ChatGPT has been playing Pokémon on the GameBoy for a week, and it could soon make history

OpenAI has recently introduced the new version of its AI, ChatGPT-5. Currently, it is trying to complete the first game of the Pokémon series faster than its competitors.

What is the challenge? Shortly after OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT-5, the AI was tasked with a challenge. It aims to complete Pokémon Red faster than previous versions or other AIs have managed to do so. A past version failed miserably.

So that every interested fan can follow the endeavor, a livestream has been set up on Twitch. There, it can be observed how the AI plays the game at a leisurely pace.

The goal is to complete the Pokémon edition and finish the league. Currently, ChatGPT-5 is on a good path. The AI has already collected all eight gym badges and is close to completing the project.

Next, the next title in the Pokémon series is coming – MeinMMO editor Jasmin Beverungen is especially looking forward to it because of a feature. Here you can see the trailer:

Start video
Pokémon Legends: Z-A presents a new story trailer for Switch

The AI is transparent and self-critical

What does the stream look like? On Twitch, you can closely follow how the AI approaches the game. ChatGPT-5 uses screenshots to analyze the current situation and make the appropriate decision.

All considerations the AI makes during the playthrough can be read in a separate window in the stream. This way, it is always clear what the gameplay decisions are based on. What’s particularly exciting is that ChatGPT-5 doesn’t hold back on self-criticism. If the AI makes a mistake, that too is analyzed and addressed. This allows it to adjust its strategy in the short term.

A separate window in the stream also shows which goals are next, which items, and which Pokémon are in the inventory. A dedicated minimap allows the AI to know where it is located in a simplified view, helping it remember certain locations.

Since the AI thinks through every decision carefully, completing Pokémon Red takes time. There is no quick, frantic button-mashing here. Naming a Pokémon can easily take several minutes. Accordingly, the stream has already lasted over 7 days.

In contrast to a past attempt of version ChatGPT-o3, the current AI is significantly more efficient. It only needed 3,985 interactions to obtain the first four badges in the game, while o3 needed over 10,000 actions to do so.

It will be exciting to see how long the AI still takes to reach the end. And whether future versions from OpenAI or competitors will learn to play even more efficiently. Do you follow projects like this? Feel free to write it in the comments. While playing itself, Artificial Intelligence could also play a role in the future: An AI is supposed to help you get better at your games – gives you tips while you play

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

CoD: Black Ops 7 is supposed to have a mode that has never existed in the campaign – and it will really make some of you angry

The campaigns in Call of Duty have always been reserved for those who want to experience a relaxed, yet dramatic war story. According to leaks, this is set to change in Black Ops 7.

What has become known? A leaker, who wishes to remain anonymous, is said to have information regarding the campaign of Black Ops 7, primarily the final mission. He shared his information with the famous industry insider Tom Henderson via Insider-Gaming.com.

The final mission is rumored to be a massive coop experience, unlike the usual single-player missions. Up to 32 players will meet on the map of “Avalon.” Whether they will fight against each other or together is still unclear, but everything sounds like an extraction mission. The mission is also supposed to be “hardcore,” meaning very difficult.

Extraction content, in which fans must loot items to safely escape from the map, is considered hardcore, as dying in such games means losing all your carried equipment – this could also be conceivable in Black Ops 7.

Anyone who has been in the Call of Duty community for a long time may already see a problem, as not everyone will enjoy the final mission.

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Activision shows the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in the trailer for the Xbox Showcase 2025

Campaign has always been reserved for solo players

What could be a problem? Call of Duty has always offered a wide range of activities for all types of players. The campaign has primarily been reserved for solo players – or for fans who want a dramatic story. The multiplayer mode is intended for PvP players, and the zombie and spec-ops modes are for coop players.

If the leak is true, primarily solo players may take to the barricades. This type of player only wants to play missions and enjoy an engaging story, not be forced to fight for survival against other players – especially in a mode that is generally considered frustrating.

The fact that this is even the last mission of the campaign could also be a reason for escalation. This mission is supposed to round off the story, but if players cannot complete it because they are not good enough in PvP, many fans might feel betrayed.

It remains to be seen whether the leaks will prove true, but so far this is still information that has not been confirmed by Activision.

Much is still not known about Black Ops 7, but as is typical for Activision, there will be a new CoD by the end of 2025. However, the shooter did not impress at the Xbox Showcase; many gamers expected something different at the reveal, but instead it was Black Ops 7: “The most disappointing One More Thing of all time” – The reveal of CoD: Black Ops 7 causes frustration in the community

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

Battlefield 6 has a new map, but it is so small that fans complain: Could also be from CoD

The beta of Battlefield 6 has received a new map, but it is not well received by a part of the community.

What is this new map? With the launch of the second beta of Battlefield 6 on August 14, the shooter was presented with a new map that players can now test: Empire State. It is a purely infantry map, with no vehicles.

The map takes place in the streets and buildings of Brooklyn, a borough of New York City. The battles thus occur in relatively tight spaces. Empire State is the fourth of a total of 9 release maps.

Start video
Die große Stärke von Battlefield 6 sind die Maps!

“The old-school Battlefield feel is now gone”

What is the criticism about the map? On Reddit, some players write that Empire State does not feel like a Battlefield map. Some think the map resembles Call of Duty, especially because of its size and gameplay speed.

One user writes: “Honestly feels like a CoD map, fits perfectly with the open gun classes lol. The old-school Battlefield feel is now gone.” Another responds: “All beta maps feel like CoD maps, but some people still claim that has nothing to do with CoD and is the true Battlefield DNA.”

Other players are overall surprised that there is now another, rather small map in the beta, instead of presenting a new large and expansive map. In another Reddit post, it is even stated that Empire State is now the worst map in Battlefield 6.

Are there also counterarguments? Yes, some players emphasize that there are clear differences from CoD maps. One user, who plays the latest Call of Duty for a few weeks every year, says that although the maps are small for Battlefield, they are huge compared to CoD maps. Critics use the CoD comparison merely as a synonym for “I don’t like this.”

Other users explain that maps in Call of Duty usually consist of 3 lanes and are relatively tight. You can run from one spawn to another in under 15 seconds there. That’s not the case in Battlefield 6. So, the comparison is inappropriate.

The largest map of Battlefield 6, Mirak Valley, is not playable in the beta yet. According to current information, you will have to wait until the release in October to test the map. We have introduced you to all 9 maps of Battlefield 6 on MeinMMO: Battlefield 6 offers 9 maps, takes you to 5 locations around the world – Everything about the shooter’s maps

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

Player finds dark scene with Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3: “Something new after 1,000 hours”

After countless hours, you can still find new details about the popular characters in Baldur’s Gate 3. A dark detail about Shadowheart is also included …

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most played and thoroughly explored games ever. Yet, time and again, some people discover new details and connections that have long gone unnoticed. Especially every small story detail surrounding the main characters in the group is eagerly absorbed. Now, a small, slightly cruel detail about Shadowheart has come to light. She has quite a torture past that she can remember.

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Eine halbe Million Leute meisterten die schwierigste Herausforderung in Baldur’s Gate 3, doch 4.600 Spieler gingen noch einen Schritt weiter

What was found? The player Hyperspace_Towel reports his discovery. In the goblin camp in Act 1, you have the opportunity to free the character Liam from his captivity. There are many different methods to do so, but only Shadowheart has her own unique variant. If you control her (whether as Avatar or Companion), you can choose the option for Liam to “Prepare for Pain” – and then you break his fingers to then set him free.

If you let Shadowheart make this decision, it has a unique impact on Act 3. There, you reach the monastery of the Shar followers, and depending on the path Shadowheart has taken, there are different voice lines from her.

