Soulslike on Steam connects World War I with Slavic mythology, lets you ride into battle on a massive wolf 

In a new soulslike on Steam, you fight as a soldier of World War I against legendary figures from Slavic mythology – and that from the back of a huge wolf.

Which game is being referred to? The game in question is Chains of Lukomorye, an upcoming third-person shooter from the developer studio Forge Ahead. You will be able to play this alone or with another player in co-op on Steam.

You can watch the announcement trailer for the game here:

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Chains of Lukomorye: The announcement trailer for the new third-person shooter on Steam

Slavic Mythology in World War I

What is the game about? Chains of Lukomorye takes place in an alternate timeline of World War I. Instead of ending the war in a traditional way, the Allies performed a magical ritual. While it did end the war, it also shattered reality, allowing mythical beings to enter the world.

Players take on the role of a soldier who wants to retrieve his wife from the realm of Lukomorye. By your side is Sirin – a winged being in the form of a woman. A screenshot also shows the main character fighting from the back of a large wolf.

In Chains of Lukomorye, you will encounter figures from Slavic mythology: some are friendly towards you, others are not. Confirmed bosses include Leshy (the inspiration for the forest guardian from The Witcher 3) and Nightingale of the Robber.

In which game set in World War I can you shoot enemies from the back of a large wolf with a repeating rifle?

The boss battles are said to be challenging, and if you believe the Steam tag, then you can expect a new soulslike here. Baba Yaga with her house on chicken legs also appears, but it is still unclear whether she will be a friend or foe.

A figure who should ideally be a friend is Bayun. “Can you befriend the giant black cat?” asks torley under the trailer on YouTube. Let’s hope that the developers don’t take too much inspiration from Dark Souls and Sif – this fight was so sad that you didn’t even want to finish it.

When is the game coming out? The developers have not announced a release date yet, nor have they indicated a general release timeframe. Whether the game will be available on platforms other than Steam is also not known.

Fantasy variants of World War I seem to be extremely popular right now. A similar game called Trench Tales started early access in May. You can find out more in our article: Gloomy horror shooter from Steam follows the zombie apocalypse after World War I

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

Final Fantasy XIV is losing more and more players – Especially veterans are leaving

Final Fantasy XIV broke records in player numbers with the expansions Shadowbringers and Endwalker. However, the new one Dawntrail is suffering from player attrition, and it seems the veterans are the ones dropping off right now.

What are the current player numbers? According to the latest census from the blog Lucky Bancho, the player numbers for Final Fantasy XIV have once again decreased. The total number of active characters is currently 948,098, which is over 46,000 fewer than in March 2025. At that time, the overall total globally dropped below 1,000,000 for the first time since 2021.

What stands out particularly is that while there are rising numbers of new and returning players, it appears the veterans are leaving: While there were still over 890,000 long-term characters active during Patch 6.2 in Endwalker, there are now only about 740,000 at Patch 7.2. And the differences between Patches 7.0, 7.1, and 7.2 are significant, too.

It is actually completely normal for Final Fantasy XIV that player numbers decline during the patches. However, the departures of veterans have been significantly lower in all previous expansions.

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The new trailer for Patch 7.2 of Final Fantasy XIV shows the new, highly anticipated content

The numbers reveal: The largest player decline in 8 years

Where do the numbers come from? Square Enix does not publish official numbers regarding players or characters. However, the Steam player numbers via SteamDB are available. There, the game recorded an all-time peak of 95,150 concurrent players about 3.5 years ago.

Lucky Bancho uses publicly available data from the official community site, the Lodestone, for its statistics. You can check what exactly they analyze to calculate their numbers beneath.

This is how Lucky Bancho categorizes the data
  • Maximum level is 70 or higher (excluding exactly 70) OR the job is a job that cannot be unlocked in the Free Trial OR the character belongs to a Free Company (FC).
  • HP, level, and experience points have changed since the last survey (16.03.).
  • The number of companions (Minions) and mounts has changed since the last survey.
  • New characters that were not present in the previous survey.
  • Characters with public profile, Minions, and Mounts in the Lodestone.
  • Owns at least one mount.
  • Characters that leveled a job with a Jumping Potion at the time of data collection (indicated by main weapons with item level 390 at level 70, IL530 at level 80 or IL660 at level 90) are excluded.

Based on this data, the player numbers for Final Fantasy XIV currently look like this:

The numbers are not official, but they likely come quite close to the actual number of players. It is important to note though, that these numbers are based on characters. Per service account, between 8 and 40 can be owned. Therefore, the actual number of people playing is probably lower, as many Warriors of Light can be played by one person over time.

Unlike in previous expansions, in Dawntrail, it is primarily the veterans who are leaving the game in larger numbers: Patch 7.0, the release of the expansion, boasted around 1,020,000 long-term players (Lucky Bancho). In the subsequent update 7.1, the number already fell by 170,000 to 830,000 characters (Lucky Bancho). In March, there were only 760,000 players (Lucky Bancho), while now, after Patch 7.2, there are only 740,000.

Looking at the current bar chart, it becomes clear that these losses are the largest in a long time.

The great story MMORPG is losing exactly that: The good story

Why are players leaving? There are several reasons for the current player attrition. Very prominently, the main story, which was highly celebrated until 6.0 and that every MMORPG player must complete to a certain extent, has seen a drop in quality. Streamer Zepla also counts this as a reason.

Additionally, there is a strong focus on adapting most content of the multiplayer game for single-player. As a result, the MMORPG has become lonely and group content has been neglected in development.

The latest and long-awaited new field excursion Occult Crescent, a rather large traditional MMO content, has disappointed players again. Criticism came mainly for the unpredictable grind for the new relic weapons and the associated RNG factor.

In contrast, the new 8-man raid has received praise, not just for the mechanics but also for the music: The new raid in Final Fantasy XIV is live – The community says: “The best standard raid in this game”.

Unfortunately, a single raid series is probably not enough to excite a large part of the players. Dawntrail’s story does not currently reach the heights of Shadowbringers or Endwalker, which drove the strong player increase starting in 2019. Too much RNG may also ruin the fun for even the hardest grind fans. In fact, it has already come to the point where the director and producer of the MMORPG apologized in the last stream: The head of Final Fantasy XIV admits that they have become too comfortable – this is supposed to change in the MMORPG now.

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

We spoke with the researcher who developed a tool that calculates the best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 – He explains: There is much more to come

Behind many tier lists for Baldur’s Gate 3 often lie opinions and analyses from experts, sometimes even hours of testing. A German researcher found that wasn’t enough: He mathematically calculated the best classes with a tool. MeinMMO was allowed to ask him a few questions.

Johannes Pfau, professor of game AI and analytics at Utrecht University, has developed a tool that calculates the best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3. The simulation generates data for the potential damage of each class.

Behind the tool lies cold, hard mathematics: raw numbers intended to eliminate human influence, which is present in analyses like ours tier list for Baldur’s Gate 3. No experts, no personal favorites, just the hard facts.

In the end, the Druid in the Circle of the Moon takes first place. You can see more results on YouTube. Johannes Pfau was available for MeinMMO to answer some questions about his tool, his research, and his connection to gaming.

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

“No player wants to just watch while their teammates clear every fight”

MeinMMO: For people who have absolutely no idea about math: How does your tool work?

