3 Things you should do first in WoW Patch 11.2 today

A new patch for World of Warcraft is live, and with it, new tasks are available. We will tell you what you should complete as soon as possible.

Patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh is live in World of Warcraft. This means not only new content but also the slight pressure in the background not to fall behind. To ensure you are perfectly prepared for the coming weeks, we will tell you what you definitely should accomplish in the first week.

Start video
WoW Patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh – The Threat of Dimensius

1. Complete the Story of K’aresh

The first point is basically self-explanatory. However, to unlock all features and especially to know the story of the upcoming raid, it is worth completing the Story of K’aresh as soon as possible. You will learn important details about the story here, as well as unlock important features like the Reshii Cloak (your artifact cape) and new game elements like phase diving.

By the way, you will also earn a lot of reputation which will help you. Here’s an additional tip: The Darkmoon Faire is still active until Saturday! You should get the reputation buff there to receive 10% more reputation with the new faction directly on K’aresh.

As usual, completing the majority of the quests is sufficient with one character. Alternate characters will have immediate access to most content afterwards.

WoW Alleria Face Sad titel title 1280x720
Alleria is not exactly in the best mood during the campaign. You’ll find out why.

2. Maximize Reshii Cloak

Relatively early in the course of the K’aresh campaign, you will get your hands on the Reshii Cloak. This cloak will become stronger over the coming weeks. It will gain new talent points, additional abilities, and also an increased item level.

Each week, you can upgrade your Reshii Cloak once. However, if you miss a week, it’s no problem. The cap increases for all players each week, so you can always catch up to the current maximum if you take a break.

However, you can also further modify the cloak with a secondary stat of your choice. For this, you need to use special fibers. The “weak” fibers can be purchased directly from the vendor Hashim for a few gold pieces. You will receive the first fiber for free during the questline.

If you want to get the maximum out of your Reshii Cloak, you should acquire epic fibers. These can be crafted by tailors who have already made significant progress with the new reputation faction. Since the fibers are bound on pickup, you need to obtain them in the form of a crafting order from a tailor.

3. Collect Equipment for the Season Start

Even though Season 3 of The War Within is not starting until next week, you can already work on your equipment this week. You can visit Depths, but you also have the option of mythical dungeons (“M0”). Here, you can find solid equipment that will make your start to the season easier.

Although most equipment will only be available at the start of the new season, you can already fill gaps in your equipment or perhaps gear up one or two alts. This can be quite solid with the quests on K’aresh since even the green quest rewards already have an item level of 641. Characters you may not have played in Season 2 will receive quite substantial upgrades here.

What else can you do? Aside from these “important” tasks, you can already have fun in K’aresh. You can play phase diving, gather treasures, and hunt rare enemies to expand your collection. However, you should not stress yourself. You have a week to enjoy the story at your leisure, and then you will be well prepared for the raid Manaforge Omega. There is no reason to rush.

In addition to all of this, it might be worth taking a closer look at your class again. Because the patch notes for Patch 11.2 are extremely extensive and many specializations have undergone significant revisions that can affect gameplay.

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

Battlefield 6 gives you another chance to participate in Early Access and you hardly have to do anything for it

On August 7, 2025, Early Access to the Beta of Battlefield 6 starts. So far, there has only been one chance to get a key for the Closed Beta. Now a second chance follows, making it easy for you.

How else can you participate in the Early Access of the Beta? You can easily secure access by watching various streamers on Twitch on August 7 and 8. For this, you need an account on Twitch connected to your EA account. You can do this on Twitch under Settings → Connections.

It is important that these are Battlefield streams labeled “Drops Enabled”. If you watch for just 30 minutes, you secure access and will receive a code in your inventory on Twitch. You then redeem this on the website of Battlefield 6 .

If you did everything correctly, you can start directly with Early Access to the Beta, which runs from August 7 to 8.

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

Enjoy the Beta 2 days longer with an access code

What you need to know about the Beta: The Beta of Battlefield 6 takes place in different phases and over two weekends. The following dates apply:

  • Early Access – Closed Beta (code required)
    • From August 7, 10:00 AM CEST to August 8
  • First Open Beta (no code required)
    • From August 9, 10:00 AM CEST to August 11, 10:00 AM CEST
  • Second Open Beta (no code required)
    • From August 14, 10:00 AM CEST to August 17, 10:00 AM CEST

In the Beta, you can play the 4 classes Assault, Support, Engineer, or Recon and heat up your opponents on the 4 maps Liberation Peak, Empire State, Siege of Cairo, or Iberian Offensive.

Additionally, you can play 4 different modes: Conquest, Team Deathmatch, and Breakthrough. If you choose to play during the two Beta weekends, you can also secure various rewards.

You can find all further information in detail on our overview page for the Beta: Battlefield 6 Beta: All info on registration, preload, and codes

If you want to start Battlefield 6 on PC, an setting may get in your way. This is related to the game’s anti-cheat and is a requirement for participating in the Beta and also later for the full release: If you want to play Battlefield 6 on PC, you need to make an important setting; otherwise, the game will not start.

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

One of the worst Marvel series everyone forgot, while the characters introduce an important group

In Marvel, there are many factions that participate in significant events in history. In the film universe, not all are represented yet. An important family has even had their own series, but it was so poorly received that they have never been used in the films..

Which family is it about? In 2017, Marvel was doing quite well. They released 3 films (Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and had impressive box office results. A year before Infinity War, Marvel was in a good place.

Before Disney+, Marvel produced various TV series. In 2013, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. started, followed by Agent Carter. Both were spin-offs of established characters and institutions. In 2017, they wanted to introduce a new faction into the MCU. In September of that year, Marvel’s Inhumans premiered.

They belong to an important faction in the Marvel universe, but apart from a brief appearance, they have not been seen in the films. This may be because the series was not a great success.

Start video
Marvel’s Inhumans – Trailer for the 3rd Marvel series from 2017

A Major Flop at the Peak of Marvel

What is Marvel’s Inhumans about? The Inhumans are genetically altered humans living in the kingdom of Attilan. They try to stay away from humanity. The focus of the Inhumans is the royal family, led by Black Bolt.

In the series, Black Bolt must deal with external problems, but the biggest threat is likely his brother Maximus, who wants to break the known order. Intrigues and betrayals are therefore the order of the day.

How did the series perform? Looking at the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, there is a disastrous score of 11% from 47 reviews. The over 1,000 viewer reviews are a bit more lenient at 42%, but that is still not good. From the few reviews, it is evident that there was not much interest in the series.

In 2017, Moviepilot reported that the first 2 episodes, which aired in theaters, could only earn $2.8 million worldwide. The ratings were also weak. Only 3.75 million Americans watched the first two episodes at release. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter were able to attract significantly more viewers with their premieres.

Since then, there has only been one Inhuman appearance in the MCU films, even though the group plays an important role in the comics.