  • As a follower of Selune: “I… I think I was taught here how to break people’s thumbs. I swear, I can remember the cracking of bones, the screams… But it helped me save Liam back in the goblin camp. A silver lining, I suppose…”
  • As a follower of Shar: “I think I remember… breaking thumbs? Yes, Mother Superior showed me how. I guess that’s why I knew how to free Liam back in the goblin camp. He was lucky then.”

Shadowheart as a Master of Torture from the Past

If you play Shadowheart as an Avatar, it even triggers a small flashback scene, as is often the case when her wound flares up.

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That followers of Shar are not exactly gentle is evident in several instances in the game. Shadowheart also reflects – depending on the decisions – often on the old times and the atrocities she committed in the name of the goddess and the “Mother Superior”.

Community is excited about the new discovery: In the community of Baldur’s Gate 3, such discoveries are always well-received. Every new detail about the beloved characters is eagerly absorbed and praised for the love that is evident in all the details of the game world. In the BG3 subreddit, some write:

  • “More than 1000 hours and I’m still learning new things.” – Vana92
  • “This abuse that [Shadowheart] had to endure. I swear, after I kill Viconia, I’ll resurrect her as a zombie just to kill her again.” – Paladin-Rooker

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of those games in which even in 10 years, you will still find small details that only appear when specific characters trigger certain events. But that also helps keep such a good game in the conversation for a long time.
Evil decisions can also have interesting consequences for other characters, such as Astarion …

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

The greatest sacrifice in Star Wars

In a new video, Marco Risch from Nerdkultur talks about three of the most interesting episodes of Star Wars: Andor, Season 1.

Who is Marco Risch? Since 2015, Marco Risch has been focusing on his YouTube channel Nerdkultur with news, analyses, reviews, and interviews about current movies and series.

Additionally, he meets weekly with his colleague Yves Arievich to chat in the Nerd & Culture Podcast about pop culture film topics like Star Wars, Marvel, and DC. 

Both the YouTube channel and the podcast are part of the Webedia network, which also includes MeinMMO.

In a new video on YouTube, Marco talks about episodes 8-10 of season 1 of Andor.

Start video
In a new video, Marco from Nerdkultur analyzes episodes 8–10 of Star Wars: Andor

Sacrifices made and to be made

What is the video about? Marco focuses in his video on episodes 8, 9, and 10 of the first season of Andor. In his analysis, he focuses on sacrifices. This primarily concerns Narkina 5. On this planet, there are rules that prisoners, including Cassian, must adhere to.

People are more relatable. However, they are also humiliated and dehumanized more strongly. In the game of the planet, they compete against other inmates. The group that is slower is punished. Marco says in the video: The absolute peak of their dehumanization is then the mutual. Marco compares the circumstances with Squid Game, particularly the voice that comments on the game.

In the series, the situation on Narkina 5 is further clarified through parallel montages, as Marco explains. Scenes from the high society of the senators are shown in comparison. This also represents the class struggle.

The dictatorship is tolerated as long as one has a little more power over those beneath them. Even the sacrifices accept the injustice when one has privileges. This is an inner conflict that is illustrated by the character Kino Loy.

In contrast to the dehumanization of the prisoners stands Syril Karn. Through a match cut, in which shoes are taken off, a new chapter of life is symbolized for him.

Victims within the Rebellion

Mon Mothma has to make sacrifices. Not only the prisoners are victims of the Empire. The people behind the Rebellion also make sacrifices. Marco explains this using the example of Mon Mothma. She accepts a political forced marriage. Marco compares this to Game of Thrones. However, the other side of the wedding sacrifices nothing.

On Narkina 5, the question arises whether the Empire is listening to what is being said. The title already reveals: No one is listening. Cassian makes it clear: The Empire is too arrogant to monitor them. We as viewers disregard the privacy of the characters. We follow them even to the bathroom.

According to Marco, the episodes on Narkina 5 work so well because Tony Gilroy, the showrunner of the series, has focused on one thing: show us ordinary people in an ordinary environment despite this extraordinary world. The events are not so far removed from our own world.

This is also reflected by Dedra when she starts to torture. She is, as in our real world, not the pure evil, but she believes she is doing the right thing, thus her actions are justified. Here we also have a novelty in Star Wars: Torture is shown and executed in more detail.

Kino Loy is one of the biggest victims

Kino Loy realizes that he is a nobody to the Empire. This contradicts his collaboration, which brings him nothing. He wants to be a somebody. Even though Cassian’s attempts to bring him to his side fail throughout the episodes, a single sentence reveals that Loy has already thought about it. According to Marco, the series manages to unveil a character arc without clearly presenting it.

Cassian is the inspiration, the born leader. His sleepless night shows that the big picture now concerns him. The rebellion begins, and after attempts at persuasion, Loy gives a speech. The address has no reference to revenge or rebellion. It is solely about freedom. But freedom comes with a price.

Loy knew that he could not escape and that there was no alternative. Loy is a sacrifice for the fall of the Empire. We do not learn more about him. Marco explains that Gilroy does this on purpose. Any resolution would diminish the sacrifices.

Cassian learns that sacrifices must be made, even if one will never experience the success. Unlike Luthen, however, Cassian is not yet ready to sacrifice others. Not yet.

Even though Andor is over, it remains one of the best Star Wars projects of all time for many fans. It showcases a different side of the franchise and the rebellion. For MeinMMO editor Karsten, Andor is part of a new trilogy: Star Wars has a new “best trilogy” with about 1,400 minutes of runtime

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

MMORPG Ashes of Creation changes how you get gear: Instead of 4 hours of grind, you can also craft for 4 hours

In the MMORPG Ashes of Creation, the alpha testing phase is currently underway. The developers have completely rebuilt the crafting and gear progression system, and crafters can be excited.

What has changed? The developers of Ashes of Creation discussed the changes to the crafting and progression system in a new blog post on AshesofCreation.com. They have replaced the former crafting system, which was only a placeholder, and are now presenting their new system.

Each crafting skill in the new system is supposed to have different levels. As a “Beginner,” you can only craft gear of the “Novice” level, as an “Apprentice” you can craft gear of the “Adept” level. In total, there are 5 levels, with the last two levels, “Master” and “Grandmaster”, becoming available later.

Start video
Ashes of Creation: Trailer shows gameplay of the rogue class

New system equates crafting and grinding

How does the new system work? To ensure a good balance between crafting and monster grinding, the developers of Ashes of Creation have revised many aspects of the game. Quests, vendors, monster drops, respawn times, yields, and locations where ores can spawn are just a few examples of where changes have occurred.

Now, there are more ores in caves, dead corals by the sea, acacias and agaves in high places, and water-rich areas now provide weeping willows, date palms, and rividium. To craft an item, crafters need various resources from different sources.

Rare components, materials from vendors, and items only dropped by certain monsters add to the materials that only exist in certain regions to increase the difficulty of endgame crafts.

What do the developers hope to achieve with this? With the new version of the crafting system, the developers aim to make crafting and monster grinding equal. The goal is for 4 hours of grinding to be just as rewarding as 4 hours of crafting.

To achieve this, the developers have also made significant changes to monster drops. In the future, monsters will only drop one tier of items, such as equipment of the “Beginner” level, but these will have the chance to be of higher quality. This way, the same gray undershirts won’t always drop from the same monster.

In the game’s quests, players now also have the option to choose between different rewards, especially those that yield crafting materials and equipment. This allows players to progress their characters in various ways.

