A woman from England suffers from a neurological condition. She seeks help to do something about her symptoms. In the process, she becomes addicted to gambling but receives a hefty compensation.
What problem does the woman have? The lady from England suffers from Restless Legs Syndrome. This is a neurological condition that affects the legs (via NHS).
Affected individuals have an urge to move constantly. If they do not, it can lead to uncomfortable tingling in the legs, and sometimes even involuntary twitching.
In severe cases, the symptoms can occur daily and significantly restrict the lives of those affected.
Neurologists suspect that the condition is related to the chemical substance dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for increasing motivation and anticipation in people and controls muscle movements.
In milder cases, the NHS (National Health Service of England) states that it is sufficient for those affected to exercise, quit smoking, or find a healthy sleep routine. Patients with more severe symptoms are prescribed medication to regulate the dopamine level. However, this went drastically wrong for the aforementioned woman.
Woman becomes addicted to Candy Crush, receives compensation
What did the medication lead to? The medication that was prescribed to the woman acts as a dopamine agonist: it activates dopamine receptors and thus regulates the dopamine level. However, this can lead to 17% of all users of the medication developing a disorder in impulse control.
The woman seems to belong to the 17% of those affected: she became addicted to the mobile game Candy Crush and other virtual slot machines within a few weeks. The lady from England presumably invested her money in digital gold bars. In Candy Crush, these can be purchased for real money to acquire moves, tickets, lives, boosters, or new levels. How much the woman actually spent is unknown.
However, we know what the NHS reimbursed her: The national health service of England paid the woman an amount of almost 206,000 euros.
Why did the NHS have to pay this amount? The woman’s expenses are said to be due to medical negligence. She was switched to a medication called pramipexole. However, as the NHS admitted, her general practitioner did not inform her that gambling addiction could be a possible side effect.
Are you affected by gambling addiction or have questions? ZDF has compiled professional contact points that we link here.
Here you can find help for gambling addiction & prevention:
Additionally, the woman’s general practitioner prescribed her double the recommended dose of pramipexole.
MMORPGs also pose the risk of making players addicted. The possible reasons for this and where you as an affected person can seek help is explained by MeinMMO in collaboration with a psychologist in the following article: Why are MMORPGs addictive? We asked a psychologist
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The Steam Next Fest currently invites you to try out hundreds of upcoming games. The action roguelite Reignbreaker has particularly captivated MeinMMO editor Lydia.
I first became aware of Reignbreaker about six months ago. Admittedly, “Like Hades, but with …” is a surefire way to pique my interest. As a little bonus, the action roguelite comes from the Berlin studio Fizbin, whose point-and-click series The Inner World already holds a special place in my heart.
During the ongoing Steam Next Fest, I had the chance to dip into the punk dystopia – but after just 15 minutes, I closed the game again. However, not because I didn’t like it.
Rather, I was so love-struck that I didn’t want to know how the demo would continue, in order to experience Reignbreaker fresh at its release on March 18 on Steam. I didn’t even want to know what kind of boss awaited me at the end of the dungeon or what abilities I could collect along the way.
But let’s go in order.
Start video
The action roguelite Reignbreaker announces its release with a new trailer
In Reignbreaker, you take on the role of the rebel Clef, who rises against the evil queen. The developers describe the setting as “medievalpunk” – a dystopian world somewhere between the Middle Ages and punk.
You grab your spear, make your way into the queen’s bastion, and process countless “high-tech medieval machines” into scrap metal along the way. You must dodge enemy attacks, avoid traps, and keep an eye on your heat level.
During a run, you can repeatedly choose from different abilities to enhance your build.
For me, everything about Reignbreaker was just right: the atmospheric setting, the fully voiced characters (only in the English voiceover), the fast-paced, fluid combat, and the music, ah, the music.
So can I recommend the roguelite? No – I’ve only played for 15 minutes. Perhaps something happens at minute 16 that ruins the entire gaming experience, who knows. Fortunately, you can currently try the demo for free on Steam and don’t have to rely on my judgment.
Soon, the new action RPG “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad” will be released, among others on Steam. MeinMMO author Linda Baumgartl has already spent some hours in digital Westeros and felt reminded of one of her favorite games.
The first time I saw a trailer for “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad”, I could hardly believe it. For years, I have wished for no game more than a modern, action-packed open-world RPG based on Game of Thrones. But the excitement quickly faded. Initially, Kingsroad seemed to be a pure mobile game—not exactly what I had envisioned.
The developer studio Netbarble didn’t give me much hope either. The company is primarily known for free-to-play titles, including numerous options for in-game purchases.
Fortunately, one point already turned out to be false. Kingsroad will not only be released for Android and Apple but also for PC (via Steam).
The game is set to be released in the second quarter of 2025.
Currently, there is a free demo version on Steam, where you can test the game until March 4th.
During the demo, I also took a look at the game and had more fun than expected.
Start video
Game of Thrones: Trailer for the new action RPG shows familiar characters
We are simply rewriting history
One of the biggest advantages of “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad” for me is already the story, as well as the overall execution of the license.
What is it about? As the bastard of the minor House Tyre, we really don’t have much of a say in Westeros. However, when we are confronted with the horrors of the White Walkers on a trip beyond the Wall, we can’t just stand by idly. So we set out to procure support for the Night’s Watch—and the journey through Westeros begins.
We are situated in the timeline in the middle of the series, specifically at the beginning of Season 4. The North is shaken by the aftermath of the Red Wedding, and the unpopular Boltons are now ruling in Winterfell.
On one hand, this timing is cleverly chosen, as it represents the high point of Game of Thrones for many. According to IMDb, for example, the episode of the Red Wedding is the best of the entire series. Kingsroad takes us back to this time and wonderfully evokes nostalgic feelings. What will happen in Season 7 or 8 does not concern us here. We can simply take control of the events ourselves.
On the other hand, the setting itself offers many interesting conflicts. To gain the necessary support and help, my character has to get along well with the Boltons, for example. Will I let their atrocities slide? Will I betray the thieves who steal only to survive and acquire resources for the Night’s Watch?
Generally, the game focuses—at least so far—mainly on the lower population suffering from the War of the Five Kings. I think that’s a great strength, as it presents interesting, new perspectives without just retelling the series in a dull way.
Some gameplay mechanics are also interesting:
Over time, you will rebuild your destroyed village.Your character’s stats can be improved in many ways. Even the hit-kobis can be leveled up.Collected house seals provide bonuses, especially when you combine allied houses.In multiplayer dungeons, materials can be looted from dangerous creatures.In collections, we gather powerful item sets.
Like a simplified version of Witcher 3
The game that “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad” immediately reminded me of is one of my absolute favorite games: the RPG hit “Witcher 3”.
On our loyal mount, we traverse the rough, medieval world.
We make morally difficult decisions.
We clear out bandit camps and liberate settlements.
We unlock signposts as fast travel points.
We roll around crazily in combat.
How is the control? As much as I enjoy all of this, I must say that you can definitely notice the mobile aspect of Kingsroad. This is particularly evident in the controls, which seem a bit simplified:
The battles are action-packed, but we always automatically target an enemy.
We can jump while running, but many obstacles cannot be overcome with this. Instead, we have to look for predefined places where the character can then automatically climb or jump.
While riding, you cannot jump at all.
Enemies are looted fully automatically.
Overall, Kingsroad feels to me like a stripped-down version of Witcher 3, just as a mobile game and in the “Game of Thrones” universe.
