The Austrian publisher Koch Media plans to release 12 new games under the new gaming label Prime Matter in the coming years. Among them are highly anticipated titles like Payday 3, which will be revealed at the E3 2021.
What is the new label Prime Matter all about? Under the name Prime Matter, publisher Koch Media intends to bring 12 new games to market over the next two years.
The headquarters of Prime Matter will be located in Munich, and games from all kinds of genres will be developed there, including shooters, role-playing games, and co-op games.
12 New Games with Label Prime Matter
These games are all part of Prime Matter: The games currently planned under Prime Matter include sequels to well-known and highly anticipated titles like Payday and Kings Bounty. However, there are also some completely new works among them. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find more information about the individual games from Prime Matter that were revealed during E3 2021.
Payday 3
What is it?Payday 3 is the long-awaited sequel to the popular co-op shooter series Payday. In it, you perform heists and earn lots of money by working together as a team. The game is being developed by the once troubled studio Starbreeze and uses Unreal Engine 4. As it is expected to be more intense, the game will only be rated for ages 18 and older.
The crew of Payday is back!
When is it coming? Payday 3 is unfortunately not set to be released until 2023 for PC and consoles, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer.
King’s Bounty II
What is it? King’s Bounty II is a tactical RPG in which you engage in turn-based battles in a fantasy world. The game is being developed by 1C Entertainment and uses Unreal Engine 4. It will be a single-player game and rated for ages 16 and older.
When is it coming? King’s Bounty II will be released on August 24, 2021.
Encased
What is it? This is a classic role-playing game set in a post-apocalypse. The game is reminiscent of Fallout, is said to use an isometric view, and comes with a bit of dark humor. It started as a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 and has now become a full-fledged game by Dark Crystal Games.
Who else is reminded of Fallout 1 and 2?
When is it coming? Encased is set to release in December 2021 as a digital release for PC and will be rated for ages 18 and older.
Scars Above
What is it? This game will be an action-adventure set against a sci-fi backdrop. You explore an alien planet, and the gameplay is a mix of exploration and fighting against horrific alien beasts. The game will be a single-player title and uses Unreal Engine 4.
You must explore this dark world.
When is it coming? Scars Above won’t be released until 2022 for PC and consoles and is rated for ages 16 and older.
Dolmen
What is it? This game is an action RPG in which you fight through a ghastly sci-fi world full of repulsive, cosmic horrors. The game draws inspiration from the dreadful stories of H.P. Lovecraft, so expect a lot of disgusting stuff. The developer behind Dolmen is the Massive Work Studio, and it uses Unreal Engine 4.
Things are getting gross here.
When is it coming? The game will be released sometime in 2022 for PC and consoles.
Final Form (Working Title)
What is it? Here you get a shooter set in a cyberpunk setting from Reikon Games. In the game, you take on the role of a humanoid avatar representing an intelligent spaceship. The game utilizes Unreal Engine 4, and it will have a co-op mode for up to three players.
In Final Form, you play as the avatar of a spaceship.
When is it coming? Unfortunately, no release date is known yet. However, the game is intended to be released for PC and consoles.
The Chant (Working Title)
What is it? This is a gruesome horror action-adventure. You explore a lonely island where a spiritual New Age cult has established a cozy retreat. However, something has gone wrong, and you can expect pure horror! Developer Brass Token utilized Unreal Engine 4 for the game.
When is it coming? This title is set to be released sometime in 2022 for PC and consoles and will likely be rated for ages 16 and older.
Echoes of the End
What is it? This game is from Myrkur Games and will be a third-person action-adventure. You embody the protagonist Ryn, who possesses mysterious powers and must prove herself in a fantasy world. The game places a strong emphasis on the story and the decisions you make within it.
In Echoes of the Mind, the story plays a significant role.
When is it coming? This game does not have a release date yet and is expected to be released for PC and consoles.
Gungrave G.O.R.E.
What is it? Here you will get a hearty, crazy third-person shooter from the studio IGGYMOB. The game combines design elements from Western and Asian games and promises wild shooting orgies with a hardened bad-ass macho hero.
In Gungrave GORE, there will be a lot of shooting.
When is it coming? This entertaining shooter is expected to be released sometime in 2022 for PC and consoles.
The Last Oricru
What is it? This game will be a third-person action RPG from GoldKnights studio. The title is set in a fantasy setting torn apart by wars. Besides fighting, you must also carefully decide whom to trust and influence the outcome of the war.
In this world, a terrible war rages.
When is it coming? The game is coming in 2022 for PC and consoles.
Crossfire: Legion
What is it? This game from Smilegate and Blackbird Interactive is indeed a real-time strategy game set in the world of the shooter Crossfire. You can play the game in multiplayer mode or as a campaign.
Crossfire Legion will be a real-time strategy game.
When is it coming? Crossfire: Legion is expected to be released in 2022 and only for PC.
The Next Painkiller Game
What is it? Here it seems that a sequel to the Painkiller series is on the horizon. So expect a bloody shooter in which you clear out the hordes of hell, even in co-op mode.
When is it coming? So far, no release date is known, but the game is expected to be rated for ages 18 and older and to be released for PC and consoles.
In addition to these new games, well-known titles from Koch Media, such as Iron Harvest and Phoenix Point, will also be added to the new label Prime Matter.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Shortly before the E3 2021, the Summer Game Fest will host an exciting show for gaming fans. We at MeinMMO will be covering the event live and will accompany it with a ticker.
When exactly does the Summer Game Fest take place? Today, Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 8:00 PM German time, the multi-day event will kick off with a kickoff show, followed by further events until June 23.
However, the highlight will likely be the opening show this evening, which we will also accompany with a live ticker.
When will the live ticker start? From around 7:30 PM, we will update this article with regular updates and news. We will summarize all the games shown, trailers, and general information.
Update 9:46 PM: After almost 2 hours, the event is now over, with quite a few interesting announcements made. What was your favorite? Let us and other readers at MeinMMO know in the comments.
Update 9:42 PM: Now comes the big finale and a real highlight – the world premiere of the open-world action RPG Elden Ring.
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.
In Tribes of Midgard, players must defend against the impending invasion of giants during Ragnarok.
You play as a Viking whose village holds the seeds of Yggdrasil. They are the key to protecting the gods from other realms in a world of dark creatures.
Your village must be defended against the shadows from Helheim, for which you collect resources in the wilderness. With that, you craft weapons among other things. Meanwhile, the giants are getting closer to the village, wanting to destroy Midgard and fulfill the prophecy of the end of the world.
Update 9:35 PM: Here’s a new isometric adventure, Tunic, about a small fox in a big world. Explore the wilderness, discover ghostly ruins, and fight against terrible creatures from long-lost times.
Update 9:34 PM: A new trailer for the multiplayer survival horror game Back4Blood:
https://youtu.be/evU3IHMn_Ik
Update 9:27 PM: Now there’s music from Sonic Unleashed – played by a philharmonic orchestra.
With the major update 1.6, Genshin Impact brings some new features and events into the game. The update has been playable since yesterday. The major highlights from the event are: and 5 highlights chosen:
The big “Summer! Sun! Adventure!” event
A new area that allows you to explore new islands
New features and improvements for the housing system
A free skin for Barbara
Kazuha arrives as a new character
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play co-op RPG from developer miHoYo. You can play on PC, PS4, Android, and iOS, and it offers crossplay between all platforms.
Update 9:21 PM: Appearance by actor Giancarlo Esposito, who portrays the villain “Yara” in Far Cry 6.
He is known as Gustavo Fring in the TV series “Breaking Bad.” He talks about what it was like to appear in a video game.
Update 9:20 PM: Here’s the trailer for the new Ratchet & Clank, which releases tomorrow, June 11:
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.
At the end of the Iraq War, special forces searching for weapons of mass destruction discover something much deadlier: a buried Sumerian temple that contains a nest full of ancient and horrific creatures.
To survive the night underground, they must forge an alliance with their enemies in the world above them.
Update 8:57 PM: Now there’s another world premiere – a trailer for the vampire battle royale Vampire The Masquerade Blood Hunt. You can already register for the alpha now, and a closed beta will start in July. The full release is set to take place later this year.
https://youtu.be/e35nuWSbuKg
Update 8:56 PM: Now comes a new trailer for the return of Fast & Furious to Rocket League:
https://youtu.be/X44Xj8WuD2Q
Update 8:54 PM: A short news piece about Amazon’s New World: It will be presented in more detail tomorrow, June 11, as part of the Summer Game Fest.
Update 8:52 PM: A world premiere of The Anacrusis – a cooperative first-person shooter for four players, set aboard a huge spaceship stranded on the edge of explored space. The game comes exclusively for PC and Xbox – and from day one in the Game Pass:
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.
