Free shooter from Germany launches on Steam, has over 11,000 players on release, yet receives heavy criticism

Ody Ody Reading time 3 minutes

A German studio releases its shooter on Steam, and it already has over 11,000 players. Nevertheless, the game also receives significant criticism, which is reflected in user reviews.

Which game is being referred to? Off The Grid is a free-to-play battle royale shooter from the developer studio Gunzilla Games, which is based in Frankfurt am Main.

The game features a cyberpunk setting with a story by Neil Blomkamp. He has made a name for himself as the director of District 9 and Elysium.

Off The Grid has been available in the Epic Games Store since October 8, 2024. On July 17, 2025, the release on Steam followed, where the game was able to kick off strongly.

You can watch a new trailer for the game here:

Start video
Off The Grid: Der kostenlose Shooter aus Deutschland erscheint jetzt auch auf Steam

11,000 players on Steam with balanced reviews

How did the release go? The day after the release, the game reached its current peak of about 11,800 concurrent players on Steam (according to SteamDB, as of June 18, 11:40 AM). So far, 312 players have left a review, of which 65% are positive.

The Steam ratings are overall “balanced” and that couldn’t be more fitting: On one hand, players praise Off The Grid for bringing fresh air to the battle royale genre. On the other hand, however, there is also heavy criticism of the game.

This is what players praise:

  • “After getting PTSD from playing way too much Warzone, PUBG, and Apex, I decided this give this one a try and yes it felt weirdly different but in a good way.” (LazyQueen on Steam)
  • “Game is not perfect, but I want to mention that concept and original idea of this game is something really new for battle royales genre that stuck on the same place.” (Stormbringer on Steam)
  • “The weapons feel great, movement is fluid, and the whole vibe of the game is just… cool. I really appreciate the direction the devs are taking with the narrative elements, too — you can tell there’s depth coming.” (paliy on Steam)

Criticism primarily concerns the still poor performance and the high number of bots. Furthermore, the monetization model of the game is a major topic. Off The Grid debuted in the Epic Games Store with the note that the shooter utilizes blockchain and NFT technologies. Whether this also applies to the release on Steam is unclear: No such notice can be found there. While some players believe the Steam version is decoupled from that, others are convinced of the opposite.

  • “Performance is ass. Unless you have the configs from Alpha where you can kill all video settings and make the game run great, you are stuck with trash performance.” (Sapca11 on Steam)
  • “If you want to play against bots, and I mean ONLY BOTS, then this is the game for you. Won 4 games in a row against only bots. Allegedly 8000 people are in-game according to Steam, 7998 of which are bots.” (Wabø on Steam)
  • “To upgrade, craft, or even stay competitive, you’re nudged actually, let’s be real pushed to interact with their token ecosystem. But it’s all hidden under abstract currencies, wallet pop-ups, and off-platform shops.” (obamarunts on Steam)

In total, players point out various points for and against the game. Whether you give the F2P shooter a chance is entirely up to you.

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NFTs in video games are hardly seen nowadays, but a few years ago they were all the rage. Many players did not like that at all. Even Ubisoft has attempted this several times, as seen here: Ubisoft has secretly released a new shooter – but it relies on a technology that gamers hoped had died in 2022

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

Pokémon GO: Summer concert brings you a Shiny, strong lures and music from the Pokémon composer

Paul Kutzner Paul Kutzner Reading time 2 minutes

Tomorrow the Summer Concert starts in Pokémon GO. Besides hunting for a Shiny, you should also turn on the game’s music.

What kind of event is this? The Summer Concert is an event that brings you, in addition to various Pokémon, one main thing: special music. And it comes from none other than Junichi Masuda, the composer of the Pokémon games. So you should activate the music in the game if you haven’t done so already.

The event starts on Saturday, July 19, 2025, and runs until Tuesday, July 22, 2025. It does not run all day, but only from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

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

What to expect at the event

Which Pokémon has an increased Shiny chance? Chatot, the Pokémon from Generation 4 with the types Normal and Flying, has an increased chance to appear as a Shiny during the event. You can find it by using Incense at PokéStops.

What bonuses are there at the event? The event focuses on Incense. Therefore, the bonuses are as follows:

  • Incense activated during the event lasts 1 hour
  • Incense attracts special Pokémon
  • increased chance for Shiny Chatot at Incense

Which Pokémon are at the event? While other events feature special monsters in the wild or in raids, this event is different. Here you can only lure the following monsters if you use an Incense at a PokéStop:

  • Jigglypuff*
  • Lotad*
  • Zangoose*
  • Chatot*
  • Swablu*
  • eF-eM*
  • Spheal*

If you’re hunting for Stardust, you should especially catch Swablu as soon as you see it. This monster is one of those that gives you more Stardust when caught. You will receive a hefty 2,100 Stardust for each specimen you catch.

All Pokémon marked with a * can also be encountered in their Shiny form.

What monsters are in field research? If you complete event field research, you can encounter Pandir. The Pandir you receive this way cannot have the coveted heart pattern.

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Not only the Summer Concert is happening in July. As usual, the current month offers a variety of events, raids, and other content. If you want to get an overview of this, feel free to take a look at our summary with all events in July 2025 in Pokémon GO.

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

Player creates ultimate character in Baldur’s Gate 3 – is basically immortal

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 2 minutes

What does the perfect character in Baldur’s Gate 3 look like? Probably like this: It is impossible to hit him with attacks.

Reaching the end of Baldur’s Gate 3 is not so easy. Many fights can quickly lead to a game over. Therefore, good planning is important. One strategy is to increase your armor to make enemy attacks miss more often.

However, most probably did not think of such an absurdly high value as 56. And yet, that is exactly what a player has achieved, who now has a main character that is essentially immortal.

Start video
Der animierte Kurzfilm zu Patch 8, dem letzten Update für Baldur’s Gate 3

What has the player achieved? Sebastianplant_ shows in his screenshot on the Baldur’s Gate 3 subreddit how he has reached the staggering value of 56 armor. This is by far the highest value ever achieved in Baldur’s Gate 3.

His base armor value is only 17 but is increased by numerous modifiers. He gets a +7 bonus just from a high dexterity value, and another +9 bonus from the 3 mirror images of the wizard. Additional bonuses come from wearing a shield, a special focus on defense, the use of protective rings, and buffs like the blessing of Balduran.

This grants the character with the aptly named “thoushallnothit” the value of 56 armor, living up to his name.

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What does such strong armor mean? The armor value in Baldur’s Gate 3 determines how high an attacker must roll with their attack value to deal damage. Achieving a value of 56 is nearly impossible, no matter how many bonuses one has on their attack roll.

The only realistic chance of landing a hit with such a gigantic value is pure luck – that is, a “natural 20” must be rolled. In this case, an attack is always a hit, regardless of the enemy’s armor.

Conversely, this means: The character has only a 5% chance of being hit at all. This makes him basically immortal and ensures that he can resist pretty much all foes thrown at him by the Absolute.

At least that would normally be the case – but the character also wears a helmet that negates critical hits. This means he can only be hit by abilities that deal area damage or ignore armor in any way.