How is the open world? Kingsroad is marketed with “Westeros as an open world”. However, as a big fan of open-world games, I still feel relatively constrained here.
You unfortunately cannot explore all of Westeros, only certain areas. These are—at least at the beginning—still relatively tightly limited. A short expedition to King’s Landing with level 10 is therefore not possible.
This fits with the game’s narrative focus. However, curious explorers will quickly meet their limits.
Only the bright areas can be explored.Only here can I climb on the rocks.
What about monetization? The biggest elephant in the room right now is monetization. Nothing official is known about this yet, but it’s likely to be a free game with microtransactions.
There are a total of 11 different currencies in the game. I would suspect that at least the “Golden Dragon” mostly has to be purchased with real money. This can be used to recharge “RP” points, which must be spent to obtain rewards from repetitive tasks.
There is also an in-game shop where outfits, mounts, and resources can be purchased.
At least main and side quests do not seem to be hidden behind a paywall. Therefore, my hope remains that Kingsroad will also be reasonably playable as a free-to-play game if you’re willing to engage in a bit more grinding.
Conclusion? If “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad” finds a fair way of monetization, it could become the best game of the franchise. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel gameplay-wise, and the optimization for mobile gaming is notably felt. The execution of the license is quite successful, and it gives fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the story once again.
Are you looking forward to “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” or are you still somewhat skeptical about the whole thing? Feel free to write it in the comments!
Currently, not all locations from Game of Thrones can be explored in Kingsroad. However, this may be expanded in the future. Statistically speaking, though, one should be cautious at certain locations. In the ranking, you can find out which are the most dangerous places in Westeros: These are the places where the most characters died in Game of Thrones
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Monster Hunter Wilds starts on Steam and consoles. MeinMMO tells you what the best settings for the game are and what else you should consider.
You can play Monster Hunter Wilds on PC via Steam. But what are the best settings if you want to enjoy the game on PC without having a high-end system? MeinMMO presents you the best settings and explains where you can gain performance.
In the following, we present you the best graphics settings that provide you with stable performance as well as a nice graphical experience. However, keep in mind that it depends on your hardware how well the game actually runs in the end.
Depending on your processor and graphics card, you may need to adjust certain settings once again. You can read further details and tips below, where you can make adjustments if needed.
Start video
Monster Hunter Wilds Shows What It Has to Offer in Launch Trailer
The best graphics settings for PC
Basically, you should be clear that Monster Hunter Wilds puts a lot of strain on your graphics card since most settings directly affect your GPU.
Display
Resolution: Depends on your monitor; the higher the resolution, the greater the load on your GPU.
Aspect ratio: Depends on your monitor
Framerate: 120, we recommend 60 for stable framerate
Uncapped framerate: Limited
V-Sync: Off, if you have a monitor with VRR, G-Sync or FreeSync. Otherwise on
Graphics
Graphics settings: Custom
Upscaling: Nvidia DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3, or Intel XeSS 1.3. Depending on your graphics card, select the corresponding counterpart for your GPU
Frame generation: Activate, but you should expect lags. Otherwise, deactivate.
Upscaling mode: With Nvidia graphics card “Nvidia DLAA,” otherwise “Balanced”
Antialiasing: You can only set this if you disable DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. Therefore skip
Render scaling: 100; the higher the value, the sharper the image. The higher the sharpness, the greater the load on your GPU.
Ray tracing: Low or Medium
Texture quality: “Maximum” for graphics cards with at least 12 GB VRAM, at most “High” for 8 GB VRAM or less
Texture filter quality: Medium or High
Mesh quality: High
Fur quality: High
Sky/Cloud quality: High
Grass and tree quality: Medium
Grass and tree movement: Medium
Wind simulation quality: High
Surface quality: Medium
Sand/Snow quality: Medium
Water effects: Medium
Render distance: Medium, higher if needed. The higher the value, the greater the load because more is rendered.
Shadow quality: Medium or High; depends on your graphics card.
Far shadow quality: Low
Shadow distance: Medium
Ambient light quality: Medium
Contact shadows: enabled
Ambient occlusion: High
Bloom: Strong
Motion blur: Off. Enable on weaker systems
Vignetting effect: On
SSSS Scattering: On
Depth of field: On
Volumetric fog: Low
Variable rate shading: Off. Enable to reduce rendering load on weak graphics cards
Our tips for better performance in Monster Hunter Wilds
You want to play Monster Hunter Wilds on your PC, but you still can’t achieve a stable frame rate? We present you some tips and settings on how you can save performance without the game looking ugly.
Textures: If you have a graphics card with little video memory, such as the GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (4 or 8 GB), we would recommend lowering the textures. The higher the setting, the more video memory is used. If you’re playing at high resolutions (WQHD or higher), we also recommend lowering the textures if you don’t have at least the recommended graphics card. The lower the textures are resolved, the more blurred surfaces appear.
Shadow quality: Shadows understandably consume a lot of performance, but they also contribute to a realistic image. If you have performance issues, lower the shadows to Medium or even Low.
Shadow distance: This setting determines whether shadows are displayed from a distance. This creates an atmospheric game but also consumes performance. Therefore set the value lower rather than higher.
Ambient light quality: This allows you to see reflections at a distance on objects. It creates atmosphere but consumes performance. A good setting to save performance.
Motion blur: Motion blur makes the image blurrier during movement, making the game feel smoother on weaker systems, even if it’s not. Motion blur can especially cause motion sickness, so we would recommend turning the setting off.
Variable rate shading: Only enable if your computer cannot handle the game. With this, you can reduce the rendering load on your graphics card. This will give you several percent more performance.
DLSS, FSR and XeSS: Generally, the game runs well even without “fake frames”; for a significantly more stable frame rate, we recommend enabling the upscalers. Quality is usually enough; if you still have issues, switch to performance. DLSS and FSR usually provide you with better performance than the native resolution.
Note: Please note that DLSS and FSR can cause odd errors. Especially with fine surfaces and faces, there can be faulty images. If you experience such problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean defective hardware or bugs in the game, but it is likely rendering errors.
However, keep in mind: If you activate an upscaler, the antialiasing settings will be deactivated. If you want to use your own settings for antialiasing, you must turn off the upscalers (DLSS, FSR or XeSS).
In EA FC 25 silver players bring you several thousand coins. With the expiration of an upgrade in 2 days, prices could drop sharply again. We show you on MeinMMO which cards are especially in demand.
Why do silver players bring in many coins? The reason is a free evolution (EVO) that appeared on February 16, 2025, in Ultimate Team. In the EVO A Star is Born, you can provide bronze and silver players with really strong upgrades.
Here you can see the strong upgrades:
+16 Pace (max. 92)
+18 Shot (max.88)
+50 Composure (max. 90)
+18 Passing (max. 84)
+22 Dribbling (max.95)
+22 Ball Control (max. 95)
+22 Balance (max. 94)
+50 Reactions (max. 90)
+10 Physical (max. 82)
Skill upgrades:
+4★ Skill Moves
New PlayStyle+:
Tricks
Technique
New PlayStyle:
Flair
New Position: ST
New Player Roles:
False 9+
Pressing Pro++
Therefore, some silver players have had a much higher market value for about 2 weeks and can be sold for 3,000, 4,000, or even 5,000 coins.