Johannes Pfau: In principle, there is a simulator (as a backend) and an interactive visualization (as a frontend). The simulator is connected to a database that knows all executable actions, spells, attacks, and passive talents or class abilities of the game. Now, let’s say every character build consists of (at least) one class, and thus receives a set of skills and passives. Now the frontend gives you 2 options: You can either explore what happens when you chain your favorite skills together – or let the autocomplete find the skill sequence that leads to the most damage dealt.

In principle, it’s a small, classic AI that knows the expected values of the skills and tries a few steps into the future to see what is most worthwhile. For example, it knows that it’s sensible to cast the spell Hex before another spell or attack, and not afterward. And of course, this also works with other buffs, debuffs, or more complex mechanics, and over several rounds.

So I have just modeled all classes, spells, talents, etc. in BG3, and asked the simulator to give me the best strategy for each class, along with the respective damage value at the end. You can look at various scenarios… For example, to find the potential to deal as much damage as possible in one round (Nova), or to calculate which classes consistently deal a lot of damage over 10 rounds.

Depending on the scenario, such as the number of opponents, their resistances, stats, other group members, etc., you obviously get completely different numbers, so one must not lose sight of the big picture when claiming class X deals more damage than all others. And of course, one must also always say – damage is not everything, and maximum damage is not always the most interesting strategy.

MeinMMO: How did you come up with the idea of calculating the classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 based on their strength?

Johannes Pfau: In a rather grand way, I could say that science is fundamentally about finding information or evidence where there is much uncertainty and differing opinions. And to be honest, there’s seldom such a lack of consensus as in the opinions of player communities regarding which classes/characters/builds/etc. are actually “the best.” If you look at 10 different tier lists, experience reports, or guides, you’ll get 10 completely different perspectives. Even though there is often much truth in them, most games lack a standardized benchmark that could lend weight to statements.

Especially with big questions like balancing, I find it interesting when one can argue backed by evidence. So I connected it with a study that aims to unite many different dimensions of balancing (see: Progression Balancing × Baldur’s Gate 3: Insights, Terms and Tools for Multi-Dimensional Video Game Balance on dl.acm.org). Now one could argue about whether Baldur’s Gate 3 is perfectly balanced or should be – but I think, especially when playing in multiplayer, no player wants to just watch while their teammates clear every fight. And in the end, I’m just a big fan of the game, the studio, and the genre, and love to combine hobby and profession.

Originally, our tool comes from the world of Guild Wars 2, where there is fortunately already a good way to create such benchmarks in-game. However, that wasn’t enough for us, as we wanted to investigate: What are the theoretical limits of a class, even if human players struggle to reach them?, and: What happens to the damage potential of the class when the next announced balance patch goes live? In one of my publications, I showed that players who engage with the tool learn more (meaning their in-game performance improves) than those who simply learn by playing (see: Damage Optimization in Video Games: A Player-Driven Co-Creative Approach on dl.acm.org).

Strong classes are not always the most popular: The least played class in Baldur’s Gate is one of the strongest

“Some weeks of development time surely went into it”

MeinMMO: A small personal question: How did you actually come to your profession? Sounds like a dream for many academic gamers.

Johannes Pfau: I started in the German game industry and took the opportunity to create AI tools (reinforcement learning) that automatically or semi-automatically tested our games (see Automated Game Testing with ICARUS: Intelligent Completion of Adventure Riddles via Unsupervised Solving on dl.acm.org). This alleviated a huge workload for our game testers (and opened new ways to thoroughly test games) and showed me that this is what I would like to do professionally.

Since such tools are often experimental, the academic world seemed to be the right path for me. Getting in wasn’t much different from other fields: Sure, I had a very good degree and industry experience, but definitely also some luck that at that time a doctoral position became available that more or less matched me – and luck that I already had contacts who pointed it out to me.

And when so much passion and ambition flow into a dissertation, it tends to turn out well… well enough that I had no significant problems finding my follow-up jobs in the USA and now my permanent position in the Netherlands.

MeinMMO: How long did it take you to develop the whole thing and what was the hardest part?

Johannes Pfau: As mentioned, it all started in the context of Guild Wars 2 when my colleague Manik started with the simulator (now backend) (on github). That was about 2 years ago, and surely some weeks of development went into it. At that time, the simulator could play a predefined skill sequence and calculate damage curves, but not more. When I stumbled upon it, I really wanted to make it interactive so that it would be easy to use and anyone could quickly try out what strategy with which build would work well.

Of course, this also took a few months, then we added a study on top of it and published it (see: Damage Optimization in Video Games: A Player-Driven Co-Creative Approach on dl.acm.org). Last year, while I was working on a Baldur’s Gate 3 run with my wife, I was wondering how various classes could be optimized and how difficult it would be to apply our GW2 tool to BG3. Well, most internal functions are written rather generically, and the biggest difference here was likely that you had to swap a real-time combat system for a turn-based one, but in principle, every turn is just a (discrete) unit of time.

The most time-consuming part was thus not rebuilding the system but rather incorporating and verifying each individual build, skill, spell, feat, etc. in Baldur’s Gate 3 into the system. To save time and ensure compatibility, all these things can simply be loaded and interpreted from JSON files.

Calculating the damage of, for example, a fireball is then relatively intuitive, as it is described in the wiki, rulebook, or in-game: 8D6 means 8 times 1-6 damage, so something from 8-48, with an expected value of 28 in the middle (minus the probability that the target succeeds on a saving throw). It gets more complicated when various mechanics influence damage, hit chance, triggered effects, etc., which not only need careful implementation but should also be tested (ideally compared against in-game numbers). As a quick example, a level 12 Evocation Wizard could therefore do the following in every round:

  • Have their Water Elemental execute a slam that increases all subsequent cold damage by +100%
  • Alternatively, have this one multiattack increase by +183%, if it used Slam in the previous round
  • Have their Ice Mephit(s) cast a Chromatic Orb that can knock the opponent down, making them more vulnerable to attack rolls
  • Cast a Chromatic Orb or Cone of Cold themselves, which could also be enhanced by the passive ability Empowered Evocations
  • Let up to 3 summoned skeletons (and maybe a mummy) hit as well

And that’s without the influence of items or external buffs. Finding the strategy that optimizes damage here is therefore not completely trivial (especially since about 100 other spells would be at one’s disposal).

This tedious work, entering and checking everything, ultimately took the longest, about another 1-2 months – but naturally, ideas and impulses always came up in parallel to add or change functions in the tool to best represent all the mechanics. In the end, I always find it important to have a system that I also enjoy using myself.

“I catch myself thinking about how I would simulate a game”

MeinMMO: What data can I extract with the tool besides pure combat strength? Can it be built “universally” for other analyses?

Johannes Pfau: Nice question! I hear from many communities that there’s always a cry for damage, and when I play a game for myself, I often feel the urge to find (and be able to execute) an optimal offensive strategy. However, once you reach the point where many mechanics in the game and boss mechanics are trivialized by too much damage, you’re likely harming yourself and your gaming experience more than the opponent. And although this is certainly the main application of this tool, it is not the only output that can be generated. In theory, the healing done could also be a parameter that could be output – however, healing is often much more situational, since one could argue that you always need damage and healing only when it’s necessary.