Enemies ignore the character: An unfortunate side effect of high armor is that enemies in the game also have no interest in attacking him. The AI of the opponents generally avoids attacking heroes who have an armor of 25 or higher. This means for thoushallnothit that he will not be targeted as long as other characters in his group are still alive.

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Is there more to achieve? Yes. In theory, it is possible to increase the armor to a value of 70 through further buffs and decisions. However, the community agrees that a value over 33 is generally unnecessary – because higher than 32 no enemy creature in the game can hit.

Whether it makes Baldur’s Gate 3 a bit too easy is, of course, another matter. It is definitely exciting to see what absurd values can be achieved when all possible bonuses for maximum enhancement are utilized. It becomes even more absurd if one could reach the correct maximum level of D&D in Baldur’s Gate 3 …

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

YouTuber IShowSpeed attracts so many people that they cause a bridge to collapse – But for the fans, their star is all that matters

Johanna Johanna Reading time 2 minutes

The YouTube streamer Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. is live as viewers bring down a bridge just to see him.

The YouTube streamer IShowSpeed is one of the most polarizing content creators of our time. The just 20-year-old became famous on YouTube for his exaggerated reactions that entertain his community. A donation of 1.60 Euros and the mispronounced name of Cristiano Ronaldo were the key to his breakthrough.

In his following streams, he executed stunts, such as barking at a 6-year-old or sexually insulting women.

He also once got his young fans so hyped that they rushed at him, forcing him to run away.

So it’s no surprise that he has similar people to himself in his own audience. They were so excited to see their favorite streamer during a livestream that they brought down a bridge.

Start video
He barks at 6-year-olds and sets his room on fire – Who is IShowSpeed?

“We need to help them!”

How was the bridge brought down? In a stream clip on Reddit, IShowSpeed is seen trying to ride a jetski on a body of water. From a distance, he sees his viewers gathering on a kind of bridge to get a better view of the streamer.

Under the weight of the large crowd, mainly children and teenagers, the bridge collapses, and the first people stand ankle-deep in water. IShowSpeed then calls out: “We need to help them!” and heads towards the sinking bridge on the jetski.

However, IShowSpeed’s drive towards his fans does not improve the situation; on the contrary, it worsens it. Seeing the chance to see their star up close or perhaps even touch him encourages the young viewers to stay on the sinking bridge, shout his name, and reach out their hands towards him.

The streamer high-fives some of his fans, encouraging others to come closer, risking getting wet even more.

This is how the community reacts: The clip shows the extent of the cult of personality around IShowSpeed. Under the post on Reddit, mainly confusion spreads in the comments.

  • munchmandan87 thinks the viewers behave like lemmings (source: Reddit): “Respect for wanting to help them immediately, but when he went over to them, it just got worse. These kids are so stupid, remind me of lemmings.”
  • DirtyTomFlint finds the behavior of the viewers bizarre (source: Reddit): “Such bizarre behavior. Even as a child, I’m not sure who or what would make me participate in this kind of madness…”
  • shocknawe123 cannot understand how they stayed on the bridge (source: Reddit): “It’s crazy that a bridge collapsed underneath them and they are still screaming his name and trying to shake his hand.”
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During his travels, he also visited a kebab shop in Turkey. There, however, the streamer had to express a controversial opinion for the Turks. More about this can be read on MeinMMO: Streamer IShowSpeed is booed live on YouTube for finding a dish in Germany better

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

Gigantamax Butterfree appears for the first time in Pokémon GO – here’s how to defeat the butterfly

Jasmin Beverungen Jasmin Beverungen Reading time 2 minutes

Pokémon GO keeps its promise and releases Gigantamax Butterfree. MeinMMO tells you how to defeat this Bug Pokémon most effectively.

When is the boss available? Gigantamax Butterfree was revealed just recently on a birthday image for Pokémon GO. And it won’t be long before you encounter the monster: The Pokémon will appear on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time.

You will experience Gigantamax Butterfree’s debut in Level 6 Dyna battles. There’s even a chance you might spot the Butterfly Pokémon as Shiny. Additional event bonuses include an increased collection limit of 1,600 for Dyna particles.

Such Gigantamax battles are special challenges that the community sometimes struggles with. The Pokémon are so strong, that up to 40 trainers can face them. To be as well-prepared as possible, MeinMMO shows you how to do this best.

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The best counters against Gigantamax Butterfree

What type is Butterfree? The Butterfly Pokémon is a Bug and Flying type. This means that Rock-type attacks are particularly effective. Also, Flying, Fire, Electric, and Ice attacks deal more damage than regular attacks.

Which Pokémon should be used against Butterfree? You can only participate in the battles with Dyna or Gigantamax Pokémon, so your choice of Pokémon is limited.

The best option, considering the types, would be Dynamax Kabutops. To catch it, you must keep an eye on the calendar, as Dyna-boss Kabuto will only appear in the game starting July 28, 2025. You have limited time to catch, evolve, and prepare it for battle.

Otherwise, the following Pokémon in their Gigantamax and Dynamax forms are a good choice for this battle:

  • Zacian, King of the Sword
  • Zapdos
  • Charizard
  • Zamazenta, King of the Shield
  • Cinderace

This strategy should be chosen

What should I pay attention to in battle? It is very important that you communicate with your teammates. You will be participating in a small team of 4 trainers within the 40-person group. Discuss who will take on the role of defender and who will be the attacker. Make sure to fill the Dyna meter with the defenders and then switch to the attackers.

To coordinate best and find trainers near you, you should use the RSVP planner. Here you can arrange to meet with others and even invite up to 5 more trainers worldwide for the fight.

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On MeinMMO, you’ll find out what additional events will take place in July and early August. These include some battle weekends, a Community Day, and much more. You can find the complete schedule here: Pokémon GO: All Events in July 2025 – Raids, Bosses, Dates in the list

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

Gabe Newell tells a YouTuber with 19 subscribers how the head of Valve lives and works on a boat 7 days a week

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 2 minutes

Gabe Newell, the head of Valve and Steam, spoke in an interview about his daily routine and explained that his work feels like he has been retired for years.

Who is Gabe Newell?

  • Gabe Newell is one of the founders and the current CEO of Valve, the company behind Steam and the developer studio of games like Half-Life, Portal, and Counter-Strike.
  • Newell is particularly popular among gamers for his closeness to the gaming community, for example, he gifted a fan dozens of autographs.
  • Newell is also appreciated for consistently providing interesting insights into the work of Valve and the gaming industry, such as when he mentioned that many gaming companies believed Steam would fail.

Now Gabe Newell has talked in an interview on YouTube about his daily life and shares what a typical day in the life of the Valve CEO looks like.

Start video
This is Deadlock – The new MOBA shooter from Valve

Gabe works 7 days a week but is basically retired

What does Gabe Newell say in the interview? The interview discusses what Gabe Newell’s daily routine looks like. He explains: I get up, I work, I go diving, work a bit more, [then] I either go for a second dive or I go to the gym and train. I live on a boat, so I just hang out with everyone on the boat. After that, I work.