The new update is a significant step for Ashes of Creation towards a “player-driven economy,” the developers state in their blog post. Their goal is to reward crafters just like grinders and everyone in between. Ashes of Creation is also making great strides in other areas: Ashes of Creation masters groundbreaking test that aims to change MMOs forever

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

Gen Z uses fake offices in a country to pretend they are working

A problem of Gen Z is unemployment. This has led in one country to young people visiting fake offices to pretend they have a job.

Which country is it about? China has a problem with unemployment, especially among young people of Gen Z. According to tradingeconomics.com, about 14% of 16-24 year olds are unemployed, even though some graduate with prestigious degrees from universities. Elsewhere, young people do not even go to university because they believe they can get rich another way.

The job market in China makes it difficult for Gen Z to find employment quickly. Instead of simply staying home and doing nothing, they invest money that they actually should be saving.

Current reports show that Gen Z is indeed saving and that one industry is particularly hard hit.

Select a MMO video…

Apparent work for 180 € a month

What is the money spent on? Many young people in China visit specially established offices to spend the day there. The cost: about 6 € per day. Over a month, this amounts to 180 €, and around 2,160 € per year. What sounds like not too much money by German standards is a substantial amount in China.

There, salaries compared to Germany are significantly lower. The average annual salary is around 13,600 € in the non-private sector, and even less in the private sector, about 7,770 € according to early.app.de.

What happens in these offices? It may seem strange that young people without a job also incur additional costs to sit all day in a fake office. They cannot work there, however.

Instead, young people tinker with ideas for their own startups, write job applications, and exchange ideas. To ensure an authentic office atmosphere, there are computers on site, free snacks, drinks, and even lunch. This creates the appearance of having an employment from the outside.

Christian Yao, who works as a lecturer at the School of Management in Wellington, is familiar with the phenomenon. He states that it is widespread in China:

Due to economic change and the discrepancy between education and the job market, young people need these places to reflect on their next steps or to take up casual jobs as a transitional solution… Fake office companies are one of these transitional solutions.

Christian Yao in conversation with BBC

A report from BBC shows that these offices are particularly located in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, or Wuhan.

Overall, youth unemployment in China has improved since 2023. During the time of and after Corona, it reportedly rose to 46.5%, according to a report by Reuters.

Whether fake offices actually help to find real jobs faster is unclear. The concept is certainly unusual. What do you think about it? Would you utilize such an office? Feel free to let us know in the comments. While some older people believe that young people do not want to work, an expert sees it differently: Gen Z is not lazy, they have different expectations regarding work

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

A player from Dune: Awakening finds a secret map that the community explains what it really shows

In Dune: Awakening, a player discovered a secret map, but the location seems completely foreign to him. However, the community knows exactly what it really shows.

What kind of find is this? When Reddit user ChipArcher was exploring the Deep Desert of Arrakis, he set out to loot a crashed spacecraft. This had just crashed in the PvP part of the area and promised a lot of loot for the player.

During his looting, the player found not only items but also a map. However, this does not show a location that the player can recognize. It depicts continents and many seas around them. Whales are also marked on the map.

Here you can see the map for yourself:

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Not of This World

What kind of map is this? The community sees the image of the map on Reddit and knows immediately what kind of place it is. The map shown is of the planet Caldan, the home world of House Atreides.

The lush ocean world is largely covered with oceans, in contrast to Arrakis. The seas on the planet are rich in fish and whales, which is why the inhabitants also engaged in large-scale fishing.

The planet has a long history in the Dune universe, and many fans may know it. However, for the players of Dune: Awakening, the question arises: What is the map doing in the game?

What theories do players have? One of the players’ theories is that in the future, there will be a way to travel to the planet Caldan as a sort of expedition. This could be provided by an upcoming DLC, for example. On Reddit, some users fantasize:

  • KarateKoala_FTW: “Imagine a Fremen stumbling upon this shipwreck and finding this map. He would recognize that out there in the stars exists a world full of water.”
  • cantbeblank: “If this is a new map, even for some off-world missions, I would be happy.”
  • An anonymous user writes: “A possible glimpse of a future update map? Please God, if there is one. Make it happen.”

Here you can see what is really happening in the future of Dune: Awakening:

Start video
Dune: Awakening – Das ist die Zukunft des MMOs

Whether in Dune: Awakening it will be possible to visit other planets besides Arrakis remains to be seen. The upcoming DLCs and their contents are still unknown. Instead, players are frustrated with the latest update: In Dune: Awakening, players laugh about a new feature because it is “delightfully broken” despite a two-week testing phase

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

In Pokémon GO you should fight a lot on the weekend – Here are the rewards

In Pokémon GO the World Championship event starts. Especially in the Battle League, a lot is happening this weekend.

When does the event run? The start of the WM event is on Friday, August 15 at 10:00 AM. It runs until Sunday, August 17 at 8:00 PM.

The occasion is the World Championship taking place this weekend in Anaheim, USA. Accordingly, the event in Pokémon GO is all about battling.

What bonuses does the event bring? Some of them are ones you should use a lot in the Battle League. But not all!

  • Pikachu in a college jacket appears for the first time, also as Shiny. You can find it in raids and in research.
  • The Shiny chance for this Pikachu is increased.
  • You can perform up to five special trades per day.
  • If you catch Lapras, it knows Ice Beam.
  • If you evolve Rasaff, it learns the move Wrath Fist.
  • If you evolve Epitaff, it also learns the move Wrath Fist.
  • If you evolve Suelord, it learns the move Multiple Strikes
    • These four Pokémon are all useful in the Battle League!
  • There are more Pokémon encounters as a reward in the Battle League.
  • A new stadium is active in the Battle League.

Additionally, in the Battle League from Friday, 00:00 to Sunday, 23:59 the following bonuses are active:

  • Four times Stardust for victories in the PvP League.
  • You can play a total of 100 battles per day.
  • There is a limited research that gives you rewards related to the Battle League. There are also new shoes for your avatar included.
  • You will receive more varied values for Pokémon rewards from the Battle League.

You can play in the Super League, Hyper League, and Master League. So you can choose which league you want to create the best teams in. We have tips for the Battle League here for you.

Start video
Pokémon GO: Over 800 Trainers fight in Gigantamax battle

Which Pokémon appear in the WM event of Pokémon GO?

In the wild, in raids, and in field research, you can encounter different Pokémon this weekend. We summarize them here for you. Possible Shinys are marked with an asterisk *.

In the wild:

  • Nidoran♀*
  • Menki*
  • Marill*
  • Paldea-Felino*
  • Spoink*
  • Iscalar*
  • Meikro*
  • Krokel*
  • Quabbel (male)*
  • Skallyk*

In field research:

  • Pikachu in a college jacket*
  • Marill*
  • Paldea-Felino*
  • Gramokles

In raids:

  • Pikachu in a college jacket*
  • Gramokles
  • Lapras*
  • Zwirrklop
  • Grebbit

Additionally, this weekend there is also the Crypto Raid weekend. Here you can challenge Crypto-Kyogre as a boss – a powerful opponent! This takes place as part of the current Rocket takeover, which has generally brought some new Pokémon. Everything about the Rocket takeover in Pokémon GO can be read here.

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

German Twitch streamer buys his mother her absolute dream car, but after 2 months it is already gone

The Twitch streamer Maik “Zarbex” was able to buy his mother her dream car. But then what happened to the other cars in the family also occurred.

What kind of car is it? In February 2025, Zarbex not only fulfilled his own dream of a nice car, but in May 2025, he also fulfilled his mother’s dream. He gifted her a VW Caddy. According to Zarbex, it is her “absolute dream car” (Source: TikTok). Decorated with a red ribbon, he proudly presented her the car.

