Star Citizen: Update 2.6.2 brings Mega Map – Production schedule presented

Andreas Bertits Andreas Bertits Reading time 2 minutes

Cloud Imperium Games has released an updated production schedule for the space MMO Star Citizen. This schedule reveals the planned release date for update 2.6.1 and further plans.

The team behind Star Citizen is currently working on patch 2.6.1, which is expected to bring some balance changes as well as a spectator mode. The update includes some features that did not make it into version 2.6 and also includes some bug fixes and elements based on feedback from alpha testers. For example, an adjustment to projectile speed is intended to make it easier to aim at moving enemies.

Star Citizen Shooter Module
Star Marine, the FPS module, is expected to be released in a few weeks.

Production schedule updated

Patch 2.61 is planned to be released on February 16, according to the current status and the updated production schedule on the game’s website. Of course, this date may change, but fans will be informed in a timely manner.

The production schedule is continuously updated to give Star Citizen fans a better insight into development. You can see what the team is currently working on, how long the work is expected to take, and what is planned next.

The Mega Map is coming

Vanguard-Star-Citizen

The developers are also looking a little into the future. Before the major update 3.0, which is planned for the second half of the year, patch 2.6.2 is expected to be released sometime in spring. This will introduce the Mega Map feature, among other things.

This feature allows players to seamlessly join various multiplayer matches or play in a single-player mode without having to constantly reload the level.

Furthermore, the introduction of regional game servers is planned. With these, European players should finally be able to play without lag. Currently, players from Europe experience pings of 200+. A specific release date for patch 2.6.2 of the MMO Star Citizen has not yet been established.

More articles about Star Citizen:

Star Citizen: What does “When will Squadron 42 be released?” mean in Alien?

Star Citizen 2.6.: Cheaters will be banned without refund

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

Conan Exiles: Komplette Zerstörung im PvP

Andreas Bertits Andreas Bertits Reading time 3 minutes

PvP plays an important role in the upcoming survival RPG Conan Exiles unless you are playing in single-player mode. In PvP, it is possible to completely destroy the cities and fortresses of other players.

Those who are interested in Conan Exiles and plan to play on a PvP server must be aware that everything they build can be destroyed by other players. However, without building, you won’t get far.

You start by constructing small buildings, which you gradually expand into a fortress. When you encounter another player, either a battle for land ensues or you team up to expand your fortress into a fortified city. Players appear on the map within a few kilometers of each other.

conan exiles fight
Destruction Frenzy

It is important to consider that the larger your base is, the more land you will need, and eventually you will encounter players who want to claim the same piece of land for themselves. At some point, this will lead to PvP battles. In these, you try to destroy your enemies’ buildings, which they will also try to do to your structures.

To do this, you need weapons that are at least one level above the level of the buildings, otherwise, you will not inflict any damage. You must proceed strategically in construction and erect strong walls, fortifying the buildings, and making sure to take advantage of natural features like cliff faces.

Conan Exiles Scorpion

Additionally, you must ensure that your slaves defend your fortress during your absence. You also need to strategically place the guards, for example, archers on the walls.

Together in a clan, you have better chances during attacks, but if you truly want to completely destroy your enemy, you should rely on religion and summon an avatar of your god. However, you are vulnerable during the summoning and while controlling the avatar. But the massive manifestation of your god will make quick work of your opponents’ fortress.

You can lose everything

conan exiles new 2

It will not be easy to destroy your enemies in Conan Exiles, as even on the PvP servers, monsters, wild animals, and NPC opponents roam the game world, making your life even harder. On a PvP server, it is therefore possible to lose everything.

The hard work that goes into building a beautiful and large fortress can be reduced to smoke by an attack from hostile players or by a rampaging avatar.

In a new video, the developers at Funcom demonstrate how PvP works in Conan Exiles. The summoning of an avatar is also shown, so you can prepare for the battles right now, just before the start of the early access phase on PC on January 31.

https://www.twitch.tv/funcom/v/116067771

Further articles on Conan Exiles:

Conan Exiles: Price announced – New trailer shows giant tentacle monsters

Conan Exiles: After criticism – No “Server wipe every 30 days”

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

“Boom, Headshot” – Video games do not make you sharpshooters

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

A study on enhanced shooting skills through shooter games has now been retracted.

In 2012, the scientific study “Boom, Headshot” was published. Its core thesis was: Players engaged in first-person shooters also become better with real weapons.

The implication is clear: If a violent game fan goes on a rampage, he will also be accurate and therefore even more dangerous. The study has now been retracted.

Opponents of the study included Malte Elson from Ruhr University in Bochum and Parrick Markey, a psychology professor at Villanova University in the USA. Their research claims that “violent video games” actually reduce violent crimes in the real world. Higher sales numbers of games lead to lower statistics in violent crimes.

GTA motorcycle title
After a major game release, the number of violent crimes decreases.

After major releases like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto, the number of violent crimes does not rise

Markey believes, for example, that fewer murders occur when a large new game is released and people are glued to their screens.

If the classic idea that violent games lead to violence were true, then the number of violent crimes in the “real world” should spike after the release of a Call of Duty or a new Grand Theft Auto. However, statistics show that the numbers fall. In 2014, Markey told the US magazine Polygon that further research was needed before definitive conclusions could be drawn.