Update 8:34 PM: Now several indie games from Sony are being presented – including a new soulslike, Salt & Sacrifice (from the creators of the popular Salt & Sanctuary):
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.
Update 8:30 PM: Now there’s another star guest: actor Ryan Reynolds. He is promoting his own video game film Free Guy with various streamer celebrities from Twitch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2sqqdMDNv0
Update 8:25 PM: Now there’s new information about Season 4 of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and CoD Warzone. It’s set to launch on June 17. Here’s the trailer for it:
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.
In the trailer, some new content can be seen, including
New multiplayer maps for Cold War
New content for the zombie mode
A possible new Gulag for Warzone.
All information is summarized here for you: CoD Cold War & Warzone show trailer for Season 4 with Hijacked and satellites over Verdansk.
Update 8:22 PM: Finally, something many have been waiting for! Here comes the trailer for Lost Ark! The game is set to be released in fall 2021. You can find out more about it here:
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.
Directly tomorrow, on June 11, the first alpha test for European players will start. In the alpha, you will be able to try out the 15 classes that will be playable in the European version.
The tripod skill system allows you to adapt the abilities of these classes to your playstyle. This not only changes the strength of the skills and their CC effects but also their appearance.
Lost Ark will receive German in-game texts for localization. However, the voice acting will remain in English.
Update 8:19 PM: Now for some relaxation, we have a music interlude.
Update 8:15 PM: Now the well-known actor Jeff Goldblum, known among others from the film Jurassic Park, announced a new game: Jurassic World Evolution 2.
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.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a management simulator and the sequel to the first Evolution game from Frontiers. It will primarily offer players an exciting new campaign with a story focus. Additionally, you can expect:
An expanded building system for your park
Up to 75 prehistoric species that you can save and genetically modify, including some flying and marine reptiles
The “Chaos Theory Mode” that lets you replay famous moments from Jurassic Park movies, exactly how you want
There is no release date yet.
Update 8:10 PM: With Hideo Kojima, a prominent guest has now arrived, bringing something special – gameplay from the Director’s Cut of Death Stranding on the PS5.
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.
The Director’s Cut of Death Stranding showed in the first trailer the PS5 version of the game, a new area, and also new enemy types. Hideo Kojima didn’t reveal much more info, but fans can still be excited. The full reveal of the Director’s Cut is expected in “just a few weeks.”
Update 8:06 PM: Next comes a trailer for a new tactical game in a retro style, which will be released on Steam – Metal Slug Tactics:
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.
Metal Slug is a popular run-and-gun video game series that now takes a new perspective. In isometric gameplay, you will experience the following features in Metal Slug Tactics:
Your team will consist of Metal Slug characters, and you will face iconic Metal Slug bosses
The mission layout will be procedurally generated
You unlock super attacks by filling your adrenaline bar
You can combine your attacks into strong combos
The game does not yet have a release date but can already be added to your wishlist on Steam.
Update 8:03 PM: The show kicks off with a new trailer from Gearbox – for Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands! So the rumors have been confirmed. The Borderlands series is getting a new spinoff featuring the cult character Tiny Tina:
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.
Update 8:02 PM: Good to know: The opening show is set to last 90 minutes today.
Update 7:55 PM: Just 5 minutes left, then it will finally start.
Update 7:31 PM: Currently, it doesn’t seem like anything will happen before 8:00 PM. There is merely an overlay indicating that it will start at 8:00 PM. Apparently, there will be no pre-show.
Update 7:25 PM: Good evening, everyone. Just 5 minutes until the stream for the highly anticipated Summer Game Fest 2021 starts. The show itself, however, won’t start until 8:00 PM German time. So you have a little time to gather food and drinks.
What we know and speculate about the Summer Game Fest
What can we expect from the event? The Summer Game Fest is likely to be the interesting event for online and multiplayer fans taking place in the coming days. Many companies known for such games will be involved.
These companies are involved
What they might show at the Summer Game Fest
Activision / Blizzard
CoD Season 4, Diablo Immortal, Overwatch 2, CoD 2021
Additionally, further well-known companies will participate, including 2K, Bandai Namco, Capcom, Microsoft / Xbox, SEGA, Sony PlayStation, Steam, Square Enix, Tencent Games, and Wizards of the Coast.
Which games or developers are you most excited about tonight? Let us know in the comments!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
As part of the Summer Game Fest 2021, Amazon shared new details about the western release of Lost Ark. The MMORPG is set to launch in Europe with an adapted version and 15 classes. Additionally, there will be an Alpha starting on June 11. We have summarized all the information.
What do we know about the EU release? Lost Ark is set to be released in 2021 in Europe and North America for PC. Amazon has not yet provided an exact release date, but the release window has been indicated as autumn 2021.
Lost Ark will be Free2Play and is expected to have a shop. The exact structure of this shop is currently unclear.
It is certain that the western version will receive several adjustments and will not correspond to the release version in Korea.
What do we know about the Alpha? The first Alpha is set to start in the west on June 11 at approximately 21:00 our time (via Lost Ark). The first Alpha will also serve as a stress test. Amazon has already announced that there may be bugs and localization errors.
The highly anticipated Lost Ark is finally coming to us
What content will Lost Ark launch with? Currently, there is only limited information about the western version of Lost Ark, which we have summarized for you:
At launch in Europe, there will be 15 classes with different abilities
The characters are expected to be more diverse with additional skin colors
The gender lock will remain
The housing system that gives you your own island will be available
It is still unclear how the shop will be adapted in the west. Here, Amazon has evaded initial questions. In Korea, Lost Ark is considered Pay2Win because players can purchase certain gameplay advantages, lift daily and weekly restrictions, and convert real money into in-game currency.
How is Lost Ark performing in Korea? Over the past few years, Lost Ark has been continuously expanded. For example, there have already been some new classes, new continents, dungeons, and a significant expansion of the housing system.
What do you think about the western release of Lost Ark? Did you expect an Alpha this soon?
Borderlands fans can look forward to more. A new looter-shooter is coming soon – with Tiny Tina as the dungeon master!
2K and Gearbox have let the cat out of the bag. For all Borderlands fans, there is more to come soon. A new title puts the chaotic Tiny Tina in the spotlight and lets her host a big tabletop adventure again, as you loot tons of weapons while experiencing an absurd pen & paper adventure. This confirms the leak from a few days ago.
Is this a DLC for Borderlands 3? No! Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a standalone game. A looter-shooter based on the weapons of Borderlands, but set in a crazy fantasy world.
This means that while there are the usual weapons from Borderlands, the entire world is primarily filled with fantasy elements – knights, fireballs, dragons, and fairies included. They are all a bit crazy, after all, Tiny Tina has her quirks and is known for changing game rules during a session.
In classic Borderlands style, the co-op campaign can be experienced with up to four players. Also included are “repeatable endgame content” so there is still something to do after completing the campaign.
You can see the first impression of the content and the madness of the game world here:
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.
When will Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands be released? There is not yet a precise release date, but at least the developers have mentioned a rough timeframe. The game is expected to be released “early 2022,” sometime between January and March.
On which platforms will the game be available? Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands will be playable on most major platforms, including:
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox One
PlayStation 5
PlayStation 4
PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
Tiny Tina rides the dragon – and surely brings chaos for the hero team.
Setting like in Borderlands 2: The setting may feel familiar to veterans of the Borderlands series. After all, there was already a DLC in Borderlands 2 where Tiny Tina led a tabletop pen & paper session. In “Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep,” players took on the roles of brave heroes (with firearms) who had to save a medieval fantasy world that Tiny Tina created.
What was essentially funny had a pretty important meaning. Because the pen & paper adventure was Tina’s way of processing the death of a loved one.
The DLC for Borderlands 2 is still considered the most popular and best in the entire series. Therefore, it is understandable that the developers dedicate a standalone game to this setting.
Are you excited about Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands? Or is the “deadliest 13-year-old in the universe” a bit too crazy for you?
The MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is the first major new MMORPG of 2021. Right after its launch, it is doing really well on Steam – so well, that it briefly stood in the Top 10 and has three times as many players as Black Desert and The Elder Scrolls Online.
What kind of MMORPG is it? Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis (short: PSO2:NG) is a new iteration of the well-known MMORPG from Sega, which was released in 2012. With New Genesis, the developers have overhauled everything and turned it into a new game.
This is how big the MMORPG is on Steam: Shortly after launch, PSO 2 on Steam impresses with over 59,000 players (via steamcharts.com). Currently, it ranks 15th among the most played games, although reports suggest it has even been in the Top 10 (via Githyp.com).
Previously, Black Desert and The Elder Scrolls Online were among the MMORPGs on Steam with the most players. PSO 2 has surpassed both, even with a significant lead:
PSO 2: 48,681 current players, 59,197 at peak
The Elder Scrolls Online: 20,535 current players, 49,061 at peak
Black Desert: 17,063 current players, 59,917 at peak
PSO 2 had about 5,000 players on average before New Genesis on Steam. The number has increased more than tenfold. The numbers from the console versions are not included for any of the games.