Important, but (not yet) in the MCU

Why are the Inhumans so important? The Inhumans were created by the Kree as a possible weapon against the Skrulls. Through Terrigenesis, the abilities of the Inhumans are activated, which vary from person to person.

They are generally stronger than humans, but more susceptible to diseases. The center of the Inhumans is the royal family (House of Agon), which consists of the following characters:

  • Black Bolt as king, who can destroy an entire city with his voice.
  • Medusa, Black Bolt’s wife, can control her hair and use it as a weapon.
  • Crystal can control the four elements (Earth, Water, Air, and Fire).
  • Gorgon is physically extremely strong.
  • The dog Lockjaw can teleport himself and others.
  • Triton is basically a fish-man with abilities similar to Aquaman.
  • Maximus is Black Bolt’s crazy brother who can manipulate and read the thoughts of others.

In the MCU, only Black Bolt made an appearance outside of his series in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, he did not come from the normal 616 universe and was quickly dealt with by Wanda.

Through their connection with the Kree, they play a role in the war between the Skrulls and the Kree, which is a significant event in the comics. Additionally, Black Bolt was a member of the Illuminati, a secret organization that also includes Iron Man and Mister Fantastic. In the Marvel universe, there are many Inhumans, one of whom is even extremely intelligent: The smartest person in Marvel is neither Tony Stark nor Bruce Banner

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

A player pays tribute to a voice actor with a mod in Cyberpunk 2077, but the actor is far from thrilled

A player probably meant well when he integrated the voice of a popular video game character in the form of a mod into Cyberpunk 2077. However, the original voice actor had some objections, and for a simple reason.

Whose voice is it? Adam Jensen is the protagonist from Deus Ex. The video game series consists of five titles and its main character is voiced by Elias Toufexis. The actor is popular in the community, which was likely the reason he found his way into Cyberpunk 2077.

No wonder, as CD Projekt Red’s game and Deus Ex are similar in some respects. Both belong to the cyberpunk genre and tell dystopian stories.

A user created a mod that allowed playing as Adam Jensen in Cyberpunk 2077 – complete with his voice. The problem: For the latter feature, he uses AI – which the original voice actor did not appreciate at all.

Start video
Cyberpunk 2077: The Ultimate Edition trailer shows a ‘City of Dreams’

“Are you paying me for the use of my voice?”

What does the actor say? Elias Toufexis responded to a post made by a user on x.com. It concerns the aforementioned mod. While the post encourages using the mod because it would transform Cyberpunk 2077 into a convincing Deus Ex, Toufexis simply stated: “No. Don’t do it, for God’s sake.”

Subsequently, another user asked about the reason for the rejection. Toufexis replied: “Are you paying me for the use of my voice?”

The underlying issue is, of course, the use of AI to imitate a voice without involving the original speaker. This topic is highly relevant today, and other voice actors warn against it, while some studios want to implement it and receive severe criticism for it. AI-generated voices can quickly lead to conflicts, even if the intent of the user is good.

In the case of the mod, the creator writes in the description text (via x.com) that he celebrates the voice of Elias Toufexis and that all of this was just for fun. Should Toufexis disagree, the creator would take the mod offline.

That is exactly what has happened now: At this time, the mod cannot be downloaded anymore. Toufexis’ clear stance on the use of his voice by an AI receives much support from the community on x.com:

  • “Using AI voice modifications against the will of a voice actor is not only disrespectful, but actively harms the industry. Companies use this technology to circumvent the payment of talents. Real support means respecting the boundaries of artists, not bypassing them,” writes Ninja Rick.
  • “Just because the technology is capable doesn’t mean it should be used for this man,” adds SoupDogg.
  • “Honestly, this mod is quite poor. I love Deus Ex, but I find the artificial voice of Jensen simply creepy,” says Katarn.

Other users actually wish to see Elias Toufexis as the voice of V from Cyberpunk 2077. It is a noble desire that the creator of the mod likely had as well.

Generating the voice of the actor through AI without asking for permission is, of course, anything but appropriate. What do you think about this topic? Feel free to let us know in the comments. A horror game wants to use AI for an innovative game concept: Horror game on Steam turns your friends into your opponents using artificial intelligence

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

Next Community Day shocks Trainers in Pokémon GO: “One of the worst Community Days”

The first Community Day of the new season has been announced in Pokémon GO. And it’s not exactly bringing joy to the community.

What kind of event is this? A Community Day is an event where a Pokémon appears in very high numbers and with strong bonuses like an increased shiny chance for 3 hours. The event occurs at least once a month.

After the first dates for the new season were announced yesterday, it is now also known which Pokémon will be the focus of the Community Day in September. And that is causing frustration within the community.

Start video
So sah das Pokémon GO Fest 2025 in Paris aus

“It’s unbelievable”

Which Pokémon is featured in the Community Day? The Pokémon for the Community Day in September, which will take place on September 14, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, is Flabébé. It comes from Generation 6 and is a Fairy-type. You can evolve it into Floette and then into Florges.

The Pokémon has a special feature: It can appear in one of 5 different color variants: Red-flowered, Yellow-flowered, Orange-flowered, Blue-flowered, and White-flowered. While you can get the white and orange variants anywhere in the world, the other colors are only available in specific regions of the world.

The red version can be found in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For the blue variant, you need to be in the Asia-Pacific region, while the yellow version awaits you on the American continent.

How is the community reacting to the announcement? There are 2 major criticisms within the community regarding the Community Day. Firstly, the choice of the Pokémon itself is criticized, as it is not a Pokémon that belongs to the best attackers in Pokémon GO.

It also does not play a particularly significant role in the battle leagues, although it can be found among the top 40 Pokémon in the Master League.

Secondly, the regional restriction of the Pokémon will also remain in place during the Community Day.

Some of the comments about this on Reddit are as follows:

  • “Definitely a missed opportunity. If they didn’t want them to spawn globally, they should at least have put the other regional forms in eggs,” writes Soflokale.
  • “It’s a shame that they are all region-locked, but at the same time I’m also a bit excited because I love it when random Pokémon like this get their Community Days,” says Meringue-Relevant.
  • “The worst Community Day is always the next one. It’s unbelievable,” finds GoldenHair74.
  • “This is literally one of the worst Community Days,” comments MochaHusky.

There’s still some time until the Community Day in September. But even before then, there are many events and content waiting for you in the game. If you want to know exactly when they will take place, feel free to take a look at our overview with all events in August 2025 in Pokémon GO.

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

Ruffy’s alliance in One Piece in the ranking: Who is the greatest help for the Straw Hat in the finale? 

Ruffy has already gathered some allies for himself. After the Dressrosa arc in One Piece, he established his own Grand Fleet. But which captain can actually support the Straw Hat the best?

The Straw Hat Grand Fleet consists of 7 pirate crews that have pledged their support to Ruffy. The adventures in Dressrosa and the fight against Don Quichotte de Flamingo’s crew united them. The captains of the seven pirate crews agreed to sail as an alliance under Ruffy’s flag. The exchange of sake cups sealed the alliance. 