Why do you only have 2 days left? The popular EVO only runs for another 2 days and ends on March 2. You can still quickly take advantage of the hype around the strong upgrades of the new evolution. After that, the price of some silver players is expected to drop again by several thousand coins.
You can read which silver players are particularly valuable in this article.
Start video
Tips for a Perfect Start in EA FC 25 – Ultimate Team
Sell weak wingers with strong prerequisites
Which silver players are particularly valuable? Anyone watching the market will have noticed that especially the prices of silver players have skyrocketed who meet the following conditions:
Position: LF/RF
Belonging to one of the top leagues (this applies especially to players who have switched and now play in a weaker league, since their original cards can no longer be pulled from packs):
LALIGA EA SPORTS/ Liga F
Premier League
Serie A
Bundesliga
Originating from one of the top nations where most strong players come from
Brazil
Argentina
France
Spain
Germany
England
Italy
Having strong PlayStyles even before the EVO upgrades
Quick Step
Rage
First Touch
And there are many more exceptions. So you should definitely check the prices of all your silver players who meet one or more of these criteria.
Monster Hunter Wilds has finally been released and player numbers are skyrocketing on Steam. However, the player reviews tell a very different story. Instead of great enthusiasm, there are many complaints about the technical aspects.
What is the current situation on Steam for Monster Hunter Wilds? Monster Hunter Wilds is starting quite well on Steam. According to SteamDB, the game currently has around 970,000 players online simultaneously, with a peak of 987,482 (as of: 28.02.2025, 08:42). It can be assumed that the game will also surpass the one million mark.
However, despite the high player numbers, no enthusiasm is evident in the first Steam reviews. Out of 2,024 reviews, only 40% are currently positive (as of: 28.02.2025, 08:42). This places the game at Balanced. This is likely due to performance issues.
Start video
Monster Hunter Wilds is about to be released: Here’s what you should know before buying
Absolutely terrible performance
What is being criticized? The biggest criticism of the game, according to user reviews on Steam, is primarily the performance on PC. Players report crashes, bugs, and low FPS. Many are surprised because the beta supposedly worked for them.
User Meadow writes (via Steam): Absolutely terrible performance for how the game looks. It runs even worse than in the beta.
Hszhu describes his first minutes (via Steam): 20 minutes of gameplay, just to generate a crash report.
InternetSpirit (via Steam) criticizes the game’s content: Unless you’ve played previous Monster Hunter titles and are hungry for content. Wait to buy Wilds until AT LEAST the expansion [DLC] is released.
Most complaints relate to the technical aspects and performance, but some criticize the character vouchers that must be purchased with real money to change your character (one is free). One user also criticizes the difficulty level of the game.
Only at the end of 2024 did EA release BioWare’s latest game Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Now Sony has announced the AAA game for PS Plus starting March 2025. The community’s reactions are mixed.
What happened? On February 26, 2025, Sony announced the new games for PS Plus in March 2025. Among them is BioWare’s current AAA game Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This is unusual because full-price games like The Veilguard, which cost €59.99 for the standard version and €79.99 for the Deluxe version at release, are usually added to subscription services many months after their official release.
What the community is saying can be read in this news. However, if you want to dive into The Veilguard starting March 1, we have four tips for getting started:
Start video
Dragon Age: The Veilguard: 4 Tips I Wish I Had Known Before
Between Mockery and Optimism – This is How the Community Reacts
How is the player community reacting? Depending on the platform, there are various reactions to the announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard for PS Plus. Everything from confusion to mockery to cautious optimism can be found.
On X.com, formerly Twitter, many people are confused by the decision to include the AAA game that actually costs almost €80 in a subscription so soon. X user @Tom1973_1 for example asks, What happened to Dragon Age?Haggis Horror wants to know in his comment how far Dragon Age has fallen.
Most comments, however, express mockery and even schadenfreude:
The moment when your game is so successful that you give it away just a few weeks after release – @AlphaMageSos via X
I would be so angry if I had bought Veilguard. But I didn’t, because it’s crap. – @Phoenix2A_1980s via X
On Reddit, however, the situation looks different. In two separate posts, some players of The Veilguard express cautious hope:
NGL, I am looking forward to the change of opinion, but be ready for the influx of “this game is actually really good” thanks to PS+ free additions. – Scouse_Werewolf via Reddit
I hope new players can have fun with the game. It is totally worth it and pure eye candy besides. – xyZora via Reddit
Generally, however, there is more reluctance.
At the release, MeinMMO editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski, along with GameStar editor-in-chief Heiko Klinge and Michael Graf, discussed Dragon Age: The Veilguard in the GameStar Talk:
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How was Dragon Age: The Veilguard received? At the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the game mainly received praise from the gaming press. On Metacritic, the score at that time reached a proud 84 out of 100 possible points. Meanwhile, the Metascore now only stands at 82 points.
However, players quickly criticized the game. On the one hand, many longtime Dragon Age fans were annoyed that they could not transfer their World State to The Veilguard. Furthermore, it was criticized that the game was more of an action RPG and did not include many popular points such as the deep, weighty choices from the old games.
At the time of this news’s publication, the game stands at a user score of 3.9 on Metacritic. On Steam, however, the rating is now described as Balanced. Criticism here includes that the story is poorly written and during dialogues one often feels like in an HR presentation. Another point is that the player can only minimally influence the events, which is unusual for a Dragon Age or even a BioWare game.
On the other hand, there is praise for Dragon Age: The Veilguard for its combat system, which many players find enjoyable. Also, the final story act makes many of the positive reviewers happy. Additionally, the graphics are frequently praised.
Ultimately, everyone must decide for themselves whether they like The Veilguard or not. PS5 owners with a PS Plus subscription can try the game starting March 1 and form their own opinion. If you want to get a head start, you can check out our guide collection for the essential information for a good start.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Many users like to play in bed on their PS5 or on the Steam Deck. However, researchers regularly warn that such electronic devices have no place in the bedroom.
It is not uncommon to have your TV hanging or standing in the bedroom or at least next to the bed. For many, it is more comfortable to lie in bed rather than make themselves comfortable on the couch in the living room. The Steam Deck has also contributed to many players taking their handheld to bed in the evening.
And numbers show that many people consume entertainment in the bedroom: According to the analysis company Nielsen, the bedroom is the preferred place for the TV (via krcgtv.com): 71% of surveyed households had a TV in the bedroom in 2023.
However, many researchers have long warned that televisions and game consoles should be removed from the bedroom. They have a negative impact on sleep and physical behavior.
We are a editorial team specializing in gaming. If you have health issues, please contact your trusted doctor.
Comprehensive health tips can be found at the Federal Ministry of Health (via bundesgesundheitsministerium.de) or in a conversation with your personal family doctor.
The brain thinks the bed is not for sleeping
What is the first problem? Your brain associates activities with the place where they take place. If you regularly fall asleep on the sofa in the living room, your brain connects the sofa with sleeping. This is reported by eachnight.com, with support from a professor of circadian neuroscience.
The same applies to your bed: If you use your TV in bed or play on your Steam Deck, your brain learns that the bed is a place where you are awake and not a place where you should sleep. In the worst case, you sleep much worse or not at all because your brain no longer associates the bed with sleeping.
Researchers also frequently discuss sleep hygiene: This refers to behaviors that promote healthy, restorative sleep. Sleep is particularly important for the regeneration of your body (via barmer.de). Playing on the Steam Deck in bed at night is not part of it.