It also shows how long (calculated over combat time) certain buffs and debuffs can be actively maintained with your build and rotation, which is particularly interesting in MMOs.
But of course, it can be expanded at will. Instead of only looking at a fixed opponent, you can simulate a whole range of enemies and check how many of those fights a build would achieve (success rate) or how long one could survive (survivability).

Or you compare different agents, such as an AI that plays optimally against a strategy that simply executes random actions/spells. If the gap between these two performances is not particularly high, it suggests that this build is relatively “simple” to play – while a high variance between the two would suggest that this build requires more thought. Since such games aim to appeal to various player types, this is also an interesting metric for balancing.

Ultimately – if you had recorded logs of fights, you could also find out what players do wrong or suboptimally (since you can calculate the optimal comparison value in the background). Either to learn from it oneself or to understand when players prioritize flair over optimality.

MeinMMO: How difficult would it be to rebuild the tool to work for ALL role-playing games?

Johannes Pfau: As I’ve somewhat mentioned earlier: Not immensely difficult. I actually find myself mentally catching thoughts when I play anything else about how I would likely simulate it. The “hardest” aspects would be two things:

  • Accurately capturing and entering any game mechanics (actives, passives, buffs,…) (tedious work)
  • Knowing the fundamental damage calculation formula
  • (In GW2, for example: Damage = (Weapon Damage * Strength * Skill Coefficient) / (Target’s Armor Value) * Modifiers)
  • (In BG3, mostly the expected value of the dice roll, where depending on the damage type the hit rate (Attack Roll: Miss/Hit/Crit), (Spell Save: Miss/HalfMiss/Hit) is taken into account)

Wikis often form relatively quickly that simplify information finding significantly, although you still have to check them again.

MeinMMO: Two final questions: What is your favorite class in Baldur’s Gate 3 and what is your favorite role-playing game?

Johannes Pfau: Both are very difficult!

In terms of flavor, I thought I would be a fan of the Warlock – however, the limited spell slots don’t really allow you to dive much into the beautiful debuffs of the class, and you end up getting lost in the Eldritch Blaster or Pact of the Blade attackers, because you don’t have to manage resources there. The Wizard has a nice range, but I never feel like I can typically only perform one action per round, and the subclasses lack a bit of identity.

Therefore, the Sorcerer is the class I’ve enjoyed the most in my runs, due to the great flexibility and strength (especially through the Metamagics Quickened/Twinned Spell) – no matter if damage dealer, debuffer, or even supporter, the Sorcerer is just fun and generous to multiclass. When I play physical classes, the Fighter is often part of the build, as it is simply too well-rounded – but in terms of design, I like the Monk variations the most.

My favorite RPG depends on the day: My guilty pleasure is definitely the Gothic series, which I grew up with as a child. The combat system is quite idiosyncratic, but seldom does anything come close to the atmosphere, quest design, and heart and soul that went into the earlier Piranha Bytes games.

However, if I look at my Steam hours (MMOs excluded), then it’s without a doubt Divinity: Original Sin II. It was no surprise to me that Larian would turn BG3’s generous budget into something wonderful. But when it comes to the combat system, D:OS2 still stands quite a bit ahead, and I’m more than curious for them to return to their roots!

MeinMMO: Thank you for the answers!

For many players, damage in RPGs is an important detail: feeling powerful is simply fun. But especially in games like Baldur’s Gate 3, not only fights are important but also the overall experience. And there are completely different factors at play: A fan asks which class in Baldur’s Gate 3 has the most special dialogues, and gets a statistic presented

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

A player wants to bring a weapon from Call of Duty to Helldivers 2, creates a presentation to convince the developers

The players of Helldivers 2 have numerous wishes for the shooter. However, one player wants to play it safe and chooses a path that brings the community to his side.

Who is it about? The player Hazman62 is currently getting the Helldivers on his side on Reddit. Instead of just submitting a new proposal like everyone else, he took the effort and provided a concept on how the feature can be implemented in the game.

To make it impactful, he created a presentation and explained to the community and developers on six pages why his wish is good and how it can be implemented best.

What features have already been implemented can be seen in the trailer of the Omen of Tyranny update:

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Helldivers 2: Das neue Update Omens of Tyranny erfüllt langersehnten Wunsch

On the battlefield with two weapons

What weapon does the player want? Hazman62 would like the popular akimbo weapons from Call of Duty in Helldivers 2. Just like in the Activision shooter, players should be able to wield two secondary weapons simultaneously instead of a primary weapon.

The double firepower also comes with some disadvantages. The fan’s plan foresees that recoil will increase and reload time will rise. Additionally, players should not be able to have a primary weapon.

With the desired feature, instead of a new weapon, a new mode for many already available weapons in the game would come. This would also benefit those who have already found their favorite weapon.

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How are fans reacting to the presentation? The fans of Helldivers 2 are celebrating the user’s proposal. On Reddit, they are already planning which weapons they will soon take into battle:

  • KaleidoscopeOwn7161 says on Reddit: “Wielding two Talons at once would be awesome.”
  • Educational-Year3146 says on Reddit: “Totally Jango Fett with it.”
  • HEAVYTANK1 says on Reddit: “Wielding two Ultimatum would be really fun, to be honest.”
  • Dapper-Wait-7717 says on Reddit: “Wielding two weapons at once would be amazing, I’ve been playing Wolfenstein lately and I swear, akimbo is so satisfying.”

The players love the concept and the idea of the implementation and hope that the developers will make the player’s dream come true.

With the presentation, the player has directly convinced the community. Whether it is enough for the developers is still questionable. The fact that memes from the community are even incorporated into the Helldivers 2 universe is also shown by the story about John Helldiver, who recently brightened a player’s day: Player receives a message from a hero from Helldivers 2 for his birthday, 11,000 fans celebrate with him

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

“I do not distinguish between work and life” – A 59-year-old manager explains why he does not need a real work-life balance

A 59-year-old manager explains in an interview why he does not need a real work-life balance: He does not separate work and leisure, but skillfully combines both.

The English-language magazine Fortune.com spoke with Scott Mellin about his work. Mellin is the 59-year-old Chief Brand Officer of the French sports brand Salomon.

Under his leadership as Chief Brand Officer, he significantly transformed the company and turned the brand from a niche provider of outdoor sports into a billion-dollar streetwear phenomenon.

Manager emphasizes that he does not separate work and leisure

Mellin explained in the conversation that he starts his day with three to four double espressos and a ski or bike tour before arriving at the office around noon and working until the evening. He has maintained this daily structure for over 25 years.

His wife drives him to work in an electric car, and they use the travel time for their relationship. He explains: “My wife and I share a fully electric Škoda Enyaq. She takes me to work and picks me up at the end of the day. We use this time to connect.”

Mellin also emphasizes that he does not separate work and leisure – for him, nature is the best meeting room:

To be honest, I make no distinction between work and life. I love this industry and believe that the great outdoors is the best conference room. I spend the morning skiing or biking, which gives me time to think deeply about the business before I go to the office at noon.

I work into the evening or go to dinner with clients or partners. That may be different, but it’s a routine I’ve maintained for over 25 years.