Newell elaborates that he actually works every weekday, but enjoys his work, which is why it feels like retirement to him:

I work seven days a week: I work from my bedroom, as you can see. I enjoy working, it’s fun, it doesn’t feel like work to me. The things I get to do every day are super awesome. I’ve said it before, but when you retire, you want to leave your terrible job and do what’s the most fun and entertaining. In that sense, I have been retired for quite a while.

In one of the companies, he is currently working on an aerosol pathogen detection device that is supposed to be able to see all pathogens in the air. He can also stay awake for a long time and doesn’t want to go to sleep because he is having so much fun.

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Valve confirms the authenticity of the video

What kind of interview is this? The 87-second interview of Gabe Newell with YouTuber Zalkar Saliev was released on July 15, 2025, on YouTube. At that time, the channel had 19 subscribers, and part of the video consisted of the YouTuber filming his screen, where Gabe Newell could be seen talking about his daily life.

The English-language online magazine PC Gamer discovered the video and inquired with Valve whether the interview was authentic – and the company confirmed the authenticity of the video. The channel has since grown to 365 subscribers (as of 11:00 AM, July 18, 2025).

Saliev describes the channel as a place where interviews and success stories of successful individuals from the USA are shared to introduce American culture to young men in the CIS states. This includes countries like Ukraine, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.

In the new interview with Gabe Newell, it becomes clear again how much the Valve CEO enjoys diving and living on his ship. He also has a company that aims to explore the previously unknown regions of the sea and recently even encountered potentially unknown life forms: Gabe Newell plays Subnautica in real life, has his own research company, and discovers new life forms in the sea

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

A player discovers the perfect trick; while playing solo in Elden Ring: Nightreign, they can save themselves from death.

Alexander Mehrwald Alexander Mehrwald Reading time 2 minutes

In Elden Ring: Nightreign, failure is somehow part of it. A player has now realized after 250 hours that he often could have saved himself.

What trick did the player discover? MarshallBrasil313 shares via Reddit his experience, as he learns something new even after 250 hours of gameplay. He fled as fast as he could from the approaching rain, which depletes your life bar sooner or later as long as you remain in it.

And so it happened as it had to: He departed this life. His character flew high through the air and landed right next to a Site of Grace.

Instinctively, he crawled near it and lo and behold: His character stood up again with full health. This is not a bug, but a regular function of the game that allows you to resurrect yourself if you make it to a Site of Grace.

This approach is especially suitable for solo runs where no one can rush to your aid if you happen to be down on the ground.

The community appreciates his experience and his video, and it helps some who were not yet aware of this trick. Others report similar discoveries and situations.

Start video
Elden Ring Nightreign: Kein neuer Ewigdunkel-Boss bis Ende Juli

“I didn’t know that either! Your strength deserves a crown!”

How does the community react? In the comments, there are several players who were also not aware of this feature, as the game does not show it to you either. They are happy about the discovery, while others emphasize that it’s always worth planning your routes along Sites of Grace, especially when traveling alone, to effectively utilize this trick.

Overall, the community celebrates his video for the discovery and the funny and epic circumstance of his resurrection on Reddit:

  • RoomyRoots agrees: “Yep, the path to the goal should always go through the Graces. The range is actually good enough. What I really hate is the damage speed.”
  • ChefMoney89 writes: “I’m not a Nightreign player, but I was all in when you died while ascending with the Spirit Well, lmao. The music also hit hard while getting back up.”
  • OD1N999 expresses: “I didn’t know that either! Your strength deserves a crown!”
  • PandoraKin564 notes: “Interesting that this relates to the lore of the Tarnished from the later alternate timeline. That is a very nice detail.”
  • Cultural-Abies3021 had a similar experience: “I was also shocked when I resurrected after defeating the Bubble Trumpets and died in the storm. But damn, I was alive again!”
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Those who have also been playing Elden Ring: Nightreign for a while will have observed the large beings frequently moving in the background of the map. Those who look closely can even see that they change during the course of the game. What it’s all about is explained by MeinMMO author Christos Tsogos in his special: Elden Ring: Nightreign has brought forth the largest beings of the Souls universe, but no one knows why they are there

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

Mean trolls are kidnapping the ornithopters of PvE players in Dune: Awakening, who are now desperately reaching out to the devs

Cedric Holmeier Cedric Holmeier Reading time 2 minutes

In Dune: Awakening griefers have found a new way to ruin the day for innocent players. They are now reaching out to the developers, but so far without success.

What is the problem with griefers? Griefing in Dune: Awakening has been a major issue since the release:

With their new method, the nasty trolls are causing trouble again.

Here you can see how things are supposed to progress in Dune: Awakening in the future:

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

Transport to the PvP Area

How does the new method work? As the user SpooN04 shows in a video on Reddit, griefers have found another new way to annoy their fellow players. This time, they use a large transport thopter that is actually meant to take the large spice crawlers into the deep desert and pick them up again before a sandworm arrives.

However, the cargo thopter is being abused by the griefers. Instead of towing friendly players, the nasty trolls use it to bring innocent players into the PvP area. Once there, they position their aircraft in such a way that the victim’s ornithopter is directly underneath and cannot escape.

Then they get out and destroy the aircraft and the player inside, stealing the lootable items and resources.

Here you can see exactly how the trick works:

Recommended editorial content

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Link to the Reddit content

Why can’t players defend themselves? Once caught by the cargo thopter, players have no way to break free from the connection. Only the griefers themselves have this option, allowing them to decide what happens next. The only way to fend off would be to take out the griefer in the PvP area with their own character, but the trolls are also prepared for that.

What do players say about the new method? Players of Dune: Awakening are annoyed by the many griefers and are demanding action from the developers. The affected player has reported their griefer multiple times but has yet to receive a response to their inquiries.

The community, on the other hand, has a simple solution to the problem: they demand that players who are docked should be able to easily break the connection with a long button press. This way, anyone could simply escape without having to deal with the griefers and their new method.

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Even if the developers fulfill the players’ requests and implement the new feature, the nasty trolls will likely find new methods to rob innocents of their enjoyment of the game. How players want to address the fundamental problem remains questionable, especially since there is a zero-tolerance policy for cheaters: Dune: Awakening bans hundreds of players, developers announce: No mercy for cheaters

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

A 17-Year-Old Releases an App, 5 Years Later It Suddenly Gets 10 Million Downloads

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

A developer’s app suddenly goes viral because Apple eliminates the competition. Users are looking for a completely different app, but end up downloading another app. The developer later decides to donate the earnings to a charity.

In 2016, 17-year-old Steven Cravotta released an app called “Wordle!” in the Apple App Store. Many years before the much more well-known browser game by Josh Wardle went viral, which is now owned by The New York Times.

However, when Josh Wardle’s browser game Wordle exploded at the end of 2021, many users searched for an app version in the Apple App Store and came across Cravotta’s “Wordle!”. The app experienced a sudden massive influx and millions of new downloads. Cravotta himself reports on X.com.

Start video
A 17-Year-Old Releases an App, 5 Years Later It Suddenly Gets 10 Million Downloads

Because Apple removes the competition, his app is downloaded millions of times

The developer explained that his app was downloaded millions of times because Apple removed all the competition from the App Store. Only his app remained, as it was the first in the store. He explains on X.com:

Many other app developers tried to copy the game, but Apple removed them all… except mine, because it was the first one developed before there were other Wordles.