Start video
Check out the official trailer for the Steam Deck OLED
Blue light can lead to poorer sleep
Another reason that is often mentioned is the influence of blue light. Blue light is important for us as it regulates our wake-sleep rhythm. In technical terms, this is also known as the circadian rhythm or your internal clock (via flexikon.doccheck.com).
However, almost every modern device emits short-wavelength blue light: the lamp on the wall, your monitor on the PC, and even your phone. Researchers report that a lot of blue light, especially in the evening, can lead to sleep problems.
The renowned Harvard Medical School reports, for example, that blue light can negatively affect people and melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle:
Harvard researchers and their colleagues conducted an experiment in which they compared the effects of a 6.5-hour exposure to blue light with those of green light of comparable brightness. Blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long as green light and shifted the day-night rhythm by double (3 hours vs. 1.5 hours).
In a second study on blue light, researchers from the University of Toronto compared the melatonin levels of individuals exposed to bright indoor light and wearing blue light glasses with those of individuals exposed to normal, dim light without wearing glasses. This also shows that blue light is said to strongly suppress melatonin production.
It is also important to know that entertainment technology has developed significantly in recent years: modern televisions and many phones now have anti-blue light modes that can reduce the impact of blue light. With this, you can at least reduce the effects of blue light on your body, but not completely avoid it.
Some point out that having the TV or Steam Deck by the bed can tempt one to play longer or watch movies instead of actually sleeping. But in the end, it also depends on you how many hours of sleep you really need.
Researchers recommend between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per day. However, how much you really need depends on factors such as your age, whether you are male or female, and various other factors: some people feel fully awake after 7 hours, while others need their 9 hours of sleep (via health.com).
Additionally, the content you consume can also distract or occupy you and may further hinder your relaxation before sleep. But again, everyone is different. Some sleep deeply even after a bloody horror movie, while others lie awake for hours after the spectacle.
The streamer Dr Disrespect is grappling with the aftermath of his permanent ban from Twitch becoming known. As of now, on February 24, 2025, he has criticized his former friends Nickmercs and DrLupo. He is disappointed in both of them, as they even got to know his family, only to let him down later. But Nickmercs isn’t taking this lying down.
This is the situation: In the summer of 2020, the popular streamer Dr Disrespect was permanently banned from Twitch. At that time, he had just signed a lucrative exclusive contract and was considered, after the departure of shroud and Ninja, the face of Twitch.
For a long time, the reasons for the ban remained a mystery. Dr Disrespect continued on YouTube and largely maintained his circle of partners and friends. Influencers in the same field often cooperate with one another. Dr Disrespect was considered well-connected and was friends with many shooter streamers.
As it is known today, these were not only business relationships. Friendly streamers even got to know his family and were included in a close circle of trust. The usually distant-seeming streamer let them get close.
However, in 2024, it came to light why Dr Disrespect was banned from Twitch: The married influencer, already well into his 30s at the time, had exchanged messages with a minor via Twitch chat in 2017. The messages, he later admitted, “crossed the line of being inappropriate.”
DrDisrespect was a celebrity on Twitch – His ban remains a big mystery to this day
Dr Disrespect calls former close family friends wrong and cowardly
This is what Dr Disrespect now says about his former close friends: In a stream on February 24, Dr Disrespect directly targeted former friends Nickmercs and DrLupo (via x):
I think Nickmercs is the biggest piece of shit punk in the world. Lupo is obviously a huge asshole… he’s wrong.
Both content creators had met his wife and little daughter – his family had met them multiple times. But now Nickmercs spoke disparagingly about him in a “cheap podcast.” Nobody does that; only “hypocritical punks” would do such a thing. The guy thinks he’s a tough guy and can knock people out. But that’s ridiculous; he doesn’t stand a chance.
DrLupo is now screaming as loud as he can, and that in front of just 400 viewers. Dr Disrespect seems to accuse him of copying his methods.
Nickmercs.
What did Nickmercs do? The streamer distanced himself from Dr Disrespect in the podcast “Bussin’ with the Boys” last year after Dr Disrespect was linked to a 17-year-old.
In 2023, Nickmercs had trouble with Call of Duty because he posted on Twitter that teachers should leave children alone with LGBT topics. He wanted to decide as a father when his children would be confronted with the issue. Call of Duty then withdrew his own skin. Dr Disrespect showed solidarity with Nickmercs.
Nickmercs calls Dr Disrespect a dog
This is what Nickmercs says about the accusations: In response to Dr Disrespect’s attacks, Nickmercs now says (via x):
We are all wrong and hypocritical because we ended our relationship with you after you pulled crazy shit and put all your boys in an impossible situation? You want to talk about that? Then let’s talk about it. You put us all in this awkward situation because you’re a dog, you’re a dog because you’re a dog, brother.
And I’ve met a lot of dogs in my life. But when you start with under-18 shit, then you’re a different breed of dog. Then you’re just a crazy dude.
Nickmercs accuses Dr Disrespect of not taking responsibility for his actions. As a father and husband, one must say in such a situation: “I messed up; it’s on me” and not blame everyone else.
Nickmercs also hinted that his relationship with Dr Disrespect isn’t as close as he now makes it seem. In June 2024, Nickmercs said they only spoke for 8 minutes, and Dr Disrespect wore his wig the whole time (via x).
The English word dog would probably be translated into German in this context as geiler Bock, as someone who is driven by their sexual drive.
The whole situation had already been hinted at by Dr Disrespect back in October. He said he was disappointed by people who his daughter even would have called uncle, who left him in the lurch after the scandal. At that time, there was speculation about who this could refer to, and one thought more of TimTheTatman, but evidently, he is particularly bitter towards Nickmercs: DrDisrespect is disappointed by a friend for whom he did everything: “My daughter called him uncle”
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
World of Warcraft knows no stopping right now. Even though a mega patch just went live, the next updates are already being tested internally.
The latest patch of World of Warcraft has only been live for a few days, but the developers apparently know no breaks. Because not only is the next one (patch 11.1.5) being tested, but also the one after that, patch 11.2, is already being tested internally. The next chapter of The War Within seems to be far along in development.
Start video
WoW Patch 11.1: Gallywix’s Control over the Cartels
What has been discovered? Data miners have found out that a version of patch 11.2 has already been uploaded to the internal Blizzard servers (via wowhead). Internally, the developers have apparently already started testing the upcoming content. A clear sign that development is already far along.
However, the patch is encrypted, so the data miners cannot extract any information from it yet. This is typically only possible once the patch is also available for public testing.
What kind of patch is this? Although there is currently no reliable information available about patch 11.1, there are some hints and trustworthy leaks that stem from the beta of The War Within.
The likelihood seems high that patch 11.2 deals with the Arcane, which also had a significant presence in patch 11.1. Perhaps it will take us to K’aresh, the former homeworld of the Arcane, which was destroyed by the Void through the Void Lord Dimensius.
It is clear that the patch will bring a new area, a new raid, and also a new dungeon.
As soon as there are concrete hints about the contents of patch 11.2, we will of course report on it.
When will the patches be released? There is still no fixed release date for the patches. However, we can derive some insights from the roadmap for 2025:
Patch 11.1.5 will likely start at the beginning of spring – probably mid to late April.
Patch 11.1.7 will probably be released 8 weeks later, so mid to late June.
The major patch 11.2 will follow a few weeks later, most likely at the end of July or early August.