But after just under 2 months, the car is broken, in a way that has already happened to previous cars.

Start video
These are the 5 most relevant German streamers on Twitch in 2024, according to Google

“I felt so sorry”

What happened to the car? In a past Twitch stream, Zarbex informed his community about what happened to his mother’s car. He parked his mother’s Caddy at a specific spot. Next to the Caddy was another car whose owner likely damaged the Caddy when backing out, hitting the fender, mirror, and door.

Zarbex showed a photo of the damage to the camera and said: “I felt so sorry. (…) That’s ‘stated’ damage [of] 4,000 or 5,000 euros.” (Source: Instagram). According to Zarbex, his mother called him crying, as she had been so proud of owning the Caddy. Preventable, as the Twitch streamer claims his mother usually parks in the driveway.

The special thing: Exactly at that spot, other cars from Zarbex’s family have also suffered damage. Four years ago, someone also hit Zarbex’s car on the side, and his father also caused damage to Zarbex’s car.

In total, cars from Zarbex’s family have been damaged at this spot three times, and the Twitch streamer says: “By now I say we can no longer park there” (Source: Instagram).

Also, a young Kick streamer had to face the consequences. However, not because someone else crashed into him, but because the Kick streamer was using his phone during the ride on a highway to read his chat. More on this can be read here on MeinMMO: 20-year-old wrecks his sports car because he is on his phone while driving, even Kick is too much

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

Players in Dungeons & Dragons receive puzzles that are so difficult that even the community doubts the sanity of the game master

Puzzles are somehow part of many campaigns in Dungeons & Dragons. Some Dungeon Masters invest a lot of time and effort into it. However, for one group, it seems to have taken on a different dimension.

What has the Dungeon Master (DM) done for their group? User synkpix starts their thread on Reddit with the words: “My DM is losing his mind.” This refers to a 6-page document filled with puzzles and riddles that their DM had prepared for the group. As they further explain in the comments of the thread, this only includes the first 4 riddles out of a total of 14.

These are not only passionately and elaborately prepared but are also extremely difficult to solve. So difficult, that even the community has been struggling with it in the roughly 300 comments. You can even check out the document with the puzzles on Google Docs.

The first riddle, which is two pages long, is solved by the group together with the community using a so-called Caesar cypher (see caesar-cipher.com), but does not clarify much (see Reddit). Nevertheless, they continue trying and come up with further theories about the Asian characters, which might relate to alignment or even a sex pact (see Reddit).

However, the community also does not come up with a general solution regarding what it all means. synkpix emphasizes that the puzzles do not necessarily need to be solved to continue the story and that their resolution is supposed to take place over a longer period, meaning they are intentionally very cryptic so that players might still come across hints along the way that could help them if they get stuck.

Regardless, the collection of riddles also sparks a fundamental discussion in the community about whether puzzles in Dungeons & Dragons are cool or not and whether the DM of the group is a complete genius or has lost his mind.

Start video
Critical Role stellen ihr neues, eigenes Rollenspiel vor: Daggerheart

“I understand that this is too much for some, but I would kill for a DM who has enough time and passion for it.”

What does the community say about it? The community is very divided in the comments of the thread regarding the difficulty and quantity of the puzzles.

On one hand, many users celebrate the ambition and passion that the DM has invested in creating the puzzles and express envy, wishing they could have something like that for their own group. No matter how hard it ultimately is to solve them. Just the idea is well received by many, and they are eagerly waiting to see how it all might unfold.

On the other hand, some are rather annoyed by it and find the DM’s work exaggerated. They think it is ridiculous that so few hints are given and have no desire to deal with it in such a frustrating way.

Others again find the concept of the riddles very admirable but also daunting, since the DM theoretically must be capable of understanding and solving them themselves.

  • smbryant369 comments: “I understand that this is too much for some, but I would kill for a DM who has enough time and passion for it.”
  • NordicWolf7 cheers: “It would make me very happy as a player to receive that.”
  • Professional-Face202 notes: “If my DM showed me that, I would think he is a damn serial killer, holy shit.”
  • Zulbo notes: “You always have the option to rely on D&D rolls. Let the character solve it with Int rolls…”
  • Smittumi counters: “I would hate this D&D game, lol.”
  • kidshit drops out: “I thought, oh, this is just a cipher, quite easy, and then I got to the first image with all the triangles and just closed the window. What the hell is this…”

In general, however, most agree that it takes a lot of time and passion to set something like this up for their players. The discussion also shows how important it is for DMs to have a sense of their groups and know what would be fun for them and what would not. Because this kind of puzzles are not for everyone, as the discussion on Reddit once again shows.

However, some DMs not only provide puzzles for their groups and enjoy it. Another DM used a riddle to ask their crush out on a date. However, he received as a response another riddle that initially seemed unsolvable to him: Dungeon Master of Dungeons & Dragons asks his crush out on a date with a riddle, receives one back, and cannot solve it

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

I am Gen Z and I say: The movement of Battlefield 6 is great and should stay that way, but I can recommend you Boomers a slower shooter

After the first beta of Battlefield 6 there was criticism that the game and its movement is too fast. MeinMMO editor Dariusz Müller believes, however, that this is a boomer problem.

Battlefield 6 relies on a modern, relatively fast, and flexible movement – and that is a good thing, because it feels really good. I recently played a few rounds of Battlefield 4 again, and oh boy – that is not a movement that I like in a shooter today.

Particularly bad was the so-called “strafing”, that is, moving sideways while aiming through the sight. It was slow, so incredibly slow. In Battlefield 6 it is faster, more direct, but not exaggerated. It feels natural and is another mechanic that players can master. It is another skill test that separates the best players from the good ones and, above all, takes importance away from pure aim.

I always find it good when I have to do more in a shooter than just click as fast as possible on the opponent’s head with the crosshair. After all, I want to play Battlefield, not Aimlabs.

The general sprint speed does not differ that much between Battlefield 6 and older games, by the way. However, the old parts are very sluggish, imprecise, and slightly delayed in movement. Battlefield 6, on the other hand, plays like a shooter that comes out in 2025.

The direct, unimpeded movement is often the standard in many games today. If Battlefield 6 played like Battlefield 4, it would feel strange for shooter fans who also play other new games. However, it is good if Battlefield attracts many new players. The Battlefield veterans would also benefit from that. A great success could mean that EA wants to provide Battlefield 6 with new content for as long as possible.

Start video
Die große Stärke von Battlefield 6 sind die Maps!

Battlefield was never a simulation and should not become one

There is a part of the Battlefield community that is boiling with rage at this text. They find that Battlefield 6 is too fast, too unrealistic, and too much like Call of Duty. I suggest you play a round of Black Ops 6 and consider whether the movement is really comparable.

Black Ops 6 is much faster and offers truly extreme movement possibilities with the new Omnimovement – especially the dives and sliding in all directions are not for gray-haired gamers.

Battlefield 6 is not slow and not hyper-realistic, but it is also far from Black Ops 6. Much more importantly: Battlefield 6 does not want to be realistic – just like Battlefield 3 and 4 didn’t.

Battlefield has always been a hybrid of arcade shooters like Call of Duty and a military simulation. The latter, however, have a significantly stronger focus on hardcore gameplay and realism and are correspondingly slow and sluggish.

In previous Battlefield titles, you could – unlike in military simulations – beautifully drop-shot and bunny-hop. Battlefield 6 is not worse, on the contrary, it stays true to the series.

Overall, Battlefield 6 has found a way to make the game fast enough for younger players to have fun without incorporating movement techniques that would cause boomers to break their wrists or fingers.