Elson and Markey have long questioned the study “Boom, Headshot.” The static data is inconsistent, and they suspected manipulation. Now, their protests have been heard. The author of the study has retracted it, as unfortunately, the original records are no longer available.

The exact details of the scientific back and forth can be found here on the page RetractionWatch .

Our author Cortyn has addressed the topic of “killer games” here:

Complaint Wednesday: The Return of the Killer Game Debate

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. polygon (Studie zurückgezogen)
  2. Polygon (Videospiele senken Gewaltverbrechen-Rate)

Lord of the Rings Online: New Race, prettier characters and better housing

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

The fantasy MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online will introduce a new class with Mordor.

The studio behind Lord of the Rings Online has recently become independent and is looking for new opportunities to further develop the game and captivate new players in Middle-earth.

In an interview with the US site Massivelyop, the team revealed that for the HdRO expansion Mordor, they are planning to introduce a new race: “High Elf” will be the name of the new playable race. More details are not disclosed here. As Middle-earth laymen, we can only speculate on how the High Elves will differ from the Elves already known in the game. Perhaps one should consult the Tolkien professor regarding this.

Lord of the Rings Online

Lord of the Rings Online currently features five playable races: Elves, Men, Dwarves, Beornings and Hobbits.

In Mordor, players will also have the opportunity to fight for the factions of Men, Elves, Hobbits, or Dwarves in the battle against Mordor. They can pledge their sword to them and swear allegiance.

Lord of the Rings Online
Prettier faces, better houses

The announced upgrade for the character models seems to be taking shape. The team is currently redesigning faces, adding animations, and considers this a significant improvement. Players will still have the option to continue using “the old animations” if some find the separation too painful.

Mordor and new faces are still in the future – Mordor is expected to arrive no earlier than June. Improvements to the housing in Lord of the Rings Online are more current. Here, no major overhaul is expected, but improvements with hopefully significant effect are planned. A customizable hook system for interior design is set to come – similar to SWTOR. These housing changes are already live on the Bullroar test server.

Lord of the Rings Online: This is what the plans for 2017 with Mordor look like

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. MO Interview (Rasse, Charaktere)
  2. MO (Housing)

WoW: Warcraft comes to Television – Azeroth’s best Recipes

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time < 1 minutes

A cooking show with the most delicious dishes from all of Azeroth? Soon, there will be culinary tips from Elven and Orc cuisine in South Korea.

When Activision Blizzard announced a few months ago that they were considering TV shows set in the various universes of the game developer, fans certainly did not expect this. Soon, fans of World of Warcraft in South Korea will be able to enjoy the culinary delights that Azeroth, the Eastern Kingdoms, and Northrend have to offer.

It will surely please everyone involved that the cooked dishes will be prepared by the well-known chef Chou Hyun-seok (in Korea). By the way, he is also a big WoW fan, so one can expect that he will meticulously try to find the right ingredients that match those in Azeroth. It’s hard to imagine if a certain Nomi would have ripped this show under the Pandanail …

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Most recipes from the show “The Meal is Ready” are at least roughly based on the “World of Warcraft” cookbook that was released worldwide not long ago.

Cortyn says: This could be the first cooking show where I don’t immediately feel the urge to scream out of the window. Because who wouldn’t want to prepare a “Deviat Supreme” or a “Salad in the style of Zin-Azshari”? Unfortunately, this kind of gourmet entertainment seems to be reserved for Korea for now. What a pity.

More about the World of Warcraft cookbook we have here for you.

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

Destiny: PvP with light level 315 seems to be fun – New trend?

Tom Rothstein Tom Rothstein Reading time 3 minutes

Do you want more variety in PvP of Destiny? Then just change the meta yourself!

Many Guardians have been complaining for weeks and months that the Crucible hardly excites them anymore. The shotgun meta is ubiquitous. If you don’t have a shotgun in hand, you have only yourself to blame. Special weapons are preferred over primary weapons.

Ger Thunderland now shows you in the video how you can make the PvP battles more varied: with 315 light level.

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Create Private Matches with 315 Light Level

This method works exclusively in private matches and is intended to provide a fun alternative to the current meta.

To do this, you create a lobby in the private matches with light level advantages activated. First, all participating Guardians should lower their total light level to about 315. Equip yourselves with weak armor pieces, artifacts, ghost shells, or heavy weapons.

Only the primary weapon and the secondary weapon remain at the highest possible light level, which for most of you should be 400.

destiny-falkenmond2
The Falconmoon feels extremely powerful again with this setting

This setup results in you being able to kill faster with your primary weapons – you’ve basically given yourself a primary buff and thus changed the meta.

But your special weapons also become significantly stronger, so you should set your own exceptions to ensure they aren’t overpowered. For example, you should exclude snipers with high impact as they can kill with a body shot. You can forgo high ranges on shotguns.

destiny-matador
Matador 64

Primary Weapons, As They Should Be

The stars in these 315 lobbies are now the primary weapons. A rushing shotgun runner can be stopped, and if a sniper misses his shots, you can counter with the primary weapon.

destiny-schwbende-gaerten-pvp-hueter

In short: Special weapons are now only “special” in this setting and no longer “must-have” weapons that need to be constantly held. They are still powerful, but now you can counter them with primary weapons.

How Do I Get to 315 Light?