Apple eliminated the entire competition. I was the only “Wordle” in the App Store.

What did Cravotta do next? Cravotta initially profited financially from advertising revenue and in-app purchases. But instead of just keeping the money, he contacted Josh Wardle to jointly donate the earnings for a good cause. He said (via pepperdine-graphic.com):

I said, ‘Hey man, your game is bringing me a lot of traction.’ His [Josh’s] whole mission was that he didn’t want to profit from his game, so he didn’t place any ads, and that’s why it is free.

I thought: ‘I respect that, and as a developer, I understand it. But I would like to find a charity that focuses on literacy and that I can donate the earnings to, because this Wordle thing is just crazy. Nobody expected it, so let’s do something great with it.’

In the end, Cravotta donated $50,000 to an educational organization. This was reported among others by the English-speaking Washington Post.

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The head of a company wanted to introduce a 4-day work week for his employees. Therefore, he wanted to find out where his employees spend their time so that he could optimize it. But during this process, a colleague gets caught: A company wants to introduce the 4-day work week – During this, an employee gets caught who was doing two jobs the whole time

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

The anime MMORPG Blue Protocol can now be played outside of Japan, and we are not left empty-handed

Cedric Holmeier Cedric Holmeier Reading time 2 minutes

The anime MMORPG Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is making a comeback and is available for the first time outside of Japan, and we in the West can also look forward to it.

What is the status of Blue Protocol? Actually, Blue Protocol was already at an end. But instead of failing, it was purchased and revamped by gaming giant Tencent. Under the name “Star Resonance,” the anime MMORPG was remastered as a spin-off and is now being re-released.

The revived anime MMORPG launched in China on July 17 and is currently experiencing a huge hype there. The release trailer was viewed by nearly 4 million people on the video platform BiliBili.com within a day.

On the gaming charts of the platform BiliBili, Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is at the top in first place of the popularity ranking, rated by the platform’s Chinese users with 7 out of 10 stars.

But a release for us in the West is also drawing nearer. A beta will be available soon and there is already a suitable trailer for it.

You can watch the trailer here:

Start video
Blue Protocol: Star Resonance shows a mix of action and teamwork in the new trailer

Developers announce beta

What kind of beta is this? While players in China are already allowed to play the new version of Blue Protocol, the release in the West is also coming closer. The new trailer already reveals the date from when you can sign up for the beta.

Even though the developers have not yet specified when exactly you can test the MMORPG, registration for the beta test is expected to be possible starting July 24, 2025. The registration will likely take place on the website playbpsr.com, where there are already extensive information about the classes and first insights into the areas of the MMORPG.

What else have the developers revealed? In line with the announcement of the upcoming beta test, the developers of Blue Protocol also introduced their character editor. Here you can create your own game character in anime style and adjust not only the face but also the proportions of the character.

You can see what this looks like in detail here:

Start video
The developers of Blue Protocol: Star Resonance showcase the character editor

When we will be able to try Blue Protocol is still unclear. However, it is expected that with the start of beta registrations, a date for the beta will follow. How Blue Protocol plans to succeed without pay-to-win aspects is detailed here: No P2W and a focus on PvE: How the MMORPG Blue Protocol aims to impress you in the West

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

Destiny 2: Portal explained – How the new menu works

Christos Tsogos Christos Tsogos Reading time 2 minutes

Since the release of Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate, Bungie has provided its loot shooter with a new menu interface that allows Guardians to access all their important activities. We will show you how it works.

What is the Portal? The Portal is the new menu interface that replaces your star map. In this interface, you will find all the important activities that can provide you with the best loot – including:

  • Crucible
  • Vanguard Strikes and Nightfalls
  • Gambit
  • Solo Operations

Additionally, you can only access the new campaign and the planet “Kepler” through the Portal. For many veterans, but also newcomers, the new system may seem complex and opaque; however, once you get used to it, everything can be activated with just a few interactions.

Start video
The launch trailer of “The Edge of Fate” showcases the new expansion of Destiny 2

A menu for everything and everyone

This is how the Portal works: When you open your menu, you will not be greeted by the star map, but by the Portal. The Portal is divided into different segments, each offering different activities that can strengthen your Guardian. If you don’t yet know what the Portal looks like, we have a picture for you here for illustration:

Destiny-2-Menü-Portal
This is what the Portal looks like

The most important segment for starting the new expansion is the new planet Kepler. You can click on it in the upper left corner of your screen and access it – you will not find it on your star map.

It is important to know: All new destinations will henceforth be found in the Portal at the same location as Kepler.

The second most important segment in the Portal is the basic activities. You will find them at the bottom left of your screen, divided into 4 groups:

  • Solo
    • For solo operations and activities for lone wolves
  • Strike Team
    • PvE activities for relaxed strike teams, such as strikes and empire hunts
  • Elite
    • Challenging activities such as exotic missions
  • Crucible
    • Activities related to PvP

On the right side of your screen, you will then find 4 more buttons:

  • The new Raid
  • Seasonal HUB
    • For daily and weekly rewards to earn Glimmer
  • Tower
  • An overview of all the activities you can play and that provide you with advantages
    • (The overview rotates and changes)
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von Dariusz Müller
Destiny 2: All promo codes in April 2026 for free emblems – Here’s how to get them
von Christos Tsogos
Fans of Destiny 2 are envious because Marathon gets what they have wished for from Bungie for years after one week
von Dariusz Müller

Can I still use the star map? Of course you can. If you prefer to go for the nostalgic feeling and navigate your adventures with the star map, you can do that as well.

However, be aware that new activities such as the raid or Kepler cannot be accessed. Additionally, the new reward system, which has replaced Pathfinder, is also located in the Portal. But if you just want to switch planets occasionally or play the basic activities, you can also access the star map through the menu. Just switch your tab from Portal to “World”.

The Edge of Fate has been out for a few days now, and our shooter expert Dariusz Müller has already been busy exploring Kepler. He has drawn a conclusion regarding the gameplay, and it might interest some Guardians: The Edge of Fate is a great expansion for Destiny 2 – unless you are hardcore gamer like me

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

A character in the Superman universe behaves like Deadpool, gaining the perfect ability for even more nonsense

Niko Hernes Niko Hernes Reading time 3 minutes

In the new movie about Superman, not only does the shining hero get a new cinematic appearance. Other heroes also get the chance to show their abilities. Among them is a rather silly guy who has a seemingly powerful ability.

Which hero is it? In the trailers for the new Superman, you can not only see the well-known hero in action, but also other characters. Among them is a member of the Green Lanterns. However, instead of Hal Jordan, it is Guy Gardner, played by Nathan Fillion in the film.

Even in the trailers, it becomes clear that Guy Gardner is not the classic superhero. He seems rather arrogant and even uses his abilities in a clip (via YouTube) to create a giant middle finger. Even in the comics, he is a brash character, but he also has a good side.