For the movement of some CoD professionals, my mousepad is too small. Battlefield 6 is still very much within the limits.

The hate towards the movement is a skill issue

I am convinced that there are only 2 points of criticism regarding the speed of Battlefield 6’s gameplay:

  • It is not realistic – then you are playing the wrong game
  • It is too fast FOR YOU – I would call that a classic “skill issue”

If I, as a gamer, notice that I cannot hit an opponent due to his movement, then I am to blame, not the game. Especially since the game gives me the same opportunities as my opponent.

Rather than criticizing the game for that and demanding changes, I can simply admit that I am too old, my reflexes are too slow, and my aim has become too bad to hit my opponents. Fortunately, this is currently only hypothetically the case for me, I am still doing well in Battlefield 6. But I am also already 27, belonging to the older part of Generation Z, and I notice that I do not possess the precision or reflexes of a 16-year-old.

In a few years I will likely reach my limits and will no longer be able to keep up with the movement of younger players and will be overwhelmed gameplay-wise. That is not a bad thing, neither for me nor for gamers who are already older. However, I will not demand that a well-implemented gameplay mechanic be changed just because I can no longer keep up. And if I complain about movement being too fast in 10 years, feel free to write #SkillIssue in the comments. I would have deserved that.

But with Battlefield 6, I am convinced: let the young and talented players have the same fun we had at 16.

For boomers and reality fanatics, there are alternatives

If you are among the players who now say that Battlefield 6 is too fast, unrealistic, or hectic, I recommend testing another game. Military simulations in particular might appeal to you.

Games like Squad, Arma 3, and Arma Reforger are noticeably slower and give you the feeling that you are really carrying heavy equipment and that you also have to consider that in your movements during battles. The movements are sluggish, take time, and you cannot quickly jump for cover if an opponent should surprise you. You also do not have to give up the vehicle gameplay or strategic action in large teams.

In military simulations, communication is even more crucial than in Battlefield. You are constantly in exchange with your comrades and discuss the approach. Interaction within the community is essential, and it is not enough to just chat with your 2-3 best friends on Discord. For that, you get an extremely immersive online shooter with PvP in Squad, which offers a gaming experience that implements military actions so well that it is also suitable for roleplay fans. And the sound is also amazing.


In Battlefield 6, I like not only the movement. A new feature that did not exist in the predecessors is for me the real star of the shooter and already brings me a lot of joy in the beta: A small mechanic is the best innovation of Battlefield 6, laying the foundation for unforgettable moments with your friends

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

WoW Legion Remix looks really strong, but Blizzard remains silent on one thing

The remix version of the WoW expansion Legion is starting soon. Now we have seen the first rewards – but a fan-favorite is not included.

Some fans of World of Warcraft are not so much looking forward to the expansion Midnight, but to what is coming beforehand: Legion Remix, the return of one of the most popular addons of Blizzard’s MMORPG. So far, little has been known about the upcoming event, but now Blizzard has finally revealed more details – and they make you eager for more.

Start video
WoW: Spieler sammelt ALLE Erfolge im Spiel, fragt dann „Was mache ich jetzt?“

WoW Legion Remix: Here’s what’s inside

In an initial preview video, Blizzard has already presented the biggest highlights of Legion Remix. This time, there will also be artifact weapons again, but not with the talents from back then – that would simply not be feasible, after all, many of the weapon talents have since become fixed parts of the various specializations.

Instead, you can unlock different paths for your weapon to explore certain magical aspects more deeply. For example, you can charge your artifact weapon with fel magic if you invest in the corresponding “Fel” branch of your weapon. This allows you to have a dreadlord as a pet who fights for you.

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As in Pandaria Remix, there will also be bronze again this time. Blizzard has learned from the past and ensured that bronze can only be spent for cosmetic rewards this time around. There is no longer a conflict about whether to spend bronze on character power or fancy rewards.

New is also that Legion Remix follows the patch cycle of Legion, but at a drastically increased speed. New content will appear every 2 weeks, so there is always something new to do.

As with Pandaria Remix, there will be an extremely large number of rewards this time as well. Highlights include fel-infested versions of the class mounts, but also an extremely stylish dress reminiscent of the robes of Queen Azshara. There will also be many new weapon models – for example, Varian’s sword with fel-green corruption, and the infamous scythe from Argus will also receive a fel-green coloring.

WoW Transmog Legion Remix Scythes
The scythes will be a must-have for all collectors.

One last treat: This time you don’t have to wait until the end of Legion Remix to transfer your character into the live game. You can do that beforehand, whenever you want. However, this is a one-way path – a character that has left Legion Remix cannot return.

When will Legion Remix be released? Although there is no specific date yet, Legion Remix will come with patch 11.2.5. If Blizzard keeps up the current pace, that should be the case in about 6 to 8 weeks, so late September to mid-October. The event will likely be active for at least 8 weeks, possibly longer. More than enough time to earn all the rewards.

Update: Early indications from the PTR suggest that Legion Remix will start on October 8, 2025, and run until early January.

WoW is silent about the Mage Tower – and the fans are angry

What do the fans want? When looking at the comments under the YouTube video of the presentation or in the WoW subreddit, it is clear that at least a vocal part of the player base is wishing for the return of a feature, namely the Mage Tower.

The Mage Tower was a particularly tough challenge for all classes and specializations during Legion, but it rewarded players with exclusive designs for the artifact weapons or, in the case of druids, even a special shape for the guardian specialization.

However, these special templates could only be earned during Legion – not afterwards. This is something that Blizzard has stuck to and emphasized repeatedly: These special designs are a reward for all who mastered the challenge back then and will not be available later.

So far, Blizzard has maintained this decision, but there are numerous loud voices calling for a departure from this view, as seen in the YouTube video comments:

  • “If you have heard the players’ feedback, please bring some recolors of the Mage Tower sets.” – TheAtomicDon
  • “No mention of the Mage Tower. A big L.” – rebewnevets
  • “They didn’t even mention the words ‘Mage Tower’.” – justindeede
  • “Please Blizzard, if you see the feedback, then give us the Mage Tower artifacts.” – weslley7069

What do you think about the Mage Tower and the rewards that could be obtained there? Should they become available a second time, breaking Blizzard’s previous promise? Or is it good that some things cannot be obtained anymore?
If you are looking for more rewards: Really rare transmogs are also hidden in normal WoW …

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

Shooter with 115,000 players on Steam explains why it is not a “Gooner-Game” despite scarce skins and jiggle physics

In Marvel Rivals there are, besides the normal outfits for the superheroes, also skins that show more skin. The Creative Director is now defending himself against the allegations in an interview.

What kind of game is this? Marvel Rivals is a 6 vs. 6-hero shooter that strongly resembles Overwatch in terms of gameplay. However, known Marvel superheroes or villains like “Hulk” or “Invisible Woman” appear as characters. The game enjoys great popularity on Steam. More than 115,000 gamers played it simultaneously on August 13, 2025 (via SteamDB).

While fans can walk around in the familiar outfits of their favorite Marvel characters, there are also different skins available for real money. Some of these show more skin than some players would prefer.

Here you can see the launch trailer of Marvel Rivals:

Start video
Marvel Rivals: The launch trailer for the shooter featuring Marvel superheroes on PS5 and Steam

Everything like in the cartoon

What are the skins about? In Marvel Rivals, as is common in hero shooters, there are many skins available for purchase. Besides other colors and strong looks, you can also equip your characters with outfits that are less covered. Revealing skins are not uncommon here.

For some players, some of these skins go too far; they accuse the hero shooter of being a “Gooner-game”. This accusation is also supported by the jiggle physics in the game, which make the characters’ body parts jiggle during combat and action.