“NG fixes every problem I had with PSO 2”
What the players say: The current ratings on Steam are “mostly positive” with 70% positive reviews (via steampowered.com). On Steam itself, it is simply praised without specific details. It is said, for example, that New Genesis is a “fun, friendly, and rewarding dream world” (via steamcommunity.com).
On reddit, a user goes into more detail about the advantages. It states: “NG fixes every problem I had with PSO 2 […] Where the maps of PSO 2 are random mazes with a race to the end, NG is more of an open world and encourages exploration […] The story is told more naturally through quests or tasks that send you through the world” (via reddit.com).
The class system is also said to be better now, and the classes have more depth than before. Many players point out that New Genesis is a completely new game and has little in common with PSO 2 other than the name.
What is not well received? One of the most common criticisms is the lack of higher resolutions, which players consider outdated. For example, native resolutions of 3440 x 1440 (Ultrawide) and 2,560 x 1,440 (WQHD) are said not to be supported.
The gameplay is also criticized in parts. New Genesis is complex, the UI is not mature, and the terminology is unusual (via steamcommunity.com). Generally, the negative voices are rather isolated and often lack detailed criticism.
If you are still looking for a new MMORPG, you should definitely take a look at PSO 2. New Genesis is free to play. We at MeinMMO also recommend the game in our list for June:
During GO Fest 2021, you will be able to catch Meloetta in Pokémon GO. What makes the mysterious Pokémon special, you can find out here.
It has been confirmed: A teaser for the big GO Fest 2021 was shown on the official Twitter channel of the game. There is a shadow of a Pokémon visible, accompanied by a few music notes and the GO Fest logo.
The clearly recognizable shadow was immediately identified by trainers as Meloetta. This monster is a mysterious Pokémon – such as Victini, which you were able to catch at the past GO Fest 2020.
A complete quest was dedicated to Victini at the past GO Fest, which was one of the highlights of the event. It is quite possible that Meloetta will receive similar treatment and will be catchable through a special research.
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.
The tweet about the new Pokémon. Trainers quickly unraveled the mystery.
What kind of Pokémon is Meloetta?
This is Meloetta: Meloetta is a mysterious Pokémon of the Normal and Psychic type, introduced with the fifth generation of the main games. It has neither an evolution nor a pre-evolution, but it has an alternate form. It can switch from “Singing Form” to “Dancing Form,” changing its Psychic type into a combat type.
The forms of Meloetta: left Dance, right Song.
Whether this special feature will be introduced directly with Meloetta remains to be seen. Other shape-shifting Pokémon like Deoxys received their different forms only over time, which then had to be caught separately.
If you are interested in more about Pokémon GOthis might also appeal to you:
That’s why Meloetta fits into GO Fest 2021: GO Fest 2021 has a clear music theme. Among other things, “musical Pokémon” will appear in the wild. You can also choose between Rocker and Pop-Star Pikachu, thus deciding what type of music plays during the event in the game.
The singing and dancing Meloetta also fits in. According to PokéDex entries from the main games, it can captivate anyone who hears its melodies.
EA has apparently fallen victim to a hacker attack: hackers are said to have stolen the source code for FIFA 21 among other things, as well as data related to the Frostbite engine.
This is what happened: According to a report by “Vice”, hackers have stolen a large amount of data from EA. In forum posts, messages from the hackers are currently being shared, claiming that various EA services can be exploited with the data (via Vice)
Among other things, the source code for FIFA 21 is said to be among the stolen data, as well as the code for the matchmaking servers of the football game.
Moreover, the hackers are said to have secured the source code and various tools for the Frostbite engine. This engine is the foundation for numerous games from EA, including the new Battlefield 2042.
In addition, other developer tools are included in the stolen data. The hack encompasses a total of 780 GB of stolen data, which they are now trying to sell in various forums.
Among other things, data about FIFA 21 is said to have been stolen
EA comments on the attack
This is what EA says: EA has confirmed the attack on the data to Vice Motherboard and also stated that the information regarding the contents is correct. The incident, in which a “limited amount of source code” and associated tools were stolen, is currently under investigation, an EA spokesperson told Motherboard.
The players’ private data, meanwhile, are safe: “There was no access to player data, and we have no reason to believe that there is a risk to players’ privacy,” said the spokesperson. “Following this incident, we have already implemented security improvements and do not expect any impact on our games or business. We are actively working with law enforcement and other experts as part of the ongoing criminal investigation.”
Hacker attacks can be a significant problem for video game companies. Such incidents happen repeatedly. Earlier this year, for instance, CD Projekt Red was the victim of a cyber attack. With the demands of the hackers, the developers then went public.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Valheim has announced its first major update Hearth & Home in a new blog post, including release and content. The update is mainly aimed at the Viking builders, but also provides fresh content for everyone.
When is the update coming? In a post on Steam, the developers of Valheim announced that Hearth & Home is supposed to be released in the third quarter of 2021 (via steampowered.com). That would be between July 1 and September 30 – potentially quite soon. The delay is mainly due to wanting to fix bugs first.
At the same time, they informed the community that they cannot keep the promised four updates this year. The roadmap will be revised accordingly. They also said they simply were not prepared for the influx of players who now want more.
What’s in Hearth & Home? In the developers’ post, they also introduce some of the new content. The new content is mainly aimed at players who use the building system of Valheim – which is likely a large part of the community:
new building components for roofs and windows made from “Darkwood”
expansions for the cooking station: a spice rack, a slaughter table, pots and pans
Additionally, there will be new foods and an overhauled system of stamina and health points. Food is an important factor in Valheim’s combat and provides you with strong buffs. With Hearth & Home, it should be possible to play a proper tank.
Finally grow onions!
A table full of new food.
The new expansions to the cooking station.
The new components on the roof.
The list is not yet complete. The mentioned features are merely a preview of what is to come, the developers said.
Vikings hunger for new content
Valheim was released in February 2021 out of nowhere and became a huge success, even ranking in the top 5 on Steam for a while. Several million Vikings have jumped into the world daily, farming, building, and fighting.
The survival game has numerous content for solo and co-op players, including five bosses that serve as the final challenge of their respective areas (“biomes”). In this way, Valheim is more or less divided into chapters.
However, many players have now “completed” everything and defeated all bosses. Currently, they only have the option to build more, make Valheim more exciting with mods or reinvent themselves.
Many are waiting for new content, which is finally supposed to come with Hearth & Home. Even content after the first update is already known, although its release is not yet announced. This includes three new biomes that you can already explore. However, the next one will probably not please many of you:
In Fortnite: Battle Royale Season 7 has started. In addition to a new theme and a battle pass, there are a few secret changes now found on the map. We present the secret things to you so you can discover them as well.
What’s going on in Fortnite? On June 8, 2021, Season 7 – Chapter 2 began. As seen in the trailer, the aliens have arrived in Fortnite and are likely planning an invasion.
The meeting also caused changes to the map, with new weapons and even spaceships now allowing you to fly over the map. But were there changes that you might not notice right away?
Secret changes in Season 7
Here we show you a few things that can now be found in Season 7 on the map. Some of you may not have noticed them yet, but it’s good to know in case you need them in battle or want to gather more info about the story.
1. Purple Names for Locations
What’s new? If you now look at the map during a round in Season 7, you will see that some named locations are displayed in purple on the map instead of white. This change is not just cosmetic, but serves a purpose.
If you land at a location marked in purple, you will find spaceships there. The color is meant to indicate where you will definitely find a UFO on the map.
This purple text is now new in Season 7
2. Conspiracy Board from Bunker-Jonesy
What’s new? This change is rather hidden, as it is located on the edge of the map near the NPC Bunker-Jonesy. If you visit his house now, you will find a conspiracy board there. The character seems to be collecting some information.
The board is even being expanded, and more pictures and drawings appear over time. You should pay Bunker-Jonesy a few visits if you want to know what exactly he is researching.
Bunker Jonesy seems to have his own theories about the alien invasion
3. Secret Underground Base of IO
What’s new? A base from the organization IO, which is literally hidden – it is located beneath Corny Complex. You can gain access through a secret entrance in a farmhouse above the base. This bunker contains all kinds of screens with clues about the aliens, weapons, and even how Rick from “Rick and Morty” ended up on the Fortnite island.
What’s new? That players like the bus driver in Fortnite is probably no secret since they started a petition to be able to thank the driver in the game. In every round, you can express your gratitude to the “hero” before continuing your journey. However, it doesn’t stop there in Season 7.
At certain NPCs on the map, you can now tip the bus driver. You can either give the bus driver a small tip of 500 gold bars or be particularly generous and donate 4000 gold bars. While this won’t give you any advantage, if you want to show your gratitude more clearly, you can leave a tip for the bus driver.