Experts recommend clearly separating work, leisure, and life

What do experts think? The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, for instance, found in a comprehensive analysis (PDF file) that those who balance work and private life are more satisfied in their jobs, more engaged, and more motivated. Companies typically benefit more from motivated and loyal employees than when the workforce feels burned out and chased by their job into their leisure time.

The magazine Clockify explains in its “Work-Life Balance Statistics 2025” that a good work-life balance lowers stress levels, reduces the risk of burnout, and decreases the chances of emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression.

The demands for more work remind one of a young boss who, too, does not know a real work-life balance. At least not for his employees. He explains that at his company, one must work 80 hours a week. However, that receives little positive feedback. He defends himself: As a startup, one has to compete with great competition, and one must assert oneself against it: The 22-year-old boss of a company demands 80 hours a week from his employees: “We do not offer work-life balance”

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

5 particularly disturbing animated films that are definitely not for children

In this list, we introduce you to animated films that will visually and thematically stay with you. You can decide for yourself whether in a positive or negative sense.

Animated films are often mistakenly classified as purely children’s films. However, there are enough films that use animation as a medium to tackle complex or adult themes, as well as to present sheer absurdities.

They are not shy about showing uncomfortable, grotesque, or simply strange content. For some, these are inspiring, while for others, they are simply disturbing.

The following films are examples of this type of animated film. With this list, you can find out for yourself whether these films appeal to you with their look and themes, or whether you would prefer to stay far away from them.

[toc]

Here you can see the trailer for a film in this list – The House:

Start video
The House – Official Trailer

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

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“A Scanner Darkly” is a science fiction film based on the dystopian novel “A Scanner Darkly” by Philip K. Dick. 

The film is set in a dystopian surveillance state where drug use and addiction shape the lives of the people. Agent Fred, played by Keanu Reeves, is undercover investigating the manufacturers of the drug “Substance T”, which causes many problems and the downfall of all existences.

However, during his investigations, Agent Fred himself becomes a consumer of this drug, which begins to split his awareness of his own identity, causing him to completely lose touch with his own personality. 

The film’s peculiar look was achieved through the art of rotoscoping, a technique in which artists trace over individual frames of real film scenes, frame by frame, to better realize realistic movements. 

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

A zombie game on Steam is so good that I want to buy it again just to play it on the train

The Resident Evil series is currently on sale on Steam, and MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes is willing to buy a part of the zombie franchise again, even though he has already played it through twice.

Which game is it about? Even among the legendary Resident Evil series, there are games that stand out particularly. Among them is especially Resident Evil 4. In 2023, the game even received a high-quality remake.

I have played both the original and the remake, the remake even multiple times on the PS5. Still, I am considering buying the game again on Steam to be able to play it on the Steam Deck, as it would be the perfect game for train rides.

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Resident Evil 4 Trailer

Perfect for a quick playthrough and multiple times

What makes Resident Evil 4 (Remake) so good? The remake from 2023 has retained all the strengths of the original. The gameplay feels good, and once you get the hang of it, a great flow emerges that few action games can match. Puzzles, action, and cutscenes simply have the perfect balance.

The weapons are varied, the item management is fun, and the many enemy types expect you to apply different strategies. Shooting is not always the best way to victory.

In addition, there is the wonderfully exaggerated story that recalls 80s trash cinema. Together with the gameplay, this is exactly my thing. Especially the brevity of the campaign, once you have gained some experience, makes the game quite appealing to me. Much of this sounds like my opinion on Resident Evil 8, but the 4th part is even slightly better, making it so good for a train ride.

But why would this part be particularly good for train rides? Unlike Resident Evil 8, 4 has a faster flow and no larger open world. Resident Evil 4 is more linear and the areas are more defined. There are secrets, but if you have already played through the game, you know many of them.

Then experimentation and unlocking begins. If you want to unlock new weapons or other goodies, you have to play through the game more often and also with certain challenges. This is perfect for a longer train ride, as you roughly know how to go through the levels.

If you are only traveling for 1 to 2 hours, you can just play 1 or 2 areas and still achieve quite a bit. If you do not feel like that, the mercenary mode with its quick highscore chase is also a perfect change of pace. Many of the aspects apply to some Resident Evil games, but none does it as well as Resident Evil 4.

How much does the game currently cost? Currently, you can grab the remake of Resident Evil 4 on sale for €19.99 (€29.99 with the DLC campaign). Personally, I can also really recommend the original, which currently costs only €4.99. It plays a bit differently than the remake but has its own mechanics that make it just as good. Both titles are on sale until July 10, 2025. For even more absurd action from Capcom, there is Exoprimal: A great multiplayer shooter on Steam was for many fans the ‘wrong’ dino game, but it should have never failed

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

Destiny 2 takes inspiration from Diablo, aims to bind you to the grind with seasonal wipes

The grind wasn’t exhausting enough for you in Destiny 2? Then you’ll be excited for the release of the upcoming DLC. Bungie has prepared a new feature for the loot-hungry Guardians that will keep you grinding even longer.

What will change? The way the grind develops in Destiny 2 in the future. Bungie is massively changing the loot and overhauling the way you improve weapons and armor – to the detriment of your collection.

Many of your old items will still be usable but not quite as powerful as the brand-new items from the upcoming DLC. So it’s time to grind for new items, but with a catch: Each expansion will significantly reset your power level, so the grind begins anew.

The system resembles familiar mechanics, known from ARPGs like Diablo 4 or PoE. These wipes are meant to encourage fans to test new items and builds and ensure that you grind longer to regain the same power you had in the previous expansion.

Start video
Bungie shows the future of Destiny 2 after The Final Shape in the new trailer

Wipes just like in Diablo 4

What can fans expect? Clearly, Bungie wants fans to engage with the new “Portal” system to access their new items. Whether it’s PvP, PvE, or general endgame content. The only differences are now that the new loot is more important and not just a new weapon or armor piece that one can stylishly stash away in the vault.

If you really want the best items from the current expansion, you’ll need to invest a lot of time to acquire the necessary materials and rolls that you desire.

Additionally, all players will be reset to power level 10 at the start of the latest expansion “Edge of Fate” and must then reach the new soft cap of 200. Through seasonal buffs, the power level can then reach 450–550 points. It’s important to know that Bungie will reset you to level 200 upon the release of a new season, so you have to grind again.

What will also be reset is your collection of “Unstable Cores”. These are used to push your gear beyond the soft cap to become even stronger. However, when the current season ends, your collection of cores will also be removed.

Here, parallels can be drawn to the well-known ARPGs, where each new season ensures that every player has the same opportunities to progress without having a “benefit” for having saved diligently.

It remains to be seen how well the system will actually be received by players. The first reactions are, however, mixed. Some love the changes and believe that Bungie is laying a foundation for a new era of Destiny 2 (Source: Reddit).

Others, on the other hand, see it merely as a practice to make the grind even harder and keep fans engaged longer. What do you think of the changes? Do you find them good or do they turn you off? Let us know in the comments! More about Destiny 2 can be found here: Bungie is bringing a new DLC for Destiny 2 in a few weeks, but is that enough content to bring fans back?

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

One of Netflix’s most successful series continues in a month – The first season reached 252 million views

Netflix brings back one of the most popular series of the streaming service on August 6, 2025. Fans will need to be patient.