The best way to get to 315: If you have “Year 1” items in your vault, equip them. If you don’t have any low light items, you can quickly obtain some through rewards in the “Rise of Iron” record book. Otherwise, Lord Shaxx has swords at 220, the exotics in the collections are at 320, or the ghost shells at the speaker are at 190.

destiny-pvp-hueter

So there are many ways to quickly reduce the light level.

What Can Bungie Learn from This?

According to Ger Thunderlord, it becomes clear in this setting: Although primary weapons are now significantly stronger, special weapons remain powerful – but only when used correctly. Shotgun users can be stopped with primary weapons, so they only work at close range and with the right movement. And if a sniper doesn’t hit, you can take him down with the primary. Skill becomes more important.

destiny_rise_of_iron_new_crucible_maps_pvp_skyline

Conclusion: Special weapons are used less – only in suitable situations. The focus shifts more to primary weapons. Special weapons become “special”. A lot of what is currently considered overpowered, such as some supers or grenades, do not appear too strong anymore as you can counter them with primary weapons.

Therefore, Bungie should learn from this: Bring primary weapons back to the forefront. This would solve some of the current issues.

But what do you think? Do you disagree? Have you played such 315 private matches yourself?

In this article, you will find the 12 best legendary primary weapons in PvP.

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

The Division: Contamination Events and more PvE! The new Dark Zone in 1.6

Tom Rothstein Tom Rothstein Reading time 3 minutes

In The Division, update 1.6 brings numerous changes to the Dark Zone. Here is an overview.

“Last Stand” will be a standalone PvP mode in the Dark Zone, introduced by the paid “Last Stand” DLC. If you want to play this mode, you must own the Season Pass or purchase the DLC separately.

All other changes to the Dark Zone come with the free update 1.6.

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The northern border will be opened – DZ07-09

The most noticeable new feature of update 1.6 is the (almost) doubling of the Dark Zone: DZ07, DZ08, and DZ09 are coming. The PvE/PvP area will be expanded northwards to include DZ07, with DZ08 and DZ09 joining DZ07 to the northeast.

The Dark Zone has never been an inviting place, but the new Dark Zone classes are meant to convey a distinctly darker atmosphere. Bodies are piled up in the streets, some of them ablaze, and enemies lurk everywhere. Massive does not want to reveal too much so that you can explore these areas yourself, where some surprises are said to await.

division-cleaner-dark

The three new areas will roughly double the “playable area” of the Dark Zone: You will not only run on the streets but also on rooftops, in the underground, and in buildings.

Less PvP, more PvE

With Last Stand, a dedicated PvP mode comes where you can hunt other agents at will. The PvP aspect in the “normal” Dark Zone will be reduced. While the size of the Dark Zone is almost doubled, the player count in each DZ instance remains the same. This means that the chance of encountering other agents is significantly lower.

Instead, you can expect more PvE content. The landmarks are being revamped: Multiple waves of enemies can now spawn at these locations after you have defeated the first group. When you clear a landmark, you will receive additional loot that goes directly into your inventory and does not need to be extracted first.

division-last-stand-agenten

The further north you advance into the DZ, the more challenging the enemies will become. With update 1.6, you can fast travel between DZ checkpoints.

These are the contamination events

Contamination events are meant to provide more variety in the Dark Zone. Elite cleaners will appear in underground areas of the DZ approximately every hour, and your job is to take them out. However, the contamination in these areas reaches deadly levels that your virus filter cannot withstand. You need to devise a tactic, act quickly, and keep an eye on your health.

division-last-stand

How long such an event lasts and what rewards it offers are currently unknown.

Dark Zone leaderboards

A new feature that has been known for a few weeks is the Dark Zone leaderboards. These allow you to compare yourself with other agents on a weekly and monthly basis.

division-last-stand-logo

Many of your activities will be tracked: In PvP, for example, kills of rogue agents, attempts at manhunts, or cut ropes during pickups. In PvE, NPC kills, looted boxes, or extracted items will be counted.

All activities contribute to an overall score. This leaderboard is divided into three ranks. The higher the rank you achieve, the more rewards you will receive. The lists will be reset weekly and monthly.

You can read about the new difficulty level “Legendary” in The Division here.

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

ARK: Survival Evolved – Create PS4 Server & List of Admin Commands

Leya Jankowski Leya Jankowski Reading time 4 minutes

Here you will learn how to create your own server for the PS4 in ARK: Survival Evolved and you will receive a list of general, useful admin commands.

Since ARK: Survival Evolved was released on the PS4, complaints about full servers that are also underperforming and often crash have increased. It is possible to create your own PS4 server and thus avoid the full servers.

ark dodo

ARK: How to Create Your Own PS4 Server

There are two ways to create your own PS4 server in ARK: a dedicated server and a non-dedicated server.

  • Running a second PS4 as a server – Dedicated Server: If you have a second PS4 available, you can simply use it as a server. Please note that no one can play on the PS4 server when the PS4 is turned off.
  • Running a PS4 as both client and server – Non-Dedicated Server: In the non-dedicated variant, your console acts as both server and client. Here you play directly on your own server. You cannot move more than 200m away from the host in a non-dedicated session to keep the load on the console as low as possible.

In this video, YouTuber “Stalker GER” explains how you can create your own PS4 server in ARK: Survival Evolved.