In this trailer, you can also see Guy Gardner in action:

Start video
Superman – Trailer for the new film of the well-known superhero from DC

The Second Choice

Who is Guy Gardner? Guy Gardner made his first appearance in 1968 in the comic Green Lantern No. 59. Depending on the universe, he has always been a hothead, whose family or brother worked as police officers. After the alien Abin Sur landed on Earth shortly before his death, he had to find someone worthy to be a Green Lantern. Because Hal Jordan was closer, he was chosen instead of Gardner. Should anything happen to Jordan, Gardner would step in as a replacement.

Later, he still became a Green Lantern. In the New 52 era, Gardner received a ring from the Green Lanterns after proving that he is fearless. Although he had a bad relationship with his family, he risked his life to save his brother. Just before his death, the ring of the Lanterns flew to him.

The Green Lanterns are a type of space police responsible for various sectors. They possess a ring, which is one of the most powerful objects in the DC universe. They can create almost any construct or projectile through willpower. The strength and willpower of the user are relevant to the power of the ring.

Throughout the comics, the rings also displayed additional abilities, which mainly manifested in individual situations. The greatest enemies of the Green Lanterns are the Yellow Lanterns, who derive their power from fear. Gardner, as someone who is quite fearless, fits accordingly with the Green Lanterns.

Throughout the comics, he also joined the Justice League International.

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They are a copy of the Fantastic Four, but thanks to James Gunn and Superman, we might one day see them in theaters or on TV
von Niko Hernes

A Loose Cannon, but Still a Hero

What kind of hero is Guy Gardner? Guy Gardner is not a classic hero. He has a loose tongue and does not hesitate to mock villains and other heroes. He resembles characters like Deadpool.

In the trailers for Superman, you can also see how he uses the power of the Lanterns. Sometimes he creates a middle finger or a large hand to slap parts of the army. So you can assume that he does not care about Earth’s institutions. Public opinion seems not to concern him.

Although he is considered an unsympathetic guy by many of his superhero colleagues for acting quite offensively and not liking to listen to authority, he is one of the strongest warriors of the Green Lanterns. He is always determined and has no problem breaking the rules in battle. Despite his personality, he has a sense of heroism and rushes to help when needed.

Although he enjoys causing trouble and likes to use his powers for mockery, his constructs are among the strongest among the Green Lanterns due to his unwavering willpower. Additionally, he is an expert with weapons and in close combat.

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How exactly Guy Gardner will be portrayed in the new film universe is still unknown, but the first clips already show that he has not lost his disrespect. However, one of the best Superman stories will probably still have to wait for a cinematic adaptation: One of the most powerful heroes died 32 years ago, and his death remains one of the most important stories of Superman

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. DC Database
  2. DC
  3. Variant Comics auf YouTube
  4. Titelbildquelle: DC auf YouTube

In the midst of a legal dispute with Palworld, Nintendo suddenly changes one of its patents

Alexander Mehrwald Alexander Mehrwald Reading time 2 minutes

The lawsuit between Nintendo and the developers of Palworld is more intense than ever. Now it seems Nintendo wants to change one of its patents to influence the proceedings.

What is Nintendo supposed to have changed? The lawsuit between Nintendo and Pocketpair, the developers behind Palworld, primarily concerns several patents, including two that relate to capturing characters and one that concerns the glide ability of the mounts.

Many of the relevant points have already been adjusted by developer Pocketpair in the past to counter the lawsuit, altering or removing important features. As a result, Nintendo has not been able to assert any US patents against Pocketpair, and the process has stalled.

According to Gamesfray.com, Nintendo has applied for a change of one of its three dispute patents with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) in the spring. Gamesfray interprets this as a sign that Nintendo considers its original patent to be at significant risk of being declared invalid.

The application was granted by the JPO, resulting in the patent being changed. The change pertains to the patent concerning the smooth transition between mount objects. Some formulations were adjusted, which are considered “strange,” for example, through added phrases like even if or even in case.

According to Gamesfray, the change is not promising in itself. However, it remains to be seen whether this retroactive change of one of the patents will have a significant impact on the process.

Start video
Ein Crossover beflügelt Palworld, plötzlich spielen wieder über 100.000

A case that could also influence the entire industry

Why are Nintendo and Pocketpair in a lawsuit? Nintendo and Pocketpair are in a lawsuit due to patent infringements that Nintendo accuses of Palworld. Although Palworld is often referred to as “Pokémon with firearms” due to its similarities to Pokémon, Nintendo’s lawsuit does not focus on copyright violations (such as directly copied character designs) but on the infringement of several Japanese patents.

These patents are intended to protect certain game mechanics found in Pokémon games. These include, among others:

  • Capturing creatures by throwing objects (similar to a Poké Ball)
  • Riding on creatures and the smooth transition between different mount objects
  • Mechanics for managing collected creatures

Nintendo is seeking an injunction against the sale of Palworld and damages with the lawsuit filed in September 2024. However, Pocketpair has defended itself, arguing that Nintendo’s patents should be declared invalid, as similar concepts existed in other games before Nintendo’s patent applications.

It is a complex case that could also have implications for the entire video game industry, as it concerns the patentability of fundamental game mechanics.

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Pokémon clone suddenly changes its name, community mocks: “Unique?”
von Christoph Waldboth
Authority cancels Nintendo’s patent for summoning and fighting creatures
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Instead of working on Palworld, a developer prefers to play Crimson Desert: “Wants to stay at home and play for 12 hours straight”
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Meanwhile, Palworld remains undeterred and continues to release updates that excite players and provide the title with ever-new content. The latest update has brought back several thousand players to the game. The reason for this is a crossover with one of the most popular games on Steam: Steam: A crossover boosts Palworld, suddenly over 100,000 players are back

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

The creator of One Piece shows pictures of a plush toy, but fans sense a hidden hint

Jasmin Beverungen Jasmin Beverungen Reading time 2 minutes

The manga artist of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, has posted pictures of his new plush toy. They show Ruffy’s worst enemy with an animal that fans now suspect more about.

Attention, spoilers: Here are spoilers up to episode 1118 of the One Piece anime.

What kind of plush toy is that? Currently, fans of One Piece are excited about a new stuffed animal, which shows Imu from the anime. He is the secret leader of the World Government and never presents himself to the public. He even stands above the Five Elders, who are immortal.

Since his true identity has not yet been revealed, his body is represented by a silhouette. Even his voice is altered in the anime, so viewers do not know whether he is male or female. Nevertheless, the creators did not refrain from making a plush toy from this silhouette.

Eiichiro Oda has also obtained such a plush toy and proudly shows it with several items from his home. It is noticeable that Imu is shown with exactly two items that could be a hint about his identity.

Start video
One Piece Film: Red – The Official Trailer for the Anime Film in English

Manga artist of One Piece might hint at identity

What is shown in the pictures? In one picture on X, Oda shows his plush toy next to a replica of the shark guitar, which is usually Brook’s musical instrument in the anime. In the second picture on X, you can see Imu sitting in the open mouth of a shark. This shark head hangs in Oda’s bathroom.

In the comments, some fans therefore suspect that the manga artist wants to give hints about Imu’s identity. They propose a theory that they can support with additional facts.