Which series is meant? Wednesday highlights the titular daughter of the famous Addams Family. She is played by Jenna Ortega, and four of the eight episodes in the first season were directed by none other than Tim Burton himself.

Of course, the dark scenario combined with macabre humor fits perfectly with the director of “Sleepy Hollow,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “Beetlejuice.”

The first season premiered on November 23, 2022, on Netflix. The series became a massive success for the streaming service, partly due to viral scenes like a dance from lead actress Jenna Ortega, which you can watch on YouTube.

Netflix announced that the first eight episodes were viewed approximately 252 million times. According to intelpoint.co, this was enough to secure the top spot in the ranking of the most successful English-language series released on Netflix.

Given this success, it was only a matter of time before season 2 would follow. Now, it is soon here. However, fans need to keep one important thing in mind.

Start video
Wednesday Season 2 – Official Teaser for the Continuation of the Netflix Series

Eight new episodes, but not right away

What should be noted? Season 2 will again have eight episodes and will lean more towards horror. Unlike most series that Netflix releases, however, Wednesday will not be released in its entirety right away. Instead, the decision-makers have opted to release the eight episodes in two phases.

Specifically, the first four episodes will be released on August 6, 2025, with the remaining four following nearly a month later, on September 3, 2025.

For fans, this means that they will need to be a bit patient. A rapid binge-watch will not be possible this time. While there are ongoing debates about whether series should be released all at once or in installments, those who have waited nearly three years for the continuation might be a bit bothered by this.

On Reddit, fans of the series are discussing the decision:

  • “It annoys me that they (the episodes) are released so far apart,” writes guywho_try-tobe-nice.
  • “I mean, you could watch an episode every Wednesday, then the gap would be appropriate. But I guess no one will do that because everyone is too eager to binge the series,” says MirMirage07.
  • “I think they are spaced terribly far apart, but it’s better than nothing. Honestly, it keeps me from gobbling everything up at once and then being sad that I’ve finished it so quickly,” says ItsThe_ForMe.
  • “I would prefer weekly episodes,” writes New-Possible1575.

Despite the split into two parts, it is to be expected that season 2 will also evoke a pleasantly creepy atmosphere.

What do you think of the decision to split the new season into two parts? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. We’re excited. If you want more information about the continuation of the popular spin-off in the Addams Family universe, check out MeinMMO: Wednesday Season 2: Start, Trailer, Cast – All information about the new season on Netflix

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

In WoW Retail könnt ihr ein Mount bekommen – dafür müsst ihr 2 Stunden Mists of Pandaria Classic spielen

You can quickly acquire a stylish mount in World of Warcraft. You just need to play through a starting area.

In World of Warcraft Classic, the age of Mists of Pandaria has begun – at least the pre-patch is already live. This means that everyone can create their Pandaren and Monks to be ready for the actual release of the expansion.

However, for Retail fans (The War Within), there is a special mount. To obtain it, you only need to spend a few hours in Mists of Pandaria and take a closer look at the new starting area.

Start video
WoW mal so richtig ehrlich erklärt

What kind of mount is it? Shaohao’s Sage Serpent is a typical cloud serpent from Pandaria, but in a translucent “heavenly” look with a green tint – fitting the jade theme of the addon.

2 hours of Classic for a stylish mount

What do you have to do for the mount? To unlock Shaohao’s Sage Serpent in the retail version of World of Warcraft, you need to log in with your account in Mists of Pandaria Classic and complete the Pandaren starting area. This takes about one to two hours, depending on your playstyle.

After completing the area, you need to turn in the follow-up quest with the leader of the Alliance or the Horde – depending on which side you choose. After that, you can log out and switch back to The War Within. The mount Shaohao’s Sage Serpent should now be in your collection.

Until when do you have time? You have until July 30, 2025, to complete this task – that’s almost a whole month. During this time, everyone should be able to spare an hour or two for the event. This is also a good time window, as a lot is happening in WoW right now. The drop chance for old mounts and even legendary weapons is currently drastically increased.

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

The most important feature in Season 9 of Diablo 4 is not working as it should, hindering players’ progress

In Season 9 of Diablo 4, you can use Horadric spells to enhance your builds – at least, if you can get them. They don’t seem to drop as they should. But Blizzard has already responded.

What are Horadric spells? Horadric spells are the seasonal feature in Season 9 of Diablo 4. They complement your builds and consist of the following three components:

  • Catalyst: Forms the basis of your spell
  • Infusions: Change the type of elemental damage of your spell
  • Arcana: Modify the base power of the spell

However, the Arcana cause problems, as they do not drop as frequently after the season begins as they should. On Reddit, players report that they cannot use their spells because they lack the necessary Arcana components.

The Horadric spells are the seasonal feature in Season 9 of Diablo 4:

Start video
Diablo 4 shows Horadric spells and new endgame content in the trailer for Season 9

One component of the Horadric spells drops too rarely

How does it hinder players from progressing? The most important aspect in Diablo 4 for many players is finding strong gear and building their character. The new spells are also used in the strongest endgame builds. While you can play without Horadric spells, they are the seasonal feature in Season 9.

Moreover, collecting Arcana is part of the goals in the season journey. If not enough drop, players may not even be able to complete the first and second stages. Typically, you receive Arcana in Horadric vaults, which spawn in Nightmare dungeons with the “vault” affix.

On Reddit, Talos_Bane writes that he is level 57 but has only received one Arcana so far. The user Ur_Just_Spare_Pants comments that he found only 3 Arcana until Paragon level 136. Other users, like SLG_Dennis, had a bit more luck. They noticed that those who finish the vaults with the highest reward level tend to get Arcana drops more often.

Blizzard is bringing a hotfix for the Arcana

Blizzard has already commented: In the English Blizzard forum for Diablo 4, community manager filthierich wrote on July 2 at 20:24:

An additional hotfix is in the works to address a bug with the low drop rate of Arcana in Horadric vaults. We also plan to fix a bug where Nightmare seals did not drop as intended after completing a dungeon.

Previously, Blizzard had increased the drop rate of Horadric vials, which you use to upgrade Horadric spells.

On the night of July 3, 2025, it was reported in the Blizzard forum that the hotfix went live and the drop rate of Arcana in Horadric vaults was significantly increased. The bug with the missing drops of Nightmare dungeon seals was also fixed.

The Horadric spells are the new seasonal mechanic – and now hopefully also usable as intended. To build a Horadric spell, you equip a catalyst, a supportive infusion, and three Arcana. Each component contributes to the overall effect of the spell. Learn how to acquire the powers and what effects they have here: Diablo 4 Horadric spells: This is how the mechanic works in Season 9

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

“This really bothered me” – Twitch streamer built a well-known team in LoL 12 years ago, is not seen by many as the founder

A Twitch streamer founded a well-known German team in League of Legends 12 years ago. However, for some time now, another streamer has been associated with it.

Which streamer and which team is it? The long-time LoL player and pro Daniel “Broeki” Broekmann has been part of the E-sports scene of League of Legends for over 10 years. In a video on YouTube, he briefly talked about his beginnings in the industry and later about the founding of the well-known German team NNO (No Need Orga), which later becomes known as the “Retiree Team” by many fans.