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  • Click on “Local Game” in the menu.
  • The server settings for your server will now open.
  • Here, select difficulty level, PvE mode, position on the map, and other options that should be enabled or disabled on your server.
  • If you are satisfied with your settings, click on “Non-Dedicated Multiplayer Game”.
  • In the next window, choose a name and a password for your server.
  • If you activate “Private Game”, this server will not appear in the server overview.
  • The creator can distribute invitations to the server via direct invitation.
  • Clicking on “Accept” starts your server.

ARK: Admin Commands PS4 English

The list includes cross-platform server admin commands that you can use on your self-created server.

YouTuber “MerK NMEX” shows here how to enter admin commands on consoles. This applies to Xbox and PlayStation.

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To be able to enter the admin commands in the game, you must activate “Admin Logging” when creating the server. You can find this option on the first page of the server settings under “Difficulty”. When you are in the game, you need to open the menu to see the admin command bar. In this bar, you enter the corresponding command and then click on Admin Command.

When you return to the game, the entered command is activated.

PS4 Admin Command List

This list shows you the respective effect of the commands and additionally which command you must enter for the desired effect:

  • Activate server administration commands: EnableCheats <Password> (password must match the server admin password of the server)
  • Activate commands for players, dinosaurs, and game world: SetCheatPlayer true|false (example: setcheatplayer true)
  • Add experience points: AddExperience <HowMuch> (example: admincheat addexperience 1000)
  • Send message to everyone on the server: Broadcast <MessageText> (example: admincheat Broadcast Hello friends)
  • Change player size: ChangeSize <SizeMult> (reset to 1 for normal size)
  • Clear inventory: ClearPlayerInventory <PlayerID> <ClearInventory>
  • Clear equipment: ClearPlayerInventory <PlayerID> <ClearEquippedItems>
  • Clear slot items: ClearPlayerInventory <PlayerID> <ClearSlotItems>
  • Reset tutorials on the client: ClearTutorials
  • Show information from structures: DebugStructures
  • Destroy all creatures of a type: DestroyAll <type> (example: admincheat DestroyAll Ankylo_Character_BP_C)
  • Destroy all creatures on the map, including tamed ones: DestroyAllEnemies (example: admincheat destroyallenemies)
  • Destroy creature or structure in the crosshairs without leaving a corpse: DestroyMyTarget
ark skull
  • Destroy all structures on the map: DestroyStructures
  • Destroy un-tamed creatures: DestroyWildDino
  • Shut down the server quickly: DoExit
  • Trigger map restart: DoRestartLevel
  • Tame creature: DoTame
  • Creatures on the map ignore you: EnemyInvisible true|false (example: admincheat EnemyInvisible true)
  • Instantly fall asleep or wake up: ExecSetSleeping true|false (example: admincheat ExecSetSleeping true)
  • Allow character to fly: Fly
  • Tame Dino instantly: ForceTame
  • Repeat last chat: GetChat
  • Activate ghost mode, fly through objects: Ghost
  • Transfer ownership and structures to players: GiveAllStructure
  • Unlock all engrams: GiveEngrams
  • Give player experience points: GiveExpToPlayer <PlayerID> <HowMuch>
  • Add inventory items: GiveItem <BlueprintPath>
  • Add items via ID list: GiveItemNum <ItemID> (example: admincheat GiveItemNum 1 1 1 0)
  • Add 50 units of each resource to the inventory: GiveResources
  • Change ownership of structure/dino: GiveToMe
  • Gives the commands God, InfiniteStats, EnemyInvisible true, and experience: GMBuff
Ark Survival Evolved
  • Immortality and invulnerable: God
  • Suffer damage equal to specified value: HurtMe <Amount> (example: admincheat HurtMe 50)
  • Infinite food, water, stamina, carrying capacity: InfiniteStats
  • Kill structure/creature: Kill
  • Kill player: KillPlayer <PlayerID>
  • Combines the commands God, InfiniteStat, EnemyInvisible true: LeaveMeAlone
  • View player list: ListPlayers
  • Become admin of the tribe: MakeTribeAdmin
  • Become founder of the tribe: MakeTribeFounder
  • Load map: OpenMap <MapName> (example: OpenMap TheIsland)
  • Stops movement and crafting: PlayersOnly
  • Save server and game world: SaveWorld
  • Send message to all players: ServerChat <MessageText>
Ark Survival Evolved Box Art Mounted Combat
  • Send PM: ServerChatToPlayer “<PlayerName>” <MessageText>
  • Hide admin icon in chat: SetAdminIcon
  • Set baby dino age, 01 – 1: SetBabyAge <AgeValue>
  • Set message of the day, shown when players connect: SetMessageOfTheDay <Message> (example: admincheat SetMessageOfTheDay Today, the Dodos are on the loose)
  • Teleport yourself: SetPlayerPos <x> <y> <z> (example: admincheat SetPlayerPos -71467 -52156 0)
  • Determine the time of day in the game world: SetTimeOfDay <Hour>:<Minute>[:<Second>] (example: admincheat settimeofday 06:30:00)
  • Display message of the day: ShowMessageOfTheDay
  • Commit suicide: Suicide
  • Spawn selected dino: Summon <type> (example: admincheat summon Ankylo_Character_BP_C)
  • Teleport players to you: TeleportPlayerNameToMe <PlayerName>
  • Teleport to players: TeleportToPlayer <PlayerID>
  • Unlimited ammunition: ToggleInfiniteAmmo
  • Disable fly mode and walk again: Walk
ark dragon

You can find everything else about PS4 ARK servers in our server FAQ. Here you can also read how to find and join self-built servers.