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What is behind it? Several users on X claim that Imu could be a Sea King. These are gigantic creatures in the sea, to which Ruffy’s friend Shanks even lost an arm. There are several hints that suggest Imu is a Sea King:

  • Imu’s silhouette is oddly shaped. Since Sea Kings have bizarre bodies, this could fit.
  • Sea Kings live together with sharks in the sea. Oda’s pictures could be a hint.
  • In the manga and anime, there is a knife in a picture of mermaid Shirahoshi. She possesses an ancient weapon with Poseidon and can control Sea Kings. So Imu could simply be afraid of her power.

However, this is just a theory. It will probably take several chapters in the manga before we find out who Imu really is. Although we can be sure: The top of the World Government has extraordinary fighters among them with the Knight Order of the Gods: All members of the Knight Order of the Gods from One Piece ranked against those who can take on Ruffy

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

The Edge of Fate is a great expansion for Destiny 2 – unless you are hardcore gamers like me

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 5 minutes

The campaign of Destiny 2 relies on very special gameplay that can be fun if you don’t overdo it while gaming.

On Tuesday, the new expansion of Destiny was released, The Edge of Fate. I was eagerly staring at the screen, waiting to jump into the new campaign. Then it started, and I did my best to rush through the story as quickly as possible so I could share my impressions of the gameplay with you – and unfortunately, that was exactly my mistake.

Who writes here? Dariusz is our shooter nerd at MeinMMO. He curiously tests every new game in the genre and spends countless hours in various PvE and PvP fields. He prefers tactical shooters like Rainbow Six: Siege and Valorant, but especially loot shooters like Destiny are a great change for him when teammates or opponents in PvP become terribly exhausting. He has now played “The Edge of Fate” and wants to share his impressions with you.

A campaign that does NOT invite grinding

In my opinion, The Edge of Fate has a difficult position, making it not easy to give a recommendation to buy or a “stay away from it”. At its core, the expansion plays like a typical Destiny campaign, but with an aspect that some Destiny veterans or shooter fans might hate.

The gameplay is very straightforward and just what veterans have been used to for years: You rush from mission objective to mission objective, shooting a bunch of aliens and picking up some loot here and there. The structure of the missions follows a consistently repeating pattern.

However, this consistent pattern made the gameplay feel repetitive after about 2 hours of continuous playtime. I quickly felt the urge to play something else, make food, or simply go to sleep – which is suboptimal when you want to rush through the campaign to write a report on it.

Now comes the big BUT:

For the casual player who takes their time while gaming, this shouldn’t be a problem. Just play 2-3 hours per day, take breaks when you feel like it, and continue from where you left off the next day. Feel free to take the whole week for the campaign because if you play 1-2 hours casually, the gameplay loop is really okay. Since I was very tired on Tuesday, I stopped early and went to sleep. On Wednesday, I had no problem with the mission design at first – that only came after several hours.

Casual gamers, occasional players, and gamer dads might have much more fun with the mission design than hardcore gamers, content creators, or other enthusiasts who rush through the campaign in 1-2 days.

Start video
The launch trailer of “The Edge of Fate” showcases the new expansion of Destiny 2

The big feature that becomes nothing special after 2 missions

Bungie has tried something with “The Edge of Fate” that meets a major desire of the community on one hand while being perfect for annoying the biggest fans of the game on the other.

The big new aspect that differentiates the expansion’s campaign from the usual Destiny gameplay is the new Matter abilities, such as the Matterspark or the Translocator. You use these abilities to solve various puzzles and progress in the story.

However, the problem with the new abilities is that this gameplay principle is massively overused in the campaign. Every mission is overflowing with Matterspark implementations, to the point where, in a boss fight against a Vex Hydra, you can only deal damage after finding a small hole in the floor of the boss arena, dashing through it, destroying an energy source on the other side of a barrier, and thus disabling the boss’s shield.

This gameplay loop has quickly become very boring and extremely annoying. In the mentioned boss fight, I walked through the entire arena under constant fire from the Vex Hydra for about 15 minutes, searching every pipe, ventilation shaft, and unevenness in the walls for an opening for the Spark. Ultimately, I was too inattentive and missed the opening in the floor for far too long, but that was still a very frustrating and unenjoyable gaming experience in the middle of the boss fight.

Destiny has amazing gunplay and really good movement with cool combat abilities – WHY DO I HAVE TO ROLL THROUGH THE BOSS FIGHT AS A GLOWING BALL?!?! I play a sci-fi shooter to blast away with futuristic weapons, not to play first-person billiards.

Overall, it is positive that Bungie was willing to introduce the Matter abilities, which haven’t existed in this form in the game before. The principle is quite interesting, and in a game like Destiny, which constantly struggles with the accusation that all new content is recycled, this is exactly the right direction.

Destiny 2 hole in the ground for the Matter Spark - in the middle of the boss fight against a Vex
Hole in the ground for the Matter Spark – in the middle of the boss fight against a Vex
Destiny 2 Matter Spark in the boss fight against a Vex 1
Matter Spark in the boss fight against a Vex

Critique that may not concern you

So far, my report sounds like a clear recommendation against buying the expansion, but it’s unfortunately not that simple. There are some very subjective points that can fully relativize my criticism:

  • If your gaming sessions are of a normal length, the missions feel significantly less repetitive because you then have a certain gap between the missions.
  • The Matterspark etc. is not fun for me, but I generally enjoy very action-packed gameplay, tough battles, and I’m not a fan of puzzles. I really want to enjoy the shooter aspect of Destiny.

Overall, it is understandable that a new gameplay aspect like the Matter abilities may not please everyone. That’s completely normal. Nevertheless, the campaign of the expansion feels like Destiny, and if you have been a fan of the game and its gameplay for years, you can have a good time with the expansion. Technically, I had no problems, no disconnects, no bugs, no stutters.

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I would also play the expansion even if I expect it won’t be fun

The most important point in favor of The Edge of Fate is the entry into the new saga. Everything that will happen in Destiny in the next few years begins here – and this makes me excited for more.

You meet Lodi, a new, quite interesting and well-written character, and the story of Orin is also excitingly continued. Moreover, at least in my case, curiosity is awakened about what is to come and where the saga will develop. I am really eager to learn more about the past and the end of the Earth; after all, there’s still so much that we Guardians do not know. Lodi and the Nine could change that.

If you plan to play Destiny 2 in the coming years, you should buy the expansion to experience at least the campaign and the start of the new saga. Additionally, a new raid will also be released on July 19 that you can only play if you own the expansion – and new raids are always good. You can read more about that here: Destiny 2: Raid for ‘On the Edge of Fate’ starts in a few days – Everything about the World First race

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

A well-known MMORPG by Amazon once had over 900,000 players simultaneously, but the new event can’t even attract 500

Cedric Holmeier Cedric Holmeier Reading time 2 minutes

In the MMORPG New World, the developers shared statistics about the Hardcore Season. While some players had quick success, the numbers show that the event was probably not a success.

What was the Hardcore Season? The Hardcore servers of New World were a seasonal event where players had the opportunity to show how well they could perform in the MMORPG and earn rewards for it. The servers offered a faster leveling phase and new quests, allowing players to reach the endgame more swiftly.