That Blizzard is testing several patches simultaneously on internal PTRs seems a bit unusual – but it also shows that things are moving much faster in World of Warcraft now than they did a few years ago. This might be a good thing, because if players have to spend too long in Lorenhall, it could become a problem.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
A German YouTuber who has been playing almost exclusively Call of Duty for years is no longer interested in the shooter and is looking for variety.
Who is it about? The German YouTuber Cem Gülken, also known as Haptic/HapticRush, is primarily known as a content creator for Call of Duty. On his HapticRush channel, he has 900,000 subscribers and regularly gets over 200,000 views on his videos.
Haptic has been playing Call of Duty since Black Ops 1 and regularly shows in his videos and streams that he has become an expert over the years, playing the shooter at a high level.
In a new video on YouTube, Haptic explained that he no longer wants to limit his content to Call of Duty and instead wants to showcase other games as well.
Start video
Trailer for Black Ops 6: Season 2 shows new maps and dark skins
Frustration over problems and a functioning shop
Why is he no longer interested in CoD? At the beginning of the video, Haptic says that he hasn’t touched Call of Duty in 3 months. He stopped playing Black Ops 6 around December when the debate about the cheating problem was particularly intense.
Haptic states that he does not miss Black Ops 6 either. The game is “the best attempt since BO3,” but he also says: “Everything around it is dog shit.”
Overall, the YouTuber emphasizes that he simply has “no desire” for Call of Duty anymore and accuses Activision of preferring to bring a “crappy Ninja Turtle collaboration” instead of fixing the game, stating: “Look, this is the most important thing for them, the shop always works flawlessly.”
Haptic started making videos about Call of Duty because he enjoyed playing it with his friends. However, for the first time, he is now in a phase where he wants to produce content for other games.
What does he criticize about Call of Duty and Activision? Haptic makes it clear that he believes Black Ops 6 is not in good shape and needs to be urgently fixed. He reports on game crashes in league matches, a delayed hitbox, and the ongoing cheating problem that Call of Duty has not been able to manage.
Haptic is also a vocal critic of skill-based matchmaking and regularly emphasizes in his videos that he has no desire to constantly play against the best 5-10% of CoD players. This is not fun and is exhausting. Even a former CoD developer thinks that SBMM is unfair to good players.
Additionally, Haptic criticizes the data that Activision collects about players. He is bothered by the fact that the game documents which operator he plays at what time and which skins he uses. Haptic asks: “Why is that important? Why is that being tracked? Does it… have anything to do with making money?” He then concludes: “We are just a lemon being squeezed.”
One of the complex systems in Monster Hunter Wilds is the combat system. In addition to elements and the status system, you need to know how to attack monsters to obtain certain resources. In our guide, we will inform you and show you everything important about fighting in the wilderness.
What should I know about fighting? In Monster Hunter Wilds, you must prove your skills as a hunter in combat against various monsters.
It is especially important to know how such a fight unfolds and what to pay attention to. To ensure you are up to date as a newbie or returning after a long break, we provide you with a brief crash course on the 101 of battles in Monster Hunter. We will cover the following topics:
Types of damage explained: Everything about the elements
Status system: Effects against hunters and monsters
Fights against monsters: What is important?
Severing and breaking: What is it and why do I need to be able to do it?
We impart the basic knowledge for the general hunt. Please note that every monster is a case unto itself. We do not offer a solution for all monsters, but you will gain a better understanding of what to pay attention to during combat in general.
Start video
Monster Hunter Wilds: Listen to the Field Expert Alma
Types of damage explained: Everything about the elements
What are elements? In Monster Hunter, there are 5 basic types of damage that hunters and monsters can deal – the 5 elements:
Fire
Water
Thunder
Ice
Dragon
While hunters can switch elements at will depending on the equipped weapon model (not weapon class), monsters are bound to theirs from birth.
As a hunter, you should therefore pay attention to elements in combat, as every monster has at least one weakness against one of the mentioned elements. If you exploit this weakness, your attacks will be more effective.
Depending on the hunted monster, you should also wear armor that increases your resistances to the opposing element. This makes you more resilient and increases your chances of survival in battle.
Status system: Effects against hunters and monsters
What are status effects? In Monster Hunter, there are also status effects besides the elements that can afflict your hunter or the hunted monster. Depending on their application, they can be very practical in combat and provide you with advantages or even hinder you on the hunt. As mentioned, we need to distinguish here between hunter and monster effects:
Status effects against hunters at a glance
Can elements also harm me? Yes, they can in the form of negative element effects. Depending on the element suffered, you will receive a status effect that can harm or hinder you in a particular way. The following are known:
Designation
Effect
Fireblight
Slowly drains your life and blocks regeneration.
Waterblight
Reduces your stamina regeneration.
Thunderblight
Can paralyze you and make you vulnerable.
Iceblight
Increases stamina consumption.
Dragonblight
Reduces the affinity of your weapon.
Explosionblight
Explosion causes you to detonate.
Berserk Infection
Takes more damage and loses natural health regeneration.
Bleeding
Takes damage with each movement.
Webbed
Makes you unable to move.
Heat
Hot places drain your health.
Cold
In cold places, your stamina decreases faster.
Poisons
Slowly drains your life.
Sleep
Causes you to fall asleep and makes you vulnerable for a few seconds.
It is important to either dodge the monsters’ attacks well or to have items with you to heal the respective blight or disease. Only hunters can be affected by such effects.
Note the following: Often, even one attack from the monster is enough to trigger the respective status effect. So be very careful in combat and try to avoid or block attacks.
Start video
GameStar Talk with MeinMMO Editor-in-Chief on Monster Hunter Wilds
Status effects against monsters at a glance
What status effects are there against monsters? Monsters are also not spared from status effects. Depending on the equipped weapon model, you can inflict effects on your enemies that can make the fight easier for you. You should know these:
Symbol
Designation
Effect
Poisons
Poisons slowly drain a monster’s health for a short time.
Sleep
The monster briefly falls asleep. The first attack wakes it up but deals more damage.
Paralysis
The monster is paralyzed and cannot move for a short time.
Explosionblight
Explosion accumulates with attacks. Once a threshold is reached, a detonation occurs.
Fatigue
If blunt damage reaches a certain threshold, the monster loses a part of its stamina.
Stun
Many attacks to the head with a blunt weapon can stun the monster and make it vulnerable.
The effects are very practical and can also change the course of a fight; unfortunately, they are not activated instantly like with monsters after only one attack.
To debuff the monsters, you need to hit them multiple times until the unseen status bar is filled. It is not about the force of the blows but their frequency. Fast weapons like dual blades are excellent for status builds. Weapons like the hammer are less suitable for this.
Fights against monsters: What is important?
In combat, it is primarily about analyzing the attacks of your opponent and knowing what you are dealing with. The following factors play a role:
What elements does the monster fight with?
Is the monster slow or fast, and can it fly?
Can the terrain hinder or even support me?
Depending on the monster, your priority should then be to slow it down or even wound it so much that it cannot flee. The second advantage is that it will be easier for you to land your hits when the monster is not wildly dancing through nature.
Monsters can also overwhelm you – be prepared.
In combat, it is important to have the right equipment, such as weapons that deal the element to which your hunted monster is weak. Additionally, you should wear armor that provides good protection against the opposing element. You can find such information in the monster lexicon.
In critical situations, you can also be creative. You do not fight alone, as other monsters can intervene in the battle and injure your hunted monster. Bushes and treetops can also enhance your control over the battlefield and contribute to slowing down your opponent.