You can give the bus driver a small or large tip
5. Living Llamas on the Map
What’s new? Most of you will know the loot llamas – the creatures that are distributed as piñatas across the map. They were rare and hard to find, but those who were lucky were rewarded with a lot of materials, ammunition, and useful items.
After a long break, the llamas are back in the game, but this time very different from how you knew them. Because the loot llamas are now alive and can even run away from you. They are now harder to catch, but they appear more often in the game – while there were only a maximum of 3 per round before, you can now find up to 5 llamas.
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.
There are many things to discover in the new Season 7. Some changes might not be as relevant for your battles, but are still fun to know. There also seem to be some hints about the story hidden on the map. So, there could still be a lot coming our way before the aliens start their invasion.
What do you think about these secret changes? Have you discovered them yet or maybe even found more? Share your discoveries with us in the comments!
On the occasion of the upcoming MMORPG Ashes of Creation, MeinMMO editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski spoke with studio head Steven Sharif.
What will you learn here? The mind behind Ashes of Creation explained to MeinMMO:
why Ashes of Creation will not fall into the Kickstarter MMO trap
when his game will be ready for release
why he had a tough start as a game developer – without experience
The background to the interview: In 2015, Steven Sharif founded Intrepid studio to realize his big dream: to launch an innovative MMORPG that deeply resonates with the “classic MMORPG fan”.
Others keep pushing their milestones further back. The single-player campaign of Star Citizen was originally supposed to release in 2014. It is still far from ready.
You hear little about these games for years, although years ago it already seemed they would be released in a few months.
“The problems of Kickstarter MMOs fall into 2 categories”
MeinMMO: In the past, we unfortunately often had to report on the cancellation of Kickstarter MMORPGs before they were even released. The usual pattern is that these projects are too ambitious and ultimately cannot keep their promises. How will you ensure that this does not happen with Ashes of Creation?
Steven Sharif: When you look at where Kickstarter MMORPGs traditionally go wrong, it usually falls into two categories:
Either they run out of funding
or they expand the scope of their games so much that they become larger than they can handle.
In both categories, Ashes of Creation is solid. We are unique in that I am privately financing the game. The lion’s share of the funding is covered by me. Revenue from pre-orders and Kickstarter are support. In this regard, I have no concerns about the future of Ashes of Creation.
I will finance Ashes of Creation until it is finished, no matter what it costs, and I have the means to do so.
We do not have to answer to any publisher or investor. When it comes to quality, there are no deadlines pushing us.
However, I have a very clear definition of the systems in the game. Yes, it is ambitious, but I do not turn around every corner and add this and that system. This gives us clearly defined limits from a management perspective.
We have had our delays in the past. When I started and founded the company [Intrepid], I was new to this industry. I had never been a developer before. I was a player at first. I had my ideas about how the game should be, but my project management experience did not align with that of a developer.
At the beginning, I did not focus on bringing producers on board, but solely on development. When I brought producers on board to help with project management, new expectations for development emerged that delayed the process.
I have always been transparent with our community about this, through letters and letting them know that the game will be finished when it is finished. We keep you updated every month with our live streams. You get to see the progress.
Just trust that the game is in good hands, we are making progress, and we are working hard. I think this is the right way to approach it.
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from Spotify 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.
In the MeinMMO podcast, we talked extensively about the problems of crowdfunding MMOs
“I don’t believe we need to launch perfectly”
MeinMMO: The point about ensuring quality until release and that it’s practically beneficial not to have a publisher, I have heard several times now. However, this has led to games really never getting finished. Have you set a point for yourselves when Ashes of Creation is considered finished?
Steven Sharif: Sometimes as a developer, you have the problem that you think everything has to be perfect [at launch]. That is true.
As long as the core pillars of Ashes of Creation function as we envisioned, we can have a successful launch. After the release, we still have plenty of time to refine systems further and iterate on them. We can release these as updates.
I don’t believe we need to launch perfectly. Players will see that throughout our further development through the alphas and betas. They will get a good picture and feel secure that we are ready to bring a nearly perfect game to market instead of a perfect one.
MeinMMO: What do you mean by the core pillars? Do you have examples for that?
Steven Sharif: Meaningful engagement, PvP systems in communities that connect players, factions, our node system.
You know, these are things we need for a reactive world that responds to the actions of the community. These are the design elements that really drive the meta of what Ashes of Creation is supposed to be. That sets us apart from other games that have launched in the past.
But we also have traditional systems. Our class system is largely quite classic. There are skills that can be leveled with skill points, and level and player progression are quite traditional. There is crafting, there is housing. These are the things players expect in an MMORPG.
The node system is essentially the central hub that determines how the world develops and how players experience the content. This should interest players the most. The [node system] is what they really expect us to do well.
What is so special about the node system of Ashes of Creation? The nodes are the most innovative idea of the MMORPG. The entire open game world is divided into zones where there are nodes, points of particular interest.
The nodes have their own level and can be upgraded by players through their actions in the respective zone. By questing, farming, or killing monsters, in other words, by gaining experience points, players automatically contribute part of that to the respective node.
As a node levels up, a small NPC base emerges at that point, which can ultimately develop into a huge metropolis.
“Game development is a difficult thing”
MeinMMO: You mentioned earlier that you were a novice in the gaming industry. How was it for you to start as an outsider in the industry?
Steven Sharif: It was very difficult and it is still difficult. Game development is a difficult thing. Software development is a difficult thing.
We have been at it for almost six years now. The first years were just planning and paperwork and then we went to Kickstarter. After that, production really began. Sometimes I feel like I had an early onset of Alzheimer’s because I had to learn so much.
I am the creative director and I don’t know if that is a good or bad thing about me, but I always want to learn as much as possible about everything that happens. I want to be able to talk to my developers and understand what is happening [in their work].
I tried to learn everything about design, about technology, about community engagement, about concept, art, animations, environments. There are just so many moving parts.
It was very difficult for me at the beginning to kick back. Now I feel more in sync with what happens. I have a very clear understanding of how things are developed. I now know how to work with my developers to effect change and influence the development cycle. That makes me comfortable.
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.
You can watch fresh alpha gameplay of Ashes of Creation in 4K here
“At the beginning, there were many naysayers”
MeinMMO: When we report on a new game, everyone always wants to know what the developers worked on beforehand. Do you find that people don’t trust you because you lack experience?
Steven Sharif: Yes, absolutely. At the beginning of the project, there were many naysayers who said: “What does this guy know about developing a game?” I am also a player and that is a valid argument.
Would I hire someone who has no experience in game development? Probably not. There are, of course, entry-level positions. But with the people leading the development, you want to see experience.
So if someone has concerns, I tell them that they do not have to follow our game. They do not have to buy Ashes of Creation. There are no advantages at release if one hasn’t followed Ashes of Creation from the start. There are no benefits from pre-order packages.
Those who doubt can just sit back and wait.
You know, I think we, as the MMORPG community, tend to be jaded when a new game comes out. The reason for that is because we have been burned. I once told Asmongold in a stream that MMORPG players are like a beaten dog. We were [constantly] shown this shiny treat and we were excited about it. When we get close to the treat, we just get beaten up.
So I understand this skepticism. I understand if no one wants to believe the hype.
So relax and let us do our thing. We will either release a great game or not. The key point is that you will get the opportunity to experience it yourself. […]
If we want to have new, innovative MMORPGs in the future, if we want companies that are ready to risk their money to develop these large games, then we as a community need to be willing to take risks and support those people.
That is what will keep the genre healthy. We need to accept failures, but we must not allow those failures to influence our perception of other potential games.
More from the interview is coming soon: I was able to talk to Steven for over an hour, which made the interview quite extensive. We will publish more in the coming days and link to it here.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
If you are as powerful as an OP anime character in Destiny 2, you will probably be nerfed soon. Why is being too strong a problem in the action MMO?
This is what makes Guardians fun: When you feel really powerful as a player, soaring high through the air, dodging bullets and taking down half a dozen enemies with burning swords, you are having a blast in Destiny 2.
Bungie now explains why it’s “too anime” and why you will unfortunately need to be nerfed. We’ll take a look at how the Destiny developers design classes and why the balancing act between “Anime as Fuck” and balance is not always easy.
Where did Bungie philosophize about animes? Recently, the two leading Bungie developers Kevin Yanes and Chris Proctor were questioned by community experts for almost 3 hours. We have already dealt extensively with the important information from the conversation on MeinMMO here.
In the podcast, Chris Proctor dryly attests to anime enthusiasts: “People with anime characters as profile pictures are intelligent, rational, and I stop everything and listen to them immediately.” Quite funny, but the topic of anime is much more important when it comes to class balance and how powerful a Guardian can feel before it gets annoying for their teammates.