In an interview on YouTube, the Creative Director Guanguang has now responded to these allegations.

What does the Creative Director say about it? In an interview on YouTube, the developer is asked various questions. One question also addresses the Gooner-game allegation:

  • Rivals Assembled: “Speaking of cosmetics and skins … How do you react when people refer to Marvel Rivals as a ‘Gooner game’?”
  • Guanguang: “Since our design is inspired by classic comic themes, including some standout skins like Mantis and also Psylocke’s Revenge, they all come from classic comic designs, and we create some more fashionable designs based on that to win over player recognition. I think this also reflects the broad acceptance from our players.

    As already mentioned with Squirrel Girl and the Krakoa Resort skin, these are designs based on real themes and the season’s storyline. With designs like these, we try our best to integrate the season’s story arcs, including elements from Krakoa, and incorporate popular elements from real life. Based on this, we create new designs, and I am very grateful that these designs have been well received by the majority of players.”

The Creative Director does not deny that the skins are meant to win player recognition; on the contrary, with the skins, the developers make their money. That Marvel Rivals is oriented towards the comics with its skins, and that the fans confirm the current direction of the skins with their purchases, is true but only partially addresses the allegation. The developers could just as well orient themselves to less revealing skins.

The Creative Director could not really dispel the accusation with his statements, and the fact that the majority of players accept the skins well is no real excuse. Which characters are currently available in Marvel Rivals, you can find out here: Marvel Rivals: All characters and heroes you can currently play

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

A hated champion in LoL is constantly banned, even though he is not that successful

In League of Legends it is not always about banning the strongest champion. Sometimes you ban simply because an opponent is so annoying that you don’t want to play against him. This also highlights a character that is currently banned the most.

Editorial note: In an earlier version of the article, it was stated that a Pink Ward helps against Shaco. The passage has been corrected.

Which champion is it about? The champion Shaco has been terrorizing the Summoner’s Rift since 10.10.2009. Since his release, he has been considered one of the most annoying champions in the game when you have to play against him.

This is also reflected in the current statistics. Shaco is currently banned more than any other champion, even though he is not that successful.

Start video
7 Facts about LoL that only true veterans know

Many don’t want to see Shaco in their match

What do the numbers for Shaco look like? Looking at Shaco’s ban rate based on every rank in the current patch on lolalytics.com (as of: 18:30, 14.08.2025), it currently stands at 39.58%. This means he is banned in almost 40% of all cases. Thus, he is currently the most banned champion in LoL. In second place is Mel with a ban rate of 28.15%.

Looking at his win rate, it seems a bit strange, because with 47.77% he is currently among the junglers who are not that successful.

Why is Shaco banned so often? The answer is actually quite simple: he is really annoying. His invisibility is strong for ganks, especially since Pink Wards do not help. You can also cause quite a lot of mischief in fights with his clone. Even if he doesn’t always win the match, it’s rarely fun to play against him. The community also finds this in a Reddit thread with over 500 comments and over 2000 upvotes:

  • throwaysaway2303 (via Reddit) wonders why the ban rate isn’t higher: Playing against Shaco is terrible, and playing with Shaco is somehow even worse. I’m surprised that his ban rate isn’t at 100%.
  • greendino71 (via Reddit) has nothing against Shaco but still finds him annoying: Personally, I have no problem playing against Shaco. But I’ve had enough games where my laners died in turn to Shaco, so he either gets banned or I dodge.
  • greenegg28 (via Reddit) finds him a terrible champion: He and a small handful of other champions are designed to make it no fun to play against them – that’s the design goal. Why would anyone want that?

GoblinMatr0n (via Reddit) sees it a bit differently. He has nothing against Shaco, reportedly wins against him all the time, even when Shaco has many kills, because players apparently cannot carry with him.

Why does Shaco have such a win rate? Shaco is strong in the early game and needs to snowball. This means he needs to get kills and other objectives early on to build on that in the mid-game and strengthen his team. If he fails to do so, he has a problem. In the late game, he dies quickly and in team fights there are significantly better assassins, such as Diana or Katarina.

Will the numbers stay the same? Even Riot has noticed the ban rate and nerfed him in the last patch, 25.16 (via leagueoflegends.com). The AD scaling of his passive and Q ability is reduced, and the cooldown of the Q ability is increased.

These are nerfs that could indeed lead to his win rate further decreasing. Eventually, the ban rate should also drop, especially when the strengths of other champions in the still fresh patch show up. Another jungler holds a sad record: An unpopular champion in LoL has a sad record that Lux fans couldn’t even dream of

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

Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War Remaster takes me back to my childhood after 21 years, even though I never played it

The remaster of Dawn of War is here and one question arises: How well has one of the best strategy games of Warhammer 40,000 held up after 21 years? MyMMO author Odysseas Grigoriadis has already tested the new Dawn of War – Definitive Edition and tries to answer this question.

When I first started the game, I was immediately overwhelmed by a feeling of nostalgia, even though I had never played the original Dawn of War before. Still, I felt transported back to my childhood just at the start screen: A main menu that is not divided into ugly boxes?! I can’t believe I get to experience something like this again.

The Dawn of War – Definitive Edition is old-fashioned, and that’s a good thing. The game has a charm and playfulness that we are no longer used to today due to the trend towards minimalist menus and a “clean” UI. Nevertheless, the game has held up quite well over the last 21 years – even if its age is apparent.

Start video
Der verbesserte Trailer zu Warhammer 40.000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition

Dawn of War compensates for graphics with timeless gameplay

The graphics look significantly better than in the original thanks to improvements in textures, shadows, and lighting, support for resolutions up to 4K, and higher zoom levels – especially from a distance.

When you zoom in closer, you still see somewhat blurred textures. Faces not covered by a helmet also appear quite flat. While you rarely zoom in that close during regular gameplay, it becomes much more noticeable in the cutscenes of the campaigns.

From a distance, the improved models look really great! But unfortunately, only from a distance…

In terms of gameplay, you are initially greeted with a classic real-time strategy game: You build up your base, recruit troops, and demolish your enemy’s base with them. Unlike many other RTS games, however, Dawn of War does not reward you for sitting in your base too long; on the contrary, it actually punishes you for it.

This is due to the resources in the game, of which there are only two: requisition points and energy.

  • You gain requisition points by capturing control points distributed around the map. Energy is provided by plasma generators.
  • Both resources are important for recruiting and upgrading units and vehicles, as well as constructing buildings.

If you don’t capture control points quickly enough, you’ll fall behind in expanding your base and military. The same goes for plasma generators – although you build them yourself, each base can only support a limited number of them. This gameplay approach and the wide selection of factions make Dawn of War still exciting today. The latter play quite differently and have various strengths and weaknesses. You can choose from Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, Dark Eldar, Chaos, Imperial Guard, Necrons, Tau, and Adeptus Sororitas.

Who is writing here? Ody played his first strategy games before he even knew what the genre was called. He took his first steps in RTS games like Age of Empires. However, he only discovered the Warhammer universe when Total War: Warhammer was revealed.

After that, he discovered Warhammer 40,000 and played Dawn of War 2 and 3 – he could swear he also played the original (but his memory might have played a nasty trick on him). So, for him, Dawn of War is new, even if the series itself is not.

Successful entry into the dark universe of Warhammer 40,000

The main campaign of Dawn of War is still very good, both in terms of mission design and story. So far, I have played the first 6 missions of the campaign and was only truly frustrated during one mission. Sure, maybe this mission wouldn’t have been such a big deal for me if I hadn’t lost an entire Imperial army in it. Many would call it “Skill Issue,” I, however, call it “Lore-accurate gameplay.” 