But that is not all. The goal of every hunter is to slay or capture the monster in such a way that you receive the materials needed for future items. It is important to know what “severing” and “breaking” means.
Severing and breaking: What is it and why do I need to know how to do it?
There are two ways you can significantly injure your opponent, and they boil down to the following:
Breaking limbs and body parts
Severing limbs
You can break body parts by hammering with blunt force on armor and other parts. Breaking causes the monsters to become severely and permanently injured – thus, they may perform some of their attacks weaker or not at all, benefiting you in combat.
Some monsters have tails or wings in addition to their armor that you can sever. Use blade weapons for this. Lacerations will sever the attacked body parts. Ideally, you will limit the movement of your monsters.
Finally, the greatest advantage of the severing or breaking mechanic is that you can increase the number of captured materials. It is advantageous to attack sensitive body regions of your monster in order to slay it quickly, efficiently, and with the highest profit.
To this end, you can also use the new focus attacks that have been introduced with Monster Hunter Wilds – they deal so much damage to wounds that they are destroyed. You can find more about Monster Hunter Wilds here: 7 things you should not forget in Monster Hunter Wilds
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In the hardcore mode of Diablo 4, you permanently lose your player character if they die. This happened to a player – but not due to a nasty boss or a silly mistake.
This is hardcore mode:
In Diablo 4, there is the hardcore mode, where player characters can die permanently – so you only have one life.
How did the player lose their hero? In a post on Reddit, daemon-au reported on February 26, 2025, that their player character was killed by their mercenary Subo. The new mercenaries were introduced with the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, and are supposed to assist you in combat. In this case, however, Subo took on the role of the opponent.
Start video
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred shows Mercenaries in gameplay trailer
“You can’t trust your mercenary anymore”
How can this happen? The player suspects that this is related to a bugged witch power. The witch powers are the new mechanic in Season 7. One of them, Twilight Warding, creates a barrier that absorbs damage – and from rank 12, it reflects enemy projectiles.
As early as late January, there was speculation in another Reddit thread that this very ability might be bugged. zuulbe commented: “Yes, I believe that Twilight Warding is completely bugged at higher dungeon levels. I think the reflected damage kills us.”
Blizzard confirmed the bug on February 14, 2025, in the patch notes and announced a fix: “A problem was resolved where Twilight Warding could cause players to harm themselves. This power will be reactivated once the update goes live.” Patch 2.1.2 went live on February 18.
Whether the bug still exists or daemon-au lost their hero in hardcore mode for another reason remains unclear. The screenshot in the post clearly shows: “Daejavu was slain by a Subo.”
Many in the comments agree: Bugs like this are the reason they prefer to avoid hardcore mode. There are simply too many bugs and connection issues that can send your character to the beyond. Kellerhefe jokes: “You can’t trust your mercenary these days. RIP.”
If the mercenaries aren’t adding damage due to bugs, they are a useful addition in Diablo 4. Subo reveals enemies and resources on your minimap. On top of that, the mercenaries bring their own merchant with whom you can get important mats. You can learn more about this here: If you are missing important mats in Diablo 4, you shouldn’t overlook a merchant
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Weighing in at 47 grams, the Turtle Beach Burst II Air is one of the lightest gaming mice currently available. But what does the model offer aside from its lightweight? MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann has tested the mouse and explains whether the model is worth it.
47 grams. That’s about the weight of a half a chocolate bar or a large chocolate candy bar today. Or the Turtle Beach Burst II Air, which also weighs only 47 grams, making it one of the lightest gaming mice you can find on the market today. Even the popular G Pro X 2 Superlight from Logitech (for the test) weighs a whole lot more at 63 grams.
In the following test, I took a look at the Burst II Air from Turtle Beach. However, I just couldn’t get used to its ergonomics in my daily use.
At MeinMMO, I have been testing hardware for our readers since 2019. Besides the PC and the PS5, I am now also using the Steam Deck.
Our review unit was provided to us by the manufacturer.
Benedikt Schlotmann Hardware Editor MeinMMO
Technical details:
Details
Sensor
Owl-Eye sensor (Pixart)
Resolution
Up to 26,000 DPI
Switches
Optical Titan switches
Buttons
5 buttons
Design
Black mouse without RGB
Glide feet
4
Cable
Removable 2.0 m USB-C cable
Weight
47 grams
Price (MSRP)
99.99 Euros
Scope of delivery, design, and build
What does the scope of delivery look like? Besides the gaming mouse, the package includes a wireless USB transmitter, a USB-C-to-A cable, and additional mouse feet and optional grip tape.
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How is the mouse built? You can purchase the mouse in different colors, I am using the black model in the test.
On the top of the mouse are the main buttons with the scroll wheel in between. There are no other buttons on top of the mouse.
Underneath the mouse, there is a space to store the USB transmitter and a switch to toggle between wireless and Bluetooth. There are no additional buttons.
On the left side, there are two additional buttons in the thumb area.
At the far front left of the mouse, in front of the thumb buttons, there is a tiny button. In shooter mice, this is often referred to as a sniper button; Turtle Beach calls this button the DPI button.
The underside is designed like a honeycomb pattern. The big problem after just a few days: the underside collects dust and dirt and especially cat hair. The gaps underneath the mouse are so large that dust, dirt, and hair can easily enter the inner casing of the mouse. No household is likely to be completely dust-free.
What is special? The entire mouse relies on a very subdued design. Turtle Beach entirely forgoes RGB or other gimmicks.
Processing
The Burst II Air features a plastic shell. Due to its low weight (47 grams), the mouse sounds very hollow. However, during the pressure and shake test, there are no sounds or sensations. Even the scroll wheel stays where it is supposed to be. The USB-C port of the mouse is broad enough so that you can also use external USB cables for charging the mouse.
The underside of the mouse is, as explained above, partially open to reduce weight. The opening is partly covered by black and white striped cardboard, but the area is never completely closed. This allows dirt, grime, and hair to enter the mouse. I cannot yet say how this will impact the durability of the mouse in the long term.
The underside of the Turtle Beach Burst II Air is partially open. This is good for weight but not for cleanliness.
Software
Turtle Beach now uses the software “Swarm II” for all devices. The software is clear and all important functions can be found via a large overview within the software. Most settings in the software are more or less explained in tooltips, sufficient for an introduction.
Updates for the mouse can be installed quickly and easily through Swarm II. Everything works swiftly and flawlessly.
Swarm II: Now designed in a clear manner, though it presents a lot of information at once.
Weight, ergonomics, and battery life
The weight: At 47 grams, the gaming mouse is unusually light. That’s about the weight of a larger chocolate bar like Cachet or Cote D’Or, which also weigh 47 grams.
The ergonomics: I have very large hands with a size of 19 centimeters. But I must honestly say: I do not find the mouse comfortable for everyday use. For a lightweight mouse aimed primarily at shooter players, it feels too wide towards the back, making it uncomfortable to grip.
Additionally, when I grip or hold the mouse, the wide side presses heavily on the area between my palm and thumb. This becomes uncomfortable over time, as the thumb does not rest comfortably. Other mice handle this much more pleasantly overall.
As a result, my pinky finger on my right hand cramps over time, making it very uncomfortable after several hours. However, for smaller hands, this problem might not be as pronounced.