Movies and Series as Inspiration for Power Fantasy
It’s no secret that Bungie likes to cater to these “I feel like the greatest hero in the universe” fantasies. Many classes resemble iconic figures from cinema and comics: Captain America is the Void Titan, the Emperor is the Stormcaller, even Superman is represented, and for some time now, finally as strong as in the comic.
Especially with the Chaos Warlock, the “Dragon Ball” fanboy comes out in Yanes. The class is not overpowered, but it is at the top of the anime spectrum. The power fantasy here is Son Goku firing his iconic Kamehameha. There you have it, the community has been using this reference since the Super exists, and Bungie has now confirmed it.
Son Goku is a Warlock
Community experts then abruptly pull Yanes out of his daydream. They argue that, like in Dragon Ball, the power of the Chaos Warlock can’t be contained and just blasts through walls. Yanes admits, yes, that shouldn’t be the case; the team was always working on that.
However, as they will never completely separate the PvE and PvP sandbox in Destiny 2, such “Anime as Fuck” classes are unfortunately not sustainable in the long run.
This is how Bungie designed the OP Titan: Bungie also works with so-called power fantasies when designing classes. The overpowered Stasis Colossus was internally called the “Frost Hulk.”
According to Yanes, they had exactly the image of the Hulk in mind as he jumps between buildings and smashes aliens in the first “Avengers” film (2012). And this feeling was then implemented in the game – when the Titan entered the game far too strong.
You can check out what Yanes meant here:
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.
Especially Supers that last long after activation and can then score a ton of kills are at the top of the power fantasy scale. But players should not be as overpowered as a pumped-up Super Saiyan or anime villain.
It should be obvious that such an ice monster was too strong in the actual game, right? Yes, Bungie was aware of this and admitted that they brought the class live and assumed they would need to nerf it 3 or 4 more times:
Experts agree in the podcast that movement skills and Supers currently constitute a large part of a subclass’s power – especially in PvP.
This is the dilemma: Bungie looks at it from the victims’ perspective. Sure, it feels great. But it makes it no fun for others to not be able to hit a jumping, rolling, and sliding Hunter. When a Guardian flies around in full anime boss mode, everyone else doesn’t have such a pleasant experience.
In general, all abilities should have pros and cons.
When the Stasis Hunter combo terrorized the PvP, there was hardly a choice. Everyone played the combo or was at a disadvantage.
Movement skills like the “Icarus Grapple” or “Hunter Dodge” offer virtually no downsides and make classes with these abilities the top choice in PvP.
The Duskblade is “Anime as Fuck”
According to Bungie, continually ramping up the power of all other classes is not an option either. The rule remains, if you are too high up on the anime scale, a nerf is sure to come soon.
This is what the future should hold: Bungie wants to emphasize the “identities” of each subclass more strongly in the future. For example, the Nova Bomb should focus more on having the devastating, singular attack more often. Yanes describes it as, “Oh, I see red on the radar a room away, I have the solution for this problem [namely the Nova Bomb].”
Easy-to-land abilities should be weaker, but available more often. Heavy skill shots should pay off when they hit. Will that eventually apply to Jötunn too?
Bungie gives the all-clear: The game will never be as slow as in Destiny 2 Vanilla again. They just want to shift the focus more towards weapon play starting in Season 15 and rethink the role of abilities in duels.
What do you think of the anime scale that Bungie uses for the fun but also the power of a subclass? Would you like to be overpowered – because when everyone is OP, no one is OP – or is a balanced equilibrium important to you? Let us know in the comments.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In a survey, FIFA fans can vote on which leagues they wish to see in FIFA 22. MeinMMO shows you which football leagues are highly regarded by players.
This is about: The FIFA site fifplay (via fifplay.com) offers fans the opportunity to vote on which football leagues they want to see in FIFA 22. There are numerous leagues from around the world to choose from that are not yet available in FIFA. From German regional leagues to Jamaica’s top league, there is a lot on offer.
However, it is important to note that this voting is not an official survey by EA. But perhaps the developer will look at the results – after all, over half a million fans have voted.
Here is the wish ranking for new leagues in FIFA 22
These leagues are being requested by fans: The top 10 shows a clear favorite with the 1st Ukrainian League (10 % of all votes). In 2nd and 3rd places are the 1st Greek League (7 %) and the 1st League from Hungary (4 %). (As of 10.06.2021)
This is the current top 10 of the survey:
1st place – Ukrainian League – Premjer-Liha (10 %, 51,819 votes)
2nd place – Greek League – Superleague Ellada (7 %, 35,544 votes)
3rd place – Hungarian League – Nemzeti Bajnokság (4 %, 23,793 votes)
4th place – 2nd Turkish League – TFF 1. Lig (3 %, 17,962 votes)
5th place – Algerian League – Championnat National de Première Division (3 %, 16,224 votes)
6th place – United Arab Emirates – UAE Arabian Gulf League (3 %, 15,013 votes)
7th place – 2nd Portuguese League – Segunda Liga (3 %, 14,042 votes)
8th place – Indonesian League – Go-Jek Liga 1 (2 %, 13,074 votes)
9th place – 1st League Honduras – Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional de Honduras (2 %, 12,594 votes)
10th place – Bulgarian League – First Professional Football League (2 %, 12,357 votes)
How do such results come about? Due to the globally massive reach of FIFA games, many fans certainly want to see their local leagues in the football simulation and vote accordingly.
How realistic are these leagues for FIFA 22? New leagues regularly make it into FIFA titles. For example, in FIFA 20, the first Romanian League was added. This was indeed ranked high in the fan voting. So if there is enough interest in some leagues, it is quite possible that EA will license one or more of these leagues for FIFA 22.
Which leagues do you want to see in FIFA 22? Which cards in the next FIFA installment need significantly better ratings, we will reveal to you here:
Eurocom offers “fully upgradeable” gaming laptops, allowing you to change all components with relative ease. However, it is not quite that simple. MeinMMO explains what Eurocom offers and where issues may arise.
Here’s the deal: The manufacturer Eurocom has presented a new gaming laptop, the Sky Z7 R2. Eurocom’s promise is that you can swap every component of the laptop since it is built on a modular system. According to the manufacturer, you can replace almost everything in the device:
Memory (RAM) and hard drive
Processor (CPU)
Graphics card (GPU)
even the LCD panel should be relatively easy to replace.
Eurocom writes:
As new and improved technologies are introduced within the same chipset, the hardware components of the Eurocom Sky Z7 R2, such as CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, LCD, just to name a few, can all be relatively easily upgraded and exchanged to achieve more performance based on your preferences.
The problem with laptops: The poor ability to upgrade hardware in a laptop is one of the aspects you should consider when purchasing a gaming laptop. In some notebooks, you can replace RAM or hard drive, but a CPU or GPU upgrade is practically impossible for the user.
Eurocom aims to solve the biggest issue of gaming laptops with a modular design.
Theoretically, this means you buy a gaming laptop and can replace components over the years without needing to buy a new device every few years because the performance is no longer sufficient, thus even saving money.
However, it is not quite that simple, as there are some limitations that are more or less obvious.
Gaming laptops are expensive and there is a difficult upgrade situation
Basically, it sounds like a good idea at first, as theoretically you could buy a laptop and use it for many years without performance issues.
But there are also a few problems that hinder the upgrade:
On one hand, Eurocom’s devices are very expensive. You pay at least 2,000 US dollars for the cheaper models. For powerful gaming laptops with fast hardware, you will pay a similar amount, which pays off in the long run.
Eurocom uses MXM graphics cards in their laptops. These are special modules that can be relatively easily swapped. However, the modules are not available everywhere and are also quite expensive. A sample on eBay shows that you would have to pay 500 – 700 euros for a used RTX 2080 Mobile (via eBay.de)
The motherboard chipset also limits upgrades. Since the manufacturer only uses Intel processors, newer Intel processors are not compatible with an older chipset. Therefore, there are clear limits to possible upgrades.
Display connections and the higher power demand of newer hardware are likely to lead many users who want the latest processor and the fastest graphics card to prefer to buy an entirely new laptop.
The manufacturer may also refuse to allow you to upgrade, as the power consumption of a faster graphics card is higher than that of the currently installed graphics card.
That’s why a high-end laptop is the better option: Generally, it is often more cost-effective for many users in the long run to simply buy a high-end model directly rather than a weaker model with upgrade options. Such upgrade models only pay off to some extent in the long run. There are now quite powerful alternatives compared to a modular laptop. Many manufacturers presented gaming laptops with RTX 3000 at CES 2021.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
With Battlefield 2042, the popular shooter series seems to be taking a big, important step forward, according to first impressions. But if Battlefield wants to keep up with its biggest competitor Call of Duty in the long run, it still needs to improve significantly in a critical area, says MeinMMO shooter expert Sven Galitzki.