How was NNO founded? Broeki won the ESL Pro Series in Spring 2013 with his team ESC Gaming (lol.fandom.com) and the subsequent tournament with the team n!faculty, where NoWay also played. After their victory, he was kicked out of the team due to his behavior. Since the scene in Germany was very small, it spread quickly, and many players no longer wanted to play with Broeki on the team.

In September 2013, Broeki finally founded the team No Need Orga. The roster of NNO has been dissolved and reopened several times. In 2022, NNO gained the most attention during their “Miracle Runs” in the Prime League Summer (Primeleague.gg).

In the video, you can see who NoWay actually is:

Start video
Former German LoL Pro is Now One of the Most Successful Twitch Streamers – This is NoWay

He is the face of NNO, but not the founder

Who is the face of NNO? The player with the largest reach is Frederik “NoWay” Hinteregger, who also participates in various streamer events. NoWay has often been seen as the head and founder of NNO, which is not true. In the video about the team’s history, Broeki talks about how he was dissatisfied with the direction NNO had taken.

The basic idea of NNO since its founding was that the players would play without an organization and could completely freely decide against whom or with whom they would play. As success and attention came later, NNO was increasingly seen by fans as an organization led by NoWay. Broeki explained that it bothered him a lot.

What does a team member say about it? The NNO toplaner and streamer Tolkin reacted to the history of NNO on his YouTube channel. When it came to the topic regarding NoWay, Tolkin showed understanding and empathized with Broeki’s frustration and said:

I understand that. With a project that has accompanied you for 12 years, it is frustrating. Absolutely understandable.

What do the viewers say about it? In the comments of both videos, there are some fans expressing their opinions. The user TeeFly28 noted under Tolkin’s reaction on YouTube:

Regarding the topic of NNO as NoWay’s organization, I often heard that Freddy even actively mentioned on stream that Broeki laid the actual foundation for NNO. So the attempt was probably there; it’s a shame that it seems not to have helped. I could imagine that Broeki’s connection and then transfer to EINS weakened the connection to NNO among newer viewers. He also appeared to be less involved than other members.

The user AagoMcFly assumes (YouTube.com) that NoWay was strongly associated with NNO because he hosted most of the streams during their hype period while Broeki could be less active due to Eintracht Spandau. Furthermore, the user states that NoWay regularly mentioned that Broeki is the founder of NNO.

In December 2024, Broeki changed teams and has since been playing for Eintracht Spandau, the team of YouTuber and Twitch streamer HandOfBlood. NoWay and Tolkin continue to play together at NNO. You can see where the other members of the retiree team went here: A team of 5 German Twitch streamers conquers LoL, now NNO is falling apart and starting anew

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

Over 130,000 players engage in duels with battle robots in a new shooter on Steam, but one thing is significantly worse than in the test

Mecha Break records strong player numbers for its release on Steam: Over 130,000 players have already played the new Free2Play shooter. However, according to players, one thing has noticeably worsened since the last test.

What kind of game is this? Mecha Break is a multiplayer shooter on Steam, where you plunge into PvP battles as pilots of huge battle robots known as mechs. The shooter is Free2Play and was released on July 2, 2025 on Steam.

  • At the release on Steam, there were a peak of 130,000 simultaneous players (according to steamdb.info).

You can watch a trailer for the game here:

Start video
Mecha Break: Trailer zu Season 0 im neuen Multiplayer-Shooter auf Steam

At the Steam Next Fest in February 2025, Mecha Break already recorded the fourth most players on Steam – and that was only with a demo. However, the reviews weren’t particularly good back then. The concern was not with the gameplay, but with “potentially predatory monetization.”

Looking at the reviews for the release on Steam, the concerns about the monetization of the game seem to have been justified. 

  • Of over 3,300 reviews, only 66% are positive, meaning the game is rated “mixed” on average.
  • Players criticize that many options for character customization are either hidden behind a paywall or completely removed – during the test there was significantly more variety than now.
  • The prices of some skin bundles are also heavily criticized: “$47.99 for a pilot and mech,” complains qzacidman in his Steam review.

Many players indicate that they had a lot of fun with the game before the release. “I played the game before release and loved it,” says qzacidman despite the criticism.

Steam user Vellie also writes: “Was a huge fan of both the betas that came out, but instantly lost all desire to even start up a game after seeing how much of the customization that was in the beta being either removed entirely, or added behind a paywall and user marketplace.”

Other players can forgive the developers for their monetization strategy.

  • “If you want to spend money do it, if not just dont buy it, the 50$ skin well yea its there, but the battlepass is 12$ and the game is well polished,” writes Jibou on Steam.
  • “you do have to understand it’s a free game and we’re getting way more than what we bargained for in the beta in terms of gameplay,” says Kura.

One reason for the lost options in the character editor might also be the players themselves. They escalated in it and created some … interesting creations. You can read more about this in this article: The multiplayer game Mecha Break has over 50,000 players on Steam, now discovering the crazy character editor.

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

The developers of Elder Scrolls Online have been working on a new MMORPG for 7 years, but now it has been canceled

The layoffs at Microsoft also affect the developers at Zenimax Online Studios, known primarily for Elder Scrolls Online. Their new MMORPG is said to have been halted after 7 years in development.

What kind of MMORPG is this? Little has been known about the new MMORPG from the makers of Elder Scrolls so far. Under the codename “Blackbird”, the studio worked on a new MMORPG alongside Elder Scrolls Online. Development is believed to have started back in 2018.

Job postings over the years indicated that the developers wanted to create their own engine for the MMORPG and that it was intended to be an AAA project (via zenimaxonline.com).

However, there was never any precise information about the setting or specifics such as classes, structure, or even dungeons and raids, and that is not likely to change now.

With this trailer, the developers of Elder Scrolls Online surprised their fans:

Start video
The Elder Scrolls Online: Your World, Your Playstyle – Live Action Trailer Lures You to Tamriel

End of the ambitious project

Why did the project fail? Microsoft announced many layoffs on July 2, 2025. Industry insider Jason Schreier reported on BlueSky that due to the changes at Microsoft, the new MMORPG from the ESO developers has also been shelved.

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Currently, the employees don’t even seem to know if they still have a job. Jason Schreier reported on BlueSky that the employees at Zenimax Online Studios were locked out of their Slack accounts, but so far know nothing more specific: “[…] No message from HR, no word about whether they still have a job, just an ominous Slack deactivation.”

Why did the layoffs happen? Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs all at once. These affect many different studios, teams, and projects. The fact that it includes a AAA MMORPG from the West is particularly bitter for fans of the genre, especially since most titles in this space now come from Asia.

Adam407 also reacted on Bluesky: “Shutting down a game that was in development for SEVEN years is madness. I honestly wonder how close it was to release. It’s crazy that it hasn’t even been revealed after such a long time. I honestly can’t imagine working on something for so long, only for it to amount to nothing. I feel for the team.”

While development on the new MMORPG is halted, things are heating up for Elder Scrolls Online this year. The new season system is set to refresh the usual update cycle. Additionally, there’s currently something for free that players previously had to pay for: An essential system from the MMORPG of Elder Scrolls, which you previously had to pay for, will soon be available for free

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

EA FC 25: Women’s Euro starts today – All upgrades for Road to Glory in the tracker

With the start of the Women’s European Championship, the WEURO Path-to-Glory cards come into focus in EA FC 25. On MeinMMO, you can find all the upgrades and the latest improvements for all Path-to-Glory professionals in Ultimate Team.