But which of the captains is actually the strongest and most useful companion for Ruffy? MeinMMO ranks all the captains of the pirate crews that have joined the Straw Hat crew. We consider both combat power and devil fruit abilities, as well as other useful skills. 

We do not count the members of the Straw Hat crew themselves in this ranking. We have already done that in a separate ranking

Start video
One Piece Film: Strong World – The Trailer for the Anime Movie

All Captains of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet in the Ranking

Orlumbus

Orlumbus has the nickname Adventurer and is presumably inspired by the real person Christopher Columbus. He is a tall, muscular man who possesses such a strong personality that even enemy soldiers listen to his command. 

The captain uses a whip as a weapon, which allows him to extend his reach in combat. If he doesn’t have his whip at hand, he uses his bare fists to defeat his opponents. He possesses particularly great raw strength. 

However, his bounty is the lowest among all the captains of whom the amount is known. It amounts to 148 million Berry. Therefore, we placed Orlumbus in the last position in this ranking. 

Leo

Leo is indeed a small dwarf, but one should not underestimate his abilities. He is the leader of the dwarf warriors of the Tontatta Kingdom, which already shows that he possesses extraordinary strength for a dwarf. 

For example, he can ram adults into the ground. In addition, his extraordinary speed allows him to flee from dangerous situations.

Another advantage is that he has eaten a devil fruit. With the powers of the Sewing Fruit, he can stitch objects and people together. For example, he can pin people to the ground, as he did with Nico Robin. 

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

Wenn alle in Dexter auf einen Typen gehört hätten, wäre die Serie nach 2 Staffeln vorbei gewesen

Dexter shows in the eponymous series that he tries everything to hide his true self. One of his colleagues has not bought this from the start, but why is that?

What kind of series is Dexter? The series Dexter is a book adaptation about the fictional character Dexter Morgan, who works as a blood specialist in the homicide department. Secretly, Dexter is a serial killer who kills criminals to quench his thirst for blood. In addition to the 8 seasons of the original series, there are:

  • Dexter: New Blood (2021): Continuation with 10 episodes
  • Dexter: Original Sin: Dexter’s backstory as a spin-off
  • Dexter: New Beginning: Continuation of New Blood

In the series, Dexter almost always manages to hide his actions or secretly catch new criminals. However, in the first season, there is Sergeant Doakes, who has never liked Dexter and suspects him from the start. At first glance, Doakes seems like a pretty bad colleague, but if everyone had listened to him, the series would have ended quickly.

Start video
Dexter – Trailer for Season 1 of the cult series

Doakes always suspected that Dexter was hiding something

Why did Doakes know something? Even though Dexter always tries to hide things perfectly, Sergeant Doakes realized from the start that something was off with Dexter. Doakes initially comes across as a pretty unfriendly colleague. He didn’t just dislike Dexter; he seemingly hated him deeply.

As YouTuber DexterTime explains in a YouTube video, Doakes reacted questioningly to many statements. Dexter’s understanding and fascination with murder and blood always seemed suspicious to him. But he seems to be the only one. Even after he tells his former partner that something is wrong with Dexter, she ignores it. Only Doakes realizes that Dexter is playing a façade.

Recommended editorial content

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

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

But it’s not just because Doakes finds him weird. In the series, Dexter is often seen instinctively recognizing other serial killers. This seems to be the case with Doakes as well. Doakes has killed many people throughout his career. This is also an important plot point in Season 2.

Doakes, as a former member of a special unit, has dealt with disturbing things. Dexter himself calls him a killer in Season 2 and compares himself to him. While Doakes cites his job as a reason for killing people, Dexter cites his own code of only killing criminals. DexterTime assumes that Doakes can recognize this, just as Dexter recognizes other killers (via YouTube).

In the books, James Doakes is the character Albert Doakes. In there, Dexter even assumes that he has a Dark Passenger that expresses itself in his willingness to commit violence. The Dark Passenger is essentially the urge to do what one does.

Even though Dexter is the (anti)hero of the story, much suffering could have been avoided if he had been arrested. Not only because people close to him would have survived. Dexter has often manipulated investigations, causing the department to take longer to solve cases.

As viewers, one may rightly ask why no one noticed anything. Doakes’ handling of his suspicion was probably a bit rough. However, if you try to see the series a little more realistically, it is rather strange that throughout the series hardly anyone suspects Dexter.

  • Dexter is constantly missing at work, claiming he must go to a crime scene, but that could easily be checked.
  • In Season 2, Agent Lundy mentions that Dexter had faulty blood analyses in the past.
  • With several people who have been killed, Dexter had public contact and no one questioned it.
  • In some cases, Dexter is the incredible blood expert and in others he is not.
  • He regularly makes evidence disappear.

From season to season, it becomes increasingly implausible, but that probably doesn’t ruin the fun of the series. Especially Dexter’s feigned charm can often save him. If you’ve already seen Dexter, you might find an alternative in this list: 5 series like Dexter

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

The finale of WoW: The War Within is live – Patch 11.2 has started

The last major update of World of Warcraft: The War Within is live. We reveal what Patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh contains.

If you took a small WoW break in the last few weeks, today is the day to take a look again. With the new patch, the main story of “The War Within” is complete – the finale of the current expansion is live. We have all the important information for you in a quick rundown.

The trailer for Patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh:

Start video
WoW Patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh – The Threat of Dimensius

What’s in the new patch? The contents of the patch are relatively classic. It is more or less what one would expect from a major patch. So, there is a raid, a new dungeon, and a completely new area with fresh story.

  • K’aresh: The destroyed home planet of the Mediators and Astrals is the setting of the patch. Here you will learn a lot about the previously unknown backstory.
  • Manaforging Omega: The new raid with the gigantic final boss Dimensius is the highlight of the story of The War Within.
  • Bio-Dome Al’dani: The new dungeon concludes the story of the patch and will later also be available as a “Mythic+” variant.
  • Ecological Preservation: Ensures more biodiversity in K’aresh by bringing life forms back to the remnants of the planet.
  • Reshii Cloak: An artifact cloak that gets upgraded and grants you new powers, such as phase diving. This way, you experience the world as Astrals would and discover new treasures.
  • New Depth: Archive Assault: A new depth set in the Azure Vault. Old depths have also received new stories.

Apart from that, there are also a lot of revisions to existing classes, often including hero talents. We have presented all class changes from Patch 11.2 here.

WoW Release plan Patch 112

When does Season 3 start? As usual, the season starts with a slight delay – namely next week, on August 13, 2025. From then on, there will be dungeons of the “Mythic+” difficulty to complete and the raid will also open its doors at all difficulties (LFR only limited). Then the popular “World First” race starts and the hunt for the very best gear begins once more.

The season always starts after the patch with a bit of delay, so that all players have enough time to take a look at the story and get acquainted with the patch changes.