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

Paladins OB42: Laser beam, Stone fist, Shield – New champion Torvald

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

Hi-Rez presented the latest hero for Paladins : Torvald is a tank who can distribute shields and fire a laser beam.

On Friday, the stream for OB42 took place. The highlight was certainly the introduction of Torvald, an older man in a robe, who has a gigantic stone fist for a right hand.

Torvald’s Abilities

Torvald’s main ability, with the left mouse button, is an energy beam, which he can fire in a straight line. The beam is channeled and sticks to its target – it has a lock-and-track function. Torvald then moves slower, making it possible for opponents to escape.

Additionally, Torvald has a personal shield that starts with 6000 health points and depletes when Torvald is attacked. The shield does not regenerate by itself, but Torvald can recharge it with the right mouse button by channeling an ability, if he is not disturbed. He can also siphon enemy shields with it.

The idea is for Torvald to stay at the front and keep opponents occupied as long as the shield is up, and then he briefly retreats to regenerate it.

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Furthermore, Torvald can also grant allies a shield. However, only for a very short time, two seconds, so that Paladins do not turn into a pure tank fight.

With another ability, Torvald influences the scenario as a tank through crowd control by silencing and disarming opponents at close range.

His ultimate is a massive, annihilating laser beam with a strong knockback, which sends opponents back quite a distance – often further than can be seen.

The designers noted that Torvald is somewhat older than champions typically designed, but he is large, impressive, and equipped with a gigantic personality.

The OB42 patch was deployed to the test server over the weekend. If everything goes smoothly, we should be able to welcome him and Torvald in Paladins soon.

Paladins is also set to launch soon for PS4 and Xbox One: Paladins for PS4 and Xbox One – Beta starting soon

To the official website of Paladins and play for free.

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

Overwatch: D.Va’s Bunny Becomes a Protest Symbol Against Misogyny

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 2 minutes

Is D.Va from Overwatch a symbol for women’s protest around the world?

At the same time as the inauguration of American President Donald Trump, the “Women’s March on Washington” took place recently. The protests were meant to send a message to the entire world and draw attention to issues like racism, polarization, and misogyny. Although the protest march was initially planned only in America, similar actions were started around the world – including in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

Overwatch Womens March Dva flag

Among all the flags and signs waved there, gamers will certainly recognize one symbol in particular: The Bunny Symbol that D.Va from Overwatch bears on her mech and her weapon, which is her trademark.

What seems strange and somewhat out of place at first makes sense after a moment’s thought. D.Va, whose real name is “Hana Song,” hails from South Korea in the world of Overwatch and embodies many things that the protest march wants to express. She is a strong, independent woman who wants to maintain peace in her country and loves people and their diversity.

Apart from the flags, stickers featuring the symbol have also been spotted, accompanied by the slogan: “The rise of the woman = the rise of the nation.”

https://twitter.com/Gold_Sparkling/status/822824605211447296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Cortyn says: I think this is pretty cool. It shows in a new way how much video games, their symbolism, and characters have now resonated in different societies around our world. And if there are examples of strong, multi-dimensional characters – why shouldn’t they also be shown in important matters?

But what do you think? Is it “silly” to print the symbol of a fictional character on such a significant protest flag? Or do you believe that the message matters and that any example is valid – even a video game heroine?

What if the heroes of Overwatch were cute cats…

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

Hearthstone: Der nächste Nerf könnte Ragnaros treffen

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 2 minutes

The Fire Lord has once again been too early to celebrate. A nerf may be on the way in Hearthstone .

Nerfs to various cards in Hearthstone are quite rare. The developers usually try to avoid changes to maintain a certain consistency. However, in an interview with PC Gamer, Ben Brode revealed some details about the philosophy behind the nerfs of certain cards and the problems they cause in design. For example, he mentioned Ragnaros, who has been seen in many decks at the World Championship at BlizzCon, even though he is technically a classic card.

hots ragnaros artwork

The reason for this is that there are hardly any other cards in the “8-mana category” that have as much impact on the battlefield as the Fire Lord in the making. If you want to prevent power creep – that is, to create a card that is simply “better” in stats and effect – you have to limit such perennial favorites (Ha! Pun intended!) like Ragnaros in other ways. So, they’re considering either weakening Ragnaros in the future or simply banning him from the standard format and moving him into the Wild category. They are also contemplating this step for other cards.

Herathstone Ben Brode

Only then could it be ensured in the long term that new expansions bring real changes without cards becoming absurdly overpowered.

Another possibility would be to make a potential “new” legendary card better, but in such a way that it only really fits well in certain decks – as was the case with Reno Jackson and Kazakus, where players have to forgo duplicates. Generally, however, such evergreen cards limit the design options of the developers. Because an expansion is most fun when as many players as possible can experiment with the new cards, new decks emerge, and the meta is shaken to its core.

What do you think? Should the developers leave classic cards alone? Or are such changes good and meaningful to keep the game fresh and exciting?

Cortyn has already expressed her thoughts on power creep in Hearthstone in her Mecker Wednesday.

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

For Honor auf der PS4 – Tonnenweise Gameplay-Material erschienen

Tom Rothstein Tom Rothstein Reading time < 1 minutes

In For Honor, some gameplay videos have been released showcasing brutal melee action.