What are WEURO Path-to-Glory cards? These cards accompany selected players through the Women’s EURO. As they progress from the group stage to the knockout rounds (starting from the quarter-finals), the cards can continue to improve. That’s why it’s worth keeping a close eye on the professionals.

The improvements are not dependent on the individual performance of the players but are linked to the team performance. On the way to the title, the cards can receive up to 5 upgrades.

What upgrades can the cards achieve? Throughout the group stage, the cards can earn up to 2 upgrades, with 3 more available in the knockout round. You can see the exact requirements for the upgrades and the corresponding improvements here:

  • Professional country scores 3 goals in the group stage of the Women’s EURO: +1 overall rating (OVR)
  • Professional country reaches the quarter-finals of the Women’s EURO: 5*/5* + 1 alternative position with all roles++
  • Professional country reaches the semi-finals of the Women’s EURO: +1 PlayStyle+
  • Professional country reaches the final of the Women’s EURO: +1 OVR
  • Professional country wins the final of the Women’s EURO: 99 OVR and Icon Chemistry (full chemistry for the player)

After the short video, you will find all WEURO Path-to-Glory cards and their progress for the upgrades in our tracker.

Start video
Tips for a Perfect Start in EA FC 25 – Ultimate Team

WEURO Path-to-Glory: All Upgrades and Progress

So far, there are 21 WEURO Path-to-Glory cards in FC 25 that you can obtain in various ways. In the tracker, you can see …

  • the player (her overall rating)
  • her previous upgrades
  • her nation
  • her position(s)
Player (OVR)Upgrade Progress NationPosition(s)
Reiten (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
NorwayLM, LF, CAM
Harder (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
DenmarkST, CAM, RM
Rolfö (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
SwedenLM, LF, LB
Cascarino (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
FranceRF, RM, ST
Malard (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
FranceLF, LM, ST
Geyoro (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
FranceCM, CDM, CAM
Salma Paralluelo (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
SpainLF, LM, ST
Irene Paredes (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
SpainCB, CDM
Gwinn (96)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
GermanyRB, LB
Minge (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
GermanyCDM, CM, CB
Schüller (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
GermanyST
Kamczyck (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
PolandCAM, RM, ST
Dudek (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
PolandCB
Mbock (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
FranceCB
Charles (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
EnglandRB
James-Turner (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
WalesCDM, CM
Jónsdóttir (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
IcelandST, LF, RF
Ahtinen (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
FinlandCM
Maanum (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
NorwayCAM, CM, CDM
Miedema (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
NetherlandsST, CAM
Spitse (95)Goals: 0/3
Quarter-finals possible: Yes
NetherlandsCDM, CB

How can you get WEURO Path-to-Glory cards? Until June 4th, you can draw 15 players from packs. You can also obtain additional professionals through Squad Building Challenges (SBC), in the Season Pass, or as objectives in the tasks of Ultimate Team.

If more WEURO Path-to-Glory players are released, we will add them to the tracker. Until June 4th, you also have the chance to draw a Shapeshifters from Team 3 from packs. You can also read all players and information about the Shapeshifters event on MeinMMO.

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

Solo Leveling is the best anime of the year, but the studio is now in a bind: 1 million euros loss last year

Even the award for Anime of the Year and great success on Crunchyroll couldn’t save the studio behind Solo Leveling from a financial crisis: A-1 Pictures made a loss of 1 million euros last year. Whether season 3 will still come is uncertain.

Where does this information come from? The studio’s losses were revealed by the Japanese online magazine Gamebiz. Accordingly, the studio is said to have lost 178 million yen in the last fiscal year – between March 2024 and March 2025. This amounts to approximately 1 million euros.

Start video
Solo Leveling: Trailer for Season 2 Arise from the Shadow

Actually, the anime is doing really well:

Only in Japan could Solo Leveling not replicate the great success that the series enjoys in the rest of the world – here it was even specially adapted in some places. Nevertheless, one would think that the success would be more than enough for a continuation. 

In light of the studio’s financial situation, it is now no surprise that the studio has not yet announced a continuation of Solo Leveling. But can fans still expect one?

Studio now asks for fans’ help

Will there be a 3rd season? If it were up to the team, then yes. A-1 Pictures wants to continue working on Solo Leveling, said producer Atsuki Kaneko and director Yoshihiro Kanno at this year’s CCXP in Mexico. However, they need the support of the fans.

My position does not allow me to officially confirm season 3 to the media… In order for the next season of Solo Leveling to become a reality, we need the support of everyone globally. Please support us

Atsuki Kaneko and Yoshihiro Kanno (via 3D Juegos)

Whether Solo Leveling will still get a 3rd season remains unclear. However, the possibility still exists.

A “anime” from China is trying to rival Solo Leveling in the meantime. The first two episodes of the series are already available on Crunchyroll, more can be found in this article: A new “anime” is releasing this summer, making a celebrated thing from Solo Leveling even better

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

Rockstar Games suddenly brings back an update for Red Dead Online 4 years after the end and fans believe there’s more to come

Completely unexpectedly, Rockstar Games has released a new update for the online mode Red Dead Online and a hint has fans believing that more is to come.

What is this update about? The developers at Rockstar Games have released a new update for Red Dead Online without much prior notice. When fans saw the trailer appear on YouTube, they could hardly believe their eyes, as Red Dead Online hadn’t received an update in the last 4 years.

Under the title “Strange Tales of the West”, the new update for Red Dead Online involves fighting robots, zombies, wildlife, and murderers. Things are going to get exciting.

Here you can watch the trailer for the new update:

Start video
Red Dead Online receives a new update after 4 years, the trailer shows the fight against tin cans

4 years of pause for 4 new missions

What does the update include? The update for Red Dead Online brings a total of four new missions, which come from the client Theodore Levin. Each mission pits players against a different type of enemy and offers corresponding variety.

The update is completely free and can be played right now. At the end of the trailer, the phrase “Vol. 1” can also be seen, which could mean that Rockstar Games plans to continue the story in even more updates.

How is the update received by fans? Red Dead Online was actually considered finished regarding updates from Rockstar Games. The new “Strange Tales of the West” have become a pleasant surprise for the developers. Players are expressing their joy on YouTube, even if many are having fun speculating about why it took so long to get to this update:

  • @VeEeARE: “They remembered that they have two online games.”
  • @wjaz7219: “The janitor remembered the password.”
  • @BensonDoverson94: “The one developer who has been working on it for 7 years.”
  • @morganrossiter3541: “This is a historic moment. Rockstar remembered the existence of RDO.”

But there are also rumors of more updates. @ZorvaineVonSinius explains on YouTube: “It’s strange to believe that the last Red Dead Online video they posted was in 2021. The ‘Vol 1’ here definitely implies: ‘Hey, we actually plan to release more updates for this game.'”

Has the update also brought players back? Although Red Dead Online is currently available for €9.99 in the Steam Summer Sale and the new update provides a reason for a revisit, player numbers are reportedly at the same level as before, according to SteamDB. Nevertheless, over 320,000 people have watched the trailer in about a day. How player numbers on Xbox and PlayStation are doing cannot be stated precisely.