Is there anything else coming after that? Yes. Even though Patch 11.2.0 is the last major patch of The War Within, there are still at least Patches 11.2.5 and 11.2.7. These will bring the epilogue of the current expansion and probably also the long-awaited game mode “Legion Remix,” where we can revisit the expansion Legion.

Apart from that, the gamescom 2025 is just a few days away. There, Blizzard will reveal several details about the next expansion “Midnight” and also show the intro cinematic for the first time. Then we will also finally know what this shadowy figure is all about and what is really behind it…

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

After a difficult beta, Chrono Odyssey does the only right thing, but for the MMORPG year 2025, things now look even gloomier

It has already become apparent: Chrono Odyssey will not meet the planned release aimed for the end of 2025 after the difficult beta. MeinMMO reveals the new plans.

What is the new plan for Chrono Odyssey? In the new financial report from publisher Kakao Games, the ambitious MMORPG from Chrono Studio has been pushed from the end of 2025 to the fourth quarter of 2026. A global launch on PC as well as consoles is still planned.

Additionally, it seems that ArcheAge Chronicles has also been slightly delayed internally. The last status was that the successor to ArcheAge was supposed to be released in the financial year 2026, but likely in the first half of the year. However, the current report mentions the third quarter of 2026.

Start video
Chrono Odyssey: Trailer from Summer Game Fest 2025 shows action-packed battles and a dark world

Why the delay? Those who have read my preview from the beta know that I suggested to the developers to delay it until 2026. There are simply too many issues that need resolution, which will take considerable time and lead to further tests.

The developers clearly see it this way, as demonstrated by the two very extensive developer updates regarding the to-dos for the coming months. The head honcho even admitted in the meantime that it is unclear whether the next beta will even take place this year.

How is the community reacting to the announcement? On Reddit, the relevant discussion has not yet attracted too many participants, but many of those who express their opinions support the move.

  • Caiden_The_Stoic writes on Reddit: “Honestly? This is a good sign. The demo had potential, but they need to invest a lot more work. This is good of them.”
  • nzre criticizes the publisher on Reddit: “Good, but it would have been better if Kakao hadn’t been so out of touch to consider a release for 2025 before the beta.”
  • Useful-Ad1880 praises and laments on Reddit: “This is a clever move; it takes time. Unfortunately, there’s now little left to test. I hope Blue Protocol releases soon.”

A Year of MMORPGs to Forget

What does this mean for the MMORPG year 2025? With Chrono Odyssey, the last major genre release has now been pushed into the next year. What is still left? Mainly smaller projects and the final launches of current early-access games:

What stands out about this list: There aren’t too many concrete dates. And whether, for example, Camelot Unchained will actually be released this year, we will only believe when it actually happens after the current development hell.

Plus: There are many small MMORPG projects in the list that aim to provide a retro or nostalgic experience and will therefore only appeal to a very niche audience (and all somehow also look very interchangeable). The current early-access titles that are steering towards their final launch have not been able to convince so far.

Long story short: A difficult MMORPG year 2025 has become even sadder with the absence of Chrono Odyssey. However, one can also view this positively: The coming year is likely to be significantly more exciting for fans of the genre. Which new releases the MeinMMO community is most looking forward to, you can find out here: The Lord of the Rings is such a strong brand that even Amazon Games can’t harm it – Here are the MMORPGs you are most excited about

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

Generation Z has just entered the workforce and is already being replaced in an industry by AI

Generation Z is currently at the beginning of their careers. However, an industry that was once known for good entry-level and advancement opportunities is becoming increasingly inaccessible to them.

Which industry is it? It primarily affects the tech industry, including jobs related to software development, IT services, data analysis, or technical assistance. This sector was once seen as a guarantee of jobs with a future. Today, however, many traditional entry-level positions are disappearing here, replaced by artificial intelligence.

As current data shows, unemployment among young tech professionals in the USA has risen significantly since early 2024. Especially affected are 20 to 24-year-olds with a computer science degree. This is according to a new analysis by the US investment bank Goldman Sachs, which regularly evaluates economic trends. According to a report by Business Insider, their unemployment rate has increased by almost three percentage points – about four times more than the increase in the overall job market.

How advanced AI tools already are is also shown in this video. In it, students use a hidden camera and AI to find out personal data from strangers in seconds.

Start video
Students spy on passersby with hidden cameras and AI, find name and address in seconds

Ready for jobs that no longer exist

Why is it affecting Gen Z in particular? Many companies specifically use AI where processes can be easily automated, and these are often exactly the tasks that were previously assigned to entry-level employees. This includes simple programming tasks, bug fixing, data preparation, or initial steps in customer support.

As the Wall Street Journal reports, several companies have canceled their entry-level programs. Instead of training young talents, they are relying on efficient AI solutions or experienced professionals. For graduates without work experience, this is a massive problem, as they cannot even enter the race without initial job experience.

What’s next for Gen Z? What’s missing is the classic starting point: a job where one gains experience, grows, and develops. Instead, many young people find themselves facing a job market right after university that does not accept them.

However, the situation is not entirely without prospects. Experts advise focusing on fields that are not easily replaced by AI. Also, soft skills such as communication, team leadership, or critical thinking are gaining importance because they are difficult to automate. As tech company IBM reports, more and more companies are investing in internal training to prepare employees for collaboration with AI.

Already in 2023, the investment bank Goldman Sachs warned that up to 300 million jobs worldwide could be displaced or significantly changed by AI, as also reported by Forbes. Former Google manager Mo Gawdat warns in a report on WebProNews that the really big upheavals are still to come. Starting in 2027, he estimates that AI will not only replace entry-level positions but also take over complex office and knowledge jobs. This transformation could take up to 15 years.

Generation Z struggles to enter an industry that no longer needs them. AI takes over tasks before humans even get the chance to start. And what remains if one does get a job? An AI disregards all precautions and autonomously deletes the entire work of a developer in seconds.

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

After over 5 years, the YouTuber Julien Bam ends his biggest project, can finally take care of his pool

The German content creator Julien Bam has produced short films on his YouTube channel. Now, he is focusing on his pool, which he has been trying to renovate for over 6 years.

Which project has Julien Bam completed? Julien Bam is one of the biggest names in the German YouTube scene. On his eponymous YouTube channel, he has gathered over 6 million subscribers and has produced very elaborate short films over the years.

In 2019, the YouTuber announced his last “main videos.” He wanted to produce only a certain number of elaborate short films and then dedicate himself to other projects. However, in the following years, it became clear that the YouTuber was not really able to say goodbye, as he repeatedly announced the release of more videos while also releasing more short films than planned.

In March 2025, however, it really happened: Julien Bam uploaded the finale of his short films and made peace with his favorite enemy. Now, the YouTuber has enough time to quietly renovate his pool the way he wants it, a process he has been attempting for 6 years.

Besides Julien Bam, Max “HandOfBlood” Knabe is also a major YouTuber in Germany. We introduce him in our video:

Start video
HandOfBlood: The most important thing about the YouTuber and Twitch streamer in under a minute

“I only associate beautiful moments with the pool”

What is going on with his pool? Eight years ago, Julien Bam bought his own house to have a space for his team. It serves as a kind of office for video production. Julien Bam and his team added a pool to the garden, the creation of which the YouTuber has been documenting for over 6 years on his second channel, Bulien Jam.