Speaking of lore: It isn’t thrown in your face with a shotgun but rather presented in small bites. For instance, who the Inquisitors are in the Warhammer 40,000 universe is explained when relevant – and in a way that makes sense for the characters within the world. The main campaign of Dawn of War offers a really good introduction to the world of Warhammer 40,000, especially because it doesn’t drown you in lore right away.

In this skirmish match, I faced off against the Necrons as Adeptus Sororitas. I didn’t need any prior knowledge about the two factions.

However, there is still plenty for fans of Warhammer 40,000: That this is indeed a game set in this universe is shown by many small details. In the very first cutscene of the first mission of the campaign, we see a Colonel of the Empire, the “good guys”, executing fleeing soldiers – Warhammer is indeed grimdark and there is no true good or evil (unless you are being interrogated by an Inquisitor). 

The dirty Warhammer atmosphere is really well conveyed in Dawn of War. This is also due to the many memorable voice lines from characters and units.

Some notable examples that have burned into my brain:

  • “Beware the alien, the mutant… the traitor.”
  • “Innocence is not a virtue. There are only different facets of guilt.”

A dark shadow looms over the release of Dawn of War

There is a lot of positive feedback I can give about the remaster of Dawn of War. However, for me, there is a shadow over this release – and that shadow is called performance. My hardware is well above the system requirements displayed on Steam. Still, I had great difficulties getting the game to run smoothly. 

  • At the highest graphics settings, I play the Dawn of War – Definitive Edition with V-Sync enabled at an average of 41 FPS.
  • In large battles with many units and effects, the game even falls below 30 FPS.

This might be because I have a pre-release version of the game. But I’m still worried that this might carry over to the final game. If that’s the case, it could make the release of an otherwise well-done remaster unnecessarily difficult.

Do you want to dive deeper into the lore of Warhammer 40,000? Then there is a fair number of books that tell stories from this universe. You can find out which of these works are best for beginners in this list: There are over 350 books on Warhammer 40,000 – These are the 15 best to get started in the world.

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

Battlefield 6 now has a new mode, but it is even worse than the snipers on Liberation Peak

In Battlefield 6, the new beta has added another mode that is actually considered a fan favorite. However, the implementation in the new Battlefield 6 does not sit well with many players.

What kind of mode is this? The Rush game mode is one of the most popular in the Battlefield series. The attacking team must blow up two marked locations while the defenders must decimate the attackers.

If the attackers manage to successfully blow up both locations, they capture the area and are allowed to advance further. Additionally, there are more tickets for the attackers. The defenders cannot recapture a location that has been blown up, but they may defuse the attackers’ bombs. The attackers win if they have destroyed all target locations. However, the usually popular mode is causing trouble this time.

Start video
Spieler fragen, was eigentlich aus „Niemals vorbestellen“ geworden ist, während Battlefield 6 die Charts auf Steam erobert

Disappointment instead of Highlight

What is the problem? Battlefield 6 is attracting many veterans of the series back to the game. They remember the mode from older titles and thus have a clear idea of what to expect. However, this expectation does not match the implementation in Battlefield 6.

This starts with the number of players. While Rush was played with up to 64 players in other Battlefield titles, this mode in Battlefield 6 is only played in 12 vs. 12.

The few vehicles available on the maps are also in stark contrast to the variety players expected. For them, helicopters and tanks are also part of the Rush game mode, but these appear to be very few and far between.

A major point of criticism is also the unlocked weapons. In Battlefield 6, players are supposed to later decide for themselves whether they want to play with class-specific weapons or with the weapons of all classes. Currently, the Rush mode is only available with the weapons of all classes, which causes many players to resort to the shotgun on the tight map that can take down enemies from close range with just one shot.

What do the players say about it? Players are very unhappy with the implementation of their favorite mode. On Reddit, complaint posts receive thousands of upvotes within hours. There, players write:

  • Opest7999 is upset on Reddit: “The same shit as in Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V. I don’t get it. The ’64 Player Rush All Maps’ servers were the most popular servers in BF3. I hope the server browser will allow that.”
  • taka-sugi says on Reddit: “12 vs. 12 without vehicles and open weapons, so it’s just a shotgun fest. They didn’t really want to bring this mode back. Edit: There are some vehicles depending on the map, so it’s better than I thought, but I’m still disappointed by 12v12.”
  • Alternative-Spot1615 is sad on Reddit: “We’re losing Damavand Peak from BF3 and the parachute … And the Rush with large maps … for this …”
  • Buskungen expresses his disappointment on Reddit: “What the … I was looking forward to Rush and you’re telling me it’s 12 vs. 12!!??”

The beta of Battlefield 6 is also there to collect feedback from the players. The reactions from fans to the implementation of the Rush mode clearly show a picture and are likely to prompt the developers to take action. You can see how the beta is going and what the queues look like here: Battlefield 6: Live ticker for the beta – Everything about the start, time, server status, and queues

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

“Too Much Lore”: 13 Years Later, the Director of Assassin’s Creed 3 Talks About Desmond’s Fate

For a long time, Assassin’s Creed had a character that was essentially the mascot of the video game series. After the third installment, the character was removed. The Game Director has now explained why this was done.

Who is Desmond? Desmond Miles was the central figure of Assassin’s Creed from Part 1 up to Part 3. Through his DNA memories, players explored the past of his ancestors. In Part 2, it was Ezio Auditore and in Part 3, then Connor Kenway.

Even though players spent most of their time in the past, the games also continued the story of the present with Desmond. However, in the third part, Desmond is killed and his story ends. In an interview, the Game Director of Part 3, Alex Hutchinson, discussed the reasons.

The latest installment of the series is set in Japan:

Start video
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Der offizielle Trailer zur Open World in Japan

Too much lore leads to problems

What does Hutchinson say about Desmond? In the YouTube podcast of Convergence Games Showcase, Alex Hutchinson talked about various topics. Among them was Assassin’s Creed 3. The reason for killing Desmond was quite simple: The story was too long.

At this point, we’re asking people to remember stories from seven years ago […] to incorporate them into today’s narrative. For me, it didn’t make sense that you were in elementary school and now you are in college. […] That’s why we killed Desmond at the end.

Alex Hutchinson on the Desmond storyline (via YouTube)

The issue was: Even though the Assassin’s stories changed, the Desmond part had to build on narratives that were years old and that perhaps not everyone was familiar with. Hutchinson also mentions the original plan for the series.

According to him, each part was planned to focus on Altair (Part 1), Ezio (Part 2), Connor (Part 3), and a part in the present with Desmond. However, the series became too successful and continues to this day. With Brotherhood and Revelations, games followed shortly after Part 2 that continued Desmond’s story. There were complaints about them killing Desmond, but there was too much lore that became a burden.

The statement that only 4 parts were planned cannot officially be confirmed, but in a news article from 2009, the website vg247.com said they were told at E3 that the series was conceived as a trilogy. This was before the actual release of Part 2.

He compares it to Marvel movies, which according to him have the same problem. With so many series and movies that one must have seen for other projects, fans are lost.

What is Alex Hutchinson doing today? After Assassin’s Creed 3, he worked as a Creative Director on Far Cry 4, among other projects. His latest title in this role was Revenge of the Savage Planet, which was released this year. Another former Ubisoft employee created a game hit in 2025: The head of Expedition 33 reveals why he left Ubisoft: “Otherwise, the game would have taken 25 years”

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

In a new game on Steam, you control powerful machines, but during the presentation, I could only think of a mission from GTA 5

A new simulation game on Steam and PS5 aims to capture genre fans with powerful equipment and large cranes. MeinMMO editor Caroline Fuller has already gotten insight into the game and recognized this goal – but still, one thought remained that she couldn’t shake off.