Rockstar Games announced three years ago that no more major updates would be released for Red Dead Online. Whether “Strange Tales of the West” is now the first update in a series or the end of Red Dead Online remains to be seen. Even without updates, the single-player of Red Dead Redemption is worth a visit: He convinced his 75-year-old father to play Red Dead Redemption and shows that age doesn’t matter

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

Microsoft lays off 9,000 employees to position gaming for long-term success

For a long time, there has been speculation, now it is official: Microsoft is laying off 9,000 employees, including many in the gaming sector or Xbox division and in the business sector. They explain the layoffs by stating that they want to position themselves better.

The English-language magazine TheVerge reports that Microsoft intends to lay off 9,000 employees. This is the fourth major layoff round at Xbox within 18 months and the second in 2025.

As reported by the Seattle Times, Microsoft has confirmed that the company will lay off up to 9,100 employees this year, which corresponds to about four percent of the workforce.

Xbox head Phil Spencer said in a message to the team:

To position gaming for sustainable success and to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or reduce work in certain business areas and follow Microsoft’s example by removing management levels to increase agility and effectiveness.

Those particularly affected include:

  • Xbox teams across all departments, indicating a profound internal restructuring
  • Sales and support functions, as Microsoft increasingly outsources sales for small and medium customers to external partners.

More precise information is not yet available, but should follow from Microsoft shortly.

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

The new season in Diablo 4 has started, but a small detail is currently the highlight for many players

In Diablo 4 is Season 9 officially live and brings new content to the ARPG. While Blizzard is waving fresh features and balance changes, a small but fine detail is causing particularly much enthusiasm.

What is the highlight for many? In Diablo, you can customize your weapons and equipment purely cosmetically – so use transmog to slay through the game in style. And starting from Season 9, it gets even more convenient: You can equip complete sets with just one click. Previously, you had to painstakingly collect the set pieces.

To equip all pieces of a set, move your cursor over the set item you want to choose and hold down the key that is displayed to you (on PC, it is the left mouse click). Your player character will then wear a complete armor set and you are ready to go – or dye it further.

This is how the change is received: In a post on Reddit, the user Ropp_Stark points out the new “Quality of Life” feature. His post has already collected over 1,000 upvotes. Many in the comments are happy about the change, as it seems to be the highlight of the new season for many. For example, acog writes: “This is a great QoL change for anyone who has a lot of transmogs!”

Start video
Diablo 4 shows Horadric spells and new endgame content in the trailer for Season 9

Seasonal Features, Uniques & New Activities

What else is new in Season 9? With Season 9 came both seasonal features in Diablo 4 and permanent updates:

  • You will receive the Horadric spells through a seasonal quest line, enhancing your builds.
  • On top of that, there are Horadric jewels that you craft with so-called tomes from Horadric treasure chambers. These jewels further enhance your spells and bring additional strong bonuses. They are used in amulets and rings.
  • Every class gets a new unique in Season 9. Additionally, the item quality from drops increases depending on the difficulty level.
  • You can activate the next nightmare dungeon directly in the nightmare dungeons and continue without any detours, saving you time and load screens.

Additionally, Blizzard is shaking up the endgame and some activities in Season 9. In particular, the nightmare dungeons have received an update, as there are now escalating nightmare dungeons, “Horadric treasure chambers,” and a few quality-of-life improvements. You can find out more about it here on MeinMMO.

With Season 9, Blizzard has introduced new uniques for the six classes as well as some buffs to the game. This ensures that the spirit-born tops the tier lists, mainly because of a new leg armor. Which builds are currently the strongest choice for the endgame in Diablo 4, you can find out here: Diablo 4: Tier list for the best builds in Season 9

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

Why you should reach for tea instead of ice-cold water in heat

In heat, many quickly reach for a cool down. However, researchers have found that these methods do not always help. Some supposed tricks even cause the body to warm up even more.

As temperatures rise, we quickly gravitate toward ice cubes, cold drinks, or a plunge into the cold shower. Although it feels refreshing immediately, this feeling can deceive our body. Surprisingly, these measures often have the opposite effect and promote the warming of our body.

Not only in real life, but also in games do you have to withstand searing heat. Check out the trailer for Dune: Awakening.

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Dune: Awakening presents new action-packed trailer for the release of the game

When Cold Becomes a Trap

Why do cold drinks not really help? Although ice-cold drinks seem pleasant on hot days, the body ensures that the cooling is often only temporary. According to the scientific publisher Frontiers, the body reacts with a so-called temperature shock: the blood vessels constrict, reducing blood circulation near the skin. At the same time, the brain registers the drop in temperature and slows down sweat production – our most important means of cooling down.

Although sweat production decreases, the cold stimulates metabolism because the body has to expend energy to maintain its core temperature. As a result, internal heat rises. This interplay can seem paradoxical: while the body produces more heat due to the increased metabolism, the heat dissipation through sweating is restricted.

Especially on hot days, when we should be drinking plenty, this can become a burden on the organism, as the body cools less effectively while losing more fluids. Therefore, the Consumer Advice Center also recommends not to drink either ice-cold or excessively hot beverages.

How do ice-cold showers work? A cold shower feels pleasant at first, but the effect is limited and can even be counterproductive. Studies from the American Center for Biotechnology show that cold triggers a cold shock reflex. The blood vessels at the skin constrict, reducing blood circulation at the surface.

Because the blood vessels constrict, heat is not effectively released from the body but is retained internally, the opposite of what one actually wants to achieve. Instead of quickly cooling the body down, the sudden cold often makes one feel warmer afterward.

That’s why fans are not always the best solution: Fans are a popular means of cooling down in summer. However, at very high temperatures, they lose their cooling effect. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends in its Fact Sheet that fans should no longer be used for cooling at outdoor temperatures above 40°C. Under such conditions, they can even increase body temperature, as they accelerate the evaporation of sweat, thereby increasing the risk of dehydration.

Tips that really help against heat: When temperatures rise, it is important to rely on methods that actually work. This is confirmed by both the Federal Institute for Public Health and the WHO. Experts recommend proven measures that effectively protect the body and prevent overheating. Here are the most important tips for hot days:

  • Wear light, breathable, loose, and light-colored clothing.
  • Protect your head and eyes with a hat or sunglasses.
  • Take cool or lukewarm showers or baths (no ice-cold showers).
  • Moisten skin and clothing with water (e.g., wet towels or sprays) for evaporative cooling.
  • Drink regularly and plenty throughout the day, even without thirst.
  • Avoid very cold drinks; room temperature or slightly warm beverages are recommended.
  • Ensure sufficient mineral intake to compensate for electrolyte losses due to sweating.
  • Keep windows closed during the day and shield them with blinds, shutters, or awnings. However, do not close them completely; leave slits open.
  • Use fans only at temperatures below about 40°C to cool the skin.
  • Use air conditioning, keeping doors and windows closed.

While in Germany, there is often a reliance on air conditioning or fans, other solutions have long been common in Southern Europe and help effectively against searing heat. There, ceiling fans are standard equipment. Especially now, during the current heatwave, it is worth looking at this often underestimated solution.

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. WHO
  2. Jeuxvideo
  3. NIH