In the first 2 years, the construction of the pool itself was primarily documented. In the 3rd and 4th years, several renovations to the garden were made. Once the pool was finished, Julien Bam filmed challenges that frequently involved the pool. In his latest YouTube video, the YouTuber states: “I only associate beautiful moments with the pool here” (Source: YouTube).

Recommended editorial content

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

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

Afterwards, many renovations to the garden and terrace were made. However, in the years that followed, the production of the main videos was so demanding that there was no time left for renovations and the filming of other content.

In 2024, Julien Bam “saved” his pool from neglect, and this year he intends to give the pool a kind of finale by preparing it one last time.

In his main videos, Julien Bam not only had some guest stars in the form of other content creators, but he also incorporated insider knowledge of the YouTube community into his short films. More about this can be found here on MeinMMO: Julien Bam mocks his former buddy Unge in front of millions on YouTube

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

A free loot shooter launches with 6,000 players on Steam, but they are only after a specific loot

A new free loot shooter attracted over 6,000 players on Steam but many are only after a specific loot.

Which game is being talked about? It refers to Terminull Brigade: A free shooter with a third-person view, where you shoot and loot through futuristic worlds solo or cooperatively. The game features heroes like in Overwatch or Marvel Rivals and Roguelike mechanics.

  • Terminull Brigade was released on July 30, 2025, on Steam. There, the shooter reached its current peak of 6,219 concurrent players on August 2 (Source: steamdb.info).

However, if you look at the players’ reviews, it becomes apparent: Many of them did not come here for the game itself. They were on the hunt for something else.

You can watch a trailer for the game here:

Start video
Terminull Brigade: Der Launch-Trailer zum neuen Free2Play-Shooter auf Steam

“I didn’t play it at all”

What were the players looking for? Many of them stated that they were only after a special reward on Discord. There is a quest that rewards you with 700 Discord Orbs for playing Terminull Brigade. 

You can exchange Discord Orbs in the shop for rewards like special badges or designs for your Discord profile. For 1,400 Orbs, you even get 3 days of Nitro credit. You earn these Orbs through quests you complete in certain games. In Terminull Brigade, you just need to play for 15 minutes while the Discord client is open. The promotion runs until August 8, 2025.

Many players apparently only got the new shooter for the Orbs, but didn’t really play it. Therefore, you often see Steam reviews like:

  • “I installed the game just to sit in the EULA window while I slept and earned the 700 Discord Orbs. I didn’t play it at all.” (Star the Scolipede on Steam)
  • “Thanks for the Discord Orbs. Uninstalled it after that. No gameplay, didn’t even accept the EULA.” (on Steam)

Many of them then leave a negative review – often without justifying their decision further.

Fun shooter experience with too much monetization

Other players criticize that the shooter hides too many contents behind a paywall:

  • Steam user PiXL (ADEPT) had great fun in the beta but is now disappointed: “Everything that was supposedly supposed to be unlocked with the full release is actually just behind a paywall. Characters? Paywall. New weapons? Paywall.” (on Steam)
  • “Game is fine, but please change pay-to-win for the other classes so that you can also unlock everything in the game by playing.” (normen1995.nfh on Steam)

Others do not understand all the negative reviews:

  • CaptnBarbosa writes in his review on Steam: “Don’t listen to the haters about the 700 Discord Orbs. The characters have interesting abilities, and you can improve them in a rogue-like fashion. I unlocked two more characters within an hour. The boss fights are fun, even more so in a team.”
  • “A fun, chaotic co-op experience with potential – worth a try if you like roguelikes and hero shooters. Just needs optimization and smart monetization to really shine. 7/10.” (Prince of Darkness on Steam)

The monetization was also a big topic of discussion for the anime MMORPG Blue Protocol. Now the developers are responding to the criticism and making changes to the model. You can read more about it in our article on MeinMMO: After heavy criticism, highly anticipated anime MMORPG adjusts monetization

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

Whoever wants a house first in WoW must pre-order the new addon

Do you want early access to a home in World of Warcraft? Then you need to pre-order. Otherwise, it will take even longer.

In America, the Patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh has been online since last night. Some details seem to have slipped into the game that perhaps should not have been released immediately. The pre-order version of the next expansion for World of Warcraft could already be seen in the game’s shop.

The story teaser for Patch 11.2:

Start video
WoW: The Alliance of the Space Traveler – Patch 11.2 Ghosts of K’aresh

What was discovered? In the game’s shop, some players have already been able to pre-order the next WoW addon. Not only was the price revealed, but also a special advantage: Housing. There is early access if you pre-order the addon.

When does the Early Access apply? A concrete date for the early access of housing has not yet been announced. However, since Blizzard has not announced a specific date for the release of Midnight, the exact date will likely be announced later.

What else is included in the versions? Apart from early access, there are a few other bonuses that you get for the different versions. As with previous expansions, there are the “Base”, “Heroic” and “Epic” editions, each providing different bonuses.

Please note in the following table that the contents are not yet finally confirmed and are based on reports from some players:

Base Edition (€50)Heroic Edition (€70)Epic Edition (€90)
Midnight + The War WithinMidnight + The War WithinMidnight + The War Within
Character boost to level 80Character boost to level 80Character boost to level 80
500 Trader’s Tokens1,000 Trader’s Tokens2,000 Trader’s Tokens.
Early access to housingEarly access to housingEarly access to housing
Lightstrider Transmog SetLightstrider Transmog Set
Lightwing Dragonhawk MountLightwing Dragonhawk Mount
Voidwing Dragonhawk Mount
Pet: Hopeflutter
Pet: Doomfeather
Beta access to Midnight
3 days early access at launch
Housing bundle:
Several items, including portraits of Xal’atah, Alleria, and Turalyon, as well as Light and Void wells.
30 days of playtime

One of the most interesting bonuses is probably the 3-day early access at the launch of the expansion as well as the guaranteed beta access. For housing fans, the special decorations might also be an incentive to purchase the most expensive version of Midnight again.
After all, we know one player who will definitely buy the Epic version – because he collects so many items that even Blizzard is impressed.

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

In Battlefield 6, you should be able to lay everything to waste – I tested the destruction, but I am skeptical

Battlefield 6 is said to have the best destruction in the history of shooters, but the test showed: EA promises a lot but can only partially deliver.

Battlefield 6 introduced its multiplayer on July 31 and emphasizes that in the latest installment of the shooter series, they are putting a large focus on map destructibility again. In the trailer and in various clips, something is constantly blowing up, houses are collapsing, and time and again it is said that destruction is one of the core features of the game.

The product manager of Battlefield told me in an interview that she is sure it is the best destruction in the history of Battlefield. Overall, she is impressed by the performance of the development team and has not seen anything like it in a shooter.