Which game is being discussed? It is the port simulator DOCKED by Saber Interactive, which will be released for PC, PS5, and Xbox. The exact release date is still unknown, but there is already first gameplay, of which I was able to get my own impression.

Saber Interactive showed me a walkthrough in the harbor of the single-player game, where the player, as the young Tommy, returns to his father’s family business to start working as a dockworker. But what sounds like a harmonious father-son duo with down-to-earth harbor idyll is disturbed by a fierce storm that leaves the harbor in a terrible state.

Tommy’s task, and thus the player’s, is not only to bring the harbor back to order but also to get hands-on, manage, and expand.

The harbor from DOCKED
The harbor of the family business must withstand all storms. (Source: Saber Interactive)

The game and its description scream for a fantasy construction kit for absolute nerds who have a heart for simulation games, harbors, ships, or cranes with claw machine feeling. 

I personally have little connection to all these aspects and was initially a bit overwhelmed by the wealth and terminologies of the game. But I still have to say that DOCKED makes a good impression professionally.

Due to all the thoughtful steps of the gameplay and the love for detail, it looks like one could get lost for hours between operating the various devices and managing logistics. 

And also, something that stood out to me as a non-genre person was the closeness to a popular, even iconic mission from another game, which could bring more newcomers … on board.

Saber Interactive developed, in addition to the new DOCKED, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2:

Start video
Der Launch-Trailer zu Space Marine 2, dem neuen Koop-Shooter in Warhammer 40k

Even newcomers to the simulator genre can enjoy themselves when celebrating a certain mission

The equipment, the harbor, and the large machines – it seemed somehow familiar to me right away, although I have had little engagement with container ports so far. And a few moments later, I recognized … some of this equipment I have, like probably enough of you, already operated myself – during the famous harbor mission in GTA 5!

Nostalgia hit me like a punch. I remember the mission where you scout the harbor as Trevor for a later heist. 

Anyone who still connects good memories with this mission and the controls of the cranes and machines could replicate that feeling with DOCKED. Just with significantly more details and less tolerance for grossly negligent handling of machinery. With this realization, I was finally ready to fully dive into this new simulator.

Trevor at the harbor of Los Santos from GTA 5
Trevor at the harbor of Los Santos from GTA 5 (Source: Screenshot)

Between reconstruction and management, operations must not stop

DOCKED is a single-player port simulator where one tries to rebuild the destroyed harbor while operations are supposed to continue as smoothly as possible. Incoming ships must be unloaded, cargo moved and transported, and repairs carried out to work through the overall 7 milestones of the business plan.

Between story and side missions, transport and machinery, management skills are also of great importance. Contracts must be made, logistics chains must be set up and improved – the operation requires leadership.

Why this now falls into Tommy’s hands, instead of his experienced father Bill doing it, I do not know at this point. But the trust placed in you encourages you to perhaps really give your best instead of playing container bowling.

STS crane from DOCKED
Dad Bill gives instructions while Tommy works in the STS crane. (Source: Saber Interactive)

Despite the protagonist, the machines are the main characters

DOCKED features 8 different heavy machines: the reach stacker, straddle carrier, ship-to-shore crane, terminal tractor, RMG crane, rubber tire gantry, mobile harbor crane, and hoppers. 

A lot of terms that may seem overwhelming for laypeople at first. They explain themselves much better when you see them in action.

With these devices, cargo is maneuvered from ships (or sometimes from the water), positioned, and brought to the right place. The realistic size and scale, as well as the precise handling of the machines are at the forefront. 

There is no simple “lift” command. Instead, you have to connect ropes, balance, and keep precise positions in order for the cargo to be moved properly. 

This can become a real challenge due to the chaos and the lack of space in a destroyed harbor; even I could grasp this understanding through the presentation. In this way, the game is also supposed to remain a challenge later on: less time, more complicated cargo, more difficult routes, more stress, but also better pay.

While using the machines, the UI is always focused on precision work. Sometimes there is a view from 3 different perspectives (from above, from the front, and from the side) so that a container can be grasped and placed exactly at the right spot.

Anyone who pays less attention and works like a son who really has no desire for dock work will not get far with half-hearted efforts. The built-in damage system precisely tracks how often and how strongly cargo hits obstacles, tips over, or falls. However, those who work focused will not hinder a happy father-son relationship and will let the harbor shine in its former glory.

My conclusion after the first glimpse

Just because I am not an absolute harbor nerd myself and I dread management and logistics, I have to admit that I am surprised by how much detail can be packed into a simulation game like DOCKED. 

The developers have placed great emphasis on a realistic and detailed representation of the huge equipment and processes of an active cargo port, which could even amaze me. 

The reconstruction of the harbor, the progression system, and the underlying story, which develops parallel to the rebuilding, make DOCKED an interesting candidate for genre fans … and for those who want to become fans after GTA 5, before directly diving into GTA 6: GTA 6 – All information about the third-person shooter

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

Player contacted PayPal because he cannot pay on Steam, a few hours later his account is blocked

Several gamers were puzzled by issues with the payment process on Steam via PayPal. One player contacted the customer service of the payment service directly, but the subsequent outcome confused him even more.

The title image is a symbolic image.

What happened to the player? Many players have noticed difficulties with their payments on Steam using PayPal – suspiciously similar difficulties. A Polish Reddit user (povi9) reports that he contacted the local customer service of the payment service directly to find out why he could not pay for his Steam purchase with PayPal.

The customer service insisted that he should contact Steam directly, as they had “pulled the plug” since Steam preferred customers to pay with credit balance. When the player informed them that Steam displays the message “PayPal is currently unavailable in your country” right before checkout, the customer service cut him off.

But that was not the end of the story. Shortly afterward, his account was suspended due to suspicion of being underage.

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No Exception – Steam Issues a Statement

What happened to his account? The player explains that he filed a formal complaint due to the behavior of customer service and the random suspension of his Steam account (which, according to him, are obviously related). Later, the suspension was lifted. Whether this was in response to the complaint is unclear.

The community shares his confusion and anger over the situation:

How does Steam justify the problems with PayPal? In a statement from Steam support regarding purchase issues via PayPal, Steam states:

Using PayPal on Steam is currently unavailable in my currency. Why?

At the beginning of July 2025, PayPal informed Valve that their merchant bank would cease processing all transactions related to Steam with immediate effect in certain currencies. This affects Steam purchases with PayPal in currencies other than EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD, and USD.

We hope to offer PayPal as an option for these currencies in the future, but the timeline is still uncertain. We are also currently reviewing the introduction of additional payment methods on Steam for the affected customers.

In the meantime, we ask you to use one of our other current payment methods when paying. If you cannot use any of the available options, you can use a Steam wallet code to add funds to your account.

Steam Support

As a result, PayPal now only supports transactions in Euros, US dollars, Canadian and Australian dollars, yen, and British pounds. The community is not pleased with this situation.

However, most players doubt that this is related to the censorship of adult games on Steam (and itch.io). This cannot be confirmed or denied; there is currently too little evidence for this.

With this new regulation for transactions, many players now have to resort to a different payment method than PayPal. As noted by the customer service in the conversation and Steam in the statement, wallet codes could offer an alternative option. An elderly Polish lady has decided to do just that. But the possible reason made an employee suspicious: Because an elderly lady keeps buying Steam wallet funds, a concerned employee reaches out to the community – fearing the worst

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