This is what many have been waiting for: The new Battlefield 2042 has now finally been officially introduced, and many details about the new shooter are now known:
The first-person shooter traditionally relies on large battles with huge maps and all sorts of military equipment, but now brings everything in a massive scale, even with up to 128 players in a match.
The setting is set nearly 20 years in the future and places players in a world shaped by the conflict between the superpowers USA and Russia.
The new Battlefield is also now a pure multiplayer title; there is no single-player campaign.
So far, the new Battlefield is being received: Based on the first impressions and information, it seems that the series is taking a strong (and necessary) step forward with the latest installment and focusing on its strengths – just like Call of Duty once did with Modern Warfare and Warzone. And exactly that, paired with a spectacular, action-packed trailer, is received extremely well by fans and players.
About the Author: Sven has been working at MeinMMO since 2018 and has been intensively overseeing the shooter area as an author and responsible expert.
He is a big Battlefield fan and has spent countless hours in the series – especially in the modern installments. But also thousands of hours in the Destiny and Division series are part of his portfolio. He is also regularly active in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Warzone.
Battlefield 2042 takes a big step towards Call of Duty
Looking at what Battlefield offers in detail with its latest installment, the parallel to Call of Duty is hard to miss. Battlefield has taken a lot from its perhaps biggest competitor. But why actually?
This is what makes Call of Duty so strong: With Modern Warfare from 2019 and especially with the in-house battle royale Warzone, a new era for Call of Duty began. There were among other things:
numerous meaningful changes
learning from the biggest mistakes (paid DLCs, community division)
shaking off old, unloved ballast (such as the controversial loot boxes, which were replaced by visible direct purchases in the shop)
reaching a much broader audience with a new business model (free-to-play, fair battle pass, all relevant new content like weapons and maps for free) and thereby achieving great success
establishing Call of Duty as a live-service game (constant updates, new content through seasons, events, fresh playlists, new weapons and modes, always something new to do, keeping in the conversation)
the battle royale Warzone became the link between the annual major releases and offered an excellent opportunity to dip into Call of Duty for free, testing weapons and gameplay
Since then, Call of Duty has been extremely successful – or even more successful than it was already. Financially, the numbers only know one direction – upwards. Just like the number of players who have fun in Call of Duty.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Battlefield lags behind Call of Duty in the development of “service games”
What about Battlefield? All of this did not really succeed for Battlefield with part 5. Although DICE already tried to respond to this “games-as-a-service” development at Call of Duty, it never really succeeded. They were still somehow stuck in a time when they released a few bigger content updates per year and stayed there. And eventually, after the summer update last year, they gave up. Since then, there has been practically nothing new around Battlefield 5.
The biggest problems in direct comparison to CoD were primarily:
Although they had introduced a battle royale with Firestorm, it was tied to the paid main game and thus only available to a limited audience. And buying a full-price title that doesn’t come out particularly well just to try out a battle royale is something not many people do.
Especially the live service in Battlefield 5 was a weakness: updates took too long, new content came too slowly, there was no successful battle pass like in many games, nor seasons that brought fresh air into the game.
This is how Battlefield is catching up now: However, it seems that DICE and EA have learned from this. With Battlefield 2042, the Battlefield series is significantly catching up in the important live-service area that is crucial for success. They apparently want to eradicate the most critical problem zone from the predecessor with all their might.
Everywhere it is loudly emphasized that the new Battlefield is clearly oriented towards live service and is to be maintained and supported in the long run. It is now clearly recognizable from the beginning that they want to remain relevant continuously after release.
Part of the live service support will be the new season pass. This pass offers a paid premium path and a free path that you can level up in exchange for playtime.
The season pass will not only bring cosmetic items but also gameplay-relevant content like weapons, equipment, and new specialists.
However, all important contents should be earnable through the free path – the premium variant only delivers additional cosmetics.
There will be a seasonal system, which will include the season pass. In the first year, there will be a total of 4 seasons waiting for players – each with its own pass and new content.
Battlefield 2042 offers massive maps
Moreover, just as once with CoD, there are numerous, in my opinion, meaningful changes and improvements:
Battlefield focuses 100% on what makes the series appealing to most – the multiplayer. There is no banal single-player or forced co-op attachment. Finally, no more unnecessary and resource-consuming modes that, in the end, no one plays.
The characteristic large-scale battles will be even bigger with up to 128 players.
The maps are also expected to be far beyond what has been considered large in Battlefield so far.
With further developed “Levolution,” additional dynamics come into the battles. The maps will change through external events like tornadoes, thunderstorms, or sandstorms during the match – with sometimes drastic effects on gameplay.
Players can now customize their weapons directly and in real-time during the match.
You can have vehicles dropped from parachutes anywhere on the map and no longer have to fight over specific spawn points.
In short: Battlefield has noticeably learned from past mistakes and criticisms. But it has also failed to address one very important point. Probably not yet.
What does “Levolution” mean? This refers to a Battlefield feature that veterans may already know from part 4. The maps will change due to external events such as thunderstorms or sandstorms during a match. However, in Battlefield 2042, this is supposed to happen in a more organic manner and feel less scripted. The influence on gameplay could be drastic. In the reveal trailer, for example, you can see a tornado that flings players and vehicles like toys and can change the course of a match.
Here Battlefield still needs to improve: A key component that is largely responsible for the success of Call of Duty is the free-to-play battle royale Warzone. This is exactly how Call of Duty attracts masses of players; month after month, the numbers are consistently increasing.
As a result, the franchise itself has become much more accessible and regularly attracts new players who otherwise mainly play other games like Fortnite or Apex Legends, and it also serves as a gateway into the main releases of the CoD franchise.
The seasonal system in Call of Duty, along with the battle pass, is completely free if desired and cross-game, just like the progress. You can level the battle pass in Warzone, but also in Modern Warfare and Black Ops Cold War. The contents from the battle pass can be used either in the respective main title or in Warzone.
And whether one likes it or not – this very business model is crucial for success. And success justifies this system. So if Battlefield wants to compete seriously with Call of Duty as a franchise in the long run, especially as a full-price game, DICE and EA will have to replicate this model as well.
Because Battlefield 2042 will launch without a battle royale or any other free-to-play content in the style of Warzone. And if DICE misses the boat again, I believe it could cost the latest Battlefield installment its connection to Call of Duty in the long run. What happened in Battlefield 5 has been seen.
EA hints at a free-to-play spin-off of Battlefield 2042
How realistic is that? Battlefield 2042 comes without a battle royale, and currently, there is no official talk about it, but it has never been denied either. And looking at the statements from the last EA earnings call, it can certainly be seen: Something in that vein is likely to come.
Because at this investor event, the value and importance of the Battlefield franchise for future plans were emphatically highlighted. However, it was also stated that the previous business model for Battlefield is considered conservative, and that they want to use new business models to reach a new audience. That strongly suggests that they will also follow the path of Call of Duty with the Warzone model.
A further step in the same direction has already been taken. For example, a Battlefield spin-off for mobile platforms is already in the works – as competition for Call of Duty: Mobile. Therefore, something in the free-to-play realm on the level of Warzone is likely to come soon.
Conclusion: With Battlefield 2042, Battlefield has already taken an important step in the development of the franchise, which was urgently needed after part 5: A clear step in the right direction, even if it is simultaneously a step towards Call of Duty.
But if you want to compete in the new landscape of shooters with CoD in the long run, you will need to consistently continue on this path and also need to catch up to the free-to-play aspect of Call of Duty. If you don’t, I am quite certain that Battlefield 2042, despite all its other advancements, improvements, and strengths, could end up lagging behind its biggest competitor in direct comparison.
A loyal fan base alone may simply not be enough anymore as it was in the past. A pure full-price title against a large, overarching model with additional free-to-play will likely have a hard time.
What do you think of the latest installment of the Battlefield series so far? Do you believe that a free-to-play battle royale in the style of Warzone will be released for Battlefield 2042? How would you view such a development for Battlefield? Do you think this is the right path for a shooter to remain competitive in the long term? Let us know and other readers at MeinMMO in the comments.
Twitch, Amazon, Twitter and many online services suddenly stopped working. The problem was unknowingly triggered by a single user. The provider Fastly explained how the major internet outage occurred on Tuesday, June 8.
On June 8, millions of users had problems accessing Twitch, reddit, Twitter, and numerous other websites. Instead of watching sea otters in hot tubs, visitors to Twitch and other sites received an error message.
Now the service provider “Fastly” has responded. Fastly explains that the issues were triggered by a single user who did not even realize what they were doing.
Among the affected sites were:
Twitch
reddit
Amazon
Paypal
various large online magazines
Tom Warren from TheVerge pointed out the issue on Twitter. Although not all sites were completely affected, it proved to be a persistent disruption: Embedded media like images and videos did not work on TheVerge, and some services did not function on Amazon.
