristall Pokémon that is very strong and has a special Tera type.

The newly announced Titan Pokémon is the popular Water starter Quajutsu from the sixth generation.

In Scarlet and Violet, there was already a Tera Raid with Titan Charizard as well as Titan Liberlo.

How can you catch Titan Quajutsu? To catch Titan Quajutsu, you need to defeat the Terakristall Pokémon before time runs out. However, this can only be done once per save file.

You can participate in a Tera Raid once you have completed the main story of the game – that is, after you have defeated the Pokémon League including Champion, your rival, and the Academy Tournament.

After that, your teacher Jim will inform you about special Tera Raids with six or seven stars, but you must win ten 5-star raids before you can dive into the Titan raids. Alternatively, a friend who meets the requirements can invite you.

A Tera Raid with a Titan Pokémon is recognizable by the black crystals scattered throughout the Paldea region. Additionally, you will see a black Tera Raid symbol on the map, which includes the logo of the respective Tera type.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet black Tera Raid crystal
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Tera Raid symbol on the map

When does the event run? The Tera Raid with Titan Quajutsu can be played on two different weekends.

  • January 27, 2023 / 01:00 AM to January 30, 2023 / 00:59 AM
  • February 10, 2023 / 01:00 AM to February 13, 2023 / 00:59 AM

If you want to know how to defeat Titan Quajutsu, we have summarized here three strategies that players are currently successfully using:

More on the topic
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Quajutsu Counter – The Best Strategies in the Raid Guide
von Dariusz Müller

What bonuses are there? If you manage to defeat a Terakristall Pokémon in a Tera Raid, strong rewards await you. In addition to the chance to catch the defeated Terakristall Pokémon, the so-called Ability Patch is a highlight of the raid.

The patch can be obtained with a lot of luck as a random drop after successfully completing the raid, and it allows you to change the ability of your Pokémon. Unlike with the Ability Capsule, you can even give a Pokémon a hidden ability with the patch.

Additionally, numerous XP candies in sizes L and XL are among the many rewards of the Tera Raids, as well as a “Poison Terastone” and other battle items.

The rewards can vary between individual raids, but they are also available if you complete a raid repeatedly and have already caught Quajutsu.

If you are interested in more about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:

What is exciting about Titan Quajutsu? In the current Tera Raid, you will encounter Titan Quajutsu. You normally cannot catch Quajutsu in the Paldea region, making the Tera Raid a unique opportunity. However, it is not excluded that Quajutsu will reappear in future events.

Additionally, with the Tera Raid, Quajutsu appears with a unique type combination, as the Ninja Pokémon receives the Tera type “Poison”.

Moreover, Quajutsu, should you successfully complete the raid and catch it, is at level 100.

Do you believe you have what it takes to defeat Titan Quajutsu? Then you are surely true Pokémon experts and can certainly recognize these 13 Pokémon by their crazy Pokédex entries.

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

CoD Warzone 2 steals your progress in Season 2 in the DMZ mode – Players feel cheated

Christos Tsogos Christos Tsogos Reading time 2 minutes

In Call of Duty Warzone 2, players can complete many missions in the DMZ mode and stash weapons that they can then carry into operations. So far, so good, but this will soon change with Season 2, as a Wipe will occur that will erase all your progress.

What is a Wipe? A Wipe is a reset that brings your progress in the game back to its origin. This is now also set to happen in Call of Duty: Warzone 2, specifically in the DMZ mode. Many players are surprised by this step from the development team, as nothing indicated that a Wipe would ever take place.

With Season 2, however, this will change, and many players are outraged.

Start video
CoD Warzone 2 – 3 Tips on how to quickly level up your weapons

Season 2 will set you back to the beginning

What has Activision announced? In their major CoD blog for MW2 and Warzone 2, Activision has now also published information for the DMZ mode. The following changes are set to come with Season 02:

  • The minimization of crashes during a DMZ round.
  • Adjustments for AI opponents, spawn points, and mission difficulties.
  • New missions and a new zone.

However, there are also further hints. The developers write about the additional changes:

Completely new missions are coming in Season 02, including an update of your current faction mission progress and a reset of the inventory (smuggled goods and keys). We will detail all important information for DMZ before Season 02 in an upcoming blog.

Via callofduty.com

What does this mean? This means all your collected weapons and keys, as well as the progress of your current faction missions will be reset to zero. This is not only surprising for many, but also shocking, as no one expected this.

More Call of Duty Warzone 2 can be found here:

What are players saying about it? The mood of the community is divided, as some players celebrate the feature from Escape from Tarkov and even wish for a reset, while others are just incredulous. Angry players are writing the following about the situation:

  • @Sharpy22899 – “If my mission progress gets wiped, I’m done. As a full-time working father, I don’t have time to play for 8 hours a day. My brother and I are currently working on all T4 missions and literally just finished T3 to get our second insured slot. I will be angry if it really gets reset.”
  • @Avsfreak18 – “Well… this doesn’t make me want to come back at all…”
  • @MJthemaniac_876 – “If insured slots disappear, that’s my motivation never to play again.”

However, there are also positive voices regarding the upcoming change:

  • @jordanharding18 – “Great news. Fresh start again. Didn’t get all the insured weapon slots and probably won’t, but I’m looking forward to a reset. It keeps it interesting.”
  • @umiii302 – “Good! Literally anything that makes it feel like Tarkov will make this game enjoyable.”

What do you think about Activision increasingly transforming the DMZ mode into an Escape from Tarkov? Do you want that too, or does it bother you that you will soon have to re-farm everything at the start of Season 2? Let us know in the comments!

CoD MW2 & Warzone 2: Season 2 comes with a new Warzone map – Start, Content, Battle Pass

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