The release date of For Honor is approaching. On February 14th, the melee game will be released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

In advance, there will be a closed beta where you can get a sense of For Honor. However, all fans who cannot participate in the beta can still get an impression of Ubisoft’s upcoming title through gameplay videos.

Melee Action in Video

At the Taipei Game Show, Ubisoft put a strong focus on For Honor, and countless gameplay scenes made their way online. The first two videos showcase footage presented by Associate Game Director Gaelec Simard and played on PS4. The third video was released by Ubisoft Asia – and lasts a whopping 2.5 hours!

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https://youtu.be/HVcJgMGN-kA

Trailer for the Faction War – Metagame

Recently, Ubisoft released a trailer for the Faction War. This will already be playable during the closed beta. It represents a “metagame” in which you fight for your chosen faction. All your battles will be tracked cross-platform and worldwide. This way, you can ensure that your faction conquers the most territory and ends the season as the winner. Participating players can look forward to some great prizes:

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More info on the closed beta can be found here. In this article, you will also learn about the system requirements. Does your computer even run For Honor?

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

Shroud of the Avatar: Neues Dialog-Fenster sorgt für Kritik

Andreas Bertits Andreas Bertits Reading time 2 minutes

The selective multiplayer RPG Shroud of the Avatar is currently nearing its release. The developers are now focusing on aspects like the user interface, set to launch later this year.

Graphically, Shroud of the Avatar has made significant progress in recent months. The areas now look beautiful, and the NPC design also shows improvements. With the release of Episode 1 likely coming in the second half of the year, the team is working on enhancing the UI visually. The first step comes with the upcoming Release 38, which will adjust the dialogue window for conversations with NPCs.

Shroud of the Avatar New Convo
NPC conversations in a chat window?

Until now, it was a standard chat window, similar to what you see in guild chats of other MMOs. The texts were presented like in a chat log. Many players also had trouble entering texts and finding the right keywords to advance conversations.

The developer studio Portalarium responded to the criticism and has now presented a new dialogue window, which will be introduced into the game on January 26 with Release 38. However, some fans are not satisfied with it.

Not much has changed

Visually, the window still resembles the previous chat. It is now centered to focus on the conversation.

In addition to the option to manually type texts and keywords, there is now an area below this input field with keywords that can be clicked. This is intended to make conversations easier and faster, as players can always see the most important keywords without having to search long for them.

Shroud of the Avatar fallingreen
Fans express criticism

However, some in the community are bothered by the fact that the window still looks like before. The same frame, the same log-style presented text, and the same semi-transparent background. This is feedback currently being given to the developers.

The developers defend themselves, explaining that many of the requested changes are either difficult or impossible to implement. They are trying to incorporate some of the feedback, such as adding spaces between the texts of the NPCs and the players and changing the color of the names of the conversation participants. However, one should not expect truly significant changes.

More articles about Shroud of the Avatar:

Shroud of the Avatar is now a different game – Why that could be good

Shroud of the Avatar: Release is approaching – Game is becoming PvP-focused sandbox

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Forum von Shroud of the Avatar

Overwatch: Wenn alle Helden Katzen wären – Niedlich oder bescheuert?

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time < 1 minutes

The Overwatch heroes as cute cats. A YouTuber gives the heroes a new face.

The fan creations around Blizzard’s hero shooter Overwatch occasionally take very strange turns. After the internet overflowed with pornographic content related to the game, there are now a whole lot of other variations and portrayals of the characters.

The YouTuber Dillongoo has taken all the offensive heroes from Overwatch and transformed their highlight intros into a new light. The corresponding heroes have been transformed into cute – and sometimes quite chubby – cats. Check out “KatsuWatch” here:

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Interestingly, Dillongoo has managed to maintain the original “flair” of the characters. Reapurr (Reaper) is still an edgelord who brings darkness and gloom to the world – and what could be more fitting than the bones of fish? Clawmbra still has her way of playing games and therefore chases a red laser pointer. Overall, the implementation seems quite successful, although some of the “boring” highlight intros do not match the quality of the more dynamic footage.

In the future, Dillongoo wants to transform the rest of the Cats cast of the Overwatch hero roster into cute cats. So we can expect a lot of purring, fish, yarn balls, and plenty of scratch marks.

The friends of a deceased player recently honored him with a very special video.

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

Destiny: Höher geht’s wirklich nicht! So kommt Ihr auf die Spitze vom Felwinter-Gipfel

Tom Rothstein Tom Rothstein Reading time 2 minutes

In Destiny, we show you how to reach the very top of the Felwinter Peak.

Since “Rise of Iron”, the Felwinter Peak is a new social space in Bungie’s MMO shooter. In the first story mission of “The Rise of Iron”, you reclaim it from the Fallen. Important NPCs like Lord Saladin or Tyra Karn move in afterward, providing quests for you.

Guardians without a fear of heights, equipped with enough jumping puzzle skills, have already been to the “true” Felwinter Peak – the place where the inactive SIVA bundle is found.

destiny-felwinter
This brave Guardian is already high up – but there is still much higher to go!

Many Guardians assume that this place is the highest point that can be reached in the Plaguelands. But it isn’t! With a trick, you can even reach the summit of Felwinter Peak. You really can’t go any higher than that.