In comparison: The G309 from Logitech has a slimmer design but is similarly sized, resting much more comfortably in hand and allowing for a much more relaxed grip. And the pinky does not cramp.
Another thing that really bothers me is the additional button at the very front of the Burst II Air: I previously had to complain about the sniper button placed too far forward on the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K (for the test). And the Burst II Air takes this idea to the extreme. The little button, referred to by the manufacturer as the DPI button, is not only extremely far forward but also so small that it’s almost unreachable, even in an uncomfortable position. Who on earth came up with the idea to place the button there?
It becomes truly absurd when you try to reach the button while holding the mouse in a claw grip or fingertip grip. That is practically impossible.
The small button on the Turtle Beach Burst II Air is very far forward and almost unreachable for me.
Battery life: The manufacturer states that the battery life is around 120 hours. Because the mouse forgoes all gimmicks like RGB, it surprisingly comes close to the stated time in everyday use, at least when using the mouse via the wireless adapter.
The mouse buttons, scroll wheel, and sensor
The mouse buttons: Under the buttons are optical Titan switches. Turtle Beach uses these switches in all newer mice, including the Kone II Air (for the test). The click feels satisfying and robust, but the sound is very dull and hollow. This is a distinct contrast to other mice that predominantly sound high and sharp.
You can listen to the Burst II compared to the G309 from Logitech:
Turtle Beach Burst II Air mouse click recording.Logitech G309 mouse click recording.
The scroll wheel: The scroll wheel has always been something of a weakness in mice from Roccat and Turtle Beach. However, the scroll wheel on the Burst II Air is impressive: the rotation is stiff and thus precisely usable for steps. You won’t get a free-spinning scroll wheel here.
Sensor: The Burst II Air contains an Owl-Eye sensor, which is a Pixart derivative, meaning a collaboration. Turtle Beach also implements this sensor in all newer mice. My experience is that the sensor is very accurate and precise when used wired. However, precision suffers when you use the mouse wirelessly. This is particularly evident during practical tests of the sensor curves. Razer and Logitech offer significantly better wireless models.
Conclusion: Very light, but quite uncomfortable
Who is the mouse suitable for? Are you looking for an extremely lightweight mouse without frills? Then with the Burst II Air, you get exactly that more or less. The battery life is optimal, the sensor varies between excellent (wired) and decent (wireless), but the ergonomics leave much to be desired with my large hands. Even after several weeks, I still can’t get used to the ergonomics and prefer heavier but more comfortable alternatives.
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What alternatives are available?
Logitech’s G309 is my recommendation for under 70 Euros: good haptics, pleasant ergonomics, and a long battery life.
The Nyfter Nyf 22 remains a brilliant insider tip for me if you are looking for a lightweight mouse that you can fully customize.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste (2) is also a recommendation for under 100 Euros. The sensor is not as good as the competition’s, but you get excellent ergonomics and decent battery life.
More gaming mice on MeinMMO: If you are looking for more recommended gaming mice, then check out our buying guide on MeinMMO. Here you will find the best gaming mice you can currently buy: The best gaming mice for shooters that you can currently buy
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
League of Legends has had a poor standing in large parts of the community since the new season 2025. Many innovations have been heavily criticized by the community. However, Riot has now provided an update and is partially backtracking.
Why was Riot criticized? With the new season of LoL, there were many changes in 2025 that were not just gameplay-related. Due to a new battle pass structure and a new type of skin that started in 2024, there was a lot of criticism from the community.
These changes were perceived as “greedy”. Apparently, after supposedly losing some players, especially paying players, in 2024, Riot Games wanted to squeeze more money out of the existing players.
All of this led to parts of the community complaining in many places, such as under regular videos or in response to posts from Riot. The major criticism that Riot Games is getting too greedy seems to have prompted some action, as Riot is now addressing many of the complaints, as they explain in a new blog post.
Start video
Welcome to Noxus – Opening Video for the First LoL Season 2025
Riot changes the Battle Pass again, addressing other points of criticism
What will change? In a new blog post on their official website and a developer video on YouTube, Riot announces that they will revise many systems after the significant criticism from players. They state: We want to put players first, and if our decisions do not turn out as we envisioned, it can damage your trust.
The following adjustments will take place in the future:
The free Hextech chests will return. There will be 10 per act, 8 of them in the free battle pass, 2 through a Honor system. According to Riot, this means up to 60 free chests per year. They are set to return with Patch 25.05.
The cost in Blue Essence for each champion will be halved with Patch 25.05.
The new Exalted-Mordekaiser skin will be delayed to improve it. Generally, the quality of the battle pass is set to be improved.
The purchased battle pass will have one less skin, but you will receive 25 mythical essence in the pass.
The Clash mode is set to return monthly.
The Your Shop is expected to return in Patch 25.06.
With Patch 25.07, the Blue Essence Emporium is set to return, where you can purchase skins with Blue Essence.
With these changes, Riot is addressing many of the points of criticism from recent months. Another major point of criticism is the Exalted gacha system, which is not intended to change in general, but they do want to adjust the quality for the next skin. They also aim to make advertising for the Exalted system in the launcher less intrusive.
During the Pokémon Presents, gameplay footage of Pokémon Legends: Z-A was presented for the first time. It showcases the gigantic city of Illumina City and how trainers can navigate within it.
What can be seen in the trailer? The video showcases Illumina City from the Kalos region in all its splendor. Some of you may know the city from Pokémon X and Y. There are numerous buildings that adorn the city. In the center of the city stands the Prism Tower.
Amidst all the skyscrapers, cafes, and shopping centers, it is possible to engage in Pokémon battles. Players can choose from three starter Pokémon:
Chikorita
Tepig
Snivy
The special feature: There are wild areas in the city. These regions are habitats for wild Pokémon, where you can go on a quest for pocket monsters.
You can watch the presentation showcasing the game here:
Start video
Pokémon Legends Z-A: First Trailer for the Gameplay of the Switch Game
How does the battle system work now? To catch a Pokémon, you need to aim at the respective pocket monster with a Poké Ball and capture it. After that, you can use it in trainer battles. The battles take place not in rigid rounds, but dynamically in the environment. Both you and your Pokémon move around the city, including during battles.
You have four attacks available as quick access, which you can use to attack the opposing Pokémon. Special effects come into play, but they don’t seem to damage the city – even during earthquake attacks.
For the first time in the Pokémon series, the attacks have an area of effect and range. Therefore, your Pokémon needs to position itself well, and the timing must be right, so the opponent cannot dodge the attack. Pokémon can even undergo Mega Evolution.
Depending on which gender you choose, you will encounter a different companion in the city: Alton or Zita. The hotel where we stay belongs to Azett and his partner Floette. However, there are many other characters you will encounter who manage the design of the city.
When will the title be released? Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be released in late 2025 for Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, the exact date was not specified in the presentation.
Another game showcased during the Pokémon Presents is Pokémon TCG Pocket. A new expansion A2a was revealed here. The star of the booster is Arceus-ex, the god of Pokémon. We can already mention the other cards from the expansion: Pokémon TCG Pocket: When is the new set A2a coming? All information
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Games are meant to be fun, a sentiment most gamers probably agree with, but titles like Elden Ring or Returnal are also supposed to offer a unique challenge. A gamer admitted to himself for the first time in 30 years that a game is simply too difficult for him.
Which game is too difficult for the gamer? The game is called Sifu (PC, console), a fighting game from the French indie studio Sloclap. The player explained on Reddit that the game has shown him his gaming limits.