Well, I have tested Battlefield 6 for a few hours and I am a bit skeptical about whether the destruction is really as fundamental and epic as it has been portrayed so far.

Start video
Battlefield 6 presents classes, movement, and tactical destruction in the trailer

A lot of hype that exaggerates a bit

The destruction in Battlefield 6 is definitely better than in Battlefield 2042 – I want to make that very clear right from the start. Perhaps it is even the best destruction in the history of Battlefield, but it’s much tighter than the trailer suggests.

There are certain corners in the game that crumble just as impressively as in the trailer. On the map Empire State, for example, a house completely collapsed. That looked cool.

However, on the same map, I stood at 2-3 corners where I shot a wall with a rocket launcher, and nothing happened. While it is usually clear whether a wall is destructible, it still led to disappointment for me. In the reveal, it was still said that you could create new paths with explosives and for example create an escape route if you are cornered.

And so I find myself in a room about 3 square meters in size with only one door, enemies outside on the street, and I can’t get out because my C4 only leaves black soot on the wall behind. I quickly realized that not every wall, not every ceiling, and certainly not every building is destructible.

I realized that I cannot create a spontaneous escape route everywhere.

The destruction is fine as it is, but is portrayed too well

If the destruction on all maps of Battlefield 6 is implemented like on the ones I have already played, then I am completely satisfied. It is sufficient. There is the possibility of using wall explosions tactically, and still enough cover remains so that the maps do not become completely unplayable.

I am not a big fan of all buildings on a map being completely dismantled over the course of a match, and I serve as cannon fodder for tanks and helicopters as an infantryman. Because only certain walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, and buildings are destructible in Battlefield 6, the map balancing remains good throughout the round.

The only problem I have with the destruction is this exaggerated portrayal in marketing. Yes, it’s cool, but in The Finals we can destroy much more. In Rainbow Six: Siege, it’s one of the most important tactical tools. And we were already able to completely destroy smaller houses in Battlefield 4 and V and dismantle the skyscraper in Shanghai.

The destruction in Battlefield 6 is not so outstanding and everything-surpassing that I am sitting here with my jaw dropped.

If EA is not careful, this intense pushing of destruction will backfire. They have managed to generate a strong hype, but such hype is always playing with fire – and if expectations are not met, you get burned. Another point of concern for the shooter is a setting that PC players have to enable in the BIOS to launch the game: If you want to play Battlefield 6 on PC, you need to make an important setting, otherwise the game won’t start.

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

Titan Quest 2: Brazier Puzzle – How to solve the riddle and open the door to the rewards

A mysterious door presents you with a riddle in Titan Quest 2. What braziers have to do with solving it and what you get for it, you can read here.

What is this riddle? In the depths of Fiend’s Hollow, you will find a strange door that gives you a cryptic sentence when you interact with it:

“You imagine lighting a single brazier. Then a pair of braziers. Then a trio. Then the thoughts fade away.”

The braziers mentioned in the riddle can be found in the environment, and you need to light them in a very specific order to open the door. We will explain how and where exactly.

Start video
Der Trailer zum Early Access von Titan Quest 2 auf Steam

Finding and lighting the braziers – The correct order

This is how you solve the riddle: To open the door, you basically need to do exactly what it reveals. So you first light 1, then 2, and then 3 braziers. You will find them at these locations on the map, with the orange location marking the door:

  • You first need to go to location 1 in blue:
  • Then to location 2 in red:
  • And then to map point 3 in green:

If you light all the braziers correctly, the door will open automatically.

These rewards await you

Once you have solved the riddle, you will receive a chunk of experience as well as 10 x Embers of Night. In the room behind the door, there is also a miner named Mopsus. You can ignore him because he just complains that you found his hideout.

More interesting are the two chests behind him that you can loot at your leisure. The contents are random, but definitely worthwhile.

MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus was not initially keen on Titan Quest 2 and found it did not compare to his beloved Diablo 4. However, after a few hours with the new ARPG, his opinion changed significantly: Compared to Diablo 4, Titan Quest 2 looked totally lame – Oh boy, how wrong I was

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

The World Devourer awakens in the new WoW patch “Spirits of K’aresh”

What is it all about? Every scar tells a story, but in the case of scars in the universe, these are often very tragic. One of the deepest and most painful of these old wounds is the world of K’aresh – or what is left of it.

Once it was a thriving world full of wonders. It was the home of a highly intelligent and artistic people. The ancestors of the mysterious beings that you now know as the nearly incorporeal Astral or the enterprising intermediaries.

But that was not always the case. The radiant wealth of K’aresh drew the attention of one of the most horrific powers in the WoW universe: the Void itself!

An unimaginable foe

From the darkest depths of this nothingness came an entity whose sole purpose was annihilation. A Void Lord of unimaginable power, whose very name became synonymous with the annihilation of entire worlds: Dimensius the All-Consuming!

His assault on K’aresh was relentless and devastating. Reality itself shattered and the desperately fighting survivors were forever changed.

But even Dimensius seemed to have been somehow lost in all this chaos, but apparently that is not the case.

For now, eons later, the fanatical Shadow Watch is attempting to accomplish the unthinkable. With the help of a stolen artifact of immeasurable power – the Dark Heart – they have begun a ritual amidst the ruins of their old homeland to resurrect Dimensius himself.

Their goal is to give him the power to complete his work and finally consume the last ghostly remnants of K’aresh. And after that, Azeroth might be next! Your heroes therefore have every reason to prevent the calamity before it gets truly dire!

The new raid “Manaforging Omega” – face Dimensius and save the world!

And right here in the new raid of WoW Patch 11.2 “Spirits of K’aresh” begins your great battle. In the new raid, “Manaforging Omega”, you must delve into the heart of these dark machinations and thwart the plans of the Shadow Watch.

This is the setting of the new raid, the Manaforging Omega.

It’s a wild race against time to stop the rebirth of the World Eater. But many more bosses await you before you finally take on Dimensius himself.

The layout of the Manaforging Omega

The raid is structured linearly and leads players deeper into the Manaforging until they reach the site of the final ritual, where the Void Lord is to re-emerge. On the way to the final boss, you will encounter additional mini-bosses that will gradually challenge your abilities.

Also note that the brand new game mechanic of “Phase Diving” plays an important role here in the raid, especially in the boss fights.

1. Boss – Plexus Guardian

A massive construct that serves as the gatekeeper. It is connected to the energy of K’aresh and uses this to battle intruders with arcane rays. The fight takes place on a large platform in front of the entrance.

You must prove at this construct whether you have what it takes for the rest of the raid.

2. Boss – Loom’ithar

A monstrous, spider-like Void creature. In battle, the beast floods you with stored energy and in the final phase, it even tears itself apart to completely annihilate you.

This nasty spider creature is the 2nd boss.

3. Boss – Soulbinder Naazindhri

A powerful Astral of the Shadow Watch and one of the main ritualists. She captures the echoes of souls that fell on K’aresh and forces them into service of the Void. In the battle, you must prevent her from summoning even more additional enemies against you.