Not for Guardians with a fear of heights

The Youtuber Juma Plays shows you in the video how to get to the very top. This is only possible through the first story mission of RoI, where you encounter Sepiks Perfected. This way you have all your jumping abilities at your disposal. Additionally, you need a sword.

Starting at 0:52, Juma Plays shows you the way from the location of the inactive SIVA bundle:

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What is at the top? The answer to this question is rather disappointing: there is nothing up there, except for a great view. You will search in vain for a secret, a collectible, or even an exotic weapon.

As Juma Plays demonstrates in another video, you can make impressive kills from up there. Enjoy the climbing!

All the secrets introduced since “The Rise of Iron” in the game are presented along with tips and tricks, reviews, and informational articles in our guide collection on “Rise of Iron”.

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The Division: SEEKR – New Gear Set with 1.6, changes to 4 old sets

Tom Rothstein Tom Rothstein Reading time 3 minutes

In The Division, update 1.6 introduces a new gear set: SEEKR.

So far, every update from Ubisoft’s MMO shooter brought new gear sets: With 1.1, four sets were introduced for the first time, four new ones were added with 1.2, and 1.3 and Underground even saw the addition of five more sets. Then Massive realized that it does not benefit the enjoyment of the game if agents are overwhelmed with sets. Because the sets were not balanced: Only a few were useful in the endgame, others had no benefit at all.

Therefore, with update 1.4, all gear sets were revised. One set, the B.L.I.N.D. set, was even completely removed and replaced by Banshee. The update 1.5 subsequently brought only one new set, the D3-FNC set. And with update 1.6, this “slowed down” supply of new sets will continue.

division-gear-14

By the way: We present all gear sets after 1.5 here.

1.6 brings a new gear set

This set, which will be available for all agents for free with 1.6, is called SEEKR. The specialty of this set is body shots. Not all bonuses are known yet, but we do know the talent that activates with four equipped pieces:

  • 4-set bonus: You will receive a guaranteed critical hit when you land two body shots in a row. This guaranteed critical hit can be dealt to any enemy. It does not have to be the one who received the body shots.

Update: Meanwhile, the other bonuses are also known:

  • 2-set bonus: +10% damage from body shots
  • 3-set bonus: +30% critical hit damage
division-agenten

Massive assumes that you will use this set creatively and test which weapon class it is particularly suitable for.

Gear set changes with 1.6

As part of the general balance changes of 1.6, some gear sets will also be revised. However, these can still change until the launch of 1.6, as they will soon be tested on the PTS. So far, we know of changes to four sets:

  • AlphaBridge: This currently outstanding set will be nerfed. Not all weapon talents will be transferred anymore, but only those talents that are activated without attribute requirements (i.e., the respective third talent). Exotic talents are excluded.
  • division-agent-waffe
    Frontline (D3-FNC): The critical hit chance will no longer be removed. Instead, every activated mod on your ballistic shield becomes ineffective.
  • Recycler: The talent now activates all mods from the assist post at the same time. The 2-set and 3-set bonuses are also supposed to be aimed at the assist post (range and duration will be increased). It no longer has effects on consumables with 1.6.
  • Tactician’s Authority: The buff from the talent does not expire after 10 seconds, but disappears as soon as you use a skill.

Do you think the AlphaBridge nerf is too severe? And what do you think of the SEEKR set?

This article contains all information about the exotics in The Division.

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

My Dinosaur Go – Pokémon GO with Dinos from ARK: Survival Evolved

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time 2 minutes

Snail Games is developing a mobile game called My Dinosaur Go, similar to Pokémon Go, licensed from ARK: Survival Evolved.

The Taipei Game Show is currently taking place from January 19 to 24 in Taiwan. Chinese publishers are showcasing their games there. Snail Games has announced 15 new games for 2017. Nine of these are mobile games, six are client-based games, including Dark and Light or Age of Wushu 2.

It is particularly noteworthy that Snail Games has three games licensed from the western dinosaur hit Ark: Survival Evolved in their lineup. This includes “ARK: Survival Evolved” itself as a free-to-play MMO for the Asian market and PixelArk , a sandbox game with a Minecraft aesthetic, intended primarily for younger gamers.

DinoSaur Go Logo

Besides Minecraft with dinosaurs, Snail Games is also developing a Pokémon Go spin-off

However, Snail Games has another Ark game in the works. A mobile game that is set to utilize augmented reality – the technology that made Pokémon Go popular. The game does not yet have an official English title. Speculations point towards “My Dinosaur Go” or “ARK Go.”

According to initial, still very early information, which is only available in Chinese, the game is expected to feature a cartoon style. Players will be able to catch and train dinosaurs. The catching is likely to take place outside of their homes.

There appear to be survival elements in the game. Players are expected to gather resources and form tribes. However, the language barrier may hinder our understanding of the details.

Dinosaur Go 3

In China, the popular Pokémon Go is not allowed because the government fears it might be too dangerous.

Pokémon GO: China bans the game because it is too dangerous

Ironically, while a Pokémon Go with ARK is being developed in China, there is an ARK: Survival Evolved with Pokémon as a mod here in the West:

ARK: Survival Evolved – Catch all Pokédinosaurs! Mod brings Pokémon into the game

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. xin.18183
  2. gamemonday

FIFA 17: Winter-Upgrades Bundesliga Predictions – Will these players be upgraded?