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.
This is how it ended: The provider Fastly was able to quickly identify and resolve the issue. Nevertheless, millions of users were unable to use various systems.
A single user triggers a bug, millions cannot view Twitch and use Twitter
A single user, according to Fastly, had altered a setting and triggered an unknown software bug.
What exactly happened? The technical director of Fastly, Nick Rockwell, explained in a statement how it occurred (via Fastly.com):
On May 12, new software was installed on the servers. This contained the unknown bug.
On June 8, a user changed their configuration, “which caused 85% of our network to return errors”.
Fastly stated that they found the error within a minute. And “within 49 minutes, 95% of our network was functioning normally again.”
What exactly was the problem? Fastly did not specify in its official statement what exactly the problem was or which setting caused the error. They only mentioned that there were issues with a “specific customer configuration under specific circumstances.” What exactly happened was not explained by Fastly, and we cannot tell you either.
Why did the problem have such a large impact? Fastly serves major customers like Amazon, Twitter, Twitch, and reddit, which are supported by Fastly. Therefore, many services suddenly became unavailable or only partially usable.
If you are interested in more about hardware on MeinMMO, you might also find this interesting:
Providers like Fastly have a significant impact on “the” internet
What is Fastly, anyway? Providers like Fastly offer what are called “Content Delivery Networks” (CDN). Simply put, these providers deliver cached internet content from a network location closest to the user.
This reduces latency, as otherwise, for example, German users would always have to communicate with a server in the USA when they want to shop on Amazon. Instead, we see cached content from a server in Germany. We don’t notice a difference since to us, all the pages look the same. Everything just happens a bit faster.
Content Delivery Networks also relieve the original server since we only see a snapshot of the server. This way, content remains available even during high network load, short-term visitor peaks, or potential server outages.
However, one disadvantage of this system has now been observed: If an important CDN fails, it leads to problems and errors with numerous websites.
That’s why Twitch is so important: Twitch now plays a significant role in the gaming sector. How important Twitch is for the gaming industry can be heard in our MeinMMO podcast, where we explain important background information about the major online service.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In June 2021, the first expansion of World of Warcraft went live for the second time with WoW BC Classic and attracted thousands of players – both old and new. But how good is The Burning Crusade actually if you’re starting completely new?
The Burning Crusade shares the throne in terms of popularity with Wrath of the Lich King among WoW players. Both expansions are considered the best times WoW ever had, with differing opinions on which one truly deserves the top rank – even if Cortyn has a different opinion again.
TBC was 14 years ago; the add-on was released in January 2007 and ended with the release of WotLK in November 2008. Since then, WoW has lost many players and gained new ones.
A large part of the new players might not even be familiar with Burning Crusade. However, fans of WoW should definitely catch up on this experience, and since June 2, it has been possible with WoW BC Classic. We’ll tell you why starting now, even after 14 years, is still worth it.
The best raid of the game and 16 dungeons
What does Burning Crusade even offer? With Burning Crusade, the level cap rises to 70, which is even higher than in current Retail WoW (Shadowlands). The most important content consists of the PvE aspects of the game. These include:
nine zones with quests and their own factions
16 dungeons
heroic difficulty for all dungeons (for level 70 players)
nine raids, three of which are open at release
two world bosses
Three of the raids are particularly notable: in the Fortress of the Storms, Prince Kael’thas Sunstrider awaits, who is still considered one of the hardest bosses in WoW. The Black Temple is the iconic raid where we first encounter Illidan Stormrage in the game, the charismatic “traitor” of the Night Elves.
Additionally, with Karazhan, the best raid of WoW overall is located in Burning Crusade: The Karazhan raid is the massive tower of the powerful mage Medivh, who was possessed by a demon. Here, unique fights and events await in a Victorian setting, accompanied by delightful harpsichord melodies.
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.
Soundtrack and atmosphere of Karazhan. Tip: Jump to 30:57 for the best music in the game.
What are the core features? In Burning Crusade, the Blood Elves for the Horde and Draenei for the Alliance are one of the most important features. With the two new races, the factions can each play the classes that were previously only available to their opponents: Paladins (Blood Elves) and Shamans (Draenei).
Additionally, a new profession is introduced with Jewelcrafting, allowing players to create socket items for themselves and others. Such gems can further enhance already powerful gear.
One of the biggest changes is flying, which only became possible in WoW with TBC. Previously, players were bound to the ground, and now they can fly independently in the new areas.
3 reasons to check out BC Classic in 2021
If you play Retail or are generally interested in WoW, don’t shy away from BC Classic. Especially if you already have a subscription, Classic is included, and you can take a look without any additional cost.
If you’re considering checking out WoW BC Classic but can’t decide, here are some reasons that might convince you.
1. Experience the game that millions have fallen in love with
Burning Crusade is already the first expansion, but it is still something like the “pure form” of WoW. Over the years, many new features were added to WoW, and old features disappeared. When asking veteran players, some will say that WoW today has little in common with what it was back then.
Anyone who started with WoW back then experienced a very different game than what new players see today. But every person who has been playing since then will tell you that they fell in love with the game at their time.
As a new player, you have the opportunity to relive that first experience with WoW. Many veterans will envy you for the feeling of going (once again) through the Dark Portal or entering the city of Shattrath for the first time.
The fact that WoW was able to grow at all is due to the fact that it was already good for its time and has managed to remain one of the biggest MMORPGs in the world for a good 17 years.
Illidan and Kael’thas – Two iconic characters from WoW appear in Burning Crusade.
2. Discover how WoW became what it is today
In The Burning Crusade, several features were introduced that are now standard in the game. These include:
shared capitals for Horde and Alliance, a so-called “sanctuary”
various difficulty levels for dungeons
raids with fewer than 40 players
Additionally, TBC later introduced a dungeon browser that over the years evolved into the LFG tool you know today. However, this is (still) not available in BC Classic.
If you’re interested in why you farm mythic dungeons instead of “normal,” why you can’t kill players of the other faction in Oribos, or how hard it was back then to be able to fly, you should definitely check out BC Classic.
Many features that are taken for granted today are still real achievements there, and maybe you’ll see the current World of Warcraft from a different perspective.
In Classic as well as in Burning Crusade, everything takes longer – from leveling to traveling to visiting dungeons. There are no one-click invitations, riding training is expensive, and it takes several hours to level up.
So when you play WoW Classic, you need to take your time and also want to take time. However, this gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the whole game feeling.
In Classic, you escape the rush and stress of quickly reaching the max level to grind everything. Since the content isn’t per se “new,” it’s not worth it – you can take your time better and check out everything you want to see.
This makes Classic feel slow and sometimes even relaxing, something many players no longer experience in the current WoW. There, constant performance is often required, and there is always something to do, with little time for it:
However, not everything in WoW BC Classic is good. If you want to start, keep in mind that the game is demanding. Much of the difficulty does not come from complex classes but from cumbersome systems.
Classes are confusing with many abilities and talents but still less complex. You have many skills to choose from, but in most cases, you will end up using only a few. Learning this takes time.
Items are not available “at every corner.” For many strong items, you need to farm reputation for hours, collect materials, or visit instances multiple times. You won’t find groups for this via a tool but have to assemble them yourself and travel to the dungeon.
There is a level boost for level 58, but there are several reasons against using the boost. If you are satisfied with the current pace of WoW, you will likely be annoyed by the effort you have to put in Classic.
You can buy a one-time level boost in BC Classic – but you shouldn’t.
Raids are not (or no longer) demanding
Additionally, most content is not really difficult. Even if you don’t know the mechanics, there are guides available online for everything since over 14 years, and players have optimized everything that can be optimized.
That Classic was “harder” back then is mainly because no one knew what to do. With a quick look on the internet, you can easily become a master of the content. Experienced players have gone so far that they completed all raids within 24 hours of release, essentially finishing BC Classic for now.
Nevertheless, a visit to the old world is worthwhile not only because of nostalgia but also to gain new experiences. This applies to both new players and veterans who think they know everything.
MeinMMO author Benedict Grothaus invested countless hours in The Burning Crusade back then and still fell in love with the game all over again:
Dead by Daylight has once again declared the “Chaos Days”. A new matchmaking is being tested – and it’s causing quite unfair matches.
Currently, there are extremely chaotic conditions in Dead by Daylight. The new matchmaking is being tested and – as you would expect from Dead by Daylight – it’s going “only so-so”. Frustration and despair make the game suitable only for those who really enjoy suffering.
What’s happening? Dead by Daylight has turned off the regular matchmaking, which is based on player ranks, for 48 hours. Instead, the developers are testing a “Skill-Based Matchmaking” – that is, an MMR system like many other PvP games already use.
Therefore, it is currently common to see players of different ranks ending up in the same lobby.