In this fight, you need to be careful or you will be overrun by additional enemies.

4. Boss – Forgeweaver Araz

This brilliant inventor utilizes the energy of the Manaforging itself to crush your raid. Here, you must interrupt his collectors in time to thwart his work.

This boss uses energy explosions to annihilate you.

5. Boss (Optional) – The Void Hunters

A trio of infamous mercenaries – led by the traitor Adarus – hired by the Shadow Watch to do their dirty work. You can expect a fast-paced, action-packed fight against three foes with different abilities.

These three rogue hunters are the bonus boss fight.

6. Boss – Fraktillus

As the Void seeped into the forge, it awakened an ancient elemental from the glass and sand of K’aresh. Fraktillus is a force of nature made of shattered reality and sharp shards of glass. In battle, he gathers more and more power with his crystals if you allow it.

This boss looks like a pile of rubble but is very dangerous.

7. Boss – Nexus King Salhadaar

The leader of the Shadow Watch has empowered himself with the power of the stolen Dark Heart. In this battle, he uses his royal power to impose oaths upon you and demand them with force.

The penultimate boss is the leader of the Shadow Watch.

8. Boss (Final Boss) – Dimensius

In the end, you won’t be able to completely prevent Dimensius from returning, but at least you will face only a weakened version of the Void Lord. However, this version is already gigantic and will demand all of your skill!

Even in an incomplete form, Dimensius is a monstrous colossal!

The grand raid will demand everything from you in WoW Patch 11.2, and especially the higher difficulty levels are a tough challenge for the best of the best. 

So be there when it starts today. The expansion “The War Within” can also be purchased at a 50% discount on Battle.net until August 14, 2025.

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

Battlefield 6 is not even playable yet, but it already has almost as many players on Steam as Battlefield 2042

Actually, the beta of Battlefield 6 starts only on August 7, 2025. Nevertheless, the beta reached Steam temporarily almost as many players as its predecessor Battlefield 2042. How this is possible is explained by MeinMMO.

So, how can that be? As of August 4, 2025, 5:00 PM, you can reportedly download the beta for Battlefield 6 in advance. But what to do once the preparation is complete? Well, maybe just log in and see if anything works?

Perhaps that’s what the thousands of players are thinking who have been launching the game since the download, landing in the settings menu, and thus ultimately being registered as logged-in Steam users by steamdb.info and similar sites. During yesterday’s peak, there were even 9,463 Steam users online in the – certainly very great – options of Battlefield 6.

For comparison: The predecessor from 2021, which reportedly has real gameplay to offer (with shooting and all that), had a maximum of 11,495 concurrently active Steam users in the past 24 hours, which means only about 2,000 more players.

One of the new trailers for Battlefield 6:

Start video
Battlefield 6 presents classes, movement, and tactical destruction in the trailer

“I can’t believe that so many people are still playing 2042”

How is the community reacting to this? They are already celebrating this circumstance on Reddit with more than 1,500 upvotes and more than 160 comments.

  • whenyoudieisaybye states the reason on Reddit: “Because it feels better to mess around with the options of Battlefield 6 than to deal with all the 2042 content.”
  • PolarBearBalls2 adds on Reddit: “I distinctly remember the disaster of a user interface that was presented to us as menus in the beta of 2042.”
  • CaveManta finds only one thing surprising on Reddit: “I can’t believe that so many people are still playing 2042.”

What do I need to know about the beta of Battlefield 6? The upcoming beta is divided into several phases:

  • Early Access – Closed Beta (Battlefield Labs member before July 31 or access via Twitch Drop)
    • From August 7, 10:00 AM CEST to August 8
  • First Open Beta (no code required)
    • From August 9, 10:00 AM CEST to August 11, 10:00 AM CEST
  • Second Open Beta (no code required)
    • From August 14, 10:00 AM CEST to August 17, 10:00 AM CEST

The preload is already available. Supported are PS5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, EA App). You can find all further details about system requirements, beta rewards, and content of the beta in our overview: All info about registration, preload, and codes for the beta of Battlefield 6

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

Shadowheart is the most popular companion in Baldur’s Gate 3, but she has been forced into another class 5 million times

On the second birthday of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian released some statistics. Among them: Which companions have been “respecced” the most and which classes are the most popular. By far, the most affected is Shadowheart, and for good reason.

Who exactly is Shadowheart?

  • You meet Shadowheart already in the prologue of Baldur’s Gate 3 as one of the first companions in the game, alongside Lae’zel. She is one of the most important characters in the story.
  • In an early statistic, Larian revealed that Shadowheart is the most popular romance in the game with over 51% (on X) – which is likely still the case.
  • Although Shadowheart is so popular, many players apparently struggle with her class.

Here are the statistics: In an overview, Larian revealed some interesting numbers about Baldur’s Gate 3, including that 4,600 players completed the Honor Mode at level 1 – a crazy achievement.

Also in the post is a statistic about the companions, specifically: who had to see Lazarus the most to change their class. By a large margin, Shadowheart is in first place:

  • Shadowheart was forced to respec 4.89 million times
  • Wyll only 1.4 million times
  • and Gale, in third place, had to change his class 680,000 times

Larian does not disclose how exactly Shadowheart was adjusted. So it is possible that players only needed to make minor adjustments, such as reallocating stats. However, there is another statistic regarding subclasses.

Here, Larian reveals that Shadowheart was made into a Cleric of the Life Domain almost as often as into a Cleric of the Death Domain, which was newly introduced with Patch 8. A striking difference, but fitting, as the devs believe.

Start video
Baldur’s Gate 3: Reset Character and Choose New Class

The Problem of Clerics: Gameplay Over Story

That Shadowheart has to change the most is not necessarily surprising. Clerics are one of the strongest classes in the game, but also the least popular. Additionally, their specialization is particularly weak.

Compared to all other clerics, Clerics of the Trickery Domain are only in the B tier of the best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3. Most other domains are significantly stronger, and especially in Tactical or Honor mode, you need every strength you can get.

Even though Shadowheart may be at home in the story and through her dark goddess in the Trickery Domain, she has more advantages for the group in other domains when it comes to pure combat power.

In some cases, it is even advisable to completely divert her from her path as a cleric. A popular class for Shadowheart is, for example, the Bard, as is often read on Reddit – she then remains in a support role but is stronger. Especially since experts know that you can do without a healer: Baldur’s Gate 3: If you still have a healer with you, you’re making a big mistake

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

Former chief developer explains 8 years later what really happened with Anthem: A team trapped “in the world of secrets”

Mark Darrah, a long-time BioWare veteran, now talks in detail about the development of Anthem and why the AAA blockbuster became one of the biggest flops in video game history.

What does Darrah reveal about the development of BioWare? So much that the BioWare veteran divides his personal insights into several videos, which are very comprehensive. Part 1 alone runs for nearly 60 minutes and covers the years 2011 to 2017.