Tom Rothstein Tom Rothstein Reading time 2 minutes

In FIFA 17 FUT, we take a look at Bundesliga players who might receive better ratings in the upcoming winter upgrades. Predictions!

Update 25.2.: The ratings refresh players of the Bundesliga are now known!

February is the month in FIFA when the winter upgrades are released. Some players who have consistently performed well in real football over the past months will receive upgraded standard cards that remain permanent.

Now the question arises: Which players will receive an upgrade? This is often speculated and discussed in advance. There are already some “predictions” online, i.e., forecasts of players who deserve an upgrade.

fifa17-kimmich
Will Kimmich receive an upgrade?

Possible Bundesliga Players for the Winter Upgrades – List

The site fifauteam has created a list of Bundesliga players who are in line for an upgrade. The basis is the list of players who have already been upgraded in “Head to Head” seasons:

Alessandro Schöpf (Schalke 04) +2
Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim) +1
Anthony Modeste (FC Köln) +1
Benjamin Henrichs (Bayer Leverkusen) +9
Bernardo Fernandes (RB Leipzig) +8
Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) +5
Diego Demme (RB Leipzig) +3
Emil Forsberg (RB Leipzig) +2
Emre Mor (Borussia Dortmund) +6 (ED)
Genki Haraguchi (Hertha BSC) +1
Jarstein (Hertha BSC) +2
Jesús Vallejo (Eintracht Frankfurt) +3
Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München) +2
Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen) +1
Kerem Demirbay (Hoffenheim) +3
Kevin Kampl (Bayer 04) +1
Kevin Vogt (Hoffenheim) +1
Konstantinos Stafylidis (FC Augsburg) +2
Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig) +2
Marco Fabián (Eintracht Frankfurt) +2
Mitchell Weiser (Hertha BSC) +1
Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke 04) +3
Naby Keïta (RB Leipzig) +3
Niklas Stark (Hertha BSC) +2
Ousmane Dembélé (Borussia Dortmund) +3
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund) +1
Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund) +1
Sandro Wagner (Hoffenheim) +1
Sead Kolašinac (Schalke 04) +2
Serge Gnabry (Werder Bremen) +4
Thiago Alcantara (FC Bayern München) +1
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) +2
Vedad Ibišević (Hertha BSC) +1
Vincenzo Grifo (SC Freiburg) +1
Willi Orban (RB Leipzig) +2

Keep in mind that this list is not official. We will only know the first “winter upgrade” cards at the beginning of February.

Which players do you think are missing from the list?

In this context:

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

Ark Survival Evolved meets Minecraft – PixArk

Schuhmann Schuhmann Reading time < 1 minutes

With PixArk, Snail Games is working on a mix of Ark Survival Evolved and Minecraft.

The studio Wildcard, the creators behind the dino-MMO Ark Survival Evolved, has now granted Snail Games a license for Pixark. This is a sandbox survival game that is inspired by Minecraft and Ark Survival Evolved. It is set to be released worldwide in the first half of 2017.

Players can explore the world in this free-to-play game, gather resources, build houses and items, and also tame dinosaurs. It is described as a pixel version of Ark.

Pixark

According to Snail Games, PixelArk will reflect the world and core elements of Ark: Survival Evolved. The target audience includes all survival fans and also younger players who enjoy pixel aesthetics.

Another project from Snail Games is a sort of “Pokémon Go” with dinosaurs; this mobile game is also expected to run with the Ark license.

The Chinese publisher Snail Games is also working on a free-to-play version of Ark for the Chinese market:

Ark Survival Evolved: MMO gets MMO version – total confusion

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Source(s):
  1. 2p

Overwatch: Mercy wins in 3vs1 – the POTGs of the week

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 2 minutes

Mercy can only heal? Our “Play of the Game” moments from Overwatch prove you wrong.

Every week, absurd, exciting or simply funny moments happen in Overwatch , often captured in a “Play of the Game”. We have searched social media and picked three special highlights for you. Enjoy our 3 “Play of the Game” moments of the week in Overwatch!

If Mercy is the last survivor in a 3vs3 match and still has 3 opponents, then the match is usually over. However, the player Firebelle impressively shows that pride often comes before a fall. As the opposing Roadhog and Sombra go on the offensive, Mercy quickly deals with both of them. However, she doesn’t take on the subsequent duel against Ana – she simply revives her team to leave the “dirty work” to them.

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“360-NO SCOPE!” is often said when you perform a quick turn – usually out of surprise or reflex – and land a headshot on an opponent from behind, sending them straight to the virtual afterlife. Which character would be better suited to parody this in Overwatch than Hanzo? Calmly, BWEEE spins in circles on Hanamura and then fires his dragon, which thanks to Zarya’s help finds 5 targets. This is rounded off by a spray logo featuring perhaps the coolest eyes in the world and an emote.

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The last highlight comes again from the “Unusual” category and from the player BFM_305. As Hanzo tries to locate the opposing Sombra on the map Numbani by firing his sonar arrow, the first shot misses, but the second one sends Sombra straight to the virtual grave. But that’s not all – Sombra runs a few more meters only to directly run into the next wall. You should see it for yourself:

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Have you also experienced a particularly cool gaming moment that you captured on video? Then just send us a link to the video and maybe you’ll find your clip featured here next week!

How to win with stupidity, we already showed you recently.

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