“I have been playing video games for over 30 years and was always the best player in my environment,” he says, adding, “Some time ago, I finally got my hands on Sifu and was so overwhelmed by the sheer number of moves and combos that I just couldn’t keep up anymore.”
The very start of the game caused him problems, and he quickly realized that the game was too difficult for him: “I even had trouble getting through the tutorial.” After the second mission, he gave up.
Start video
The launch trailer for the Kung Fu fighting game Sifu
The Revenge of a Kung-Fu Student
What is the game about? Sifu is a fighting game in which you play as a revenge-driven Kung-Fu student who wants to avenge his father’s murder by one of his former students. To do this, he must survive action-packed and cinematic battles against groups of enemies and skilled martial artists.
The unique feature of Sifu is a mysterious amulet that brings you back to life with each death but causes you to age faster. So, you begin your quest for revenge at a young age but only complete it in old age – even though only a short amount of time has passed.
Aging also brings consequences that you will feel in combat. The older you are, the less health you have, and you can withstand fewer hits before you go down again. Conversely, however, your own attacks also become stronger with increasing age.
But if you die too often, you will eventually no longer be resurrected, and the game ends.
What makes Sifu so difficult? On one hand, there is of course the aging process of the protagonist. You must refrain from getting hit with each death to avoid dying again. However, this is not so easy when fighting often outnumbered or against strong opponents with weapons.
On the other hand, there is the control itself. Sifu requires you to master various key combinations and timings to avoid getting hit and to land hits yourself. You must play calmly and methodically and cannot just progress through the story by button-mashing.
Additionally, Sifu differs from other fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter, which use a 2D view. Sifu is played from a shoulder perspective. You move in 3D spaces where enemies can attack from all directions. This makes it harder to keep the combat situation in sight and under control.
If you enjoy difficult games, you might also have an interest in Soulslikes. Although you can still progress in the game after hundreds of deaths, the genre-typical challenging boss battles will still provide a decent challenge. Look forward to these 5 upcoming Soulslikes in 2025.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Two more promo codes for Pokémon GO will be available on February 27, 2025. You can again receive fusion energy and a Pokémon.
On March 1 and 2, the global Einall Tour in Pokémon GO will take place. At this major event, you can catch Pokémon from the Einall region, take advantage of bonuses, and especially catch the new Kyurem.
The fusion forms of Kyurem will be among the best Pokémon you can use in the game. But in order to use them, you need fusion energy. You will receive some of it now through a new promo code.
This is the code:
RCC4AJPAUCW86
With the code, you will receive 50 Brand-fusion energies. You need them if you want to fuse Kyurem with Reshiram to obtain white Kyurem. However, you need a total of 1,000 energies – so you’ll need to collect more over the weekend if you want to have them for the fusion.
Update, February 27, 2024, 3:20 PM: Another code has been activated. When you enter it, you will receive a Pokémon choice between Serpifeu, Floink, and Ottaro. You can then encounter the chosen Pokémon twice with a special background.
This is the second code:
GOTOURUNOVA
Start video
Pokémon GO reveals the new season Dual Destiny in the trailer
Other codes currently active in Pokémon GO
As part of the current Path to Einall event, leading up to the GO Tour, more codes have been released that you can currently enter in Pokémon GO.
There is a code that gives you three legendary Pokémon
Redeeming the codes is no longer possible in the game as it used to be. Instead, you need to log in to the Pokémon GO webstore to enter the codes. Here’s how:
After that, you can log in to the game and claim your reward. You should receive a corresponding notification in the game. Additionally, you can check the journal to see if and which items you have last received via code. You can find this at the bottom left of the character menu.
Note that you should hurry with the codes as you never know how long they will remain active.
What you should also know about Kyurem: The fusion forms you can obtain with fusion energy have the ability to master their own special moves. You will receive these if you fuse a Kyurem that knows the move Ice Age with Reshiram or Zekrom. The special moves of the fusion forms can also be used outside of battles for bonuses. You can read all about these adventure effects here.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Even before the official show for Pokémon Day, which is set to take place on February 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM, new content for Pokémon TCG Pocket has been revealed. There is one detail that fans are particularly excited about.
Update: The feature has now been confirmed for the end of March 2025.
What new content is there? Fans can look forward to 2 new pieces of content that will launch in March 2025. These include a new mode and a new set:
The new set is called “Triumphant Light” and brings Arceus-ex into the digital trading card game. This Pokémon has the special ability of not being affected by other special abilities. The leak comes from a TikTok ad (via Reddit).
Additionally, there is supposed to be a new Ranked mode. This will likely rank players based on their skill and number of wins in PvP mode. The leak comes from the X user who has also previously published the trading rules and some sets in advance.
The Ranked mode is set to be released in March 2025. No date was mentioned in the ad for the new set. However, thanks to previous leaks, we can assume that the next set will be released on February 28, 2025, one day after Pokémon Day.
The next set is an addition to the two boosters from Collision of Space and Time:
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Pokémon TCG Pocket: Trailer for the Collision of Space and Time Expansion
New Ranked Mode Could End Long Drought
What are players excited about in the new Ranked mode? In some comments, users write in a Reddit thread that the Ranked mode finally creates an incentive to check back into the game. Many collectors had only logged in to complete events. Aside from that, there was no exciting mode for them.
This is also clear when looking at other threads on Reddit: Here there are numerous memes showing users during their daily rounds through the app. They open their packs, find only common cards, and close the app again.
We have looked at the best counters against white Kyurem in Pokémon GO. You can read here which attackers and moves you should use.
What kind of Pokémon is this? Alongside black Kyurem, white Kyurem is the second fusion that Kyurem can assume. It fuses with Reshiram. This fusion has the types Dragon and Ice.
White Kyurem will be available for the first time in the Worldwide Unova Tour 2025, which takes place on March 1st and 2nd, 2025.
We will show you which Pokémon you should challenge white Kyurem with and against which types the monster has a weakness.
Defeating white Kyurem in a raid – With these counters
Mega Rayquaza with Dragon Tail and Hurricane
Necrozma (Dusk Mane) with Metal Claw and Steel Beam
Mega Lucario with Aura Sphere and Power-Up Punch
Dialga (Original Form) with Metal Claw and Roar of Time
Palkia (Original Form) with Dragon Tail and Spacial Rend
Mega Latios with Fire Blast and Dragon Claw
Crypto Palkia with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
Mega Garchomp with Dragon Tail and Outrage
Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
Mega Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
Keldeo with Low Kick and Sacred Sword
Rayquaza with Dragon Tail and Hurricane
Crypto Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
Mega Blaziken with Counter and Focus Blast
Mega Diancie with Stone Edge and Diamond Storm
Proto Groudon with Dragon Tail and Precipice Blades
Mega Salamence with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor
Crypto Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Crypto Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw
Garchomp with Dragon Tail and Hurricane
Weaknesses of white Kyurem: White Kyurem has the types Dragon and Ice. Therefore, it is vulnerable to attacks from the types Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon, and Fairy (Table of Type Effectiveness).
How many trainers are needed? If you have very strong counters and they are at a high level, you can defeat white Kyurem with just 2 trainers. However, since this battle might be very tough, it is advisable to rely on more trainers for safety.
It is recommended that you assemble your teams before the raid. This way, you can ensure that you are set up with your best team in the raid lobby and also save some time in each individual lobby: How to organize your raid teams.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