What is the purpose? The developers of Dead by Daylight have been trying for years to overhaul the matchmaking in the game. The goal is for each player to receive their own rating for each killer, and then the opponents will be chosen accordingly:
For example, a player who can handle the Nurse very well will face stronger survivors than if they play as the Trapper, with whom they have little experience or rarely hit anyone.
In the long term, the developers hope for a fair matchmaking, as the existing ranks are primarily an indicator of invested time, not of the actual skill of the players.
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.
Is the matchmaking working well? No, so far it doesn’t seem to be. In the first hours since the start of the test, reports have accumulated in the subreddit and the official forum that the quality of players has massively declined. Rank-1 killers with years of experience suddenly face survivors who are spending their first hours in the game.
On the other hand, fresh killer players are also reporting that they are overwhelmed by survivors with the best perks and years of experience without even hitting any of them.
In Dead by Daylight, the “Chaos Days” will last until June 11, 2021. Those who play now should prepare for matches that are quite chaotic. But some DbD players have a masochistic streak anyway…
More about Dead by Daylight on MeinMMO can be found here:
Cortyn says: I played Dead by Daylight for about 4 hours last night and had to hit my head at every match. As a killer, it seemed completely random which opponents I was matched against. Often I had survivors as opponents who – at least they played that way – were starting Dead by Daylight for the first time. When no generators have been completed after several minutes, it usually indicates that you are playing against newcomers.
But also the rounds as a survivor were pure chaos. Facing a completely new killer player as someone with several hundred hours of playtime feels like becoming a nasty bully – without intending to. Yesterday, we pushed more than one killer into a disconnect without really meaning to.
I can only hope that Behaviour learns something from these tests that will help Dead by Daylight in the long run. Because the rounds during these “Chaos Days” are not particularly fun for either side.
What have your experiences been with matchmaking?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The new shooter Battlefield 2042 takes place in a future where the world is in a dire state. The climate catastrophe is in full swing, millions of refugees are roaming the world, Germany is bankrupt, and the European Union has dissolved. According to developer DICE, this is not meant as a political statement. It is all about gameplay.
The world is marked by the “greatest crisis in human history,” climate change. The state of the world is characterized by rising sea levels and hurricanes that are stronger than ever before.
In January 2034, a “global food and fuel shortage” erupts. The resource shortage triggers the “second great depression,” a massive global economic crisis.
By August 2035, it is said: “European Union officially dissolves after the bankruptcy of Germany. “
Ultimately, the catastrophic developments of the 2030s lead to 1.2 billion people becoming stateless (No-Pats). The USA and Russia, as the remaining superpowers, then recruit from the No-Pats to form “elite task forces” and send them into battles for the last resources.
No “social commentary,” just a great setting
This is what EA says about it: In an interview with IGN, Design Director Daniel Berlin is confronted with the fact that Battlefield 2042 already offers a lot of political fodder: Stateless citizens, climate change. He is asked if that is a “socio-political commentary.”
Berlin replies:
“For us, it’s purely a multiplayer game. We have gone down this path to find a narrative where we can show the world through the eyes of a No-Pat. We want to bring more spectacle and let bigger events happen.
The setting fits perfectly. It fits the scale and gives us reasons to travel across the whole world. It serves gameplay purposes only.”
Here are the reactions: The interviewer doubts in the article that Berlin himself believes his answer. It was also felt in Far Cry 6 that games address political themes but then deny it. It is said: “Publishers want players to not trust their own eyes.”
Also on reddit, some users are surprised: One user says it is like in The Division 2. Ubisoft makes a game with a pandemic, filled with weapons, and then says they didn’t make a political statement. The “spineless game companies” apparently fear that Trump supporters won’t buy their games.
Another says: He can understand DICE well in that they distance themselves from anything that could be seen as “political” or “divisive,” after the drama about fighting women in Battlefield 5.
Political stance seems to be considered “toxic” in video games
Now they have a pragmatic attitude towards the climate catastrophe: It just makes a nice backdrop for our shooter. However, they do not want it to be understood as a political statement: “Watch out for the environment.”
There is a legendary quote from basketball player Michael Jordan about why he rarely speaks on politics: “Republicans buy sneakers, too” – Jordan wanted to keep his business with sports shoes intact by not making statements about his political beliefs. Because even supporters of “the other party” should remain his customers.
This slogan apparently still applies to the gaming industry today.
Albion Online is a free-to-play MMORPG from the German developer Sandbox Interactive, which has been gaining popularity in recent years. For some time, it was already playable on mobile devices in Germany, and now the official release for Android and iOS has taken place.
What kind of MMORPG is this? In Albion Online, PvP and the sandbox concept play an important role. You create a character that is not tied to a fixed class or playstyle and explore the game world from an isometric perspective. This world is divided into various instanced areas and cities.
While in the early levels the focus is on getting used to the combat system and crafting, the endgame introduces the PvP aspect. In the highest areas, there is open PvP and even the possibility of losing your equipment in case of death.
Despite the PvP, Albion Online enjoys great popularity:
On Steam, it received 1,534 reviews in the last 30 days, 81% of which were positive
In the last 30 days, there were an average of 8,119 players online on Steam, peaking at 11,790 simultaneously (via Steamcharts)
What’s new? Since the release of Albion Online, the developers have been working on a mobile version of the MMORPG. This officially went online on June 9 for Android and iOS.
How do the PC and mobile versions differ? Basically, the two versions are identical. There is also crossplay and cross-progression, allowing you to easily play with your PC account and utilize all content on mobile as well.
However, there are some minor adjustments in the version for Android and iOS:
There is mobile-specific control with an adapted HUD
You can choose between two control options
The UI has been optimized and offers customizable settings
Additionally, items in the shop cost a bit more due to platform fees
However, you can still shop in the PC store and use the item on mobile nonetheless.
Currently, Albion Online has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in the Google Play Store
In the App Store, the MMORPG even scores 4.4 out of 5 stars
Thus, Albion Online has one of the highest star ratings for mobile MMORPGs. Only Oldschool RuneScape is rated slightly better with 4.5 and 4.6 (among games with at least 1,000 reviews).
In both stores, the game is praised for its good mobile implementation, graphics, and overall gameplay. Some reviews describe Albion Online as the best PvP MMORPG on the market.
However, criticism exists regarding the small buttons on smaller displays and the general visibility of the game. Technical issues such as overheating or crashes are also mentioned as points of criticism.
What do you think about Albion Online? Will you play the MMORPG on your smartphone or remain loyal to the PC version? Feel free to write it in the comments.
Recently, trainers showed developers of Pokémon GO that two Pokémon are missing. Apparently, this is the case again, as at least one more Pokémon is still missing. It had briefly appeared in Pokémon GO before.
Which Pokémon is missing in Pokémon GO? The community on reddit is currently hotly debating what is going on with Galarian Mr. Mime and whether anyone has seen it. It seems to be lost. It was briefly in the game for a paid event in December and was supposed to be made available to everyone afterward.
When did it come to the game? With a special research task in December 2020, Niantic brought Galarian Mr. Mime to the game for the first time. However, the research was only available for a paid ticket. Trainers who did not purchase it could not encounter Galarian Mr. Mime.
What was supposed to happen next? Niantic did not state this clearly. Players assumed it would follow the pattern of other paid tickets: Usually, ticket-exclusive Pokémon become catchable by all trainers after a delay of weeks or months.
This is what trainers are saying: On reddit, trainer Luke9251 asks if Niantic has forgotten Galarian Mr. Mime (via reddit.com). He writes that he hopes to catch the developers’ attention with the post. “To summarize, we have had several paid events with purchasable tickets. And all these Pokémon were made available for free later:
Regigigas only came to EX Raids two weeks after its paid event
Next, we had Genesect, which came to raids in just under 5 months after its paid event. Even with its shiny form
Then there was Victini, which was released for everyone about 2 months after the GO Fest
And then we have Galarian Mr. Mime, almost 6 months after its paid event. There is no sign yet that it will be available soon.”
Galarian Mr. Mime and Pantofrost in Pokémon GO
In the comments on reddit, trainer Amafule mentions another Pokémon. “Also Rotom. It was only available during the GO Fest last summer. But it will likely be treated like Unown” (via reddit.com). There is still no further information from Niantic regarding a release for Rotom .
It is quite possible that Niantic actually forgot about Galarian Mr. Mime and is now acting similarly to what they did with Summer Sawsbuck and Mr. Mime. Sawsbuck received more spawns in the wild and Mr. Mime can be found in Europe in 5km eggs.
Perhaps Niantic has something entirely different planned for the Galarian form of Mr. Mime and is planning a special release.
How would you like the release of Galarian Mr. Mime in Pokémon GO? Would you prefer it to spawn in the wild at an egg event, or would you like raids featuring Galarian Mr. Mime? Let us know your opinion here on MeinMMO in the comments and discuss it with other trainers.