They were “Hardcore” servers because the death of a character had consequences. Players lost access to some rewards and had to create a new character to regain them. The rewards were then available for the main character on the game’s actual servers.

Now the developers have unveiled the statistics for the event, showing how few players completed it.

Start video
New World: Aeternum – Trailer prepares for Season of the Divide

Little playtime and few players

What do the statistics show? The statistics shared by the developers on NewWorld.com indicate how many players completed all achievements and tasks of the seasonal content. According to the developers, only 434 players mastered all tasks. An astonishing number, considering that the MMORPG once attracted over 900,000 players simultaneously (via SteamDB).

The average playtime, stated by the developers on NewWorld.com to be 8 hours, does not seem particularly long for an event server in an MMORPG.

Was the event too difficult? Probably not. Although not many players completed the event, the first, not the quickest, player managed to complete all event tasks after about 17 hours.

The fastest player to reach the maximum level without dying took only 42 minutes to do so. The server offered good opportunities to reach the endgame to complete the 12 tasks there and secure the rewards.

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New World has lost many of its players since its release in 2021. The new version Aeternum has hardly made a long-term difference. Currently, according to SteamDB, the MMORPG attracts about 8,000 players during peak times on weekends, and player numbers have remained constant for the last 3 months without declining.

Despite the sobering results of the Hardcore Season server, New World continues to be developed. Recently, the developers shared a roadmap for new updates that leaves at least some reason for hope: After 2 disappointing seasons, New World now manages to deliver even less – But there is reason for hope

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

Here are 5 powerful organizations from Dungeons & Dragons you should know about

Alexander Mehrwald Alexander Mehrwald Reading time 6 minutes

In Dungeons & Dragons there is a wide range of different organizations and groups that have a significant influence on the events of the Forgotten Realms. We present to you 5 of the most powerful ones.

What kind of organizations are on the list? In selecting the organizations, we focused on groups that operate in the Forgotten Realms and exert their influence there. We aimed to represent a broad spectrum of different goals and dogmas, as well as their size and the strength of their influence.

The 5 organizations we present to you act in their own ways and significantly shape the events in the Forgotten Realms, so you should definitely know them if you want to embark on an adventure there.

[toc]

Start video
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – Second Official Trailer for the Movie

Harpers

Dungeons & Dragons Harpers
Banner of the Harpers

Many may be familiar with the Harpers, as they are one of the best-known organizations from Dungeons & Dragons. Many of you may have encountered them in the video game Baldur’s Gate 3 or in the film “Honor Among Thieves”. In BG3, for example, one of your companions, Jaheira, belongs to this organization, while in the film the protagonist Edgin is a Harper.

The focus of the Harpers is on protecting the innocent, weak, and poor, and improving their situation in the Forgotten Realms. They are primarily made up of spellcasters and spies and take pride in being seen as incorruptible defenders of good, never hesitating to assist the oppressed in times of need.

There is a strong bond of trust among Harpers, and their friendships are virtually unbreakable. Although they rarely act openly, they can always rely on each other, and in times of great need, an ally will spring from the shadows to assist their comrade.

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The Harpers also often seek out powerful artifacts to secure them from dark forces. They use disguises to gain access to hidden places such as forgotten cities or ancient mage towers.

Since they prefer to operate in secrecy, their actions often go unnoticed – even when they topple tyrants, dethrone cruel rulers, or nip emerging threats with malicious intent in the bud. Following the motto “Knowledge is Power,” Harpers primarily rely on their extensive networks and their wits to stay one step ahead. Perfect for those who want to be heroes, but also a little mysterious and enigmatic.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Fortgotten Realms Wiki
  2. DnD Beyond
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

Fans frequently claim, John Warhammer was the inventor of Warhammer – Where’s the name actually coming from?

Benedict Grothaus Benedict Grothaus Reading time 4 minutes

Why is Warhammer actually called Warhammer? Many might think: because the name just sounds cool. And they are right. But there is actually a bit more behind it, as at least the current term has significantly more meaning.

Warhammer was created by a few guys in the 1980s, at the time as a fantasy game with miniature figures as a new version of the popular “Wargames”: reenactments of military battles on tables.

The name is more or less a coincidence. One of the creators, Rick Priestley, writes in a comment on a blog that there were other names in consideration at the time. Warhammer almost ended up being called Battleblade.

The decision to go with Warhammer is likely partly due to the fact that the name was simply cool and catchy. However, the term, which translates to “war hammer,” has repeatedly shown itself to be important content in the game over the years.

Fans repeatedly puzzle over why Warhammer is actually called Warhammer. There probably isn’t a better explanation than: “Because that’s just what it’s called.” But at least a reference to the name is always made.

Start video
The makers explain what Warhammer actually is

From Sigmar’s Hammer to the Warhammer Logo

The logo of the game features a very special weapon: the war hammer Ghal Maraz, which means “skull splitter.” The hammer comes from the forges of the dwarves – more specifically: from the dwarf ancestors Thungni and Smednir. Such legendary ancestors are the equivalent of gods for the dwarves.

Originally, the hammer was the weapon of the High Kings of the dwarves until it was passed down centuries later by the High King Kurgan Ironbeard to the human hero Sigmar Heldenhammer as thanks for saving him from greenskins.

Sigmar is the one who united the barbaric tribes of men and thus created the Empire. He is now regarded as their first Emperor and is worshipped as a god – similar to the Emperor in Warhammer 40,000.

The dwarves have inscribed Ghal Maraz with runes, their version of magic, as they themselves cannot (or should not) wield magic. Accordingly, the hammer possesses powers that far exceed those of conventional weapons.

Ghal Maraz’s appearance serves today as the logo of Warhammer. While it is not the first, it is definitely the most famous war hammer in the Warhammer universe.

By the way: Melee weapons have a very special significance in Warhammer. Demons as quasi “living emotions” are more vulnerable to such intimate weapons. One reason why swords still exist in the sci-fi world of Warhammer 40,000.

Warhammer Logo
The current Warhammer logo features a stylized Ghal Maraz.

Harry, the First Hammer in Warhammer

The second – or technically speaking the first – reference to a “Warhammer” in Warhammer is a character from the original edition of the game: Harald Hammerstorm, also known as Harald the Hammer.

Harald is a Chaos warrior who already graces the first cover of the Warhammer rulebook and is the first model in the game depicted with a war hammer. His design from the 2nd edition reportedly inspired Sigmar and his weapon (via Web Archive).

The warrior’s weapon is at least as legendary: although Harald’s hammer has no name, he decapitated a demon with just one blow. A remarkable feat with a blunt weapon.

He became a legend among the tribes of Norsca until he finally met his end in a duel with the vampire lord Vlad von Carstein. Due to his age, however, Harry the Hammer is still today the embodiment of “Warhammer” for many veterans.

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All nonsense, of course, Warhammer comes from John Warhammer!

A name that keeps popping up in the community is John Warhammer. He is the sole creator of Warhammer, writes all the books, comes up with all the plots, and is basically the boss of everything – depending on whom you are listening to.