In the first video’s commentary, Darrah makes it clear that the project has struggled with a number of issues from the very beginning, starting with lead developer Casey Hudson’s pitch to the executives at Electronic Arts.

Who is Mark Darrah? The experienced developer has worked at BioWare for nearly 24 years and was, among other things, the lead developer on Baldur’s Gate II and Jade Empire, as well as project director for the entire Dragon Age series and Anthem.

mark-darrah

According to Darrah, Hudson promised the future of storytelling, combined with live service, mandatory online access, and a completely new business model. In other words: Hudson promised a BioWare blockbuster that would generate FIFA-level revenues. That was exactly what EA wanted to hear and have.

That the development then didn’t progress for years had several reasons, according to Darrah:

  • The other projects (Dragon Age Inquisition and Mass Effect Andromeda) took up developer capacity for a long time, so there was little progress on the development of Anthem for years.
  • The game lacked an identity for a long time. What was clear was only what Anthem did not want to be: not Destiny, not Mass Effect, not Borderlands.
  • But what should Anthem be? The future of storytelling, according to Casey Hudson’s original pitch. However, no one in the team knew what to make of that. There were no concrete goals for a long time and no clear direction.
  • A lot was tried accordingly: At first, Anthem focused on survival, but at times climbing was also a focus of the gameplay. Sometimes you could fly, sometimes you could only glide, and sometimes none of that.
  • Since no one really knew how Anthem could advance the future of storytelling, there were repeated conflicts between the narrative level and multiplayer.

Oh yes … the launch trailer for Anthem:

Start video
Anthem shows the four different combat suits in the launch trailer

The Boss, a Keeper of Secrets

According to Darrah, the team’s aimlessness was exacerbated by poor communication, triggered by the secrecy surrounding the project. Only a few people had access to important password-protected documents. Hard drives were secured. Only selected people were allowed to attend meetings.

The fear of leaks was omnipresent. Everyone was trapped in a “world of secrets” that was exemplified by BioWare management.

Casey Hudson, who held the very centralized leadership in the Anthem team during the early years, initially decided which information was released to whom. What did not apparently belong to this was, according to Darrah, the small detail of what Anthem was supposed to exactly be and how it was supposed to advance the future of storytelling.

When Hudson left in 2014, there was no one to take over this information flow until 2016, nor did anyone know what the former lead’s plans for Anthem were supposed to look like. The project was virtually leaderless during this phase. This was exacerbated by the fact that the team had grown compared to the initial period, making good communication even more important.

Instead, each area worked independently on its part of the game, without making significant progress. No one had the big picture in mind. There was no one to make clear decisions and set the direction.

That only changed in 2017 when Darrah took over leadership and opened the communication channels. As the veteran developer states, Anthem was supposed to be nearing completion that year…

Here you can watch the first part of the video series for yourself:

Recommended editorial content

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

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

First Dylan, then Beyond, then Anthem

How did Anthem get its name? Internally, Anthem had only one project name for a long time: Dylan. When it finally came to choosing a final name, the team first considered Javelin, based on the namesake exosuits.

However, EA’s management did not like the name, it didn’t sound grand enough. Then they landed on Beyond, which symbolized stepping out of the safe base into the unknown and unfamiliar. That there was already a game by Sony with that name didn’t matter. They would certainly be able to come to an agreement regarding the rights.

Now, when E3 2017 was approaching, Darrah stated that they hadn’t yet reached an agreement. Therefore, shortly before the official announcement of the game, a new name was needed. In the end, it was Anthem, due to lack of better alternatives, a reference to the Anthem of Creation, or the Creation Hymn, a kind of mysterious power in the universe of the game.

How and when will it continue? In the second part of the video series, it will be about the time when Mark Darrah pushed the development of Anthem as lead up to its launch on February 22, 2019. However, it is still unknown when exactly the video will go live.

Since we have some Anthem enthusiasts sitting in the editorial office, you can assume that we will keep you updated about every new anecdote on MeinMMO. By the way, you won’t be able to play this action MMO for much longer; anyone who wants to indulge in nostalgia has to hurry: EA wanted to create the perfect MMO with Anthem, but instead of rescue, the death blow now follows

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

After dozens of other games, GTA is now supposedly to be banned from Steam – fans say: It would be the best scenario

An Australian organization has pushed for a bunch of “adult” games to disappear from Steam, by pressuring payment service providers. The bans are reportedly set to extend further to titles like Grand Theft Auto. Gamers believe: Let them try. Then the spectacle would soon end.

What bans are we talking about?

  • In July 2025, dozens of games disappeared from Steam, mainly those with erotic or very violent content. “Adult Games,” as they are referred to by gamers.
  • The reason was apparently that payment service providers like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal pressured and threatened to refuse payments when such products were offered.
  • The trigger was reportedly the Australian organization Collective Shout, which describes itself as a feminist organization, fighting for women’s rights and against the sexualization of women in media. However, its actual principles are fundamentally Christian. Collective Shout is also an advocate for the “Pro Life” movement, which aims to ban abortions.

Why is GTA now at risk? The game distributor ZOOM has spoken to its contacts at payment service providers. In a statement, it is stated that the partners are “concerned” about the content.

In an email to the news portal GamingOnLinux, it is supposedly stated: The ZOOM team expects that titles like GTA, Duke Nukem, or Saints Row are considered at risk, meaning they are under threat of removal.

ZOOM wants to counter this by no longer paying directly for games, but by collecting currencies in a digital wallet. This way, you can easily buy whatever you want without restrictions.

GOG has also opposed the reprisals and has temporarily offered the banned video games for free, but only for a limited time.

Start video
Rockstar Games presents GTA 6 in the second trailer

“No way are they just watching silently”

On Reddit, the news has caused a stir. The catchy ban on adult games has outraged many gamers as they see it as paternalism. Adult gamers should be able to decide for themselves what they buy, not PayPal or Visa.

However, it was also about small publishers and developers who cannot fight back. In the current case, however, Rockstar and Take-Two are standing against the impending ban. And they have significantly more resources:

Wouldn’t the attempt be the best-case scenario? Publishers for adult games generally do not have the financial means to litigate against payment service providers. But as soon as you take on the big gaming companies – they have entire legal teams to fight it out.

axle2005 on Reddit

Rockstar and Take-Two, the companies behind GTA, would not simply watch as their games disappear from Steam and others. Particularly with regard to the announced and hyped GTA 6, which cannot be stopped.

Whether such a procedure will even take place remains to be seen. There is as yet no concrete evidence that GTA is at risk of being banned at all. However, Collective Shout already expressed outrage back in 2014, this time over GTA 5.

The accusation back then was: GTA 5 encourages players to brutally murder women for entertainment. At that time, the petition was partially successful. GTA 5 has disappeared from some stores in Australia. Steam itself also reacted to a particularly extreme game before the ban wave in July, which Collective Shout was also allegedly involved in: A new game on Steam was so extreme that Valve removed it – developers give up

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