Accordingly, the name also derives from John Warhammer, after all, he is the boss. As entertaining as the meme is: this is obviously complete nonsense. Among the founders and first employees of Warhammer, there is a John Blanche, but he has little to do with John Warhammer.

Fans use the name merely when referring to a sort of “Deus Ex Machina,” meaning: It is just what it is. Don’t ask, accept it. Or when they simply have no idea. The name is a combination of the American equivalent of Max Mustermann or an unknown person (“John Doe”) and Warhammer itself.

Naive newcomers and the uninformed might be misled here, even though it is obviously an exaggeration. Nevertheless, John Warhammer is persistently presented in the community as the person responsible.

So if someone asks you where the name Warhammer comes from, respond with John Warhammer. You can discuss Harald Hammerstorm with nerds, and you can expose impostors with Battleblade. However, the answer that is likely to be the most satisfying for most is Sigmar’s Hammer – especially since Sigmar has taken on an increasingly larger role in recent years: Age of Sigmar was long considered the least popular Warhammer, but now it delights fans: “High Fantasy meets Heavy Metal”

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

Pokémon GO: 4 Tips and Counters against Gigantamax Lapras

Max Handwerk Max Handwerk Reading time 3 minutes

In Pokémon GO you can face Gigantamax Lapras again this weekend. We will show you tips and counters for the Dyna Battle Day.

What kind of event is this? The Dyna Battle Day takes place on Saturday, July 19, 2025. It starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 5:00 PM.

During this event period, you will encounter Gigantamax Lapras. At the same time, some bonuses apply:

  • You only need a quarter of the usual walking distance to earn Dyna particles (from 12:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  • You will receive double the amount of Dyna particles while walking (from 12:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  • The collection limit for Dyna particles is increased to 1,600 particles
  • You will receive eight times the amount of Dyna particles from power sources
  • You can perform 2 additional special trades
  • The limit for remote raids is increased to 20 (from Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2:00 AM to Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM). You can also participate in Dynamax and Gigantamax battles via remote raid.

Additionally, Gigantamax Lapras will appear in most power sources, which will also renew more often. So you have a good opportunity to challenge the monster. But Gigantamax fans know: It won’t be easy. After all, we were able to fight the monster before, and Gigantamax battles are anyway the hardest challenge in the game.

So use the following tips to have a chance.

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

1. Best attackers against Gigantamax Lapras

In general: You want to deal as much damage as possible while taking as little damage as possible. Therefore, use Pokémon that are particularly effective against Lapras’ type combination. Lapras is a Water and Ice type. The type chart shows: Your best chance is with attacks of the Electric, Grass, Rock, and Fighting types.

Strong attackers against Gigantamax Lapras: Accordingly, the following Pokémon are particularly effective when you use attacks of the mentioned types.

  • Gigantamax Gortrom
  • Gigantamax Machamp
  • Gigantamax Riffex
  • Gigantamax Venusaur
  • Dynamax Urshifu

Other options include the Dynamax variants of Raikou, Zapdos, or Quartermak to deal damage.

2. Best defenders against Gigantamax Lapras

Offense is not everything; you also need to withstand Lapras’s attacks. Therefore, use strong defenders when you are not in Dynamax mode to endure its attacks. Strong options are:

3. Use the right strategy against Gigantamax Lapras

In the last Gigantamax battles, it has proven useful to focus a bit more on defense and bring two defenders and only one attacker. Use your defenders to absorb Lapras’s attacks while generating energy to fill the Dyna meter. When the display is full, switch to your attacker to deal strong attacks to Lapras.

4. Only fight with a sufficiently large group

The Gigantamax battles cannot be completed alone and, in general, not even with four people. You need rather 10, 20, or even more trainers to win the battle. The chances of success increase rapidly when all trainers use the right counters and a sensible strategy instead of just attacking with anything. So coordinate as best as you can. The Campfire app can help you find groups nearby that are planning battles.

Moreover, you can also participate in Gigantamax battles via remote raid passes and join lobbies through external apps like PokéGenie. This can also work very well. However, make sure that the lobby is large enough to be promising before wasting a remote pass.

And: The Dynamax mushrooms can help as they double your damage. But these are also rare and should only be used if it really looks like the raid is feasible.

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What’s going on in Pokémon GO? The Dyna Battle Day with Lapras is embedded in the currently running Water Festival. The event already has a lot to offer and runs until Sunday. You should make use of the event bonuses if you haven’t done so yet – as a Hyper Bonus event, it offers particularly strong features. We show you all the bonuses of the Water Festival in Pokémon GO here.

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

One of the most requested features of Helldivers 2 can now be used by the enemy, and even the brave soldiers are afraid

Cedric Holmeier Cedric Holmeier Reading time 2 minutes

In Helldivers 2, the soldiers of Über-Erde suddenly have a new enemy in front of them, and this enemy is using one of the best gear from Über-Erde.

What kind of new enemy is this? When the soldiers of Über-Erde found themselves facing a new enemy in their fight against the robot faction, they were shocked. The robots are now also using mech combat robots as new units in their fight against Über-Erde, which poses challenges even for the bravest warriors.

Here you can see the latest war bond from Helldivers 2:

Start video
Helldivers 2 shows its new war bond “Control Group”

Popular feature becomes a strong enemy

Why are the soldiers afraid of the combat robots? Since the mechs came into play shortly after the release of Helldivers 2, they have become a popular tool for the brave warriors of Über-Erde. Especially beginners enjoy the great firepower and the protection of the two-legged tank as long as they do not yet have the best weapons in the game available.

Even later in the game, many players like to use the mechs to their advantage, even if they do not always belong to the meta of Helldivers 2. Besides their capabilities, the mechs also give players a certain power fantasy, which is triggered by the heroic portrayal of the combat robots.

Now that the enemies are using these weapons against the Helldivers and deviating strongly from the ordinary, more human-sized enemies, it shakes the Helldivers.

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What are the brave soldiers saying? When the discovery by player Future_Champion_9721 was published on Reddit, many of the usually brave Helldivers became fearful. They responded in the comments mostly with images full of fear, but some soldiers also expressed their thoughts:

  • Hatarus547: “I guess the bots are bringing heavy artillery, and I understand why, after the last war bond.”
  • imacactusmf: “What the hell is that even?”
  • Flame_Vixen: “What do you mean by Automaton Metal Gear?”
  • Loprilop: “That looks so damn cool!”
  • survivor3333: “That’s probably the best update ever.”
  • Sad-Needleworker-590: “Holy shit, that’s fantastic! I mean, more bots to kill!”
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2 Years After Release, Helldivers 2 Presents Its First Roadmap, Showing That They Listen to the Players
von Cedric Holmeier
“Must be arrested” – a fundraising campaign in Helldivers 2 went so wrong that players are now demanding harsh consequences
von Caroline Fuller
Players in Helldivers 2 threaten generous Helldiver who wants to point out bugs to the developers for $1,000
von Sophia Weiss

The new enemies of the Helldivers are already feared, even if some war enthusiasts are excited about the new challenge. The last patch not only suddenly introduced new combat mechs but also a bug that sneaky traitors are exploiting to their advantage: Sneaky traitors kick players from Helldivers 2, using the glorious flag of Über-Erde

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